| Kiko Martinez: “I’m confident because as I said last time, I was going to become World Champion and I did it. I said I was going to beat Kid Galahad within the distance, and I did. The same will happen on Saturday, I will beat Josh Warrington within the distance. Maybe he’s too confident and doesn’t understand he’s facing Kiko Martinez. “Josh is a great boxer, he’s won some fantastic fights in his career, beating Frampton, Selby, Galahad and many more. He’s still a big name in boxing, I think he was doing well in the Lara fight until the accidental clash of heads. He’s still got credibility in the world of boxing, and I want to go on and beat him, knowing last time it wasn’t just luck when I won the world title against Kid Galahad. “I’m confident because I’ve visualised this in training, I’ve visualised knocking Josh Warrington out. When I say something, I’ll do it, so you can’t just believe it and not follow through and do it. When I say things, I’m going to do it and I’m going to do it on Saturday night.” Josh Warrington: “I’m very excited, I’ve had a few sunbeds and my hair is looking on point, suit on. It’s a good occasion, the sun’s out, it kind of reminds me of four years ago when I first become World Champion – same kind of energy. I feel like the city is excited for Saturday night because they know what’s to come, World Championship will be staying in Leeds. I’m very grateful to Kiko for giving me this opportunity but the belt is staying here on Saturday night. “I must have upset him in some way because he’s demanded this fight. I’ve said it in many interviews, it’s how this sport work, it goes in circles. We were meant to be sparring partners for the Lara rematch, it’s funny he’s gone on to win a World Title and his first defence is against me. He’s confident and I’m sure he would have trained hard, but I’ll be ready for everything he brings on Saturday night. “I’ve trained for a hard twelve round fight, 5 years ago we shared some hard rounds but those five years ago my stock has risen since then. I’ve only gotten better and better, I’ve had some slip-ups in the last year but it’s time to get back on top. “I only focus on winning; I know Kiko’s mentioned himself win or retire and putting himself under that pressure. I’m just focused on winning and having that hand raised, that’s how I see myself, being in that arena. And the new. “My book has gone from potentially being in the bargain aisle of Asda to a best-seller, what a chapter this is. It’s all in my hands, I’ve got to do the business, it’s funny how this sport works. I’ve got to make sure my stars have aligned for a reason and go out there on Saturday night and do what I’ve done all camp. I’m trained hard, I’ve worked hard and I’m ready for anything.” Maria Cecilia Roman: “First and foremost, thank you to all the people who have made this possible. It’s a big night for me on Saturday, in my boxing career I’ve always set myself objectives and I’ve always managed to achieve those objectives – it comes from working hard. Now my ambition is to be the best in my division and Saturday will be another step to go on, my plan is going on and win other titles. This is going to be another objective I’m going to achieve on Saturday. “It’s going to be a total war on Saturday, I think it’ll be great for all boxing fans and in particular female boxing fans. It’s going to be another successful defence for me on Saturday night.” Ebanie Bridges: “It’s absolutely unreal, to be a co-main event fighting in Leeds for a World Title, I just feel so grateful. Cecilia coming over here to fight me, I’m just so excited about this fight, I’ve been excited about having this for before it was even happening. “I wanted this fight because I knew it was going to be a great fight, as in a fan-favourite kind of fight. Having the World Title on the line just makes everything even more exciting for me. “Moving over here and doing my camp here with Mark [Tibbs] has been amazing, we’ve definitely gelled well, and I think I’ve definitely changed his opinion – how women train and our mindsets. I’m really excited to be Mark Tibbs and the whole families first female World Champion. “This fight and becoming a champion is the exclamation mark on this part of my story, having the belt around my waist and proving you can really do things if you set your mind to it. Everything that I stand for, having that belt, for me is the final point of it. “Without being a World Champion it’s a great story but being a World Champion means everything to me, it means a lot for the women out there. Being a World Champion would change my life and I’m really excited for that. “I’m always ready, I’ve come through a lot of adversity in all of my fights, I don’t see me losing this fight. I’m literally going for it all and I believe it’s my time to win this fight.” Maxi Hughes: “We wanted this and not