BoxRec

Devin Haney, Jo Jo Diaz Agree To Terms For WBC Lightweight Title Fight, December 4 In Las Vegas

A promise was kept in time for another top lightweight fight to make its way to the end-of-year schedule.

Multiple sources inform Boxing Scene that all terms have been reached for a title consolidation clash between WBC lightweight titlist Devin Haney and interim beltholder Joseph ‘Jo Jo’ Diaz. The fight has been in discussion for weeks, with Haney already on board for the fight and Diaz’s side accepting final revisions and committing to the fight Tuesday according to sources.

The fight is due to take place December 4 on DAZN live from Haney’s hometown of Las Vegas, likely at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Matchroom Boxing was granted approval to stage a boxing event at the venue for a previously held December 3 date during the most recent Nevada State Athletic Commission monthly agenda hearing. An official announcement is expected as early as Wednesday.

ESPN.com boxing insider Mike Coppinger was the first to report the news.

Haney (26-0, 15KOs)—who turns just 23 on November 17—will attempt the fourth defense of the WBC title he has held for more than two years. The unbeaten lightweight—originally from California’s Bay Area—initially claimed the interim title in a one-sided fourth-round stoppage of Zaur Abdullaev in September 2019, and was granted an upgrade prior to his November 2019 unanimous decision victory over Alfredo Santiago in Los Angeles.

Post-pandemic wins over Yuriorkis Gamboa and Jorge Linares have followed. The win over Linares marked Haney’s first title defense in his adopted hometown of Las Vegas, where he will now appear for a second straight main event.

Diaz (32-1-1, 15KOs)—who turns 29 on November 23—emerged as the frontrunner to land the assignment once he saw other plans fall through. The 2012 U.S. Olympian and former IBF junior lightweight titlist was due to face unbeaten contender Ryan Garcia atop a November 27 show in the greater Los Angeles area. Garcia (21-0, 18KOs) withdrew from the fight, citing a hand and wrist injury which required surgery.

Negotiations went back and forth for weeks, with Diaz rejecting previous offers from Matchroom Boxing before getting them to commit to a financial package more in line with what he was due to make versus Garcia. Other lingering issues in the written agreement prompted the South El Monte, California native to further review before ultimately agreeing to terms in an effort to become a two-division titlist.

The fight lands in the heart of significant action within the division, all taking place in the span of three weekends.

The oft-postposed showdown between lineal/WBA/IBF/WBO lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez Jr. (16-0, 12KOs) and IBF mandatory challenger George Kambosos Jr. (19-0, 10KOs) is set for November 27 at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater in New York City. The following weekend will see Haney-Diaz on December 4, followed one night later by the divisional return of Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis (25-0, 24KOs) who defends his secondary version of the WBA lightweight title. The unbeaten southpaw will most likely faces Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz (19-1-1, 13KOs), as a replacement is sought for Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero who was removed from the Showtime Pay-Per-View event.

Anchoring the lightweight run, former three-division titlist Vasiliy Lomachenko (15-2, 11KOs) faces former IBF lightweight titlist Richard Commey (30-3, 27KOs) atop a recently announced December 11 show in the main room at Madison Square Garden.

Haney offered to step in and face Davis once Romero (14-0, 12KOs) was forced off the card due to an ongoing police investigation, though few in the industry took it as more than gaining leverage to convince Diaz to sign for the fight.

In the end, Diaz kept an earlier promise made to face the unbeaten titlist.

“If you guys don’t know by now, I want them all,” Diaz told BS,com in October, when the fight was still in negotiation. “I will continue to take on the best challenges for my career until it’s all said and done.”

Hope this one comes to fruition, another good fight for Jo Jo after Fortuna and Rakhimov but I'd lean towards Haney on points here.

Good fight. If Linares can ask some questions of Haney Jojo will land more than a few good punches.


Two lads who I like watching, let’s see how it goes

Press Release | McCaskill vs. Bustos, Hrgovic vs. Alexander Added To Haney-Diaz

Jessica McCaskill has signed a long-term promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing and Eddie Hearn – and will defend her undisputed Welterweight title against Victoria Bustos at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday December 4, live worldwide on DAZN.

McCaskill (10-2 3 KOs) successfully defended the Welterweight straps that she ripped from Cecilia Brækhus in a rematch with the Norwegian in March in Dallas, having handed Brækhus her first career defeat on the street in Tulsa, Oklahoma in August 2020.

‘CasKILLA’ became a two-weight ruler against Brækhus, having previously been unified at Super-Lightweight having beaten WBC champion Erica Farias in October 2018, adding the WBA strap in May 2019 against Anahi Sanchez and then successfully defending the belts in a rematch with Farias in October 2019.

