| THE IBF WORLD flyweight champion Sunny Edwards will make a first defence of his title against the unbeaten Filipino Jayson Mama at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday September 11. For ‘Showtime’ Sunny, 16-0, this mandatory challenge for his belt comes just over four months after his exquisite skills proved simply too much for the former long standing and decorated champion Muruti Mthalane at York Hall, where he became his promoter Frank Warren’s 149th world champion a matter of months after the Hall of Famer celebrated 40 years in the professional sport. This time around, the 25-year-old Edwards will have the additional boost of crowd support inside the Copper Box on a show that falls squarely near the beginning of the traditional boxing ‘season’. It should make for a spectacular start to the new campaign, with Edwards up against a 16-0 challenger, whose KO-record justifies his stage name of ‘Smasher’. The 24-year-old has stopped nine of his 16 opponents and hails from a nation with a rich pedigree in the lighter weight classes. Promoter Frank Warren commented: “This is a bit of a step into the unknown against an unbeaten fighter who will be as confident of victory as Sunny was against Mthalane. Jayson Mama was good enough to step aside to allow Sunny his shot at the South African great and now it is his turn to attempt to upset the odds. “To my mind though, Sunny is the best flyweight on the planet and this is just the beginning of a glorious reign as champion. He wants to unify and win the Ring Magazine belt and we will look to do that, but he has this mandatory obligation to navigate through first and he cannot take anything for granted. “After winning his title in an eerie atmosphere, it would be fitting if the public really come out in their numbers to support Sunny on his journey as world champion and I hope the Copper Box is full to the rafters in recognition of his achievements.” Ticket information to follow next week. |
Author: admin
GRANADOS PROMISES TO HUMBLE BENN
| ‘Tigre’ aims to stop “England’s new golden boy” |
| Adrian Granados says he will “humble” Conor Benn when they collide for the WBA Continental Welterweight Title at the top of Fight Camp Week 1 in Brentwood, Essex on Saturday July 31, live worldwide on DAZN. ‘Tigre’, a 33-fight veteran who is no stranger to boxing’s biggest platforms, has gone the distance with former two-time Welterweight World Champion Shawn Porter and former multi-division World Champion Adrien Broner in losing efforts – and the 31-year-old believes he is on another level to the opponents Benn has faced. Benn produced dominant performances in his last two outings against Sebastian Formella and Samuel Vargas – leading to many in the sport labelling him as one of the new stars of the thriving 147lbs division – and Granados says that he will need to stop the 24-year-old Essex native if he is to come away with a victory. “I want to beat Conor Benn and get closer towards a World Title shot of my own,” said Granados. “I’m not worried about whatever Conor Benn is saying. He’s saying he’s going to stop me. He’s saying he’s going to do this and do that. You know what? I don’t talk, I just show up, and that’s what I’m going to do. “Confidence is good. That’s what we all have. I’m a confident fighter. I’m confident in my abilities. I just don’t talk the way he does. Some of the things he said about me, it’s like, ‘alright boy you’re going to find out now’. Don’t be talking all that mess because you’re going to get humbled real quick. “I’m not anybody else you ever fought. He’s making it seem like he’s going to dismantle me, he’s going to destroy me. It’s like bro, you ain’t nobody. I didn’t even know who he was until recently. I’ve got respect for the Benn name. I respect him because he’s a Benn. It’s from his dad and what his dad has done. “I’m going to have to stop him because I’m fighting England’s new golden boy in England. I’ve got to stop him. I know everyone was impressed with his fight with Samuel Vargas but he just kind of jumped on Sammy and Sammy wasn’t expecting all that. It was a great win for him, but I’m not Samuel Vargas. “I