| 15:00 GMT LIVE ON BEFORE THE BELL 8 x 3 mins International Heavyweight contest DEMSEY MCKEAN 246lbs 1oz v ARIEL ESTEBAN BRACAMONTE 293lbs 1oz (Queensland, Australia) (La Cumbre, Argentina) followed by 6 x 3 mins International Light-Heavyweight contest JOHN HEDGES 183lbs 9oz v ALEKSANDER NAGOLSKI 182lbs 2oz (Takeley, England) (Bytom, Poland) followed by 6 x 3 mins International Cruiserweight contest CHEAVON CLARKE 199lbs 7oz v TONI VISIC 199lbs (Gravesend, England) (Split, Croatia) followed by 17:00 GMT LIVE ON DAZN 6 x 3 mins Lightweight contest CAMPBELL HATTON 136lbs 2oz v JOE DUCKER 136lbs 8oz (Hyde, England) (Loughborough, England) followed by 10 x 3 mins International Heavyweight contest FABIO WARDLEY 236lbs 7oz v DANIEL MARTZ 266lbs 2oz (Ipswich, England) (Clarksburg, USA) followed by 10 x 3 mins International Middleweight contest ANTHONY FOWLER 163lbs 7oz v LUKASZ MACIEC 163lbs 9oz (Liverpool, England) (Lublin, Poland) followed by 12 x 3 mins European Featherweight Title KARIM GUERFI 125lbs 4oz v JORDAN GILL 126lbs (Manosque, France) (Chatteris, England) followed by 10 x 3 mins vacant WBC International Flyweight Title GALAL YAFAI 111lbs 5oz v CARLOS VADO BAUTISTA 109lbs 9oz (Birmingham, England) (Mexico City, Mexico) followed by 12 x 3 mins WBO Cruiserweight World Title LAWRENCE OKOLIE 199lbs 4oz v MICHAL CIESLAK 199lbs 6oz (Hackney, England) (Radom, Poland) |
Month: February 2022
OKOLIE VS. CIESLAK PLUS UNDERCARD PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:
“A huge night of boxing planned for Sunday, I’ve always felt there is massive potential for Sunday boxing, and you’ll see it in full action and flow this weekend – starting at 3pm in London and main event expected in the ring around 9pm live on DAZN.
“Of course, the WBO Cruiserweight World Championship on the line between Lawrence Okolie and Michal Cieslak from Poland, as well as a huge supporting cast on the card.”
Lawrence Okolie:
“I’ve had 17 fights, 14 by KO, on the weekend it’ll be 18 and 15 by KO. Everyone can say what they want about the opponent until after I’ve beaten them and then we’ll be onto the next one and we’ll see what everyone says about him.
“I think power is secondary, it’s more so for fans and my opponents to watch and see what I’m doing. In the ring, as I’m going to show on Sunday, there’s so many other things that I do that are overlooked. It all ends in a KO which is why people care about the power.
“Nothing else has mattered since the fight got signed, it’s up to be to wipe the smile off his [Cieslak] face and all of his Polish teammates on Sunday.
“It’s a must, 100% ends in a KO. 1 million percent.”
Shane McGuigan, trainer of Lawrence Okolie:
“Cieslak put on a fantastic performance against Makabu and I thought arguably could have won that fight. He’s only got the one blemish on his record, but these are the fights we need for Lawrence Okolie, he is the best Cruiserweight in the world, I know that for a fact – we just need to go out there a prove it.
“We’ve been doing a lot of work, he [Lawrence] joined me in early 2019. He’s always had power and has now learnt how to maintain the distance, be a bit more disciplined, keep range, but he’s still learning all the time. That’s the scary thing, when he moves up to Heavyweight, I believe he’ll be a two-weight World Champion. Massive hopes for Lawrence and I think it’ll be a showing of his true ability on Sunday.”
Michal Cieslak:
“To be honest, I don’t care what other people think like media or supporters, I’m focused on myself and on what I’m going to do Sunday.
“I am aware that there will be a lot of supporters from my city of Radom and other places around Poland, I can’t wait to fight in this bout.
