Andy Cruz will face Hironori Mishiro in an eliminator for the IBF World Lightweight title at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday June 14, live worldwide on DAZN, leading the undercard for Richardson Hitchins’ first defense of his IBF World Junior Welterweight title against George Kambosos Jr.
Cruz (5-0 2 KOs) is the highest rated contender with the IBF at 135lbs, sitting at #3 in the rankings with #1 and #2 vacant, and the Cuban Olympic gold medal man can take a massive step towards a World title tilt with victory in his first fight in New York City.
Mishiro (17-1-1 6 KOs) sits at #5 with the IBF, and the former Japanese Lightweight champion makes his American debut in the biggest fight to date in his eight-year career, looking to upset Philadelphia-based Cruz and land the title shot for himself.
“I’ve put in the hard work and dedication, and I can’t wait to step into the ring again,” said Cruz. “This fight isn’t just about winning; it’s about showing my people the passion I have for the sport. I’m ready to prove that I’m a contender and bring that W home!”
“I want to thank Matchroom for giving me the opportunity to fight in the US,” said Mishiro. “I’m really excited and motivated for such a great opportunity. I have fought as the underdog many times and I look forward to making another big upset on June 14.”
A host of stars join Cruz and Mishiro on the undercard in important fights, led by Canadian Heavyweight Alexis Barriere taking on Roney Hines for the WBC Continental Americas title. Barriere (12-0 10 KOs) penned a co-promotional deal with Matchroom and Groupe Yvon Michel after claiming the 12th win of his career on home soil in Quebec in February, and the 29 year old will be looking to make an impact on the WBC rankings by claiming the title against Cleveland’s Hines (14-0-1 8 KOs) who fights for his first pro belt.
“I’m very grateful to my team for this opportunity, to DAZN, Eddie Hearn and Frank Smith at Matchroom, Yvon Michel at GYM and Brian Peters,” said Barriere. “I’m excited to fight at MSG in New York on such a big stage. I’m working very hard in Florida in camp with my trainer Sugar Hill. It will be a battle of two unbeaten fighters so I’m expecting a tough fight, but I know that is when I will be at my best. The bigger the challenge, the better I will perform.”
Ernesto Mercado is making plenty of noise in the 140lb division, and Tito will face Jonathan Montrel for the IBF North American and WBC Continental Americas titles. Mercado (17-0 16 KOs) dispatched of former World champion Jose Pedraza in spiteful fashion inside four rounds of their clash in Las Vegas in January, and the talented Californian fights for his first belts in his Big Apple debut, and will be looking to make another statement against Montrel (19-3 13 KOs) the New Orleans man stepping into the biggest night of his career, and also fighting for his first belts – with Mercado sending a menacing message to show headliner Hitchins.
“I’m happy to be making my debut in New York at MSG,” said Mercado. “It’s time to give New York some real entertainment and I’ll be delivering by putting someone on their back like I always do. Oh, and New York, I’m coming for your bum champion you guys got.”
Zaquin Moses (3-0 2 KOs) opens the show on DAZN with his fourth fight in the paid ranks again over four rounds at Super-Featherweight against Carl Rogers (3-2), popular New Yorker ‘Pretty Boy’ Pablo Valdez (9-0 8 KOs) moves into double figures over eight rounds at Welterweight against Cesar Diaz (9-1 4 KOs), Indian Olympian star Nishant Dev (1-0 1 KO) showed his huge potential in the paid ranks with a first round KO win on debut in Las Vegas in January and takes on Josue Silva (3-2 1 KO) over six rounds at Super-Welterweight and the Before the Bell action is kicked off by the professional debut of British teenage talent Adam Maca, who makes his bow over four rounds at Bantamweight.
“This is going to be a massive night in New York,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “The main event is a cracker, with Richardson getting a big stage for his first defense against a man in George that has very fond memories of this famous arena.
“The supporting cast is brilliant too. Andy is one of the very top Lightweights in the world, and this is going to be a massive chance for him to show the 135lb champions that he’s ready to take their titles away.
“Alexis impressed in Quebec in February and he’s ready to make an impact on the world rankings, as is the always entertaining and outspoken Tito, who wants all the smoke at 140lbs.
“There’s some great young talent on the card with Zaquin Moses and Nishant Dev both back in action while one of our newest signings Adam Maca gets an incredible experience to make his debut in New York, and the ever-popular Pablo looks for another KO.”
