CANELO VS. ALVAREZ SET TO SMASH USA INDOOR BOXING RECORD

Few tickets remain to witness the Super-Middleweight unification battle in Dallas
Canelo Alvarez and Billy Joe Saunders are set to smash the record for the biggest indoor attendance for a boxing event in America as they prepare to meet in a Super-Middleweight unification battle at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Saturday May 8, live worldwide on DAZN and distributed by TV Azteca in Mexico and Latin America.
LIMITED TICKETS REMAIN ON SALE AT SEATGEEK.COM 
Alvarez and Saunders already broke the pre-sale records for their clash on Saturday night and with over 65,000 tickets now sold with limited remaining, their tasty battle is set to overtake the rematch between Muhammad Ali and Leon Spinks at the Superdome in New Orleans in 1978 that drew 63,352 fans.
 
Promoter Eddie Hearn has been the driving force behind some of the biggest crowds in British boxing history, starting with Carl Froch and George Groves at Wembley Stadium in London, and then Heavyweight ruler Anthony Joshua OBE filling the same stadium against Wladimir Klitschko and Alexander Povetkin and also the Principality Stadium in Cardiff against Joseph Parker and Carlos Takam – and Hearn is thrilled to be putting boxing under the best of spotlights on Cinco de Mayo weekend.
 
“It’s one of the biggest events I’ve ever been involved in and this morning, we officially broke the record for the biggest indoor crowd in American boxing history,” said Hearn.
 
“We will have 70,000 people in the AT&T Stadium on Saturday night – I am absolutely buzzing for this, I think this could be the best atmosphere we’ve ever seen.
 
“The numbers for this fight are tracking great, and I think that this is just great for everyone – the biggest live event since the pandemic struck, and boxing has done that. It just shows that when you get it right, we have a monstrous sport on our hands.
 
“Boxing is being showcased on Saturday. We can be as proud as peacocks on the night as everyone around the world will be watching, they will see the atmosphere and say ‘wow, this is boxing!’ People have to tune in to watch this atmosphere and product and say, ‘this is the place to be’. And everyone watching on Saturday will be in awe of it – the event, the fight, the ring walks, everything.  
 
“I’m excited for Billy to be able to go out there and show what he’s said he’s always been able to do, and I am excited for Saul because the atmosphere for him is going to be incredible – so may the best man win.”
 
Alvarez and Saunders clash on a huge night of action in Texas with a stacked undercard in support of the mammoth main event, with Elwin Soto (18-1 12 KOs) defending his WBO World Light-Flyweight title against Katsunari Takayama (32-8 12 KOs).
 
Kieron Conway (16-1-1 3 KOs) defends his WBA Intercontinental Super-Welterweight title against Souleymane Cissokho (12-0 8 KOs), Eddy Reynoso trained Cuban Heavyweight Frank Sanchez (17-0 13 KOs) meets Nagy Aguilera (21-10 14 KOs), Mexican-American talent Marc Castro (2-0 2 KOs) fights on his third Canelo undercard, Castro’s old amateur foe Keyshawn Davis (2-0 2 KOs) faces Jose Antonio Meza (6-4 1 KO) over six rounds and it’s a family affair on the night with Keyshawn’s brother Kelvin Davis (1-0 1 KO) fights for the second time in the paid ranks, with Mexican Welterweight Christian Alan Gomez Duran (19-2-1 17 KOs) celebrating Cinco De Mayo weekend over eight rounds against an opponent to be named soon.
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THIS FIGHT IS ALL ABOUT BOXING BRAINS SAYS SAUNDERS

Unbeaten Brit has total faith in his skills against Canelo
Billy Joe Saunders says he has the boxing brain to dethrone pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez in their blockbuster Super-Middleweight unification battle on Saturday night (May 8), live worldwide on DAZN and distributed by TV Azteca in Mexico and Latin America.

  LIMITED TICKETS REMAIN ON SALE AT SEATGEEK.COM 

Unbeaten Briton Saunders (30-0 18 KOs) puts his WBO strap on the line for the third time against the Mexican star and is aiming to add the WBC and WBA Super belts held by the Mexican sensation.
 
Saunders has been widely regarded as having the ring smarts to be the man to hand Canelo a first defeat in eight years and be the man to take the next step to being undisputed at 168lbs – and the 31 year old says fighting Canelo on Cinco de Mayo weekend holds no fear.
 
“This fight is all about the brain,” said Saunders. “Not about power, muscle or skill, it’s the brain and the game plan, and being able to execute that game plan.
 
“I brush opinions off because I know what goes through my head and my mind, and what I have done in my career is through the will and want to win, and the day I lose that, I won’t put a pair of gloves on again.
 
“I can only control what I am in control of and that myself, not what is outside the ring. It’s going to be a great fight it’s one I’ve wanted for years and it’s finally landed. There’s a lot at stake for both of us. Would I like my fans there? Yes. Would I like UK media there? Yes. If the fight was moved to the Mexican border I wouldn’t care.
 
“I have my own way of approaching the fight and Canelo will have too, he’s done this nearly 60 times. I’ll get in there as the best that I can be and that’s all I can control.
 
“I’ve been the underdog before, I’ve been the away fighter before, it’s not a new position, but I’m just in with a better opponent this time. 
 
“If I go in there and I win, I’m not going to run and say never again, I’ll fight him again, I’ll fight anyone, anywhere, it doesn’t bother me. It’s good for boxing sometimes when the underdogs come through, and I don’t just mean me here, because it puts the sport on a higher platform to be watched.
 
“I’m at the top of the tree where I’ve done it all as an amateur, I’ve had 30 fights, I’m unbeaten, won every title coming through, two-weight World champion – I can sit back at night and say I’m top of the pile fighting the pound-for-pound king.”
 
Alvarez and Saunders clash on a huge night of action in Texas with a stacked undercard in support of the mammoth main event, with Elwin Soto (18-1 12 KOs) defending his WBO World Light-Flyweight title against Katsunari Takayama (32-8 12 KOs).
 
Kieron Conway (16-1-1 3 KOs) defends his WBA Intercontinental Super-Welterweight title against Souleymane Cissokho (12-0 8 KOs), Eddy Reynoso trained Cuban Heavyweight Frank Sanchez (17-0 13 KOs) meets Nagy Aguilera (21-10 14 KOs), Mexican-American talent Marc Castro (2-0 2 KOs) fights on his third Canelo undercard, Castro’s old amateur foe Keyshawn Davis (2-0 2 KOs) faces Jose Antonio Meza (6-4 1 KO) over six rounds and it’s a family affair on the night with Keyshawn’s brother Kelvin Davis (1-0 1 KO) fights for the second time in the paid ranks, with Mexican Welterweight Christian Alan Gomez Duran (19-2-1 17 KOs) celebrating Cinco De Mayo weekend over eight rounds against an opponent to be named soon.
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BUATSI MEETS DOS SANTOS ON MAY 15

‘JB’ takes on unbeaten contender in Manchester
Joshua Buatsi continues his push for a World Title fight when he faces Daniel Blenda Dos Santos, a fellow unbeaten contender, for the WBA International Light-Heavyweight Title at the AO, Arena Manchester on Saturday May 15, live on Sky Sports in the UK andon DAZN in the US and more than 200 countries and territories.The explosive 178lbs contender, one of Britain’s hottest talents, stopped Marko Calic in October to continue his destructive rise up the rankings and has since travelled to America to team up with new trainer Virgil Hunter, who guided the career of pound-for-pound star Andre Ward. 

