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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SUNNY EDWARDS, CONLAN/BALUTA PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

SUNNY EDWARDS BIDS for world title glory on Friday night at York Hall when he takes on the formidable IBF flyweight champion Moruti Mthalane, live on BT Sport 1 from 7pm.

The challenger faced the media today, along with Michael Conlan and Ionut Baluta who make up the bantamweight chief support.

Below is a selection of quotes from the preview event.

Sunny Edwards, 15-0-0 (4)

I don’t think anyone has ever come to a press conference and said they have been really struggling or a camp has been hard. Every camp is hard, but it went as well as it could have gone. I want to thank Frank, MTK and BT. I have had a lot of notice for this fight and people inside the offices know I have taken short-notice fights, hard title fights at four and a half weeks notice and less than that.

For this one I have had 13 weeks where I have known the opponent, the scale of the fight and the event for a very, very long time. I have had the time to prepare meticulously, my trainer Grant has done a great job, as always, and the team is very strong. I am just looking forward to welcoming myself to the world scene on Friday night.

I need to look like myself on the poster! They must have great photoshop skills or must have foreseen the future with me being in great shape. I have always known what to do and how to get there, but with using my talent I have allowed myself to cut corners when I shouldn’t have. I’ve always trained hard and I am very fit, I am always in the gym and love training. I don’t do anything else, if i don’t go to the gym I am pretty much sitting around the house all day. Apart from my sons, there is not much more to me than boxing, if I am honest.

It has been easy to make the adjustments and my strength and conditioning coach has been cooking for me the last 13 weeks. Together with my food sponsor, the food has been put on a plate for me and I haven’t had to think about what times I am eating. It has been a good run-up, I have dedicated and committed myself to it and I am hoping those efforts will show on Friday.

Having kids has really made me appreciate what I had growing up, the opportunities I had. One thing I can say about my dad is there was never a lack of effort that went into me or my brother. He was 100 per cent full tilt from early on and we used to run something like 36 miles a week, much more than I do now!

You’ve got to enjoy the journey. Too many people focus on the destination to make them happy, but if you enjoy the day to day, whether it is camp or dieting, these are the best times of my life and a lot of boxers forget that. I am enjoying every second of it, enjoying walking in and seeing big posters of myself next to a good friend in Michael Conlan, who was a hero of mine.

It is good to be recognised as part of the top tier by just challenging for a world title and I will make my claim on Friday to join the handful of British world champions and one of the two Frank Warren promoted ones next to big Tyson. I will be where I feel I have deserved to be for a long, long time.

I don’t really know my optimum weight because I have never before applied myself like I have this time. I am eating four meals a day, two steaks yesterday and a steak and two eggs already today, with two more meals to come. I have never been like this on fight week and normally I look at food and see weight. I’ve done it properly and jumped off the scales at 51.8 yesterday, which is under the super fly limit and normally with the cut I do you would see me very drawn and my eyes a bit poppy. I look different this time and probably could drop down to light flyweight. If I lose I will just blame the weight and move down!

One realism when I first called for this fight was that he was the only MTK-signed champ. I have seen him spar up close and logged enough upstairs to think when the time comes I would be able to take him. That is no slight on him because he is a great, great world champion. I don’t need to sell him anymore than the media team has been selling him, other than to let everyone know he is a proper world champion.

I just wanted the best and he has been ranked No.1 by Ring Magazine for a little bit now. That is what I want, although I am not quite sure how the Ring rankings work, but surely if you beat the man you become the man. I am trying to be the best at the weight and, from being No.1, I can then start looking down and pick off the other champions.

I want to be at the top of the tree and recognised as such. I want to test myself and be known as one of those fighters who takes the best/hardest fights, the biggest fights that my name and platform will allow me to have.

I’ve got a ‘no quit regardless’ mentality and I think I will learn more from the 12 rounds on Friday night than I have in a large proportion of the rest of my career, which is why I am looking forward to it.

