By: Sean Crose
On October 6th, Chicago’s Wintrust Arena will host the American premiere of promoter Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom boxing. The card, which will feature welterweights Jessie Vargas and Thomas Dulorme will be broadcast live on the DANZ streaming program. “This is a huge event and the first of our 16 fights across the year on DAZN,” said Hearn during a Wednesday press conference. “We are delighted to be in Chicago, a great fight city that we hope to really invigorate on October 6 in front of a huge crowd.” DANZ which, like ESPN+, charges a small fee, is being promoted as the viewing experience of the future.
“It’s a new era of broadcasting and a great chance to build our shows from top to bottom,” Hearn said. “No linear construction, no blocks getting in the way. Live throughout the night, stacked nights continuously, giving fight fans exactly what they want.” DAZN Honcho Joe Markowski stated that “in good time will be carrying a huge range of multisport content bringing tremendous value and excitement to fans of all types” Markowski also pointed out “that boxing and MMA fans have been underserved for far too long.”
However fans aim to see the fight, Vargas, who fought Adrien Broner to a draw in his last battle, is eager to prove himself against Dulorme. “I promise you,” he said, “that I will bring fireworks and I will bring entertainment. I am en-route to becoming a World Champion once again. I am a former two division World Champion.” First, however, his focus is on Delorme. “Thomas Dulorme is a contender that always comes to give a showdown,” Vargas claimed. “He never lets you down, he always brings you action.” After facing the likes of Broner, Manny Pacquiao, and Timothy Bradley, Vargas is still willing to face interesting competition. “It doesn’t matter to me” he said, “whoever you want to put in front of me, I’m ready.”
The October 8th card will also feature IBF World Light Heavyweight Champ Artur Beiterbev as he defends his belt against undefeated Englishman Callum Johnson. “Nobody was taking this fight,” said Johnson, “nobody wanted to know. You only had to ask me once and I’m here.” Heavyweight contender Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller will be on the card, as well. His opponent? Popular Polish vet Tomasz Adamek. “The Heavyweight division in booming right now,” said Miller. “Adamek stepped up in the blink of an eye to take this fight and I take my hat off to him but bring the ambulance because it’s gunna be an early night. I’m not going to spend an extra round in that ring.”
No doubt a thrilling bout is something Eddie Hearn and the people of DANZ would love to broadcast.
