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JOSHUA VISITS TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR STADIUM AHEAD OF SEPTEMBER 25 USYK CLASH

by adminChampionship News
‘AJ’ defends Heavyweight crowns live on Sky Sports Box Office
Unified Heavyweight Champion of the World Anthony Joshua OBE toured around the sensational, state of the art home of Tottenham Hotspur on Monday July 19 2021 ahead of the official fight announcement with Oleksandr Usyk.

Joshua (24-1, 22 KOs) puts his IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO World Titles on the line against Ukrainian pound-for-pound star Usyk at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Saturday September 25, live on Sports Box Office in the UK and Ireland.

During his tour ‘AJ’ took in the breath-taking views of London on the high-rise ‘Dare Skywalk’, walking the roof and visiting the iconic Golden Cockerel before making his way down to take his first steps on the pitch where he met former player and club legend Ledley King.

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is not only the largest football club stadium in London, it is a multi-purpose venue, capable of hosting a range of events, 365 days a year – helping pump circa £300m into the local economy each year. The stadium will host two back-to-back NFL London Games in October this year, with rugby and concerts scheduled for 2022, alongside Tottenham Hotspur football matches.

Free to use images from the visit are available to view and download HERE. Mandatory credit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing. If prompted, enter this password: AJUsyk2021

Watch Matchroom’s exclusive behind the scenes footage from Joshua’s first visit to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on the Matchroom Boxing YouTube channel. 

An announcement on tickets will be made in due course.
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WOOD LANDS DREAM WORLD TITLE SHOT AGAINST CAN AT FIGHT CAMP

by adminChampionship News
‘Leigh-thal’ meets WBA Featherweight Champion on July 31
Xu Can will defend his WBA Featherweight World Title against Leigh Wood on the first week of Matchroom Fight Camp in Brentwood, Essex on Saturday July 31, live worldwide on DAZN.
 
Can (18-2, 3 KOs), who is recognised by The Ring Magazine as the No.3 Featherweight in the world, won China’s first ever WBA World Title when he defeated Puerto Rico’s defending Champion Jesus Rojas with a unanimous decision at the Toyota Center, Houston, in January 2019. 
 
At the age of 24 and 10 months, ‘Monster’ created history by becoming China’s youngest ever World Champion, and just the third from the country to win a World Title, with scores of 117-111, 116-112 and 118-110 over Rjoas, in what was his second appearance as a pro in the U.S.
 
He successfully defended his WBA crown at the first attempt by stopping Japan’s former Super-Bantamweight World Champion Shun Kubo in six rounds in his hometown of Fuzhou in May 2019. Can made the most of his hero’s welcome, flooring Kubo in round five before ending the contest in the next round.
 
Can’s all-action style was on full display in his next Title defence as he threw 1,562 punches on route to inflicting a first loss on Manny Robles III at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California, impressively outworking and breaking down Robles over 12 rounds to earn a unanimous decision. 
 
Nottingham’s Wood (24-2, 14 KOs) landed the vacant British Featherweight Title last time out at The SSE Arena, Wembley in February by stopping previously unbeaten Doncaster fighter Reece Mould with a brutal knockout in the ninth round.
 
Wood, who is trained by top coach Ben Davison, has only lost twice in his 26-fight career – a sixth round stoppage defeat when challenging Gavin McDonnell for the vacant British Super-Bantamweight Title in just his 12th pro fight and a narrow points loss to eventual MTK Golden contract winner Jazza Dickens last year. 

“I have been idled nearly 20 months without a fight,” said Can. “In the past 5 months in Miami, my coach Pedro Diaz has worked me very hard. This is by far THE best preparation for my Title fights. I feel that I am in an excellent status, physically and mentally. In the next 3 weeks, my goal is to focus on the training and preparation. Leigh Wood is a tough opponent to face and he also has the privileges to fight at home. I must devote 200% of efforts to keep my Title. I can’t wait to see how I turn out on July 31.”

“Opportunities like this don’t always come around, I won’t need another,” said Wood. “I’m going to be World Champion. He’s very good volume puncher, if you let him fight his fight, you’re in for a hard night. I know what I have to do, and I will be exchanging on my terms.”