MICHAEL CONLAN 14-0-0 (8)

It has been an up and down 12 months. The things that have happened are part of life and everything happens for a reason. Before my injury my performance last August (Sofiane Takoucht) was my best as a professional and I believe I am now continuing on from that. I have had injuries, we have had a pandemic, but it is what it is. I was devastated when I did my ankle, but it happened for a reason and now I am back, fully recovered and looking forward to Baluta on Friday. I was already planning to move down to Super-Bantamweight before my injury in December. The pandemic showed me how easy it was to drop down. I am making 122lb very comfortably. I actually make 122lb easier than I was 126lb and that’s nice. I am looking forward to going in and putting a performance on. This is the weight where you will see the best performances from me and that is what I am looking forward to. This fight cements my mandatory position with the WBO and hopefully I will fight for the belt this year. I am very confident of that happening. First, I have to get rid of Ionut and I believe I will do it in good fashion. I don’t need to ask anything about his win against David Oliver Joyce. I look at him and I see what I have to see.  Ionut has pulled off two very wins recently and he is a very good fighter. He is a very dangerous fighter. He has beaten two Irish guys (TJ Doheny and David Oliver Joyce) in a row and his confidence is sky high. I believe that I will put on a performance and shut that completely down.

IONUT BALATA 14-2-0 (3)

This is a great opportunity to fight Michael and I am hopeful that he will be the third Irish fighter I beat. I will be doing the best I can. I respect Michael as a fighter. He is a very good fighter, but we are about to find out who is the best between us. I am very focused on winning this and wont think about the future. This fight is very important as regards getting a World title fight in the future.

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JONAS: TAYLOR HAS BEEN UNFINISHED BUSINESS SINCE 2012

‘Miss GB’ out to avenge Olympics loss
Tasha Jonas says she has “unfinished business” with former amateur foe Katie Taylor and has promised to settle the score when she faces the Irish star for the Undisputed Lightweight World Titles at the AO Arena, Manchester on Saturday May 1, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and on DAZN in all markets excluding the UK, Ireland, China, New Zealand and Samoa.

‘Miss GB’ came agonisingly close to winning her first World Title at the age of 36 last summer when she battled to a thrilling draw with WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight Champion Terri Harper at Matchroom Fight Camp. It was the first time that two British women had competed against each other for a Word Title, and the all-action fight more than lived up to the occasion. 

The Liverpudlian met Taylor in the quarter-final stages of the London 2012 Olympic Games, losing out on points to the eventual winner of the tournament. The pair meet again nearly ten years down the line this weekend, and Jonas is confident of avenging her loss and handing a first defeat to the icon of women’s boxing. 

“I’ve finally established myself at world level which is where I always wanted to be,” said Jonas. “I think I was a bit unlucky that night. I’ve always said I’m not going to keep banging on the door of Terri Harper. I’ve put myself in mandatory positions and I’ll make the fight have to happen again, but I’m not going to wait around and I haven’t done that. Other opportunities have come forward and they’re the ones that I have taken. 

“Ever since I turned pro that’s always been the fight that everybody has wanted to see. There was 12,000 people in the arena at the time and we got the loudest crowd participation – that was the Irish and the Scousers going at it! It was brilliant. My amateur coach had been all around watching boxing, some of the biggest fights, and he said he’d never heard an atmosphere like it. It’s a little bit sad that fans won’t be there this time, but it was a spectacle and that’s what we hope to do again. 

“All eyes will be on us again and I think both of us will step up to the plate. I know I have to be better than I was last time. Without disrespecting anyone, she’s in a different league to any other opponents before. I’ve fought her before, and I’ll be ready. I’ve always wanted to be a World Champion, one fight could give me that, and everything else. It’s a huge moment for me and my career. I have to be better than I was before, which I’m prepared to do. 

“People say you have these turning points in life. As successful as my amateur career was, I didn’t achieve things that I wanted to. That was the whole point of me coming back and being a pro. There was unfinished business. Katie Taylor has been the unfinished business since 2012. To come back and not only beat her and win her Titles, to become Undisputed – what more could you ask for as a professional boxer? That’s everything. You’ve done it all within one fight. 

“Even throughout her amateur career she’s always set the bar really high and we’ve always had to catch her up. She presents herself well. She’s very positive. She’s been a great role model. That’s carried on into the professionals. When we step into the ring on fight night, she’s going to have to earn that respect. I’ve got all of the admiration and respect for her outside of the ring, but in the ring, you have to earn it. That’s what I’ll do.

“I don’t visualise anything if I’m honest. I prepare myself for every eventuality. That’s what I did with Terri and that’s probably the only time we’ve done that. That’s probably what I’ll do this time. Whatever Terri came with, I had an answer for. I think I’ll do the same with Katie. I’ll prepare for every best version of Katie. Any way that she can come at me, I’ll have an answer for it. The best version of me is a tough fight for anyone, Katie included.”

