New boxing promotion, Probellum, launches by Richard Schaefer

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release | Jade Bornea Inks Promotional Pact With Probellum

Probellum, in association with Sanman Boxing, has announced the signing of undefeated Filipino fighter Jade Bornea, who will be in action this coming Friday.

The 26-year-old (16-0, 10 knockouts) has enjoyed an impressive career to date and captured the vacant WBC-NABF super-flyweight title in January 2020 courtesy of a win over Ernesto Delgadillo.

“Sanman Boxing is thrilled to be partnering with one of the best promotional company's in the sport,” added Jim Claude, Chief Executive Officer, Sanman Boxing.

“We know Probellum will take us to our ultimate goal of winning a world title and it all starts in Monterrey, Mexico, on January 14 with Jade competing in the IBF World Title Eliminator to become number one.”

Bornea returns to the ring on Friday January 14 as part of Probellum’s co-promotional show with Mexico’s BXSTRS in Monterrey, where he will be competing in an IBF world title eliminator.

“I am thrilled to be signing with Probellum,” said Bornea. “I now have the one-two punch I needed to succeed out of the ring.

“With Probellum and Sanman Boxing, I look forward to my upcoming IBF World Title Eliminator as just the start, with my ultimate goal to win the world title in 2022.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release | Tsotne Rogava Inks Promotional Pact With Probellum

Probellum has announced the promotional signing of Ukrainian fighter Tsotne Rogava.

The 28-year-old heavyweight made his professional boxing debut in April 2021, when he secured a knockout victory over Petar Mrvalj.

“Tsotne has shown his fantastic capabilities within combat sports for many years, and we are extremely pleased to sign him,” added Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum.

“He produced an eye-catching performance on his professional debut last year and we are very much looking forward to watching him develop and grow.

“We fully expect 2022 to be a pivotal year for Tsotne as he showcases his boxing abilities to fans around the world.”

Previously, Rogava enjoyed an impressive amateur career, before going on to compete professionally as a Muay Thai kickboxer, where he became the 2018 ACB KB heavyweight champion.

“This is a big moment in my career, and I’m delighted to sign for Probellum,” said Rogava.

“After making the transition from Muay Thai kickboxing to professional boxing, I’m very excited about what the future holds, and I firmly believe that under the guidance of Probellum I can go on to achieve a lot of success.”

Rogava becomes the latest addition to Probellum’s growing stable, which also includes the likes of Pat and Luke McCormack, Troy Williamson, Regis Prograis, Nonito Donaire, Donnie Nietes, Lee McGregor, Eimantas Stanionis, Arthur Biyarslanov, Noel Mikaelian, Taras Shelestyuk, Ricky Burns, Paul Butler, Lewis Ritson, Muhammad Waseem, O’Shaquie Foster, Hovhannes Bachkov, Darius Fulghum, Eduardo Hernandez, Mark Dickinson, Brandon Moore, Jack Bowen, Jason Mallia, Hebert Sousa, Dina Thorslund, Ben Rees and Will Cawley.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release | Steven Cairns Inks Promotional Pact With Probellum

Probellum has announced the promotional signing of super featherweight prospect Steven Cairns.

“Steven is a brilliant young fighter with a great future ahead of him,” said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum.

“Naturally, we are very pleased to announce his signing and after making an impressive start to his professional career, we expect Steven to develop and progress throughout 2022 and beyond.

“Probellum has already made a big statement with some of the signings we have made, and Steven is another great addition.”

The Irishman (2-0, 1 knockout) enjoyed a superb career at amateur level, where he became a seven-time national champion while also winning a silver medal at the 2015 European Championships, before turning professional in 2021.

“I’m very excited to be signing with Probellum, working with Sam Jones and getting the opportunity to showcase my skills and develop as a fighter on the biggest possible platform,” said Cairns.

“I’m looking forward to being very active over the next few years and representing my country at Probellum events across the world, with everybody in Ireland right behind me.”

An impressive debut win over Nicaraguan Rafael Castillo last June was followed by a knockout victory over Hungarian Szilveszter Ajtai in November and Cairns, who is coached by highly respected trainer David Coldwell, now becomes the latest addition to the Probellum stable.

“Steven is a young man who I really believe can go on to achieve big things in this sport, but at 19 it’s about developing and learning, both in the gym and during fights,” added Coldwell.

“This is why it’s important to have a promoter who shares the same vision as both myself and Steven, and Probellum fits the bill perfectly.

