Category: Championship News

TAYLOR AND SERRANO PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES FROM NEW YORK  

by adminChampionship News / Female Boxing
Pound-for-pound stars meet for the first time ahead of historic showdown on April 30
 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.
 
Taylor and Serrano came face-to-face at MSG today for the first time since the fight was announced, and had the following to say:

Katie Taylor – undisputed World Lightweight champion
 
“I’ve had my eyes on Amanda Serrano and this is a fight I’ve been looking forward to for quite some time now.
 
“This is history right here and all of our hard work is going to be paid off for at this time.
 
“I think that this fight is the most exciting fight in the sport, not just female boxing. This really is the best fight in boxing right now.
 
“We are both great champions, she has a great record and she’s a great fighter. We have seen the likes of McCaskill and others; but I want to be the best fighter.”
 
Amanda Serrano – seven-weight World champion
 
“No time is better than right now. Happy Women and Girls in Sports Day … Women, we are changing the sport. I am honored to share the ring with Katie Taylor.
 
“I have to thank my coach for not accepting the first couple fights. He knew what I was worth and now we are working with MVP.
 
“I don’t need to talk bad about any of my opponents. I do all of my talking inside the ring.
 
“13 years, I’ve been professional and every other day I have wanted to quit… never did I imagine making the money I have today. I mean, headlining MSG, like what?”
 
Eddie Hearn – chairman, Matchroom Sport
 
“Welcome to the iconic Madison Square Garden here in New York for the history making occasion, April 30 the undisputed women’s lightweight world championship here from the Mecca of boxing MSG. The first time in 140 years of boxing and combat sport history, two females headline here.
 
“This is going to be not just the biggest female fights of all time, but one of the biggest fights of all time. Katie Taylor is a huge draw in Ireland and the UK, Amanda here in the US, both women have headlined on major events around the world.  
 
“We expect to fill up the Garden completely, an unbelievable undercard being planned for April 30 already, two-division world champion Jessie Vargas will take on Liam Smith from Liverpool. The undisputed super-middleweight world championship between Crews-Dezurn and Cederroos also on the card, as well as many more to come. 
 
“Thank you to everyone for their support, this feels like an iconic moment for the sport in boxing, a moment that a lot of us have worked very hard towards. As Jake said earlier, to those great fighters that have come before them, for now we celebrate Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano who will make history here at Madison Square Garden on April 30.” 
 
Jake Paul – co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, professional boxer and content creator
 
“What an honor to be here at the historic Madison Square Garden, I want to give a big thanks to Jim Dolan and the entire MSG team for making history with us – for real.
 
“Women have been boxing since the early 1900’s but it wasn’t until 1999 that they were able to compete professionally. 23 years later here we are with one of the biggest fights ever headlined by two women at Madison Square Garden.
 
“Today is about Amanda and Katie, the two best female boxers in the world right now, they deserve this stage, this historic payday and they deserve to settle who is the pound for pound best which is why I’m excited to see this fight.
 
“It’s also about Anne Wolf, Christine Martin, Leila Ali, Mia St. John and so many other legendary boxers that helped lay the foundations for the ladies to be sitting here today. It’s about Clarissa Shields, Mikaela Mayer, Alycia Baumgardner and other amazing professionals currently in the sport. Most of all it’s about the future young women and girls all around the world who will see April 30 as a moment that made the impossible, possible, equality as it’s meant to be.”
 
“It’s an honor to be here with Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Boxing, DAZN, MSG, we’re grateful to Katie Taylor and here team to commit to taking this fight. Of course, most of all we’re proud to stand with Amanda Serrano, the superstar, a woman who has dedicated her life to boxing. Now it’s time to start showing the commitment she has made and show the world how important women’s boxing is to people like bob Arum who misspoke earlier this week. He’s going to eat his words April 30 and see how impactful this fight, I’m excited to be here and let’s make history.
 
“I’m a fight fan, I fell in love with boxing and I’m passionate about boxing all the way around. When I met Amanda Serrano and I heard her story and how hard she’s worked, I see how hard she is trained, she’s getting paid pennies on the dollar and being taken advantage of from people in her career. She needed help and guidance, to be put on a pedestal – she’s a superstar.  I’m excited to be promotor Paul and we might be sitting next to each other a few more times in the future. I’ll always be involved in this sport and pushing to make boxing a better place.”
 
