Joe Smith Jr., the small business owner and former union construction worker from Long Island, just wants to fight. Smith, who operates Team Smith Tree Service with his father, hopes to chop down Maxim Vlasov and win the vacant WBO light heavyweight world title Saturday evening at Osage Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma (ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN, 10 p.m. ET).

Smith and Vlasov were scheduled for a pre-fight press conference once before, Feb. 11 in Las Vegas. Vlasov tested positive for COVID-19 that day, and their scheduled Feb. 13 fight was temporarily derailed. Vlasov recovered, went home to Russia, and then finished training camp in Las Vegas.

Smith got married, but he delayed his honeymoon to focus on the task at hand. Instead of the bright lights of Las Vegas, they will do battle in the Sooner State in front of a sold-out crowd.

Before fight night, this is what both fighters had to say.

Joe Smith Jr.

“I was 100 percent ready to go back in February, but it’s OK. I had time to enjoy my wedding day and now I’m just ready to go once again.”

“I know what I’m going up against. He is a busy and aggressive guy with a lot of experience, but I have prepared well and I’m going to give 100 percent of myself to come out victorious.”

“Becoming world champion and hearing the words, ‘and new!’ it’s going to be an amazing feeling. This is everything I have been working for since I was 15 years old.”

Maxim Vlasov

“I’m sure that you will see no ring rust at all this time. I’ve been preparing well. I’ve been sharpening my skills, and I’m ready to give it my all, 100 percent.”

“I feel the same as a younger boxer who is less experienced because this is a great chance for me. This is a great responsibility, a great risk. I am very excited and motivated for this fight.”

“I have taken preparation seriously, watched many of his fights, and learned some things. I don’t like to talk about his weakest or strongest points or divulge any strategies or plans related to the fight.”

SATURDAY, April 10, 2021

ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Joe Smith Jr. vs. Maxim Vlasov, 12 rounds, Vacant WBO Light Heavyweight World Title

Efe Ajagba vs. Brian Howard, 10 rounds, heavyweight

ESPN+, 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT

Jared Anderson vs. Jeremiah Karpency, 8 rounds, heavyweight

Albert Bell vs. Manuel Rey Rojas, 8 rounds, junior lightweight

Robson Conceicao vs. Jesus Antonio Ahumada, 8 rounds, junior lightweight

Trey Lippe Morrison vs. Jason Bergman, 8 rounds, heavyweight

Duke Ragan vs. Charles Clark, 6 rounds, featherweight

Sonny Conto vs. Waldo Cortes, 4 rounds, heavyweight

Jeremiah Milton vs. Jayvone Dafney, 4 rounds, heavyweight

The UK and Latin America have easy access, while American viewers will need to pay a few bucks extra.

2020’s last big fight also figures to be one of its best. This Thursday morning at 4:00 AM Eastern, 25-year-old Kosei Tanaka attempts to become a WBO four-division champion against countryman and current WBO Jr. Bantamweight World Champion Kazuto Ioka, who became the first male Japanese boxer to achieve the feat last year. The bout airs live on Japanese channel TBS, but luckily for us gaijin, there are a few ways to tune in.

USA: Unfortunately, no American network or streaming service has acquired broadcast rights at the time of writing. That doesn’t mean piracy is the only option, though: Asian Boxing has a guide on how to subscribe to iSakura, which allows access to TBS and other local channels. Conveniently, iSakura offers a three-day trial, which you don’t have to manually cancel afterwards, for $2.50. Just be sure to order by the end of the day; going by the website, it can take a while to process your payment.

UK: BoxNation has you covered.

Latin America: ESPN KnockOut provided a handy country-by-country breakdown.

By Patrick L. Stumberg / BadLeftHook.com

Dubois Vs. Joyce Discussion

Daniel Dubois, Joe Joyce – AT LAST, Dubois vs. Joyce is finally happening. It is a fight that has captured the public imagination, and it goes down this Saturday night for the WBO International title, live on BT Sport 1 HD from 7.30 pm.

AT LAST, Dubois vs. Joyce is finally happening. It is a fight that has captured the public imagination, and it goes down this Saturday night live on BT Sport 1 HD from 7.30 pm.

Below is a selection of prediction quotes from some of the sport’s biggest names and a few famous fans for good measure.

