Month: July 2020

Arauz Injury Drama Forces August 1st LET BATTLE COMMENCE II to be Rescheduled to 15th August…with New Headline.

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LET BATTLE COMMENCE II, in Association with PAPA JOHN’S PIZZA and NEON ENERGY DRINK, which was due to take place this Saturday 1st August and headlined by PBC & WBU International Champion Nathan Beattie (10-4-0) against Nicaraguan Milton Arauz (10-3-1) has had to be rescheduled due to Injury and further last minute dramas.  

Nicaragua’s Milton Arauz has been forced to withdraw, due to a hand injury, however more bad news emerged when hastily arranged replacement Julio Bendana, who flew in yesterday, was  informed he must self isolate for fourteen days. 

On hearing the news Promoter Lee Mcallister was left with no option but to request permission from the British & Irish Boxing Authority (BIBA) to reschedule the event to the 15th August.

A few hours later another spanner was thrown into the works, when Nathan Beattie announced he wouldn’t be able to box on August 15th, as he had booked a holiday and flies out this Sunday, the day after the original fight night. 

Further discussions with the British & Irish Boxing Authority ensued and late on Thursday night it was agreed that the Nathan Beattie versus either Milton Arauz or Julio Bendana would be rescheduled to later in the series and the original 15th August headline Lee Mcallister versus Edwin Palacios would replace Beattie-Arauz. 

Further negotiations led to an increase of contests from five to seven, three of which were changed to four rounders, so that the majority of those due to fight on either the original 1st and 15th August events would still get to compete.

The updated card for LET BATTLE COMMENCE II, in Association with PAPA JOHN’S PIZZA and NEON ENERGY DRINK, which takes place on Saturday 15th August 2020 and will be broadcast exclusively live on FITE TV, is:

1) Middleweight 

Six time, Five Division World Champion, and Promoter of the LET BATTLE COMMENCE series, Lee McAllister makes his first appearance on the series and faces Spain based Nicaraguan Edwin Palacios in the headline fight. Palacios has stated he’s up to the challenge and to expect fireworks.

2) Featherweight 

Sensational Teen former Amateur Star Hollie Towl will be making her professional debut against equally sensational World Boxing Council (WBC) Muay Thai World Champion Natacha De Almeida from Switzerland, who will also be making her professional boxing debut.

3) Welterweight 

Unbeaten Jack Jones (4-0-0) from Leeds is set to take on Nicaraguan hard man Michael Isaac Carrero, after his original opponent Dean Porter withdrew.

4) Super Flyweight 

A truly mouthwatering contest sees PBC International Bronze Champion Nicola Hopewell go toe to toe with exciting Tasha Boyes from York, who will be making her professional debut.

5) Middleweight 

Liverpool’s Scott Mcintyre (4-1-0) is intent on making a major statement when he takes on seriously tough Nicaraguan Wilmer Gonzalez (21-18-1), as just a few fights back Gonzalez KOd a former WBF European and International Champion, the very same Champ responsible for the only loss on the Liverpudlian’s record.

6) Super Featherweight 

Denny’s Kevin Traynor (2-0-0) will need to be at his best when he takes on the current International Masters Champion Pablo Narvaez from Nicaragua.

5) Heavyweight 

The final fight of the night will pit debutant against debutant as Craig Dick takes on Michael Bassett, both the big lads have stated they will be looking to make a big impression on the 15th August.

Lee Mcallister versus Edwin Palacios headlines LET BATTLE COMMENCE III, in association with PAPA JOHN’S PIZZA and NEON ENERGY DRINK and will take place at the Northern Hotel in Aberdeen and broadcast exclusively live on FITE TV on Saturday 15TH AUGUST 2020.

LET BATTLE COMMENCE II PPV ($4.99)  www.fite.tv

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EGGINGTON VS. CHEESEMAN WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER

by adminNews
EGGINGTON VS. CHEESEMAN WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER
19:00 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS 

19:15 FIRST BELL

10 x 3 mins Featherweight contest 
JORDAN GILL 8st 13lbs 12oz v REECE BELLOTTI 8st 13lbs 4oz              
(Chatteris)                                    (Watford)

Followed by
 
8 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest 
DALTON SMITH 10st 0lbs 8oz v NATHAN BENNETT 10st 0lbs 0oz
(Sheffield)                                    (Liverpool)

Followed by
 
10 x 3 mins vacant English Heavyweight Title 
FABIO WARDLEY 16st 0lbs 0oz v SIMON VALLILY 16st 0lbs 8oz
(Ipswich)                                         (Middlesbrough)