France’s Dos Santos is undefeated in 15 fights, with eight of his wins coming inside the distance, and the 30-year-old from Pont-Sainte-Maxence has been more active than Buatsi in recent months, fighting twice in 2021 and earning a first round stoppage last time out. 

“I’ve got an unbeaten opponent, that makes him ambitious,” said Buatsi. “Obviously it’s the first fight under Virgil, so it’s should be interesting. I’m looking forward to showing what I’ve been working on with Virgil. He’s going to want to hold onto his undefeated record, as I am. When that’s at stake you really dig deep.”It’s mainly the style that I like. Each of his fighters translate it differently. The public haven’t seen how good I can be, or I will be. I want to unlock the potential that I have got. This addition to the team will 100 per cent bring the best out of me.”Buatsi vs. Dos Santos is part of a huge night of boxing in Manchester, Terri Harper (11-0-1, 6 KOs) attempts to add Hyun-Mi Choi’s (18-0-1, 4 KOs) WBA belt to her WBC and IBO World Titles as she battles for supremacy at 130lbs, there is also a triple-header of European Title fights with Gamal Yafai (18-1, 10 KOs) defending his Super-Bantamweight Title for the first time against Jason Cunningham (28-6, 6 KOs), Tommy McCarthy (17-2, 18 KOs) defending his Cruiserweight crown against Romania’s Alexandru Jur (19-4, 7 KOs) and Lerrone Richards (14-0, 3 KOs) taking on Italy’s Giovanni De Carolis (28-9-1, 13 KOs) for the vacant Super-Middleweight strap, Dalton Smith (7-0, 6 KOs) also takes on Lee Appleyard (16-5-1, 5 KOs) for the vacant English Super-Lightweight Title after their February clash fell through at short notice.
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PARKER EDGES PAST CHISORA VIA SPLIT DECISION

Results from Manchester
12 x 3 mins vacant WBO Intercontinental Heavyweight Title
DEREK CHISORA v JOSEPH PARKER WSD12 (115-113 Chisora, 116-111 Parker, 115-113 Parker)
(Finchley, England)  (Auckland, New Zealand)

Joseph Parker overcame a first-round knockdown to defeat Derek Chisora by split decision following a brutal Heavyweight battle at the AO, Arena Manchester, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and on DAZN in all markets excluding the UK, Ireland, China, New Zealand and Samoa.

The New Zealander had a disastrous start, hitting the canvas in the opening seconds, and Parker showed grit along with his classy combinations to secure victory with tallies of 115-113 and 116-111, with Chisora receiving a score of 115-113.

“I am feeling it,” Parker told Matchroom. “Derek landed a lot of shots on me. I’ll probably feel it more tomorrow. The plan was to come out and box smartly and stay focused. I got caught right at the beginning. I think it was round the back of the head, I didn’t see it.

“The plan was to box and move and be smart. With the guidance of Andy I was able to box. We didn’t have the longest time together. I know I needed a lot of work. I need to keep learning from Andy and practicing the things we work on in the gym. “It was a tough fight and I got caught right at the beginning. I just had to dig deep and stay focused and follow the plan that we had in place. Swayed off a bit, but Derek is a very tough opponent. He came forward, put pressure on me from the beginning. Threw big bombs and landed a lot. “The boxing skills won me some rounds towards the end. It was a very close fight. I thought it could go either way, and I’m very thankful and blessed to get the win today. He brought the smoke. If you want to feel it, jump in the ring with him. “It’s very achievable [World Title fight]. I just have to get back to the training. There’s a lot of things I have to work on. I had a good plan in place. There’s still a lot I can show, I just have to keep working with Andy, and more camps ahead. We could do it next fight.”

10 x 2 mins Undisputed Lightweight World Titles
KATIE TAYLOR WUD10 (96-94, 96-95, 96-95) v NATASHA JONAS 
(Bray, Ireland)                                                       (Liverpool, England)

Katie Taylor retained her WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine Lightweight World Titles after a unanimous decision victory over Natasha Jonas with scores of 96-94, 96-95 and 96-95.

The Irish star shared another memorable meeting with Jonas, nine years after their London 2012 Olympic Games bout, as Taylor was forced to dig deep for the win.

“Again, it was probably a bit too exciting for my liking,” Taylor told Matchroom. “It was definitely a toe to toe battle in there. I thought I was a bit flat early on, but I dug deep to win the championship rounds. I definitely showed the heart of a champion in there and that’s what won me the fight in the end.

“She showed everything it takes to win a World Title in her last two performances. Tonight was a brilliant showcase for women’s boxing and boxing overall. Every time we fought as amateurs it was that type of fight as well. I’d prepared for a hard ten-round battle tonight and that’s exactly what it was.

“Eddie was saying that fight would have brought the PPV sales up a small bit. That’s obviously a great start. I feel sorry for the main event coming out after that fight. It was a thrilling fight. I’m just delighted to come out of it with the belts and still undefeated. 18-0, onwards and upwards. This is what I’m in the sport for, I want to be involved in the biggest fights. There’s plenty of those fights out there for me.”

4 x 3 mins Lightweight contest 
CAMPBELL HATTON WPTS4 (40-36) v LEVI DUNN
(Manchester, England)                           (Prestwich, England)

Campbell Hatton sealed a shutout points victory over Levi Dunn as he made a winning debut in his hometown of Manchester.The 20-year-old was fighting at the scene of father Ricky’s World Title triumphs after a frantic debut in Gibraltar and he displayed more discipline, sealing a 40-36 verdict following four rounds.“I could tell during the whole build up that I’d be a lot better in this fight,” Hatton told Matchroom. “I’ve just been so much more relaxed. It’s night and day. I’ve not watched it back yet, but I think I did show a lot smarter boxing and a bit more composure. 

“There’s still room for improvement but I’m buzzing with it. I’ve not had probably 10% of what I had to do last time. I’m grateful for it. I think I was hurting him a bit more this time. In a spar, it isn’t about taking them out is it. He was doing a lot of holding. He’s a tough kid and he’s done the job that he was here to do. I think I would have got him out of there if there was a bit less holding.

“My heroes have boxed here, so it’s a box ticked for me. It was weird walking down the ramp with no crowd. I can’t wait to do it again here when it’s packed. It’s not new to me now, I’ve got a bit more used to it. I’ll be straight back in the gym ready to go again. It’s all learning, and by keeping busy, I think I’ll be flying soon.”

10 x 3 mins Middleweight contest
CHRIS EUBANK JR WUD10 (98-92, 98-92, 98-92) v MARCUS MORRISON
(Brighton, England)                                                    (Hattersley, England)

Chris Eubank Jr marked his return to Britain with a punishing points victory over Marcus Morrison to stay on course for a big name fight later this year. 

Eubank Jr ended a lengthy absence from the ring, hurting Morrison on a number of occasions before sealing victory with three scores of 98-92.

The Brighton star had Morrison in trouble as early as the second round, but says he decided to let his opponent recover in order to gain valuable rounds. 

“My last fight lasted two rounds, so really it’s been two years since I had a twelve-round fight,” Eubank Jr told Matchroom. “There was definitely some ring rust, and there was definitely some getting back into the swing of things. I had him hurt bad in the second round. I backed off. I wanted him to recover so that I could be seen again. 