kind of see myself as a loveable loser because I just can’t get a decision. I can’t get a win at the big stage. I give hell to whoever I fight. Have they looked at my losses and think I’m the right fight to take? My career could look so much different if the right decisions were made in my fights. I know that I’m going to show the heart that I’ve got and the balls that I’ve got. “I’ve asked questions of much better fighters than Conor Benn and I’m not coming to the U.K. to make up the numbers. This is a big opportunity for me against a fighter I know they’re hyping to be the next big thing. They’ve made a mistake in picking me. This is a big moment for me and I’m taking it.” Benn vs. Granados tops a huge night of action as Fight Camp returns with a bang, WBA Featherweight World Champion Xu Can (18-2, 3 KOs) puts his Title on the line against Nottingham’s Leigh Wood (24-2, 14 KOs), Tommy McCarthy (18-2, 9 KOs) and Chris Billam-Smith (12-1, 10 KOs) collide in a massive showdown for the European, British and Commonwealth Cruiserweight Titles, former World Title challenger Avni Yildirim (21-3, 12 KOs) aims to bounce back from his loss to pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez when he takes on ‘Little Lever’s Meat Cleaver’ Jack Cullen (19-2-1, 9 KOs), Liverpool Super-Welterweight Anthony Fowler (14-1, 11 KOs) promises to build on his huge third-round knockout win over Jorge Fortea, Manchester Lightweight Campbell Hatton (2-0) continues his young journey in the pro ranks against Jakub Laskowski (4-4-1, 2 KOs) and former amateur star Sandy Ryan makes her highly-anticipated professional debut at Super-Lightweight against Kirstie Bavington (3-1-2, 2 KOs). |
Two-time national champion Arnold Obodai joins MTK Global
MTK Global is delighted to announce a managerial deal with two-time national amateur champion Arnold Obodai ahead of his plans to turn professional.
Sport has been a key part of Obodai’s life from a young age, playing basketball in the United States before turning to boxing when he returned to the UK at the age of 19.
Representing Repton ABC, Obodai won two national titles, and is now ready to make the transition from amateur into the paid ranks.
The London boxer recently signed a promotional deal with Queensberry Promotions too, and he is extremely pleased to be teaming up with MTK Global.
Obodai said:“I’m very excited about being managed by MTK Global. I know how well they look after their boxers and I’m glad to be a part of that. I’ve got a great team around me.
“MTK Global have some great champions and having a good management team around you is a contribution to success I believe. It’s a team effort although it’s you in the ring.
“I’m a two-time national champion, I won one in 91+kg category and under 91kg category, and now I want to reach the top and become a world champion.
“I want to have fun doing what I do in the process, but it’s one step at a time though. Fans can expect excitement from me!”
MTK Global Promoter Lee Eaton added:“We’re thrilled to welcome Arnold Obodai to the team. He showed in the amateurs exactly what he is capable of, and he will no doubt carry those talents into the professional ranks.”
News on when Obodai will make his professional debut will be announced in due course.
Stay up to date by subscribing to our weekly newsletter HERE and on social media @mtkglobal
JOYCE Vs TAKAM OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN RESULTS
Official weigh-in results below: JOYCE v TAKAM Joyce weight: 18st 11lbs 14oz Takam weight: 17st 10lbs 8oz SHEERAZ v GURRIA Sheeraz’s weight: 11st 13lbs 1oz Gurria’s weight: 10st 13lbs 12oz JENKINS v ESSUMAN Jenkins weight: 10st 6lbs 10oz Essuman weight: 10st 6lbs 6oz BOURKE v BEECH JR Bourke’s weight: 8st 9lbs 10oz Beech Jr’s weight: 8st 10lbs 9oz NOAKES V ALI Noakes’ weight: 10st 8lbs 1oz Ali’s weight: 11st 1lbs 14oz ADELEYE v MANEV Adeleye’s weight: 16st 2lbs 12oz Manev’s weight: 16st 4lbs 12oz FOX v BARLOW Fox’s weight: 19st 9lbs 5oz Barlow’s weight: 16st 9lbs 3oz BURKE Jr v CUMMINGS Burke Jr’s weight: 10st 11lbs 4oz Cummings’ weight: 11st 1lbs FRANKHAM v JONES Frankham weight: 9st 5lbs 10oz Jones’ weight: 9st 5lbs 13oz SOCZYNSKI V SEN Soczynski’s weight: 14st 5lbs Sen’s weight: 14st 9lbs 1lbs |
