| JASON CUNNINGHAM RETAINED his European super bantamweight title with a sixth round stoppage of previously unbeaten challenger Terry Le Couviour at the Telford International Arena on Saturday night. It was a successful and spectacular second defence of his coveted title for the Doncaster man who has his eyes firmly fixed on a world title tilt. Le Couviour came perilously close to being counted out in just the second round when Cunningham unloaded a vicious left uppercut to the body that floored the Frenchman, who got up at nine. Le Couviour was down again in the third as Cunningham was exploiting the weakness at will and the 16-0 man was being outclassed by his more experienced opponent, although he managed to compose himself a little in the fourth. Cunningham pummelled the body again in the fifth and Le Couviour looked vulnerable once more and it was all over in the sixth when another left under the ribs saw Le Couviour wanting no more and the fight was waved off after 53 seconds of the round. Nathan Heaney extended his unbeaten record to 15-0 with a successful defence of his IBO International middleweight title against the dangerous Diego Ramirez. Heaney was felled by a dynamite left from Ramirez near the end of the first round after what was a controlled beginning from the Stoke favourite. It was quickly clear that a looping left was the danger shot from the Argentinean and Heaney would have to be on his guard. Heaney regrouped and largely dominated the second, putting the 27-year-old under severe pressure towards the end of the round. Heaney applied caution as he worked his way through the third, patiently landing the telling blows. There were warning signs again for Heaney in the fourth as Ramirez enjoyed some success and the 32-year-old was strongly advised by his corner not to get involved in a shootout. Heaney was snuffing out the threat and coming up with good work of his own as the final rounds approached. He asserted control over proceedings and just needed to stay out of the way of wild swings. Heaney worked his way through and took the verdict with scores of 97-93, 98-91, 97-92. Andrew Cain took all of 10 seconds to extinguish the threat of Pablo Ariel Gomez to win the WBC International Silver title at super bantamweight. A clubbing right hand poleaxed the Argentinean and, after John Latham’s count, the official time was given as 19 seconds. “I was just thinking seek and destroy,” said Cain in the aftermath of his eighth stoppage in nine unbeaten fights. Cain is in line to face the winner of the forthcoming British title battle between Marc Leach and Liam Davies. Eithan James passed the first stern examination of his young career by outsmarting the rough and always ready Ben Fields over eight. The 21-year-old remained composed against the robust Birmingham man with a reputation for removing the 0 from the records of prospects. The classy James from Northampton picked off his more experienced opponent over the opening and middle rounds before Fields finally managed to get up closer and enjoyed some success. James did not shy away from battle and will benefit from the experience with an English title eliminator looming. Despite taking a booming shot to the temple in round eight, James prevailed and moved to 8-0 via a 78-75 scoreline from referee Michael Alexander. A lively scrap was had between Worcester welter Owen Cooper and his game opponent Richard Helm over six. The first round brought about an entertaining trade-up between the pair before Cooper established a rhythm and began to impose himself on the Rochdale man. Cooper, just 21, was dominating by the fourth round and punished the older man to the body, which took away the ambition of the 35-year-old, but he wasn’t to surrender. Helm rallied in the final round, but Cooper moved to 6-0 with John Latham’s scorecard reading 59-56 in his favour. Liverpool super bantamweight Brad Strand, now 7-0, displayed a combination of skill and spite to overcome the previously 11-1 Ally Mwerangi in a biggest career test. After plotting his way through most of the first four, Strand rocked his Tanzanian opponent at the end of the round. The 25-year-old followed up in the fifth with a stinging onslaught and kept Mwerangi at bay with pockets of speedy and smart work. Mwerangi was docked a point in the final round for use of his head and the scorecard read a convincing 60-53 margin for the Everton Red Triangle product. Earlier on, York welterweight George Davey was judged to have drawn with Serge Ambomo, with the score being marked up at 57-57. In the opening fights of the evening, Bradley Thompson – the flyweight brother of Liam Davies – registered his fourth win as a pro with a third round stoppage of Francisco Rodriguez. The Spaniard was saved after 1.16 of the round. Promising welterweight powerhouse George Bance, now 3-0, scored his first win via KO, stopping Des Newton after 1.48 of round two. At super lightweight, Telford local Macaulay Owen overcame Liam Richards with a shutout 40-36 victory on the cards to move to 3-0 as a pro. |