TYSON FURY

I want to be there for that. I want to be the commentary man for that fight. That’s a fight I do not want to miss—both good fighters. Joe’s a big strong unit, Juggernaut, get in the way he’ll run you over. Daniel’s big and strong and youthful, fresh. They’re both good fighters, and it’ll come down to who wants it more on the night. They’re both capable of winning, they’re both capable of pulling victories out, and they’re both capable of knocking the other person out. It’s a fight you don’t want to miss. Watch it live and exclusive on BT Sport.

DAVID HAYE

I can see it going both ways. I can see Dubois being able to stop Joyce if it’s an early shootout. But, if it’s not an early shootout and becomes a boxing match, I believe that works in Joe Joyce’s favor. So I’m going to go with the man I know, the man I’ve seen take some beatings and soak it up; I’m going to go with Joe Joyce by points decision or late stoppage.

JOHN FURY

I’m a little bit worried about whether it’s too early for Daniel Dubois. Joe Joyce is a big, strong, seasoned man. We know he’s got a good engine, and he can hold a shot well. It’s a hard one, but for my money, it’s a bit too soon for Daniel Dubois.

ANDY LEE

I see it being a shoot out. I think Dubois’ extra speed will give him the edge, and I think he’ll win by knockout.

Daniel Dubois, Joe Joyce – AT LAST, Dubois vs. Joyce is finally happening. It is a fight that has captured the public imagination, and it goes down this Saturday night live on BT Sport 1 HD from 7.30 pm.

RICKY HATTON

I think most people will lean to Dubois slightly because he’s a man in form. He’s a little bit fresher. Joe’s had a very distinguished amateur career; maybe he has a few more miles on the clock than Daniel. He’s quite versatile, Joe. He can do pretty much everything. His style is a little bit in-your-face, though, which might suit Daniel Dubois. I think it’s a 50-50 fight, but Daniel might be a little bit fresher… I think that might make the difference.

PAULIE MALIGNAGGI

My prediction is an explosive fight. It could go either way. They’re both big punching guys looking for the big one. I edge towards Dubois at this moment.

RICHIE WOODALL

I think if Daniel Dubois can land a big shot early on, it’ll be his contest. If Joe can get through the first 3 or 4 rounds and take Daniel into the later stages… then the tide could turn after 5 or 6 rounds. If I had to put money on it, I’d probably just fancy Daniel, to be honest.

LIAM WILLIAMS

I think it’ll be an excellent fight. I quite highly favor Dubois, but if Joyce can weather a bit of a storm, then I think he’s in with a chance. If you put a gun to my head, I’d have to put my money on Dubois.

NATHAN GORMAN

It’s a real 50-50 fight, in my opinion. I think many people are writing Joe off, but it’s a lot closer than that. Joyce has got a good amateur pedigree. Daniel, on the other hand, is a big power puncher, a massive backhand. I’ll favor Daniel; over six, it’ll be interesting to see what happens.

Daniel Dubois, Joe Joyce – AT LAST, Dubois vs. Joyce is finally happening. It is a fight that has captured the public imagination, and it goes down this Saturday night live on BT Sport 1 HD from 7.30 pm.

TOMMY FURY

50-50 in my mind. Obviously, Joyce can shift a shot; he’s more experienced coming from the amateurs. He’s had some good fights as a professional. Then you’ve got a young boy Daniel Dubois, British champion, on his way up. I know it’s a cliché to say that if it goes long, Joyce will win it and if it goes short, Daniel will win it, but really, I wish good luck to both men, hope they put up a good fight, and may the best man win.

CARL FRAMPTON

This one is fascinating. Both guys are punchers. Dubois is technically better than Joe, but Joe, even though he looks really unorthodox, he’s got an engine as I’ve never seen before in my life. I was lucky enough to train with him, and I’ve never seen a fitter boxer. He’ll want to apply his pressure to Dubois and make him work hard from the start. I think it’s going to be a great fight, Joe’s going to force the pace from the start, and he’s going to walk onto a lot of shots, so it’s all about how well his chin holds up. The later the fight goes on, the more chance that Joe has, but I’m going to stay with Dubois on this one. I think Dubois will get to him at some point, probably a stoppage in the middle rounds.