“They, like myself, see Steven as a very exciting long-term project, a fighter who has the potential to develop into one of the superstars of Irish and world boxing at any given time.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Enlightened-One]

Probellum has only existed for a few months and they've already amassed a sizable stable of fighters and strategic partners.

I’m guessing they’ll sign a network deal in the near future.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Charles Conwell signs with Probellum, eyes world title shot against Jermell Charlo by end of 2022

Prospect Charles Conwell wants a world title shot, and has signed a co-promotional deal with Probellum.

Junior middleweight prospect and former Olympian Charles Conwell has signed a co-promotional deal with Probellum, as he looks to close in on a possible world title fight, with WBC/WBA/IBF unified titleholder Jermell Charlo his main target.

“With Probellum in my corner, I know that I’ll be breathing down the neck of Jermell Charlo by the end of the year. I’m confident I’ll be in a mandatory challenger position where he has no choice but to fight me,” Conwell said via press release.

“And as my nickname suggests, I am ‘Bad News’ for the 154 lbs division, because I’m coming for those titles and I will get them — mark my words!”

The 24-year-old Conwell (16-0, 12 KO) represented Team USA at Rio 2016, and has been largely impressive since turning pro in 2017, but with some trouble securing real steps up over the last couple years, sort of cruising at level in his last few fights.

“I’m 16-0 already and ready to step up and become world champion, which is something I am destined to do,” he said.

Conwell will still be co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment, and is set to return to the ring this summer.

“Charles is one of the finest talents in American boxing and we are thrilled to have signed a co-promotional agreement with him,” said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum. “Together with DiBella Entertainment, we are going to give Charles the platform and opportunities to become world champion at 154 lbs. He is a hugely exciting addition to the Probellum ranks and we can’t wait to start working with him.”

“Charles Conwell is one of the best young fighters in the world,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “He has the ability to beat anyone at 154 lbs. With Probellum’s help, I’m confident he can get the huge opportunity that he deserves in short order. Charles Conwell will be a world champion. Bet on it.”
v

[Enlightened-One]

Two days ago Wassermen announced a five free-to-air fight night deal with Channel 5.

Five months prior to that announcement, Wassermen entered into a partnership with Probellum.

Therefore, expect to see lots of Probellum affiliated fighters appear on Channel 5 for the remainder of the year.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Two days ago Wassermen announced a five free-to-air fight night deal with Channel 5.

Five months prior to that announcement, Wassermen entered into a partnership with Probellum.

Therefore, expect to see lots of Probellum affiliated fighters appear on Channel 5 for the remainder of the year.

Was wondering if we'd get Briedis' fight in Aus on Ch5. But primetime in Aus is like 11am morning in the UK.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release | Hanna Gabriels Inks Co-Promotional Pact With Probellum

Multi-weight world champion Hanna Gabriels has signed a co-promotional deal with Probellum and DiBella Entertainment.

The reigning WBA light heavyweight and WBC heavyweight champion of the world from Costa Rica has been a professional since 2007 and is recognized as one of the flag bearers for women’s boxing.

"Hanna Gabriels has been one of the best female fighters in the world for over a decade,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment.

“She is the only woman ever to drop the great Claressa Shields and with her extraordinary skillset it is no surprise that Hanna is the female light heavyweight/heavyweight champion of the world.

“She is back after battling Covid and taking care of her daughter during the pandemic but with the help of Probellum and manager Hector Fernandez, we’re confident that the next two years will be the biggest years of her career – and we hope to be able to announce her next bout very soon.”

Gabriels (21-2-1, 12KO) is the latest female fighter to join the Probellum ranks, following the signings of world lightweight champion Estelle Mossely and bantamweight title holder, Dina Thorslund.

“When I brought Eduardo Hernandez to Probellum, it was all new but after seeing and living the Probellum experience. I realised that we did a lot on our own,” said manager Hector Fernandez.

“But now, with Probellum, we can take over the world together. We are blessed and beyond excited."

Gabriels’ signing comes off the back of Probellum’s agreement with 3MG Boxing, the leading promoter in her homeland of Costa Rica.

“I have been a professional fighter for almost 15 years, and I won titles at many different weights, but you have not seen the best of me yet,” declared Hanna Gabriels, whose nickname is ‘La Amazona Black’.

“With Probellum behind me, supporting the work of DiBella Entertainment and my manager Hector Fernandez, I can establish myself as one of the greatest female boxers to have ever lived and use my platform to continue empowering women through sport.

“I'm going to unify my division then I'm coming down to 168, after unifying there I'm coming down to 160 lbs - and I want them all.

