Global boxing promotion Probellum will host its first UK show of 2022 in Newcastle in March, jointly headlined by local fighters Lewis Ritson, Troy Williamson and Thomas Patrick Ward, with the hugely talented duo Pat McCormack and Ben Rees set to make their professional debuts.
Taking place at the Utilita Arena, on Friday March 25, Probellum returns to the north-east following its sell out inaugural UK show in Sunderland in December.
The upcoming event features some of British boxing’s biggest and brightest talents, with tickets available to purchase via Ticketmaster from today (Friday January 28).
Newcastle-born Ritson (22-2, 13 knockouts) will be back in action after defeating Christian Uruzquieta with a brilliant performance in December. This time around he faces Dejan Zlaticanin (24-3, 16 knockouts), an experienced Serbian fighter.
Having signed to Probellum last month, Williamson (17-0-1, 13 knockouts), from Darlington, aims to maintain his unbeaten record in what will be the first defence of his British super-welterweight title, which he secured courtesy of an eye-catching knockout victory over British fighter Ted Cheeseman in October 2021.
The undefeated Ward (31-0-1, 4 knockouts), from County Durham, produced a dominant display against Venezuelan Leonardo Padilla in his most recent contest to move one step closer to a deserved world title shot.
The event will also see McCormack and Rees, both local fighters who recently signed to Probellum, make their hotly anticipated professional debuts following brilliant careers at amateur level, with McCormack winning a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Rees a five-time national champion.
Fellow Probellum fighter and rising star Dickinson (2-0, 1 knockout) will be looking to build on an impressive start to his professional career under the guidance of world-leading coach Ben Davison when he returns to the ring at the Utilita Arena.
Speaking about the event Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum, who has promoted some of the biggest names in world boxing including Ricky Hatton and Floyd Mayweather, said:
“We are extremely pleased to be bringing our first UK show of the year to Newcastle, a city which boasts a huge passion for boxing, and home to many of Probellum’s most promising young fighters.
“December’s show in Sunderland was a big success, with a brilliant atmosphere, and we are really looking forward to returning to the north-east in March.
“As always, the card is packed full of talent with Troy Williamson joining a host of talented local fighters, including the likes of Lewis Ritson and Mark Dickinson, for what promises to be a fantastic night of boxing.”
Tickets, which go on sale today (Friday January 28), can be purchased via Ticketmaster.
Author: admin
OKOLIE VS. CIESLAK PLUS UNDERCARD PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
| Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman: On signing Galal Yafai – “This young man is an exceptional talent. Galal was the standout British fighter at the Games and we have a long-standing relationship with his brothers, so it was personally very important to me to get this done. Galal is going to do things very differently, for his professional debut at The O2 we are looking for him to challenge for his first professional title and from there move quickly to a World Title which we expect him to win across multiple divisions.”On Okolie v. Cieslak card – “Welcome back to everyone at Trinity House here in Trinity Square, London ahead of a big press conference and as you can see from this top table – we’ve rammed everybody on. We’ve got a huge night of boxing at The O2 on Sunday February 27, live on DAZN. Lawrence Okolie will make the second defence on his WBO Cruiserweight World Title against Michal Cieslak. It’s a tremendous fight, two absolute elite Cruiserweights battling for glory on a Sunday night – something completely different at The O2 which for me is the best arena in the country for boxing. It’s going to be a tremendous night. The card is stacked with talent in so many different divisions. So many different fighters at different stages in their careers.” Lawrence Okolie: “I believe on paper this could be one of the hardest fights. Until you actually get in the ring, you never know what someone’s got. Watching Cieslak’s fights, he’s a very good technical boxer. He’s got some power and good speed. All in all, it poses to be a very good challenging fight. “I believe I’m going to go on to unify the division. One of the main things that we focus on and try to keep fit is mindset. So I’m making sure that we practice the mind, practice the body, put yourself in interesting situations and hold yourself accountable. I’m ready for this. This is a stage that I was made for. This is a fight I was made for. “The main thing for me is that boxing is my true love. It’s my rocket fuel. If I’m not performing in the ring then none of this other stuff happens. So for me I find motivation being able to do a rap song. Being able to collaborate with companies that I’m fans of or supporters of. “Where I came from, without making it a sob story, to where I am right now it’s a blessing. And I want to hold onto that. My opponent here is to make amends, but I have to make sure that my journey continues in the direction that it’s going and we don’t have any hiccups. “As soon as a fight is made, Cieslak is the only thing I think of. I’ve got a picture of him in my room. I watched all of his interviews. I don’t understand any of them but I like to watch his mannerisms. I’ve watched all of his fights. I know him and that’s what I focus on. Michael Cieslak. After that, we can talk about everyone else.” Michal Cieslak: “It’s surely a big fight for Polish boxing, I can’t wait to actually attend the fight. I’m training very hard, and I