I’LL TAKE MCCARTHY OUT MID TO LATE SAYS BILLAM-SMITH
| ‘The Gentleman’ primed for second Fight Camp outing |
| Chris Billam-Smith has predicted that he will “take out” Tommy McCarthy “in the mid to late rounds” when the Cruiserweight rivals collide for the European, British and Commonwealth Titles on the first week of Matchroom Fight Camp in Brentwood, Essex on Saturday July 31, live worldwide on DAZN. ‘The Gentleman’ used the power of social media to help secure a shot at the European and British Titles when he sent the following Tweet to McCarthy on May 12: “Stop trying to avoid me. I’d punch holes in you. Don’t bottle it”. Just more than a month later, the pair went face to face with their bout confirmed for July 31. Billam-Smith was made to work as he dropped the Czech Republic’s Vasil Ducar twice during a hard-fought points victory that saw him claim the vacant WBA Continental Cruiserweight Title and progress to 12-1 (10 KOs) at The SSE Arena, Wembley in March. The former Poole ABC man, who blasted out Nathan Thorley in two rounds last year at Fight Camp, believes he will eventually wear down McCarthy to deliver another stoppage triumph as he continues to build towards a World Title shot under the guidance of trainer Shane McGuigan. “We were calling out Tommy McCarthy after my fight at Fight Camp last year,” said Billam-Smith. “I was getting interviewed after that and we were talking about it. It’s been a year in the making. Obviously with Tommy boxing on Matchroom shows and myself wanting bigger Titles and him picking up the European – it was a fight that made sense. I believe it’s a really fan-friendly fight and a great one for my career. I’ve been asking for it for a while and we’ve finally got it. “I’ve seen Tommy and I’ve watched him for a few years now. He’s a very decent fighter. He’s got quick hands and a very good boxing IQ. It’s an exciting challenge for me. Winning the European Title will be a massive achievement for me and it’s one that I’m really looking forward to, but also, it’s a step that you plan to make on the journey. “You can’t take too much from his last fight. He did exactly what he had to do. He boxed well, he hurt him to the body, but unfortunately there wasn’t much coming back so there’s not much you can really take from that win. There will be a lot of other fights of his from the past that you can watch that are better wins for him because the opponents brought out more of him. “I sent that one Tweet out which got a lot of traction, a lot more than I expected to be honest. I’m just glad he took the fight and it’s got him right up for the fight which is great to see. That’s what fans want to see. They want to see two domestic fighters going at it, and in the press conferences as well. “It looks like I’ve riled him up a bit so he’s going to be fired up for this fight. He’s going to be training very hard. I expect a very good performance from him. The fight will definitely catch fire. Every fighter wants to win with a knockout and I think this is a really good opportunity for me to put all of my skillset to work. I can box, I can break him down and I believe that I will take him out in the mid to late rounds.” McCarthy vs. Billam-Smith is part of a huge night of action as Fight Camp returns with a bang, rising Welterweight star Conor Benn (18-0, 12 KOs) puts his WBA Continental Title on the line against Adrian Grandos (21-8-3, 15 KOs), WBA Featherweight World Champion Xu Can (18-2, 3 KOs) defends his Title against Nottingham’s Leigh Wood (24-2, 14 KOs), former World Title challenger Avni Yildirim (21-3, 12 KOs) aims to bounce back from his loss to pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez when he takes on ‘Little Lever’s Meat Cleaver’ Jack Cullen (19-2-1, 9 KOs), Liverpool Super-Welterweight Anthony Fowler (14-1, 11 KOs) promises to build on his huge third-round knockout win over Jorge Fortea when he takes on Roberto Garcia (44-5, 27 KOs), Manchester Lightweight Campbell Hatton (2-0) continues his young journey in the pro ranks against Jakub Laskowski (4-4-1, 2 KOs) and former amateur star Sandy Ryan makes her highly-anticipated professional debut at Super-Lightweight against Kirstie Bavington (3-1-2, 2 KOs). |