Joe Markowski – EVP, DAZN
 
“For us it’s an absolutely perfect event, you’ve got two top pound-for-pound women’s boxers in the world, for our UK and Irish business this is a huge opportunity and of course in the US as well. This is part of a really strong spring schedule that hopefully working with Matchroom and Golden Boy we’ll be able to add to in the coming weeks.”
 
“A huge opportunity for us, a lot of noise gets made about this being a historic women’s boxing event, for us this just makes great business sense. It’s a huge opportunity for the sport and women’s sport more broadly to stop, acknowledge and celebrate the progress that is being made in women’s sport.”
 
“Yourself [Eddie] and Matchroom have been long-time supporters of that, I think everything that Jake, Nakisa and MVP are doing to back this is going to bring long overdue eyeballs. We know from our broader global business outside of boxing that when the media and industries around sport gets behind women’s sport, eyeballs come, and they stay. The quality of competition is akin to men’s sport in the vast majority of cases.”
 
“We’re extremely excited about it, I think there’s a huge opportunity for all of us up here and the people we work with within our own businesses and our partners to use the next two months to push this to become a moment in time and a celebration – everyone at DAZN will be working towards that.” 
 
Joel Fisher – EVP, MSG Marquee Events
 
“The reception and reaction to the fight when it was announced was incredible, everyone’s been really supportive, so I want to thank everyone for that. There’s no better place for this fight then Madison Square Garden, to make history, this is a long overdue fight and is the Mecca of boxing. This is where all the famous fighters, the biggest fights in the world have taken place, this is history, we are talking about history.”
 
“I’m sure that this fight between Amanda and Katie is going to really be something else, something to behold, it’s not only a great fight and history, the first time headlining the Garden, it’s just a great fight that people in boxing want to see. Forget about women just in general, this is just a great fight and it’s going to be a tremendous night.”
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BRYAN ACCEPTS DUBOIS CALL

by adminChampionship News
TREVOR BRYAN SUCCESSFULLY defended his WBA world heavyweight title belt on Saturday night before swiftly responding to a message from across the Atlantic sent by one Daniel Dubois.

Dubois is in mandatory position and next in line for a shot at the WBA title after the governing body granted Bryan permission for a voluntary defence against the largely unknown Jonathan Guidry.

The unbeaten Bryan, 22-0, made harder work of the fight than many probably imagined and the 32-year-old had to rely on the scorecards, which recorded a split decision victory for the New Yorker.

Dubois, 17-1, quickly acknowledged his future opponent’s victory before adding ominously: “But you are in my way. See you soon.”

Bryan readily accepted his next challenge and indicated that he is prepared for an away fixture for what will be a second defence of the belt he won by defeating Bermane Stiverne at the beginning of last year.

“Indeed we will little homie,” responded the executor of 15 KOs. “Cause as I said my campaign overseas will be starting very soon!”

Bryan signed off by borrowing the catchphrase of the voluble former heavyweight contender Shannon Briggs.

#LetsGoChamp
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OKOLIE VS. CIESLAK PLUS UNDERCARD PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

by adminChampionship News
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.”
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NEWS: DUBAI TO HOST PROBELLUM DOUBLE-HEADER FEATURING WORLD TITLE FIGHTS IN MARCH

by adminChampionship News


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.

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BOURKE LANDS BRITISH TITLE SHOT VS LEACH

by adminChampionship News
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
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OKOLIE VS. CIESLAK LANDS AT THE O2

by adminChampionship News
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.
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PARKER VS. CHISORA 2 WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER

by adminChampionship News
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)
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PARKER VS. CHISORA 2 PLUS UNDERCARD PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

by adminChampionship News
Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:
 
“Thank you to everyone in attendance today here in Manchester ahead of a huge night of boxing this Saturday, live and exclusively on DAZN all around the world from the Manchester Arena.
 
“A huge crowd is expected as we wrap up what has been a sensational year against all odds. Tomorrow night we have our 43rd show of the year in Uzbekistan, Saturday night we have our 44th show of the year in Manchester and I think it’s one of the best shows we’ve put on so far this year.
 
“Of course, the main event a Heavyweight blockbuster, the rematch between Joseph Parker and Derek Chisora. One of four brilliant 50/50 championship fights on this card, littered with great young talent and fighters emerging on the World Championship stage.” 
 