Elsewhere, WBA Bantamweight World Champion Shannon Courtenay (7-1, 3 KOs) will now put her World Title on the line for the first time against the USA’s Jamie Mitchell (6-0-2, 4 KOs) on Fight Camp Week 3 on Saturday August 14. 
 
Can vs. Wood is part of a huge night of boxing as Fight Camp returns with a bang, 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) following his sensational first round KO win over Samuel Vargas, Tommy McCarthy (18-2, 9 KOs) and Chris Billam-Smith (12-1, 10 KOs) collide in a huge 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 and former amateur star Sandy Ryan makes her highly-anticipated professional debut at Super-Lightweight.
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QUEENSBERRY UNVEIL ‘NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS’- BIRMINGHAM 28TH AUG

by adminChampionship News
Foster vs Cunningham for the EBU, British and Commonwealth Super-Bantam Titles; Cacace vs Woodstock for the British Super Featherweight 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 next week.

BRAD FOSTER will face Jason Cunningham for the British, Commonwealth and European Super-Bantamweight titles at Utlilita Arena, Birmingham on Saturday August 28, live on BT Sport.

Their eagerly awaited triple title showdown heads a stunning night of action that includes two further British championship contests.

Other big names on the blockbuster bill includes Anthony Yarde and boxing’s biggest ticket seller Nathan Heaney.

British and Commonwealth champion Foster’s promoters Queensberry wiped out their rivals when purse bids were ordered for the showdown against European title holder Cunningham (29-6, 6KOs).Foster (14-0-2, 5 KOs) lives close to the venue in Lichfield and promoter Frank Warren is backing his legion of fans to roar him on.

Warren said: “It is one of the most evenly matched fights anywhere this year, but we want to give Brad every advantage.

“The bill is outstanding and a big local crowd could be the difference come fight night. What a fight it will be.

“I expected Brad to be facing Gamal Yafai, but Jason was exceptional when he beat him. Brad has been in fantastic form since he signed with Queensberry and it’s hard to believe he’s only 23.”

Doncaster southpaw Cunningham caused a huge upset when he snatched the European crown from Yafai in May.

Foster last fought in March when he scored a shut out points win against Alvaro Rodriguez to pick up the vacant IBF International belt.

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.

“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.
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Tyson Fury-Deontay Wilder III Heavyweight World Title Bout Rescheduled to Oct 9th

by adminChampionship News
Heavyweight World Title Bout Postponed Due to COVID-19 Diagnosis, Rescheduled for Saturday, October 9 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas
The heavyweight trilogy showdown between WBC and lineal world champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury and former world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder — scheduled for Saturday, July 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas – has been postponed due to Fury’s positive COVID-19 diagnosis.
 
The two goliaths will now meet Saturday, Oct. 9 at T-Mobile Arena, and live on ESPN+ PPV and FOX Sports PPV, resuming one of the great rivalries in the division’s storied history.
 
Tickets purchased for July 24 will be honoured for the rescheduled date.
 
Fury vs. Wilder III tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at www.tmobilearena.com or www.axs.com. The event is promoted by Top Rank, BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions and Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions. A Premier Boxing Champions presentation.
 
“I wanted nothing more than to smash the ‘Big Dosser’ on July 24, but I guess the beating will have to wait,” Fury said. “Make no mistake, I will be back and better than ever. We will fight Oct. 9, and I will knock him spark out!”
 
Hall-Of-Fame Promoter Frank Warren added: “I’m glad that we could all agree a new date quickly for Tyson to defend his title.

“Tyson is a fighting man and I know how frustrated he is that he can’t compete this month. It’s such a shame to lose a fight of this magnitude to COVID.

“That said, the extra time he gets to prepare is just going to ensure he’s bigger and better than ever before – I’ve never been more certain that Tyson is going to deliver a spectacular performance and remain the number one Heavyweight on the planet!”
 
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GEORGE FOX READY TO STEP UP AFTER TYSON FURY CAMPS

by adminPress Releases
GEORGE FOX believes an “life-changing” education from Tyson Fury will put him top of the class in Britain next year.

The WBC World Heavyweight champion was impressed by Queensberry’s latest big hope when they spent two camps together.