can’t wait to fight. “He’s a very strong fighter and he punches with both hands, he’s very strong physically. I just have to do my work, all the training I’ve done with my coach, that’s what I’m going to bring to the ring. “If I wasn’t sure I was going to win, I wouldn’t be here, I’ve been training since I was 13 so I’m ready to get the WBO Title.” Galal Yafai: “I’m finally here now in the ins and outs of professional boxing. But I’m excited now. It’s been a while, 4-5 years to wait from the Olympic Games. Last year before the Olympics I was thinking, ‘I’ve probably done the wrong thing here’. I had a lot of pressure to go to the Olympics and make sure I did well. I brought a gold medal back and here I am now, ready to fight. “That gold medal is life-changing. That’s what I plan to do from the start. Obviously it didn’t work out for me in Rio. I’ve seen all the boys turning pro, Lawrence and Fowler, and I thought I would give it another crack. And again that extra one year killed me. I thought, ‘I’m gonna have to wait another year now’. Like I said earlier I was asking if I had done the right thing. And now I have a gold medal and I understand coming from the Olympics I see myself as a better fighter. “I’m not messing around. I want to get started and I want to go fast. Yeah I’ve got to be careful at the same time I can’t be fighting killers every show. But I want to get there sooner rather than later. I want to be a World Champion. We’ve all got aspirations and I think every boxer wants to be a World Champion, hopefully a multi weight World Champion. I’ll start off light first and hopefully I can be World Champion. “Like I said I didn’t want to start off to too slow, but I didn’t want to go off the deep end or deeper than usual. I’m looking forward to it and I’ll make sure I get the win. And most importantly I want to look good doing it too. Then I can sit back and watch my good friend Lawrence defend his World Title. “Obviously, my brother was a World Champion at Super-Fly. He lost to Chocolatito, a legend. I’m a big fan of his. I think Chocolatito beats Martinez. I think Martinez is a great fighter, someone I can look to fight down the line if he still at my weight.” Fabio Wardley: “I’m massively looking forward to getting back out there. Obviously it’s not great for any sportsman to have a bit of an injury and have to take time out of the sport you love. But sometimes prevention is better than the cure. You have to look after yourself. “I’m planning to have a really big year this year. I want to go into it fresh and make sure that everything is sorted, all ticked off and done. And I can get really sucked in to have a big impactful year this year. And hopefully push onto some more belts. “I’ve been cruising through the majority of all my opponents. I need to find a place where I can almost take a second and take a little stop. So far, I’ve been cleaning through everyone pretty easily. We need to keep pushing and keep raising that bar. Keep moving on to higher levels until we get to a point where I find an opponent who is in front of me and won’t go in the first round. “On the back end of my injury, I’ve been testing on my body. I did a few rounds with Chisora and we did some great sparring. In the most recent weeks, I’ve been with Johnny Fisher and a few of the other guys. The little bump on my lip isn’t down to Johnny but I did get a few bruises.” Campbell Hatton: “I feel like a different fighter, showing my patience and composure where I used to be forcing things and doing too much. “There was no pressure out and Bilbao. But obviously we don’t want it to stay like that. It’s massively beneficial for me to do shows like this. There’s no going backwards now. “He’s got a winning record and he’s definitely a good opponent. It’s going to be a good test for me but I think where I’ve force things and tried doing too much in the past, I think having a bit more of an ambitious opponent is going to make me think more. It’s going to make me stay switched on and not rush things.” John Hedges: “You know what Eddie, it was crazy when I signed with you. I signed at just 18 and I’m only 19 now. I had a massive year. I think the performances are only getting better so now I can’t wait to go back out to The O2 Arena with a massive platform and do the business again in better fashion. “I’m in the gym and Johnny Fisher trains with me and we push each other. To be honest Eddie I look at Lawrence and I think I’m gonna be a similar type of build. I can’t see myself ever being like a massive wide fighter. So, I think I’m going to be a lean Cruiserweight. I’m going to fill out and I’ve got a lot of my own strength to work on. The main thing is to not rush it. I’m going to give my body the development time that it needs and fill it naturally. And when it’s time, I’ll move up.” Chev Clarke: “It’s a great division. I think a lot of people are being entertained right now. Yeah, I’m looking to move as fast as you’re ready to move me.” Anthony Fowler: “I’m happy to show the new me. I’m eating for five meals a day now. I have to be strict. I was traveling a lot trying to be a dad and trying to be a professional boxer. “Like I said my life is to box and I just want to have more proper fights. I don’t want no gimme fights because I’m better now and I’m going to show it. I want to make sure every fight is on a high level.” Demsey McKean: “Yeah this is pretty much as big as it gets you know. I’m making my British debut so I’ve got to really make sure that I go out there and put on a big clinic and come away with a nice knockout as well. “It’s been a wild four months since I left Australia and based myself over here in Essex. Like I said I was with Anthony Joshua and then in Portugal with Dillian Whyte. “It’s good to come back and get some one-on-one time with Tony Sims you