Women in the Arena: Courtesy of Numero Magazine, Jana Letonja’s “In Conversation” presents another side of Alycia Baumgardner

  

IN CONVERSATION WITH ALYCIA BAUMGARDNER

In case you haven’t read, unified WBC, WBO, IBF, IBO, and Ring Magazine Women’s World Super-Featherweight Champion Alycia Baumgardner was featured in Numero Magazine, an International Fashion Magazine, owned by founder and Editor-in-chief, Elisabeth ‘Babeth’ Djian.

Aside from being a unified world titlist, the 28-year-old Baumgardner, fighting out of Detroit, Michigan, is also a Ford Model (2021) and a spokesperson for Oofos (2022).

Baumgardner is in New York this week, as she attempts to become the Undisputed Women’s World Champion at 130 lbs. Baumgardner (13-1, 7 KOs), appearing in only her fourth career championship fight, challenges Elhem Mekhaled (15-1, 3 KOs) for the vacant WBA 130-lb. title.

Baumgardner-Mekhaled will be the co-featured attraction, as Amanda Serrano (43-2-1, 30 KOs) will attempt to become the Undisputed Women’s World Champion at 126 lbs. Serrano will defend her titles against Ericka Cruz Hernandez (15-1, 3 KOs), the WBA 126 lb., titlist.

One word to describe Alycia Baumgardner is fierce, as you’ll discover for yourself in the enclosed clips.

https://www.ticketmaster.com/matchroom-boxing-serrano-v-cruz-new-york-new-york-02-04-2023/event/3B005D9D86C110A3?camefrom=CFC_MSG

“Big Baby” Jarrell Miller vs. “Big Daddy” Lucas Browne set for March 18, in Dubai

An intriguing heavyweight fight will occur on Saturday, March 18, live from the Agenda Arena in Dubai. It’s “Big Baby” vs. “Big Daddy,” as Jarrell Miller (25-0-1, 21 KOs), the unbeaten contender, battles Lucas Browne (31-3, 27 KOs), the former WBA heavyweight champion.

Between two of the WBA’s top 15-ranked contenders, “Big Baby” Miller (WBA # 13) and “Big Daddy” Browne (WBA #10) are two massive heavyweights that pack tons of power in both fits.

At 6’ 4,” 265+ lbs., Miller has proven to be relentless. We’ve watched him punish opponent, after opponent, after opponent throughout his career. Since his professional debut in ’09, Miller has pulverized the opposition and was just days away from the biggest fight of his career; a unified World Heavyweight Championship fight at Madison Square Garden against Anthony Joshua in June ’19.

Unfortunately, Miller tested positive for a reported GW501516, a substance used to convert glucose (sugar) into lipids, fatty material that stores energy and absorb vitamins and hormones. Andy Ruiz took Miller’s spot and pulled off a tremendous upset; beating Joshua for the unified titles in one of the biggest upsets in boxing history alongside Tyson-Douglas and Lewis-Rahman.

Miller didn’t make his return until June ’22 and has won his only two bouts since.

Browne can tell you a thing, or two about serving a suspension. After knocking out Ruslan Chagaev to win the WBA heavyweight title, Browne, unknowingly tested positive for clenbuterol, a weight-loss supplement.

Since then, Browne has been fighting to regain the WBA heavyweight title having won seven of his previous ten fights. Winner of three of his last four fights; six of his past eight, five of Browne’s previous six victories were by way of knockout.

Once again, Browne, coming off a spectacular first-round KO of Junior Fa, is once again recognized as the #1 heavyweight in Australia.

Matchroom Boxing Release: Serrano-Cruz/Baumgardner-Mekhaled kick-off NYC Fight Week

Two undisputed World title battles headline historic night at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York City