David Higgins, Founder and Director of Duco Events:
 
“It’s a pandemic and a crazy world. The fact Matchroom are still making events happen is fantastic. It’s a risky business, I think sometimes in boxing it’s fashionable to hate successful people, but I think everyone in the sport should be grateful Matchroom are keeping these shows going and providing the opportunities.
 
“We’re grateful for sure, and to Derek Chisora for always bringing a fight. Someone asked me today saying he’s going to come swinging trying to take Joseph’s head off does that worry you. I said no it doesn’t I’m sure we’ve prepared for that, but I’ve seen Joseph sometimes at his best in those types of situations. I’m sure Joseph is going to be cool and stick to the plan but if Derek wants to swing Joseph is ready for that too.”
 
Joseph Parker:
 
“It’s great to be back in Manchester with the team. We’ve had a tremendous camp; this fight will be different from the first for sure.
 
“Not having a crowd made a big difference, I think Derek feeds off the crowd, I feed off of them too. A lot of fighters feed off the crowd and just having no noise and hearing specific voices it’s pretty weird.
 
“The World Title, my eyes are just purely on this weekend and Derek Chisora. I want to probably knock him out between round six and ten.”
 
Andy Lee, trainer of Joseph Parker:
 
“I know how much Chisora would have improved with Dave because when I won the World Title, in my corner assisting Adam Booth was Dave Coldwell – I know all about him. I know how he will help Chisora improve.
 
“After the first fight when the bell rang, I thought they were going to give the decision to Derek Chisora, I said it to him in the ring. We got the decision and when I watched it back, I thought Joe won the fight. We won’t be negative, Joe’s going to be a lot more positive, he’ll stand a lot more, fight a lot more and be more consistent with his attack. It should make for an excellent fight.
 
“If anything, the crowd in there will be a benefit to Chisora more than Parker because he’ll feed of that and the energy, he’s a big favourite. He’s now the hero, people love him and his fight style, he’s given us great fights over the years. We’re here to do business, when Joseph gets in the ring, he’ll be different in terms of the spite he has, mentally and physically.” 
 
Derek Chisora:
 
Chose not to speak.
 
Dave Coldwell, trainer of Derek Chisora:        
 
“I think as a fighter gets more experience under their belt, they get wiser and realise certain mistakes that they made earlier on in their career they can’t afford to make as they go on. They just learn and get smarter.
 
“Derek when he linked up with David Haye, changed the way he lived nutrition-wise, looking after his body and keeping it maintained even between fights. Even though he’s getting older, that takes it’s time to really bed in and with consistency you get better results in how you perform.
 
“Right now, Derek is performing really well, I’m happy with the work he’s done in the gym, his commitment, his sparring sessions have been great. He’s in a good place and you’ll see on Saturday.
 
“I don’t expect it to go the distance. I think Parker’s link up with Andy Lee, he’s a very smart man when it comes to boxing, he’s worked with two of the best in business and to sprinkle a bit of Andy Lee’s knowledge in there you’re going to get results. I’m expecting a better, more aggressive and positive Joseph Parker, but in the same vein I’m seeing a better Derek Chisora.
 
“People have underestimated what a difference having a crowd makes to these guys, Derek loves the crowds singing his name and getting behind him. Certain fighters it doesn’t affect, your cool calculated boxing skillsters who’ll think their way through everything. Fighters like Derek and Joseph, they get that vibe, and it adds an extra few per cent. When you’re talking about performance levels in these kinds of fights, those little per cents add up.”
 
Jack Cullen:
 
“I’ve sold near enough 1,000 tickets, and I’ve promised everyone I’m winning the European Title, that’s my early Christmas present. I’m taking it with both hands and I’m going for it, I’ve had the European Title in my head for a long while and come 18th December it’ll be a victory and a dream come true.
 
“You win a European Title and you’re right up there in all the rankings, anything can happen after this. I’ve just got to get past Sadjo on the 18thand we’re ready for next year.
 
“I’ve just got to stick to my game plan, if I stick to it then it should be a good night for me.” 
 
Kevin Lele Sadjo:
 
“I did accept the challenge very quickly and thanks for the invitation. I am in form, my camp has had me training ready for a fight, when the opportunity arises to feature on a Chisora card it’s something you can’t miss. Without even watching Jack Cullen we were ready to sign up quickly and I’m hoping to return to France with the European Title.
 
“It’s funny you should choose the word war; the war is not in the crowd but in the ring. The war is where I position myself as a boxer, it’s not just the crowd for Jack Cullen, my crowd is watching me at home on DAZN. I think it’s going to be a superb encounter and the war is all about heart and I’ve brought my heart.” 
 