know. Right before my fight in America I spent about two weeks with him and I was just all over the place. I went through about four or five different coaches through the training camps. I think I’ve been with Tony now for about six weeks straight and the progress is starting to show. “This is going to be a busy year for me. 2022 is about staying active and getting that experience under my belt. 2023 is where I can see the World Title fight coming. As long as I keep winning and keep working hard that’s all I can see. “We were in talks a little while ago when Australia and New Zealand were in the bad lockdown. Me and Joseph Parker were in talks a little bit. Because we were in the bubble out there. It never really eventuated. But now is a good time as ever to try to make that fight. The Heavyweight division is kind of held up at the moment. I’m the fight that probably makes sense for him at the moment even though he is a little higher rank than me.” |
TAYLOR AND SERRANO MEET IN HISTORIC CLASH IN NYC ON APRIL 30
| TAYLOR AND SERRANO MEET IN HISTORIC CLASH ON APRIL 30 Pound-for-pound stars are first ever female fighters to headline an MSG event in the iconic venue’s 140 years of boxing history Taylor and Serrano will come face-to-face for the first time next Wednesday, February 2 live from NYC |
| Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano are set to make history in an epic battle for Taylor’s undisputed Lightweight title at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday April 30, live worldwide on DAZN. TO SIGN UP TO THE EXCLUSIVE PRESALE, VISIT MSG.COM/TAYLORSERRANO Presale begins at 12noon ET on Thursday February 3, with tickets on general sale at 12noon ET on Friday February 4 – tickets start at $56 (plus fees) Years in the making, the biggest fight ever in women’s boxing between the pound-for-pound #1 and #2 fighters of the world is one that will not only make boxing history, but women’s sports history. MSG has hosted thousands of fights through its illustrious years, beginning more than a century ago on July 17, 1882; now, 140 years later, this matchup finally marks the very first time two female fighters are headlining a combat sports event at ‘The World’s Most Famous Arena’. Irish icon Taylor (20-0 6 KOs) puts all the Lightweight belts on the line for the sixth time since winning them in June 2019 in a war with Delfine Persoon and seeing off the Belgian in a rematch in England before repelling the challenges of Miriam Gutierrez, Natasha Jonas, Jennifer Han and Firuza Sharipova – and there’s added spice to the fight as Taylor holds a win over Amanda’s sister Cindy in Boston back in October 2018. Puerto Rican sensation Serrano (42-1-1 30 KOs) already has an unrivalled legacy in the sport as a seven-weight World champion. The Brooklyn based champion enters the momentous bout in sparkling form after knocking out Daniela Bermudez last March, dominating Yamileth Mercado in August and overpowering Miriam Gutierrez in two separate cards co-starring Jake Paul. Amanda was the 2021 Female Fighter of the Year for DAZN, ESPN and WBC among others. “This is a fight I’ve wanted for a long, long time and I’m just excited for it to finally take place because these are the kind of fights I’m in the sport for,” said Taylor. “People have been talking about this fight for years and there have been times I wondered if it was ever going to happen so I’m very grateful to Eddie Hearn, everyone at Matchroom, DAZN and Madison Square Garden for getting it over the line. “When I turned professional my goal was to be involved in huge events like this so to headline at Madison Square Garden in a fight of this magnitude is really the pinnacle of the sport. It’s such an iconic venue and has been home to so many of the historic moments in boxing and I truly believe this will be another one.” “It is a dream come true to have the opportunity to headline Madison Square Garden and do so against one of the greatest boxers of all time in Katie Taylor,” said Serrano. “Since I was a young girl, my only boyfriend has been boxing. I have dedicated my life to him, and this event makes that commitment worth every minute. On April 30th I am going to make history for me, for my team, for my family, for Puerto Rico, for every Latina and Latino and for all women worldwide.” From the moment Katie Taylor stepped into my office, this is the moment we always dreamed of,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “The moment the world would stop and watch and watch the two greatest female fighters on the planet headline at the Mecca of boxing, Madison Square Garden. “Taylor vs. Serrano is a fight for the history books. Yes, it’s the by far the biggest female fight of all time but it’s also one of the biggest fights of all time, the undisputed World and Olympic champion against the seven division World champion. “Both fighters deserve credit for getting this fight made, as does Jake Paul and his team at Most Valuable Promotions, DAZN and Madison Square Garden – together we’re going to put on a special night in New York and create a fitting spectacle for these trailblazers to shine.” “We are honored to be a part of this historic event, headlined by two historically dominant women. Bringing attention to women’s boxing has been a priority for us and Saturday April 30th is a major milestone for not just the sport but girls globally who deserve equal opportunity,” said Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, Co-Founders of Most Valuable Promotions. “We expect a battle for the ages and have the utmost respect and admiration for Katie Taylor. But make no mistake, we are standing next to Amanda Serrano and know she will prove to the world that she is the pound-for-pound greatest female boxer to ever enter the ring. This is more than a fight, this is for forever.” “This