Fight week is underway for the undisputed double-header featuring Amanda Serrano vs. Erika Cruz and Alycia Baumgardner vs. Elhem Mekhaled at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday February 4, live worldwide on DAZN. TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW AT TICKETMASTER.COM AND MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT MSG.COMThe four fighters joined promoter Eddie Hearn for a first face-off at Edge at Hudson Yards this morning to kick-off the historic event in style. Serrano moves returns to Hulu Theater to aim to hold all the marbles for a second time, this time at Featherweight where she faces Mexico’s WBA ruler Cruz.  Baumgardner recorded the best win of her career to date when she added the IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine belts held by bitter rival Mikaela Mayer in October in London via split decision to her WBC and IBO straps. The vacant WBA belt is the last piece of the puzzle, and French former interim WBC champion Mekhaled will look to spoil the Detroit star’s plans in her first fight in the States.   Richardson Hitchins (15-0 7 KOs) takes on New Jersey’s John Bauza (17-0 7 KOs) for the IBF North American and USWBC 140lb titles, there’s three more female title fights on the card, as Australian star Skye Nicolson (5-0) looks to take a big step towards World title action against fellow unbeaten fighter Tania Alvarez (7-0 1 KO) for the WBC Silver Featherweight title and there’s another all-undefeated belt battle as Ramla Ali (7-0 2 KOs) faces title action for the first time in the paid ranks as she meets Avril Mathie (8-0-1 3 KOs) for the IBF Intercontinental Super-Bantamweight strap, Shadasia Green (11-0 10 KOs) defends her WBC Silver Super-Middleweight title against Elin Cederroos (8-1 4 KOs) in an eliminator for the WBC World title.   Yankiel Rivera (2-0 2 KOs) will be looking to make it three KOs in three in his Matchroom debut against Fernando Diaz, and Aaron Aponte (6-0-1 2 KOs) and Brooklyn’s Harley Mederos (4-0 3 KOs) complete the action against Joshua David Rivers (8-1 5 KOs) and Julio Madera (4-2 2 KOs) respectively.

Boxing Insider Press Release: Brooklyn’s Heather Hardy headlines Feb. 23, Boxing Insider Show at Sony Hall in Times Square, NYC

Heather ‘The Heat’ Hardy – Boxing Insider

Hardy To Honor Former Trainer Hector Rocha

In Return to the Scene of Her Most Recent Victory

On Card Featuring a Wealth of New York Area Fighters

January 30, 2023, New York, New York – – Former world champion Heather “The Heat” Hardy will battle former Brazilian champion Taynna Cardoso in a eight-round super featherweight bout in the main event at Sony Hall, in the heart of Times Square, mid-town Manhattan, on Thursday, February 23.

In the co-feature, Brooklyn’s Frederic “French Revolution” Julan will clash with South Jersey’s Decarlo “3medno” Perez in an eight-round light heavyweight bout. Elon “El Leon” de Jesus will fight in a six-round super bantamweight contest and three additional fights will soon be added.

The February 23 event is being promoted by Boxing Insider is association with DiBella Entertainment.

Tickets, starting at $85 for General Admission are available HERE

“Very grateful to DiBella Entertainment and Boxing Insider for going out of their way to ensure me a slot on this show that will be honoring my late trainer, mentor, and papa, Hector Roca,” said Hardy. “The day before he died, we sat in his hospital room, me on the corner of the bed. He put his hand over mine and said ‘baby, they all think you past your prime, but you didn’t hit it yet. This is going to be your year’.  I’m ready and exited to start 2023 off right, here in front of all my NYC fans for papa.”

“This is on paper one of the best local New York cards in years,“ said Boxing Insider’s Larry Goldberg.

Heather Hardy (23-2, 4 KO’s), Brooklyn born and raised and former World Boxing Organization Featherweight Champion, will bring “The Heat” once again after headlining Boxing Insider’s promotional debut on October 13.  Heather is a graduate of John Jay College in Brooklyn, began boxing in the gym at age twenty-four and made her professional debut in 2012 at the tender age of twenty-eight. In 2014 she won the vacant WBC International super bantamweight title and in 2016 won the WBC International featherweight title. On October 27, 2018, Heather became world champion, winning the WBO featherweight title with a unanimous decision win over Shelly Vincent at Madison Square Garden. Heather lost the title the following September in a unified title fight to WBC World Champion Amanda Serrano in a clash of women boxing stars. Most recently, Heather won a unanimous decision against Calista Silgado on October 22. Taynnaa Cardoso (5-1, 1KO) from Jundiai, Sao Paulo, Brazil made her pro debut in 2017 and won the Brazilian featherweight title in just her second fight.