Followed by
 
12 x 3 mins vacant British Lightweight Title
JAMES TENNYSON 9st 8lbs 8oz v GAVIN GWYNNE 9st 8lbs 4oz
(Belfast)                                            (Treharris)

Followed by
 
12 x 3 mins IBF International Super-Welterweight Title 
SAM EGGINGTON 10st 13lbs 12oz v TED CHEESEMAN 10st 13lbs 4oz
(Stourbridge)                                       (Bermondsey)
 
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EGGINGTON VS. CHEESEMAN + UNDERCARD PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

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Eddie Hearn:

“Good afternoon everyone. Thank you to Chris and Darren. I’m a bit nervous actually! It’s been four or five months since I’ve done an actual live press conference. I’m used to doing them on ZOOM, but we are back! Fight Camp begins this Saturday, live on Sky Sports in the UK and live on DAZN across America as well. We’ve heard all of the puns, ‘it’s Matchroom Square Gardens, it’s Weekend at Hearnies’, whatever you want to call it. But the truth is, what an opportunity for these fighters and what an opportunity for our sport.

“I’ve seen other people come back, studios, empty casinos, great, and we credit them. We are different. We wanted to make a bang. We wanted to make an impact. We wanted to show you how great the sport of boxing is. This time you are going to hear everything. You’re going to hear pin drops around the house and the grounds of Matchroom HQ. You’re going to hear the punches land to the rib cage. You’re going to hear the fighters wincing in agony. You’re going to hear the fighters talking to each other, the referees instructions and you’re going to hear the dialogue between the corner teams when it gets really tough. 

“The world has changed in the last few months, and it may have changed forever. Maybe it has changed our sport forever. We’re back and what an opportunity for these guys. Maybe this is going to be what it’s like for the next couple of weeks, maybe it’s going to happen for the next couple of months. What I do know is Fight Camp has changed the dynamics of boxing. The pandemic has changed the dynamics of boxing because now fighters are stepping up quicker. They are realising they have to take their opportunity.

“The younger fighters coming through are realising they have to step up, particularly against British talents. Here we have two guys in Jordan Gill and Reece Bellotti who were probably due to have six round fights to come back and get their careers back on track. We spoke to both individuals and we said ‘this is a chance for Fight Camp to explode, do you want to be a part of it?’ They both grabbed the opportunity. Ten rounds in the Featherweight division. It’s two guys who I like a lot. We’ve come to a position in boxing where we’re now going to see this a lot. Putting our fighters in together in fights that we feel are going to give value for money for fans and broadcasters.”

Sam Eggington – Stourbridge, England – 28-6, 17 KO’s – defending his IBF International Super-Welterweight Title against Ted Cheeseman:

“Italy was a great adventure for me. I went over there with a chip on my shoulder thinking I had to get it done and get it done right to get me back to where I needed to be. We done that, came home and this is what’s next. I’m excited. As soon as I heard about these back garden brawls I rang Jon and said ‘we need to be a part of this’. I’m over the moon to be headlining the first one. It’s a good fight and it’s one that I believe I can win and look good in. It has all of the makings for a good night. You can lose and come back, history points to that. We’ve had big nights and we’ve had bad nights. They don’t define me. I’m still learning and I’m getting better. I’m getting bigger and stronger. I feel good, the weight has gone well and the training has gone well.”

Ted Cheeseman – Bermondsey, England – 15-2-1, 9 KOs – challenging Sam Eggington for the IBF International Super-Welterweight Title:

“If you stay determined and keep on pushing forwards you’ll be rewarded with the opportunities that you need. This is a big opportunity for me to refresh my career and push on. You look at Sam and you know what you get with him. I’m still young and I’m still a baby. I’m 24 but I’m maturing all of the time and over the past 18 months I’ve been learning a lot. I’ve had a lot of time to work on things. I’m making sure everything is perfect. Sam was a massive Welterweight but he isn’t as dominant at Light-Middle.”

James Tennyson – Belfast, Northern Ireland – 26-3, 22 KOs – fighting Gavin Gwynne for the vacant British Lightweight Title:

“You could say this is my first big tough fight up at Lightweight. Gavin Gwynne is a tough durable lad. He gave a real good account of himself against Joe Cordina. I’m expecting a tough night. The guy works hard. I’ve seen some of his interviews and he’s very confident about getting the win so I’m excited about this one. I need to be smart about my work. I need to stick to the game plan that me and my team have set out. I can’t go in there just relying on my power. Doing drastic weight cuts was killing me off. I was weak to the body and it showed. No I’ve moved up I’m a lot stronger and I’ll show that on fight night.”