is without question the biggest fight ever in women’s boxing,” said Ed Breeze, DAZN EVP, Rights. “Katie Taylor is a trailblazer in the sport, with a perfect amateur record and pivotal in catapulting women’s boxing into the mainstream. Serrano is a true legend and will be Taylor’s toughest test to date. This fight will be spectacular and also one for the history books, and we’re thrilled to deliver this exciting moment in boxing and sports history to DAZN subscribers across the world.” As the first ever women to headline at Madison Square Garden, Taylor and Serrano will come face-to-face in the Big Apple on the first leg of a global press tour next Wednesday, February 2 – timed in honor of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, a day of observance in the U.S. acknowledging the accomplishments of female athletes and recognizing the importance of equal opportunities in sport for girls and women. Billie Jean King – tennis icon, equality champion, and Women’s Sports Foundation founder – is delighted that the fight will take center stage at the legendary arena. “The Taylor vs. Serrano fight at Madison Square Garden is historic and it is only fitting it is being held in the venue that has hosted so many important championships in sports,” said King. “These two women are breaking barriers and opening doors for others by being the main event and not the undercard, fighting for one of the biggest paydays in boxing and showing everyone that if you can see it, you can be it.” “Saturday, April 30 will be another historic night of boxing at Madison Square Garden,” said Joel Fisher, executive vice president, MSG Marquee Events. “The Garden has been home to some of the most iconic events in the history of boxing, and Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor will usher in another legendary night, becoming the first women to headline a show at the ‘Mecca of Boxing’. We wish them both good luck and congratulate them on this groundbreaking achievement.” Details around the London press conference early February will be released in due course. Additionally, there will be more information released soon around the fight not only being available worldwide on DAZN, but also through select cable & satellite pay-per-view providers in the U.S. |
OLYMPIC CHAMPION GALAL YAFAI SIGNS PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM
| Tokyo 2020 gold medallist makes pro debut on February 27 |
| Tokyo 2020 Olympic Champion Galal Yafai MBE has signed a long-term promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and will make his highly anticipated professional debut on the Lawrence Okolie vs. Michal Cieslak WBO Cruiserweight World Title show at The O2 in London on Sunday February 27, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding New Zealand and Australia). Birmingham’s Yafai fulfilled his lifelong dream and became Olympic Champion as he brilliantly won Team GB’s first boxing gold of Tokyo 2020, impressively outpointing the Philippines’ Carlo Paalam to secure gold in the Flyweight division – Britain’s 19th gold medal of the Games. Yafai comes from a proud boxing family, with old brothers Kal and Gamal having successful careers in the professional ranks after beginning as amateurs. 2008 Olympian Kal won a European silver medal in 2010 before turning pro and winning the WBA Super-Flyweight World Title in 2016, with Gamal winning Commonwealth and European Titles. “The goal now is to win a World Title,” said Yafai. “I know there’s not many who have won Olympic Gold and then a World Title so hopefully I can add my name to that list. There’s some great current World Champions out there at the minute, I’m not going to call out any names but my time will come – I have set my sights on being at the very top. “I’ve boxed all over the World with Team GB, it’s made me into a better fighter no doubt. I’ve fought and sparred with many styles which will stand me in good stead in the pro game. Eyes will be on me as a pro but I thrive on the pressure and it’s a really exciting time to be entering this new chapter of my career. “I remember standing on the podium with the National Anthem playing with the medal around my neck, it was a surreal moment. I enjoyed my time in Tokyo and now I’m ready for the next step. Matchroom are the biggest promotional company in the world. I’ve known Eddie for years obviously with all the shows with my brothers so it was the best fit for me to become a World Champion.” “I’m over the moon to secure the signature of Olympic Gold Medallist Galal Yafai and we welcome him with open arms to the Matchroom Boxing and DAZN team,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Galal was the standout British fighter at the Games and we have a long-standing relationship with his brothers, so it was personally very important to me to get this done. “Galal is going to do things very differently, for his professional debut at The O2 we are looking for him to challenge for his first professional title and from there move quickly to a World Title which we expect him to win across multiple divisions. This young man is an exceptional talent and you are going to be able to watch him on the biggest shows all over the world live on DAZN.” You can follow Yafai’s journey on Instagram: galalyafai and Twitter: @galal_yafai Tickets for Okolie vs. Cieslak are priced £40, £60, £100, £150 and £250 (VIP). General Sale tickets can be purchased NOW via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk). |
NEWS: DUBAI TO HOST PROBELLUM DOUBLE-HEADER FEATURING WORLD TITLE FIGHTS IN MARCH
Probellum returns to Dubai in March for an action-packed weekend of elite-level boxing staged over two consecutive nights with an incredible card featuring a combination of current and former world champions, Olympic medalists and hugely talented young fighters.
Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, located at The Irish Village, in association with Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, will host Probellum’s first shows of the year – and one of the UAE’s biggest-ever boxing showcases – on March 18 and 19.
The main and co-main event for night one will be announced this week, while two fantastic bouts top the bill on the second night, with IBF flyweight champion Sunny Edwards (17-0, 4 knockouts), from the UK, defending his title against Muhammad Waseem (12-1, 8 knockouts), one of Pakistan’s biggest boxing stars, in the headline contest.
That will be preceded by an intriguing clash between Ireland’s WBO intercontinental super-lightweight champion Tyrone McKenna (22-2-1, 6 knockouts) and Regis Prograis (26-1, 22 knockouts), the American former super-lightweight world champion who signed to Probellum in October.
Probellum heads back to Dubai following its hugely successful inaugural event, which took place at the Coca-Cola Arena in December, hosted by legendary ring announcer Michael Buffer.
“We are absolutely delighted to be returning to Dubai for our first event of 2022,” said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum.
“Probellum has made a huge impact in the boxing world in a short period and we have some major plans for this year, starting with these two history-making shows in Dubai.
“There was a fantastic response to our first-ever event, which took place in Dubai at the end of last year, and we know there is a big appetite for boxing in the city.
“These two shows will feature many top-quality fighters from around the world, including Sunny Edwards, Muhammad Waseem, Tyrone McKenna, and Regis Prograis. We would encourage fans to secure tickets early in order to ensure they don’t miss out on what will undoubtedly be another fantastic event.”
With the shows taking place over St Patrick’s Day weekend, there will be an Irish theme to proceedings and more of the country’s most impressive boxers, in addition to McKenna, are set to be confirmed for the event over the coming weeks.
In the lead-up to the event there will be a week-long programme of entertainment including public workouts, press conferences and weigh-ins, along with a series of activations, while The Irish Village will be introducing special offers for those fans who purchase tickets for Fight Night.
Ticket prices start from 50 AED and are available to purchase from Friday, 28th January via Platinum List or in-person at The Irish Village, Al Garhoud and Studio City.
For live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
BOURKE LANDS BRITISH TITLE SHOT VS LEACH
| CHRIS BOURKE will challenge Marc Leach for the vacant British Super-Bantamweight championship at York Hall, Bethnal Green on Friday March 11, live on BT Sport. Streatham’s Bourke (10-0, 6 KOs) gets his big opportunity after Queensberry stablemate Jason Cunningham relinquished his domestic crown in pursuit of world honours. He said: “Fighting for the British title in the main event on BT Sport is something I am looking forward to. “I have been calling for the British title for a while now and I am just grateful I have got the opportunity.” Tickets are available now directly from the fighters or at: Eventbrite.co.uk Bourke, 27, won the WBC International title in December 2020 with a second round stoppage of Michael Ramabeletsa. In his only defence last July, the South Londoner thrashed James Beech on points over ten rounds. The Martin Bowers trained boxer also won the Southern Area crown in July 2020 with a points win against unbeaten Ramez Mahmood. If Chris defeats fellow southpaw Leach it could lead to big clashes against the likes of Cunningham, Brad Foster and fellow big puncher Andrew Cain. Salford’s Leach (17-1, 4 KOs) leapt from obscurity in October 2020 when he upset 2016 Olympian Qais Ashfaq on points in a British Featherweight title eliminator. He dropped back to Super-Bantamweight last summer for another British championship eliminator and confirmed his mandatory status with a narrow, but unanimous points win over Thomas Essomba. Leach, 27, last boxed in December when he knocked out Stefan Nicolae after just 26 seconds of the opening round. Bourke added: “Ashfaq is a good win and I think Marc put him down a few times. Essomba is always tricky, he takes good fighters the distance and they struggle with him. “Marc has earned his shot and I feel I have earned mine. From the little clips I have seen he does seem awkward and technically a very good fighter. “People in boxing will know this is a massive fight and I think people will be looking forward to it.” Promoter Frank Warren added: “The Super-Bantamweight division is stacked and I now believe it is time for Chris to make his move. “Marc is tricky, slippery and come through eliminators to get a deserved shot. I think Chris wins in the power department and that might be the difference. “It’s a great way to start Queensberry’s 2022 calendar with a 50-50 British title fight and prospect stacked card at the spiritual home of British boxing.” Also on the show, Hackney Super-Featherweight Frank ‘The Tank’ Arnold (8-0-1, 2 KOs) will make the leap to ten rounds in a non-title contest. British boxing’s latest Light-Heavyweight hopeful Karol Itauma (5-0, 3 KOs), an eight-time National amateur champion boxes a six rounder. In four round action is Conor McGregor’s Super-Lightweight training partner Willo Hayden (2-0), Reading Super-Welterweight Joshua Frankham (4-0,1 KO), Portsmouth Super-Featherweight Jamie Chamberlain (3-0), Welling Super-Welterweight Jake Henty (1-0), and exciting teenage Cruiserweight Aloys Youmbi (0-1). The quality card also features the debut of another top London Cruiserweight prospect, Arnold Obodai, a former Repton ABC boxer who won two National championships. Tickets are available now directly from the fighters or at: Eventbrite.co.uk |