AHMED VS KHADEMI BRITISH TITLE SCRAP REPLACES FOSTER/CUNNINGHAM
| Cacace vs Woodstock for the British Super Featherweight Title; Ahmed vs Khademi rematch for the vacant British Super-Flyweight title; Ennis-Brown vs Maxwell for the British and Commonwealth Super-Lightweight titles. Plus, the return of Light-Heavyweight Superstar Anthony Yarde, Stoke sensation Nathan Heaney and English Bantamweight Champion Liam Davies. Tickets on sale now: https://www.theticketfactory.com/tickets/events/night-of-champions/ Hall-Of-Fame Promoter Frank Warren’s Queensberry are bringing a stacked card, including THREE British title fights, to the Utlilita Arena, Birmingham on Saturday August 28, live on BT Sport. Anthony Cacace will defend against Lyon Woodstock, Akeem Ennis-Brown against Sam Maxwell and Ijaz Ahmed and Kaisy Khademi will contest the vacant British Super-Flyweight title. Other big names on the blockbuster bill includes Anthony Yarde and boxing’s biggest ticket seller Nathan Heaney. Former World Light-Heavyweight title challenger Yarde (20-2, 19 KOs) has a warm-up ahead of his likely rematch against Commonwealth champion Lyndon Arthur, who controversially outpointed him last December. Akeem Ennis-Brown (14-0, 1 KO) will risk his British and Commonwealth Super-Lightweight championships against Liverpool’s former amateur superstar Sam Maxwell (15-0, 11 KOs). The Gloucester man hasn’t boxed since winning his title in a points win against Philip Bowes last September. He had been due to face Maxwell in March, but was injured and his challenger had to be content with a points win against late sub Ben Fields. Belfast’s Anthony Cacace (18-1, 7 KOs) will finally get to defend his British Super-Featherweight crown against Lyon Woodstock (12-2, 5 KOs).Injuries and illness has prevented the fight taking place since it was first scheduled last August, and it promises to be a cracking 12 rounder.In a fourth title fight Telford’s Liam Davies (9-0, 4 KOs) will make his first defence of the English Bantamweight title he won so impressively against Sean Cairns last November. Warren added: “Ennis-Brown v Maxwell and Cacace v Woodstock fights promise and will deliver excitement for those lucky enough to be there and BT Sport viewers. “Ahmed v Khademi was a closely fought contest first time out, I can only imagine fans will be treated to much the same this time around. “This is a card that no one can have any complaints about.” Stoke Middleweight Heaney(12-0, 4 KOs) will have his raucous army behind him when he boxes a ten rounder in his third fight under the Queensberry banner. Warren hopes that next summer, Heaney will be fighting on an open air show at the bet365 Stadium, home of his beloved Stoke City. Northampton Super-Lightweight Eithan James (5-0) will box a six rounder on the bill. Dublin’s Willo Hayden a training partner of Conor McGregor makes his professional debut in a four round Super-Lightweight contest. Also in four round action is Nottingham Light-Heavyweight Ezra Taylor (1-0, 1 KO) and Telford debutant Super-Lightweight Macauley Owen. |
A WIN OVER YILDIRIM PUTS ME RIGHT UP THERE SAYS CULLEN
| ‘Little Lever’s Meat Cleaver’ faces former Canelo foe |
| Jack Cullen says he will take full advantage of a golden opportunity when he clashes with former World Title challenger Avni Yildirim for the IBF International Super-Middleweight Title on the first week of Matchroom Fight Camp in Brentwood, Essex on Saturday July 31, live worldwide on DAZN. After a fiery build up in the Matchroom bubble, Cullen recovered from a first round knockdown to hand undefeated prospect John Docherty a first career loss in their British Super-Middleweight Title Eliminator last time out in November at The SSE Arena, Wembley Turkish star Yildirim (21-3, 12 KOs) heads into battle on the back of an unsuccessful challenge against pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez in February at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Mexican icon Canelo was too good as he defended