Taylor vs. Jonas is part of an unmissable night of action in Manchester, Derek Chisora (32-10, 23 KOs) and Joseph Parker (28-2, 21 KOs) collide in a huge Heavyweight clash, 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 Super-Welterweight Scott Fitzgerald (14-0, 9 KOs) makes his long awaited return and Lightweight prospect Campbell Hatton (1-0) fights in his home city for the first time as a pro. 
 
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RICHARDS: THERE’S NO PRESSURE ON ME!

‘Spider’ ready to upset WBA Champion Bivol
Craig Richards says all of the pressure is on Dmitry Bivol ahead of their clash for the WBA Light-Heavyweight World Title this Saturday May 1 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.

Richards (16-1-1, 9 KOs) delivered a Fight of the Year contender last time out in December against fierce rival Shakan Pitters as he stopped the Birmingham man in nine rounds to capture the British Light-Heavyweight crown.

Ranked at number 5 in the world with the WBA and number 7 with the IBF, ‘Spider’ earned his shot at world honours by remaining undefeated since his sole career loss against former World Title challenger Frank Buglioni in October 2017.

The Crystal Palace fighter, 30, comes into this weekend’s showdown with Russia’s long-reigning champion Bivol as a huge underdog and is all too aware of the huge task at hand, but feels he brings something to the table that none of Bivol’s previous 17 opponents possessed. 

“You come into boxing to become a World Champion – that’s always the goal,” said Richards. “I couldn’t be any happier that I have the opportunity to do that on Saturday. I’ve been fortunate to have these opportunities to push my career forwards. Getting the WBA Continental, getting myself in the world rankings. I’ve been in the top 10 with the WBA for two years now. I’m ranked a number 5 with the WBA and I’m in the top ten with the IBF as well. 

“I’ve boxed on a lot of big stages already. I’ve boxed unbeaten fighters, I’ve had pressure fights, 50-50 fights and underdog fights. I’ve really been under pressure in my career constantly. All of those experiences have pushed me and got me prepared for this moment. I believe that every step gets your prepared for the next one. I’ve taken the right steps. Now it’s another step. I’m the underdog again. I’ve had to do things the hard way to get myself into this position. 

“I know this guy is no joke. I’ve made sure I’m prepared in all areas. He’s a good fighter. He likes to be busy at times. He has decent footwork. There’s a couple of good names on his record. I don’t believe he’s boxed someone who brings the stuff I bring to the ring. I think he’s boxed a lot of different types of styles. I think my style is slightly different and I don’t think he’s crossed that yet. 

“The bigger the challenge, the more exciting it is for me. I always get up for a challenge. Every time I’m in a big Title fight when I’m the underdog, I go out there and I get the job done. I haven’t had to go through the gears yet. This is the sort of fight that will get the best out of me. I’ll show everyone what I’m really about. All I think about is that first bell. That’ the moment I really can’t wait for.

“There’s no pressure on me, there’s pressure on him. He’s the World Champion. He’s meant to be this big star. He’s meant to be this super champion from Russia. He’s going to want to go out there and look tremendous. He’ll want to make a statement, so there’s going to be pressure on him to go out there and perform. The pressure is on him, but I’m putting pressure on myself because I want to make sure I get that Title and prove everyone wrong.”

Bivol vs. Richards is part of a huge night of action in Manchester, Derek Chisora (32-10, 23 KOs) and Joseph Parker (28-2, 21 KOs) collide in a huge Heavyweight clash, Irish star Katie Taylor (17-0, 6 KOs) defends her Undisputed Lightweight crown against former amateur rival Natasha Jonas (9-1-1, 7 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 Super-Welterweight Scott Fitzgerald (14-0, 9 KOs) makes his long awaited return and Lightweight prospect Campbell Hatton (1-0) fights in his home city for the first time as a pro. 
 
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BENTLEY vs CASH WEIGH-IN OFFICIAL RESULTS

Boxing is back on BT Sport 1 HD TOMORROW NIGHT AT 7.30PM

In the main event Denzel Bentley defends his British Middleweight title against Felix Cash, who will be putting his own Commonwealth title on the line. Elsewhere on the card, Callum Johnson returns after a 2 year absence against Croatia’s Emil Markic. David Adeleye takes a step-up when he battles Kamil Sokolowski and Queensberry prospects Henry Turner, George Davey and Karol Itauma all return to action.

Worcester’s Owen Cooper makes his Queensberry debut.