someone to come in and lay down, the last fight I was a massive underdog, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. In my mind it’s the same again, I like that he’s here talking, it takes words like that for the bookies to think he’s the favourite. “I’m glad he’s up for it because I’ve had this fire in my belly for a while, but this fight in particular gives me this bit between my teeth. I’m glad it’s like this. “One thing of how I approach every fight, I haven’t got that mindset or that chip on my shoulder. I’m the champion and he’s got to come and take my belt, although I’m the owner of this belt it can just be vacant, I’ve got to go and prove I’m worthy and that I deserve it. I’ve got to show I’m worthy to be the owner of that belt, it’s great being full-time but I haven’t taken it for granted because it’s taken me such a long time to be full-time. “I know what it’s like going to work, getting up in the morning in shit weather and having to squeeze training in, a run here and there. I’m doing it properly now and I appreciate it, I’m not taking it for granted. I know how much it means and I’m not letting it slip. I’m not here enjoying it as a fan to enjoy the fight, this is how the rest of my career is going. “Ryan’s cast his net out there but I’m not taking the bait. It doesn’t matter however the fight goes, I’ll do what necessary to win, however it comes. I’m fully prepared for whatever it is, just expect me to win.” Ryan Walsh: “I’m really enjoying not being hungry, thirsty, and just the usual stuff I think all my counterparts are feeling. It’s very alien to me. “I do call to Maxi, you showed it when you caught Saffron that you’ve got that in you. It’s not a natural thing for you, you’re a southpaw. I’m calling that upon you, I’m beckoning you, I’ll stand in the middle of the ring, let’s adhere to the warrior god. “No one’s fought me yet and not for a sustained period, even the two that beat me, that haven’t fought me. You want to fight Maxi, you want to inspire everyone else, I was inspired by Conlan and Wood. “I haven’t had a fight of the year; I haven’t even been close and you [Maxi] have just been nominated for one of the boxers of the year. Let’s do it, why not, we’ve got twelve rounds which is a long time, and a fight will break out. When it does, I don’t want you to run away, let’s entertain the people. “It’s a good story but let’s have it right, Liam won that fight against Maxi. As far as ending Liam’s career, he was sparring me at the start of this. I think Maxi should have a lot to thank Liam for because without COVID, he can’t be British Champion, he can’t IBO Champion because he was there. It’s my duty to step it, Maxi’s story doesn’t happen if Liam doesn’t get it. “I haven’t even thought about defeat, I’ve never gone into a fight ever believing that the man can beat me. I’ve been told and I’ve got really honest brothers, when I fought Lee Selby, my brother didn’t want that fight. When we fought, I wasn’t good enough and was beat by experience, beat by the better man but he understood that I did have the style to beat that man, but I wasn’t good enough that night. I’ve made mistakes in the sport, but I won’t be making those mistakes against Maxi.” Dalton Smith: “My last couple of fights now have been step ups and these are the fights we have been asking for for the more titles. The fight that was originally scheduled got removed so we looked to Ray Moylette and thought he was the perfect opponent for my next fight. “I know what Ray’s about and he knows what I’m about. “We [Ray and Dalton] haven’t achieved what we have achieved by just playing around. “There’s obviously going to be pressure on the ones who are coming up but I am confident in my abilities. I know the level where I am going to get at and this is just a stepping stone for me. “Ray is no easy opponent. It’s a tough challenge, what I’ve got on Saturday night. I’ve got to bring something more than what I have in my previous 9 fights as a professional. And you’re going to see that.” Ray Moylette: “I’ve been reaching out to Matchroom for a long time because Matchroom is the benchmark for boxing especially in England and Ireland. I’m just grateful to have the opportunity and I’m excited to take it, so I’m ready for it. “We all started boxing years ago and it’s always the dream to fight on the big shows and the big cards and thankfully now I have the opportunity to do that. I’ve been on the count for the last three years and then I can was sidelined for other boxers. I didn’t have the backend. But thankfully I kept myself in shape, ready, and in the position that when the opportunity came – I knew you’d come calling at some stage, but I didn’t think it would take three years to get on a card. – thankfully it did and I’m ready for it. “I’m here as an opponent for Dalton on paper but in reality when I heard I got the