Frederic “French Revolution” Julan (12-2, 10 KOs) was born in Paris and now resides in Brooklyn. He made his pro debut in 2016 and won his first ten bouts. Julan is looking to rebound from two tough decision losses, most recently at Madison Square Garden. Decarlo “3medno” Perez (19-7, 6 KOs), from Atlantic City, is a former USA New Jersey State Super Middleweight Champion and a Jersey Shore fan favorite.  His last fight was a tough, majority decision loss to Nadim Salloum at Sony Hall in December.

Elon “El Leon” de Jesus (4-1, 3 KOs) from Dunkirk, NY, made his professional debut on December 18, 2020.  Elon will fight in a six-round bantamweight bout against Jesus Arturo “Chucho” Guzman (8-10, 5 KOs).

Streaming and additional match information will be announced shortly.

ABOUT BOXING INSIDER

Established in 1997 as a premier boxing news and information destination, Boxing Insider has recently transitioned into the promotional business.  This will be Boxing Insider’s third professional boxing promotion.  It has promoted one amateur boxing event and two professional events, on October 13 and December 21, both at Sony Hall, Times Square, New York, NY.

SHOWTIME Boxing Release: Former World Champions Brandon Figueroa vs. Mark Magsayo collide for interim WBC 126-lbs. title, Sat., March 4, in Premier Boxing Champions event

ALL-ACTION FORMER WORLD CHAMPIONS BRANDON FIGUEROA AND MARK MAGSAYO SQUARE OFF FOR VACANT INTERIM 126-POUND TITLE ON SATURDAY, MARCH 4 LIVE ON SHOWTIME IN PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS EVENT

Former Unified World Champion Jarrett Hurd Takes on Hard-Hitting Armando Reséndiz in Co-Main Event from Toyota Arena in Ontario, Calif.

Plus! Undefeated Middleweights Amilcar Vidal and Elijah Garcia Meet in Telecast Opener at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

ONTARIO, CALIF. – January 30, 2023 – In a matchup ofall-action, high-powered former world champions, hard-hitting star Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa will meet Filipino sensation Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo for the vacant Interim WBC Featherweight Title on Saturday, March 4 live on SHOWTIME from Toyota Arena in Ontario, Calif. topping a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will also feature the return of former unified world champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd as he takes on the power-punching Armando Reséndiz in the 10-round middleweight co-main event. Kicking off the telecast is an intriguing clash of unbeaten young middleweights as Amilcar Vidal and Elijah Garcia meetin a 10-round attraction.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, go on sale tomorrow, Tuesday, January 31 at 10 a.m. PT and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com.

“Saturday, March 4 will be headlined by an explosive clash of exciting styles, as Brandon Figueroa and Mark Magsayo are sure to go toe-to-toe to secure their standing in the featherweight division,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Brandon looked spectacular in his featherweight debut last July, and Magsayo has the opportunity to regain his status after losing his title in a close fight last time out. With another certified action fighter in Jarrett Hurd stepping into the ring in the co-main event against the up-and-coming Armando Reséndiz, plus hungry young middleweights Amilcar Vidal and Elijah Garcia in the TV opener, the stage is set for a thrilling night live on SHOWTIME and at Toyota Arena in Ontario, California.”

The 26-year-old Figueroa (22-1-1, 17 KOs) was dynamic in his 126-pound debut, swarming and dominating Carlos Castro on his way to a sixth-round TKO on SHOWTIME in July 2021. The bout was his first since a 2021 Fight of the Year against Stephen Fulton Jr., which some observers thought ended in controversy after the majority decision loss for Figueroa. A native of Weslaco, Texas, Figueroa’s  relentless pressure and youthful enthusiasm helped him  become the first person to defeat former division champion Luis Nery in their championship clash on SHOWTIME prior to the Fulton fight. Figueroa added to his family’s legacy by capturing the WBC 122-pound world title against Nery, joining his brother Omar Figueroa Jr., who previously held the WBC lightweight world championship.

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring to do what I love,” said Figueroa. “I want to fight the best, so I’m very motivated to be up against a former champion at featherweight like Magsayo. I’m confident that we’re going to give the fans a great fight, because neither of us like to take a step back. This is my chance to really show what I’m capable of at 126 pounds and I’m just eager to dominate and prove it to the world.”