Felix Cash – 159lb 9oz
Denzel Bentley – 159lb 4oz
 
Emil Markic – 174lb 5oz
Callum Johnson – 174lb 6oz
 
Kamil Sokolowski – 230lb
David Adeleye – 225lb 7oz
 
Clayton Bricknell – 138lb 3oz
Henry Turner – 142lb 2oz
 
Jamie Stewart – 146lb 2oz
George Davey – 147lb 4oz
 
James Heneghan – 161lb 8oz
Dwain Grant – 161lb 6oz
 
Ryan Hibbert – 176lb 9oz
Karol Itauma – 176lbs
 
Daryl Pearce – 147lbs 5oz
Owen Cooper – 147lbs 6oz

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SAM EGGINGTON TAKES ON FORMER WORLD CHAMPION ‘KING’ CARLOS MOLINA FOR THE WBC SILVER MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE MAY 22nd

Birmingham’s battle-hardened Sam Eggingtonwill face teak-tough Mexican warrior ‘King’ Carlos Molina  in a crucial showdown on Saturday 22 May at the Coventry Skydome Arena, with the Vacant WBC Silver Middleweight Championship on the line.

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

Eggington (29-7–0, 17 KO’s), a former British, Commonwealth and European Champion, is now within touching distance of a World title shot and fulfilling his destiny of finally becoming a World Champion.

Last in action in December behind-closed-doors, Eggington put on a devastating display of power-punching to destroy former British Champion and World title challenger Ashley Theophane inside six rounds and bring to a close the colourful veteran’s 50-fight career.

In a 36-fight and near nine year career, the working-class hero has fought everyone; usually away from home at short notice in fights he wasn’t supposed to win and on the end of wrong decisions, but all that suffer and heartache will change with a victory over Molina.

Now in his prime of his life, Eggington, 27, will take the risk against dangerman Molina as he’s aware of the bigger reward that will see him placed in a primary position to challenge for the World title next if he wins the WBC Silver crown.

The fight against Molina (37-11-2, 12 KO’s) is the type of war that ‘The Savage’ will relish against a vastly experienced former IBF World Super-Welterweight Champion who has faced a Who’s Who of champions, including Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. (twice), Mike Alvarado, Erislandy Lara, Kermit Cintron, James Kirkland, Ishe Smith, Cory Spinks and Cornelius Bundrage.

In a near 20 year career with 50 fights and 401 rounds under his belt, Molina, 37, has never been stopped in his eleven losses.  

His career highlight was defeating Ishe Smith to be crowned IBF World Champion in September 2013, but is also well known for highly controversial draws against Lara (March 2011) and Chavez, Jr. (December 2005), both fights that many felt Molina had won.  

Even more controversial was the ending to his fight against Kirkland in March 2012 Molina completely dominated Kirkland up until the 11th round of the 12-rounder, but was disqualified at the end of the round when he was floored by Kirkland and while being counted by the referee, one of Molina’s cornermen entered the ring after the bell had rung to end the round.

Mexican born Molina holds no fear of coming to the UK to face Eggington having previously pushed Josh Kelly in their ten-round WBA International title fight in March 2018 in Cardiff.  

In addition to fighting in the US, Molina has also fought in France and Santa Domingo, with his last fight overseas in Germany in February 2019.Since then Molina has kept very busy as he targets another World title fight.  

Despite the pandemic and lack of fight opportunities, Molina returned to Mexico and creatively turned promoter and fought under his own banner, King Carlos Promotions.  He has put together an unbeaten eight-fight streak with his last fight in February registering a points win over Edgar Ortega.Well aware of the danger Molina poses, Eggington is already deep in training at his Eastside Boxing Gym HQ in Birmingham with coach Jon Pegg to see off Molina’s thunder. 

Eggington, recently picked up the British Boxing Board of Control’s Contest of The Year Award 2019/2020 for his pulsating fight with rival Ted Cheeseman, said, “There’s nothing like a hard Mexican fighter to really get the blood and adrenaline pumping and I can’t wait for this one.  Molina is very experienced, he’s a former World Champion, he’s fought everyone and he’s still hungry and ambitious for another World title fight.  I like the danger that he brings to the ring which will bring the savage out in me.  I’m very close to my own World title fight and I can’t and won’t let Molina wreck that, so I’ll be going all out on him and if the knockout or stoppage comes and I’m the first man to do it to him, then that’s a bonus.” 

Molina said, “My main goal when I started my promotional company was to make my own path to a world title. This is a great test for me and I’m looking forward to being the new WBC Silver Champion. It has come at a perfect time for me, having momentum coming off of eight consecutive wins and also to continue to build King Carlos Promotions by being associated as a promoter for this show.”