Fox (3-0), who is trained by his Father, Don Charles has his first fight for Frank Warren at SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday July 24, live on BT Sport.

The Mill Hill Heavyweight hope has mixed with plenty of world class fighters besides Fury. He has also sparred Dereck Chisora, Daniel Dubois, Anthony Joshua, Joe Joyce and Dillian Whyte.

Because of the pandemic, 6ft 7in Fox hasn’t boxed since November 2019, but says: “It’s actually been the most useful time I have had to knuckle down. I have never trained so hard this consistently.

“I have had top sparring and did two camps with Tyson Fury – one in Las Vegas and one in Morecambe.

“It was life-changing with Tyson. I became very close with him, very friendly with him.

“Because of my style, I am not a traditional banger. I am more of a technical Heavyweight trying to pick people apart.

“Having said that the last year or so we have done strength work and put on power, no doubt.

“Tyson has been instrumental in teaching me certain fundamentals that suit me because I am 6ft 7in and a bit — tall and rangy.

“He has just helped me push on with my craft and given me some inside secrets.

“All of the guys  I sparred have helped in their own way. When you’re sparring with guys at that level there are always tricks to be taken, lessons to be learned.

“We have used the time away to develop, to build, to grow and I’m looking forward to all that hard work coming to fruition on fight night.”

Fox, 29, believes his gym experiences can be a fast pass to the British title next year, and he has big targets.

He added: “This time next year it is realistic to hope I will be 10-0 and in British title contention.

“We are going to move as quickly as possible. I feel I have the experience without having too many fights.

“I have been in boxing a long time. I am always watching boxing, always observing and had top level sparring . It’s now about making sure I’m active.

“It all depends how things progress, but you have a handful of guys like Fabio Wardley, Nick Webb, Nathan Gorman, my good friend David Adeleye and Dave Allen is back.

“Things can change, but they are all relevant in the division and others will emerge. Whoever it is, we just have to make sure I am prepared when the chance comes.

“I’ve known Frank and Francis Warren since I was a young kid so this is close to home. There is a long standing relationship, a lot of trust and belief where we’re heading together.

“I am looking forward to the partnership and what we can manifest in the next few years together.” 

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.

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Joyce visits Wembley ahead of Takam Showdown on July 24th

by adminChampionship News
JOE JOYCE VISITED the scene of Sunday’s Italian Job on Wednesday and stated his intention to land the knockout finish the gallant England team failed to apply when he takes on Carlos Takam in a heavyweight shootout on July 24.

Joyce will be performing at the adjacent SSE Arena and he spent the day sampling the Wembley surrounds ahead of his date with the formidable Frenchman, who will be seeking to put a first dent in the perfect 12-0 professional record of the 2016 Olympic silver medallist.

“I’ll be going for the knockout finish and that is what I am planning to do,” insisted Joyce, who has stopped 11 of his 12 opponents via KO.

Joyce knows the route to heavyweight glory that has been plotted for him. Take out Takam and he will be made mandatory challenger for the WBO world title soon to be contested between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk. So the stakes are mighty high for the 35-year-old known as ‘The Juggernaut’.

“I will happily take on whoever wins, but I would love the opportunity to fight Joshua. I think he will want to fight (Tyson) Fury so we will have to see what happens there, but I am on the WBO track and looking to be made mandatory.

“I think Usyk could be a tricky fight for Joshua, but he should knock him out sooner or later you would think. It is heavyweight boxing, so you never know, but Usyk is no joke. He is an Olympic gold medallist, a very skilled southpaw, so he will probably pose Joshua problems with his good footwork and ringcraft.

“I do think Joshua will get to him, sooner or later,” added the Putney native who, given the delays involving the other leading heavies, will be bidding to put an early marker down in the division with an impressive and eye-catching display against Takam.

“Yeah and that is why I chose Takam as a good move for me. It is all about getting the right fights and I think this is one to get people talking. It will keep me ready too for when I get my turn to fight for the world title.

“He is a respected opponent who has been in with the best, like Joshua and also Chisora, who has been mentioned to fight me but I don’t think he wants it. It is going to be a great fight,” he added, pointing out that both versions of The Juggernaut could be required – the one who ploughs forward and the more nimble and skilful one we witness against Daniel Dubois.