opportunity to fight him, I was expecting a much harder fight on one of your shows. “I’m coming off the couch and I’m ready to fight. I’d be daft not to take this fight that I know I can win.” Skye Nicolson: “I’m very excited. I promised the fans that I was going to be active and I’m definitely living up to that 3 weeks out and I’m back in. “I have confidence in my ability, and I know what I’m capable of. I want to test myself against the best so I’m going to keep putting my hand up to fight the best girls. “I’m expecting a tough fight and I know that Bec comes fighting. She’s no pushover so I’m just focusing on having a good performance and showing everyone a side of me that they haven’t seen yet.” Bec Connolly: “There wasn’t a role for me, as far as I know, I went out and got what I wanted and created my own role for myself because I was never going to be a walkover. I’m not the elite but we know if you want to get to the top, you’ve got to get through the gatekeeper. “I’ve trained anyway, even if I wasn’t boxing, I love training. I have taken quite a few fights on a day’s notice because I do stay ready, and I do love what I do. Some things have gotten in the way and I’ve made some mistakes with opportunities that I’ve had but I’m not going to let that stop me. I’ll keep the smile on my face and keep trying until the day that I retire.” Cory O’Regan: “Obviously, this stage is a big stage so I want to put on a big performance in front of my home crowd. “The preparation for this one has been ideal really. “Looking forward to watching some really good boxing from not just Josh but everyone on this card.” Mali Wright: “Yeah 100%, I’m ready for this one. “I’m going to put on a spectacular performance. Not sure how many rounds we are doing this time, 4 or 6, doesn’t make much of a difference. “No slip-ups. You’ll see what I am about this time around. “I’ve been traveling, sparring, getting in more rounds and I’m putting in the right work with the team in the gym.” Calum French: “Thank you, Eddie, Matchroom and DAZN for getting me on a massive card. These are the cards you dream of being on when coming through the amateurs. “It was a good debut. I was pretty good with it. … I’m looking to be as active as possible this year. I want to push on a get as much as experience as I can. “I honestly don’t know why I need to be held back at all at the moment. I’m taking it one day at a time. I’m looking past the old ones especially on Saturday night. “Matchroom need a few North East stars especially up in Newcastle and I believe I am the one for the job.” |
Author: admin
WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND RUNNING ORDER FOR RITSON VS ZLATICANIN
Ritson headlines the big night of boxing at the Utilita Arena, which also sees stand-out amateur Pat McCormack make his highly anticipated professional debut, and the atmosphere as the local hero hit the scales was a taste of what is to come on Friday.
McCormack, who faces a late change of opponent, features as the co-main event with Troy Williamson defending his British super-welterweight title on a packed card.
UK fight fans can watch the action live on Eurosport’s linear channels, discovery+ and Eurosport App, with the fights also being shown around the world.
The broadcast is due to start at 9pm local time.
MAIN EVENT
2300
10 Rounds Super-lightweight contest
Lewis Ritson (22-2) 10st
Dejan Zlaticanin (24-3) 9st 13lbs
CO-MAIN EVENT
2230
6 Rounds Welterweight contest
Pat McCormack (debut) (weighs in tomorrow)
Justin Menzie (5-5-1) (weighs in tomorrow)
2130
BRITISH SUPER-WELTERWEIGHT TITLE – 12 Rounds
Troy Williamson (17-0-1) 11st
Mason Cartwright (17-2-1) 10st 13lbs 12oz
2100
6 Rounds Super-middleweight contest
Mark Dickinson (2-0) 11st 8lbs
Peter Kramer (11-4-3) 11st 6lbs
2000
10 Rounds Featherweight contest
Thomas Patrick Ward (31-0-1) 9st 3lbs
Alexis Boureima Kabore (28-5) 8st 13lbs
1940
6 Rounds Light-heavyweight contest
Ben Rees (debut) (weighs in tomorrow)
Greg O’Neill (6-6) (weighs in tomorrow)
1910
6 Rounds Welterweight contest
Joe Laws (12-1) 11st 11lbs
Alexey Tukhtarov (4-27-6) 10st 13lbs
1840
6 Rounds Cruisweight contest
Robert Ismay (10-0) (weighs in tomorrow)
Christian Adjoufack (0-7) (weighs in tomorrow)
1810
6 Rounds Super-flyweight contest
Joe Maphosa (11-1) 8st 5lbs
Santiago el Eusibio (3-3-2) 8st 4lbs
1750
4 Rounds Cruiserweight
Stephen Sayer (debut) 13st 8lbs
Daryl Sharp (6-85-1) 13st 12lbs
1730
4 Rounds Super-welterweight contest
Alex Farrell (6-0) (weighs in tomorrow)
Konstantin Alexandrov (10-53-4) (weighs in tomorrow)
FLOAT
4 Rounds Lightweight contest
Adam Cope (3-0) (weighs in tomorrow)
Jonny Phillips (5-9) (weighs in tomorrow)
Charlie Edwards Joins Brother Sunny at Probellum
LONDON, MARCH 23 – Former flyweight king Charlie Edwards wants to make British boxing history by joining his brother Sunny as a reigning world champion.