Zelfa Barrett:
 
“Bruno Tarimo, I’ve studied him, watched him, I know he’s a solid fighter. He throws the kitchen sink and has a bit of brains about him, but this is my World Title fight. I’m not thinking about anything else, he’s my target and I respect him and the struggles he’s had. This is boxing, it doesn’t matter where you’re from or what you’ve done, it’s all about what happens in the ring. I’m excited and more than ready for this.
 
“I’m doing this for my mum, it’s been a hard year but tough times, tough people. This is boxing and I can express how I feel in the ring, come Saturday night I’ll be victorious.”  
 
Bruno Tarimo:
 
“Firstly, I want to thank God for bringing me here safe, this is my first time in Manchester for a big show. Thanks to Matchroom for bringing me onto the show, I appreciate it. Thanks for the support of my team in Australia and Tanzania – for my country.
 
“I come from nothing, I can fight Super-Bantam but I have opportunity in Australia, it helps me but it doesn’t have the small weight. I have to take the big fight with big people to be World Champion and help my family.
 
“Zelfa Barrett is a good fighter, he’s smart and my team and I back in Australia were watching him. Every fighter is different, all the fighters in Australia know and support me, it’s going to be a good show on Saturday night.” 
 
Lerrone Richards:
 
“This is a world level fight, a real-world level fight, a fight that I relish, and I know I can win – win in great fashion.
 
“The winner of this fight, which will be me, can push on to world level. I’m excited about this fight, it’s an opportunity for me to showcase my skills at the higher level and shut the doubters up. Once I win this fight, the future is bright.” 
 
David Nyika:
 
“I feel very lucky to be here, thank you for having me on the card. I have the opportunity now to let people know who David Nyika is, I’m here to stay in the UK and ready to make my mark. I feel totally blessed to be part of such a big camp.
 
“I didn’t come away with a gold medal, so I technically didn’t achieve my ultimate dream of getting a gold. Onwards and upwards, this is an opportunity for me to make a living and continue down a path that I’ve dreamed of as a kid.” 
 
 
Sandy Ryan:
 
“We’re also looking to make a statement, my trainer Clifton Mitchell is holding me back a little bit, he wants me to start strong, sharp and box. When we see an opening, we’re going to take her out.
 
“Don’t worry, the knockout is going to happen, we’re going to show a little boxing first. It isn’t going eight rounds.” 
 
Jordan Thompson:
 
“It’s a pleasure to be back out, especially in my hometown, I’m looking to go out there and put on another explosive performance. Like I always say, artistic violence, that’s one thing you can expect with me.
 
“The Cruiserweight scene domestically is buzzing right now; I definitely see myself getting amongst that and coming out top of the crop. Like I said, I’ve got an amazing team in place, I’m looking forward to what next year brings. Definitely titles on the horizon no doubt about it.”
 
Cyrus Pattinson:
 
“I think activity is one of the most important things to be out on a regular basis. I know I’ve got a durable opponent for the weekend; he’s been with some of the domestic fighters I’ve been fighting for British and European Titles so I’m looking to make a statement on Saturday and do things other Welterweights haven’t been able to do.”  
 
Rhiannon Dixon:
 
“It was a bit frustrating hearing my opponent potentially pulled out again and all the mix up of this week. I’m just excited to get there on Saturday. I’m just looking to make my mark on 2022 and I just can’t wait for it.” 
 
Alen Babic:
 
“Two weeks ago, you [Eddie] slid into my DM’s and asked if I wanted to fight, I said yeah let’s go. People have routine victories, I have routine knockouts, I think Saturday is going to be another routine knockout. I’m going to operate like John Wick.
 
“I like this, I like this living. I give it all to boxing and for the next five to six years I just want to box – I don’t want to do anything else.
 
“Let’s go, like I said I have a brilliant team, we are going for the Bridgerweight Title. I’m really into it and let’s go, I’m going to give my whole life to it and I’m sure we’re going to get it.”
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I’M BRINGING THE PAIN! SAYS CHISORA

by adminChampionship News
Del Boy questions Parker’s decision to take rematch 
Derek Chisora has promised to exact revenge on Joseph Parker when they rematch for the WBO Intercontinental Heavyweight Title at the AO Arena in Manchester this Saturday December 18, live worldwide on DAZN (with the exception of New Zealand and Samoa).