OKOLIE VS. CIESLAK LANDS AT THE O2
| Tickets for WBO Cruiserweight World Title clash go on sale this week! |
| Lawrence Okolie will make the second defence of his WBO Cruiserweight World Title against former World Title challenger Michal Cieslak at The O2 in London on Sunday February 27, shown live worldwide on DAZN (excluding New Zealand and Australia). Hackney’s Okolie (17-0, 14 KOs) crushed Krzysztof Glowacki in six rounds to be crowned the new WBO Cruiserweight World Champion in just his sixteenth fight at The SSE Arena, Wembley in March last year. The 29-year-old then made short work of Montenegro’s Dilan Prasovic in the first defence of his World Title on the blockbuster Anthony Joshua vs. Oleksandr Usyk card at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in September, taking out his mandatory challenger in just three rounds. Poland’s Cieslak (21-1, 15 KOs) suffered the one and only loss of his professional career when he took WBC Cruiserweight World Champion Ilunga Junior Makabu the distance in the Democratic Republic Of The Congo in January 2020. “Thank you to Cieslak for accepting the fight,” said Okolie. “I’m sure he is coming to get revenge for Glowacki! He is a good, strong campaigner who should be one of my toughest tests to date.” On the undercard, France’s Karim Guerfi (30-5, 9 KOs) makes the first defence of his EBU European Featherweight Title against ‘The Thrill’ Jordan Gill (26-1-1, 7 KOs), with more exciting additions to be confirmed this week. Tickets for Okolie vs. Cieslak are priced £40, £60, £100, £150 and £250 (VIP). Presale tickets are available to purchase for O2 Priority Members NOW via The O2 (www.theo2.co.uk) Matchroom Fight Pass members will be able to purchase tickets from midday on Tuesday January 25. Priority ticket info has been emailed directly to eligible members. General Sale tickets can be purchased via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) from midday on Wednesday January 26. |
JACOBS MEETS RYDER AT ALEXANDRA PALACE
| Tickets on sale today for February 12 Super-Middle showdown |
| The USA’s two-time Middleweight World Champion Daniel Jacobs will collide with Britain’s word rated Super-Middleweight contender John Ryder at the famous Alexandra Palace in London on Saturday February 12, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding New Zealand and Australia). Former WBA and IBF 160lbs king Jacobs (37-3, 30 KOs) earned a split decision win over two-time World Title challenger Gabriel Rosado last time out in November 2020 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Hollywood, just under a year on from his fifth round stoppage win against Mexico’s Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. ‘Miracle Man’, who hails from Brooklyn, New York, fell short in his WBC, IBF and WBA Middleweight World Title unification clash with pound-for-pound star Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in May 2019, losing out on all three of the judges’ scorecards, but three years on the 34-year-old still has a burning desire to mix it with the best in the world. Islington’s Ryder (30-5, 17 KOs) suffered a controversial points loss to former WBA Super-Middleweight World Champion Callum Smith in his one and only World Title challenge at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool in November 2019, but the 33-year-old Tony Sims trained-southpaw returned with wins over Mike Guy and Jozef Jurko in 2019 and 2020. “I’m super excited to be returning to the ring,” said Jacobs. “It has always been a dream of mine to fight in London as a professional, and I’m looking forward to fighting in front of a great crowd. I’m putting my best foot forward on February 12.” “This is the fight I need to really bring the best out in me,” said Ryder. “Jacobs is a great fighter but he has had his time and now it’s my time to shine! My dreams are at stake on February 12 and destiny awaits. It’s time to get right back to where I need to be.” Tickets for Jacobs vs. Ryder are priced £40, £80, £120 and £250 (VIP). Matchroom Fight Pass members will be able to purchase tickets from midday on Monday January 10. Priority ticket info will be emailed directly to eligible members. General Sale tickets can be purchased via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) from midday on Tuesday January 11. Undercard details will be announced soon. |
LEWIS RITSON DEFEATS CHRISTIAN URUZQUIETA IN SUNDERLAND
LEWIS RITSON DEFEATS CHRISTIAN URUZQUIETA AT PROBELLUM UNSTOPPABLE
Lewis Ritson returned to winning ways in style as he defeated Christian Uruzquieta at Probellum Unstoppable on Saturday.
Probellum’s inaugural show in the UK was held in association with Phil Jeffries at the Rainton Arena in Sunderland, and featured a number of extremely entertaining battles.
Along with Ritson’s victory, there were wins for the likes of Thomas Patrick Ward, Ricky Burns, Mark Dickinson and more, on an evening which also saw Probellum unveil two new signings, undefeated British super-welterweight champion Troy Williamson, and five-time amateur national champion Ben Rees. Please find the full list of results and quotes below.