“Claressa, Cecilia and Savannah Marshall, see you all very soon. My team is complete and it's the best one.”

[maverick23]

Two days ago Wassermen announced a five free-to-air fight night deal with Channel 5.

Five months prior to that announcement, Wassermen entered into a partnership with Probellum.

Therefore, expect to see lots of Probellum affiliated fighters appear on Channel 5 for the remainder of the year.

I can’t see that happening. Wasserman may have signed with channel 5 but that’s only for 5 shows a year. They’ll want to keep their own stable of fighters active and recruit a few more to that. That’ll be their focus over giving fights on there to Probellum fighters.

Also channel 5 doesn’t give 3-4 hours for a fight card. They’ll usually give 90 minutes to 2 hours so I can’t see any desire for 8 fight shows either.

I’m pretty sure they’ll only do co-promotions with Probellum on shows on mainland Europe.

Probellum have shows next week and are still yet to announce a U.K. TV deal. There’s talk of Discovery (could either be the Discovery channel or Eurosport) but there aren’t loads of options now. I would imagine that they were also going after the channel 5 dates.

[Enlightened-One]

Two days ago Wassermen announced a five free-to-air fight night deal with Channel 5.

Five months prior to that announcement, Wassermen entered into a partnership with Probellum.

Therefore, expect to see lots of Probellum affiliated fighters appear on Channel 5 for the remainder of the year.

I can’t see that happening. Wasserman may have signed with channel 5 but that’s only for 5 shows a year. They’ll want to keep their own stable of fighters active and recruit a few more to that. That’ll be their focus over giving fights on there to Probellum fighters.

Also channel 5 doesn’t give 3-4 hours for a fight card. They’ll usually give 90 minutes to 2 hours so I can’t see any desire for 8 fight shows either.

I’m pretty sure they’ll only do co-promotions with Probellum on shows on mainland Europe.

Probellum have shows next week and are still yet to announce a U.K. TV deal. There’s talk of Discovery (could either be the Discovery channel or Eurosport) but there aren’t loads of options now. I would imagine that they were also going after the channel 5 dates.

For sure, Wasserman will prioritise their own fighters, but they don’t have enough guys in their own stable to fill all their undercards.

And in terms of some of the headline bouts, we could end up seeing a Wasserman fighter against one of the guys aligned with Probellum.

Matchroom worked in precisely the same way when they had their own partnership with the Sauerlands during their own exclusive deal with Sky Sports.

And the same applies to when Top Rank had their own partnership deal with Queensberry in regard to Bob Arum being the exclusive boxing content provider for ESPN.

When Probellum first launched, their goal was to have their stable of fighters appearing on boxing events staged throughout the globe by their promotional partners.

Probellum isn’t trying to be like Top Rank or the PBC (i.e. an isolated entity that only works with one broadcast partner).

[maverick23]

Two days ago Wassermen announced a five free-to-air fight night deal with Channel 5.

Five months prior to that announcement, Wassermen entered into a partnership with Probellum.

Therefore, expect to see lots of Probellum affiliated fighters appear on Channel 5 for the remainder of the year.

I can’t see that happening. Wasserman may have signed with channel 5 but that’s only for 5 shows a year. They’ll want to keep their own stable of fighters active and recruit a few more to that. That’ll be their focus over giving fights on there to Probellum fighters.

Also channel 5 doesn’t give 3-4 hours for a fight card. They’ll usually give 90 minutes to 2 hours so I can’t see any desire for 8 fight shows either.

I’m pretty sure they’ll only do co-promotions with Probellum on shows on mainland Europe.

Probellum have shows next week and are still yet to announce a U.K. TV deal. There’s talk of Discovery (could either be the Discovery channel or Eurosport) but there aren’t loads of options now. I would imagine that they were also going after the channel 5 dates.

For sure, Wasserman will prioritise their own fighters, but they don’t have enough guys in their own stable to fill all their undercards.

And in terms of some of the headline bouts, we could end up seeing a Wasserman fighter against one of the guys aligned with Probellum.

Matchroom worked in precisely the same way when they had their own partnership with the Sauerlands during their own exclusive deal with Sky Sports.

And the same applies to when Top Rank had their own partnership deal with Queensberry in regard to Bob Arum being the exclusive boxing content provider for ESPN.

When Probellum first launched, their goal was to have their stable of fighters appearing on boxing events staged throughout the globe by their promotional partners.

Probellum isn’t trying to be like Top Rank or the PBC (i.e. an isolated entity that only works with one broadcast partner).