“Today I’m focusing on myself so I’m not interested on how hard he punches and how strong he is, I’m going to do what I have to on Sunday and I’ll be celebrating then.”
Andrzej Liczik, trainer of Michal Cieslak:
“I can confirm that Cieslak is very well prepared for the fight on Sunday, he will go out there and defeat the opponent, Lawrence Okolie.
“I think that you will all find out on Sunday, we’ll confirm how we do it.”
Galal Yafai:
“It’s exciting to be here, I’m used to being stuck in the middle of nowhere fighting. It’s good to be here, loads of cameras and people around, I’m just ready to fight. It seems more real now seeing Bautista over there speaking, the only thing I’m thinking about is fighting and putting on a show for people. Moving on and moving forward.
“He’s coming here to win; he’s not coming here to lose. I’m the so called ‘Golden Boy’, he’s looking to knock me off my perch. We’ve had a few upsets with Mexicans coming over recently, I don’t think that’ll be the case on Sunday. It’s a good learning fight for me and I just want to remind people how good I am.
“It’s what I’m used to when I went to the Olympic games, fighting the best in the world. I don’t want to fight someone who’s come to survive or to say they’ve fought me or on a Matchroom bill. I want to fight people that are going to test me, to progress me and make me better. I’m sure I’ll show that on Sunday.”
Carlos Vado Bautista:
“I’m really happy to be here on this excellent bill, it’s going to be a great night. To be fair whether or not Galal is making his debut, it’s not relevant for me, all I know is he’ll be ready, I’ll be ready as well and we’re going to have a war.
“I think the past is not so relevant, we’re both going to be ready, I don’t think he’s going to be any less prepared for ten rounds then myself. We’ll be going all out for it, both of us.”
Karim Guerfi:
“I’m happy to fight on this Matchroom show, probably the best promotor in the world. I’m ready for this fight, I really believe in myself and to prove who I am and why I’m a champion. Jordan Gill is a good technical fighter but I’m ready for him. I hope on Sunday it will be a great fight.
“At my age of 34, Bantamweight is really hard for me, when I had the opportunity to fight for the title at Featherweight, I was really happy.”
Jordan Gill:
“That’s why I win, I’m looking forward to it, it’s a big challenge and I thrive under pressure. The pressure is on, I’ve got to win this fight but I’m looking forward to it.
“There’s always disappointment and ups and downs, I’m a stayer and I’ll just stay until the end. I turn up to the gym every day and just do what I have to do, I feel like this is what’s meant to be for me, I don’t know when I’m going to get there but I will in the end. I’m looking forward to this fight.
“It’s an exciting time to be in the division, this is a massive fight for the European Title. Get the fight won and you’re up there so it’s all to play for. I’ve had the domestic fights, boxed Cunningham, beat Ryan Doyle for the Commonwealth, boxed Reece Bellotti who was Commonwealth Champion as well so this is the next step and I feel like I’m ready for the challenge.”
Fabio Wardley:
“No athlete likes to take time out of the sport they love but sometimes it’s needed and what we have to do, I took that time and everything’s back and firing at 100%. That was the plan, to get into a nice even place and have a really big year, I’m kicking it off with a big one against an opponent that’s been in with some top-level operators. That’s the way we’re starting things and I’m only looking to get bigger from here.
“There’s a lot of talk about me moving and going towards the British Title clash with Nathan Gorman, I’ll never look past the opponent in front of me. I’ve still got a job to do on Sunday, get through that okay and quickly look towards bigger and better things.”
Daniel Martz:
“He’s really good but I’ve been in the ring with a lot of top guys and put in a lot of good work at home. I’ve been staying in shape waiting for the call and now I’ve got it, here I am.
“A lot of guys want to test how they do compared to how some of the other top guys have done, I’ve just been staying in shape and waiting for the call. I’m really happy to be here and I appreciate Matchroom for bringing me over.”