Category: Championship News
GALAL YAFAI MAKES AMERICAN DEBUT ON TAYLOR-SERRANO CARD
| Olympic Gold medal man faces Puerto Rico’s Cartagena in New York on April 30 |
| Galal Yafai will make his American debut in the pro ranks as he defends his WBC International Flyweight Title against Miguel Cartagena on the undercard of the historic clash between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano at Madison Square Garden in New York, live worldwide on DAZN. TICKETS FOR TAYLOR VS. SERRANO ARE ON SALE NOW FROM TICKETMASTER.COM Yafai (1-0 1 KO) made his hotly-anticipated pro bow in February at The O2 in London, and showed why there was such a scramble to sign the 2020 Olympic Gold medal winner by stopping Carlos Bautista inside five rounds to land the crown he puts on the line in the Big Apple. The 29 year old is the youngest of the three talented Yafai brothers from Birmingham, England, and follows former World ruler Kal in stepping through the ropes Stateside, but could face a hostile crowd when doing so against Cartagena (17-6-1 8 KOs), the Puerto Rican from Philadelphia who will be hoping the Puerto Rican fans there to roar on Serrano in the main event will back him to derail Yafai’s journey early. “I’m hugely excited for my second professional fight on the historic Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano Undisputed Lightweight World Title show at the world-famous Madison Square Garden in New York on April 30,” said Yafai. “Big thanks to Eddie Hearn and Matchroom for getting me out so soon after my debut win in London earlier this year. “Boxing at such an iconic venue in just my second fight is a massive box ticked for me and I’m looking to impress in front of an American audience and all around the world on DAZN. Miguel Cartagena is another opponent that will be coming to win on home soil, but I’ll be keeping hold of my belt with a stylish win and to show people how good I am.” “This is a huge opportunity for me and one I’ve been waiting for,” said Cartagena. “I know they think this is a showcase for him, but they are in for a rude awakening. I wanted this fight. I’ve been asking for it. “I know the Puerto Rican fans will be there supporting me and I don’t plan on disappointing them. They made a mistake and come April 30 they are going to find out.” “This is a great opportunity for Galal to show the world what we all think – that he’s a very, very special fighter,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “These are the spotlights and platforms that rising talents thrive on, and i expect Galal to do just that – but with the Puerto Rican fans on his side, Miguel is going to give everything he’s got to spoil Galal’s night. It’s another great addition to what promises to be an unforgettable night in New York.” Yafai’s clash with Cartagena is part of a huge night of action in New York, topped by Taylor and Serrano becoming the first female fighters to headline the iconic venue. Jessie Vargas and Liam Smith meet in a must-win battle at Super-Welterweight and there’s more undisputed action on the card as Franchón Crews-Dezurn and Elin Cederroos decide who is the top dog at Super-Middleweight. Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams is in a tough test with fellow unbeaten Middleweight Chordale Booker, Reshat Mati is always popular in his home city and the ‘Albanian Bear’ meets Joe Eli Hernandez over eight rounds, and Light-Heavyweight talent Khalil Coe makes the short trip from Jersey City to face William Langston over six. |
FURY-WHYTE UNDERCARD REVEALED AS CAPACITY INCREASE CONFIRMED FOR WEMBLEY STADIUM SUPER FIGHT
| Live coverage on BT Sport Box Office will begin at 6pm Cacace in world level test Explosive domestic tear up: Lowe-Ball Young heavyweight rising-star David Adeleye in action Tommy Fury in step-up bout On the same day that undercard was unveiled for Tyson Fury’s WBC/Lineal/Ring Magazine Heavyweight Championship of the World collision with challenger Dillian Whyte on Saturday, April 23, it was confirmed that 4,000 additional tickets now set to go on sale at midday tomorrow from Ticketmaster making Fury-Whyte the record-breaking sporting event to be held at Wembley Stadium connected by EE. The supporting cast at the national stadium is headed up by a return to the ring for the British junior lightweight champion, Anthony “The Apache” Cacace. Cacace (19-1, 7 KOs) stepping up in class after making a successful first defense of his title against Lyon Woodstock in August of last year. The Belfast native will fight for the vacant WBO International title in a 10-rounder against Colombia native Jonathan Romero (34-1, 19 KOs), a former