“I’m back on TV, I’m back fighting, this is my home. This is my life; this is what I do. I wanted to go the distance and get those rounds in. I’m happy with the performance. I followed instruction; he was telling me to do things in the corner and I went out there and did it. That’s kind of alien to me. Usually most of my career has been dependent on what I want to do, my instincts and my reaction. But now we have a head coach in Roy Jones Jr and I full trust him. I’m happy to be paired with him.

“This is the beginning of a long and great journey for me. I want to be very active this year, I want to fight at least twice more. This is a good start. Full credit to Marcus. I’ve hit guys with shots like that and they’ve gone. He kept coming. A lot of respect for Marcus. There’s a lot of World Champions in the Middleweight division. There’s a lot of big names out there for me to go and fight. Golovkin is the end goal, and anyone with a World Title. I’m coming, they’re all on the radar.”

12 x 3 mins WBA Light-Heavyweight World Title
DMITRY BIVOL WUD12 (118-110, 115-113, 115-114) v CRAIG RICHARDS 
(Saint Petersburg, Russia)                                            (Crystal Palace, England)

Dmitry Bivol retained his WBA Light-Heavyweight World Title via a unanimous decision despite a spirited performance from South Londoner Craig Richards. 

The unbeaten Russian is recognised as one of the finest fighters in the 175lbs division, but he was made to work for victory over ‘Spider’ Richards with scores of 118-110, 115-113, 115-114.

“I’m not happy but I’m okay,” Bivol told Matchroom. “It was a long rest for me and I went into the ring after one and a half years. It’s fine. My opponent was a good fighter, really good. He’s smart and he thinks. He was thinking for the whole fight.

“It’s okay. I was feeling that I’d won. I gave him a couple of rounds for recovery. I landed more clean punches. I respect him and I respected him before the fight. I think he can make problems for all fighters because of his style.

“He moved a lot. Fighters who move a lot and have good speed are really hard. He is a good fighter, but I have more weapons in my arsenal. I’m glad I have had another defence. Of course, I want unification fights. I still want them. I haven’t had a chance to fight for another belt, this is why I defend my belt.

“I’d like to fight for another belt, it would be a good challenge for me. I believe I can become the Undisputed World Champion one day, this is why I train, that’s why I have a good team. I believe one day I will be if I train hard. Thanks to everyone who supports me and watched this fight.”
 
4 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest
JOHNNY FISHER TKO3 (1:46) v PHIL WILLIAMS
(Romford, England)                     (Swindon, England)

Johnny Fisher moved to 2-0 as he stopped Swindon’s Phil Williams in the third round with a barrage of hurtful punches. 

‘The Romford Bull’ gave another impressive display of his raw power, forcing the referee to step in after a sustained assault.

“I thought it was brilliant to get out on such short notice,” Fisher told Matchroom. “Credit to Sam Jones and Eddie Hearn for getting the fight there for me. Phil Williams is an awkward and tough opponent; he’s only been stopped four or five times in 30 bouts. Awkward fight, but I got him out of there and I showed I could go three rounds and keep a high pace.

“I’m trying to find the balance between having that killer instinct and sitting behind my boxing. Sometimes in there you probably get caught between the two. As I progress, I’ll be able to use that killer instinct more effectively. It was an awkward fight, but I showed that I’ve got the strength and the power to stop people. I stopped him in the third round. We’ll go against for the next one as soon as we can. 
 
“If you stay ready, you’ll get opportunities, especially at Matchroom and with S-JAM Boxing. I showed I can turn up and get the job done. I’m very grounded. I played rugby for a long time. That teaches you a lot of discipline. I’ve got family and a support network who believe in me. They always tell me the truth as well, and I’ll always be truthful about my own performances.

“It’s all systems go, ready for the next one. I’ve got to get that jab off, because in the gym it’s coming off lovely. When you get under them lights, you can have a bit of eagerness. I’ve only had four amateur senior fights and I’ve got a long way to go in the professional ranks.”

12 x 3 mins vacant IBO Lightweight World Title
JAMES TENNYSON v JOVANNI STRAFFON TKO1 (2:10)
(Belfast, Northern Ireland)  (Mexico City, Mexico)

James Tennyson was dropped and stopped as Mexico’s Jovanni Straffon produced a stunning first-round victory to claim the vacant IBO Lightweight World Title.

The Belfast man was stunned by an early onslaught from Straffon, who dropped Tennyson heavily and then forced referee Michael Alexander to wave the fight off after just two minutes and ten seconds.

“I dreamed about this several years ago,” Straffon told Matchroom. “I know I was up against everything. I knew he was a very strong fighter. He called himself ‘The Assassin’, but he was assassinated. He punches hard, but nothing punches harder than life.

“It has been a very good year for Mexican boxing. There has been lots of surprises and upsets. I’m not really surprised about what happened. I have been well prepared for a year. I knew I was the big underdog but now I’m the winner.

“I would really like the opportunity to work with Eddie Hearn. I would like to thank my manager and promoter. I hope some really good things are coming my way. I believe I just won an opportunity to get some of the tough and big names out there. Don’t give up on anything, always keep on dreaming because dreams do come true.”

8 x 3 mins International Super-Middleweight contest
SCOTT FITZGERALD TKO3 (2:43) v GREGORY TRENEL
(Preston, England)                              (Dainville, France)

Former British Super-Welterweight Champion Scott Fitzgerald ended his lengthy absence from the ring with a third-round stoppage of Frenchman Gregory Trenel in the opening bout of the evening. 

Fitzgerald hadn’t boxed since landing the British Title against Ted Cheeseman back in October 2019, and returned at Super-Middleweight as he continues to work his way back down to 154lbs. 

In his post fight interview, the unbeaten Preston talent reiterated his desire to rematch one of his former opponents Ted Cheeseman or Anthony Fowler by the end of the year. 

“It’s an amazing feeling,” Fitzgerald told Matchroom. “There were times I thought I wouldn’t get back here. To get back in there and come out with a stoppage is a great feeling. I was whacking some shots off his head, and at some points he was smiling. I could see he was tough. At the end he wasn’t looking to throw back and I was hitting him with some big shots. The body shots were hurting him. I think it was the right decision from the ref. 
 
“I’ve already lost a fair bit of weight to get down to 12 stone. If I’m out again in July I can be under eleven and a half stone and ready for a big one then. October time, under eleven stone then. I’ve 100% learnt my lessons. I just keep the right people around me. I’ll keep my eyes on the mission. No messing about.