Promoter Mick Hennessy is excited to bring this show to Coventry as it begins its celebrations as the UK City of Culture 2021.  The event will also be a public attended event, open on a restricted basis in-line with the government’s roadmap – Step 3.   

Tickets will go on sale shortly and will be available to purchase from  the Coventry Skydome Arena Box Office.  Hennessy Sports will release further information in due course. 

Hennessy said, “Sam ended last year in explosive style when he dealt with the experienced Ashley Theophane very effectively and it was the perfect ending on his Channel 5 debut that greatly enhanced his profile.  Now he takes on another tough and difficult challenge against Molina that is really going to test him.  Molina has seen and done it all in his near two decades in the sport and been up against some of the best around the weight, but he is still very dangerous and he’ll have to be right on it with him.  Sam is so close to a world title now and this will open the door for him.”

The undercard will feature 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).   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).  Bent won the title last December with a brutal right hand that flattened rival Troi Wilson in the third round in one of the KO’s of the year.  

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 and the Birmingham star is intent on reclaiming his Lonsdale belt.  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) had a great 2021 with four wins on Hennessy Sports shows and now the entertainer continues on his path towards a first domestic title.  

Sevenoaks all-action super-welterweight  Michael Hennessy Jr. (5-1-1) is in a six-rounder against Warminster’s Paul Cummings in his first fight of the year.  Hennessy ended 2021 with a complete shut-out of Dale Arrowsmith to win every round of their six-round contest.  

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. 

Hennessy added, “This is a fantastic fight card stacked from top to bottom with quality talent and fights.  I’m thrilled to have our young guns back out in action supporting Sam in the main event and the prospect of having fans back into the arena is very encouraging as we build towards a busy rest of the year with plenty of shows coming up.”

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BENTLEY vs CASH PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS

HALL OF FAME PROMOTER Frank Warren today hosted the final head-to-head press conference between British Middleweight champion Denzel Bentley (14-0-1, 12 KOs) and Commonwealth title holder Felix Cash (13-0, 9 KOs).

Both titles will be on the line when the bitter rivals meet on Saturday (April 24) live on BT Sport.

Here is a selection of quotes from today’s presser.

FRANK WARREN

This fight came about because the British Boxing Board of Control ordered it. Denzel and Felix didn’t want to withdraw from it. It went out to purse bids which we (Queensberry) won and it’s on.

I don’t think it gets any better than this. Both guys are undefeated, they have similar records and I think you are going to see something a little bit special. I understand there is no love lost from sparring, and was there unofficial sparring out of the ring? 

This has got the hallmarks of a classic fight in a division that Britain has always flown the flag in. You can go back over the years and look at some of the great British and Commonwealth Middleweight title fights. This, definitely has a great chance of being up there as far as quality and action are concerned. As a boxing fan I’m looking forward to it. 

There was a lot of talk, that Tony Sims (Felix’s trainer) said he was considering not taking the fight and moving on, but hats off to them. 

We won the purse bids and they are having the fight. From the fans point of view it doesn’t get any better than this. The one who has the skills and wants it the most will come through. 

I have an opinion about the fight and that is why we got behind Denzel in the purse bids. We believe in him. If Denzel comes through this as we expect him to then he will move on and into a position where he gets a world title fight. 

Denzel hasn’t come through the easy way. It has been tough. I lost a main event on a televised dinner show on the day. 

Denzel had been sparring ten rounds, but he jumped at a fight that night and stopped Serge Ambomo. That tells me a lot about him. It shows me a guy who believes in himself. He has looked better and better. He is a credit to himself and his trainer Martin Bowers. 

If good guys win he comes through this weekend. Fans are going to see something special between two talented fighters. There is competition between them, their promoters. The whole thing smacks of electricity. It will be exciting while it lasts.

DENZEL BENTLEYI am very proud to be British Middleweight champion. I have been everywhere with the belt. I’ve shown it off to let everyone know about my achievements. I am proud. I think Felix will regret taking this fight. 

Felix believes he is world level, but go through his opponents and there is nothing to suggest he is at that level, but every fighter needs to believe they are. I believe I am world level and he believes I’m not, so we will see. 

There is the sparring story with Felix. We both did four rounds sparring then jumped back in with each other. We were going at it and he started hitting low and behind the head – all the little dirty tricks he likes to do. Then it got heated, he got upset and it turned into a little scrap but it’s in the past. He says I was clinging on for dear life – well we will see on Saturday.