The 29-year-old has today signed a promotional deal with Probellum, the fastest growing brand in boxing, and firmly set his sights on winning a world crown at a new weight.
The former WBC flyweight champion is aiming to become a two-weight title holder this year and sit with his brother Sunny, who brilliantly defended his IBF flyweight belt at Probellum Evolution in Dubai on Saturday, at the top of the sport.
The dream for Charlie is that he and Sunny could fight for world titles on the same card and with Probellum’s backing, the Surrey-born stylist knows it will become a reality.
“I’ve been a world champion but now I am focused on creating history and leaving a legacy in this sport,”said Edwards (17-1 , 7KO)
“I want titles at super-flyweight and to move through the weight divisions, it is my intention to go down as one of the greatest fighters in British boxing history and I know Probellum share my vision.
“I have no doubt that they can help Sunny and I realise our dream of winning world titles on the same card to create a landmark moment for boxing in this country.
“I have seen first-hand the work Probellum have done with Sunny and how they are superbly promoting the smaller weights because they know we always deliver, pound-for-pound, some of the best fights in the sport.”
Speaking about the announcement, Probellum President, Richard Schaefer added:“We are delighted to have secured the signing of Charlie Edwards, already a world class fighter who has big plans to become a multi-weight world champion.
“Charlie’s attitude and mindset fits perfectly with Probellum’s whole outlook for boxing and we are going to do everything in our power to help deliver those world title shots for him.
“Probellum is all about breaking new ground in boxing and having Charlie and Sunny fighting for world titles on the same card is exactly the type of historic promotion that we are focused on delivering.”
Edwards won the flyweight title in 2018 when he out-pointed Nicaraguan Cristofer Rosales before making a successful defence of the WBC belt the following year against Spain’s Angel Moreno.
The former Great Britain amateur star decided to vacate his belt in late 2019 but after fighting only twice since 2020, Edwards is ready to kick-start his career under the Probellum banner this year.
BUATSI VS. RICHARDS PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
| Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman: “Welcome to London, a huge press conference for a fantastic fight. I say Domestic fight, but also a fight that has such huge ramifications for the world 175lbs scene. “Joshua Buatsi, Olympic bronze medallist against Craig Richards, a man who’s won British Titles, challenged for the World Title as well. This is a kind of fight that gets me excited, this is the kind of fight that seems so obvious. Two brilliant Domestic fighters but also two world class fighters as well. “A World Title challenger in Craig Richards and a man that many believe is destined for greatness at 175lbs. I want to thank to teams of both fighters; you need to understand these guys know each other. One from Croydon and one from Crystal Palace, a stone’s throw from each other and they’ve known each other for many years. “Sometimes in boxing they don’t want to make these fights, trainers, managers, advisors, fighters – ‘we’ll wait for our World Title shot’. You need to stop waiting, fighters out there that are queuing up for a World Title shot that is not imminent, don’t stall your career when you could be involved in brilliant fights, fights that could take your career to another level. That’s what we’ve got May 21 in London.” Joshua Buatsi: “A few months ago, I sat in your [Eddie’s] office and said get me these fights, there’s good Light-Heavyweights in the country so it’s good to mix it with one of them. As fighters you go to shows and watch, when there’s a main event with a buzz you think I wish I was in there. I’ve got mine now, for me it’s’ now just preparing for May 21, Spider will bring his A game but I’m ready. “I wouldn’t dub it as the hardest test, for me, it’s just the most important fight in my career right now. It’s the next fight, the fight I must win, last time with Bolotniks but this time it’s Spider. I’ll prepared as diligently as I do, come May 21 I’ll be ready. “I have to thank Matchroom and Spider’s team, also my team, for making this fight happen. Fighters can tend to wait for the opportunity, for me currently it’s looking a bit tricky, but I’ve got a good fight and that’s what I’m concentrating on. “I think that [Canelo] makes this a big fight for me, makes it even more important. I know what is at stake, what the reward is and that’s what I said when I was in Arizona. I’ll fight these guys as long as I know what’s next. This may lead to a World Title fight next so for me, I’m easy, no matter who it is I’m prepared. “I’m at the point where I want to fight these guys, I want to get into these big fights. May 21 is the first stop and when we handle that, we deal with whoever is next.” “This is nothing new, outside I’m cool and calm probably like a lot of boxers but when I’m in that ring I know what time it is. I know what I need to do, and the situation is, nice guys come last and that’s what