Month: April 2021

I’VE GOT TO FIGHT MY WAY BACK SAYS FITZGERALD

by adminNews

Fitzy’ returns on Chisora vs. Parker undercard

Scott Fitzgerald says he has put his out of the ring problems behind him as he focuses on getting back to the top of a thriving domestic Super-Welterweight division in 2021 that includes former opponents Ted Cheeseman and Anthony Fowler.

The unbeaten Preston fighter (14-0, 9 KOs) was last seen in action outpointing Cheeseman at the Newcastle Arena back in October 2019 to capture the British Super-Welterweight Title, and makes his ring return a year and a half later against Gregory Trenel on the Derek Chisora vs. Joseph Parker undercard this Saturday May 1 at the AO Arena, Manchester.

‘Fitzy’ handed Liverpool’s Fowler a first defeat in the pros when he dropped and outscored ‘The Machine’ at the M&S Bank Arena in March 2019. Whilst both Cheeseman and Fowler have kicked on since their losses to Fitzgerald, the 29-year-old is confident he is still the number one 154lbs fighter in Britain and is open to rematches with either to prove it.

“I’m feeling really good,” said Fitzgerald. “I’ve been training solidly for all of this year and I’m just looking forward to getting back in there and getting back on track with my career. Last year was a really bad one and I’m embarrassed by some of my actions and the way I behaved. It’s in the past and I’ve got to look forward and move on. I’m 29 so I’m not that young of a man now. It’s gone quick. I was 21 two minutes ago. Next thing you know you’re nearly 30 aren’t you.

“You’ve got to learn from the mistakes and make sure they don’t happen again. These last two years have gone so fast it’s scary. It will be nearly a year and a half since I last boxed. In over two years I’ve only boxed twice. It’s time to put my foot down and make sure I make the most of my last years in the game. I have two children now and it gives me extra motivation to go and create a nice life for them. It’s not about me, I’ve got to do it for them. I’ll keep my head down, work hard and provide a nice life for them.

“I saw the Cheeseman vs. Metcalf fight the other week and that was a really good fight. It was a great win and a great performance from Ted. He looks like he’s got himself in a good place. I’ve sort of let them get above me, so I’ve got to fight my way back. Hopefully the Ted or Fowler rematch can happen before the year is up. I’ve got to make sure I win against whoever they put in front of me.

“It’s gone fast since the Cheeseman win. A lot of that time was just a blur. My dream was to win that British Title and I won it. I didn’t get right back in the gym like I should have. By the time I did get back to it COVID had kicked in. I kept saying to my dad, ‘I’m just going to chill until this COVID is done and then we’ll get back on it’.

“Not fighting in 18 months, right now I want a few fights, one or two fights, and then trying to get my British Title back would be a nice move for me. Get that back and maybe win it outright or just move on from there to European and world level. There are good fights for me for that British Title. There’s Cheeseman who’s just looked good winning it back. There’s Fowler, he’s looked good in some performances. They might fight each other for it in the meantime. I beat both of them. Whichever one of them is holding it – if they want to get their revenge, they can give me that fight can’t they. Get one or two fights in and I’m ready for either one of them.

“Fowler especially. I’d like to go back and do an even better job and move on from there. I saw bits of his fight with Fortea the other week and he looked decent. He’s not. He’s changed a few things, but he’ll still always be the same. I’m confident I can beat him again and do a better job on him. I have to make sure I’m on it. No slip-ups. Get the win this weekend and I can move onto these bigger ones then.”

Fitzgerald vs. Trenel is part of an unmissable night of action in Manchester, Derek Chisora (32-10, 23 KOs) and Joseph Parker (28-2, 21 KOs) collide in a huge Heavyweight clash, Irish star Katie Taylor (17-0, 6 KOs) defends her Undisputed Lightweight crown against former amateur rival Natasha Jonas (9-1-1, 7 KOs), undefeated WBA Light-Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol (17-0, 11 KOs) puts his Title on the line against Craig Richards (16-1-1, 9 KOs), Chris Eubank Jr (29-2, 22 KOs) returns against Marcus Morrison (23-3, 16 KOs), Belfast’s James Tennyson (28-3, 24 KOs) faces Mexico’s Jovanni Straffon (23-3-1, 16 KOs) for the IBO Lightweight World Title and Lightweight prospect Campbell Hatton (1-0) fights in his home city for the first time as a pro.