The Philippines’ Magsayo (24-1, 16 KOs) became the latest champion from the boxing-rich nation in January 2022 when he outpointed boxing’s then longest-reigning male world champion Gary Russell Jr. to capture the 126-pound title on SHOWTIME. Magsayo will look to move closer to regaining that title on March 4, after he lost a narrow split-decision to Rey Vargas last July, despite dropping Vargas in round nine. The 27-year-old earned his first title opportunity by knocking out former champion Julio Ceja in the 10^th round of a fight he trailed on the scorecards in August 2021. Magsayo is trained by Freddie Roach in Southern California and owns 12-round decision victories over Shoto Hayashi and Ramiro Robles, in addition to a sixth-round stoppage of former title challenger Chris Avalos.

“Figueroa and I both like to move forward, so everyone knows exactly what kind of fight this will be,” said Magsayo. “My goals are to give the fans the action they love and to regain my place in this division. I’m ready to face anyone they put in front of me. This is a true Mexican vs. Filipino style matchup, and I can’t wait to get back in the ring to perform once again.”

The 32-year-old Hurd (24-2, 16 KOs) unified the WBA and IBF 154-pound titles in 2018, dropping longtime champion Erislandy Lara in the final round to win a close decision in a fight that was the consensus 2018 Fight of the Year. The Accokeek, Md., native would go on to lose the titles in one of 2019’s best fights, dropping a decision to Julian Williams. Hurd first became champion in February 2017 when he stopped former champion Tony Harrison in the ninth round, before defending the title against another former champion in Austin Trout. Hurd will return to the ring having most recently dropped a narrow split-decision against tricky veteran Luis Arias in June 2021. 

“Y’all must’ve forgot, but I’m back to remind you what ‘Swift’ Jarrett Hurd is all about,” said Hurd. “I’m in a new weight class and I’m looking to dominate like I did at 154 pounds. I can’t wait to show everyone what I’ve been working on in the gym and display my talents on March 4. I know Reséndiz is going  to make the most of this opportunity, but I’m ready to make a big statement of my own.”

Reséndiz (13-1, 9 KOs) made a successful U.S. debut in April 2021, entering the fight with an eight-bout knockout streak before earning a decision victory over Quilisto Madera. A 23-year-old native of Nayarit, Mexico, he now fights out of Los Angeles and is trained by top trainer  Robles. After dropping a decision to veteran Marcos Hernandez in September 2021, he returned this October to dominate Heber Rondon on his way to a second-round stoppage.

“I’ve been preparing very hard to take full advantage of the opportunity that I have in this fight,” said Reséndiz. “I have a great team with Manny Robles and Edgar Jasso in my corner and I know that they are getting the best out of my abilities. We’re all working toward the same goal and it’s going to result in a great fight for the fans. I’m fighting for my Mexican people and I’m not going to let them down.”

Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, Vidal (16-0, 12 KOs) now fights out of Las Vegas under the guidance of top trainer Bob Santos. The 26-year-old put together an impressive streak between November 2019 and November 2020, defeating three previously unbeaten fighters in a row, as he knocked out Zach Prieto on SHOBOX: The New Generation^®, Leopoldo Reyna and Edward Ortiz. Vidal followed that up with a decision victory over veteran contender Immanuwel Aleem in July 2021 on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, and has added three more triumphs since then, including most recently winning a unanimous decision over Gabriel Omar Diaz last July.

“I am very happy to be back on SHOWTIME for my fourth fight in the U.S.,” said Vidal. “I’ve already beaten two undefeated fighters in America and I’m confident this will be the third time I take another fighter’s ‘0’. I’m thankful to my new trainer Bob Santos and my whole team for this opportunity. I’m training in Las Vegas and looking forward to putting my punching power on full display.”

Fighting out of Phoenix, Arizona, Garcia (13-0, 11 KOs) closed out 2022 in December with his fourth victory of the year, a second round KO of Cruse Stewart that streamed live on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page. The 19-year-old has moved fast since turning pro in 2020 establishing himself as a rising prospect by knocking out his first six opponents and five of his last six.

“This fight is going to be a gateway for me,” said Garcia. “This is a great matchup on a big stage, and that just means more eyes and attention on me. I’m only 19 and I’m taking on an older undefeated fighter with more fights than I have. That just shows what kind of fighter I am. A win is going to open a lot of doors for me and soon everyone is gonna know what I can do.”