“I’d like to win the British Title back by the end of 2021. That’s what I’m hoping for. Cheeseman, I’m sure he’d be happy to fight me again as I’ve already beaten him. That’s a way back in for me. I’m going to keep chipping away at this weight and get myself ready. The first fight with Anthony Fowler was a great fight and everyone enjoyed it, the public enjoyed it and I know they all want to see it again. If it’s right to happen before the end of the year, I’m ready for it.”
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CHISORA VS. PARKER WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER

17:00 LIVE ON MATCHROOM BOXING YOUTUBE

8 x 3 mins International Super-Middleweight contest
SCOTT FITZGERALD 12st 1lbs 4oz v GREGORY TRENEL 11st 12lbs 2oz
(Preston, England)                                (Dainville, France)

followed by

18:00 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS BOX OFFICE/DAZN

12 x 3 mins vacant IBO Lightweight World Title
JAMES TENNYSON 9st 8lbs 7oz v JOVANNI STRAFFON 9st 7lbs 2oz
(Belfast, Northern Ireland)             (Mexico City, Mexico)

followed by

4 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest
JOHNNY FISHER 17st 7lbs 4oz v PHIL WILLIAMS 19st 2lbs 7oz
(Romford, England)                        (Swindon, England)

followed by

12 x 3 mins WBA Light-Heavyweight World Title
DMITRY BIVOL 12st 6lbs 2oz v CRAIG RICHARDS 12st 6lbs 6oz
(Saint Petersburg, Russia)        (Crystal Palace, England)

followed by

10 x 3 mins Middleweight contest
CHRIS EUBANK JR 11st 7lbs 9oz v MARCUS MORRISON 11st 7lbs 8oz
(Brighton, England)                           (Hattersley, England)

followed by

4 x 3 mins Lightweight contest 
CAMPBELL HATTON 9st 9lbs 9oz v LEVI DUNN 9st 8lbs 5oz
(Manchester, England)                      (Prestwich, England)

followed by

10 x 2 mins Undisputed Lightweight World Titles
KATIE TAYLOR 9st 8lbs 8oz v NATASHA JONAS 9st 8lbs 7oz
(Bray, Ireland)                           (Liverpool, England)

followed by

12 x 3 mins vacant WBO Intercontinental Heavyweight Title
DEREK CHISORA 17st 12lbs 8oz v JOSEPH PARKER 17st 3lbs 2oz
(Finchley, England)                         (Auckland, New Zealand)
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FORMER BRITISH CHAMP PITTERS BACKS RICHARDS IN WORLD TITLE CHALLENGE

Former British Light-Heavyweight Champion Shakan Pitters will be backing old foe Craig Richards in his WBA World title challenge against Dmitry Bivol tomorrow night.

Pitters lost his British title to Richards last December when ahead on the judges’ scorecards he was stopped in the ninth round by the hard-hitting Londoner, but he wants to see his rival win the title which could set up future rematch between the pair.

‘Big Shak’ begins his comeback on Saturday 22nd May at the Coventry Skydome Arena, exclusively live and free on Channel 5, when he takes on Bradford’s Jermaine Springer in an eight-rounder on the undercard of the big showdown between Sam Eggington and Carlos Molina for the WBC Silver Middleweight Championship.

He said, “Anything can happen in boxing and he’s got a good chance tomorrow night.  He’s stepped up to face Bivol who’s unbeaten and won the world title in just his seventh fight and he can punch.  I’ve spoken to Richards since our fight and we’re cool, I wished him all the best and it’s great for British boxing if he wins.”

The 31-year-old from Birmingham is hungry to return to the ring and do a good job on Springer and then push his case for a championship title opportunity.

He added, “I’d like the rematch with Richards, but I’m not going to chase it, I’m going to focus on my own career and keep winning and get the belts coming in and then in time I’m sure we’ll meet again.”

“I’ve been working hard in the gym since the Richards fight with my trainer Jon Pegg and we’ve been focusing on ring generalship and aggression so you’ll be seeing a more attacking Shakan Pitters on his return,”

“I’m looking for a more clinical performance and do what I do best and show the skills and make a real statement.”

Presented by Hennessy Sports in association with William Hill, InfinitumNumanEverlast and King Carlos Promotions, Eggington v Molina will headline the exciting nine-fight card exclusively live and free-to-air across the UK and Ireland on Channel 5.

Main event features Birmingham warrior Sam Eggington (29-7-0, 17 KO’s) against Mexico’s hard-as-nails Carlos Molina (37-11-2, 12 KO’s) for the Vacant WBC Silver Middleweight Championship.  Chief support features a cracking showdown between Birmingham’s Kaisee Benjamin (11-1-1, 2 KO’s) and Dumbarton’s Martin Harkin (13-1-0, 5 KO’s) in an Eliminator for the British Welterweight Championship (Subject to BBBofC approval).

Also on the card, Coventry sensation River Wilson-Bent (8-0-0, 4 KO’s) makes the first defence of his Midlands Area Middleweight title against Derby’s George Farrell (5-0-0, 1 KO).  Former British Light-Heavyweight Champion Shakan Pitters  (14-1-0, 4 KO’s) has his first back against Bradford’s Jermaine Springer (7-2-0, 1 KO) in an eight-rounder since losing his title to Craig Richards last December.  County Monaghan super-lightweight dynamo Stephen ‘The Hitman’ McKenna (7-0-0, 7 KO’s) features in a six-rounder, but the undefeated red-hot 24-year-old prospect has not needed to go the distance yet with all his fights ending inside.  Birmingham middleweight bombshell Idris ‘The Bodybreaker’ Virgo (9-0-1, 1 KO) goes in over six-rounds.  Sevenoaks all-action super-welterweight  Michael Hennessy Jr. (5-1-1) is in a six-rounder against Warminster’s Paul Cummings.  Irish super-welterweight ace Brett McGinty (1-0) follows up his thrilling pro debut last December when he features in a four-rounder against Birmingham’s Josh Hodgins.  Brighton heavyweight talent Tommy Welch (1-0-0, 1 KO), son of the former British, Commonwealth and World Heavyweight title challenger Scott, follow’s up his explosive debut last December when he stopped Matt Gordon in the second round and features in a four-round contest.

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

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PARKER: I WANT TO BE WORLD CHAMPION AGAIN

Former WBO King meets ‘WAR’ Chisora in Manchester
Joseph Parker hopes that a win over Derek Chisora at the AO Arena, Manchester this Saturday May 1, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in all markets excluding the UK, Ireland, China, New Zealand and Samoa, will kickstart his route back to the top of the Heavyweight division. 

Former WBO World Champion Parker (28-2, 21 KOs) is fresh off a hard-fought 12-round decision over long-time amateur nemesis Junior Fa at Spark Arena in Auckland, New Zealand that settled an 11-year old rivalry with his compatriot.

Ranked at No.3 with the WBO, Parker recently teamed up with former Middleweight World Champion Andy Lee, and the 29-year-old knows an impressive stoppage of the teak-tough Chisora would propel him closer to his ambition of becoming a two-time World Champion.

“I’m very prepared for this fight, I’ve had a great training camp with Andy in Ireland, then we moved over to Morecambe and got some great sparring under our belt, great pad work, bag, everything,” said Parker. “I feel like with this fight, physically and mentally, I’m in a great place – probably the best I’ve been in a while.

“You will see some good changes. I’ll be sharper, with better movement and better footwork. I’ll be focused for the whole fight. If I execute the game-plan that Andy has put in place, it should be a good night for Team Parker. I expect Derek to be Derek – to apply pressure from the beginning, throwing punches and bombs. 
 
“Two totally different styles, Junior Fa’s style was move and hug, punch every now and then. With Derek it’s no secret, he’s going to come forward and apply the pressure, throw punches everywhere. My hands are going to have to be up, down and all around.

“I’ve been a World Champion before and I want to be World champion again. In order to achieve that goal I have to get Derek out of the way first. Then set up the other fights that are out there. We’ve done everything we can to prepare for whatever he brings.
 
“I think this is the perfect fight at the right time. We’re right there, get a good victory and there’s many other great fights out there to be made and to position yourself when the titles are free to fight for. This is a big card, not only the main event but the undercard fights are very exciting, I’m looking forward to Saturday.”

