Promoter Eddie Hearn is working with PBC’s Al Haymon to set up a unification bout between light welterweight champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz and Sabriel Mathias. This will be a co-promoted fight between Amazon Prime and DAZN that will be aired on PPV.
Matthias must first overcome Pharaoh
First, Matias (20-1-1, 20 KOs) will face Liam Palo (24-0, 15 KOs) in an IBF match on June 15th at Coliseo Juan Aubin Cruz Abreu, Puerto Rico in Manati on DAZN. We must win the title defense. Puerto Rico. As Matchroom Boxing boss Hearn points out, this is not a sure win for Mattias over the undefeated Palo. With the 31-year-old Mathias participating, Hearn said he would like to discuss a unification bout between himself and WBA 140-pound champion “Pitbull” Cruz (26-2-1, 18 KOs) with PBC.
Last Saturday night, he defeated Rolando “Laurie” Romero by knockout.
“It’s an exciting fight,”
Hearn told True School Sports about the fight between Pitbull Cruz and Sabriel Mathias.
Hearn Open to PBC Partnership for Pitbull vs. Matias Unification at 140 https://t.co/jWPtw4nZic #Boxing #BoxingNews
— Boxing News 24 (@boxingnews24) April 5, 2024
Network rivalry as a potential roadblock
For this co-broadcast to work, Amazon Prime and DAZN would have to agree to co-broadcast the Matias vs. Cruz event, but since it’s not a mega fit, this could be either not ideal.
Fighter placement: Cruz will appear on PBC and fight with new broadcast partner Amazon, while Matias will appear on Matchroom and his fights will be streamed on DAZN. Haymon’s position: PBC boss Al Haymon must be willing to work with Matchroom on the Joint event. Even if Haymon insists this match will only be aired on Amazon, it won’t work. Hearn’s realistic view:
“The thing with Al Haymon: If he wants something, he’ll deal with you. If he doesn’t want it,”
Hearn said of PBC’s Al Haymon coach Told.
“How good is this match (Cruz vs. Matias)?” “First of all, he has to beat (Matthias) Liam Palo.”
It’s a really good match. Everyone talks about “Sabriel, the bogeyman of the division, the most brutal,” which makes Paro a little disappointed, but Liam can really fight.
“Sabriel Matias vs. Isaac Cruz would definitely be a thriller if Sabriel wins.” Mexico vs. Puerto Rico. Do you know how easy it is for me to go to his PBC? I don’t know if they have the cruise under control. They say, “Let’s do joint promotion.” It is available to watch on Amazon Prime and DAZN. “It’s not going to be a huge PPV, but it’s going to deliver a good gate and a good crowd.” We share the PPV proceeds with the fighters. I don’t think [PBC will do it] until they get to the stage where they have to start doing it.
Ashley’s View:
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has expressed interest in arranging two big fights between light welterweight champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz and Sabriel Mathias. But before that happens, Mathias must win his next fight against Liam Palo. Hearn believes this could be a really exciting game. However, there are some barriers to overcome. The platforms that will broadcast the match, Amazon Prime and DAZN, would have to agree to share it, which may not be easy. Additionally, Cruz is with PBC and will compete on Amazon, while Matthias will be with Matchroom and will compete on DAZN. Therefore, collaboration between different networks and funders is required. Hahn would like to work with PBC’s Al Haymon to make this happen, but that depends on Haymon’s willingness to do so. Hearn believes it could be a great fight, especially considering the rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico. He is hopeful but realistic about the challenges they may face in making this a reality.
