Prizefighter Returns: Quarter-Finals Set for July 15 in Osaka
May 22, 2024
The highly anticipated return of the Prizefighter series has been confirmed, with the quarter-finals set to take place on Monday, July 15, at the Yamato Arena in Osaka, Japan. This exciting event will be broadcast live on DAZN (excluding Asia).
Exciting Line-Up and Matchups
The Prizefighter quarter-finals will feature a thrilling lineup, including WBC-OPBF Middleweight Champion Kuzuto Takesako, who replaces Anauel Ngamissengue in the tournament. Takesako (16-1-1, 15 KOs), known for his knockout power, will face Britain’s unbeaten Mark Dickinson (6-0, 2 KOs) in front of his home crowd.
In another highlight, Japan’s No.1 ranked Middleweight, Riku Kunimoto (11-1, 5 KOs), will defend his title in a rematch against arch-rival Eiki Kani (8-4-3, 4 KOs). Their previous encounter in March ended with Kunimoto’s sixth-round stoppage victory.
Britain’s Kieron Conway (20-3-1, 5 KOs), the reigning WBA Inter-Continental Middleweight champion, will take on China’s Ainiwaer Yilixiati (19-1, 14 KOs), while Ireland’s Aaron McKenna (18-0, 9 KOs) aims to make a statement against the unbeaten Jeovanny Estela (14-0, 5 KOs) from the USA.
Prizefighter Series Highlights
The champion of the eight-man 2024 Prizefighter series will win a substantial $1 million prize. The quarter-final draw, conducted in January at a press conference in Tokyo, included the following matchups:
- Kunimoto vs. Kani
- Dickinson vs. Takesako
- Yilixiati vs. Conway
- McKenna vs. Estela
Comments from Organizers
Frank Smith, CEO of Matchroom Boxing, expressed his excitement: “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.”
Joe Umemoto, President of Rakuten Ticket, Inc., shared: “This partnership reflects Rakuten Ticket’s commitment to diversifying the sporting landscape in the country. The $1 million Prizefighter series will undoubtedly captivate fans not only in Japan but globally.”
Joel Borràs, President and founder of Never Say Never (NSN), added: “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.”
Additional Incentives
Each fight night will also feature a $100,000 knockout bonus, incentivizing fighters to secure early finishes. If there are multiple knockouts, the bonus will be split among the successful fighters.
Stay tuned for more updates and details on media credentials for fight week at Matchroom Boxing.
The return of the Prizefighter series promises an electrifying night of boxing, with high stakes and world-class talent vying for glory. Don’t miss the action on July 15, live from Osaka.