Anthony Fowler:
“I’ve made the weight so easy this time, I’ve got a new nutritionist who has been a great help to me. You’re going to see a different animal on Sunday night, now I’m in the ring fully fuelled, in the best shape of my life and so mentally focused. I know this guy has never been stopped but come Sunday night I’m going to stop him; I’m going to break him down and stop him.
“I look back and I showed a lot of weakness that fight [Smith], I showed a lot of flaws that I needed to correct. I think making that weight took a lot out of my performance, I was really disappointed how I faded so fast in the fight, I really a really bad struggle getting down to the weight.
“I’ve come away, rebuilt and I’m fully focused ready for Sunday night. This is the first fight in years I’m really excited, I’m used to sitting here thinking when is the weigh-in, I can’t be arsed being here because I just want to weigh-in. Now my families down here I’m fully fuelled and can’t wait.”
Lukasz Maciec:
“I know that this is a big opportunity for me, and I will intend to make the most of it.
“I will be able to defeat Anthony Fowler and I will show this on Sunday. I will showcase boxing of the highest level.”
Campbell Hatton:
“It was more of what we’re used to seeing in the gym when I boxed last time out in Bilbao, it was a lot more relaxed and composed – it’s going to be the same this time. That’s the mindset I’m going in with for the rest of my career, I’m not going to be rushing my work, I’ve learnt from my mistakes so I’m looking forward to building on my last performance.
“I think having an opponent that’s going to come and win, he’s going to be confident coming into the fight, he’ll have seen me at my worst in the Tottenham fight and that’s not what’s going to be happening again. He’ll be really up for it and fancy his chances, he’ll leave a few more gaps, when I’ve got a more ambitious opponent that’ll bring the best out in me.”
Joe Ducker:
“I just can’t wait, all the hard work is done, I’m just ready now.”
“It’s just another opponent to me, I think I’ve been in with better so I’m just here to do my job.”
John Hedges:
“I think if you look at my recent performances I’m getting better, I think the main thing is I’m gradually maturing each fight and filling the weight out. At the minute Light-Heavyweight is good enough so I’m going to stay there for a little while and hopefully make a name for myself and pout on a massive performance Sunday night.
“We all push each other in the gym and work hard, we’re lucky to have a trainer like Mark Tibbs and his dad Jimmy, really the only way is up. We’re all pushing each other, Ebanie’s got a World Title fight coming up and Johnny’s staying active, it’s a great stable to be part of.”
Cheavon Clarke:
“It’s exciting, I’m ready to go. It’s been very similar to the GB experience, there’s more media and people watching. I’m looking forward to getting started.
“People always speak about the amateur experience; this is a different game so regardless of what experience I’ve got I’m starting over now, and I’ve got to treat is accordingly.
“My mom always told me to mind my own business and right now my business is Sunday so let’s handle that.”
Demsey McKean:
“It’s very exciting to spend some more quality time with Tony and Peter Sims, obviously since I made the move from the Gold Coast to Essex a lot of people are calling me quite mad. Nice sunny weather with the beach to come over here with the quite dark and cloudy weather.
“The boxing is second to none here, the sparring I’ve been getting is quality as well, I’ve been sharing a lot of rounds with Daniel Dubois this camp. I’m really keen to get in there and showcase these newfound skills, I’m quite confident this is going to be a career best as well.
“I can feel that after 8/9 weeks I’ve spent with Tony too, so I’ve levelled up a lot as well and the sparring has massively contributed to that as well. We don’t have that quality of sparring back home in Australia, I’ve done this much sparring for a prep ever, three times a week over here with high quality opponents, I just can’t wait to get in there.
“I’m quite lucky, Eddie has made me quite active, I only fought a few months ago. I’ve got my next fight on Sunday and we’re looking at quite a quick turnaround once I get through Bracamonte – that’s quite a blessing on its own
“We’re gelling with Tony at the moment, building up that relationship and working very well together too. I’m very excited for the future and what it brings, I just can’t wait to showcase all these skills on Sunday.”