LEWIS RITSON def. CHRISTIAN URUZQUIETA via RTD at 3:00 of R9
Lewis Ritson claimed a fantastic stoppage victory on his return to the ring as he came out on top against Christian Uruzquieta.
Ritson (22-2, 12 knockouts) shone from start to finish in the fight, with the big moment coming in round nine, where a fantastic flurry of punches sent Uruzquieta tumbling to the floor.
The Mexican managed to get up and see out the round, but with more punishment potentially looming, the corner decided to pull their man out, giving Ritson a great win inside the distance.
“I tried to add little things in the gym that I’ve been working on, and we were working well off the jab,” said Ritson. “I tried fighting when I didn’t need to, but we got the win and I want the big names now.
“I was fully focused and broke him down after four or so rounds, so I’m happy with the performance. I’ve added a few more strings to the bow, and with Probellum we’re going to be a big force up here for the next few years. I’m ready to rock and roll.”
THOMAS PATRICK WARD def. LEONARDO PADILLA via UD after 10 rounds (100-90, 100-90, 98-92)
Thomas Patrick Ward put in yet another vintage performance as he dominated proceedings against Leonardo Padilla.
Ward (31-0-1, 4 knockouts) was a level above Padilla, constantly beating his opponent to the key shots and doing damage with his quick attacks.
There was only one outcome when the final bell tolled, with Ward getting his hand raised and moving one step closer to another world title shot.
RICKY BURNS def. EMILIANO DOMINGUEZ RODRIGUEZ via UD after 10 rounds (100-91, 99-91, 98-92)
Ricky Burns marked his long-awaited return with a win as he overcame Emiliano Dominguez Rodriguez by unanimous decision.
it was the first time Burns (44-8-1, 16 knockouts) was back in action since October 2019, and the three-weight world champion received a tremendous reception from the fans in attendance.
It was a vintage performance from the Scotsman, once again showing the wide array of tools he has at his disposal, with the three judges eventually scoring it 100-91, 99-91 and 98-92 in his favour as he returned to winning ways.
MARK DICKINSON def. MICHAL GAZDIK 60-54 on PTS after 6 rounds
Mark Dickinson displayed his superb boxing ability as he gained six valuable rounds with a points win over Michal Gazdik.
Dickinson (2-0, 1 knockout) made an instant impact in the paid ranks with a 30 second knockout win during his debut in October, but he showed his other skills on this occasion, getting behind the jab and utilising all of his assets in the performance against Gazdik.
It was a one-sided effort from the talented prospect, with the referee scoring every round to Dickinson as he successfully triumphed.
“I didn’t go in there looking for the stoppage. I was in there with a light-heavyweight purposely to get the rounds,” said Dickinson. “I know I need those rounds to push me further in my career. It’s six rounds in the bag and then 2022 will be a big year.
“I had to mix up the power in the shots, and use my skill and my boxing brain. I know I’ve got one of the best brains in the sport, and I controlled every minute of every round of that fight.”
JOSEPH LAWS def. SEAMUS DEVLIN 60-55 on points after 6 rounds
The always-exciting Joseph Laws closed the show in his usual entertaining way as he beat Seamus Devlin.
There had already been a lot of drama outside of the ring for Laws (12-1, 5 knockouts), after his original opponent pulled out of the fight on weigh-in day, with Devlin stepping in on 24 hours’ notice.
Laws dictated proceedings, and the referee scored it 60-55 in favour of the Benwell Bomber as he made it two wins in a month.
“After the pandemic I had a bad year, and now I want to show people I’m a 12 round fighter. I’m not just a party trick,” said Laws. “I felt as the rounds went on I got better. Round six was probably my best round.
“Seamus is as tough as they come but I feel like I was working my way into the fight more. I want learning fights and I want to show I can do the rounds. I feel I’ve come on a lot and I need to give my coaches a big thank you.”
UNDERCARD RESULTS:
MARK MCKEOWN def. URIEL LOPEZ 59-56 on PTS after 6 rounds
Mark McKeown and Uriel Lopez were involved in a sensational back and forth battle, with McKeown coming out on top.
McKeown (5-0, 2 knockouts) started the fight extremely quickly, pushing the pace from the very first bell, but Lopez gave as good as he got, coming back with success of his own.
It was Scottish star McKeown who got the better of the exchanges, but it remained a toe to toe war throughout, with the fans in attendance on their feet at the end of the contest to applaud both men, as McKeown claimed the great victory.
“That’s the kind of fight I’ve been wanting. I loved every second of it,” said McKeown. At times I took too long to get behind my jab and I could have made it easier for myself, but I was landing good shots and so was he.
“My coach will tell you that I love a fight, but when it gets tough I bite down on my gumshield. I’m born like this, it’s something inside of me, you don’t need to look for it. I just dig in and get it done.”