Chisora vs. Parker tops a huge night of action in Manchester, Irish star Katie Taylor (17-0, 6 KOs) defends her Undisputed Lightweight crown against former amateur rival Natasha Jonas (9-1-1, 7 KOs), undefeated WBA Light-Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol (17-0, 11 KOs) puts his Title on the line against Craig Richards (16-1-1, 9 KOs), Chris Eubank Jr (29-2, 22 KOs) returns against Marcus Morrison (23-3, 16 KOs), Belfast’s James Tennyson (28-3, 24 KOs) faces Mexico’s Jovanni Straffon (23-3-1, 16 KOs) for the IBO Lightweight World Title, Preston’s Scott Fitzgerald (14-0, 9 KOs) makes his long awaited return against Gregory Trenel (13-6-2, 3 KOs) and Lightweight prospect Campbell Hatton (1-0) fights in his home city for the first time as a pro against Levi Dunn (0-4).
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CHISORA VS. PARKER + UNDERCARD PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Eddie Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom Sport:

“What a delight to be here in Manchester ahead of a huge night of boxing this Saturday from the AO Arena, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and on DAZN around the world. This is the card of the year so far. There’s so much to talk about here today from the big Heavyweight main event to the Undisputed World Championship, to the World Light-Heavyweight Championship and much more.”

Derek Chisora – Finchley, London – 32-10, 23 KO’s – fighting Joseph Parker for the vacant WBO Intercontinental Heavyweight Title:

“I love fighting, throwing yourself in the World Title shot is okay. Dillian Whyte has been in the World Title shot for the last five years, he hasn’t gone anywhere. I don’t to put myself in those positions, I want to put myself in positions where I get to fight good fights. This is right, I’m fighting Joseph Parker and after that we’ll see what happens.
 
“I want to do what I do best, come forward, fight, chuck hell and do what I do every day. Roll the dice and rock and roll – go at it. I’ll come out of the gates and just go.
 
“The guy has a spider bite, we can’t deny it, we don’t know if it’s true or not, but he had it and now he’s here – we’re not going to cry over spilled milk. David did a good impression wearing the spiderman suit early on the morning, it was okay. The fight is here now so we’re not going to talk about history anymore, that’s why it’s called history.
 
“It’s going to be a great night; good things are happening. It’s a big card, but we don’t have that little edge on with the fans, it’s depressing but what can we say.
 
“The king is back, long live the king – I’m back. I’m buzzing, to all those fans at home, I’m going to bring smoke and I know my opponent is going to bring something which is going to be on his bike – but it’s going to be okay. He’s going to be cycling back to Australia but it’s all good. I know right now I’m still laughing and joking but when I come tomorrow, you’re going to know what time it is.”

David Haye, Hayemaker Promotions:

“Derek wants the biggest fights; he wants to leave a legacy and wants to go out there for people to know Derek Chisora means war and destruction. We pushed it to the wire with Usyk last time out, someone who’s ranked number one in the world, I thought he won the fight. It was a close fight, two judges only had it by two points, this time round he’s not going to leave it to the judges. No mind set to try and win this fight on points.  
 
“Joseph Parker, we know is an excellent boxer, one of the best jabs in the business. Ask Andy Ruiz, Carlos Takam, it’s a killer. So, it’s a simple solution, we’re not having a boxing match with Parker it must be a fight. I can guarantee a knockout in this fight, this is not going the distance. This is about how much Joseph Parker can take.
 
“He’s got a great chin, he went twelve rounds with AJ, twelve rounds with Dillian Whyte who hit him on the button many times. Derek’s going to have to do something very special on Saturday night and he’s brought in the big guns – Buddy McGirt Hall of Fame trainer. We’re adding whatever we can to give Derek what’s needed to do the impossible.
 
“A lot of people are not giving Derek a shot in this fight, but when you see how Derek comes across the ring in the first round, I think you’ll understand where this fight is going and going in a very destructive manner. It’s going to be all out explosion from the first round and get your popcorn and don’t go to the toilet.
 
“Anybody who watches Derek Chisora will want to keep him on the outside, because once Derek’s on the inside – ask David Price who said when Derek was inside, he didn’t know where the punches were coming from. When you’re inside with those little gloves, a big Heavyweight with short cuffing shots. He’s been practicing this stuff; his inside game is very destructive.
 
“Joseph Parker is going to be in a situation he hasn’t been in before, he’s fought come forward fighters before, but he’s been able to keep them at arm’s length. Derek must do his work in the inside, drag him into the deep end from round one. It’s going to have to be brutality from round one and I’m excited.” 

Buddy McGirt, trainer of Derek Chisora:

“It’s been interesting, but it’s been great – I have no complaints. Derek, David and the team have made me feel at home, welcomed me well so I really can’t complain.
 
“I expect Parker to do both, Andy Lee has got an old way of thinking. I think they’re going to box, but also try to fight on the inside when they want to fight on the inside – they want to dictate it. That I know, because they’re not going to try and box all night, I know guys like Andy and how he thinks. Sometimes you’ve got to try and beat a guy at his own game a little while, we’ve got to get down and dirty.
 
“We’ve got to drag it down like that, it’s no secret. He’s got to be Derek, just smooth the rough edges. They’re going to try and box, yeah, but I also know in the later rounds they’re going to fight him in the inside and break our man down – we’re prepared for that.”

Joseph Parker – Auckland, New Zealand – 28-2, 21 KOs – fighting Derek Chisora for the vacant WBO Intercontinental Heavyweight Title:

“I’m very prepared for this fight, I’ve had a great training camp with Andy in Ireland, then we moved over to Morecambe and got some great sparring under our belt, great pad work, bag, everything. I feel like with this fight, physically and mentally, I’m in a great place – probably the best I’ve been in a while.
 
“Two totally different styles, Junior Fa’s style was move and hug, punch every now and then. With Derek it’s no secret, he’s going to come forward and apply the pressure, throw punches everywhere. My hands are going to have to be up, down and all around.
 
“I think this is the perfect fight at the right time. We’re right there, get a good victory and there’s many other great fights out there to be made and to position yourself when the titles are free to fight for. This is a big card, not only the main event but the undercard fights are very exciting, I’m looking forward to Saturday.”

Andy Lee, trainer of Joseph Parker:

“I can only see the fight playing out one way, with Derek coming forward and bringing war which he has done over numerous fights in recent years. I see Joseph boxing a smart fight, if he can put in the practice what we’ve been rehearsing in training the I can Joseph winning by late stoppage. We don’t want to leave anything to the judges, the only way to guarantee victory in this game is by getting a knockout, as much as they’re going for it, we’ll be going for it as well.
 
“We might surprise you, we surprised everybody with Tyson Fury against Wilder, we just might do the same, but you’ll have to wait and see.”
 
Katie Taylor – Bray, Ireland – 17-0, 6 KOs – defending her WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine Lightweight World Titles against Natasha Jonas:

“This is why we’re taking the fight; we don’t take any easy fights. I’m in this sport to fight the best, in terms of training camps every one’s the same, we train for every single fight as if it’s going to be my hardest. My mind set and mentality doesn’t change fight to fight so I’m looking forward to a great fight on Saturday.
 
“The fight was nine years ago, we were both very different fighters to what we are now. I think we’ve both developed and matured into great pro fighters. The fight is going to be completely different Saturday night then it was in the London Olympics. What works in the pro game doesn’t work in the amateur game – this is a completely different fight.
 