“Maybe you will see a bit of both, depending on which Takam turns up, although I think I know what kind of style he will have. Whatever works to get me the win is what you will see. It is going to be a tough test and a real hard fight, also good stylistically to watch. So tune in!”

Pt. 2 of Joe’s trip to Wembley, featuring a visit to BOXPARK and Meetspace VR, to follow tomorrow…
 
 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.

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LARA AND WARRINGTON COLLIDE IN HUGE REMATCH, TAYLOR FACES HAN AT EMERALD HEADINGLEY STADIUM ON SEPTEMBER 4

by adminNews
‘The Leeds Warrior’ set for must-win showdown with ‘Bronco’ in his hometown
Katie Taylor puts her Undisputed crown on the line in co-main event
All action broadcast live worldwide on DAZN for a special introductory price of just £1.99 in the UK and €1.99 in Ireland
Mauricio Lara and Josh Warrington will rematchin an epic showdownat Emerald Headingley Stadium on Saturday September 4, live worldwide on DAZN. The co-main event will also feature undisputed Lightweight World Champion Katie Taylor, who puts all her belts on the line against IBF Mandatory Challenger Jennifer Han. ‘The Leeds Warrior’ (30-1, 7 KOs) was floored and ruthlessly finished by Mexico’s Lara (22-2, 15 KOs) in a sensational knockout loss at The SSE Arena, Wembley in February that put a massive dent in the former IBF Featherweight World Champion’s unification plans. 
 
Warrington endured a stunning upset defeat as he was dropped and nearly stopped in the fourth round before ‘Bronco’ sent him crashing to the canvas again in the ninth to end the 30-year-old’s unbeaten record. 
 
The upset-of-the-year contender sent shockwaves through the 126lbs division and now Warrington will look to exact revenge in front of a capacity crowd at the home of the Leeds Rhinos in the biggest fight of his career. Undisputed Lightweight rulerTaylor (18-0, 6 KOs) defends her WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine crowns against her latest Mandatory ChallengerHan (18-3-1, 1 KOs) in the co-main event, another huge stage for the best in women’s boxing.The Irish star was forced to dig deep as she retained her World Titles via a unanimous decision victory after another memorable meeting with Natasha Jonas last time out at Manchester Arena in May – nine years on from their London 2012 Olympic Games bout.Han, a six-time national amateur champion fighting out of El Paso, Texas, won the vacant IBF Featherweight World Title against Helen Joseph in September 2015 and went on to make four defences of her Title – most recently against Lizbeth Crespo in February 2018. “I’ve never been much of a talker, I’d rather do my talking in the ring,” said Lara. “I’m going for a repeat performance on September 4. Hit once, hit twice. Warrington should know that I am coming for him. This is all about pride. This is for Mexico!”
 
“It’s been an up and down period, time for reflection and to reassess myself, said Warrington. “I’ve watched the first fight a dozen times, I’m mentally and physically prepared for Mauricio. It won’t be the same result, I want revenge. It’s going to be a huge event in Leeds, I can’t wait to get back in there and rewrite the script. It’s nothing personal, just business. September 4th we get back on track to the top.”
 
“I’m really excited to defend my Titles in front of a live crowd again and especially in Leeds,” said Taylor. “I grew up as a Leeds United fan so it’s fantastic to see them back in the Premier League and doing so well again. 
 
“My last few fights have effectively been behind closed door and it’s definitely a strange experience so I think to have crowds back again and outdoors in Leeds will make for a very special atmosphere. I’m back in the US in training camp, working hard and focused on putting in another big performance against a tough and experienced opponent on September 4.”
 
“I want to thank Katie for this opportunity,” said Han. “Enjoy your belts while you still have them. I will see you in September.”
 
Fresh from his devastating first round demolition job on James Tennyson, Mexico’s Jovanni Straffon (24-3-1, 17 KOs) will make the first defence of his IBO Lightweight World Title against the in-form Maxi Hughes (23-5-2, 5 KOs).
 