his WBC and WBA Super-Middleweight World Titles via a third round stoppage. “John Docherty got the fight going at the end of the day – he started with his mouth and it made more people tune in,” said Cullen. “This is what boxing is all about, it’s all about having exciting fights. It was a good fight and I came home with the win. I was expecting to. I don’t want to take anything away from John Docherty – he’s a good boxer but I’m bigger and better. “I don’t feel like I’m an underdog in this one. If anything I’m the favourite! He has been in with the best. You’ll see on fight night that I should be up there as well. You can’t really go off Canelo, he’s a superstar isn’t he. Whoever he fights he beats! All I can take away from it is Yildirim is a tough and strong lad. “He comes for a fight. It can only be an exciting scrap. Everyone knows I enjoy getting involved in a fight. He enjoys a fight too. No matter what time it is in the ring, whatever round it is, we’re going to clash. It’s going to be a brilliant fight for the crowd and for those watching on DAZN. “At the end of the day he’s a fighting man and he doesn’t want to get beat. Anybody that gets into the ring doesn’t want to get beat. He’s going to give it his all and I’m going to give it my all. You don’t look past anybody, and Yildirim shouldn’t be looking past me. We’ll prove to everyone how good I am. You’ll see my hand getting raised at the end of the night. “This is going to be a dream come true for me hopefully. You never know, anything could happen after this. It’s entirely up to Matchroom and DAZN. Get past Yildirim and it puts me right up there. I think he’s ranked at number 21 or 22 in the world. There’s no reason not to be putting me up there.” Cullen is no stranger to Fight Camp having been part of the first incarnation last year when he drew with Zak Chelli behind closed doors in August, and the fan-friendly 27-year-old says he will only benefit from the return of live crowds as 300 boxing enthusiasts pack into the stunning Matchroom HQ grounds. “You couldn’t be fighting in a better place than Eddie Hearn’s back garden. I got 25 tickets and I’ve sold them all. Especially with a crowd this time, it’s going to be mega. I love all of the people who come and support me. They all put their hard-earned money into coming to watch me. It’s the same this time. They’ve all spent big money on the tickets. Crowds definitely help a fighter.” Yildirim vs. Cullen is part of a huge night of action as Fight Camp returns with a bang, rising Welterweight star Conor Benn (18-0, 12 KOs) puts his WBA Continental Title on the line against Mexico’s Adrian Grandos (21-8-3, 15 KOs), WBA Featherweight World Champion Xu Can (18-2, 3 KOs) defends his Title against Nottingham’s Leigh Wood (24-2, 14 KOs), Tommy McCarthy (18-2, 9 KOs) and Chris Billam-Smith (12-1, 10 KOs) collide in a massive showdown for the European, British and Commonwealth Cruiserweight Titles, Liverpool Super-Welterweight Anthony Fowler (14-1, 11 KOs) promises to build on his huge third-round knockout win over Jorge Fortea when he takes on Roberto Garcia (44-5, 27 KOs), Manchester Lightweight Campbell Hatton (2-0) continues his young journey in the pro ranks against Jakub Laskowski (4-4-1, 2 KOs) and former amateur star Sandy Ryan makes her highly-anticipated professional debut at Super-Lightweight against Kirstie Bavington (3-1-2, 2 KOs). |
GRANADOS CAN PREPARE FOR KING KONG, IT WON’T MATTER! SAYS BENN
| ‘The Destroyer’ headlines Fight Camp Week 1 live on DAZN |
| Conor Benn is aiming to take another step towards a World Title shot when he puts his WBA Continental Welterweight Title on the line against Adrian Granados at the top of the first week of Matchroom Fight Camp in Brentwood, Essex on Saturday July 31, live worldwide on DAZN. ‘The Destroyer’ lived up to his name last time out in April when he took just 1 minute and 20 seconds to wipe out Samuel Vargas inside the opening round and improve his unblemished record to 18-0 with twelve knockouts, sending out a brutal warning to his Welterweight rivals. The rapidly improving 24-year-old has promised more fireworks when he meets Mexico’s