Sports News: DAZN Extends Long-Standing Partnership With Matchroom Boxing Through New Five-Year Deal

SPORTS | February 27, 2026

(Image Source: DAZN)

DAZN, the world’s leading sports entertainment platform, is reinforcing its leadership in global boxing through a new five-year deal with Matchroom Boxing in the United States and the United Kingdom. The deal extends the long-term partnership between the two boxing heavyweights. The extended agreement underlines DAZN’s commitment to delivering the strongest schedule in world boxing and reflects Matchroom Boxing’s unwavering confidence in partnering with DAZN for its production quality, audience reach, and global capability. 

It’s a partnership that has already reshaped how fans watch world-class boxing. With more than 30 blockbuster Matchroom Boxing fight nights per year, DAZN will continue to deliver a non-stop calendar of premium events supported by year-round original content to take fans inside the stories, camps and rivalries. Together, DAZN and Matchroom Boxing will continue to drive boxing’s evolution and deliver a premium experience to fans around the world. Also announced is a new partnership between DAZN’s Foxtel Group and Matchroom Boxing in Australia. This agreement will see seven major Matchroom Boxing events broadcast on Kayo Sports and Foxtel in 2026, bringing top-tier global boxing to Australian audiences. Following DAZN’s acquisition of Foxtel Group last year, the company has continued to expand its portfolio of sports content on its Kayo Sports streaming and Foxtel subscription TV platforms. The new partnership with Matchroom Boxing strengthens Foxtel Group’s position as Australia’s leading sports and entertainment media company. Matchroom Boxing’s elite roster is one of the strongest and most dynamic in the sport. Legends like Anthony Joshua, Katie Taylor, Unified Light Heavyweight king Dmitry Bivol and pound-for-pound superstar Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez lead the way. The newly crowned world champions in Dalton Smith, Lewis Crocker, and Josh Kelly showcase proven quality and fierce ambition, while Jaron “Boots” Ennis, Conor Benn and Ben Whittaker deliver mainstream attention and huge international pull. In the U.S., the likes of Sugar Nunez and Diego Pacheco bring global star potential. Leading female fighters Sandy Ryan, Elif Turhan, Skye Nicolson and Molly McCann guarantee intensity and draw major fan engagement. And emerging talents through the likes of Pat Brown, Leo Atang, Omari Jones, Teremoana Teremoana, Georgio Visioli, George Liddard, and Tiah Mai Ayton underscore not just the depth of Matchroom Boxing’s stable today, but the foundations of an exciting, lasting legacy for the generations to come. 

DAZN is the global home of boxing with established partnerships with the sport’s biggest promoters, a global distribution footprint, and strategic investment in premium storytelling. Together, DAZN and its partners are setting the standard for modern boxing coverage. DAZN Group CEO Shay Segev said, “Our new five-year deal with Matchroom Boxing builds on the success of our longstanding partnership and reaffirms DAZN as the global home of boxing. Matchroom Boxing trusts DAZN to deliver the best experiences for the biggest fights for boxing fans everywhere. Together, we’ll continue to raise the bar.” Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn said, “DAZN is the only partner that matches our ambitions for boxing. Their global platform, investment, passion and commitment to boxing make them the perfect partner for Matchroom Boxing’s fighters and events. This new, five-year deal in two of the world’s most important boxing markets reinforces our belief and trust in DAZN, and the scale of what we can achieve together.” 

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3rd El Presidente Cup Charity Golf Tournament To Support Youth And Sports Development

(Image Source: Facebook/Tribune Golf)

Golf enthusiasts will once again tee off for a greater cause as the 3rd El Presidente Cup: The Ramon S. Fernandez Charity Golf Tournament 2026 takes center stage on April 24, 2026 at The Orchard Golf & Country Club’s Palmer Course in Aguinaldo Highway, DasmariƱas, Cavite. More than just a competitive day on the fairways, the annual charity tournament aims to generate support for the Ramon S. Fernandez Sports and Youth Development Foundation Inc., an organization committed to empowering young Filipinos by providing opportunities through sports, education, and character-building programs. 