it is in the ring. Outside the ring be how you want to be, but in that ring, I know what I have to do. In May I’ll be ready.” Craig Richards: “I think this was a fight that was always going to be in the pipeline, I believed I was going to get to world level, I believed he [Buatsi] was obviously destined for world level as well so we knew our paths would cross at some point. It’s a good clash. “For myself, I want to get back into the mix, challenge and win a World Title. I think this is the bridge to cross to make that happen today. “Obviously I’ve been thrown in the deep end a few times and I’ve just been swimming and swimming. I have no regrets because that’s what has put me in this position today, I’ve had a lot of domestic clashes, grudge matches and cross path fights. That’s all built my experience and ability to be confident enough to go in to win and win on May 21. “I believe if I didn’t have those fights, it would be a harder fight, if this fight was scheduled without the experience. I’m ready to go, that’s what’s made me confident, I’m seeing the growth in myself every fight and every week, every day in gym. I’m just looking forward to going out and perform, showing that experience of the hard route. “If you look at the titles I’ve won at Light-Heavyweight, I think three of the fights I was the underdog in those. When I beat Jake Ball, I was a massive underdog, they wrote me off and I went out there, delivered and got the knockout. My last title fight I was the favourite, but it didn’t mean anything different, I went out and delivered. If the bookies want to sleep on me that’s up to them. The same person is in front of me, I’m not interested in the bookies or what people say, I’ve got a job to do, and I’ll deliver. “Josh is going to the gym to iron out all of his flaws fight by fight, what I have seen is that he showed heart and grit. I know he’s got the will to win, and he will come to win. Like the other unbeaten fighters I’ve faced, more importantly, they’ve more will to win. I know he isn’t going to come out and lie down, that’s for me to go and prepare to make sure I get the task done. “He’s not a stupid guy, he’s very intelligent, he’s not silly enough to just gas himself up saying yeah, I’m going to walk over Richards. I know he’s going to be preparing very hard, he’s going to invest in his camp and preparing diligently for me. “I’m not going to be looking at him thinking this is a walk over, I’ll be preparing just as hard if not harder for him. We both know we’re in for a solid fight May 21 and I don’t anyone’s sleeping in each other. I believe we’ll both be well prepared and bringing out A games May 21. “I think I’ve got the capabilities to win in any way, the most important thing is to prepare all-round the board. I’ve got to be prepared for everything, at this level you can’t just say I’m going to win it by a jab or closing him down. You’ve got prepare for Plan A, B, C or D, you might have to get rough and ready or box and be clever. It all depends on the night, you’ve just got to make sure you’ve prepared, have all your game plans and be fit, ready and strong. On the night just make it happen, listen to your team most importantly and execute what you need to win the fight.” |
BUATSI VS RICHARDS SET FOR MAY 21
| South London rivals meet on May 21 |
| Joshua Buatsi will face former World Title challenger Craig Richards in a huge all London Light-Heavyweight clash on Saturday May 21, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding New Zealand and Australia). Croydon’s Buatsi (15-0, 13 KOs) scored his tenth knockout in a row when he stopped Latvia’s Ricards Bolotniks in the eleventh round of their WBA Light-Heavyweight World Title Eliminator on the third and final week of Matchroom Fight Camp in August. The 29-year-old was set to face Russia’s former World Title challenger Maxim Vlasov on the undercard of Joseph Parker’s rematch with Derek Chisora at the AO Arena in Manchester in December before suffering a hand injury. Crystal Palace’s former British Light-Heavyweight Champion Richards (17-2-1, 10 KOs) put in a spirited display as he pushed WBA Light-Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol all the way in his first World Title attempt in May 2021. ‘Spider’ returned to winning ways at The O2 last October on the Cameron vs. McGee undercard, impressively stopping Poland’s Marek Matyja in six rounds to earn the vacant WBA International Light-Heavyweight Title. “Two London boys coming together, it’s going to be a huge night,” said Buatsi. “The Light-Heavyweight scene in this country is thriving and I’m glad that we are able to get one of the biggest fights made. The crowd are going to be in for a treat. I am coming to win and nothing else, I am sure Richards is doing the same. He had a close fight with Bivol so will want to make things straight, but I have other plans. Win well and then push onto the World Title by any means necessary.” “We’re two top tier fighters from the UK,” said Richards. “This is one of the biggest London domestic clashes for a long time. This is a very exciting fight for us both, but also one the fans will enjoy. Buatsi has got his plans and I’m sure he be well prepared, but nobody is going to stop me from fulfilling