I do everything better than Felix. Is he gonna turn up with his dirty tricks? He is a dirty fighter. Everyone has seen it in his fights before. He does it well and gets away with it a lot, but it’s not going to bother me. I reckon I am going to stop him even if he doesn’t have chinks in his armour.

FELIX CASH

Every British fighter wants to win the British title and that is what I want to do. Denzel is in my way so let’s get it on. I cannot wait to get my hands on the British belt. 

There were other options on the table, but we sat down and spoke as a team. We had a look at Denzel and just said, ‘Let’s go for it.’ 

I would have preferred it was on a Matchroom show, but it doesn’t make any difference to me, a ring is a ring and the best man will win on the night. I believe I am world level and I don’t believe that Denzel is. 

He is a decent domestic fighter. I believe I am a level above him and I will show him on Saturday night. Styles make fights. I believe I am better and I will prove that. We will sort it out man to man and the best man will win. I believe that man is going to be me. 

He has been doing a world tour with that belt. I hope he has enjoyed it because it is leaving him on Saturday night. 

I am going to be in front of him and he will have to deal with it. Am I a dirty fighter? I am what I am. I am a very good fighter and I am going to show Denzel. I will win the fight by stoppage. Let’s just put on a good fight for the fans.

Also on the bill, former British Light-Heavyweight champion and world title challenger Callum Johnson (18-1, 13 KOs) challenges Bosnia’s Emil Markic (32-2, 24 KOs) for the vacant WBO Global title.Some of the best prospects in the Queensberry stable are also on show including London Heavyweight banger David Adeleye (5-0, 5 KOs) who boxes a six rounder.Also in six round action, York Super-Welterweight George Davey (3-0) who meets Jamie Stewart (2-1-1) and Super-Lightweight Henry Turner (4-0). In four rounders are Liverpool Middleweight James Heneghan (4-0) and Chatham Light-Heavyweight Karol Itauma (1-0) a Youth Olympic Gold Medallist.

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Danny Dignum retains WBO European title after draw with Andrey Sirotkin – MTK Fight Night Results and Reaction

Danny Dignum retained his WBO European middleweight title as he drew with Andrey Sirotkin after 10 rounds of fantastic action on Saturday’s #MTKFightNight.

The event was taking place at the University of Bolton Stadium and broadcast live on IFL TV, with fans treated to yet another action-packed event.

Both Dignum and Sirotkin gave it their absolute all, but they couldn’t be split after 30 minutes of action, with the judges scoring it a split draw.

Elsewhere on the card, Dan Azeez retained his English light-heavyweight title with a points win over Ricky Summers, Jack Bateson defeated Joe Ham, Lewie Edmondson beat Luke Blackledge, Carl Fail stopped Kristaps Zulgis, Paul Ryan beat Kyle Hughes, and Paul McCullagh overcame Paul Woolery.

Here’s everything you need to know from a brilliant night of action…

WBO European middleweight title

DANNY DIGNUM drew with ANDREY SIROTKIN after 10 rounds (96-95, 94-96, 95-95)

Danny Dignum kept hold of his unbeaten record and retained his WBO European middleweight title as he drew with Andrey Sirotkin.

Every round was extremely competitive, with Dignum (13-0-1, 7 KOs) and Sirotkin (19-1-1, 7 KOs) each having success and giving their absolute all throughout all 10 rounds.

It looked like the fight could be anybody’s as the bell tolled to signal the end of the fight, and that proved to be the case, with the judges scoring it 96-95 Dignum, 96-94 Sirotkin, and 95-95, making it a split draw.

Dignum said: “He was very tricky. I thought I nicked the fight and I felt fit in there and felt good. He was an awkward customer, but I thought that I did enough to win it.

“It is what it is, that’s boxing. Fair play to Sirotkin, he came over and put up a good fight. I’m not bitter, I thought I won but a draw is a draw. I’ll be back fitter and stronger and it’s all part of the experience.

“I don’t feel like a loser, I’ve just got to go back and learn. I got a bad cut and I couldn’t see out of my left eye, but I’ll recover and get back in the gym. I probably learned more in that fight than all of my others.”

English light-heavyweight title

DAN AZEEZ def. RICKY SUMMERS via split decision after 10 rounds (97-93, 96-94, 95-97)

Dan Azeez retained his English light-heavyweight title as he earned a split decision win over Ricky Summers after 10 fantastic rounds of action.