Participants will compete in a System 36 format with an 8:00 am shotgun start, ensuring an engaging and fast-paced tournament experience for players of varying skill levels. Organizers expect a strong turnout of golfers, partners, and advocates who share a common goal: using sport as a platform to inspire hope and create meaningful impact. Proceeds from the event will directly fund the foundation’s initiatives which focus on youth development, grassroots sports programs, and leadership formation — helping nurture the next generation of athletes and community leaders. Beyond the competition, players can look forward to a full day of fellowship and generosity, highlighted by meals, giveaways, raffle prizes, and trophies to be awarded to the tournament’s top performers. The event also serves as a gathering point for supporters, friends, and families united by a shared commitment to service and social responsibility. 

Organizers emphasized that the El Presidente Cup is not merely about winning trophies, but about “playing with heart” — where every swing contributes to a larger mission of giving back and making a lasting difference through golf. Registration is now open and interested participants are encouraged to gather their friends and flights and take part in a cause-driven tournament that blends sport, purpose, and community. 

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PFL MENA 2026 Season Kicks Off On May 8, 2026 In Khobar, Saudi Arabia — Showcasing The Region's Elite Featherweights, Lightweights, And Welterweights

(Image Source: Professional Fighters League)

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) announced that the 2026 PFL MENA will officially kick off on May 8, 2026 in Dhahran Expo, Khobar, Saudi Arabia, continuing the league’s commitment to showcasing the very best mixed martial arts talent from across the Middle East and North Africa. The third season of the tournament will feature the Middle East’s best fighters from the Featherweight, Lightweight, and Welterweight divisions alongside a slate of high-profile showcase bouts featuring the region’s fastest-rising stars. 

Headlining the season opening card will be the return of Salah Eddine Hamli, the reigning 2025 PFL MENA Lightweight Champion, as he steps back into the cage looking to launch another dominant campaign. Hamli’s championship pedigree and growing fanbase make him a centerpiece of PFL MENA’s continued growth, and his return sets the tone for what promises to be the league’s most competitive season yet. Ahmed Albrahim will make his long-awaited professional debut in a featured welterweight bout. A native of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, Albrahim will turn pro in front of his hometown fans and family — a key reason PFL selected Khobar to host the Season 3 opener. His debut represents a milestone moment for local MMA and underscores PFL MENA’s mission to create pathways for homegrown talent to shine on a global stage. Adding further regional star power, Bahrain MMA legend Hamza Kooheji will officially enter the 2026 PFL MENA Featherweight Tournament and make his promotional debut on the May 8 card. One of Bahrain’s most accomplished and recognized fighters, Kooheji’s inclusion is expected to draw strong support from neighboring Bahrain, reinforcing Khobar as a strategic host city capable of uniting fans from across the Gulf. 

“We are committed to building PFL MENA where the passion for MMA is strongest. Our desire is to be where the fans are, and that’s exactly why we selected Khobar to kick off PFL MENA’s third season. Between Salah’s return, Ahmed making his professional debut in front of his home crowd, and the opportunity to welcome Bahraini fans supporting Hamza Kooheji, this event represents everything PFL MENA stands for: regional pride, elite competition, and unforgettable moments,” said PFL MENA General Manager Jerome Mazet. With three divisions in tournament competition and a lineup featuring champions, hometown debuts, and regional icons, the 2026 PFL MENA is poised to elevate Middle Eastern MMA to even greater heights. Additional fights and event details will be announced in the coming weeks. 