IBF junior featherweight world champion. In a 12-round domestic duel where fireworks are guaranteed, the vacant WBC Silver featherweight title will be on the line when Tyson Fury comrade Isaac Lowe (23-1-3, 6 KOs) takes on undefeated Liverpool native Nick Ball (14-0, 7 KOs). The winner of this prestigious belt will be catapulted into the WBC world rankings. Ladbroke Grove’s young heavyweight star David Adeleye (8-0, 7 KOs) will clock up his ninth fight and his second eight-rounder as a professional against Stockport’s Chris Healey as he closes in on title contention. The unbeaten Tommy Fury (7-0, 4 KOs) will continue his light heavyweight journey over six rounds with a step-up fight against Polish veteran Daniel Bocianski (10-1, 2 KOs). Live coverage on BT Sport Box Office will begin at 6pm Before the pay-per-view telecast begins, Top-Rank signed Irish Olympian Kurt Walker (1-0, 1 KO) will compete in a four-round featherweight bout against an opponent to be named. Frank Warren, who is promoting the show in association with Bob Arum’s Top Rank, said: “I am delighted to finally be able to reveal what will be a competitive undercard in support of the big one that we have all been waiting for. “I genuinely believe that as soon as Anthony Cacace gathers some momentum in his career, he has got what it takes to win a world title and securing the WBO International belt will put him firmly on track. But he is up against a dangerous and experienced opponent in Jonathan Romero and will need to be at his very best on the night. “I am so looking forward to seeing our man Nick Ball get the chance to really announce himself on the big stage against Tyson’s sidekick, Isaac Lowe, and it should be a cracking fight. The WBC Silver title on the line will propel the winner right into the world mix at featherweight. “Big David Adeleye, a regular sparring partner for Tyson, will add the heavyweight theme of the night and will relish the big stage. “I am delighted that Tommy Fury will get to share some of the spotlight with his big brother after missing out on his big fight last year through illness. If Tommy keeps on winning and continues to shine, his big opportunities will soon follow. “I would also like to welcome Kurt Walker, the Irish Olympian signed to Top Rank, onto the card.” WEMBLEY CAPACITY INCREASE FOR TYSON’S BIG NIGHT In addition to the undercard unveiling, it has been confirmed that Fury-Whyte will now be witnessed in person by 94,000 fans following the granting of an additional 4,000 tickets by the local authority. Brent Council has now approved a further 4,000 tickets to be available as coach packages which go on sale at noon on Wednesday, 6th April exclusively from Ticketmaster. The 90,000 would have already been a record attendance for boxing but, such was the demand, Queensberry Promotions and Top Rank, along with our hosts Wembley Stadium, sought permission from Brent Council to increase capacity to the biggest seen at a sports event at the national stadium since it was rebuilt in 2007. An original 85,000 tickets were snapped up in a matter of three hours after going on sale, followed a week later by the initial additional 5,000 tickets also sold in conjunction with coach travel. Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren, who is staging the event in association with Top Rank, commented: “I am delighted we are now able to provide four thousand extra tickets for fans to watch the biggest boxing event staged in this country. I know this in no way gets near to meeting the huge demand, but we were determined to have as many fans as possible attend Tyson Fury’s big homecoming fight. “I would like to extend my thanks to Brent Council for making this possible, along with our event partners at Wembley Stadium, and on April 23 Wembley and the borough of Brent will be beamed across the world.” |
MAXWELL LANDS IBO WORLD TITLE SHOT APRIL 22
Sam Maxwell hopes to walk in the footsteps of Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton by winning the IBO super-lightweight world title later this month.
The 33-year-old faces Alejandro Meneses at Probellum Liverpool on April 22 on a massive night of world championship boxing in one of Britain’s boxing hotbeds.
Maxwell’s crack at the IBO belt will act as chief support to the main event which sees local hero Paul Butler challenge WBO bantamweight champion John Riel Casimero, at the M&S Bank Arena.
The unbeaten Maxwell, a Commonwealth Games bronze medallist in the amateurs, stayed up into the early hours of the morning to watch Pacquiao and Hatton’s 2009 mega fight in Las Vegas, when the IBO crown was on the line.
Maxwell, nicknamed ‘Super Sam’, finds it surreal that he will now be competing for that same title later this month in front of a packed arena in Liverpool.
“My career has been building to this moment,” said the 16-0 Sam Maxwell.