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Top Rank/ESPN Release – Beter Man: Artur Beterbiev Stops Anthony Yarde in 8

Beterbiev defends WBC/WBO/IBF Light Heavyweight World Titles at OVO Arena Wembley in London

LONDON (Jan. 28, 2023) — WBC/WBO/IBF unified light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev (19-0, 19 KOs) retained his 100% knockout ratio on Saturday night by scoring an eighth-round technical knockout victory against British puncher Anthony Yarde (23-3, 22 KOs) at OVO Arena Wembley in London.

Beterbiev by KO

At the time of the stoppage, two judges had Yarde winning with scores of 68-65 and 67-66, while one judge had it 67-66 for Beterbiev. However, the king of the 175-pound division has never gone the distance, and tonight was no exception.

The fight began as expected, with Yarde boxing from the outside and using a jittery left jab to keep Beterbiev occupied. The Montreal-based champion moved forward with impunity as he began to figure out his challenger.

By the fourth round, Beterbiev had found his rhythm and distance, and he immediately began to push Yarde against the ropes. Beterbiev landed several thudding shots, but Yarde landed some of his own. During the following rounds, both men had their moments and sustained cuts. Yarde had one below his right eye, and Beterbiev had one above his left eye.

Beterbiev’s power again proved to be the difference, as he landed a right hand that sent Yarde to the canvas in the eighth round. Yarde struggled to get to his feet, and as Beterbiev moved forward to finish the fight, Yarde’s corner stopped the assault at 2:01 of the round.

Beterbiev said, “Every fight is different. It’s a different preparation. And the fighter is different, too. I can’t say I did a very bad fight. But if I could do it again, I’d do it better. But I feel good. To be honest, I prepared for the all the punches he did. That’s why I could come back. It’s because we expected those punches.

“Everyone can punch hard at this level. And Anthony did, too. But he’s young. I turned into a professional when I was 28. He has time. I hope he does well in the future. I want [Dmitry] Bivol. Right now, it’s everything. In that fight, we’ll have four belts. It’s really good fight, I think.”Heavyweights: Moses Ituama (1-0, 1 KO) made a successful pro debut by stopping Marcel Bode (2-2, 2 KOs) via knockout at :23 of the very first round.

Cruiserweights: Tommy Fletcher (4-0, 3 KOs) defeated Darryl Sharp (7-97-1, 1 KO) via six-round unanimous decision. This was the first time that Fletcher had gone the distance. Score: 60-54.

Light Heavyweights: Argentine puncher Ezequiel Maderna (29-10, 19 KOs) scored an upset knockout victory against touted prospect Karol Itauma (9-1, 7 KOs). Time of stoppage: 1:04 of the fifth round.

Flyweights:Artem Dalakian (22-0, 15 KOs) defended his WBA flyweight championship with a 12-round unanimous decision win over previously undefeated challenger David Jimenez (12-1, 9 KOs). Scores: 115-113 2x and 116-112.

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SHOWTIME Release: Super-Middleweight Stars David Benavidez & Caleb Plant to Settle War of Words in SHOWTIME PPV on March 25, in Las Vegas

Undefeated Two-Time Champion Benavídez Defends Interim WBC 168-Pound Crown Against Former Champion Caleb Plant at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Headlining a Premier Boxing Champions Event Pre-Sale Tickets Available TOMORROW, Thursday, Jan. 26 at 10 a.m. PT – Use Code: BOXING
PUBLIC ON-SALE Begins Friday, Jan. 27 at 10 a.m. PT!

LAS VEGAS – January 25, 2023 – Undefeated former two-time WBC Super Middleweight
Champion David “El Bandera Roja’’ Benavídez and former IBF Super Middleweight Champion
Caleb Plant will meet in a high-stakes, 12-round showdown to settle their long-simmering
feud live on SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, March 25 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las
Vegas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Benavídez and Plant will take their years-long war of words into the ring, as these assertive
and hungry super middleweights look to cast their ballot as the division’s next kingpin. Both
have had reigns as champions at 168 pounds and both are eager to once again ascend to the
top of the division as they fight for Benavídez’s Interim WBC Super Middleweight title.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing, go on
sale Friday, January 27 at 10 a.m. PT and can be purchased HERE through AXS.com.
Pre-sale tickets will be available TOMORROW, Thursday, January 26 from 10 a.m. PT until
10 p.m. PT and can be purchased HERE through AXS.com with the code: BOXING

“David Benavídez vs. Caleb Plant will see two fighters in the prime of their careers take on
the biggest challenge they can as they look to leave no doubt about their legacy in the ring,”
said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “While Benavídez is known for his power, and
Plant for his supreme boxing acumen, both have shown their abilities as well-rounded fighters
in recent action. All of this makes for a can’t-miss night on March 25 on SHOWTIME PPV at
the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.”

