Boxing dominates a weekend that will see two brothers both looking to reach former glory, Mayweather Promotions putting on a double header in D.C. and a rematch five years in the making.
Friday, April 29th
Andre Direll vs. Blake Caparello and Anthony Dirrell vs. Caleb Truax
Brothers Anthony and Andre Dirrell of Flint, Michigan have a few challenges to overcome. Both are seeking title redemption and are on the path to becoming a challenger once again in the Super Middleweight division.
Olympic Bronze Medalist Andre The Resurrected Dirrell (24-2, 16 KOs) takes on Australias Blake Caparello (22-1-1, 6 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight match-up. The fight is the first in almost a year for The Resurrected after losing the fight for the, at the time, vacant IBF Super Middleweight championship to Englands James DeGale.
Caparello is hungry just like me and hes fighting for his career so I know hes a very dangerous man, said Andre. “Everything in camp has been perfect so far. Im excited that both Anthony and I will get to showcase our skills and spread our family name even more.
Younger brother and former world champion Anthony The Dog Dirrell (28-1-1, 22 KOs) will meet former world title challenger Caleb Golden Truax (26-2-2, 16 KOs) also in a 10-round super middleweight affair. Dirrell lost his WBC Super Middleweight title to Badou Jack last year and is looking to get back to the top.
“I think the loss made me a better fighter because I know what it takes to get there, said Anthony. I am just looking for the next shot. When I get it, I’m going to capitalize and not let the title go. I’m going to stick to my game plan and try to get Truax out of there. Then I can start thinking about Badou Jack. I definitely want a rematch.”
PBC on Spike is on tonight live from the Taj Mahal Casino in Atlantic City at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Spike.
Saturday, April 30th
Andre Berto vs. Victor Ortiz
Former welterweight world champions Vicious Victor Ortiz (31-5-2, 24 KOs) and Andre The Beast Berto (30-4, 23 KOs) will meet again this Saturday in a 12-round welterweight rematch. Ortiz and Berto first faced off in their 2011 welterweight world title barnburner that garnered significant Fight of the Year buzz.
The bout saw both men hit the canvas twice, including a thrilling round six in which each fighter was knocked down. In the end, Ortiz walked away with a unanimous decision. A victory in the rematch will propel the winner back to the forefront of the world title picture in the best division in boxing.
I know Im in for another war, said Ortiz. Ive always been open to a rematch because Berto has a big mouth and something to prove. After our fight, he went on a losing streak, because I gave his opponents a blueprint on how to beat him. My losses have been unfortunate, but I wouldnt want to come up against me at this stage in the game. My name is Victor and thats no coincidence.
This is the fight the people have been waiting for and its time to give it to them, said Berto. I am in a good place mentally, physically and spiritually. Ive never wanted my story to be perfect, thats boring. Life is filled with ups and downs and Ive embraced them all in my career. Everything Ive been through has turned me into a savage. Its time to close this chapter once and for all. I want his head!
Bertos last fight against Mayweather was a respectable defeat and Ortiz has chocked up two KO wins since getting KOd by Luis Collazo for the WBA Intercontinental belt back in 2014.
Watch PBC on FOX live this Saturday from the StubHub Cebter in Carson, California at 8pm EST/5pm PST.
Badou Jack vs. Lucien Bute and James DeGale vs. Rogelio Medina
A three-fight series to crown a unified divisional champion kicks off this Saturday when WBC 168-pound champion Badou Jack defends his title against former longtime titlist Lucian Bute, and IBF Champion James DeGale puts his belt on the line against mandated challenger Rogelio Medina.
The winners will meet in a super middleweight world-title unification fight later this year.
The card is the latest installment in Mayweather Promotions aggressive push to become a top promoter without its CEO Floyd Mayweather, Jr. headlining the card.
Jack (20-1-1, 12 KOs) will make his second title defense after a breakthrough 2015 campaign in which he won the WBC belt from Anthony Dirrell and successfully defended against George Groves. The southpaw Bute (32-3, 25 KOs), a former IBF champion with nine defenses between 2007and 2012, revived his career last November with a gutsy and inspired performance against DeGale.
Ive been training really hard for this fight and Im excited to get in the ring, said Jack. I cant wait to defend my title once again on April 30. The fans can expect to see an explosive and skillful performance from me come fight night. I believe Im the best super middleweight in the world and that I have the skills to beat anyone I get in the ring with. Im fully focused on Lucian Bute, but I know that a win can set up a massive fight against James DeGale and Im going to deliver.”
DeGale (22-1, 14 KOs) will make his second title defense after an impressive 2015 victory over Andre Dirrell to win the vacant IBF belt and topped Bute in a Fight of the Year candidate. The hard-hitting Medina (35-6, 29 KOs), the IBFs mandatory challenger, has knocked out three consecutive opponents.
I am delighted to be defending my world title on another great show in the United States, said DeGale. Its going to be a defining night in the super middleweight division as Badou Jack and myself look to set up a huge fight later in the year. Im fully focused on Rogelio Medina. Hes a tough Mexican who earned his title shot. But trust me, no one is getting my world title.
Catch all the action live from the D.C. Armory in Washington and on Showtime at 10pm EST /7pm PST.