“I won the WBO European title, then British and the Commonwealth belts and how I have this huge fight for the IBO world title.
“I feel lucky to be handed this opportunity and I will make the most of it.
“Ricky Hatton and Manny Pacquiao have held the title so it’s a belt with a lot of history.
“I watched those Hatton and Pacquiao fights, including when they fought each other, and so it is absolutely crazy to think I will now be fighting for that title.”
Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum said: “The 140lbs division is on fire now and by winning the IBO world title, Sam can put himself in the frame for some career-defining fights.
“The world of boxing is expecting Josh Taylor to vacate his belts and move up to 147lbs and, as Sam says, that would create massive opportunities in the division for many fighters, including Maxwell.
“Probellum is thrilled to be able to deliver this fight for Sam and put it on a brilliant card in Liverpool later this month. We can’t wait for our first event in one of the UK’s biggest fight cities.”
Probellum, the fastest growing brand in the sport, have signed some of world boxing’s leading fighters in the 140lbs division, since launching in September last year.
Jack Catterall, the People’s Champion, signed for Probellum in March and joined Regis Prograis, who has become the mandatory challenger for the WBC title, following a win over Tyrone McKenna in Dubai.
Lewis Ritson kept his world title aspirations alive with a win over Dejan Zlaticanin in Newcastle last month and is on a collision course with the world ranked Ohara Davies, while former world champion Ricky Burns is part of the Probellum stable and made his comeback in December.
Cunningham Versus Le Couviour April 16
| JASON CUNNINGHAM DID not have to ponder too long and hard over the question of at what point did he realise that he had morphed from being considered a high level opponent to someone with fighting for a world title towards the forefront of his mind. Despite enjoying much notable success over the years, Cunningham has effectively turned his career on its head and is now preparing to top the bill in Telford with a second defence of his European super bantamweight title. The Doncaster man goes up against the unbeaten 16-0 Terry Le Couviour at the Telford International Centre on April 16, live on BT Sport. The turning point, Cunningham reports, came off the back of a defeat, the sixth and last of his 36-fight career to date. In December 2018 he was drafted in to provide stubborn opposition for Belfast’s amateur superstar Michael Conlan who was, at the time, entering into double figures as a pro and was adding additional Irish flavour to the Warrington-Frampton card at the Manchester Arena. Cunningham, typically, was nobody’s fall guy and put on a solid performance in losing on the cards. It was a display that triggered a surge of confidence in the boxer known as ‘The Iceman’ and one that he identifies as the keynote moment in his resurgence. “It is the best way it has been put across to me, to be fair,” said the 32-year-old, who is now signed up by Frank Warren and Queensberry following his first European defence against Brad Foster in October of last year. “It was definitely after the Conlan fight where I gave a very, very good account of myself on the night. This obviously boosts your confidence, it was also up at featherweight, which was never really my division. “I just got opportunities there because I won the Commonwealth title at that weight. That was an opportunity given at short notice and then you end up campaigning in that division. “Super bantamweight has always been my division and I am undefeated at that weight as well. “So after the Conlan fight, my next few performances put me in good shape and then it is all down to experience really. “It has been a long road from the small hall stuff as well. I’ve been matched hard and have been in the away corner many, many times against good names. It has put me in good stead, I don’t take anything back, any of the defeats because it is all knowledge and experience and has made me the fighter I am today. “I would say after the Conlan fight that I was coming into my prime. I had a few tickover fights and everything just started coming together. I felt I was coming into my best years and then, obviously, we stumbled into the Covid era, which put things at a standstill. “So I ended up taking my opportunities at short notice again with Gamal Yafai (who he claimed the title from in May 2021) and kind of went from there. But I would say after the Conlan fight I could feel myself growing in confidence and took it from there. “I knew it was all coming together,” continued Cunningham, who now possesses the inner belief that he is ready to take on anybody at the right weight. “Yes, against anyone, and I do truly believe that. It is all