Tagged :

SUNNY EDWARDS, CONLAN/BALUTA PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

by adminChampionship News

SUNNY EDWARDS BIDS for world title glory on Friday night at York Hall when he takes on the formidable IBF flyweight champion Moruti Mthalane, live on BT Sport 1 from 7pm.

The challenger faced the media today, along with Michael Conlan and Ionut Baluta who make up the bantamweight chief support.

Below is a selection of quotes from the preview event.

Sunny Edwards, 15-0-0 (4)

I don’t think anyone has ever come to a press conference and said they have been really struggling or a camp has been hard. Every camp is hard, but it went as well as it could have gone. I want to thank Frank, MTK and BT. I have had a lot of notice for this fight and people inside the offices know I have taken short-notice fights, hard title fights at four and a half weeks notice and less than that.

For this one I have had 13 weeks where I have known the opponent, the scale of the fight and the event for a very, very long time. I have had the time to prepare meticulously, my trainer Grant has done a great job, as always, and the team is very strong. I am just looking forward to welcoming myself to the world scene on Friday night.

I need to look like myself on the poster! They must have great photoshop skills or must have foreseen the future with me being in great shape. I have always known what to do and how to get there, but with using my talent I have allowed myself to cut corners when I shouldn’t have. I’ve always trained hard and I am very fit, I am always in the gym and love training. I don’t do anything else, if i don’t go to the gym I am pretty much sitting around the house all day. Apart from my sons, there is not much more to me than boxing, if I am honest.

It has been easy to make the adjustments and my strength and conditioning coach has been cooking for me the last 13 weeks. Together with my food sponsor, the food has been put on a plate for me and I haven’t had to think about what times I am eating. It has been a good run-up, I have dedicated and committed myself to it and I am hoping those efforts will show on Friday.

Having kids has really made me appreciate what I had growing up, the opportunities I had. One thing I can say about my dad is there was never a lack of effort that went into me or my brother. He was 100 per cent full tilt from early on and we used to run something like 36 miles a week, much more than I do now!

You’ve got to enjoy the journey. Too many people focus on the destination to make them happy, but if you enjoy the day to day, whether it is camp or dieting, these are the best times of my life and a lot of boxers forget that. I am enjoying every second of it, enjoying walking in and seeing big posters of myself next to a good friend in Michael Conlan, who was a hero of mine.

It is good to be recognised as part of the top tier by just challenging for a world title and I will make my claim on Friday to join the handful of British world champions and one of the two Frank Warren promoted ones next to big Tyson. I will be where I feel I have deserved to be for a long, long time.

I don’t really know my optimum weight because I have never before applied myself like I have this time. I am eating four meals a day, two steaks yesterday and a steak and two eggs already today, with two more meals to come. I have never been like this on fight week and normally I look at food and see weight. I’ve done it properly and jumped off the scales at 51.8 yesterday, which is under the super fly limit and normally with the cut I do you would see me very drawn and my eyes a bit poppy. I look different this time and probably could drop down to light flyweight. If I lose I will just blame the weight and move down!

One realism when I first called for this fight was that he was the only MTK-signed champ. I have seen him spar up close and logged enough upstairs to think when the time comes I would be able to take him. That is no slight on him because he is a great, great world champion. I don’t need to sell him anymore than the media team has been selling him, other than to let everyone know he is a proper world champion.

I just wanted the best and he has been ranked No.1 by Ring Magazine for a little bit now. That is what I want, although I am not quite sure how the Ring rankings work, but surely if you beat the man you become the man. I am trying to be the best at the weight and, from being No.1, I can then start looking down and pick off the other champions.

I want to be at the top of the tree and recognised as such. I want to test myself and be known as one of those fighters who takes the best/hardest fights, the biggest fights that my name and platform will allow me to have.

I’ve got a ‘no quit regardless’ mentality and I think I will learn more from the 12 rounds on Friday night than I have in a large proportion of the rest of my career, which is why I am looking forward to it.