DAVID PRICE

(Picking Joe Joyce) “It’s the intensity he fights at. It’s his unconventional, unorthodox style that can throw people a lot. Bryant Jennings is a top operator… and Joyce is getting in with him when he hasn’t even had ten professional fights. I believe (Joe) is an Olympic Gold medaller, really. So, Joe’s going into the fight in my eyes as the favorite.

ADAM CATTERALL

Two top blokes throwing down for our entertainment. Like everybody else, I see either Daniel early or Joe late. I can’t see it going the distance. Joe is tough, but he does get hit. If Daniel can open him up with that jab and left to the body, the headshots will come. I can’t see Joe getting knocked out, but I can see him stopped on his feet.

Daniel Dubois, Joe Joyce – AT LAST, Dubois vs. Joyce is finally happening. It is a fight that has captured the public imagination, and it goes down this Saturday night live on BT Sport 1 HD from 7.30 pm.

PADDY CONSIDINE

I have to pick Daniel. The momentum is with him. Joe seems too easy to hit with the right hand. Joyce may have a great chin, but he can’t keep taking those all night. This is going to be a great fight. It reminds me of Lennox Lewis v Gary Mason.

LOU DIBELLA

I love this fight — a clash of styles, with the outcome in doubt. Big Joe is physically strong, durable, more experienced, and has reached, but he’s slow. Dubois is more mobile, can be explosive, and has potential out the ying-yang. This is a great domestic brawl. The kid’s more athletic, and I’m predicting a mid/late stoppage for Daniel.

DEAN EDWARDS

I’m so pleased that we are getting the sort of domestic dust-up that so many fighters try to avoid, it’s a 50/50 fight, but if I had to pick, my prediction is that Daniel wins via TKO round 4. This is going to be a great fight.

Daniel Dubois, Joe Joyce – AT LAST, Dubois vs. Joyce is finally happening. It is a fight that has captured the public imagination, and it goes down this Saturday night live on BT Sport 1 HD from 7.30 pm.

RON LEWIS

This is a real gut check for Dubois. As much as people will predict big things about his future, he has never beaten anyone nearly as good or experienced as Joyce, and I could easily see Joyce wearing down Dubois and stopping Dubois. However, I think the difference between the pair is defense. Joyce doesn’t mind taking a shot, and at some point, that will be his downfall. Joyce will take some shifting, but if Dubois catches him cleanly often enough, he will stop him. Dubois 7-9.

CHRIS McKENNA

I believe Dubois will have to come through some storms early in the fight; Joyce will be relentless and will pile plenty of pressure on while may even come close to forcing a stoppage of his own, but I think the younger man will dig deeper and find something late on. But it will need the referee to take Joyce out as he will be brave and want to fight on.

ANTHONY OGOGO

Going to be a great fight, two of the biggest prospects in Heavyweight boxing tearing it up, like the good old days. It’s as close to a 50/50 as you can get. Still, I’m slightly leaning towards Joyce as he’s more experienced in big matches, his physical maturity, and experience in big fights and competition like the Olympics, etc.

Daniel Dubois, Joe Joyce – AT LAST, Dubois vs. Joyce is finally happening. It is a fight that has captured the public imagination, and it goes down this Saturday night live on BT Sport 1 HD from 7.30 pm.

JON PEGG

I keep changing my mind on this one. I’m going for the Peacock Gym team to tip the balance with their experience and Dubois to get a hard-fought stoppage around 7.

KALLE SAUERLAND

I think it’s an excellent 50/50 fight and has the makings to be a classic. Dubois is a phenomenal talent but is this a match-up too early for him? I could not pick a winner as there are too many unknowns, but if I had too I would have to pick Joyce because I have seen him in the deep end before. Good luck to both.

SARAH SHEPHERD

We know a few things going into this fight: Joe Joyce has a granite chin and serious engine, and Daniel Dubois can absolutely bang. Combined, those factors suggest we will see Joyce look to survive an inevitable onslaught in the first few rounds and take Dubois into deep waters late on. I’m not sure he makes it and can see the referee stepping in to save him before it gets that far.

LIAM SMITH

I think it’s a top fight between two very good Heavyweights who are both on the up. It’s a good clash of styles. If Dubois has it in the tank, I think he wins; he’s better all round. If he doesn’t and doesn’t do Joyce in the first few rounds, Joyce could come on for a late stoppage. But, my pick is Dubois win, 4-6 rounds.