The Chicago star now puts her 147lbs belts on the line against fellow two-weight champion Bustos, and it’s a second attempt for the Argentine to become a three-weight champion after she challenged Brækhus for the belts in November 2019.

“Matchroom gave me a shot on the big stage, and I want to finish my career them - I’m excited!” said McCaskill. “We have a tough test in front of us in Victoria, she’s a great fighter and she’s been in with everyone, but I am confident I will keep my belts and we’ll move on to more great fights in 2022.”

“I am happy we worked out a deal,” said trainer and manager Rick Ramos. “Eddie Hearn and Matchroom have been good to us. I want to continue doing business with them. I’m happy and I’m excited! Let’s work!”

“Jessica has been a revelation since she travelled to the UK to face Katie Taylor in December 2017,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “She’s stepped up to face all-comers and with grit, determination and skill she’s a two-weight World champion – and she’s not done yet. There are plenty of big fights out there for Jess, starting in Las Vegas against Victoria who always lays it all on the line when she fights.”

McCaskill and Bustos lead an all-star cast in support of the mouth-watering headline attraction where Devin Haney defends his WBC World Lightweight title against Joseph ‘JoJo’ Diaz, Jr.

Croatian Heavyweight star Filip Hrgovic (13-0 11 KOs) continues his quest for world domination as he defends his IBF International Title against Scott Alexander (16-4-2, 8 KOs).

Th 29-year-old from Zagreb returns to action following a one-sided beat down of Marko Radonjic on September 10 at the Worthersee Stadium in Klagenfurt, Austria. With an IBF Final Eliminator in the works for 2022, Hrgovic knows he cannot afford any slip ups as he looks to extend his unbeaten run against the 32-year-old LA-native Alexander, who has previously gone the distance with Heavyweight contenders Carlos Negron and Travis Kaufmann.

“I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring and fighting on a big show in Las Vegas,” said Hrgovic. “I’ve always wanted to box in Las Vegas where so many great Heavyweight champions have fought before. My opponent Scott Alexander is a tough fighter, but I have been training hard and will be ready to give the fans another great performance on December 11.”

“Watch out Las Vegas, ‘El Animal’ is coming,” said promoter Kalle Sauerland. “We’re delighted to be working with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing to deliver Filip this fantastic opportunity to fight in Las Vegas as part of a huge event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. This is a chance for Filip to end the year on a high before shifting his focus to World Titles in 2022.”

One of Matchroom’s newest American stars fights for the first time with Eddie Hearn, as Montana Love takes on Carlos Diaz.

Love (16-0-1 8 KOs) penned his deal with Hearn after his impressive showing in Cleveland in August, where he forced former World champion Ivan Baranchyk after seven exciting rounds. The 26 year old is hunting down big fights in 2022, but Diaz (29-1 14 KOs) will be looking to spoil his Matchroom bow.

“I’m excited for my debut with Matchroom and DAZN December 4,” said Love. “Too Pretty taking his throne, this my shit now.”

There’s a welcome return to the ring for talented Middleweight Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams as he faces Quatavious Cash. Williams (8-0 6 KOs) last tasted action in March on the undercard, outpointing experienced campaigner Denis Douglin over eight rounds, and he’ll meet Cash (14-2 8 KOs) over that distance in his ninth pro-outing and first as a pro in Las Vegas.

Alexis Espino (9-0 6 KOs) is in action for the tenth time in the paid ranks as he takes on Rodolfo Gomez Jr. in the first eight round fight of his pro career, and Marc Castro (4-0 4 KOs) is out to make it five KOs from five pro fights, with his opponent to be named soon.

“This is a stacked card to close our year in the States,” said Hearn. “Filip is knocking loudly on the door of his fellow World class operators in the Heavyweight division, and next year we expect him to break that door down and be involved in – and win – some massive fights.

“Montana Love is a great character and a serious contender, and I am looking forward to him beginning his journey with us in Vegas. It’s great to have Ammo back doing what he does best and Alexis and Marc are two future superstars that continue to impress on their pro journeys.”

The current Haney vs Diaz fight card looks as the following:

• Devin Haney vs. Joseph Diaz, 12 rounds, lightweight – Haney’s WBC lightweight title
• Jessica McCaskill vs. Victoria Bustos, 10 rounds, welterweight – McCaskill’s undisputed welterweight title
• Filip Hrgovic vs. Scott Alexander – Hrgovic’s IBF International heavyweight title
• Montana Love vs. Carlos Diaz
• Austin Williams vs. Quatavious Cash
• Alexis Espino vs. Rodolfo Gomez Jr
• Marc Castro vs. TBA

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑20 Nov 2021, 10:09 The current Haney vs Diaz fight card looks as the following:

