It’s no April Fool’s joke.
Jorge Masvidal has a big card planned for Gambred Boxing 4 on April 1, one that will include a host of MMA notables.
Appearing on The MMA Hour on Monday, Masvidal revealed that Anthony Pettis will headline the show against boxing legend Roy Jones Jr.
Pettis, a former UFC and WEC lightweight champion, was most recently seen competing for the Professional Fighters League. His last season didn’t end well, however, with “Showtime” losing to fellow UFC vet Stevie Ray twice in 2022, ending up being bounced from the playoffs by the Scotsman.
Roy Jones Jr., who retired as a pro back in 2018 with a record of 66-9, was last seen in an exhibition bout against Mike Tyson in 2020. The bout was ruled a draw as it went the distance due to its exhibition nature, with most feeling Tyson would have won.
The big name match-ups don’t stop there. Jose Aldo, who will make his pro boxing debut later this month, will return to the ring against an old UFC rival in Jeremy Stephens. Vitor Belfort, meanwhile, will take on Jacare Souza, in a match-up of Brazilian legends.
Paul “Semtex” Daley, who retired from MMA last year, will also take part, facing Anthony Taylor, who infamously scuffled with Dillon Danis following a Misfits Boxing weigh-in last year. UFC vets Pearl Gonzalez and Gina Mazany will also collide.
According to Masvidal, all of the announced bouts will be six rounds, except for the main event. That is likely to be a 10-round affair. All will also be professional bouts, not exhibitions.
“Always been a fan of Roy Jones, always wanted to work with Roy Jones in some capacity,” Masvidal said Monday.
Gamebred Boxing 4 will take place at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on April 1, 2023. The full card as it currently sits breaks down as follows:
Anthony Pettis vs. Roy Jones Jr.
Vitor Belfort vs. Ronaldo Souza
Jose Aldo vs. Jeremy Stephens
Devin Cushing vs. Damian Marciano
Pearl Gonzalez vs. Gina Mazany
Paul Daley vs. Anthony Taylor
Dillon Klecker vs. Josh Burns
Bi Nguyen vs. TBD