APRIL 23: HEAVYWEIGHT TITANS FURY & WHYTE COLLIDE AT WEMBLEY STADIUM
| Tyson ‘The Gyspy King’ Fury to defend heavyweight crown against top contender Dillian Whyte on April 23 at Wembley Stadium LIVE on BT Sport Box Office in the UK with tickets going on sale on Wednesday, March 2. LONDON (Feb. 25, 2022) — After storming the United States with a pair of knockouts over Deontay Wilder, WBC/Lineal/Ring Magazine heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury returns home for an all-British battle against WBC interim champion Dillian Whyte on Saturday, April 23 at London’s Wembley Stadium connected by EE. Fury-Whyte will be broadcast live on BT Sport Box Office in the UK and Pay-Per-View in the US. Promoted by Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions and Top Rank, tickets will be on sale exclusively from Ticketmaster at midday on Wednesday, March 2. Fans hoping to purchase a ticket for the event are encouraged to sign-up for Ticket Alert emails HERE to receive the ticket link direct to their inboxes. News on undercard bouts will be announced shortly. “Tyson Fury coming home to fight under the arch at Wembley Stadium is a fitting reward for the No.1 heavyweight in the world following his exploits across the Atlantic in his epic trilogy against Deontay Wilder,” stated Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren. “The fact that this mandatory defence of his WBC title comes against another Brit only adds to the occasion. They are two of the biggest characters in British sport and both normally have plenty to say for themselves. “It is going to be an incredible night and a huge occasion for sport in this country that will capture the imagination of fans right across the world.” Bob Arum, chairman of Top Rank, added: “Tyson Fury conquered America, and it is only fitting that he defends the heavyweight championship in a packed Wembley Stadium. Dillian Whyte has called for this fight for years, and while he is a deserving challenger, no heavyweight can match ‘The Gypsy King.’ This is going to be a momentous night of boxing with tens of thousands of fans in attendance at Wembley Stadium.” Fury (31-0-1, 22 KOs), based in Morecambe, has held the lineal heavyweight title since November 28, 2015, the night he ended the nearly decade-long championship run of Wladimir Klitschko. Following over two years of inactivity, he returned to action in June 2018, inspiring millions with a comeback that saw him fighting for the world title within six months of his June 2018 comeback victory over Sefer Seferi in Manchester. The only blemish on his record — a disputed December 2018 draw against Wilder — was avenged with stoppage wins over the American star in February 2020 and October 2021. The Dillian Whyte showdown marks his first bout in London since February 2015. Whyte (28-2, 19 KOs), who was raised in Brixton, London, earned a shot at Fury with a seven-year run as a world-level heavyweight. Following a seventh-round TKO loss to Anthony Joshua in 2015 — when both were undefeated prospects — Whyte went on an 11-fight winning streak that included triumphs over Joseph Parker, Oscar Rivas, Lucas Browne, and Derek Chisora (2x). His momentum, and mandatory position, was halted when Alexander Povetkin knocked him out with a single left uppercut in August 2020. Whyte exacted revenge in March 2021, knocking out Povetkin in four rounds to regain his interim title. |
Nina Hughes vs. Bec Connolly rescheduled for April MTK Fight Night
| Nina Hughes and Bec Connolly will finally be able to get it on when they clash on the upcoming #MTKFightNight at York Hall in London on April 15th. |
The two female fighters will go head to head on the undercard of the British and Commonwealth lightweight title fight between Gavin Gwynne and Luke Willis, which will be broadcast live in the US on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank, and worldwide on IFL TV.
Hughes and Connolly were originally set to meet on February 11th, before Connolly pulled out of the fight with COVID. After some back and forth comments from each fighter on social media regarding the cancellation, they now get to settle their differences on the rescheduled date.
Hughes said:“I’m really pleased that it’s been rescheduled, and I’m just hoping it goes ahead this time. I had a hard eight-week training camp for the fight previously, so I feel like I need to put this fight to bed, come out victorious and move on to get closer to boxing for titles.
“I had a week off, got over the frustration and was straight back in the gym sparring Terri Harper for her upcoming fight so I had the motivation to get focused again.