MICHAEL CONLAN 14-0-0 (8)

It has been an up and down 12 months. The things that have happened are part of life and everything happens for a reason. Before my injury my performance last August (Sofiane Takoucht) was my best as a professional and I believe I am now continuing on from that. I have had injuries, we have had a pandemic, but it is what it is. I was devastated when I did my ankle, but it happened for a reason and now I am back, fully recovered and looking forward to Baluta on Friday. I was already planning to move down to Super-Bantamweight before my injury in December. The pandemic showed me how easy it was to drop down. I am making 122lb very comfortably. I actually make 122lb easier than I was 126lb and that’s nice. I am looking forward to going in and putting a performance on. This is the weight where you will see the best performances from me and that is what I am looking forward to. This fight cements my mandatory position with the WBO and hopefully I will fight for the belt this year. I am very confident of that happening. First, I have to get rid of Ionut and I believe I will do it in good fashion. I don’t need to ask anything about his win against David Oliver Joyce. I look at him and I see what I have to see.  Ionut has pulled off two very wins recently and he is a very good fighter. He is a very dangerous fighter. He has beaten two Irish guys (TJ Doheny and David Oliver Joyce) in a row and his confidence is sky high. I believe that I will put on a performance and shut that completely down.

IONUT BALATA 14-2-0 (3)

This is a great opportunity to fight Michael and I am hopeful that he will be the third Irish fighter I beat. I will be doing the best I can. I respect Michael as a fighter. He is a very good fighter, but we are about to find out who is the best between us. I am very focused on winning this and wont think about the future. This fight is very important as regards getting a World title fight in the future.

Tagged : /

JONAS: TAYLOR HAS BEEN UNFINISHED BUSINESS SINCE 2012

by adminChampionship News / Female Boxing
‘Miss GB’ out to avenge Olympics loss
Tasha Jonas says she has “unfinished business” with former amateur foe Katie Taylor and has promised to settle the score when she faces the Irish star for the Undisputed Lightweight World Titles at the AO Arena, Manchester on Saturday May 1, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and on DAZN in all markets excluding the UK, Ireland, China, New Zealand and Samoa.

‘Miss GB’ came agonisingly close to winning her first World Title at the age of 36 last summer when she battled to a thrilling draw with WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight Champion Terri Harper at Matchroom Fight Camp. It was the first time that two British women had competed against each other for a Word Title, and the all-action fight more than lived up to the occasion. 

The Liverpudlian met Taylor in the quarter-final stages of the London 2012 Olympic Games, losing out on points to the eventual winner of the tournament. The pair meet again nearly ten years down the line this weekend, and Jonas is confident of avenging her loss and handing a first defeat to the icon of women’s boxing. 

“I’ve finally established myself at world level which is where I always wanted to be,” said Jonas. “I think I was a bit unlucky that night. I’ve always said I’m not going to keep banging on the door of Terri Harper. I’ve put myself in mandatory positions and I’ll make the fight have to happen again, but I’m not going to wait around and I haven’t done that. Other opportunities have come forward and they’re the ones that I have taken. 

“Ever since I turned pro that’s always been the fight that everybody has wanted to see. There was 12,000 people in the arena at the time and we got the loudest crowd participation – that was the Irish and the Scousers going at it! It was brilliant. My amateur coach had been all around watching boxing, some of the biggest fights, and he said he’d never heard an atmosphere like it. It’s a little bit sad that fans won’t be there this time, but it was a spectacle and that’s what we hope to do again. 

“All eyes will be on us again and I think both of us will step up to the plate. I know I have to be better than I was last time. Without disrespecting anyone, she’s in a different league to any other opponents before. I’ve fought her before, and I’ll be ready. I’ve always wanted to be a World Champion, one fight could give me that, and everything else. It’s a huge moment for me and my career. I have to be better than I was before, which I’m prepared to do. 

“People say you have these turning points in life. As successful as my amateur career was, I didn’t achieve things that I wanted to. That was the whole point of me coming back and being a pro. There was unfinished business. Katie Taylor has been the unfinished business since 2012. To come back and not only beat her and win her Titles, to become Undisputed – what more could you ask for as a professional boxer? That’s everything. You’ve done it all within one fight. 

“Even throughout her amateur career she’s always set the bar really high and we’ve always had to catch her up. She presents herself well. She’s very positive. She’s been a great role model. That’s carried on into the professionals. When we step into the ring on fight night, she’s going to have to earn that respect. I’ve got all of the admiration and respect for her outside of the ring, but in the ring, you have to earn it. That’s what I’ll do.