Wasserman have something like 10-15 fighters I think. That’s actually probably enough for 5 shows a year. I can see them signing a few more though now. Mick Hennessy had a similar volume of fighters on his channel 5 deal and just put all the same fighters on each of his undercards.

I can’t see them using Probellum boxers to fill the cards but they may use Probellum boxers in the away corner for the main events.

[Enlightened-One]

"Probellum has today announced a multi-fight agreement with Discovery Sports"

The partnership starts with back-to-back events on March 18 and 19 with Discovery Sports set to broadcast the two Probellum Evolution shows through Eurosport’s linear channels, discovery+* and Eurosport App** to millions of homes across 62 markets and territories in Europe and the Indian sub-continent.

Since launching in September 2021, Probellum has signed almost 50 fighters from across the world, including current and former world champions, past Olympians and emerging talents.

France’s world lightweight champion Estelle Mossely headlines Probellum’s March 18 show in Dubai before England’s world flyweight king Sunny Edwards takes on the challenge of Muhammad Waseem of Pakistan, the following evening.

Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum, said: “Agreeing a multi-fight deal with a broadcasting powerhouse such as Discovery is a truly momentous day for our company so early in our journey.

“Discovery’s truly global audience is the perfect platform for us to help continue with our core mission to open up boxing to new audiences by bringing together the best fighters for fans around the world.

“Together, I know we are going to bring about real change to the way that live boxing is presented. I have no doubt that it will be the perfect broadcast partner as we aim to transform how fans can experience boxing.”

Trojan Paillot, VP Sports Rights Acquisition and Syndication at Discovery Sports, said: “Discovery has a strong heritage taking sports to wider audiences and in helping grow competitions and events using our full scale of channels and digital platforms.

“With the global reach that Discovery enjoys, this new partnership with Probellum is a perfect opportunity to showcase some of the best athletes in the world to millions of passionate sports fans in Europe and the Indian subcontinent.”

As the Home of the Olympics in Europe***, Discovery showed every minute of the boxing competitions across its platforms at Tokyo 2020 and will be again broadcasting an array of former Olympians now competing under the Probellum banner including the Olympic champion trio of Mossley (2016), Uzbekistani super heavyweight Bakhodir Jalolov and middleweight Brazilian Herbert Sousa who both secured gold in Tokyo.

Viewers will also be able to watch the talented Olympic trio of silver medallist Pat McCormack, his twin brother Luke and Peter McGrail who all represented Team GB in Japan, and bronze medal winner Hovhannes Bachkov from Armenia.

After the double-header in Dubai, Probellum’s impressive roster of fighters then moves to Newcastle on March 25, where hometown favorite Lewis Ritson takes on Dejan Zlaticanin of Montenegro, with world title hopes on the line for both men.

The Discovery cameras will follow Probellum to Liverpool on April 22, for a world bantamweight title clash between local hero Paul Butler and champion John Riel Casimero of the Philippines, before the action moves to a major show in London, in May.

Award-winning production company, Whisper, were last week announced as Probellum’s new production partner and the upcoming Probellum’s events will feature eye-catching graphic design, opinionated talent, immersive camera angles and the best creative storytelling to offer viewers the ‘Best Seat in the House’.

[Enlightened-One]

I could be wrong about this, but didn’t Discovery recently agree a joint venture with BT Group to combine ESPN and BT Sports in the UK and Northern Ireland?

So does that mean we’ll start seeing Probellum events broadcast by those channels in the future?

[Ruthless-RKO]

I could be wrong about this, but didn’t Discovery recently agree a joint venture with BT Group to combine ESPN and BT Sports in the UK and Northern Ireland?

So does that mean we’ll start seeing Probellum events broadcast by those channels in the future?

It wasn't agreed was it, there was no more news after that last one as far as I know..

[joshj909]

Interesting signing. Hopefully it means he could get a known opponent and get his pro career moving again.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Interesting signing. Hopefully it means he could get a known opponent and get his pro career moving again.

He's fighting Soko on the 18th March. Hopefully he fights a better opponent in his next outing.

Will be one of the Dubai cards.

18th date is the one with the women headlining, also has Jono Carroll on the card.

[maverick23]

I bet he regrets signing with DiBella.

DiBella is linking with Probellum to try and give his fighters a platform but the jury’s out on whether it’ll provide a proper platform for his fighters.

[randall cunningham]

[maverick23]

So Kinahan’s involved with Probellum?! I’m shocked!