my destiny of becoming a World Champion! He is a solid competitor and will be coming to win, but I am confident and believe I have the tools to get the job done. I proved myself at world level and I’m eager to prove that’s where I belong.” “A big well done and thank you to Joshua and Craig for taking this fight, it’s exactly the kind of fight boxing should be making,” said Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman. “Two domestic Light-Heavyweights on the verge of a World Title shot decide to put it on the line rather than wait in a queue, giving us a fantastic battle of London that can only be a thriller.” “Who doesn’t love a big domestic dust up? And this certainly fits that description, what a fantastic fight this is set to be,” said Ed Breeze, EVP Rights at DAZN. “With an electric Light-Heavyweight scene in the UK, Joshua Buatsi will face a big test on May 21 against former World Title challenger Craig Richards. This will be all out action from start to finish, all live and exclusively on DAZN.” *Venue to be confirmed tomorrow at launch press conference |
Parker Vs Andrade Interim Title Clash May 21st
| Pride Park Stadium, home of Derby County Football Club, will stage the WBO Interim Super Middleweight world title clash between Zach Parker and the unbeaten two-weight world champion Demetrius Andrade on Saturday, 21st May 2022, live on BT Sport. In what will be a huge occasion for knockout artist Parker 22-0 (16 KOs) and the city of Derby, the lifelong fan of the Rams will get to live out his dream of fighting on the pitch of his local football club. With the clubs financial struggles this season being well known, Queensberry Promotions knew there was a responsibility to help, so £10 from each ticket sold goes directly back to the club to support the future of DCFC. Since teaming up with Frank Warren and Queensberry, the 27-year-old has clocked up three spectacular and emphatic wins to reinforce his position as No.1 contender in the WBO rankings. Parker wowed BT Sport viewers with brutal knockouts of Vaughn Alexander, Sherzod Khusanov and Marcus Morrison. None of the three men had previously been stopped. “This is a dream come true,” said Parker. “As a fighter you have various hopes when you start out in the sport. I think every one of us dreams of headlining a show at the football team you support, I don’t think it’s fully sunk in yet to be honest. “It will be incredible to walk-out and see the stadium packed with fans, I can’t wait. Demetrius is a great champion and props to him for coming over here but I know I have the beating of him, I’m too big for him. We’ll see on the 21st, but someone’s ‘0’ has got to go!” Andrade, 34, widely known as Boo Boo, began his world championship reign at super welterweight with victory over Vanes Martirosyan in 2013. The WBO title was defended on four occasions, including a stoppage victory over Britain’s Brian Rose in 2014. His middleweight crusade began in 2018 when he won the vacant WBO title by virtue of a points verdict over Walter Kautondokwa. His title at 160lbs has been defended five times and the super-slick southpaw remains champion at the weight. Notable wins at middleweight have come over Liam Williams and the Irishmen Luke Keeler and Jason Quigley. “There can be no questioning the pedigree of Demetrius Andrade,” said promoter Frank Warren. “It is why we went above and beyond to win the purse bid to give our man every crucial advantage. “It is going to be such a special night on 21st May and I feel sure the Derby public will come out in force to roar Zach on in the biggest fight of his career. “When we teamed up with Zach he revealed his dream of fighting at Pride Park – where he is a dedicated supporter of his home team – and we set about making his dream become a reality. Added to that, the £10 going to the club is something I hope inspires the fans to come and support Zach and DCFC in even larger numbers than we predict. “We have done this before in recent years for Josh Warrington in Leeds and Carl Frampton in Belfast and both were successful on magical nights. I see no reason at all why Zach cannot experience similar joy. “Andrade is top-drawer and we know this, but he is moving up a weight to super middle, which is natural territory for Zach and he is a monster at the weight. Other British and Irish fighters have struggled to fathom out Andrade, but Zach is the complete package. Not only does he carry a huge punch, but he is also tall and technical with an excellent boxing brain. “It all adds up to a cracking fight and a huge night for Derby. I would like to extend my thanks to everyone at the club who have helped to make this happen.” Tickets for Zach Parker vs Demetrius Andrade at Pride Park on Saturday, 21st May go on sale at 11am on Thursday, 31st March. Fans are advised to sign-up for Ticket Alerts at frankwarren.com to receive the ticket link directly to their inboxes. A full undercard will be announced in due course. Please Note: This event is subject to contract and licence approval. |
BREAKING NEWS – JACK CATTERALL JOINS PROBELLUM
Probellum is today delighted to announce the landmark promotional signing of super-lightweight superstar Jack Catterall – the signature that everyone in boxing wanted.