step by step and I am confident of competing at world level. I believe I am big enough, strong enough at the weight and my boxing ability is at a high level as I also have a good pedigree from my amateur days as well. “Confidence is a big thing and I am just ready to test myself and see how far we can go. Whether or not I get to my ultimate goal of being a world champion, I will certainly give it my best shot either way. “Obviously I have now got Frank behind me, so everything is with me to give it my best.”Tickets for Jason Cunningham vs Terry Le Couviour for the EBU super bantamweight title at the Telford International Centre on Saturday, April 16 are on sale now available exclusively from Ticketmaster here. Jason Cunningham defends his European super bantamweight title against Terry Le Couviour at the Telford International Centre on April 16, live on BT Sport. Also on the bill, Stoke favourite Nathan Heaney defends his IBO International middleweight crown against Diego Ramirez from Argentina and Liverpool super bantamweight Andrew Cain fights for the vacant WBC International Silver title against the Nicaraguan Martin Diaz. Northampton super lightweight Eithan James, Liverpool super bantamweight Brad Strand and Worcester welterweight Owen Cooper also feature on the card, alongside York’s George Davey and Atherstone’s George Bance, who are both in action at welterweight. Telford pair, super lightweight Macaulay Owen (2-0, 1 KO) and flyweight Bradley Thompson (3-0) complete the card. |
PARKER-ANDRADE PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
| WBO INTERNATIONAL SUPER middleweight champion Zach Parker, along with his promoter Frank Warren and manager Neil Marsh, convened at the BT Sport Studios for the opening press conference ahead of his challenge for the WBO Interim world title against the unbeaten two-weight world champion Demetrius Andrade on May 21. Pride Park Stadium, the home of Derby County Football Club will play host to the spectacular event. Andrade, who is awaiting a passport renewal, joined proceedings over Zoom and below is a selection of key quotes from the media gathering. Photos from the press conference can be downloaded here. Frank Warren “On a number of fronts it was important to win the purse bid for this fight. It is for the Interim title so for the winner there is Canelo – who is the current champion – fighting next at light heavyweight. Is he going to stay at that weight where the winner of this will get a shot at him because the mandatory will be due. If he gives up the title the winner of this Interim title will be installed as champion. “From the perspective of Zach I was determined to win the purse bid and give him every opportunity I can because he is with us and is a joy to work with. He has been No.1 with the WBO for quite a while now and is only 27 years of age. He is not only fighting in his hometown, he is fighting at Pride Park, home of his local football club. The reason we are putting it on there is because I want the fans in Derby to get behind him and I am a big believer in trying to get every advantage you can for your fighter. “Demetrius is a two-weight, three-time world champion who is moving up to super middleweight, while I feel Zach is bordering on being a light heavyweight. He is very underestimated in my opinion as a boxer. We know he can punch and I hope the advantages we have secured will translate to a win for him on the night against a real good quality fighter in Demetrius, who we all respect.” Zach Parker “This is the biggest fight of my career and I am going to take it with both hands. He is a two-weight world champion but he is getting on a bit now and I just think it is my time because I am up and coming. “I want to say thanks to Frank Warren and all my team for getting behind me and getting this in Derby, especially at my football club at Pride Park. I am just looking forward to the fight now. “I think everything is going in my favour, Obviously I am young, it is happening in my backyard and the reaction from the crowd has been huge. It will favour me and I will show it on fight night. “He is coming up a weight and I just think I am too big and too strong. You’ve seen in other fights he’s been hurt. When I land I won’t let up and I will get him out of there.” Demetrius Andrade “I can’t wait to get over to England and I believe Frank Warren is going to do a great job getting the Derby fans and my fans as well into the stadium. It will be a great fight, I can’t wait to showcase my skills and talent and put on a great performance. “I am excited to be coming over because I am a world champ who has travelled all over the world and been in the lion’s den plenty of times. Who am I to say I am the best if I can’t go to someone’s back yard and give him an arse-whooping. That is just how it is. Anybody else who lost a purse bid