Granados – a 33-fight veteran who is no stranger to boxing’s biggest platforms having gone the distance with former two-time Welterweight World Champion Shawn Porter and former multi-division World Champion Adrien Broner in losing efforts. “Last time out – big statement,” said Benn. “Would I have liked to get more rounds in? Of course, but I’m not going to complain about knocking him out in one round! I was straight off to have my Ruby Murray. I’m looking for world honours. I’m knocking on the door for World Titles. For me to be headlining the first Fight Camp show, live on DAZN, is a blessing. Entertainment is what you’ll get from me. Value for money. Expect fireworks every single time I fight. I don’t care who you are, nobody wants to watch a boring fight. I’m here for a good time, not a long time. “I’m interested to see how much further we can go. Do I believe I can win a World Title? 100%. There will always be critics. There will always be naysayers. It’s impossible for them because that’s their mindset. That’s why they sit on social media projecting their faults. I don’t think anything is impossible. If I wanted to switch and do whatever it is – it could be absolutely anything – I’ll make it successful. It’s not just boxing. It’s my mindset, it’s what I do. “I’ve had a target on my back ever since I turned pro because my dad is Nigel Benn. It’s as simple as that. ‘The Dark Destroyer’, the legend. People like to call me silver spoon, but I’ve chosen the hardest sport in the world. I don’t have to be here. I have everything to lose. I’m a winner – all round. Of course I want the big fights. I want to be the best fighter in Britain – which I believe I am. The rankings don’t lie and I’m number one. “We’ve seen all of the Mexicans come over around derail some of the Brits. It’s about time I set the score straight. Granados presents a different struggle. He’s saying he wants to box and all of that. Alright then mate – try me. He can prepare for King Kong, he can prepare for whoever he wants, it doesn’t bother me. Do what you’ve got to do. Do what you want. Prepare how you want. It isn’t going to make any difference come fight night. I’m up for it – more than ever. I’m hungrier now more than ever, and if he thinks I’m going to let him get in the way of me getting my World Title he’s got another thing coming that’s for sure.” Benn vs. Granados tops a huge night of action as Fight Camp returns with a bang, WBA Featherweight World Champion Xu Can (18-2, 3 KOs) puts his Title on the line against Nottingham’s Leigh Wood (24-2, 14 KOs), Tommy McCarthy (18-2, 9 KOs) and Chris Billam-Smith (12-1, 10 KOs) collide in a massive showdown for the European, British and Commonwealth Cruiserweight Titles, former World Title challenger Avni Yildrim (21-3, 12 KOs) aims to bounce back from his loss to pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez when he takes on ‘Little Lever’s Meat Cleaver’ Jack Cullen (19-2-1, 9 KOs), Liverpool Super-Welterweight Anthony Fowler (14-1, 11 KOs) promises to build on his huge third-round knockout win over Jorge Fortea when he takes on Roberto Garcia (44-5, 27 KOs), Manchester Lightweight Campbell Hatton (2-0) continues his young journey in the pro ranks against Jakub Laskowski (4-4-1, 2 KOs) and former amateur star Sandy Ryan makes her highly-anticipated professional debut at Super-Lightweight against Kirstie Bavington (3-1-2, 2 KOs). |
BOURKE READY FOR BEECH JR. SHOWDOWN
| SHOULD HE BE emphatic, as he intends to be, in repelling the challenge of James Beech jr on July 24, Chris Bourke plans to go against his more reserved nature and call out the British super bantamweight champion, Brad Foster. Bourke defends his WBC International Silver title against the 12-1 Beech at the SSE Arena, Wembley in support of Joe Joyce taking on the formidable Carlos Takam for the WBO International and WBC Silver titles. Even though Bourke, 26, acts and fights like a seasoned campaigner, his Wembley date will actually only take him to the early milestone of reaching double figures as a professional. “I know… I’ve not even been a pro for three years yet,” Bourke acknowledged. “I’m nearly 10-0 and