Prizefighter Is Back! And Headed To Japan

Prizefighter is on the comeback trail, to Japan.

The $1 Million season kicks off at Nagoya Congress Center, Nagoya, on March 31 – live on Abema in Japan and DAZN worldwide (excluding Asia).

Rakuten Ticket, Inc., NSN and Matchroom will stage three events per year over the next three years.

The opening event in the tournament will feature middleweights, in four bouts over 10 rounds. A wrinkle—-there’s a $100k knockout bonus up for grabs.

Japan’s Riku Kunimoto (10-1, 4 KOs) defends his Japanese title against Eiki Kani (8-3-3, 4 KOs) in the first quarter-final.

Mark Dickinson (6-0, 2 KOs) meets Anauel Ngamissengue (13-0, 8 KOs).

Ireland’s Aaron McKenna (18-0, 9 KOs) will fights American-Puerto Rican Jeovanny Estela (14-0, 5 KOs).

WBA Inter-Continental Middleweight champion Kieron Conway (20-3-1, 5 KOs) will fight China’s Ainiwaer Yilixiati (19-1, 14 KOs).

“This is a fantastic way to start our landmark three-year deal in Japan,” said Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith.

“Prizefighter was immensely popular with Boxing fans in years gone by – and they will love this new inception of the $1million series.

“With a $100k knockout prize pot per event, the fighters will be going all out. It promises to be a thrilling spectacle, filled with tough 50-50 fights, that will capture attention around the world.“

“We are truly excited to be a part of this historic moment, bringing world-class boxing to Japan in collaboration with Matchroom and NSN,” said Rakuten Ticket, Inc. President Joe Umemot. “This partnership reflects Rakuten’s commitment to diversifying the sporting landscape in the country. The $1 million Prizefighter series, featuring top middleweight contenders, will undoubtedly captivate fans not only in Japan but globally.

“Our collaboration underscores Rakuten’s dedication to supporting and promoting diverse and thrilling sports events. Get ready for an unforgettable experience on March 31 as we witness boxing history being made at the Nagoya Congress Center.”

“This marks a groundbreaking moment as Matchroom introduces top-tier boxing to Japan for the first time,” said President and founder of NSN, Joel Borràs. “This one-of-a-kind event, featuring a $1million prize, will showcase the best Middleweights and captivate fans worldwide.

Prizefighter ran from 2008-2015, featuring Rocky Fielding, Gavin Rees, Terry Flanagan, Martin Murray, Lee Haskins, Jono Carroll, Mike Perez, Ovill McKenzie and Audley Harrison.