It was a brilliant fight from start to finish, with both men landing with huge shots at stages during the fight, but Azeez appeared to be getting the better of the action.

It looked as if Azeez (13-0, 8 KOs) was close to getting the stoppage in the closing stages, but Summers (17-3-1, 6 KOs) was able to hold on and last the duration. In the end the judges had it closer than many others who had Azeez winning comfortably, with the defending champion getting the nod via split decision.

Azeez said: “I think my hunger was the difference. Ricky was a good operator and was tough. I hit him with some good shots and he gritted his team and called me on.

“That is a fight that I need. I am calling out all these guys at the top, and that fight with Ricky is the kind that I need to let me know who is up there in my division. I’ve had the learning fights and I’m ready to step it up now.

“Hopefully MTK Global can push me in the right direction. I’m a champion and a fighter, it’s in my blood, and I want to be in the mix at the top.”


JACK BATESON def. JOE HAM 78-75 on points after 8 rounds

Jack Bateson extended his unbeaten record to 13-0 as he came out on top in a brilliant super-bantamweight battle against Joe Ham.

The fight served as the toughest test of Bateson’s (13-0, 3 KOs) career so far, going up against former Scottish champion Ham (16-3, 6 KOs), and it was a clash that was fought at a very fast pace.

Both men had success during portions of the fight, but it was Bateson who was edging the majority of the rounds, and the referee saw it the same way as he handed the Leeds fighter a well-earned 78-75 points win against a very game Ham.

Bateson said: “Joe is a great lad and a good friend of mine, but it is boxing at the end of the day and we had a good fight with each other.

“I started as a southpaw and probably was for the majority of the fight, and I think that threw him. Those little things worked and helped me get the win. I was the best I ever felt on the scales and I was a different animal today once I fuelled up.

“I learned a lot in that fight, and in the next one I’ll make sure I make even less mistakes. Anybody who knows me knows what I put into this sport, and hopefully it will pay off for me in the end.”


LEWIE EDMONDSON def. LUKE BLACKLEDGE via RTD at 3:00 of round 3

Rising star Lewie Edmondson picked up yet another big win as he claimed a stoppage victory over former Commonwealth super-middleweight champion Luke Blackledge.

Edmondson (5-0, 2 KOs) was coming off the back of a superb stoppage victory over John Telford in December, and he picked up right where he left off, using his switch-hitting to perfection and landing at will over Blackledge (26-10-2, 9 KOs).

The punishment became too much at the end of round three, with Blackledge’s corner deciding to pull him out, giving Edmondson another stylish win.

Edmondson said: “I really enjoyed it in there. I could see after a couple of rounds that I was starting to get to him. I stepped on it and then he retired after three rounds, so I’m very happy.

“I was switch-hitting in there but I don’t think about it too much, it’s pretty natural to me, so I just see what is working. I’m 5-0 now and that’s two opponents that have come to win, and you don’t see that often.

“I see that Charlie Schofield and Mickey Ellison are meant to be fighting for the English title in June, and I want the winner of that. I want to be fast-tracked. Billy Joe Saunders and MTK Global don’t want me to be held back, they want me to make statements.”


CARL FAIL def. KRISTAPS ZULGIS via TKO at 2:55 of round 2

Carl Fail picked up his second win in the space of five weeks as he earned a dominant second round stoppage victory over Kristaps Zulgis.

Fail (2-0, 1 KO) made his professional debut last month, but wasted no time getting back in the ring, getting off to a fast start against Zulgis before dropping his opponent in round two.

Zulgis was able to get back to his feet, but another knockdown came later in the round which Zulgis couldn’t recover from, handing Fail a fantastic stoppage win.

Fail said: “Five weeks ago I had my debut and then I had the chance to jump in and take this fight, and it feels great to get the victory. I learnt so much from my debut and I took that experience into my second fight and it showed.

“I’m learning in the gym all the time. There are still bits I need to work on, but we’ll keep developing and getting better and better. I watched my brother’s professional debut and got a lot of experience from that too.

“We’re a tight team, and having them here with me is great. I’m ready to grab any opportunity that comes my way, so I hope to be out again soon.”


PAUL RYAN def. KYLE HUGHES on points after 4 rounds (39-38)

Dublin’s Paul Ryan got his professional career off to a winning start, as he picked up a four rounds points win over Kyle Hughes.

Ryan (1-0) got off to a good start in the bout, but Hughes (2-3) came back strong to ensure it wouldn’t be all plain-sailing for the debutant.