“I think my last few performances have shown I’m at my peak, I’ve shown my best in the last few performances. My last three fights were probably my best performances as a pro, so I feel like I’m definitely improving and getting better each time.” 

Ross Enamait, trainer of Katie Taylor:

“We’re here to win the fight, we train hard for every fight. This is Katie Taylor’s twelfth World Title fight; this is there twelfth fight period. Every fight is a big fight, we’re coming to win and we’re here to win on Saturday.
 
“She’s going to be as sharp as ever, we looked great the last fight, we beat Persoon clear in the second fight regardless and what he’s [Joe Gallagher] saying over here. The fight before that we looked great, there’s no slide, you’re going to see the best Katie on Saturday.” 

Natasha Jonas – Liverpool, England – 9-1-1, 7 KOs – challenging Katie Taylor for her WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine Lightweight World Titles:

“Every time I’m asked to step up, I do, and I perform. Being the underdog for me is no different, I’m always the underdog on the big night. The more you tell me I can’t do it, the more I’ll prove you that I can.
 
“You’ve got to remember that going into the Harper fight we’d just come off a lockdown, financially I didn’t know when I was going to box again, I had the baby 24/7 because the schools were shut, and I was in a bit of pickle of where I was going to go or where my opportunity was going to arise.
 
“Obviously we got that opportunity, and the baby came along to all the sessions, she was a big part of that camp. It was great to be back, and I was starting from down the mountain mentally, physically, emotionally. Now I’m not there, after the Harper fight, I’m at the top of the mountain. I’m starting at the Harper fight and building up from that. Everything says that I’m much better than from the Harper camp and I know I had to be there.
 
“I think in boxing one punch changes everything. I do believe I have power; I don’t want to make prediction or disrespect anybody by saying that. After the traumatic experience of round 8 against Harper, I promised myself that they are learning curves and that will never happen again. If I get that opportunity, it’ll be the end of the fight.” 

Joe Gallagher, trainer of Natasha Jonas:

“It’s good to see the bookies are giving Natasha a better chance against Katie then they did against Terri Harper, that’s good for a start. Its friends reunited, Katie Taylor – what can you not say about her. What she’s achieved, she’s a national hero back in Ireland, what she’s done for female boxing across the world, nothing but respect for her.
 
“This is the fight business; come Saturday night this is strictly business. Katie Taylor, she’s the media darling, Natasha Jonas is going into the fight after a great career performance. She won the WBC Super-Featherweight title, only two people in the world didn’t think she got it, but apart from that she’s a World Champion in my eyes.
 
“Natasha Jonas now moving up to Lightweight, here she is now taking on what people describe as the greatest all time female fighter. This is a fight that if there was to be three-minute rounds for women’s boxing, this would be it. If you go back and watch their London 2012 Olympic fight, it was brilliant. But to show how much both have improved since then, it would be better in 12 x 2 or 10 x 3 contest.
 
“We’ve got a ten round sprint here; we’re seeing that with Natasha fight of the year with Teri Harper. We’re going into this fight with the bookies siding with Natasha more, the judges are to come and do what they need to do, not to be here in awe of Katie or Matchroom. They come here and score what happens, Sky have got to commentate on punches landed, not where they’re from or what’s going round.
 
“Natasha is a strong live underdog, I’m telling you now Katie Taylor, whether she wants to say it or not, this will be the hardest and most disciplined training camp she’s ever had for any of her fights. She knows the serious threat Natasha Jones brings. They know the threat, what we want in this fight is fairness by the judges and the commentary to score on what’s seen. If everyone does their job, including me and Natasha, we’re going to have a new Undisputed World Champion come Sunday morning.
 
“Sit back, enjoy your popcorn and enjoy what it is – it’s the biggest female fight the UK and Ireland has ever seen. We’re privileged to be part of it and see this event. We’ll roll onto Saturday night.”

Dmitry Bivol – Saint Petersburg, Russia – 17-0, 11 KOs – defending his WBA Light-Heavyweight World Title against Craig Richards:

“I missed fighting, I’m really looking forward to getting in the ring and making a great fight for all of the boxing fans. I have a dream to be the Undisputed Champion, I have goals to fight in Saint Petersburg, to fight in the America, to fight in England. Now I’ve accomplished one of my goals.
 
“I just believe in my skills; I believe I can beat him and move forward again. Of course, I think about my life, I’m living until May 1st then we’ll see what will happen. I believe, I trained all my life, I’ve boxed since I can remember, and I have to be the winner.”  

Vadim Kornilov, World of Boxing:

“It’s been frustrating for everybody with COVID and everything going on, there are a couple of opportunities but I’m really excited for Dmitry to have his first debut in the UK. The fans here are great, we’ve had a lot of success with Povetkin, getting a lot of attention.
 
“This is important for him and his career, I can see the ambition on the other side, I can see the professional team, that will make the fight even more exciting. Both guys are coming to win and both guys have a lot of confidence. We feel very excited, and we look forward to Saturday.”

Craig Richards – Crystal Palace, England – 16-1-1, 9 KOs – challenging Dmitry Bivol for the WBA Light-Heavyweight World Title:

“I believe that I can become the next champion. I’ve come off a good win for the British Title, it’s not like I was in dark place in my career, and this was the only opportunity. I’ve got momentum in my career; I only took the fight because I believe I can win, and I want more momentum.”
 
“People talk about me stepping up from the British scene and moving on. My careers been a bit backwards, although it looks like I’ve just won the British and moved on I’ve been beating unbeaten guys early on my career.
 
“If you look at all the other Brits that have pushed on, they’ve had one domestic dust up and then moved on to the world scene. I’ve had loads of experience, when’s the time to move on – I can’t keep fighting domestically, it’s time to push on I’ve got enough experience. I’m ready to go.
 
 “I think he’s [Bivol] one of the greatest fighters in the Light-Heavyweight division. This is why he’s perfect for the job. People mentioned the other Light-Heavyweights, sometimes I wasn’t getting mentioned, but I believe I was getting overlooked. Beating someone like Dmitry Bivol, who’s one of the best out there, I’ll get the credit I deserve.”

Peter Sims, trainer of Craig Richards:

“We had a conversation before the Shakan Pitters fight and I said to him, it’s not about if you win this fight, it’s how you win this fight – this will define whether you’ll step up or stay at the British level for a little while. The way he dismantled Shakan Pitters was a sign for him to step up.
 
“He’s fifth in the WBO rankings, he’s 3rd or 4th in the British rankings. I believe he’s the best British Light-Heavyweight at the moment.”
 
“Boxing is made of upsets, if we go back to Nigel Benn vs. Gerald McClellan fight, or recently Andy Ruiz Jr and Anthony Joshua, conspiring to upset the boat and beat Dmitry Bivol – I think he can.
 
“You can’t deny that Dmitry Bivol is a class fighter, his amateur pedigree is absolutely spot on. We’re going into the fight with total 100 respect for Bivol. He’s the WBA Super Light-Heavyweight World Champion for a reason.
 
“His speed is good, he’s got great feet, he’s got the whole package, but we believe with the assets Craig’s got and what he’s developed and how he’s progressed in the gym, he can do the job and upset the boat.”

Campbell Hatton – Manchester, England – 1-0 – fighting Levi Dunn in a four round Lightweight contest:

“I learnt a lot; the whole week was a great experience for me – I enjoyed every minute. I learnt just how hard a game it is, the opponent I faced was a tough, durable lad. I got the 8-ounce gloves on and thought he’s not going to last two rounds with these on. They are tough blokes; you don’t just knock them over. Now I know to keep calm and not try and force things.
 
