Julio Cesar Martinez to defend flyweight title on streets of Tulsa
Promoter Eddie Hearn is definitely creative.
The head of Matchroom Boxing will stage fight cards in the garden of his offices outside London beginning next month. And, it was officially announced, his first post-lockdown card in the U.S. will take place Aug. 15 on the streets of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Julio Cesar Martinez (16-1, 12 KOs) will defend his world flyweight title against No. 1-ranked McWilliams Arroyo (20-4 15 KOs) in the main event.
Also, Cecilia Braekhus (36-0, 9 KOs) will defend her welterweight belt against Jessica McCaskill (8-2, 3 KOs). And junior welterweight prospect Shakhram Giyasov (9-0, 7 KOs) will face Francisco Rojo (22-3, 25 KOs).
The card will be streamed on DAZN.
“We are taking elite World Championship boxing to the streets in Tulsa!” Hearn said in a new release. “For our return in the U.S. we wanted to stage something as unique, ambitious and spectacular as we have with Fight Camp at Matchroom HQ in the U.K., and I believe that’s exactly what we have in Oklahoma.
“We had so many options and offers on the table for our return on August 15 from coast-to-coast, but I’m just not a believer in boxing in a studio setting. The fighters and the sport deserve more than that.
“Tulsa shared our vision of wanting to create something special, and I am thrilled to be working with the Mayor’s office, Joe Miller at the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission, and Tony and Bryce Holden on bringing a thrilling fight night to the city.
“With explosive Mexican Martinez defending his world title against Puerto Rico’s Arroyo, the undisputed welterweight battle between Braekhus and McCaskill, Uzbek star Giyasov … this is a line-up that could stop traffic. So we’ve done exactly that!”
Local officials have approved a plan to block off a series of streets downtown to create a boxing venue. The ring will be in the middle of the street at the intersection of 5th St. and S. Boston Ave. No fans will be present and strict social distancing and medical protocols will be in place.
Hearn has worked closely with Holden Productions, headed by veteran promoter Tony Holden, who Matchroom said was instrumental in bringing the card to his hometown.
“I can’t imagine a better place to host this event than downtown Tulsa at 5th and S. Boston Ave,” Holden said. “The backdrop is incredible, and with no audience possible during this pandemic, the site will be unsurpassed in terms of innovation, safety and visual impact.
“We’re looking forward to working with Eddie, Matchroom Boxing and DAZN in the great city of Tulsa.”