BoxRec

Press Release

Undefeated Middleweight star Demetrius Andrade (28-0, 17 KOs) will defend his WBO World Middleweight Championship against contender Luke Keeler (17-2-1, 5 KOs) at Meridian at Island Gardens in Miami on Thursday January 30, live on DAZN in the US and Sky Sports in the UK.

Also featured on the packed evening of boxing is Tevin Farmer (30-4-1, 6 KOs) defending his IBF world super featherweight title against JoJo Diaz (30-1, 15 KOs) and unified world super bantamweight champion Daniel Roman (27-2-1, 10 KOs) defending his titles against Murodjon Akhmadaliev (7-0, 6 KOs).

Andrade, 31, looks to successfully defend his piece of the middleweight title for the third time as massive unification fights loom in 2020. Following his homecoming debut in front of a packed crowd in Providence, Rhode Island, Andrade continues to stay active and take on all challengers following an impressive 2019. Standing in his way is Keeler, 32, of Dublin, Ireland. The former WBO European Middleweight Champion bested top contender Luis Arias in August, and will aim to make a statement in his U.S. debut against Andrade.

In the chief support bout of the evening, a highly-anticipated grudge match will take center stage when Tevin Farmer puts his IBF world super featherweight title on the line against JoJo Diaz. The fight between Farmer and Diaz has been brewing for more than a year following multiple run-ins and trash talking between the two fighters. Farmer, 29, won his super featherweight strap in August 2018 against Billy Dib and successfully defended it four times in a nine-month span. Now, the slick southpaw will face Diaz, 27, also a southpaw, who will get his second chance at claiming a world championship after a decision loss to Gary Russell, Jr. in his first title opportunity in 2018.

On the undercard, 29-year-old unified World Super-Bantamweight champion Daniel Roman will meet undefeated Uzbekistan-native Murodjon Akhmadaliev. Roman, a Los Angeles native, unified titles when he captured the IBF World Super-Bantamweight title from TJ Doheny in front of his hometown crowd this past April in one of the most memorable fights of 2019. This fight will mark Roman’s fifth defense of the WBA title that he won in 2017. Akhmadaliev, 29, is Roman’s mandatory challenger and one of the most lauded prospects in the Super-Bantamweight division. Entering just his third year in the professional ranks and eyeing his first World Championship, the southpaw’s tremendous knockout power is expected to thoroughly test Roman’s slick boxing ability.

“We are excited to provide the perfect spot for a night of world-class boxing,” said Jack Murphy of Meridian. “We built Meridian to deliver a unique, one-of-a-kind venue to host events that stand out above the rest and are deserving of first-class hospitality and VIP experience for corporations and the general public alike. We look forward to hosting DAZN, Matchroom Boxing USA, and boxing fans worldwide.”

“I’m delighted to announce our first show of 2020 and our first ever in Miami,” said Eddie Hearn. “This triple-header is the biggest card in Miami for many years and will be held in a purpose built arena on Super Bowl weekend. All these World championship fights are great match ups and there is plenty more to come for this electric show live on DAZN.”

“We are thrilled to continue to break into new markets as we enter our second year in boxing,” said Joseph Markowski, DAZN EVP, North America. “There is nothing quite like the big game in America and we have a tremendous opportunity to showcase boxing to all of the fans and media who will also descend upon Miami that week.”

Hands up if you American's haven't heard of Luke Keeler??

Demetrius Andrade makes his third defense

Andrade, 31, looks to successfully defend his piece of the middleweight title for the third time as massive unification fights loom in 2020. Following his homecoming debut in front of a packed crowd in Providence, Rhode Island, Andrade continues to stay active and take on all challengers following an impressive 2019. Standing in his way is Keeler, 32, of Dublin, Ireland. The former WBO European Middleweight Champion bested top contender Luis Arias in August, and will aim to make a statement in his U.S. debut against Andrade.

“I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring again finally! It’s a great opportunity to show the world my talents and to be part of Super Bowl weekend in Miami is incredible,” said Andrade. “Miami is a beautiful city and I’m looking to once again showing that I’m the best 160-pound fighter in the world. It’s me again!"