Gavin Gwynne – Treharris, Wales – 12-1, 2 KOs – fighting James Tennyson for the vacant British Lightweight Title:

“It’s a life-changing opportunity for myself so I’m going to take it with both hands. He’s a massive puncher, it doesn’t matter if he’s at Lightweight or Super-Feather. He’s a massive puncher. You see the people he’s been in with and knocking over in two or three rounds. That speaks for itself so I’m definitely going to be wary of that. I’ve got to stick to the game plan during the fight. He’s been stopped before and I’m going to try and stop him again.”

Fabio Wardley – Ipswich, England – 8-0, 7 KOs – fighting Simon Vallily for the vacant English Heavyweight Title:

“On Saturday it’s the big test. Like everyone has been saying, it’s the coming out party, the announcement, the real test to get rid of some of those question marks people have about me. I expect Simon to bring the heat full force. He says this is the best shape that he’s been in and he’s been able to train properly with the lockdown. He’s fully focused on the gym and his training. Hopefully on Saturday night I get the best Simon Vallily. Hopefully I’ll then get the credit for taking on a real competitor and getting the win.”

Simon Vallily – Middlesbrough, England – 17-2-1, 7 KOs – fighting Fabio Wardley for the vacant English Heavyweight Title:

“I don’t think he’s man enough to grow a real moustache is he. It doesn’t suit him. It’s a great chance and a great opportunity. I’m in great shape for it. I’ve applied myself properly. I’m focused and I’ve trained well. I’ve train hard. I’ve trained properly and I’ve done it all right. Fabio possess some talent, I’m not going to sit here and say he doesn’t. He’s fast and he’s athletic but the best Simon Vallily beats the best Fabio Wardley. We haven’t see the best Simon Vallily, I’m sick of going on about it. I think he might be expecting the Simon Vallily from the Craig Glover fight. He’s managed by Dillian Whyte, wow. I haven’t lost no sleep over him.”

Dalton Smith – Sheffield, England – 5-0, 4 KOs – fighting Nathan Bennett in an eight round Super-Lightweight contest:

“This is my first real test and it’s one I feel very comfortable heading into. We’ve got to thank Eddie for setting this up and creating a big occasion. It’s time to get to business now and we’re here for one reason and that’s to fight. It’s my first step up and I’m very confident. This is the first time that I’ve done a full ten week professional camp. Last year is was very stop and start. I was very active last year. To have a durable opponent in Nathan Bennett drives you on in training and makes you train hard. You know you’ve got to be 100% and I know Nathan is going to be coming in 100%.”

Nathan Bennett – Liverpool, England – 9-1, 2 KOs – fighting Dalton Smith in an eight round Super-Lightweight contest:

“It’s an opportunity that I was looking for. When this lockdown came about I was meant to be fighting for the Central Area Title on the 6th of June. I’d boxed on the 14th of March and Dalton boxed on the 7th. Steve Wood phoned me and asked what I thought of Dalton Smith and I said ‘if you can make the fight, make the fight’. I believe in myself against anybody. At 140lbs I’ll give anyone a fight. Trust me on that one. On Saturday night I’m going to prove that. I can do the eight rounds on my head easy. We’ll find out on Saturday what the fight is going to start like.”

Jordan Gill – Chatteris, England – 24-1, 7 KOs – fighting Reece Bellotti in a 10 round Featherweight contest:

“It’s a huge opportunity for me and I’m glad to be a part of it. It’s part of history and it’s something we might not ever see again. Thanks for having me and I’m glad you like the barnet. It’s going to have to go at some point but we’ll see how it goes. It’s a fight that I’m looking forward to. When Dave rang and told me I was going to be fighting behind closed doors, he said my show was the first one cancelled so I had the first opportunity to come back, the name that was put to me first was Reece Bellotti and I said yes. No problem. It’s going to be a good fight and I think everyone is looking forward to it.”

Reece Bellotti – Watford, England – 14-3, 12 KOs – fighting Jordan Gill in a 10 round Featherweight contest:

“I didn’t perform to my best in Italy. It kind of is what it is. You don’t look back too much on it with excuses and things like that. It is what it is on the night. I got the offer for Jordan Gill and I thought it was a great fight for me to propel myself back up to where I want to be. Everyone has got their opinions on this fight. They say I carry power, I wouldn’t say that Jordan doesn’t punch hard just because his record doesn’t show it. It doesn’t mean he doesn’t punch hard. On his performances he definitely looks technically better than me, but on the night we could both turn up with different game plans. I’m going to leave everything in there on the night.”
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NEWS: WEIGH-IN RESULTS | ARTHUR vs SPELMAN | FRIDAY 31st JULY 7PM

by adminNews
Lyndon Arthur returns to action tomorrow night in a blockbuster Commonwealth Title clash against a tough challenger in Scunthorpe’s Dec Spelman.