I’ve won the Southern Area, beat the English champion and now I’ve got the WBC belt, which gets me up in the rankings.” The Streatham Sniper first jumped on the title trail with a points victory over the then also unbeaten Ramez Mahmood during last summer’s lockdown series of shows before going in with the English champ Michael Ramabeletsa with the WBC strap at stake in December. Ramabeletsa came with a reputation for knocking prospects off their pedestal, but had the tables turned on him when Bourke caught him flush in the second round and didn’t let him off the hook. Another tough challenge now looms with Beech jr making a challenge for his WBC title. The Midlander’s only loss came in a close-run thing against Foster in the first UK boxing show after last year’s first set of restrictions at the BT Sport studio. Bourke reckons all the ingredients are there to cook up a crowd-pleasing spectacle. “As long as I get the win, that’s what matters, but I reckon it will be a good one because he brings it and I don’t think he is ever in a dull fight. He comes forward, throws a lot of shots – and is there to be hit! “He is 100 per cent a proper fighter and he gave Brad Foster a hard fight, I thought. “He will try and bring it to me, so it will be down to me to show my skill and class and do what I need to do to get the win,” continued Bourke, who insists winning is all that matters by whatever method. “I’m gonna get the win and, if I get him hurt, I will get him out of there. He is a good fighter who can do everything well, so I have just got to focus on the win.” The product of the Peacock Gym knows this is a big opportunity for him to shine on a big stage and believes he needs to post a statement with his performance that demands a return ticket to the marquee cards. “Exactly, you want to stand out, be the fight of the night and the one people are talking about afterwards. I feel like, for my weight, I hit hard and I just want to keep that going really. “I want people to want to watch me so I want to be in exciting fights to get people interested. “I’m not really a big talker, but when I am in the ring, that is where my fighting needs to do the talking for me.” But despite being more thoughtful than voluble, Bourke understands his voice needs to be heard if an enticing domestic clash between himself and the also multi-titled Foster is to be delivered by public demand. Foster is soon to challenge Jason Cunningham for the European title to add to the British and Commonwealth belts already in his possession. “Yeah, it will only make sense, won’t it. Now he is fighting for the European there could be even more at stake for me. I think he will beat Cunningham, although I was surprised he beat (Gamal) Yafai. “Once I get the win, depending on how I do, I will be a bit more vocal this time. I need to get people talking a bit more now.” And on the main event, Bourke cannot see past his former GB teammate Joyce having his arm raised in triumph, but reckons it might not be straightforward for him. “I am looking forward to that because Takam brings it. I think that Joyce has just got too good a chin for someone like Takam, but I think he will be dangerous for three or four rounds before Joyce gets to him. Like he does with everyone else. “He will walk him down and get him out of there at some point. It is a good fight and a lot of people are looking forward to it.” Joe Joyce v Carlos Takam for the WBC Silver and WBO International titles takes place at the SSE Arena, Wembley on July 24. Hamzah Sheeraz (12-0, 8 KOs) makes the third defence of his WBO European title against Spaniard Ezequiel Gurria (15-1, 3 KOs). Swansea’s Chris Jenkins (22-3-3, 8 KOs) will finally defend his British and Commonwealth welterweight titles against Nottingham’s Ekow Essuman (14-0, 5 KOs) after recovering from injury. In a well matched fourth title fight, Peacock gym ace Chris Bourke (9-0, 6 KOs) defends his WBC International super-bantamweight title against Bloxwich’s James Beech Jnr (12-1, 2 KOs). There is also heavyweight action featuring David Adeleye (6-0, 5 KOs), while Mill Hill’s George Fox (3-0) will make his Queensberry debut. Reading super-featherweight hope Charles Frankham (2-0, 1 KO) has also been added to the stacked bill., along with ‘The Gent’ Micky Burke Jr (4-0, 1 KO) who also returns after his first stoppage victory in November last year. Tickets are available NOW from AXS.com. Click here to buy tickets. £50 Tier £70 Floor/Tier £100 Floor £150 Floor £300 VIP Hospitality |