“I don’t visualise anything if I’m honest. I prepare myself for every eventuality. That’s what I did with Terri and that’s probably the only time we’ve done that. That’s probably what I’ll do this time. Whatever Terri came with, I had an answer for. I think I’ll do the same with Katie. I’ll prepare for every best version of Katie. Any way that she can come at me, I’ll have an answer for it. The best version of me is a tough fight for anyone, Katie included.”

Taylor vs. Jonas is part of an unmissable night of action in Manchester, Derek Chisora (32-10, 23 KOs) and Joseph Parker (28-2, 21 KOs) collide in a huge Heavyweight clash, undefeated WBA Light-Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol (17-0, 11 KOs) puts his Title on the line against Craig Richards (16-1-1, 9 KOs), Chris Eubank Jr (29-2, 22 KOs) returns against Marcus Morrison (23-3, 16 KOs), Belfast’s James Tennyson (28-3, 24 KOs) faces Mexico’s Jovanni Straffon (23-3-1, 16 KOs) for the IBO Lightweight World Title, Preston Super-Welterweight Scott Fitzgerald (14-0, 9 KOs) makes his long awaited return and Lightweight prospect Campbell Hatton (1-0) fights in his home city for the first time as a pro. 
 
Tagged : /

EDWARDS OUT TO UPSET ODDS, BECOME WORLD CHAMPION

by adminNews
SUNNY EDWARDS HAS vowed to make sure 2021 is another big year for the underdogs by following in the 2020 footsteps of Teofimo Lopez, Dillian Whyte and Jeison Rosario by shocking the boxing world when he takes on IBF Flyweight World Champion Moruti Mthalane.

Last year saw the bookies – along with a good few pundits – rocked by a series of high profile fistic upsets, and 2021 has started in a similar fashion with Mauricio Lara and Lennox Clarke recording stunning victories over higher ranked opponents.

Upsetting the odds is what Edwards will need to do if he wants to take possession of the IBF belt held by the battle-hardened champion on April 30, live on BT Sport.

This particular betting underdog is a dedicated lover of our canine friends and will need to summon up the bulldog spirit of his beloved hounds against the 39-2 ruler of the division, with 26 KOs to his name.

Edwards is the proud owner of two American Bullys – Duchess and Kilo – who he insists are not quite as fierce as they look. He knows it is up to him to prove once more that underdogs can snap and bite with the best of the pedigree champions.

“I am pretty happy to be considered the underdog,” confirmed the 25-year-old. “They have been on a great run recently and especially since boxing went behind closed doors.

“It is a trend I am confident of continuing and when I get the belt it will be in safe keeping with Kilo and Duchess protecting the crown jewels! I might have to ask the IBF about sanctioning some world champion dog collars if it all goes my way.

“And I know my dogs look quite mean, but they are big teddy bears!”

Edwards goes into battle admitting that he might be minus the supposed menaces of his four-legged family and will need to assess what he is up against in the opening couple of rounds.

“I think I will have to move around and have a look for the whole 12 rounds, to be honest. You don’t go head on against an immovable object, I’ve got to try and work around it for as long as I can.

“This is definitely a 12-round fight and I have trained for 15. All I know is, I wouldn’t try and beat him in an arm wrestle, so I am not going to try and beat him in a fight!”

Edwards is both familiar and friendly with the 38-year-old, known as ‘Babyface’, since spending time together over in Ukraine at a training camp.

“It is a friendly one since we were together in Ukraine and we have got each other on social media, so it has always been a ‘good luck’ or ‘well done’ before and after fights. He is top of the division, top of the tree and he is where everybody else wants to be.

“He is heavily avoided, we know that. I think he’s had like 10 world title fights and nobody has ever given him a unification shot. He has proved time and time again he will be the away fighter, even as a world champion.

“I think you have to understand the beast I am getting in the ring with, to be honest. I do.

“When I got out of the ring in Ukraine he said I would 100 per cent be a world champion, when I asked him for a picture. Hopefully that 100 per cent will be on April 30 and against him, but he is such a nice man and a great champion.

“I do genuinely feel honoured to be sharing a ring with him, but all the friendliness will fall by the wayside when that first bell goes. I just need to win and having that world title would mean the absolute world to me and it would put me up there with the top British fighters right now.”
Tagged :

RICHARDS: THERE’S NO PRESSURE ON ME!

by adminChampionship News
‘Spider’ ready to upset WBA Champion Bivol
Craig Richards says all of the pressure is on Dmitry Bivol ahead of their clash for the WBA Light-Heavyweight World Title this Saturday May 1 at the AO Arena, Manchester, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and on DAZN in all markets excluding the UK, Ireland, China, New Zealand and Samoa.