Many have predicted that Spelman will give Arthur the toughest fight of his career, but Lyndon is confident of dispatching his opponent in just four rounds.

The prize? The winner will move forward to a future battle with Light Heavyweight superstar Anthony Yarde.

Rounding out the card will be Belfast banger Caoimhin Agyarko who takes on a step-up fight against Jez Smith, and Liverpool trio Brad Strand, Andrew Cain and Nick Ball will all make their Queensberry promotional debut.

Don’t miss any of the action live tomorrow night on BT Sport 1 at 7pm.

Please find all weigh-in photos here

All weights below:

ANDREW CAIN 9st 4.25lb
ED HARRISON 9st 2.5lb

BRAD STRAND 8st 11.75lb
BRETT FIDOE 8st 11.25lb

CAOIMHIN AGYARKO 11st 5.5lb
JEZ SMITH 11st 5.5lb

NICK BALL 9st 3.75lb
JEROME CAMPBELL 9st 2.5lb

LYNDON ARTHUR 12st 6.5lb
DEC SPELMAN 12st 6.5lb
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Scott Harrison Vs Paul Peers Headed Event Now Free to View in UK On Sports Channel Network (SCN) FreeView/YouView Ch 265

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The inaugural Lee Mcallister promoted LET BATTLE COMMENCE in association with PAPA JOHN’S PIZZA and NEON ENERGY DRINK that took place at the OYO Northern Hotel in Aberdeen back on the 18th July and broadcast live on FITE TV is now available in the United Kingdom Free to View on Sports Channel Network (SCN) on FreeView/YouView Channel 265.

The all action event was headlined by the return to the fray of lineal World Boxing Organization (WBO) Featherweight World Champion Scott Harrison versus Professional Boxing Council (PBC) International Lightweight Champion Paul Peers in a non-championship contest.

The main support features Orkney based 10 time Kickboxing World Champion Caitlin Foran making her professional boxing debut against Professional Boxing Council (PBC) International Bronze Champion in a non-championship contest.

The card also includes the exciting unbeaten Super Featherweight Lewis ‘Machine Gun’ Mulberry (4-0-0) in action against tough Nicaraguan Johnson Tellez.

Perth’s Adam Stewart (1-0-0) makes a welcome return to the ring after a three year sabbatical and goes toe to toe with Nicaragua’s Alexander Zeledon, who back in February beat Mancunian Prospect Dan Booth.

The opening fight of the night featured Aberdeen teenager Liam Allan making his professional debut against Puerto Rico’s Jose F Leon..

To watch LET BATTLE COMMENCE 1 tune in to Sports Channel Network (SCN) Channel 265 on YouView and Freeview in the UK.

LET BATTLE COMMENCE II, in association with PAPA JOHN’S PIZZA and NEON ENERGY DRINK, takes place at the Northern Hotel in Aberdeen and broadcast live and exclusive by FITE TV on Saturday 1ST AUGUST 2020.

The line-up for the 1st August is:

1) Lightweight 

PBC & WBU International Champion Nathan Beattie (10-4-0) has a seriously tough night ahead, when he steps in the ring with Nicaraguan Milton Arauz (10-3-1)

2) Super Flyweight 

A truly mouthwatering contest sees PBC International Bronze Champion Nicola Hopewell go toe to toe with exciting Tasha Boyes from York, who will be making her professional debut.

3) Middleweight 

Liverpool’s Scott Mcintyre (4-1-0) will take on the seriously tough Nicaraguan Wilmer Gonzalez (21-18-1), who just a few fights back KOd a well known WBF European and International Champ.

4) Super Featherweight 

Denny’s Kevin Traynor (2-0-0) will need to be at his best when he takes on the current International Masters Champion Pablo Narvaez from Nicaragua.

5) Heavyweight 

The final fight of the night will pit debutant against debutant as Craig Dick takes on Michael Bassett, both the big lads have stated they will be looking to make a big impression on the 1st August.

LET BATTLE COMMENCE II PPV on 1st August ($4.99) go to https://www.fite.tv/watch/let-battle-commence-beattie-arauz/2p7rq/

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SMITH: THE AMATEURS ARE IN THE PAST, I’VE GOT NEW GOALS TO ACHIEVE

by adminPress Releases
Gifted Sheffield standout ready for Bennett test
Dalton Smith, Sheffield’s most successful amateur boxer of all time,only has eyes for the future as he prepares to take the biggest step up in his pro career to date when he fights Liverpool’s Nathan Bennett over eight rounds in Brentwood, Essex on Saturday August 1, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

In a glittering amateur career, Smith established himself as one of the very best fighters in the country, winning medals at the Junior European Championships and youth Commonwealth Games, as well as representing Team GB around the World and taking on the very best amateurs on the planet in the World Series of Boxing.