“I’m professional, and this is business so I wouldn’t allow it to get personal no matter what the circumstances are, but fans can expect to see an explosive fight from the first bell.”
Connolly said: “I’m really pleased this fight is back on. I was already looking forward to it as it’s a decent scrap, but now I’m looking forward to it even more. I was annoyed to get COVID, and I had a really banging headache and felt sick, but it went pretty quickly.
“I’m definitely going to bring some extra fire to the fight now. I said there were no hard feelings but I’ve got the motivation to make this the best camp ever. You’ll see the best Bec Connolly there has ever been.
“I was really enjoying training because I’ve got a new coach, but I’ve got the fire in my belly for this even more now. I’m super excited, and I even turned down a fight in the interim just because I want to give this my full attention.”
Further news on the April 15th MTK Fight Night event, including more fight announcements, will be revealed in the coming days.
THIS EUROPEAN TITLE FIGHT MEANS EVERYTHING TO ME SAYS GILL
| ‘The Thrill’ challenges Guerfi at The O2 |
| Jordan Gill is hoping to put a frustrating 2021 behind him when he clashes with European Featherweight Champion Karim Guerfi on the undercard of Lawrence Okolie’s WBO Cruiserweight World Title defence against Michael Cieslak at The O2 in London this Sunday February 27, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding New Zealand and Australia). ‘The Thrill’ (26-1-1, 7 KOs) was originally scheduled to face Frenchman Guerfi on the undercard of Conor Benn vs. Chris Algieri at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool on December 11, but the two-weight European Champion was forced to withdraw from their Merseyside showdown due to an illness. Gill suffered a horrific cut in the third round of his eight rounder with late stand in opponent Alan Luques Castillo – the 27-year-old was forced to accept a technical draw after the gruesome head clash. The Chatteris man is aiming to kickstart his World Title push by dethroning 34-year-old Guerfi in his first fight for 2022. “I remember laying on the bed and getting stitches afterwards,” said Gill. “It was one of those things that could have happened to anyone at any time. It’s unfortunate that it happened to me. It was a nasty head clash – there was no way the fight was going to continue. When they stitched my head up, they stitched around the artery – it was that deep! It’s lucky that it was on my head and not my face, otherwise it would have been a plastic surgery job. It’s good in one way, bad in another. “I had a week off and then I was straight back in the gym, keeping fit and keeping my mind active. I knew I was always going to be Mandatory for the European Title. It wasn’t a fight lost because of the technical draw. All in all it was a frustrating 2021 but that’s behind us now and we look forward. 2022 is our year, I’m looking forward to this fight and pushing on to bigger and better things. “He’s a very good fighter, you can’t take that away from him. I fully respect him – he’s the champion. He did it against the odds, he’s been to the champion’s backyard and won the Title. He’s very experienced and he’s coming to the latter stages of his career. He’s had some big fights, I think he’s a four or five time European Champion. He’s established and he’s a very good pro. I’m looking forward to mixing it with him. “As the fight gets nearer, I’m thinking of new ways to beat him. I’m thinking of new things to add to my game. We’re not so much preparing for Guerfi, but we’re preparing myself for the best that I can be. I’m looking forward to the fight. I feel like it has been a long time coming. This is my life. I dedicate my life to boxing. I take myself away from my family. I’m here in Rotherham, working every day. This European Title fight means everything to me, my family and the area that I’m representing. “I think I’m going to put on an absolute masterclass and stop Guerfi mid to late rounds and I’m going to push on, beat up that dosser Isaac Lowe and get a World Title shot. Guerfi is ranked 10th or 11th with the WBC. We’ve just got a new WBC Featherweight Champion. I know he’s got to fight his Mandatory for his first defence but after that I can get the winner.” Gill vs. Guerfi is part of a huge night