JOYCE WANTS WINNER OF JOSHUA/USYK AT EMIRATES
| JOYCE OUT TO PROVE HE’S NUMBER ONE, WANTS WINNER OF JOSHUA/USYK AT EMIRATES |
| JOE JOYCE HAS identified the ideal venue to stage his world title tilt, should he be successful in seeing off the challenge of Carlos Takam in their heavyweight showdown at the SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday. Joyce’s field of dreams is still in North London, but further round the North Circular at the Emirates Stadium, home of his footballing favourites Arsenal FC. Victory on Saturday will ensure the 35-year-old remains at the head of the queue to take on the winner of the forthcoming Anthony Joshua-Oleksandr Usyk battle pencilled in for September. With Joshua/Usyk now official, Joyce has been confirmed as the first WBO mandatory challenger for the winner. Joyce would love to lure whoever emerges as WBO champion to N7 to unleash his own Arsenal on the champion. “That would be a great one for the history books and there is a first time for everything,” said the heavyweight force, who would relish being the first to headline on the hallowed Emirates turf. “The Emirates is an amazing stadium, so I am looking forward to it happening hopefully.” Big fights, of course, have been staged at football grounds across London and the country, with Upton Park, Loftus Road, the old White Hart Lane, Elland Road and Old Trafford among the stadiums to host the noble art. Arsenal’s previous ground, Highbury, was the venue for another major sporting event that took place in 1966, when Muhammad Ali fought Henry Cooper for a second time. Since this time, the home of Arsenal has been strictly football. Joyce visited the stadium today ahead of his big night on Saturday to perhaps get a feel of what might be should he continue to successfully hunt down a shot at a world title belt. Even though Joyce is typically associated with Putney, north of the capital isn’t so far away from his place of birth. “I actually started off in East London and was born in Mile End. I lived with both my parents in Bethnal Green before they split up and my mum moved to Hackney, then Leytonstone, before we went south to Putney when I was six. “I got to go to Highbury sometimes when one of my uncles took me because my dad wasn’t into football much so I didn’t get the chance to follow as closely as I would have liked. “The first game I watched – I can’t remember how old I was, but I was pretty young at the time – was an Arsenal-Liverpool game in the era of Ian Wright and David Seaman. “I have always been an Arsenal fan since school and soon I am getting to do a fishing show soon with my childhood heroes Wright and Seaman.” Joe Joyce v Carlos Takam for the WBC Silver and WBO International titles takes place at the SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday (July 24). Hamzah Sheeraz (12-0, 8 KOs) makes the third defence of his WBO European title against Spaniard Ezequiel Gurria (15-1, 3 KOs). Swansea’s Chris Jenkins (22-3-3, 8 KOs) will finally defend his British and Commonwealth welterweight titles against Nottingham’s Ekow Essuman (14-0, 5 KOs) after recovering from injury. In a well matched fourth title fight, Peacock gym ace Chris Bourke (9-0, 6 KOs) defends his WBC International super-bantamweight title against Bloxwich’s James Beech Jnr (12-1, 2 KOs). There is also heavyweight action featuring David Adeleye (6-0, 5 KOs), while Mill Hill’s George Fox (3-0) will make his Queensberry debut. Reading super-featherweight hope Charles Frankham (2-0, 1 KO) has also been added to the stacked bill., along with ‘The Gent’ Micky Burke Jr (4-0, 1 KO) who also returns after his first stoppage victory in November last year. Tickets are available NOW from AXS.com. Click here to buy tickets. £50 Tier £70 Floor/Tier £100 Floor £150 Floor |