Since swapping his Team GB vest for the paid ranks with Eddie’s Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing in March 2019, Smith has emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in the UK, winning all five of his bouts in impressive fashion and stopping all but one opponent inside the distance.

‘Thunder’s’ successful switch from the amateurs is all the more compelling given he had four operations on his hands before even starting his professional adventure, and the gifted 23-year-old says his hands are feeling stronger than ever as he looks to move 6-0 this weekend. 

“In the amateurs I had a lot of hand injuries towards the back of my career and I’ve got the scars to show for it.” said Smith. “I’ve had two operations on my right hand and I had to have a tendon repaired on my left hand. You can see why I say the gloves and the hand wraps have a big impact in the amateurs on fighter’s hands. I’d be going to tournaments, throwing punches but holding back. 

“It was like a mental thing where I’d had all of that time off with injuries and operations, I just didn’t want to go through all of that again. You just have to overcome that and have trust in yourself. They’ve been fine ever since. Now I’ve turned professional I get the pro wrap, the gloves are shaped better and I’ve not had not any hand trouble whatsoever.”

Trained by his father Grant at the Steel City Gym in Sheffield alongside former WBC Flyweight World Champion Charlie Edwards and his brother Sunny, Smith has settled well into life as a professional fighter and hopes to replicate his outstanding amateur achievements in the pro game. 

“My dad got a trophy cabinet for me to keep all of my medals and trophies together. I used to come back from a tournament and my dad would stack my medals in there. The trophies go back to when I was eleven when I first started competing. It’s nice to look back on my past achievements. It’s something to show your kids when you get older.

“I won National Titles all the way up to the Seniors. Just before I turned professional, I won the Senior ABA’s. I had a good amateur career so it’s nice to see all of my medals and look back on them but I’m in the professional game now and I’ve got new goals to achieve. I’ll have to get a new trophy cabinet now to stick the belts in. The amateurs are passed me now and success in professional game is my new goal.”

Smith vs. Bennett lands on Week 1 of Matchroom Fight Camp, top of the bill sees Sam Eggington (28-6, 17 KOs) put his IBF International Super-Welterweight Title on the line against Ted Cheeseman (15-2-1, 9 KOs), Belfast’s big-hitting James Tennyson (26-3, 22 KOs) takes on Cardiff’s Gavin Gwynne (12-1, 2 KOs) for the vacant British Lightweight Title, fast-rising Ipswich Heavyweight Fabio Wardley (8-0, 7 KOs) steps up to take on Middlesbrough’s Simon Vallily (17-2-1, 7 KOs) for the vacant English belt and Chatteris talent Jordan Gill (24-1, 7 KOs) meets Watford’s Reece Bellotti (14-3, 12 KOs) in an electric Featherweight battle.
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AGYARKO TAKES ON SMITH IN MIDDLEWEIGHT MAYHEM

by adminPress Releases
UNBEATEN MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDER Caoimhin Agyarko will take on Jez Smith live from the BT Studio on Friday night in the third of Frank Warren’s post-lockdown summer series.Heading up the show is the tasty looking light heavyweight collision between Lyndon Arthur and Dec Spelman with the Commonwealth title at stake in a fight where sparks are certain to fly.

Agyarko and Smith coming together is also a combustible cocktail containing mostly pure aggression and come forward intent from both fighters.

Agyarko (6-0), known as Black Thunder, recognises this domestic dust-up as his first big test, while Smith (11-1-1) acknowledges this is his time to shine in stepping up to middleweight for a golden opportunity to kickstart his career.

“Jez Smith is a decent opponent so I am looking forward to it,” said the 23-year-old from Belfast. “I have been wanting someone who will come and fight, someone who will throw back and leave openings. Someone who will test me as well, so this could be it.

“He has never fought at middleweight before, but he carries a bit of power for a welterweight and has five stoppages from his 11 wins. I’ll not be taking anything for granted. Regardless of whether he is a welterweight or not, I am taking it as my toughest fight to date and I am going to put on a good performance.

“Obviously I would have preferred a middleweight with a good record but nobody wanted to step up to the plate at this moment in time. Fair play to Jez for taking this fight and I am sure he will be out to prove everybody wrong and cause an upset.