Richards (16-1-1, 9 KOs) delivered a Fight of the Year contender last time out in December against fierce rival Shakan Pitters as he stopped the Birmingham man in nine rounds to capture the British Light-Heavyweight crown.

Ranked at number 5 in the world with the WBA and number 7 with the IBF, ‘Spider’ earned his shot at world honours by remaining undefeated since his sole career loss against former World Title challenger Frank Buglioni in October 2017.

The Crystal Palace fighter, 30, comes into this weekend’s showdown with Russia’s long-reigning champion Bivol as a huge underdog and is all too aware of the huge task at hand, but feels he brings something to the table that none of Bivol’s previous 17 opponents possessed. 

“You come into boxing to become a World Champion – that’s always the goal,” said Richards. “I couldn’t be any happier that I have the opportunity to do that on Saturday. I’ve been fortunate to have these opportunities to push my career forwards. Getting the WBA Continental, getting myself in the world rankings. I’ve been in the top 10 with the WBA for two years now. I’m ranked a number 5 with the WBA and I’m in the top ten with the IBF as well. 

“I’ve boxed on a lot of big stages already. I’ve boxed unbeaten fighters, I’ve had pressure fights, 50-50 fights and underdog fights. I’ve really been under pressure in my career constantly. All of those experiences have pushed me and got me prepared for this moment. I believe that every step gets your prepared for the next one. I’ve taken the right steps. Now it’s another step. I’m the underdog again. I’ve had to do things the hard way to get myself into this position. 

“I know this guy is no joke. I’ve made sure I’m prepared in all areas. He’s a good fighter. He likes to be busy at times. He has decent footwork. There’s a couple of good names on his record. I don’t believe he’s boxed someone who brings the stuff I bring to the ring. I think he’s boxed a lot of different types of styles. I think my style is slightly different and I don’t think he’s crossed that yet. 

“The bigger the challenge, the more exciting it is for me. I always get up for a challenge. Every time I’m in a big Title fight when I’m the underdog, I go out there and I get the job done. I haven’t had to go through the gears yet. This is the sort of fight that will get the best out of me. I’ll show everyone what I’m really about. All I think about is that first bell. That’ the moment I really can’t wait for.

“There’s no pressure on me, there’s pressure on him. He’s the World Champion. He’s meant to be this big star. He’s meant to be this super champion from Russia. He’s going to want to go out there and look tremendous. He’ll want to make a statement, so there’s going to be pressure on him to go out there and perform. The pressure is on him, but I’m putting pressure on myself because I want to make sure I get that Title and prove everyone wrong.”

Bivol vs. Richards is part of a huge night of action in Manchester, Derek Chisora (32-10, 23 KOs) and Joseph Parker (28-2, 21 KOs) collide in a huge Heavyweight clash, Irish star Katie Taylor (17-0, 6 KOs) defends her Undisputed Lightweight crown against former amateur rival Natasha Jonas (9-1-1, 7 KOs), Chris Eubank Jr (29-2, 22 KOs) returns against Marcus Morrison (23-3, 16 KOs), Belfast’s James Tennyson (28-3, 24 KOs) faces Mexico’s Jovanni Straffon (23-3-1, 16 KOs) for the IBO Lightweight World Title, Preston Super-Welterweight Scott Fitzgerald (14-0, 9 KOs) makes his long awaited return and Lightweight prospect Campbell Hatton (1-0) fights in his home city for the first time as a pro. 
 
Tagged : /

COVENTRY ACE RIVER WILSON-BENT READY FOR EXPLOSIVE RETURN

by adminNews

Dynamite-fisted River Wilson-Bent (8-0-0, 4 KO’s) is looking for another explosive KO win in the first defence of his Midlands Area Middleweight title on Saturday 22nd May at the Coventry Skydome Arena, exclusively live and free in the UK on Channel 5.

The red-hot unbeaten prospect from Exhall features in his home city for the first time as a champion when he takes on undefeated challenger George Farrell(5-0-1, 1 KO) from Derby.

Bent ended last year with a devastating third round knockout of Troy Coleman from a blockbuster right-hand that flattened his rival in one of the KO highlights of the year to win the title. The 27-year-old has been raring to go since then and can’t wait to climb through the ropes next month as he continues his march towards higher title honours in the 160 pound domestic division.