• Devin Haney vs. Joseph Diaz, 12 rounds, lightweight – Haney’s WBC lightweight title
• Jessica McCaskill vs. Victoria Bustos, 10 rounds, welterweight – McCaskill’s undisputed welterweight title
• Filip Hrgovic vs. Scott Alexander – Hrgovic’s IBF International heavyweight title
• Montana Love vs. Carlos Diaz
• Austin Williams vs. Quatavious Cash
• Alexis Espino vs. Rodolfo Gomez Jr
• Marc Castro vs. TBA

Really poor, suppose it's all about the main event. But more difficult for folk to stay up through that...

peter barlow wrote: ↑20 Nov 2021, 10:43

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑20 Nov 2021, 10:09 The current Haney vs Diaz fight card looks as the following:

• Devin Haney vs. Joseph Diaz, 12 rounds, lightweight – Haney’s WBC lightweight title
• Jessica McCaskill vs. Victoria Bustos, 10 rounds, welterweight – McCaskill’s undisputed welterweight title
• Filip Hrgovic vs. Scott Alexander – Hrgovic’s IBF International heavyweight title
• Montana Love vs. Carlos Diaz
• Austin Williams vs. Quatavious Cash
• Alexis Espino vs. Rodolfo Gomez Jr
• Marc Castro vs. TBA

Really poor, suppose it's all about the main event. But more difficult for folk to stay up through that...

For £7.99 for the main event and on top of that, the other cards we're getting around that time, I ain't complaining.

Fight Week!

Source: Welterweight champion Jessica McCaskill gets new foe for Saturday's title defense

Undisputed welterweight champion Jessica McCaskill is still scheduled to fight on the undercard of the Devin Haney-Joseph Diaz fight on Saturday night. It's just her opponent that will change in Las Vegas.

McCaskill will now fight Kandi Wyatt, out of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, after her initial opponent, Argentinian Victoria Bustos, had travel issues relating to COVID-19 protocols, a source confirmed to ESPN.

Wyatt (10-3, 3 KO), last fought in August, when she had a unanimous decision loss to Alma Ibarra. She has fought for a title once before, in November, 2020, when she lost a unanimous decision to Kali Reis for the WBA junior welterweight title. Wyatt has lost three of her last five fights and has not won a fight in her career outside of Canada.

This will be Wyatt's third straight fight in the United States.

This will be the first fight for McCaskill, ESPN's No. 4 pound-for-pound boxer, since she defeated Cecilia Braekhus for the second time in March.

Dan Rafael first reported the change in opponent.

Eddie has definitely signed the dullest of the champs here, Shakur v Devin anyone ?

Haney is so overrated. He really is nowhere near as good as people think and I'll be having a bet on Jojo. I just wish Jojo had more foot speed.

TheLeprechaun wrote: ↑03 Dec 2021, 19:39 Haney is so overrated. He really is nowhere near as good as people think and I'll be having a bet on Jojo. I just wish Jojo had more foot speed.

We’ll see how good he is tonight.

I thought he looked awesome in the first 4/5 rounds against Linares and his jab may be the best in boxing but looked sloppy as hell towards the end of the fight.

I’m looking forward to it tonight.

Date: Saturday, December 4, 2021
Start Time: 8pm ET / 5pm PT | 1 am GMT
Location: MGM Grand Garden Arena - Paradise, NV
Streaming: DAZN Worldwide

Promoted by: Matchroom Boxing

Running Order

Fight card subject to change

Live on Matchroom YouTube Before The Bell: 4:50 pm ET | 1:50 pm PT | 9:30 pm GMT

10 Round Flyweight Contest
Ricardo Sandoval vs. Carlos Buitrago

Followed by

6 Round Middleweight Contest
Amari Jones vs. Timothy Lee

Followed by

8 Round Super-Middleweight Contest
Alexis Espino vs. Rodolfo Gomez Jr.

Followed by

8 Round Middleweight Contest
Austin Williams vs. Quatavious Cash

Live on DAZN: 8 pm ET | 5 pm PT | 1 am GMT

6 Round Super-Featherweight Contest
Marc Castro vs. Ronaldo Solis

Followed by

IBF International Heavyweight Championship
Filip Hrgovic vs. Scott Alexander

Followed by

Undisputed Welterweight Championship
Jessica McCaskill vs. Victoria Bustos

Followed by

10 Round Super-Lightweight Contest
Montana Love vs. Carlos Diaz

Followed by

WBC Lightweight Championship
Devin Haney vs. Joseph Diaz

Main card at 1am guys. Get a quick kip.

I probably wake up at 3am

Hrgovic should at least fight guys like Zhang right now...

Fire stoppage by Ammo Williams, Castro for sure is special.

A guy I know said it best, Caskilla is a soldier, and that is just enough for her

Montana Love is one interesting rising contender.