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Harman PH's Larry Secreto, Manila Standard's Edwin Rollon Headline 3rd JBL Golf Cup Winners

3rd JBL Golf Cup Invitational Tournament Participants
The participants of the 3rd JBL Golf Cup Invitational Tournament (Image Source: Manila Standard/JBL Philippines)

Harman Philippines Director and Country Head Larry Secreto captured a championship in the Sponsors and Guests division while Manila Standard Tech and Mobility Trends and On-The-Road assistant editor and sportstek.ph content creator Edwin Rollon walked away with a brand-new Triumph Speed 400 in the recent 3rd JBL Golf Cup Invitational Tournament last February 13, 2026 at the Palmer Course of The Orchard Golf and Country Club in DasmariƱas, Cavite. Secreto topped Class B in the Sponsors and Guests division with 36 Stableford points. Jesse Guerrero placed first runner-up, followed by Sherwin Quizon. No player aced Hole No. 16 for the tournament’s hole-in-one prize, a brand new Triumph Speed 400 motorcycle. When offered as grand prize in the raffle it went to Rollon. 

In other divisions, Ryan Rizada ruled Class A, besting Pocholo Medina and Lorenzo Flores, while Allan Cristobal prevailed in Class C over Virgilio Farcon and Ricky Alarcon. Among media participants, Max De Leon of Business Mirror claimed the Media Class A crown, edging Manila Bulletin executive and former AFP Chief Hermogenes Esperon Jr. and former PBA star Vince Hizon. Manila Bulletin’s Gerrald Tan won the Media Class B title over teammate Rocky Nazareno and Manila Standard’s Randy Caluag. Jordan Tan Al’s delivered for MB topping Media Class C over James Tagle and Business Mirror’s Aldwin Tolosa. Carla Pena emerged as champion in the Ladies division, outplaying Stephanie Ligot-Tan and veteran sportscaster Patricia Hizon. Special awardees included Kenn Padua (Low Gross Champion), Renny Domingo (Longest Drive), Joel Orduna (Most Accurate), and Arlan Sallan (Nearest to the Pin). Other raffle prizes included an LG Smart LED TV, TaylorMade golf products, 3 Strokes merchandise, and JBL premium items such as the JBL PartyBox, JBL Tour Pro 3, and JBL Soundgear Frames. 

Building on the success of previous editions, the JBL Golf Cup drew partners from media, distributors, and dealers for a day of competition and camaraderie. The tournament opened with ceremonial drives led by Hans Kenneth Tan, Stanley Lo, Esperon, Sonny Coloma, Rocky Nazareno, Jun Farcon, Bobby Zamora, Celso Montalla, and Secreto — underscoring the partnerships behind the annual event. True to the brand’s identity, portable JBL speakers were integrated across the course with players enjoying on-the-go audio during the round. “We are proud to see how the JBL Golf Cup continues to grow each year. It’s more than a tournament — it’s a meaningful touchpoint for our partners and a reflection of the premium experiences that JBL stands for,” said Secreto. With another successful staging, the JBL Golf Cup continues to strengthen its position as a signature corporate sporting event that blends competition, community, and lifestyle. 

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PFL Africa Kicks Off Second Season On April 10, 2026 In Pretoria, South Africa

(Image Source: Professional Fighters League)

The Professional Fighters League announced that Season 2 of PFL Africa will officially kick off on Friday, April 10, 2026, live from the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa. The event marks the promotion’s return to the continent after a successful debut season. Season 2 will showcase rising African prospects alongside proven contenders from over 10 different nations across the continent. Headlining the event will be a Bantamweight Showcase Bout between inaugural PFL Africa Bantamweight Champion Nkosi “King” Ndebele (11-3) against Italy’s Michele “The Arrow” Clemente (7-1). 