“This is a stepping stone for me, a domestic dust-up and what I’ve been calling for. I am looking forward to getting the job done and moving on to bigger and better things.”

Smith, from Harrow, is undaunted by the mission of stepping up in weight and views the fight as his potential passport back to the big stage he operated on during his prospect phase.

“I’d been preparing for a fight in Belarus and working hard, but I didn’t know what was going on with travel quarantine,” said Smith, the younger brother of former WBO European champion Mitchell.

“So I put my name out there in case anything came up and then I got a message from my trainer saying we’ve been offered a fight at middleweight.

“I was going to fight between light middle and middle in Belarus so I said to myself it is just an extra few pounds and I believe I am big enough. To be honest with you, I look at Agyarko and I don’t think he is a middleweight.

“I believe he is not massive at the weight and, if he wanted to, he could do a lower weight. He is quite chunky but it doesn’t faze me and I believe I am strong enough and I spar bigger lads all the time.

“I can fight, I can box and, I’ll tell you one thing for sure, I am not coming in as a body. I am coming to win and he is going to get a tough night’s work.

“It is a massive opportunity for me. It is on BT Sport and if I put on a massive performance and turn him over it opens up a huge door for me.

“I am not saying I am going to fight at middleweight from now on, it is just a fight I believe I hold my own in. I believe I can win. I am not being unrealistic because I don’t think he is a world-beater. I’ve watched him and he is a good fighter, but I am believe I am too and I can’t wait to get in there.

“If people go off my last performance then more fool them.”

Also featuring on the card is the exciting Liverpool trio of Nick Ball, Andrew Cain and Brad Strand from the Everton Red Triangle gym. 11-0 featherweight Ball takes on the 6-0 Jerome Campbell from Kingsbury.Live coverage on BT Sport 1 begins at 7pm on Friday.
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UNDEFEATED HOT-SHOT SHAKAN PITTERS SIGNS PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MICK HENNESSY

by adminNews

Exciting Birmingham light-heavyweight ace joins Hennessy Sports with fights to be broadcast live on free-to-air Channel 5

First fight of new deal will see Pitters face Chad Sugden for the prized Lonsdale belt on Saturday 22nd August

Undefeated British Light-Heavyweight title contender Shakan Pitters has signed a long-term promotional agreement with renowned promoter Mick Hennessy as he advances to the next level of his career.

The Birmingham hot shot has won all 13 of his fights since turning professional in March 2017 and first came to public attention when he breezed through the Ultimate Boxxer 2 tournament in November 2018, winning three fights in one night to claim the top prize.

He captured his first professional title when he defeated Dec Spelman in a thrilling 10-round war to lift the English crown and close a successful 2019.  All set for a big 2020 with a challenge for the British title against Chad Sugden scheduled for March 28, Pitters then saw the fight cancelled just a week prior due to the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, Hennessy this week delivered the exciting and long-awaited news that boxing’s big return to free-to-air TV screens will be the Pitters versus Sugden British title showdown which headlines a thrilling five-fight card, exclusively live and free on Channel 5.   

Also on the summer sizzler of a card will be the comeback of Brixton cruiserweight title contender Isaac Chamberlain; Birmingham super-welterweight and Love Island star Idris Virgo; fast-rising Sevenoaks middleweight prospect Michael Hennessy Jr and a further Area Championship title fight to be confirmed that completes a real quality packed show.

At a towering 6’ 6”, ‘Big Shak’ stands, literally, head and shoulders above his 175lb rivals and combined with his long reach, it comes as no surprise that his idol is the legendary seven-time and five-weight World Champion Thomas ‘The Hitman’ Hearns who he shares physical similarities with.  

The all-action box-puncher possesses a solid and accurate left jab, knockout power in both hands and fast footwork, combined with his fighting heart and pride and a relentless desire to become a World Champion.   Mixed with his undoubted charisma, mega watt smile and persona, Hennessy believes he has all the tools and qualities to become a star in the sport and essentially a World Champion. 

Pitters’ natural athleticism was evident at an early age when he competed to a high level boxing in the juniors, but he was also a youth trainee footballer at West Bromwich Albion during his teenage years until he was released and then returned to boxing and pursued a career with his fists in the pros which has proved to be a dynamite choice.

Boxing also runs in the family blood with his father Colin, a professional middleweight in the early 1990s who once fought future WBC World Champion Richie Woodhall and top pros Steve Foster, Neville Brown and Adrian Dodson, plus his uncle Rob was also a top light-middleweight prospect.

Currently Pitters trains at Birmingham’s renowned factory of champions, the Eastside Gym in Bordesley Green, alongside IBF International Welterweight Champion Sam Eggington, and is managed by Jon Pegg and trained by Paul “Soggy’ Counihan.