“Sometimes in this business, to sell a fight, people say it’s bad blood,” said Sampson
Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. “For this one, I give my personal guarantee it is real bad blood,
and it will be an unbelievable fight. Don’t miss it!”

“This is one of the biggest and potentially most explosive fights that can be made in boxing,
not just in the super middleweight division,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports &
Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “It pits two fighters at the peak of their athletic
primes, both with prodigious skill-sets and contrasting styles, both of whom take great pride
in the way they perform. It is an intriguing matchup and the outcome is impossible to predict.
Add in their genuine and mutual dislike for one another and we have a volatile, 50-50
matchup and potential fight-of-the-year candidate. SHOWTIME is proud to deliver this event
and mark yet another compelling and significant main event as we raise the curtain on our
2023 schedule.”

The 25-year-old undefeated Benavídez (26-0, 23 KOs) became the youngest-ever 168-pound
world champion at just 20 years old when he defeated Ronald Gavril by split decision for the
vacant WBC title on SHOWTIME in 2017. A Phoenix-native who now lives and trains in the
Seattle area, Benavídez has stamped his place in the super middleweight division with
knockout power in both hands and improving ring savvy with each fight.

When he was 15 years old, Benavídez went from weighing 250 pounds to a boxing prodigy
under the watchful eye of his father and trainer, Jose, Sr., and his brother and veteran
contender Jose Jr., as he famously held his own in sparring against middleweight champions
Gennady Golovkin and Peter Quillin. Benavídez is riding a string of six straight knockout
victories heading into the bout against Plant, having most recently scored a resounding third-round
stoppage of former champion David Lemieux in his last fight in May.

“I can’t wait until they put me in the ring with him so I can beat his ass,” said Benavídez. “This
is going to be a great night for boxing fans. I can’t wait to step in there and give everyone the
beat down they’re coming to see.”

Plant (22-1, 13 KOs) has used his sublime boxing skills to rise to the rank of world champion
and, in his last fight, showed big-time power earning 2022’s Knockout of the Year (CBS Sports,
BoxingScene) in a win over Anthony Dirrell. It was Plant’s debut performance with new
trainer Stephen Edwards in October where he ended a heated rivalry with Dirrell with a single
punch, knocking out the former two-time champion to deliver one of 2022’s most memorable
finishes.

The 30-year-old Plant, who was born in Nashville, Tenn., and now lives in Las Vegas, won the
IBF title in a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Jose Uzcategui in 2019. Plant
dropped Uzcategui in the second and fourth rounds and cruised to victory for the
championship. He made three successful title defenses, defeating Mike Lee and Vincent
Feigenbutz by TKO in addition to a unanimous decision victory over former champion Caleb
Truax. He lost the title in an undisputed championship match against Canelo Alvarez in
November 2021, at times frustrating Alvarez with his smooth boxing acumen before
defeating Dirrell to set up this highly anticipated clash with Benavidez.

“After I knocked out Dirrell, I made it clear I wanted to go after the biggest fight that could be
made in the division,” said Plant. “This is one of the most anticipated matchups and I’m here
again, showing the world why I’m one of the biggest attractions in boxing. I feel sharp and on
point. I’m looking forward to March 25, not only to give the fans what they’ve been waiting
for, but to show who the better man is.”

Both Amanda Serrano, Alycia Baumgardner set for Undisputed World Title Fights

On Saturday, February 4, live from the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, two of the absolute best fighters in Women’s Boxing aim to become ‘Undisputed.’

Amanda Serrano (43-2-1, 30 KOs), the unified WBC, WBO, IBF, and Ring Magazine 126-lb. champion, challenges WBA 126-lb. titlist Erika Cruz Hernandez (15-1, 3 KOs) in the main event. The winner will become the Women’s Undisputed World Featherweight Champion.