“I’ve known Levi, I’ve sparred him and know what to expect. It’s a good thing at this stage in my career to put a bit of a game plan together which you don’t normally get. That’s going to help me stay calm as well, I know the specific things I need to do. The United top makes things a lot better.
 
“I think in my first fight I showed little glimpses of what I can do. I set high pace that I could fight, but I didn’t show my boxing brain and the classy work I can do. This time I do want to show that patience and put in a more classy performance.”

Levi Dunn – Prestwich, England – 0-4 – fighting Campbell Hatton in a four round Lightweight contest:

“I only started boxing when I was 17, from when I started, I always saw myself on Sky and Matchroom. I didn’t think it would happen this fast but now I’m here.
 
“I’m just blessed to be here in the first place, with this pandemic I didn’t think it was going to happen like this. The only fights have been hard fight out there, but I’ve got to win and try my best. Each fight I know I’m improving a hell of a lot, it’s only a matter of time before I feel like I’ll be able to beat everyone in my weight class.
 
“Since we sparred, I’ve had 3 pro fights since then and sparred a lot of top kids so I feel like I’ve improved a hell of a lot since then.”

Chris Eubank Jr – Brighton, England – 29-2, 22 KOs – fighting Marcus Morrison in a ten round Middleweight contest:

“That’s what this fight is about, to see if that sauce is still there. I haven’t fought a ten-round fight in a long time, I’ve been out of the ring for a long time. My last fight was in New York end of 2019 and lasted two rounds, so the last real fight was February 2019. So this is my opportunity to get back in the ring and showcase everything me and Roy have been working on over the last year and a half.
 
“We’ve done a lot of work, I have been inactive in terms of not being in the ring fighting, but in terms of what I’ve bene doing with Roy at his gym, super active – everyday week in week out. Learning, improving, I’m one of the only fighters in the game that can say during COVID I improved as a fighter, I think I’ve ascended so it’s just up for me now to go out there and show off the skills.
 
“What I was doing worked for me for a long time, but I got to a point where I realised that once you reach a certain level you need as much support as you can get, as many eyes on you as possible. Going into the gym on your own schedule, doing what you want, controlling the gym, it’s not necessarily the best way to do things – especially if there’s somebody that can guide you better than you can guide yourself.
 
“I had a very hard time finding that in a trainer, which is why I chose not to have one for so long. In meeting Roy, I found someone I fully trust, when he tells me to do something I can second guess it. It’s been a very eye-opening experience. Everything happens for a reason and I think this is the perfect time we met, during COVID, I’m very happy.”

Kalle Sauerland, promoter of Chris Eubank Jr:
 
“That’s what boxing’s about, it’s about opportunities. But you know it’s exciting to be working with Roy, what a legend and one of my all-time favourite fighters. Roy came in as a bonus, we were talking with Jr before, and we weren’t sure the relationship with Roy and Chris because everybody was in lockdown and working behind closed doors.
 
“Chris is one of those talents and personalities that only come around so often, and he reminds me of a throwback to the days of the UK where his dad performed. He’s a combination, he’s throwback fighter, he’s got the charisma and warrior like approach of his father, he’s got the bang of Benn, he’s got the speed of Naseem, he’s got the set on him like Collins.
 
“You’ve got everything you need in a fighter and now he’s got Roy in the corner. He’s got Wasserman Boxing in his corner, a powerhouse, no disrespect to the other side but we are here to take over and Saturday in the first step of a massive year.”

Roy Jones Jr, trainer of Chris Eubank Jr:
 
“I really love the atmosphere, really loved being here. For me and Joe outside the ring we’ve got to play mental chess as well. We’re here to give our athletes the best opportunities to go out and showcase what they are. This kid has the ability to be anything he wants to be in boxing, I’m sure his kid feels the same.
 
“When you get a horse that can win the Kentucky Derby, you’ve just got to get him with the right trainer and situation, and the sky’s the limit. That’s what’s happened with Chris, he’s been doing so much on his own and got so far on his own, you’ve got to take your hat off to it. Now the fact he came to my gym and he stayed there, shows me he wants to get better; he wants to the top of the heat, he wants to win the triple crown.
 
“I’m so glad to him get this opportunity, so glad to see Marcus get this opportunity, I’m looking forward to being a part of this.
 
“You never know what God has in store for you, you never say never because you never know. Because we didn’t become rivals [Chris Eubank Sr] or enemies, I’m able to help his son.”

Marcus Morrison – Hattersely, England – 23-3, 16 KOs – fighting Chris Eubank Jr in a ten round Middleweight contest:
 
“This is a massive fight for me and I’m well aware this is levels above what I have previously been in with before. When I got the phone call, there was no way I was turning it down, this is a great fight and I think it’s going to be full of excitement come Saturday.
 
“I don’t think being inactive is going to play a massive part in this fight. If you’re a true athlete and professional, you’ll stay in the gym. Even if you’ve not got a fight you’ll stay in and work on your craft. Both of us are that type of fighter, I believe Chris has stayed in the gym and stayed busy, it’s the same with me. I can’t wait and the fans are in for a treat.” 
 
Joe Gallagher, trainer of Marcus Morrison:
 
“It’s a huge opportunity, in my opinion it will be a rough, tough, rugged type of fight – all action. Obviously, you’ve got Roy Jones Jr, what a legend of a fighter but also a gentleman outside the sport. It’s fantastic to have him here in Manchester, he’s always gracious, kind and has time for people. Having him involved has added that little bit of spice.
 
“Macus has been at this arena 8 or 9 times now. We’ve pushed him once before with Welborn, it was man against boy at the time. Welborn then went on to win a British Title. Marcus then had a win in Italy, showed he had power late.
 
“It’s hard this fight, I’m a huge fan – I like the kid, he reminds me of Callum Johnson last week. He’s coming for it; he’s having a straightener with you whether you like it or not it’s a fight. That’s what we like, and I think that’s what boxing is missing nowadays, fighters that want to fight – this kid wants to fight.
 
“Marcus Morrison, he likes to fight as well, this is going to be a good one. Marcus carries power in both hands, we know he’s an underdog but when anybody in a fight can punch you’ve got to be wary and respectful of that. Marcus on Saturday night will be going in there hoping to land, if he lands it’ll be what happens next. Can he finish? We don’t know. Can Chris survive? We don’t know. We will have a moment in this fight, how the fight plays out after that remains to be seen.
 
“We had Marcus going over some of Chris’ old fights early one, very sharp. We’ve had Chris in the gym before, I know him and I can’t talk bad of him, he’s a good fighter. He carries himself well and is a personality in boxing. When the bell goes it’s down to both Marcus and Chris, Chris is going to try to implement things Roy has taught him. I’m not going to say they’ve overlooked Marcus but if eh they have, they could come unstuck Saturday night.”

James Tennyson – Belfast, Northern Ireland – 28-3, 24 KOs – fighting Jovanni Straffon for the vacant IBO Lightweight World Title:

“It’s a huge opportunity for me to put myself up there and earn some fights with the top Lightweights in the world.
 
“This is it; this is the belt that I need to get me up there. This is going to put me in a great position, like you said the other belts are taken and I want a piece of the action.
 
