
Paul vs. August – DAZN – December 15 – 9 pm ET
Jake “The Problem Child” Paul, with an impressive record of 7-1 and a knack for sending his opponents to the canvas four times, is set to throw down with the seasoned pugilist Andre August, whose record stands at 10-1-1 with 5 KOs. This upcoming fight on Friday, December 15 at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, FL, isn’t just another bout; it’s a testament to Paul’s unwavering quest to clinch the title of world champion.
Headlining MVP’s fourth installment of Most Valuable Prospects, this cruiserweight scuffle, generously presented by Celsius Essential Energy Drink, is not just a mere fight; it’s a potential history-maker for Orlando’s boxing scene. August, with his wealth of experience and knack for knockouts, poses the greatest challenge to Paul’s ambition thus far.
DAZN, in a move that might just make the subscription worth its salt, is including Paul vs. August in its package, saving fans the world over from the usual pay-per-view tolls. In the spirit of fair play and accessibility, MVP and DAZN have decided to introduce August to the global stage in a more wallet-friendly manner. And, as if that wasn’t enough to get the fans on their feet, DraftKings jumps into the ring as the official sports betting partner for the event. For those eager to secure their spots, tickets will be up for grabs from November 9, at the stroke of 1:00pm ET, exclusively on Ticketmaster.com.
Paul, ever the hungry fighter, is itching to put on a show of his best yet, coming off a split decision loss to Tommy Fury and a subsequent triumph over Nate Diaz. His three-year professional journey has been nothing short of exciting, with accolades aplenty – think ESPNRingside’s Knockout and Viral Moment of the Year, not to mention a nod as Sports Illustrated’s Breakout Boxer of the Year. His success in the ring and his efforts to equalize pay in boxing have earned him a spot on Sports Illustrated’s “The 50 Most Influential Figures in Sports” cover this August.
“The world of professional boxing is my oyster, and the path to the championship belt is fraught with fights against those who’ve been in this game since they could lace up gloves,” Paul declared, with a nod to his transition from pay-per-view to a broader platform. “December 15th is the day I step into the ring live on DAZN, ready to demonstrate my greatness to anyone with eyes on the screen.”
From the hard-knock streets of Beaumont, Texas, Andre August has boxed his way from street fights to center stage, driven by the kind of hunger that only life can instill. His mother’s passing spurred a pivot from gang life to the sweet science, and August hasn’t looked back since. With a track record that boasts a five-fight winning streak and a victory over the previously undefeated Brandon Martin, August is no mere stepping stone; he’s a mountain in Paul’s path.
“I let my fists do the talking,” August stated, cutting straight to the chase. “Paul may have the riches and the spotlight, but he’s yet to taste the hunger I bring to the ring. Come fight night, I’m not just ringing the bell; I’m aiming to send him packing back to vlogging.”
On the same card, Shadasia “The Sweet Terminator” Green will clash with Franchón Crews-Dezurn for the WBC super middleweight title, a fight that underscores MVP’s commitment to elevating women’s boxing to its rightful place in the sport.
“I’m not just a boxer; I am boxing,” Green asserted, undaunted by her opponent’s reputation. “Crews-Dezurn might have her tunes and her look, but when the gloves go on, it’s time for silence and action.”
Crews-Dezurn retorted with equal fervor, “Titles and defense are my domain. When December 15th comes around, the world will witness why I reign supreme in the ring.”
Undercard
The commentator lineup is nothing short of stellar. You’ve got Ariel Helwani, Todd Grisham, and Dan Canobbio lending their voices as commentators and ringside analysts. And for a twist of YouTube flavor, Wade Plemons will play host for the night. They’re setting up to narrate a night filled with fist-flying action, including two additional main card fights that are sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
First up, light middleweights Yoenis Tellez and Livan Navarro are set to clash for the WBA Continental Latin Americas title. Tellez, with a record of 6-0 and 5 KOs, is squaring off against Navarro, who’s not too shabby himself with a 15-1 record and 9 KOs. Then, the heavyweights step into the ring. Lorenzo Medina (8-0, 7 KOs) is facing off against Joshua Temple (12-2, 10 KOs). Both fights are promising to be nothing short of thrilling.
The main event isn’t the only highlight of the night. Shadasia “The Sweet Terminator” Green and Franchón Crews-Dezurn are battling it out for the WBC super middleweight title. And of course, the headliners: Jake “The Problem Child” Paul and Andre August are gearing up for an 8-round cruiserweight fight that’s set to be a real showstopper. Tickets for this event are already up for grabs, with prices starting at a mere $75 – a small price to pay for an unforgettable night.
Let’s not forget about the other fights that are rounding out the Most Valuable Prospects IV card. Lorenzo Medina will face Joshua Temple in a 6-round heavyweight fight. Medina, the 19-year-old powerhouse, is returning to the ring in his hometown of Hialeah, Florida, putting his undefeated record to the test against Temple, a seasoned fighter with a knack for early-round knockouts.
Following that, it’s a showdown between Yoenis Tellez and Livan Navarro. Tellez, a Cuban native with a stellar amateur background, is looking to continue his rise in the professional ranks. He’s managed by Eduardo Perez and fights under the banners of BoxLab Promotions and Warrior’s Boxing. Navarro, also hailing from Cuba and now fighting out of Miami, has an impressive amateur record of 306-20. He’s entering the ring on a four-fight winning streak, trained by Jorge Rubio and hungry for victory.
The commentary team is ready to bring their A-game. With Grisham, Plemons, and Canobbio at the helm, fans are in for a treat. They’ll be providing play-by-play and analysis throughout the night, ensuring fans don’t miss a beat.
Finally, MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian sums it up perfectly. They’ve built this series to showcase young, rising talent, and with fighters like Lorenzo Medina, Yoenis Tellez, Livan Navarro, and Joshua Temple, they’re doing just that. This event isn’t just a fight night; it’s a testament to the spirit and energy of Most Valuable Prospects.
And for those who just can’t get enough, there are four additional preliminary bouts to look forward to. Cruiserweights Zachary Randolph and Michael Manna are set to duke it out, alongside welterweight Elijah Flores putting his undefeated record on the line against Javier Mayoral. Bantamweight Alex Gueche and featherweight Xavier Bocanegra are also ready to show what they’re made of in the ring.
To kick off the festivities, a press conference will be held on Wednesday, December 13, at the Caribe Royale Resort, with Grisham and Celsius Essential Energy Drink setting the stage. The event promises to be a spectacle, broadcasting across DAZN’s YouTube channel, MVP’s YouTube channel, and Jake Paul’s YouTube channel.
Boxers
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Jake Paul