Pitters joins the ever expanding and talented Hennessy Sports stable that includes recent top cruiserweight signing Isaac Chamberlain, European super-featherweight title contender Alex Dilmaghani and rising middleweight prospect Michael Hennessy Jr., alongside Hennessy managed fighters Hughie Fury and Savannah Marshall.

With his new promotional deal in place with Hennessy, who developed Carl Froch and Tyson Fury into mainstream stars and took them to World Championship honours and his future fights to be broadcast on free-to-air Channel 5, Pitters is ecstatic and can’t wait to get started on August 22nd.

“I’m absolutely delighted to sign with Mick Hennessy and join the Hennessy Sports stable,” enthused Pitters.  “My career is at the next stage and I believe that Mick is the man to take me where I want to go.  His track record of spotting and developing talent into champions is second-to-none and I’m sure I can repay his faith in me by delivering Championship titles.  I’m super excited to be fighting regularly on Channel 5 in front of an audience of million upon millions of viewers and with my fighting style and personality, I have got a fantastic platform to become a household name.  The next leg of my journey begins on Saturday 22nd August when I challenge for the British title against Sugden.  I’m not looking ahead of this fight, everything we’ve worked towards so far is on the line here and it means everything to me.” 

A delighted Hennessy said, “We welcome Shakan to the Hennessy Sports team and look forward to working with Jon as we take his career to the next level and beyond.  I’ve followed Shakan since he started his career and have always been impressed with him and how he handles himself inside and outside of the ring and it’s fantastic to now be guiding his career.  He’s a physical specimen blessed with great boxing skills, he can box, he can fight, he has a real aura and charisma that will crossover to the mainstream, but importantly his attitude and desire to go to the top and win a World title.  I really believe that he has something special and with my guidance and his exposure on free-to-air Channel 5, he can become a real star in the sport. The 175lb division is really heating up and Shakan can be in the heat of the action, but first and foremost he mustn’t overlook Chad who is a serious challenger for the British title and will be a big hurdle to get over first.”

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Nicola Hopewell Vs Tasha Boyes Features on Aberdeen Event This Saturday Live on FITE TV

by adminFemale Boxing

Exciting former Amateur Star Nicola Hopewell is set for her second pro boxing outing this coming Saturday, when she faces Yorks’ Tasha Boyes in a six round contest, as main support for Nathan Beattie (10-4-0) versus Milton Arauz (10-3-1) at the Northern Hotel in Aberdeen on the Lee McAllister promoted LET BATTLE COMMENCE II, in association with PAPA JOHN’s PIZZA and NEON ENERGY DRINK which will be broadcast live and exclusive on FITE TV on Saturday 1st August 2020.

As an Amateur Hopewell, a former England Pathway Squad member, shared the ring with a host of top class fighters including Commonwealth Gold Medalist and now undefeated pro boxer Lisa Whiteside and GB boxer Tori Ellis Willetts who is on the pathway for the Olympics. During her time at the Team GB facility in Sheffield Hopewell also sparred with the likes of double Olympic Gold Medalist Nicola Adams as well as WBC International Championship Challenger Nina Bradley and IBO and WBC World Champion Terri Harper.

On her pro debut back on March 7th this year, Hopewell beat Ghanaian former Elite Amateur Anita Addy, to secure her first pro victory via a second round stoppage.

Hopewell’s opponent on Saturday will be 28 year old Tasha Boyes from York, who only got into boxing a couple of years ago, after hearing about two sisters whose parents had died in the Manchester Bombing and she wanted to do something to help them in some way, so she decided to participate in a ‘White Collar’ boxing event to raise money for the orphaned sisters. 

Boyes’ second ‘White Collar’ outing was also to help someone in desperate need, this time a local boxer’s disabled daughter. By now Boyes was hooked and continued to compete on the unlicensed circuit, ultimately winning the British Challenge Title, then earlier this year she successfully applied for her professional license, but then within days everything came to an abrupt halt as the Nation went into lockdown.

Boyes clearly has a great approach to life, the sport of boxing, as well as the challenge ahead of her on Saturday, as was made clear by just one comment she made in a recent article in Fight Post where she said  “Going pro and doing my pro debut, it’s more to see where I’m at. I’m not too worried about getting a couple of losses. Like I say, I’m more about challenging myself.” 

Nicola Hopewell and Tasha Boyes careers may have been via very different routes, but come  Saturday night their journeys will lead to the very same ring.