Despite the fightback from Hughes, Ryan was able to maintain his composure and display some great boxing skills, and in the end was able to get the ball rolling in the paid ranks with a hard-fought 39-38 points win after four competitive rounds.

Ryan said: “It wasn’t my best performance but I did what I had to do. I’ve waited a long time for my debut but it’s bigger and better from here.

“I got back into the amateur habits a bit by going onto the back foot, and in the professional game you can’t do that. It’s something to learn from and we’ll move forward.

“It’s all been an experience compared to what it was like in the amateurs. I would like to be out five times this year if possible as we’re picking up for lost time.”


PAUL MCCULLAGH def. ANTONY WOOLERY on points after 4 rounds (40-36)

Paul McCullagh made it back to back win in the paid ranks as he picked up a one-sided four rounds points win against Antony Woolery.

McCullagh (2-0, 1 KO) dictated proceedings from the first bell to the last, with Woolery (2-4) unable to deal with the man known as ‘The Irish Drago.’

While McCullagh was dominating the action, Woolery did manage to go the distance, with the referee scoring it 40-36 to McCullagh to come away with a brilliant win.

Stay up to date at mtkglobal.com and on social media @mtkglobal

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RUNNING ORDER, WEIGHTS AND IMAGES FROM DEMETRIUS ANDRADE VS. LIAM WILLIAMS WEIGH-IN IN FLORIDA

1.45pm ET
 
4 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest
 
Aaron Aponte 140lbs  vs.        Javier Martinez 138lbs 4oz
Hialeah, Fl.                                Austin, TX
 
Followed by
 
8 x 3 mins Lightweight contest
 
Otha Jones III 134lbs 8oz        vs.        Jorge Castaneda 135lbs
Toledo, OH                                              Laredo, TX
 
LIVE ON DAZN FROM 3PM ET/ 8PM UK
 
8 x 3 mins Lightweight contest
 
Arthur Biyarslanov 136lbs 8oz            vs.   Israel Mercado 136lbs 12oz
Toronto, Canada                                             Pomona, CA
 
Followed by
 
10 x 3 Heavyweight contest
 
Mahammadrasul Majidov 232lbs       vs.     Andrey Fedosov 224lbs 8oz
Azerbaijan                                                       Russia
 
Followed by
 
12 x 3 mins IBO World Super-Middleweight title
 
Carlos Gongora 167lbs 12oz   vs.        Christopher Pearson 167lbs 8oz
Ecuador                                                   Dayton, OH
 
Followed by
 
12 x 3 mins WBO World Middleweight title
 
Demetrius Andrade 159lbs 8oz vs.     Liam Williams 160lbs
Providence, RI                                       Wales
 
FLOAT
 
6 x 3 mins Super-Middleweight contest
 
Alexis Espino 166lbs 4oz         vs.        Ty McLeod 164lbs 4oz
Las Vegas, NV                                      Bradenton, FL
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MTK Fight Night Dignum vs. Sirotkin – Weights & Running Order

Please find below the weights and running order for Saturday’s action-packed #MTKFightNight – as Danny Dignum defends his WBO European middleweight title against Andrey Sirotkin at the University of Bolton Stadium, live on IFL TV.

IFL TV BROADCAST BEGINS 6:30PM BST

Light-Heavyweight, 4 Rounds
PAUL MCCULLAGH (177.1lbs) vs. ANTONY WOOLERY (179.1lbs)

ESPN+ BROADCAST BEGINS 7:00PM BST / 2:00PM ET / 11:00AM PT

Middleweight, 4 Rounds
PAUL RYAN (157.14lbs) vs. KYLE HUGHES (159.5lbs)

Super-Welterweight, 6 Rounds
CARL FAIL (156.10lbs) vs. KRISTAPS ZULGIS (156lbs)

Super-Middleweight, 6 Rounds
LEWIE EDMONDSON (171.4lbs) vs. LUKE BLACKLEDGE (171.7lbs)

Super-Bantamweight, 8 Rounds
JOE HAM (124.13lbs) vs. JACK BATESON (123.9lbs)

English Light-Heavyweight Title, 10 Rounds
DAN AZEEZ (174.8lbs) vs. RICKY SUMMERS (174.2lbs)

WBO European Middleweight Title, 10 Rounds
DANNY DIGNUM (158.3lbs) vs. ANDREY SIROTKIN (159.8lbs)

Stay up to date at mtkglobal.com and on social media @mtkglobal

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