He said, “It seems like ages ago since that knockout win over Coleman in December and I really can’t wait to get back in action on the 22nd May,” 

“That knockout was really beautiful, probably the best I’ve had in my career so far.  I know that I’ve got the power to hit and hurt opponents and make them stay down, but I’m not just reliant on my power, I’ve got sound boxing skills and I can go ten or twelve rounds at solid pace.  I know that my engine is there and I’ll be ready to go that distance if and when it comes,”

“Farrell looks good, he’s unbeaten and he fancies his chances against me so he’s taken the fight.  I’ll be ready for him and I’ll have an answer for anything he brings.  I know he likes to come forward and he’ll walk onto something big from me.”  

Bent, who’s exciting, hard-hitting, style has attracted a massive following in Coventry, believes he can start a renaissance of boxing in the once popular fight city that has produced champions including Dean Pithie, Neil Simpson, Richard Evatt, Steven Bendall and Andy Halder.

He continued, “It’s a dream to be fighting in my home city of Coventry as a champion for the first time and I want to be headlining here in the future and become a big attraction with more titles and hopefully, one day, a World title, that would be a dream,”

“Coventry has been a bit quiet recently on the boxing scene, we’ve had many great fighters and champions hailing from here from Dean Pithie to Andy Halder over the years and I’d love to change that and get boxing back on the map here and make it a major fight city for a new generation of fans.”

Bent watched the big middleweight fight between Denzel Bentley and Felix Cash for the British and Commonwealth titles on Saturday night and was shocked by the result that saw Cash destroy Bentley in three rounds.

He added, “I’d sparred 30 or 40 rounds with Bentley and he did great, I would never have expected that outcome. For some reason Bentley just didn’t get going in the fight.  Cash took the opportunity and made it his, fair play to him.  Once those small gloves go on your fists it’s a different game,”

“I know I’ll be up for the British and Commonwealth belts in the not-too-distant future and when the time comes I’ll be ready for them.  Right now I’m concentrating on Farrell and making sure I get the win.”

Main event on the Hennessy Sports action-packed card features Birmingham warrior Sam Eggington (29-7-0, 17 KO’s) against Mexico’s hard-as-nails Carlos Molina (37-11-2, 12 KO’s) for the Vacant WBC Silver Middleweight Championship.  

Chief support features a cracking showdown between Birmingham’s Kaisee Benjamin (11-1-1, 2 KO’s) and Dumbarton’s Martin Harkin (13-1-0, 5 KO’s) in an Eliminator for the British Welterweight Championship.

Also on the card Coventry sensation River Wilson-Bent (8-0-0, 4 KO’s) makes the first defence of his Midlands Area Middleweight title against Derby’s George Farrell (5-0-0, 1 KO).  Former British Light-Heavyweight Champion Shakan Pitters  (14-1-0, 4 KO’s) has his first back against Bradford’s Jermaine Springer (7-2-0, 1 KO)in an eight-rounder since losing his title to Craig Richards last December.  

County Monaghan super-lightweight dynamo Stephen ‘The Hitman’ McKenna (7-0-0, 7 KO’s) features in a six-rounder, but the undefeated red-hot 24-year-old prospect has not needed to go the distance yet with all his fights ending inside.  Birmingham middleweight bombshell Idris ‘The Bodybreaker’ Virgo (9-0-1, 1 KO) goes in over six-rounds.  Sevenoaks all-action super-welterweight  Michael Hennessy Jr. (5-1-1) is in a six-rounder against Warminster’s Paul Cummings.  

Irish super-welterweight ace Brett McGinty (1-0) follows up his thrilling pro debut last December when he features in a four-rounder against Birmingham’s Josh Hodgins.  Brighton heavyweight talent Tommy Welch (1-0-0, 1 KO), son of the former British, Commonwealth and World Heavyweight title challenger Scott, will follow up his explosive debut last December when he stopped Matt Gordon in the second round and features in a four-round contest. 