ADAM COPE def. RUSTEM FATKHULLIN 40-35 on PTS after 4 rounds
Adam Cope continued his resurgence as he dropped Rustem Fatkhullin on his way to a comfortable points victory.
Cope (3-0) was competing for the second time in a month, having not boxed since 2017 before that, but he looked as fresh as ever, utilising his skills well and dropping Fatkhullin with a beautiful body shot in round two.
The Russian got to his feet and managed to see out the remainder of the fight, but there was only one winner, with Cope getting his hand raised and claiming the 40-35 points verdict.
“He knows how to survive. It was good to box a bit better, and I’ll always try and be better each fight,” said Cope. “I’ll look back at the fight and see what I’ve done, and then improve again.
“I was looking for the body shots in the fight, and I was trying to switch my feet and come through the middle. He was a tricky customer, and I know when I get to super-featherweight they won’t be able to take my shots.
“My support is always the loudest, it doesn’t matter where you put them. They didn’t disappoint, and thanks to everyone for coming so close to Christmas, it really means a lot to me.”
EWAN MACKENZIE def. QASIM HUSSAIN via RTD at 3:00 of R1
Ewan MacKenzie had a short night’s work as his fight with Qasim Hussain came to an early end after Hussain cited a shoulder injury at the end of round one.
It was all Mackenzie (3-0, 1 knockout) in the opening round, landing a number of good shots, but as Hussain went back into his corner at the end of the round, it soon became clear the action wouldn’t continue.
He told the referee he had suffered a shoulder injury, meaning that Mackenzie earned the stoppage win and extended his unbeaten record.
“It’s a bit frustrating. I was trying to break him down, but he says he’s got a shoulder injury,” said Mackenzie. “I was trying to work through a tight guard, but I need something back so I can set up the shot.
“I want a big year next year so I can stay active. I’ve been active over the last few months with some back to back camps, and I want it to pay off. I’ll be straight back in training, and it’s full steam ahead.”
ALEX FARRELL def. IVICA GOGOSEVIC via TKO at 1:04 of R2
Alex Farrell kicked off the show in style as he won an entertaining battle against experienced Ivica Gogosevic.
Farrell (6-0, 3 knockouts) was on the front foot from the offset, landing huge shot after huge shot, with Gogosevic eventually hitting the canvas in round two.
The Croatian got back to his feet, but another massive shot soon followed that knocked him down again, with the referee waving it off to earn Farrell the win.
“It’s more difficult when they’re a rough fighter, sometimes it’s easier to box a technical boxer than a rough guy, so I had to stay composed and see my openings,” said Farrell. “I take every fight as a learning curve and I want to learn in every fight.
“Everybody wants to be world champion, but for me I don’t care how long it will take or what it will take. I have to go through a lot to be a world champion. Thanks to all of the people in Greece, and all of the people in the UK for supporting me.”
For live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
PARKER VS. CHISORA 2 WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER
| 16:30 GMT LIVE ON BEFORE THE BELL 6 x 2 mins International Lightweight contest RHIANNON DIXON 135.8 lbs v VAIDA MASIOKAITE 137.8 lbs (Wigan, England) (Panevezys, Lithuania) followed by 6 x 3 mins International Cruiserweight contest JORDAN THOMPSON 199.8lbs v PIOTR BUDZISZEWSKI 200lbs (Manchester, England) (Warsaw, Poland) followed by 8 x 2 mins International Super-Lightweight contest SANDY RYAN 143lbs v MARIA SOLEDAD CAPRIOLO 143lbs (Derby, England) (Villa Carlos Paz, Argentina) followed by 18:00 GMT LIVE ON DAZN 4 x 3 mins International Cruiserweight contest DAVID NYIKA 199.3lbs v ANTHONY CARPIN 203lbs (Hamilton, New Zealand) (Argenteuil, France) followed by 8 x 3 mins International Heavyweight contest ALEN BABIC 216lbs v DAVID SPILMONT 252lbs (Zagreb, Croatia) (Saint-Michel, France) followed by 12 x 3 mins IBO Super-Middleweight World Title CARLOS CONGORA 168lbs v LERRONE RICHARDS 167.2lbs (Esmeraldas, Ecuador) (New Malden, England) followed by 12 x 3 mins IBF Super-Featherweight World Title Eliminator ZELFA BARRETT 129.8lbs v BRUNO TARIMO 128.8lbs (Manchester, England) (Southport, Australia) followed by 12 x 3 mins vacant European Super-Middleweight Title JACK CULLEN 167.8lbs v KEVIN LELESADJO 167.8lbs (Little Lever, England) (Saint-Maur, France) followed by 12 x 3 mins WBO Intercontinental Heavyweight Title JOSEPH PARKER 251lbs v DEREK CHISORA 248.8lbs (Auckland, New Zealand) (Finchley, England) |
