Days after signing a promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing USA, undefeated WBA World Light Heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol will make his fifth title defense against Joe Smith Jr. on March 9 at Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, New York. This card will also feature WBO Super Lightweight titlist Maurice Hooker defending his belt against undefeated challenger Mikkel LesPierre. The fighters gathered at Madison Square Garden this afternoon to discuss the upcoming stacked card, which will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN. (photos by Ed Mulholland).

Maurice Hooker

“I am ready to fight on March 9. I could fight tonight if I had to. I don’t care who I fight or when I fight. I like to fight. He is a good southpaw, he comes to fight and he is slick. It’s going to be a hell of a fight and I wish him and his team luck.”

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Mikkel LesPierre

“A lot of you may not know who I am. You may not think I am deserving. But come March 9, I will show you that I deserve to be up there with the top fighters. The fact that I have this opportunity to make this change in my life, I am going to do whatever necessary to win. There is nothing more important in a fighter’s career than to fight for a world title. Now I am ready to get to work and show the world what I am capable of.”

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