Ndebele enters the showcase representing South Africa in front of his home crowd and looking to extend his perfect record in the PFL. With an 11-3-0 professional record that includes recent success on the PFL Africa circuit, the South African bantamweight is looking to make an impact. Standing 5'10" with a 75.5-inch reach, Ndebele has demonstrated finishing power throughout his career with knockout and submission victories across multiple promotions. He knocked out Boule Godogo in the PFL Africa Finals last year, earning him the championship title. Fans can expect an aggressive pace from the hometown fighter as he looks to showcase South African talent against international competition. Clemente brings a 7-1 professional record to the 135-pound contest with his lone loss coming via rear-naked choke submission in 2019. The 35-year-old Italian fighter has won four consecutive bouts since 2022, including a June 2024 submission victory over Aleksandar Coti. Clemente's technical striking and grappling credentials should provide a stern test for Ndebele in what promises to be a competitive showcase bout. The co-main event will see South Africa’s Justin Clarke (4-1) square off against Senegal’s Abdoulaye Kane (5-1) in a high-powered clash of heavyweights. Clarke will be seeking to use the host country advantage as he bounces back from his PFL Africa Heavyweight final loss, while Kane will be seeking to not just win, but achieve 3 successive KO wins. The matchup promises explosive action as both heavyweights look to position themselves as key contenders in PFL Africa. 

“PFL Africa reflects the ambition, energy, and identity of the continent. It’s more than MMA — it’s a fast-rising cultural platform built around Africa’s elite athletes, delivering world-class entertainment that extends far beyond the cage. As we grow, we’re uniting sport, culture, and fans across the continent.” said PFL Africa General Manager Elias Schulze. “The success of the inaugural season confirmed what we believed from day one - Africa is a powerhouse for mixed martial arts. This year, we look forward to supporting PFL Africa in building on the momentum, investing further in the athletes, and continuing to build a long-term platform that elevates African talent to the world,” said Helios Investment Partners Co-Founder and Managing Partner Tope Lawani. Additional fights for the PFL Africa Season 2 First Round and broadcast information will be announced in the coming weeks. 

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Over 10,000 Runners Join In The Fun At Doraemon Run 2026

(Image Source: Manila Standard/RUNRIO)

Smiles were all around as 10,000 fans and running aficionados joined in the fun in the first ever Doraemon Run 2026 held last February 15, 2026 at the SM Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City. In the end, Vincent Arvin Avestruz and Juevelyn Ratunil had the biggest of the crowd, winning the 10K race. Avestruz was way ahead of the field in the men’s side, clocking 33 minutes and 30 seconds in front of Neil Maramba (34:51) and Nelson Rodique (42:27). Ratunil also did the same on the women’s division, finishing in 52 minutes and 25 seconds to be followed by Aileene Martinez (54:23) and Carol Mallari (56:34). 

It’s the perfect celebration of active lifestyle combined with the love for all things Doraemon as the runners gamely interacted with beloved friends like Gian, Suneo, Shizuka, Nobita, and the magical Doraemon in this race organized by RUNRIO and AIPH Marketing Services and has SM Mall of Asia and SM Active Hub as official venue partners, Sip as official hydration partner, and Sip+ as official electrolyte partner. Justwin Guerrero topped the men’s 5K in 17:19, with Mark Biagtan (17:57) and John Amiel Buenviaje (19:43) joining him in the podium, while Jo Punay led the women’s 5K field in 22:10, ahead of Marjorie Denise Manguiat (22:36) and Cristelle Cristelle (26:01). Cavin Vidal also emerged as the fastest in the men’s 3K in 11:06 with Ganimid Jr Alvarez (12:37) and Vincent Florentino (13:25) giving chase, a Karla Marie Superiano topped the women’s 3K in 16:20 as Joanne Melanio (17:12) and Tiara Jerisse Medina (18:02) also made it to the top three. Speed was also the key for the 1K race winners, with Hanz Roxas (2:48) narrowly taking the men’s division win over Rodrigo Puda and James Roldan (2:50), as Xeanna George Baarde (3:39) won the women’s division over Kaela Martin (4:17) and Midori Morita (4:20). 

Fun was indeed the theme of the day as all runners received exclusive Doraemon race kits and took home themed goodie bags. The Doraemon Run 2026 also had Katinko, Salonpas, Nutrifizz, Fitbar, Quaker, Birch Tree Adult Boost, Lemon Square, Leslie, Hey Salad, Giggles, Dermplus, Regroe, Sneakerlab, Rev*, Park Access, and Jackery as sponsors. 

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