Four months after the announcement of Matchroom’s ‘Prizefighter’ venture into Japan, the event has been rescheduled following the initial postponement, with financial incentives involved for knockouts and the winner of the tournament.
Three familiar faces were set to travel to Asia as each of Aaron McKenna (18-0), Kieron Conway (20-3-1) and Mark Dickinson (6-0) dreamt of bringing home the $1 million prize on March 31st.
However, just seven days before the event was supposedly going ahead, Matchroom Boxing confirmed that the show quarter-finals would not be going ahead due to ‘operational reasons outside of their control’.
Yet, six weeks later, a new date has been confirmed for the event, as the British and Irish trio make the trip over to Osaka to fight on Monday July 15th, each taking on an opponent from a different country.
Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith has spoken of his delight at the new date, as further details of the event were confirmed.
“We are thrilled at the return of Prizefighter. 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 $1million, it really is a life-changing opportunity for these fighters. May the best man win.
“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.”
As previously planned, the first quarter final will see Riku Kuniomoto (10-1) face Eiki Kani (8-3-3) with the Japanese middleweight title on the line, whilst Kieron Conway takes on China’s Ainiwaer Yilixiati (19-1) and Aaron McKenna battles it out with Puerto Rico’s Jeovanny Estela (14-0) in a clash between two undefeated 160lbers.
Mark Dickinson was originally due to face the tournament favourite and unbeaten France 2016 Olympian Anauel Ngamissengue (13-0), but he has pulled out of the tournament and has instead been replaced by Japanese power-puncher, Kazuto Takesako (16-1-1).
Takesako previously held the Japanese middleweight title but his career has been derailed after suffering two defeats in his last three contests, the most recent of which was to Tej Pratap Singh – who famously ran Australia’s Isaac Hardman close in December 2020.
The event marks a historic step from Matchroom as they begin to extend their global reach by dipping their toe into the Asian boxing market, partnering up with Never Say Never and Rakuten Ticket, Inc to stage the event. Rakuten President, Joe Umemoto, told fans that the quarter-finals will be an ‘unforgettable experience’.
“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.”
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