of Title action, Hackney’s WBO Cruiserweight World Champion Lawrence Okolie (17-0, 14 KOs) makes the second defence of his crown against Poland’s former World Title challenge Michal Cieslak (21-1, 15 KOs), Tokyo Olympic Champion Galal Yafai makes his highly anticipated professional debut in a ten round fight for the vacant WBC International Flyweight Title against Mexico’s Carlos Vado Bautista (10-4-1, 3 KOs) Liverpool Middleweight Anthony Fowler (15-2, 12 KOs) faces Poland’s Lukasz Maciec (27-3-1, 5 KOs) over ten rounds, unbeaten Ipswich Heavyweight Fabio Wardley (12-0, 11 KOs) takes on the USA’s Daniel Martz (20-9-1, 17 KOs) over ten rounds, Tokyo Olympian Cheavon Clarke makes his professional debut at Cruiserweight against Croatia’s Toni Visic (20-29-2, 5 KOs), Lightweight prospect Campbell Hatton (5-0, 1 KO) clashes with Joe Ducker (9-8-2, 2 KOs) over six rounds, Takeley Light-Heavyweight John Hedges (4-0) meets Aleksander Nagolski (2-1, 1 KO) over six rounds and Australian Heavyweight contender Demsey McKean (20-0, 13 KOs) takes on Argentina’s Ariel Esteban Bracamonte (11-6, 6 KOs) over eight rounds. |
Laura Pain versus Mary Abbey Weigh-In and Photos
Laura Pain versus Mary Abbey, for the vacant World Boxing Foundation (WBF) Super Flyweight International Championship headlines the Trevor Lake Cestus Events promoted Friday Fight Night event at the City Coast Centre in Portslade, East Sussex this coming Friday, the 18th February 2022.
Laura Pain (2-0-0) 113lbs
Mary Aina Abbey (3-0-0) 115lbs
The event will be streamed live at www.youtube.com/CestusEventsTV
Tickets are available from any of the boxers competing or please call the Cestus Ticket Line on 07473 173634
BRITISH STAR SHABAZ MASOUD HAS NEXT FIGHT CONFIRMED FOR DUBAI
Super slick British prospect Shabaz Masoud will face French opposition when he makes his Probellum debut next month.
The masterful Masoud will look to extend his unblemished record to 10-0 when he takes on the seasoned Yoann Boyeux (43-6) over 10 rounds as part of Probellum Evolution in Dubai on Saturday, March 19.
Masoud – nicknamed ‘Maverick’ – is rated as one of Britain’s hottest talents and the 25-year-old super-bantamweight is set on making a statement against a fighter who clashed with a pound-for-pound star only a few years ago.
The Stoke-on-Trent born switch-hitter signed with Probellum, a global promotion and media company, earlier this month and is ready to show a worldwide audience that the hype around him is real.
“I can’t wait to make my debut for Probellum in Dubai next month,” buzzed the unbeaten Shabaz Masoud.
“My opponent boxed Naoya Inoue back in 2017 and was stopped in three rounds. I’d love to do it quicker than Inoue but, either way, I am definitely going to put on a dazzling display of my skills in Dubai.”
Masoud, who is trained by one of Britain’s most in-demand coaches Ben Davison, has not put a foot wrong since turning professional in 2018 and knows another stand-out display next month will soon have Probellum lining up title shots for him.
“Shabaz is one of the most scintillating prospects, not only in British boxing, but world boxing,” said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum.
“We are delighted to be able to confirm his first fight with us and we know Shabaz is going to put on a show for those at ringside in Dubai and for everyone at home.
“He’s in with a very experienced guy but Shabaz has made light work of every opponent he’s faced so far – and we expect this to be no different.”
Probellum Evolution is a double-header being staged in Dubai next month, with back-to-back shows headlined by world title fights.
On Friday, March 18, Estelle Mossely makes history when she defends her IBO lightweight crown against Yanina del Carmen Lescano – in the first ever female world title fight staged in the Middle East.
And the following night Sunny Edwards puts his IBF flyweight belt on the line against Muhammad Waseem, with Masoud’s fight part of an exciting undercard.
For ticket news on Probellum Evolution, shows in Newcastle and Liverpool, plus live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
Gavin Gwynne vs. Luke Willis headlines MTK Fight Night in April
Gavin Gwynne and Luke Willis will collide for the British and Commonwealth lightweight titles as part of a stacked #MTKFightNight at York Hall in London on April 15.