In the co-feature, unified WBC, WBO, IBF, and Ring Magazine 130-lb. champion Alycia Baumgardner (13-1, 7 KOs), will fight Elhem Mekhaled (15-1, 3 KOs) with the vacant WBA title on the line. The winner will become the Women’s Undisputed World Super-Featherweight Champion.

Tickets of this incredible, landmark event have been selling fast and are available at https://www.msg.com/calendar/hulu-theater-at-madison-square-garden-february-2023-matchroom-boxing-serrano-vs-cruz Also, for those that are unable to attend, DAZN will stream the fight live on all platforms. https://www.dazn.com/en-US/welcome/

Amanda Serrano is the only woman to win world championships in seven different weight classes.

‘The Road to Undisputed’ for Serrano began at Madison Square Garden’s Theater when he unified the WBC/WBO featherweight titles against her friend Heather ‘The Heat’ Hardy in 2019. Serrano then beat Daniela Romina Bermudez (IBO) in 2021 before beating Sarah Mahfoud (IBF/Ring Magazine) last September to capture more titles at 126 lbs.Serrano, who won her first world championship – the IBF super-featherweight title more than 11 years ago – is the only woman to win world championships in seven different weight categories. As a veteran of nearly 50 professional boxing fights with 30 knockout victories, Serrano is amongst one of the most dangerous punchers in Women’s Boxing History.

Serrano will face Erika Cruz Hernandez, the WBA champion. Hernandez hasn’t lost a fight since only her second pro bout. Unbeaten in her previous 14 fights, Hernandez beat Jelena Mrdjenovich to capture the WBA title in April ’22. Hernandez has successfully defended her title twice, including a repeat victory over Mrdjenovich last September.

Hernandez has fought her entire career exclusively in native Mexico; Serrano will only be her second fight outside of her native country.

Although Serrano is expected to win convincingly in front of her hometown supporters, this fight may actually be tougher than expected. A victory over Hernandez may actually lead to rematch against Katie Taylor, the Undisputed Women’s World Lightweight Champion.

Taylor defeated Serrano, via split-decision at Madison Square Garden last year April in one of the ‘Greatest Fights in Women’s Boxing History.’

In addition to Serrano, Alycia Baumgardner’s lifelong dream of becoming ‘Undisputed’ World Champion may very well come into fruition come next week Saturday.

Baumgardner, working with trainer and former world champion Tony Harrison, have one goal in mind.

Baumgardner’s journey began long before she KO’d Terri Harper to win the unified WBC/IBO titles at 126 lbs. in November 2021. The chance to become ‘Undisputed’ began when Baumgardner started when she was just a little girl. Baumgardner’s journey started in Freemont, OH, leading her to Detroit, MI, where at the Superbad Boxing Academy a man named Ali Salaam would train her. After more than 165 amateur fights with less than three years of professional fight experience, Baumgardner was a rising prospect in Women’s Boxing when Mr. Salaam passed away, as a result of the COVID-19 virus during the 2020 Pandemic.

Shortly thereafter, Baumgardner, trained by Mr. Salaam’s son LJ Harrison, who was in her corner alongside his brother Tony Harrison, the former WBC super-welterweight champion, the night Baumgardner beat Harper (KO 4) in England to become the world champion Mr. Salaam envisioned.

Since capturing the WBC/IBO titles, Baumgardner hasn’t looked back; beating previously unbeaten Mikayla Mayer to win the unified WBO, IBF, and Ring Magazine titles last year September.

Baumgardner lobbied for an ‘Undisputed’ clash with longtime WBA 126-lb. champion Choi Hyun-mi, who was elevated to ‘WBA Champion in Recess.’ Unable to secure a fight against Choi, the WBA named Elhem Mekhaled to face Baumgardner for their vacant title.

Unbeaten in three consecutive world title fights (all in England), Baumgardner appears focused and ready for her first professional fight at ‘The World’s Most Famous Arena.’

Fighting out of France, Mekhaled is a durable fighter. She’s tough and comes to win. The 31-year-old isn’t a whirl beater, nor does she have the most polished skills. In her biggest fight, Mekhaled dropped a unanimous-decision to Delfine Persoon, the former longtime WBC lightweight champion of five years, gave Katie Taylor two tough fights between 2019 and 2020.

Don’t be too surprised if Baumgardner actually knocks Mekhaled out in a timely fashion.

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