Matchroom sign 17-0 lightweight star

Haven Brady Jr. has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom

American Haven Brady Jr. (17-0 7 KOs) has put pen to paper with British promoter Hearn ahead of a crucial chapter in his career, as the Bozy Ennis-trained WBC USA Silver champion looks to rise up the ranks in the 135lb division.

‘Hitman’ will return to the ring on Friday August 28 in an eight-round lightweight clash against Nicaragua’s Bryan Jimenez (18-4 10 KOs) as part of the first event of Matchroom and DAZN’s ‘Project Series’ at Caribe Royale in Orlando, in association with Boxlab Promotions - and the 24-year-old will be looking to get a first win of 2026 under his belt before watching the main event with great interest, where Corey Marksman takes on Christian Barreto for the WBA Continental Americas and WBO Global lightweight titles.

“I’m proud to officially announce my signing with Matchroom,” said Brady Jr. “This is a defining moment in my career and the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity, focused on the work ahead, and determined to reach the highest level of the sport.”

“I’m delighted to welcome Haven to the team,” said Hearn. “Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis, Bozy and the guys in The Dungeon in Philly have told us that this young man is the real deal, and we’re going to give him every opportunity to prove that.

“Getting Haven on our first Project Series card in Orlando is exactly what this new venture is designed for – giving the next generation of stars a platform to strut their stuff, and a potential fight between Haven and the winner of the main event could well be next.”

Brady Jr. takes his place on the first Project Series card in the Sunshine State, as Matchroom and DAZN look to test rising stars on the platform.

Corey Marksman vs Christian Barreto

Marksman (13-0-1 9 KOs) gets his wish after he called on promoter Eddie Hearn to give him more opportunities after his last outing at Caribe Royale in March, where he defeated Jaycob Gomez to land the WBA strap he defends for the first time in August.

The 25-year-old took his sixth unbeaten record from his opponents that night and will be out to do the same and add the WBO Global strap in his second ten round bout and tenth contest at Caribe Royale.

Barreto (15-0 9 KOs) boxes for his first titles and the first 10-round bout of his career, and the Puerto Rican known as El Capitán, backed by Miguel Cotto Promotions, can burst into the big time by taking out Marksman in his third fight on US soil, and second at Caribe Royale.

The co-main event is an all-Florida affair between two more unbeaten talents as Alex Bray takes on Antraveous ‘Yamz’ Ingram over 10 rounds at Super-Welterweight. Bray (11-0 8 KOs) went the distance in his first ten round action in February at Caribe Royale, making it 11 wins from 11 in the paid ranks for the 20-year-old who turned pro in July 2023.

Ingram (13-0-1 7 KOs) fights at Caribe Royale for the 11th time in a row, and the 27-year-old believes a taking Bray’s unbeaten record can see him make a splash in the 154lb division.

Two more bouts confirmed for the first Project Series card sees unbeaten Lightweight Kaipo Gallegos (12-0-1 9 KOs) take on Desmond Lyons (11-3 2 KOs) over eight rounds, and Puerto Rico’s Carlos DeLeon (8-0 6 KOs) meets Nicaragua’s Maxwel Montes (13-5-1 7 KOs) over eight rounds at Super-Featherweight.