For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports 

Tagged :

Ebanie Bridges Sends Message Of Support to Nicola Hopewell, Who Headlines Historic All Female Pro Boxing Event This Saturday – Watch Live and Free on FITE TV.

by adminFemale Boxing

Just over a week after her spirited challenge against Shannon Courtney for the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Bantamweight World Crown, Australia’s Ebanie Bridges took time out of her busy schedule to spend some time with her good friend Professional Boxing Council (PBC) International Super Flyweight Champion Nicola Hopewell, ahead of Nicola’s headlining LET BATTLE COMMENCE – THE LIONESSES the first all female professional boxing event to take place in the United Kingdom this coming Saturday, 24th April.

Over the three day visit Ebanie was ringside supporting Nicola during her final training session at the XBox Boxing Academy in Worksop, after which the dynamic duo headed to York to meet with indie Rockband Skylights. 

Wednesday’s schedule was just as busy as Ebanie and Nicola headed to Liverpool, where they visited The Inclusive Hub, an organisation that provide boxing based training for people with behavioural needs, Down’s syndrome, ADHD, Autism etc. 

Later in the day they met up with Natasha Jonas and chatted over coffee about Ebanie’s fight against Shannon Courtney as well as Nicola’s upcoming fight this Saturday and Natasha’s upcoming WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO unified title fight against Katie Taylor on the 1st May.

Yesterday Ebanie and Nicola travelled to Leeds as the Aussie bruiser wanted to visit Elland Road, the home of the Premiership club Leeds United.

Earlier today Ebanie headed to London ahead of her scheduled appearance on Soccer AM tomorrow and Nicola headed up to Aberdeen ahead of her headlining the Lee Mcallister promoted LET BATTLE COMMENCE – THE LIONESSES, in association with Thomson Dairies, Bounty Competitions, RDX, Empire Pro Tape and Go Sports & Entertainment that will take place behind closed doors at the Northern Hotel in Aberdeen on Saturday 24th April 2021 and will be broadcast live and free to view on FITE TV as well as further linear and digital channels globally (please check local listings)

But before she headed south Ebanie took the time to video a message of support not only to her friend Nicola, but also to LET BATTLE COMMENCE – THE LIONESSES promoter Assassin Boxing Promotion and Management as well as Nicola’s Xbox gym mates Hollie Towl and Eleanor Coulson who are also taking part in the historic event.

LET BATTLE COMMENCE – THE LIONESSES, in association with Thomson Dairies, Bounty Competitions, RDX, Empire Pro Tape and Go Sports & Entertainment that will take place in the United Kingdom from 7:30pm in the UK, 2:30pm EST /11:30am PST  in USA, on Saturday 24th April 2021 and will be broadcast live and free to view on FITE TV, AVO NETWORK, SPORTS CHANNEL NETWORK, SOWETO TV, PPV LIVE,  as well as further linear and digital channels globally (please check local listings)

#LetBattleCommence 

www.letbattlecommence.com

Tagged : /

BENTLEY vs CASH WEIGH-IN OFFICIAL RESULTS

by adminChampionship News

Boxing is back on BT Sport 1 HD TOMORROW NIGHT AT 7.30PM

In the main event Denzel Bentley defends his British Middleweight title against Felix Cash, who will be putting his own Commonwealth title on the line. Elsewhere on the card, Callum Johnson returns after a 2 year absence against Croatia’s Emil Markic. David Adeleye takes a step-up when he battles Kamil Sokolowski and Queensberry prospects Henry Turner, George Davey and Karol Itauma all return to action.

Worcester’s Owen Cooper makes his Queensberry debut.

Felix Cash – 159lb 9oz
Denzel Bentley – 159lb 4oz
 
Emil Markic – 174lb 5oz
Callum Johnson – 174lb 6oz
 
Kamil Sokolowski – 230lb
David Adeleye – 225lb 7oz
 
Clayton Bricknell – 138lb 3oz
Henry Turner – 142lb 2oz
 
Jamie Stewart – 146lb 2oz
George Davey – 147lb 4oz
 
James Heneghan – 161lb 8oz
Dwain Grant – 161lb 6oz
 
Ryan Hibbert – 176lb 9oz
Karol Itauma – 176lbs
 
Daryl Pearce – 147lbs 5oz
Owen Cooper – 147lbs 6oz

Tagged : /

MTK Global signs former Team GB boxer Will Cawley

by adminPress Releases

Cawley has had an illustrious career during his time as an amateur, with his list of accomplishments including representing Team GB for a number of years and winning the 2016 ABA Championships.

He is also a European silver and bronze medallist, and competed for the British Lionhearts at the 2017 and 2018 World Series of Boxing.