‘Impacto’ dropped and stopped Belfast’s Tennyson in a powerful performance at Manchester Arena in May to become the latest Mexican to spring an upset against British opposition in the UK. 
 
‘Maximus’ is relishing his new lease of life after picking up incredible wins over former World Title challenger Jono Carroll, previously undefeated Kazakh talent Viktor Kotochigov and Paul Hyland Jr to earn the British Lightweight Title in March. 
 
The full supporting undercard will be announced shortly.
 
“What better way to celebrate the return to normality for boxing than 20,000 passionate Leeds fans at Headingley Stadium. This is the biggest fight of Josh Warrington’s career and this time he has his city behind him in a must win fight that can only be a thriller,” said Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman. “The greatest female fighter of all time Katie Taylor faces Mandatory Challenger Jennifer Han in another great fight. Katie is a lifelong Leeds United fan and I know how excited she is to fight in the city. Another Mexican upsetter Jovanni Straffon tries to derail the fairy tale story of Yorkshire’s Maxi Hughes who looks to take a giant leap in the World Lightweight landscape. There’s plenty more additions to be announced shortly in what will be a huge night of boxing live on DAZN.”
 
“Our game-changing global partnership with Matchroom has kicked off with an epic line-up, starting with Fight Camp – an unmissable summer of boxing based at the stunning Matchroom HQ in Brentwood, and leading into this huge double-header event. With many surprises still to come for the months ahead, this cements DAZN as the global home of boxing,” said Joseph Markowski, EVP at DAZN Group.
 
Tickets are priced £40, £60, £80, £100, £150 and £300 VIP and are available via StubHub to Fight Pass members on Thursday July 15 and on General Sale on Friday July 16 (both at Midday)
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JAMES BEECH JR: THE TEN WEEKS THAT COULD CHANGE HIS LIFE

by adminNews
JIMMY BEECH JR has been going without wages for ten weeks to make sure he is ready for big punching Chris Bourke.

Walsall’s Beech (12-1, 2 KOs) gets a big opportunity when he challenge’s for the Londoner’s WBC International Super-Bantamweight title at SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday July 24, live on BT.

The former British title challenger works as a painter and decorator, but knows upsetting Bourke (9-0, 6 KOs) will bring him a step closer to packing away his brushes for good.

“I have taken unpaid leave for this fight,” explained Beech who had his first amateur fight at the age of 11.

“If I win, it will open big doors. I will be in a good place with Frank Warren and Queensberry to get a deal, earn decent money and have bigger fights.

“I have been off work for eight weeks already because we thought the fight might have been taking place in late June, so I stopped working in May.

“When the date was moved, I decided to stay in full-time training until after the fight.

“It is a big sacrifice. Had I stayed at work and not had the fight I might have made more money, but this is about progression.

“I beat Chris then bigger chances will come and you never know what might happen.

“One of the our local fighters Jason Welborn won a British title and suddenly got a World title fight against Jarrett Hurd out of nowhere. Anything like that could happen.”

Beech Jr, 24, hasn’t boxed for 12 months when he pushed Brad Foster all the way in a British and Commonwealth title challenge before losing on points.

Since Jimmy suffered his Foster setback, Bourke has outpointed Rahmez Mahmood and in December won his title with a stunning two round demolition of fancied Michael Ramabeletsa.

Beech Jr added: “I don’t think Chris punches as hard as his record suggests and I am confident I can take his power.

“I don’t want to put down his win against Ramabeletsa, but I believe it was right fight, right time.

“I would have beaten Ramabeletsa. I might not have knocked him out, but would have won comfortably.

“I took a lot of confidence out of the Brad Foster fight. I took the fight at pretty short notice, and I didn’t have any fitness at all.

“There is no vendetta against Brad because he beat me, but I want to fight for the British title again so while he has that I want him.

“That is a dream for me, and beating Bourke means I am not too far away at all.

“It is good to be on a big stage. It is what you work for and this is a big opportunity that I have to take. I have to enjoy these nights while they’re there.

“It promises to be a top, top fight. We’re both there to be hit. Chris hasn’t exactly got the best head movement and he won’t have to go looking for me.”