The event will be broadcast live in the US on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank, and worldwide on IFL TV, as Commonwealth champion Gwynne (14-2, 3 KOs) takes on undefeated Willis (11-0, 1 KO), with the vacant British title also up for grabs.
Welsh fighter Gwynne has had a successful 12 months, defeating Sean McComb by seventh round stoppage on an MTK Fight Night back in February 2021, before a successful first defence against Jack O’Keeffe in November.
He now turns his attention to Liverpool’s Willis, who in his last outing earned a majority decision win over Ryan Charlton in a tremendous fight at the M&S Bank Arena in October.
Gwynne said: “I’m so excited for this. I was in training all over Christmas staying fit and getting rounds in sparring as well, so I can’t wait. I don’t really know a lot about Luke Willis, just that’s he’s a southpaw and unbeaten. I really like boxing southpaws so this is great for me.
“I’ve boxed a lot better boys and fought at a much higher level than Willis, but he’s unbeaten and I’ve been in his shoes before. I know it’s going to bring the best out in him so I’ve prepared for the best version of him.
“The British title is a title that I’ve wanted since turning over, and it would be a dream to win it and especially to win it in fashion as well.”
Willis said: “I’m really looking forward to this one. It’s been a long time coming, and I’m right up for it. I’ve seen Gwynne a few times and he’s tall, tough and game, but he’s beatable, so it’s nothing that worries me.
“He’s built a bit of momentum and has a lot of confidence after his past couple of fights, so it’s my job to take that confidence away, which I will.
“It would mean everything to me to win these titles. All I’ve ever dreamed about is that Lonsdale belt. I’ve got my opportunity to get it now and I don’t plan on letting it slip.”
MTK Global Promoter Lee Eaton added: “We’re thrilled to be returning to York Hall with another action-packed MTK Fight Night, headlined by this tremendous battle between Gavin Gwynne and Luke Willis.
“Gavin has been in fantastic form over the past year, earning big wins over Sean McComb and Jack O’Keeffe. He faces another tough test against a dangerous unbeaten fighter in Luke Willis, and it’s great to be working with his manager Tony Bellew to make this bout happen.
“It’s going to be yet another superb MTK Fight Night card full of intriguing 50-50 fights, so we can’t wait to head back to London on April 15.”
Further news on the event, including additions to the card, will be announced over the coming days and weeks.
UK’s Laura Pain set to Challenge Nigeria’s Mary Abbey for International Title Honours 18th Feb
Former Team GB star Laura Pain is set to challenge for her first International Championship honours, when she faces Nigeria’s Mary Abbey for the World Boxing Foundation (WBF) International Super Flyweight Crown, on the Cestus Events promoted event at City Coast Centre in Portslade, East Sussex this coming Friday, the 18th February 2022.
Pain, who pro debuted just seven months ago in July ’21, is on a fast track for World Championship honours, and quite rightly so as she oozes serious talent from every pore, and what’s more is willing to take on all-comers, as proved by her decision to go toe-to-toe with Mary Abbey, whose record stands at 3-0-0 with all victories coming by way of KO, after her original opponent Ghana’s Leticia Abbott failed to receive her visa in time.
Speaking from her home earlier Pain said, “I can’t wait to get in the ring on Friday.
“I’ve got a tough girl in Mary, but I’m in boxing to climb the rankings and overcome anyone that’s in my way to get to the top.
“I train hard and sacrifice a lot so I’m excited to show my talent and make my mark on the pro scene”
In addition to the exciting Pain versus Abbey World Boxing Foundation (WBF) Championship fight, Promoter Trevor Lake has put together a mouthwatering International undercard that features boxers from Africa, India, Poland and of course the UK.
Main support see Mark Ellins versus Poland’s Pawel Sowik in an eight round Heavyweight Contest.
Co-Main support sees India’s Sandeep Kumar (5-0-0) in action against Ghana’s Ishmael Nettey (3-0-0) in a six round Super Middleweight contest.