Daniel Dubois, Joe Joyce – AT LAST, Dubois vs. Joyce is finally happening. It is a fight that has captured the public imagination, and it goes down this Saturday night live on BT Sport 1 HD from 7.30 pm.

MARK TIBBS

I believe ‘Dynamite’ Dubois is gonna explode on point and extinguish Joe Joyce within six rounds.

TROY WILLIAMSON

Many people are writing Joe off, but he’s GB’s most decorated amateur for a reason. I’m going for JJ’s win.

WALLY DOWNES

I can’t back against Daniel, his rise and his camp have been so seamless and continuous, whereas Joe, for all his talent, has never really settled anywhere or been the main man. I have only seen Joe Hurt once, and that was to the body. I think Daniel will target that and get the job done.

GARETH A DAVIES

This is an enticing, thrilling match-up and a crossroads fight for both Dubois and Joyce. Dubois has the edge in speed and devastating power, but Joyce looks like he means business and victory would elevate him to the top of the division. If Joyce is still there and intact after six rounds, it will be fascinating, especially if Joyce’s punches have tested Dubois. I think Dubois wins this if he can take those punches around the sixth round.

Daniel Dubois, Joe Joyce – AT LAST, Dubois vs. Joyce is finally happening. It is a fight that has captured the public imagination, and it goes down this Saturday night live on BT Sport 1 HD from 7.30 pm.

MIKE COSTELLO

It could be one to remember, coming at such a pivotal time for both. I believe Dubois’s accuracy with the left hand – the jab and the body shot – will be the key factor in the outcome, offsetting the greater work rate of Joyce.

Emanuel Navarrete successfully defended his WBO junior featherweight title for the fifth time in nine months, battering an overmatched Jeo Santisima en route to an 11th round stoppage victory on the Wilder-Fury 2 undercard.

Navarrete (31-1, 27 KO) really had no trouble with Santisima (19-3, 16 KO), who was a huge underdog and proved that everyone had read the matchup correctly. This has become par for the course with Navarrete title defenses; while he fights regularly and people like that, his opponents are lousy for world title fights.

Santisima did prove durable and game, surviving as long as he did, but he didn’t trouble Navarrete at all. Navarrete dominated in several rounds and looked to close repeatedly, and while he suffered a clear injury to his right hand, he said Santisima lasted because of his toughness.

“I hit him weirdly with my right hand did hurt my thumb, but I had to plow through it and get the victory,” Navarrete told Bernardo Osuna. “The fight took a long time because I had a very tough opponent.”

VIA Badlefthook.com

#WilderFury WBO Junior Featherweight World Champion Emanuel Navarrete Defends His Title Against the Philippines’ Jeo Santisima in PPV Featured Bout. The PPV begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Representing San Juan Zitlaltepec, Distrito Federal, México, Navarrete (30-1, 26 KOs) captured his 122-pound title by defeating Isaac Dogboe in December 2018, and emphatically retained the title by stopping Dogboe in the final round of their rematch in May 2019. The 25-year-old stayed busy after securing the title, scoring stoppage victories in successful title defenses in August, September and most recently in December, when he knocked out Francisco Horta in Mexico. He is boxing’s most active world champion, as the Santisima bout will be his fifth title defense in nine months.

“I am motivated to make my fifth defense in less than a year and especially because I’m proud to be part of a historic card headlined by Wilder vs. Fury II,” said Navarrete. “This is a great opportunity to put on an exhibition for the fans and showcase my talent once again. I’m very grateful to my promoters, Bob Arum and Fernando Beltran, for giving me these opportunities.”

The 23-year-old Santisima (19-2, 16 KOs) turned pro in 2013 as a 16-year-old and has not lost a fight since his fourth career contest in 2014. A native of Masbate City, Philippines, Santisima will ride a 17-fight winning streak into his U.S. debut and his first world title opportunity on February 22. His 2019 campaign saw him deliver victories over Alvius Maufani in August and Rene Dacquel in December.

“I really appreciate this opportunity, as this has been my dream since I was a kid,” said Santisima. “For this fight, I will train and prepare to become the new champion. I don’t feel any pressure. I will just do my best on fight night to show the world who I am. I heard and read the news that this fight is a mismatch, but I will do my best to give a great fight.”