might have pulled out and gone a different route, but that is not me and Zach is going to get the opportunity to have the biggest fight of his life. “It is a great opportunity for him, for me, and the best will move on and forward. This is the fight game so anyone I get in the ring with I am going to lay hands on and bash up. I look at Zach as a young kid trying to make a name for himself and he is going to bring his A-game and the best performance of his life against me. “Hopefully he brings out the best in me and we have a great performance.” Neil Marsh “Me and Zach have been together for six years now and it has been tough getting here. He’d be a much bigger name now if the previous people had promoted him correctly and 14-15 months ago we were looking for a promoter who could take us all the way to the top. We didn’t speak to any other promoter because it was Frank Warren who we wanted to lead us into this next chapter. “You only need to look at Frank’s history to know why we signed with him. He honoured his word and got us the development fights and collectively as a team we believe Zach is ready to go. We are not underestimating Demetrius, who is avoided in the US and I think people could have done a better job for him, hence why he has entered into this agreement with Zach Parker. “Boxing is about timing and this kid here deserves every bit of spotlight he is going to get. The kid is a beast and, because people haven’t seen him on the big stage enough, there is a question mark over him. Let’s be honest, Demetrius’ passport has expired because he didn’t expect to be coming to England. No disrespect, but I think he has got greedy and they are all thinking about Canelo money. “He is going to come to Derby and meet Zach Parker, who is not Liam Williams or Brian Rose. This is a real ding-dong of a fight and my man is going to come out on top.”Tickets for Parker v Andrade start from £55 and are available exclusively from dcfc.co.uk with £10 from every ticket sold going to DCFC to help the club through the current financial hardship.Secure your place to support Zach and the club on a not-to-be-missed night at the Pride Park Stadium! A full undercard will be announced in due course. Please Note: This event is subject to contract and licence approval. |
TOWL DEFENDS CROWN AGAINST VALLEJOS 26 MARCH – LIVE ON FYTEHUB
United Kingdom’s teen sensation HOLLIE TOWL, Professional Boxing’s youngest reigning World Champion of either gender, is set to defend her coveted Womens International Boxing Association (WIBA) World Featherweight Crown as well as challenge for the vacant Professional Boxing Council (PBC) Intercontinental Featherweight Championship against Nicaragua’s JAMILETH VALLEJOS at the Shirebrook Leisure Centre in Mansfield, United Kingdom on Saturday 26th March 2022 and Broadcast Globally LIVE and FREE TO VIEW on FYTEHUB
The support card features:
ALVIS BERZINS (UK) VS. ISHMAEL NETTEY (GHANA)
Professional Boxing Council (PBC) Silver Cruiserweight Championship
ELEANOR COULSON (UK) VS. BORISLAVA GORANOVA (BULGARIA)
Professional Boxing Council (PBC) Intercontinental Super Middleweight Championship
LUKE WHITE (UK) VS. AKASHDEEP SINGH (INDIA)
Super Middleweight Contest
ROWAN GREGORY (UK) VS. MICHAEL BASSETT (UK)
Heavyweight Contest
WATCH LIVE FOR FREE ON FYTEHUB from 6:30pm (GMT)
MARTINEZ VS. WARRINGTON 2 WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER
| 17:30 GMT LIVE ON BEFORE THE BELL 6 x 3 mins International Super-Lightweight contest CALUM FRENCH 137lbs 8oz v ANGELO TURCO 140lbs 2oz (Gateshead, England) (Quaregnon, Belgium) followed by 4 x 3 mins Light-Heavyweight contest MALI WRIGHT 186lbs 4oz v LUIS PALMER 186lbs (Leeds, England) (Huddersfield, England) followed by 6 x 3 mins International Lightweight contest CORY O’REGAN 137lbs 7oz v JAKUB LASKOWSKI 137lbs 6oz (Heckmondwike, England) (Siemianowice, Poland) followed by 19:00 GMT LIVE ON DAZN 6 x 2 mins International Featherweight contest SKYE NICOLSON 127lbs 3oz v BEC CONNOLLY 127lbs (Queensland, Australia) (Swindon, England) followed by 10 x 3 mins vacant WBC International Silver Super-Lightweight Title DALTON SMITH 139lbs 4oz v RAY MOYLETTE 139lbs 3oz (Sheffield, England) (Islandeady, Ireland) followed by 12 x 3 mins IBO Lightweight World Title MAXI HUGHES 133lbs 8oz v Ryan Walsh 134lbs 6oz (Rossington, England) (Cromer, England) followed by 10 x 2 mins IBF Bantamweight World Title MARIA CECILIA ROMAN 116lbs 7oz v EBANIE BRIDGES 117lbs 5oz (San Juan, Argentina) (New South Wales, Australia) followed by 12 x 3 mins IBF Featherweight World Title KIKO MARTINEZ 125lbs 4oz v JOSH WARRINGTON 125lbs 7oz (Alicante, Spain) (Leeds, England) |
MARTINEZ VS. WARRINGTON 2 PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
| 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.” |
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. |
