New Prizefighter tournament has a prize pot of $1 million
The eagerly awaited return of Prizefighter has officially been confirmed for Monday, July 15 – shown live on DAZN.
The Quarter-Finals of the tournament will be held at Osaka’s Yamato Arena with WBC-OPBF Middleweight Champion Kuzuto Takesako replacing Anauel Ngamissengue in the line-up.
Japan’s knockout artist Takesako (16-2-1, 15 KOs) will be boxing in front of his home fans in his native Osaka when he collides with Britain’s Mark Dickinson (6-0, 2 KOs).
The Japanese Middleweight Title will be on the line too in an exciting rematch as Japan’s all-action. No.1 ranked Middleweight Riku Kunimoto (11-1, 5 KOs) defends his title against arch-rival Eiki Kani (8-4-3, 4 KOs). The pair squared off back in March, with Kunimoto victorious thanks to a sixth-round stoppage in Nagoya.
Britain’s reigning WBA Inter-Continental Middleweight champion Kieron Conway (20-3-1, 5 KOs) will kickstart his quest for glory when he faces a tough opponent in China’s Ainiwaer Yilixiati (19-1, 14 KOs) when the series kicks off.
And Aaron McKenna (18-0, 9 KOs) will be out to establish his future world title challenger credentials with ’The Silencer’ out to make a big impression in Japan. Ireland’s McKenna will face unbeaten, 23-year-old American-Puerto Rican Jeovanny Estela (14-0, 5 KOs).
The champion of the eight-man 2024 Prizefighter series will pocket a bumper $1 million winners’ cheque.
The quarter-final draw was made back in January at a launch press conference in Tokyo, alongside Matchroom Boxing’s event partners Never Say Never (NSN) and Rakuten Ticket, Inc.
The three companies have committed to staging three major, world-class events per year over the next three years, featuring some of the best domestic and international fighters with the opening event of the competition hosting four bouts over 10 rounds.
“We are thrilled at the return of Prizefighter,” said Matchroom Boxing CEO, Frank Smith.
“The reaction so far has been brilliant. It is an exciting line-up of Middleweight fighters from all around the world.
“With the winner taking home $1 million, it really is a life-changing opportunity for these fighters. May the best man win.”
Rakuten Ticket, Inc. President Joe Umemoto added: “We are truly excited to be a part of this historic moment, bringing world-class boxing to Japan in collaboration with Matchroom and NSN.
“This partnership reflects Rakuten Ticket’s commitment to diversifying the sporting landscape in the country. The $1million Prizefighter series, featuring top middleweight contenders, will undoubtedly captivate fans not only in Japan but globally.
“Our collaboration underscores our dedication to supporting and promoting diverse and thrilling sports events. Get ready for an unforgettable experience on July 15.”
President and founder of NSN, Joel Borràs said: “This marks a groundbreaking moment as Matchroom introduces top-tier boxing to Japan for the first time. This one-of-a-kind event will showcase the best Middleweights and captivate fans worldwide.
“We’re thrilled to bring this historic spectacle to Japan. Matchroom’s global influence in promoting boxing adds immense significance to this occasion. Don’t miss the chance to witness history in the making, as fighters secure their legacies with this unprecedented million-dollar winners’ prize.”
Each Fight Night in the series will also be incentivised with a bumper $100,000 knockout bonus on offer for successful fighters who stop their opponents inside the distance.
If there are four knockouts, for instance, the pot will be split accordingly meaning each fighter would pocket $25,000 each.
Further news can be found at matchroomboxing.com with updates on media credentials for fight week to be shared in due course.
Prizefighter Quarter-Final Draw:
Kunimoto vs Kani
Dickinson vs Takesako
Yilixiati vs Conway
McKenna vs Estela
Meet the Prizefighter fighters:
Riku Kunimoto (10-1, 4KO), Japan
Eiki Kani (8-3-3, 4KO), Japan
Kieron Conway (20-3-1, 5KO), England
Mark Dickinson (6-0, 2KO), England
Jeovanny Estela (14-0, 5KO), Puerto Rico
Aaron McKenna (18-0, 9KO), Ireland
Kuzuto Takesako (16-2-1, 15KO), Japan
Ainiwaer Yilixiati (19-1, 14KO), China