Joe Joyce v Carlos Takam will headline for the WBC Silver and WBO International titles 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
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TAKAM SAYS HE’LL KO JOYCE AND SETTLE SCORE WITH JOSHUA

by adminChampionship News
CARLOS TAKAM is gunning for Anthony Joshua once he has sorted out Joe Joyce at SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday July 24, live on BT Sport.The French powerhouse stepped in at just over one week’s notice to challenge AJ for his WBA and IBF World Heavyweight titles in October 2017.

He went down fighting in Cardiff, losing in ten rounds to the defending champion with many fans insisting that the stoppage was premature.

And there wont just be Joyce’s WBO International, WBC Silver and Commonwealth titles on the line at Wembley.

KO King Joyce (12-0, 11 KOs) is ranked number two by the WBO and will be elevated into the mandatory position after Joshua has defended that title against current top contender Oleksandr Usyk.

“The story between Joshua and me is not finished,” roared Las Vegas based Takam (39-5-1, 28 KOs) who is confident of snatching Joyce’s ranking and booking a Joshua rematch.

Speaking on a digital Press Conference hosted by Dev Sahni, Takam added: “There is unfinished business with Joshua. That fight still hurts me.

“I took that fight at ten days’ notice. The referee stopped the fight and I don’t know why. Nobody ever told me.

“I was also meant to fight Usyk twice, but it never happened and he didn’t want me.”

Putney’s Joyce could have looked at easier options especially as he’s assured of a WBO World title challenge next year providing he remains unbeaten.

But the man who is also rated in the top ten by the WBC and IBF says: “I have had tough tests throughout my career so why stop?

“This is a great fight. Takam brings an all-action fight and it is going to be a good one. I want to give the fans what they want to see.

“This will lead on to some better fights, but I am not overlooking him.”

Three further title clashes will take place on the undercard of Joe Joyce v Carlos Takam for the WBC Silver and WBO International titles 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
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To watch Dev Sahni’s full interview click here
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TAKAM FIRES WARNING SHOTS ACROSS JOYCE’S BOW

by adminChampionship News / News
THE HUGELY POPULAR heavyweight Carlos Takam has sounded a warning to Joe Joyce ahead of their collision at the SSE Arena, Wembley on July 24.

The Las Vegas-based Frenchman, 39-5-1, landed on Friday ahead of his fourth assignment on British soil against the unbeaten 12-0, 2016 Olympic silver medallist who is on the cusp of being put forward as mandatory challenger by the WBO for the world title held by Anthony Joshua – and soon likely to be defended against Oleksandr Usyk.

The upbeat Joyce, 35, known as the Juggernaut, has promised to ‘run over’ the two-time world title challenger in the sequel to his memorable derailing of Daniel Dubois at the end of November. Takam responded by questioning if Joyce possesses the experience to be making such bold predictions.

Takam was greeted at Heathrow Airport by interviewer Dev Sahni, who got the experienced Takam’s thoughts about his upcoming bout.

“He said he is going to run me over?” said the 40-year-old with a hearty chuckle. “I say good luck and I will see you on 24th July! I don’t think he is experienced enough to take out someone like me and this is going to be a big fight for him.

“I don’t want to say it is a small fight or an easy fight because every fight I treat the same. I am here because I am prepared and ready for this fight and I am coming to win. Everybody says he is a tough guy so I am here and ready for that.”

Takam was also bemused, rather than concerned, over claims from Joyce’s manager Sam Jones that he has been keeping tabs on his sparring sessions in Las Vegas.

“Really! He said that? So he’s been seeing my sparring – what the hell! That is good but, for me, I am not going to speak about what they say. I don’t care what a manager says about me because I am just focused for the fight.

“The only thing I want to say is ‘let’s do the job on 24th July. I am ready for then. Joe Joyce, I am coming’.

“I don’t want to say they have made a mistake picking me. This is a good opportunity for Joe Joyce and a good opportunity for me to fight in the UK, where they have made a good thing out of boxing.

“Joe Joyce, I am ready for you and I am a problem.”

Three further title clashes will take place on the undercard of Joe Joyce v Carlos Takam for the WBC Silver and WBO International titles 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

To watch the full interview with Carlos Takam, click here
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