Catterall is currently ranked number one in the world by ESPN after controversially being denied the chance of taking undisputed champion Josh Taylor’s crown last month in Glasgow after two of the ringside judges inexplicably ruled against him in a decision that shocked the boxing world.
The sport was united in its outrage against the major injustice but Catterall’s masterclass performance did not go unnoticed and British boxing authorities were quick to urge the world sanctioning bodies to install the 28-year-old as mandatory challenger for each of their titles.
To build on that endorsement, he was flown to Dubai to announce his new promotional deal with
Probellum, the global boxing promotion and fastest-growing brand in the sport, ringside as French Olympic gold medallist Estelle Mossley made history in becoming the first female to headline a boxing event in the Middle East at Probellum Evolution on March 18.
Catterall will also have his eyes firmly focused on tomorrow’s WBC final eliminator between Regis Prograis and Tyrone McKenna, and believes that joining Probellum will play a key role in getting him a well-deserved second shot at world glory.
“Everyone in boxing knows that I won the fight with Taylor and that I should be standing here with all four of the super-lightweight belts as the undisputed champion of the world,” said Jack Catterall, nicknamed ‘El Gato’.
“I showed the world that at I am the best man in the 140lbs division and signing with Probellum will provide me with the opportunities to claim the belts that are rightfully mine.
“I will be ringside again on Saturday night here in Dubai, to watch Prograis against McKenna very closely and I really fancy a fight with the winner. I just can’t wait to get back in the ring and fighting again.”
“This is another huge moment for the Probellum business. Jack is the hottest signature in boxing right now and everyone was making moves to sign him,” commented Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum.
“He decided to join us because he buys into the Probellum mission to change boxing and knows we are the right promoter to fulfil his clear ambition to become the undisputed world champion.
“I was absolutely stunned about what happened in Glasgow and there is no doubt in my mind that Jack should be walking around as the undisputed super-lightweight champion of the world right now.
“We feel his pain and Probellum will leave no stone unturned to make sure Jack quickly gets the chance to fight for the world titles that should already be his.”
Catterall becomes the latest big name to join Probellum alongside Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Lee McGregor, Donnie Nietes, Dina Thorslund and Muhammad Waseem.
The company has also recruited the next generation of stars with Peter and Joe McGrail, Mark Dickinson, Pat and Luke McCormack and Shabaz Masoud among the young talents under the Probellum umbrella.
MASOUD SHINES IN DUBAI STOPS BOYEUX IN TWO
Britain’s fast-rising super-bantamweight star Shabaz Masoud delivered a statement of intent by stopping Yoann Boyeux in Dubai.
The ‘Maverick’ dazzled at Probellum Evolution and bamboozled his hugely experienced French rival, forcing him to quit at the end of the second of 10 scheduled rounds.
Masoud moves to 10-0 with this career-best win and said he wanted to leave his mark on the big stage in the Middle East.
“I came out for the first bell and I was looking for the stoppage – I wanted to make a bit of a statement,”said Masoud, who hails from Stoke-on-Trent.
“I’m ready for step-ups in class now, I’ve been saying that for a long time. I know what I am capable of and my team and my family know what I am capable of.”
Earlier on the stacked card, Bakhodir Jalolov took less than five rounds to cement his status as a future heavyweight champion with a brutal beatdown of Kamil Sokolowski.
The 6’7” Olympic gold medallist scored a knockdown in round two with a cuffing shot that Sokolowski brushed off but the Big Uzbek was repeatedly hurting his Polish opponent with backhands to the body.
At the beginning of round five, Jalolov made a telling breakthrough when his lethal left hand dropped Sokolowski just seconds after the bell.
Further punishment was dished out by a menacing Jalolov and Sokolowski fell to the canvas once more under a barrage of clubbing shots, prompting the referee to step in and bring a halt to the contest at 1:17 of the round five.
“I’m ready to compete with the best in the heavyweight division and I am coming for all of the belts, and I know my time is coming,” Jalolov said after the fight, as he moved to 10-0 as a professional, with as many knockouts.
Jalolov is being primed for a big fight in the United States this summer as he builds towards a shot at the heavyweight crown.
Poland’s Eryk Apresyan opened Probellum Evolution with victory over Burak Akkus, dropping his rival with a body shot.
Sultan Al Nuaimi was next in action at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, and the home fighter out-pointed Tanzania’s Hamza Mchanjo over six rounds.