“I’m looking forward to a good fight, these Mexicans have got a reputation for their toughness and durability – they bring it every time. I’m excited, I love these kinds of fights this is what I’m up for.
 
“This has got the makings to be a very exciting fight. I’m praying, ready and very confident – I’m looking forward to it.” 

Jovanni Straffon – Mexico City, Mexico – 23-3-1, 16 KOs – fighting James Tennyson for the vacant IBO Lightweight World Title:

“I come here for the upset, I come here for the win and I want all the people in the UK and world to watch me fight.
 
“He [Tennyson] might fight as a Mexican but he’s never faced a Mexican so he can expect a war.”

Scott Fitzgerald – Preston, England – 14-0, 9 KOs – fighting Gregory Trenel in an eight round Super-Middleweight contest:

“I’m buzzing to be back. It’s been a long time, 18 months, this is all new to me. That’s how long it’s been. I’m looking forward to getting in there Saturday, do a job and get myself back in the mix.
 
“At one point I wasn’t sure if I was going to be back in the ring. I’ve been working hard and I’m happy to be back here and about to get back in the ring. I’ll do a job Saturday night and I look forward for what’s to come.
 
“I know that a lot of people want to see that fight again [Fowler]. I think I can do a better job on it as well. I’d like to get this fight out the way, you’ve mentioned another fight in July, look for one of those big fights whether it’s the Fowler rematch of whatever – for October time.
 
“Sometimes things aren’t going great, but it’s not going to be like that for the rest of your life. You just get up and keep trying, you’ll get back.” 

Gregory Trenel – Dainville, France – 13-6-2, 3 KOs – fighting Scott Fitzgerald in an eight round Super-Middleweight contest:

“This is the perfect moment for me against a beautiful opposition. I am dangerous for Scott because I’m crazy.”             
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MTHALANE vs EDWARDS OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN RESULTS

Boxing is back live on BT Sport for a second consecutive week, this time boasting a World Title fight. The action kicks off tomorrow night, live on BT Sport 1 HD at 7pm.

In the main event, brilliant South African Moruti Mthalane (39-2, 26 KOs) defends his IBF World Flyweight championship against Croydon’s Sunny Edwards (15-0, 4 KOs).

In a ten rounder Belfast’s WBO number one ranked Super-Bantamweight Michael Conlan (14-0, 8 KOs) faces dangerous Romanian Ionut Balata (14-2, 3 KOs).

Big punching Southampton Super-Featherweight Ryan Garner (9-0, 6 KOs) and Reading Super-Welterweight Joshua Frankham (2-0) are also in action.

Joshua’s cousin, Levi Frankham is one of two debutants alongside Finchley Super-Welterweight Jonathan Kumuteo.

Weigh-in results below:

Sunny Edwards 111lbs 5oz
Moruti Mthalane 111lbs 14oz

Michael Conlan 121lbs 15oz
Ionut Baluta 122lbs

Troy Williamson 153lbs
Kieran Smith 153lbs 7oz

Jordan Ellison 141lbs
Ryan Garner 136lbs 12oz

Naheem Ali 156lbs 3oz
Joshua Frankham 152lbs 15oz

Paul Cummings 155lbs 11oz
Levi Frankham 158lbs 4oz

Dale Arrowsmith 159lbs 10oz
Jonathan Kumuteo 158lbs 5oz

Stephen Jackson 119lbs 12oz
Andrew Cain 121lbs 10oz

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MOLINA WARNS EGGINGTON “YOU’RE FACING THE BEST KING CARLOS MOLINA”

Mexican warrior predicts stoppage of Birmingham ace to claim World title shot

Former World Champion ‘King’ Carlos Molina has fired a warning to rival Sam Eggington that he’ll have to be at his best or he’ll be knocked out by the Mexican warrior in their Vacant WBC Silver Middleweight Championship clash on Saturday 22nd May at the Coventry Skydome Arena, live and free in the UK on Channel 5.

In an interview with Hennessy Sports’ YouTube channel, Molina said “I feel like I’m entering my prime.  I feel good physically, I can work out, I can run.  I feel like I’m smarter now as far as my training and that has benefited me a lot with my experience and I feel like that’s what I’m using more. I feel like they haven’t seen the best Carlos Molina yet, this fight is going to be the perfect fight for me to show the best King Carlos Molina that has ever fought.”

He continued, “I want to do this for my promotional company, also it’s a great opportunity to showcase my company in England in a big fight.  The reason why I started this promotional company was for my career to get a world title and that’s my goal.  I feel like I want to be the best, I want be the best at boxing and want to be the best at promoting, I want to be the best at everything that I do. And that’s how I’m coming into this fight, I’m coming in in excellent shape.  I’ve been busy, I’ve been training all the time, I love to train, I love to box, I love to run, I’m always in top shape. I’m looking forward to this fight because he (Sam) always comes in in shape and I feel it’s a great match up. I’m not thinking at this just as a fighter, but as a promoter also.  It’s a great match up and it’s so good that I wanted to get the best view in the ring.”

Knowing that a victory over Eggington and landing the WBC Silver crown could put him within touching distance of a World title shot, Molina is under no illusion and realises he will have to defeat Eggington and leave England with the belt.

He added, “I’m focused and I need to to win this fight, there’s no other way around it.  He’s going to see the best King Carlos Molina that has ever fought so I’m ready,”“I like it that he’s confident, I want my opponent confident so when they can’t hit you they can’t do what they want to do then that’s when they lose all that confidence.  I feel like I’m going to win this fight no matter what. I have to win this fight either by twelve round decision or late rounds stoppage.”

Main event on the Hennessy Sports action-packed card features Birmingham warrior Sam Eggington (29-7-0, 17 KO’s) against Mexico’s hard-as-nails Carlos Molina (37-11-2, 12 KO’s) for the Vacant WBC Silver Middleweight Championship.  Chief support features a cracking showdown between Birmingham’s Kaisee Benjamin (11-1-1, 2 KO’s) and Dumbarton’s Martin Harkin (13-1-0, 5 KO’s) in an Eliminator for the British Welterweight Championship.

Also on the card Coventry sensation River Wilson-Bent (8-0-0, 4 KO’s) makes the first defence of his Midlands Area Middleweight title against Derby’s George Farrell (5-0-0, 1 KO).  Former British Light-Heavyweight Champion Shakan Pitters  (14-1-0, 4 KO’s) has his first back against Bradford’s Jermaine Springer (7-2-0, 1 KO)in an eight-rounder since losing his title to Craig Richards last December.  County Monaghan super-lightweight dynamo Stephen ‘The Hitman’ McKenna (7-0-0, 7 KO’s) features in a six-rounder, but the undefeated red-hot 24-year-old prospect has not needed to go the distance yet with all his fights ending inside.  Birmingham middleweight bombshell Idris ‘The Bodybreaker’ Virgo (9-0-1, 1 KO) goes in over six-rounds.  Sevenoaks all-action super-welterweight  Michael Hennessy Jr. (5-1-1) is in a six-rounder against Warminster’s Paul Cummings.  Irish super-welterweight ace Brett McGinty (1-0) follows up his thrilling pro debut last December when he features in a four-rounder against Birmingham’s Josh Hodgins.  Brighton heavyweight talent Tommy Welch (1-0-0, 1 KO), son of the former British, Commonwealth and World Heavyweight title challenger Scott, will follow up his explosive debut last December when he stopped Matt Gordon in the second round and features in a four-round contest. 

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

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