Local Light Heavyweight John Marvin is set to make his professional debut against India’s Nishant Sharma and Londoner Henry Johnson is set to make his debut against India’s Akashdeep Singh, also in action will be Indian Heavyweight Ranjeet Singh and Parmod Kumar, against yet to be named opponents.
Laura Pain versus Mary Abbey, for the vacant World Boxing Foundation (WBF) Super Flyweight International Championship headlines the Trevor Lake Cestus Events promoted Friday Fight Night event at the City Coast Centre in Portslade, East Sussex this coming Friday, the 18th February 2022.
The event will be streamed live at www.youtube.com/CestusEventsTV
Tickets are available from any of the boxers competing or please call the Cestus Ticket Line on 07473 173634
Teen Sensation Hollie Towl Secures European Crown After Battle Royale Against Italy’s Nadia Flalhi
Hollie Towl may only be 18 years of age, but already she is competing at the highest level in the professional game, just as she did as an amateur, winning no less than five National championships as well as many other regional accolades.
Since turning pro in September 2020 the sensational teen has racked up an impressive 6-0-0 record and is the youngest World Champion, of either gender, having secured the Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA) Featherweight World Championship back in September 2021, with a win over Argentina’s Cristina Del Valle Pacheco.
On Sunday afternoon Towl stepped up a division to challenge and beat former Italian Amateur National Champion Nadia Flalhi to secure the Professional Boxing Council (PBC) Super Featherweight European Championship by unanimous decision; winning every round on judges Carla Fox and Steve Tighe’s scorecards and winning all but three rounds which judge Adrian Thorne scored as drawn on his card.
On paper this was as as close to a genuine fifty-fifty contest you possibly wish for, exceptional amateur careers and both unbeaten as professionals, so no surprise then that the actual fight soon became a full on Battle Royale.
Right from the opening bell both sensational young warriors went into battle, it was breathtaking watching the contest unfold, initially Flalhi took full advantage of her height and superior reach to keep Towl at bay, but Towl is as savvy as they come and it wasn’t long before she used her exceptional ring craft to neutralise the Italian’s height and reach advantage, before letting rip with scintillating flurries and big shots to head and body.
As the fight progressed Flalhi adapted her game plan and drew the feisty teen to the inside, a plan that may have worked on others with less ability, but not with Towl, she was just as happy to go to war up close and took advantage of every opportunity that came her way.
In addition to the sensational Towl versus Flalhi finale of the Boyle Pro Boxing promoted event, the fans in attendance were treated to five further closely matched contests.
Worksop’s Eleanor Coulson extended her record to 5-1-0 after her opponent Aimee Moody was forced to retire at the end of the first with a serious knee injury.
Middleweight Cameron Moran took his record to 2-0-0 with a close victory over the extremely tough Afghan born Londoner Zahir Bennett. Moran versus Bennett was without doubt a leading candidate for Fight of the Night, as with Towl versus Flalhi it was an all action affair.
Cruiserweight Alvis Berzins extended his unbeaten record to 3-0-1 with a closely fought victory over debuting Owen James. After four sensation rounds Referee Lee Murtagh scored the contest 39-38.
Chesterfield Super Middleweight Luke White endured a baptism of fire on his pro debut against Chessington, Surrey hard man Richard Harrison. White securing his first win as a pro by a 40-37 points victory.
Worksop’s Ben Gore made a surprise appearance, following debuting Jayden Harris pulling out the day before, and faced Belfast’s Marty Kayes. Clearly was worthwhile stepping up to the plate for Gore as Referee Adrian Thorne scored the contest in his favour 40-37.
Boxing fans will not have to wait long to watch these young warriors in action again, as Boyle’s Pro Boxing has another event planned at the Shirebrook Leisure Centre in Mansfield on the 26th March 2022, and as with Sunday’s event will be broadcast exclusively live on FITE, in association with KC Sofas, and word is Chris Boyle is contemplating Hollie Towl making her first defence of her WIBA Featherweight World title – watch this space!