Tom Hill of the United Kingdom was given the nod by all three ringside judges in his bout with Ireland’s Rohan Date.
Hill, who moves to 10-2 as a professional, dropped his opponent in the sixth round and took the contest 77-75, 77-75 and 76-75.
Joshua Ridgewell dominated a blood-stained super-featherweight contest with India’s Suraj Ram.
Ridgewell, from Essex in England, was in control from the off and moved to 2-0 as a professional when the referee stopped the fight in round three due to a nasty cut above Ram’s right eye.
“After that, I’m very happy,” buzzed Ridgewell.
“I landed some really nice shot and stopped everything he was trying to do.”
AVANESYAN VS METZ WEIGH-IN RESULTS
Weigh-In Results:
David Avanesyan – 146lb 8oz
Oskari Metz – 146lb 6oz
Hamzah Sheeraz – 159lb 3oz
Jez Smith – 159lb 9oz
Mark Chamberlain – 136lb 7oz
Jeff Ofori – 138lb 3oz
Sam Noakes – 134.4lb
Vicenzo Finiello – 134lb 2oz
Dennis McCann – 121lb 4oz
Charles Tondo – 118lb 2oz
Masood Abdulah – 124lb 8oz
Sandeep Singh Bhatti – 126lb 4oz
Henry Turner – 141lb 8oz
Ivan Njegac – 146lb 5oz
Sonny Ali – 141lb 5oz
Lee Glover – 142lb
Khalid Ali – 150lb 4oz
Josue Bendana 145lb
Royston Barney Smith 133lb
Adan Martinez to weigh-in tomorrow.
SUNNY EDWARDS VS MUHAMMAD WASEEM WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND RUNNING ORDER
Sunny Edwards and Muhammad Waseem shared an intense face-off ahead of their IBF world flyweight title fight tomorrow night.
Both fighters came inside the 8st limit when they tipped the scales on the stage at the Irish Village in Dubai.
Edwards and Waseem’s hotly anticipated clash headlines the second night of Probellum Evolution, with the WBC super-lightweight title final eliminator between Regis Prograis and Tyrone McKenna acting as the co-main event.
Liverpool’s Peter McGrail, a supremely gifted amateur who is unbeaten as a professional, also fights on the impressive card, which includes TJ Doheny, Hovhannes Bachkov and many others.
Boxing starts at 5:35pm local time with the action from a major night of boxing being broadcast by Eurosport’s linear channels discovery+ and Eurosport App, to 62 million homes across Europe and the Indian sub-continent.
fuboTV will stream both Probellum Evolution shows to its audience in North America, with ESPN KO showing the cards in South America, after a deal was announced last week.
This is how you watch the action from Dubai.
MAIN EVENT
2320 (local time)
IBF WORLD FLYWEIGHT TITLE – 12 Rounds
Sunny Edwards (17-0) 7st 13lbs 5oz
Muhammad Waseem (12-1) 7st 13lbs 12oz
2220
WBC SUPER-LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE ELIMINATOR - 12 Rounds
Regis Prograis (26-1) 9st 12lbs 14oz
Tyrone McKenna (22-2-1) 9st 13lbs 8oz
2150
6 Rounds Super-bantamweight contest
Peter McGrail (2-0) 8st 13lbs
Alexandru Ionita (13-17-1) 8st 11lbs
2100
10 Rounds Featherweight contest
TJ Doheny (22-3) 9st 1oz
Cesar Juarez (27-10) 8st 13lbs 14oz
1955
10 Rounds Super-lightweight contest
Hovhannes Bachkov (2-0) 10st 2lbs 6oz
Cristian Coria (29-9-2) 10st 2lbs 6oz
1935
4 Rounds Cruiserweight contest
Jamie King (2-0) 14st 6lbs 13oz
Naveen Verma (4-1) 14st 2lbs 6oz
1905
6 Rounds Lightweight contest
Bander Samreen (4-0) 9st 9lbs 13oz
Denis Bartos (6-2) 9st 8lbs 14oz
1845
4 Rounds Light-heavyweight contest
Khalid Ayub (2-0) 12st 8lbs 6oz
Annem Sivareddy (1-2) 12st 8lbs 6oz
1805
8 Rounds Lightweight contest
Faizan Anwar (10-4)
Khojiakbov Qodirokhunov (4-0-1)
1735
6 Rounds Super-featherweight contest
Fahad Al Boushi (7-1) 9st 5lbs 13oz
Mohamed Kashinde (11-8-7) 9st 6lbs 1oz