Andrade keeping busy waiting for big fights

“There are major fights for me in the Middleweight division,” Andrade continued. “Those are the fights I want and I’ve been very vocal about it. At the end of the day, I just need to keep winning. They can’t avoid me forever. On January 30, we have to take care of business against Luke Keeler. He’s tough and he’s coming to fight, which will make for a great night of action for the fans in Miami and everyone else watching around the world on DAZN.”

“Demetrius is a great fighter and I understand I’ll be written off as a huge underdog but it’s exactly how I like it, there isn’t a drop of pressure on me,” said Keeler. “It feels surreal in a way but at the same time, I’ve always visualized it so in a way I expected this opportunity to come. Again, there is no pressure on me at all. I’ll have nerves like every fight but I’m going to enjoy every moment, bounce to the ring and pull off the upset."

Keeler wants Canelo and Golovkin fights

“It’s a life changing fight and winning brings life-changing paydays but I would’ve taken this fight for free to be in the position that comes with winning,” stated Keeler. “It puts me right up there for fights with Gennadiy Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez.”

It's very strange that a DAZN fighter can't get good fights.

apollo creed wrote: ↑13 Dec 2019, 11:20 It's very strange that a DAZN fighter can't get good fights.

He is a DAZN runner.

boxing_rocks wrote: ↑13 Dec 2019, 11:38

apollo creed wrote: ↑13 Dec 2019, 11:20 It's very strange that a DAZN fighter can't get good fights.

He is a DAZN runner.

Ive expected nothing from Andrade and i am still disapointed

Jake Paul, AnEsonGib To Land on Andrade-Keeler Card, Jan. 30

Promoter Eddie Hearn is going back to the YouTube well.

The Mathrooom Boxing head is close to finalizing a deal between content creators-turned-boxers Jake Paul and Ali Eson Gib (AnEsonGib) for Jan. 30 in Miami, Hearn told BS.com.

The bout will be a professional one and scheduled for six rounds.

The fight is also being considered for co-main event billing on the DAZN show headlined by Demetirus Andrade and Luke Keeler. The chief support spot would supplant the Tevin Farmer versus Joseph Diaz fight for Farmer’s IBF super featherweight crown.

Hearn also recently promoted Paul’s brother Logan Paul, who made his pro debut Nov. 9 in a disputed decision loss to KSI.

Immediately after the fight, a disgusted Jake said boxing is rigged and people are paid off. He even questioned DAZN’s North American vice president Joe Markowski's integrity for hosting KSI at a Lakers game the night before his brother’s bout.

Paul sentiment toward sanctioned pugilism apparently won't stop him from making his pro debut on DAZN as soon as the ink hits the contract.

He may as well just have the Youtubers close the show. After their fight. 90% of the crowd will disappear.

I read on another site that Hearn made an offer to Jermall Charlo for a fight with Andrade? If true, and Charlo accepts, this would be a great fight. A fight that both guys need, and the winner would seemingly be in line for a fight with Canelo or GGG.

Andrade vs Keeler? It's good to stay busy, but also good not over-look anyone.

This is going to make DAZN the global force that long to be, Eddie pulling another master stroke, someone give that man a Nobel prize. He's giving drug cheats an extra chance, undoing all the ills with Saudi Arabia and giving us the fight of the decade with Andrade vs Keeler.... DAZN money very, very well spent

Bandog wrote: ↑19 Dec 2019, 08:28 I read on another site that Hearn made an offer to Jermall Charlo for a fight with Andrade? If true, and Charlo accepts, this would be a great fight. A fight that both guys need, and the winner would seemingly be in line for a fight with Canelo or GGG.

Andrade vs Keeler? It's good to stay busy, but also good not over-look anyone.

Similar to what he offered Garcia. Around $7m maybe. Can extend. Charlo can still co-promote with his Lions Only Promotions.

Boxing Prospect wrote: ↑19 Dec 2019, 08:42 This is going to make DAZN the global force that long to be, Eddie pulling another master stroke, someone give that man a Nobel prize. He's giving drug cheats an extra chance, undoing all the ills with Saudi Arabia and giving us the fight of the decade with Andrade vs Keeler.... DAZN money very, very well spent

Indeed it has been - Joshua -Ruiz 2 Garcia - Vargas prograis -Taylor farmer -Diaz hooker-Ramirez Rungvisai -Estrada roman-doheny just to name a few mega fights you seem to have forgotten.