Nicola Hopewell versus Tasha Boyes is the main support for the Nathan Beattie non-championship clash against Milton Arauz, that headlines the Lee McAllister promoted LET BATTLE COMMENCE II, in association with PAPA JOHN’s PIZZA and NEON ENERGY DRINK which will be broadcast live and exclusive on FITE TV on Saturday 1st August 2020.

The undercard also features Liverpool’s Scott Mcintyre (4-1-0) who will take on the seriously tough Nicaraguan Wilmer Gonzalez (21-18-1), who just a few fights back Knocked out a WBF European and International Champ, Denny’s Kevin Traynor (2-0-0) who will need to be at his best when he takes on the current International Masters Champion, Nicaraguan Pablo Narvaez The opening fight of the night will pit debutant against debutant as Craig Dick takes on Michael Bassett.

Nathan Beattie versus Milton Arauz headlines LET BATTLE COMMENCE II, in association with PAPA JOHN’S PIZZA and NEON ENERGY DRINK, takes place at the Northern Hotel in Aberdeen and broadcast live and exclusive by FITE TV on Saturday 1ST AUGUST 2020.

LET BATTLE COMMENCE II PPV on 1st August ($4.99 approx £4) go to https://www.fite.tv/watch/let-battle-commence-beattie-arauz/2p7rq/

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Beattie Vs Arauz Headlines Let Battle Commence II in Aberdeen this Saturday Exclusively Live on FITE TV.

by adminNews

Aberdeen’s, reigning World Boxing Union (WBU) and Professional Boxing Council (PBC) International Champion, Nathan Beattie (10-4-0) is set to go toe-to-toe with Jinotega, Nicaragua’s Milton Arauz (10-3-1) in a six round non-championship contest as the headline fight of the second edition of the Lee Mcallister promoted LET BATTLE COMMENCE series, in Association with PAPA JOHN’S PIZZA and NEON ENERGY DRINK this coming Saturday at the OYO Northern Hotel in Aberdeen, which will be broadcast exclusively live on FITE TV.

The first edition of the ‘behind closed doors’ series, that took place back on July 18th, was headlined by the return of lineal World Boxing Organization (WBO) Featherweight World King Scott Harrison (28-3-2), who was victorious on his return with a third round stoppage over Orkney based Liverpudlian Paul Peers (7-5-0).

The undercard hosted the debut of ten time Kickboxing World Champion Caitlin Foran, who secured a close fought points victory over York’s Jaime Bates, as well as Essex’s unbeaten Lewis ‘Machine Gun’ Mulberry (4-0-0)  who also secured a points victory over tough Nicaraguan Johnson Tellez.

The opening two contests were both decided by knockouts, local Teenager Liam Allan securing a second round stoppage win on his debut over Puerto Rico’s Jose F Leon and Perth’s Adam Stewart scored a fourth round stoppage victory over Alexander Zeledon, who in February just before the lockdown came into force had beaten Manchester unbeaten prospect Dan Booth.

This coming Saturday’s event follows the same all action format of five contests, one featuring a current Champion, one Female contest, two ‘Prospects’ contest and a bout featuring a debut, each limited to a maximum of six rounds in order to comply with the Government’s current post lockdown guidelines and are:

1) Lightweight 

PBC & WBU International Champion Nathan Beattie (10-4-0) has a seriously tough night ahead, when he steps in the ring with Nicaraguan Milton Arauz (10-3-1)

2) Super Flyweight 

A truly mouthwatering contest sees Worksop’s Nicola Hopewell (1-0-0) go toe to toe with Tasha Boyes from York, who will be making her professional debut.

3) Middleweight 

Liverpool’s Scott Mcintyre (4-1-0) will take on the seriously tough Nicaraguan Wilmer Gonzalez (21-18-1), who just a few fights back Knocked out a WBF European and International Champ.

4) Super Featherweight 

Denny’s Kevin Traynor (2-0-0) will need to be at his best when he takes on the current International Masters Champion, Nicaraguan Pablo Narvaez

5) Heavyweight 

The opening fight of the night will pit debutant against debutant as Craig Dick takes on Michael Bassett, both the big lads have stated they will be looking to make a big impression on the 1st August.

Nathan Beattie versus Milton Arauz headlines LET BATTLE COMMENCE II, in association with PAPA JOHN’S PIZZA and NEON ENERGY DRINK, takes place at the Northern Hotel in Aberdeen and broadcast live and exclusive by FITE TV on Saturday 1ST AUGUST 2020.

LET BATTLE COMMENCE II PPV on 1st August ($4.99 approx £4) go to https://www.fite.tv/watch/let-battle-commence-beattie-arauz/2p7rq/

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