The Oldham boxer has since been training alongside the likes of Josh Taylor, Lee McGregor, Shabaz Masoud and Mark Dickinson at the MTK Performance Centre, and he’s thrilled to now be working with MTK Global.

Cawley said: “It’s great to be joining MTK Global, and it’s amazing to now be managed alongside other great fighters and world champions as that’s where I aspire to be one day.

“I’m a four-time national champion and was a Senior ABA champion in 2016. I’m a European bronze and a European silver medallist, and also had five fights in the World Series of Boxing. I won gold medals at five tournaments for Team GB, and was also a five-year podium team member.

“I’ve found the transition from amateur to professional to be good so far, and I feel like I’ve always had a professional style, so will see how it feels when I’m fighting as a pro on the night.

Over the next 12 months I’m hoping to get a few fights in, and the long-term plan is just to keep pushing onto bigger things.”

MTK Global Promoter Lee Eaton added: “We are extremely pleased to welcome Will Cawley to the team. We have all seen how talented he was during his time as an amateur, and we are very confident that he will carry those skills into the paid ranks.

“He’s looked very impressive while he’s been training over the last few months, and it hopefully won’t be long until fans get to see him in the ring.”

News on when Cawley will be making his professional debut will be announced in due course.

Stay up to date at mtkglobal.com and on social media @mtkglobal

Tagged :

MCKINSON INKS PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM BOXING

by adminPress Releases

Undefeated Welterweight Michael McKinson has signed promotional terms with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing following his breakout win over Chris Kongo on the Alexander Povetkin vs. Dillian Whyte II undercard in Gibraltar last month. 
 
The Portsmouth southpaw (20-0, 2 KOs) stunned Kongo with an aggressive start, flooring the Bermondsey fighter in the opening round as he edged a closely contested encounter to secure the WBO Global Title with scores of 97-93, 96-94, 95-94.
 
Prior to that win the 27-year-old, who is trained by his father Michael Ballingall and managed by MTK Global’s Lee Eaton, had picked up the WBO European, WBC International Silver and WBC Youth Welterweight Titles since turning professional in October 2014. 
 
‘The Problem’, ranked at number 6 in the world with the WBO, hasn’t been shy in calling out the top names in the domestic Welterweight scene, including new stablemates Conor Benn, Josh Kelly and Florian Marku in the aftermath on his most recent win, and the Pompey fanatic feels he can no longer be overlooked. 
 
“Signing with Matchroom is the best thing that’s happened to my career,” said McKinson. “It’s been frustrating times for a while, but I got my chance against Chris Kongo, and now I’m in the position where I want to be in my career, so I’m really excited.
 
“I’ve worked hard for a long time. This is my seventh year as a professional and I have finally got something that I want. When we were on the plane out to Gibraltar, Eddie Hearn said to go out there and chase your dreams, and I made it clear all week that it was going to be the Michael McKinson show. I’m here to stay and it feels good that everything I’ve said has come true.
 
“None of this would be possible without MTK Global too. I’m blessed to have them backing me and supporting me, and for the first time in my career I’m not worried about getting big fights. I’ve got full faith and trust in Matchroom to get me these big opportunities.
 
“For a long time, my name was never mentioned alongside some of the other Welterweights, but now my name is in the picture. It’s no secret I want to face all of the guys out there, so let’s all fight each other.
 
“My biggest goal is to one day fight at Fratton Park in Portsmouth. Every little bit of success I have is making that dream come true little by little, so hopefully it gets done one day and I can make history for my city.”
 
“As I always say, ‘winner stays on’, and I’m delighted to be working with Michael McKinson,” said Eddie Hearn. “For a long time he has been an avoided fighter and now after his huge win in Gibraltar, he is ready to move onto World level. Michael has a great mindset and a huge fan base in Portsmouth, we are already planning a major step-up for him in the summer. Next summer we want to be at Fratton Park in a blockbuster – exciting times ahead!”
 
Lee Eaton said: “I’m over the moon for Michael for earning a promotional deal with Matchroom. He has come up the hardest route possible and has produced some fantastic performances over the last few years.

“He came to us when he was 13-0 and has fought anybody that was put in front of him, so I’m so pleased that all of his hard work over the years is finally paying off.”
 
You can follow McKinson’s journey on Twitter: @mikeytheproblem and Instagram: mikeytheproblem

Tagged :
error

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)