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑19 Dec 2019, 15:27

Bandog wrote: ↑19 Dec 2019, 08:28 I read on another site that Hearn made an offer to Jermall Charlo for a fight with Andrade? If true, and Charlo accepts, this would be a great fight. A fight that both guys need, and the winner would seemingly be in line for a fight with Canelo or GGG.

Andrade vs Keeler? It's good to stay busy, but also good not over-look anyone.

Similar to what he offered Garcia. Around $7m maybe. Can extend. Charlo can still co-promote with his Lions Only Promotions.

Hopefully that fight gets made. When Andrade signed with Hearn (DAZN) he basically guaranteed a fight down the road with Canelo. Hope that happens too. Maybe the Andrade/Charlo winner vs Canelo? GGG or Canelo don't seem interested in fighting Andrade for some reason.

Andrade already pulled out of a fight with one Charlo, to fight Jack Culcay instead, so hopefully he really does want to fight the other Charlo

margaret thatcher wrote: ↑27 Dec 2019, 13:29 Andrade already pulled out of a fight with one Charlo, to fight Jack Culcay instead, so hopefully he really does want to fight the other Charlo

About 4-5 yrs ago? You are at least partially right, but from what I read it was a money dispute. Andrade wanted more than the $250K they were offered, and being the only belt holder on the card, he didn't want to be the lowest paid. By the way, Culcay ended up being a good fight, and is arguably better than Vanes, M., who Charlo narrowly beat.

https://www.badlefthook.com/2014/11/18/ ... over-money

Both Jermall Charlo and Andrade need to fight each other. Enough is enough. I think it is a close fight.

Undefeated version of Vanes is undoubtedly better than Culcay. Looking decent against much better fighters while still being clearly defeated doesn't prove that you are particularly good.

boxing_rocks wrote: ↑28 Dec 2019, 15:16 Undefeated version of Vanes is undoubtedly better than Culcay. Looking decent against much better fighters while still being clearly defeated doesn't prove that you are particularly good.

In fact, i think Martyrosian won that fight against Charlo. But it was long time ago

Andrade for me. The other fight on that card looks good too.

Cent0089 wrote: ↑28 Dec 2019, 16:22

boxing_rocks wrote: ↑28 Dec 2019, 15:16 Undefeated version of Vanes is undoubtedly better than Culcay. Looking decent against much better fighters while still being clearly defeated doesn't prove that you are particularly good.

In fact, i think Martyrosian won that fight against Charlo. But it was long time ago

Vanes wasn't undefeated then either. Culcay gave Derevyanchenko a very good fight after, so he is decent. Derev gave GGG and Jacobs all they wanted. Andrade also fought him in Germany. We all saw how Vanes did vs GGG.

Bandog wrote: ↑30 Dec 2019, 09:11

Cent0089 wrote: ↑28 Dec 2019, 16:22

In fact, i think Martyrosian won that fight against Charlo. But it was long time ago

Vanes wasn't undefeated then either. Culcay gave Derevyanchenko a very good fight after, so he is decent. Derev gave GGG and Jacobs all they wanted. Andrade also fought him in Germany. We all saw how Vanes did vs GGG.

Vanes was undefeated when he faced Andrade.

Derevo just wasn't as motivated against Culcay as against the top dogs in title fights. Happens with many fighters.

Lol you know a dude's resume is weak when we've got a Vanes vs Culcay debate

Btw, that was career best money Andrade was offered at the time to fight Charlo, and would've been a much bigger win than beating Culcay. He had a chance for a very nice scalp and blew it himself. I don't really feel sorry for him, and he hasn't marked himself through his accomplishments or drawing power as someone who really stands out as a must fight for the big names. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that he's some nobody and that he's no better than some random run of the mill fringe contender or something like that.

These guys who cry for have been offered career best money for what would've been their biggest fights, and they've rejected it.