Chisora (32-11, 23 KOs) was left angered by what he felt was more rough treatment by boxing judges following his split decision points loss to former WBO World Champion Parker earlier this year – the eleventh loss of his illustrious 43-fight career in boxing’s glamour division. 

The 37-year-old knocked Parker down inside 10 seconds of their first meeting and applied plenty of pressure and punishing body shots during a busy first half of the fight, but it wasn’t enough as the New Zealand star responded well in the second half of the fight, sealing a close win with two cards of 116-111 and 115-113.

Fed up go being on the wrong end of what he believes to be harsh decisions against him, ‘WAR’ Chisora insists he will take this weekend’s highly anticipated clash out of the judges’ hands by delivering an emphatic knockout win to end the year with a bang. 

“I don’t think that they wanted to give me the rematch really,” said Chisora. “And if I was him, I wouldn’t take the rematch, I would have moved on – but I was 100 per cent sure that I wanted the fight. Different judges score fights in different ways. What are we scoring now? For the pressure fighter and making the fight happen? Because if I don’t go forward, we can just stand there and look at each other. 

“I caught him off-balance maybe because it wasn’t a powerful knockdown and when he got up he was fine. He’s got good hands. You can tell he’s bulked up a bit, he’s packed more strength on since the first fight so you can see he’s coming with more power punches.

“If you look at his record from when he won the WBO title, he boxed Andy Ruiz in his hometown and he didn’t KO him, he played it safe, he defended it here against Hughie Fury and played it safe and then he boxed AJ and he froze and played it safe. So, you can tell a fighter, the guys that really want to fight, he might tell himself he wants to fight but really and truly, he doesn’t want to be there.

“It’s been two years since I’ve boxed in front of a crowd, it’s going to be amazing, and I hope I don’t freeze! I enjoy it, how could you not? I think if you sell thousands of tickets, you enjoy it. AJ, Canelo, Dillian, me – we all sell out arenas and we love it. You know people are coming to watch you fight and you want to give them a good night. It’s a show, you must give them a show from the walkout to the last bell.

“I don’t cry over spilt milk, I never have. I don’t moan, I move on. Everyone’s plan is to take it out of the judges’ hands, I am just going to go in and put on a great fight. I love Manchester – Manchester always comes out. I’m bringing the pain; it’s going to be sick. I just want to give the fans what they want, and they want to see war. Joseph is going to try to ride the storm early, and come on in the second half, but there is nowhere to hide.”

Parker vs. Chisora 2 tops a huge night of action in Manchester, ‘Little Lever’s Meat Cleaver’ Jack Cullen (20-2-1, 9 KOs) returns to the scene of his Fight of the Year contender with Felix Cash back in 2019 as he clashes with Kevin Lele Sadjo (16-0, 14 KOs) for the vacant EBU European Super-Middleweight crown following his win over Avni Yildirim in July, Manchester Super-Featherweight contender Zelfa Barrett (26-1, 16 KOs) hopes to make it three wins from three fights in 2021 as he meets Australia’s Bruno ‘The Terminator’ Tarimo (26-2-2, 5 KOs) in an Eliminator for the IBF World Title, undefeated New Malden Super-Middleweight talent Lerrone Richards (15-0, 3 KOs) looks to build on his impressive EBU European Title win against Giovanni De Carolis in May when he takes on unbeaten IBO 168lbs World Champion Carlos Gongora (20-0, 15 KOs), Croatian Heavyweight knockout artist Alen ‘The Savage’ Babic (9-0, 9 KOs) looks to make it ten knockouts from ten fights, New Zealand Cruiserweight David Nyika (1-0, 1 KO) fights in the UK for the first time against Anthony Carpin (5-6-2, 2 KOs), Derby Super-Lightweight prospect Sandy Ryan (2-0, 1 KO) is out to impress against Maria Soledad Caprialo (7-13-4) after her vicious body shot knockout win over Aleksandra Vujovic in Italy, unbeaten Cruiserweight Jordan ‘Troublesome’ Thompson (11-0, 9 KOs) meets Clement Oppenot (5-1, 3 KOs) over six rounds, former Team GB standout Cyrus Pattinson (2-0, 1 KO) takes on Evgenii Vazem (9-21, 4 KOs) over six rounds at Welterweight and Anthony Crolla-trained Lightweight Rhiannon Dixon (3-0) fights Paola Pamela Benavidez (8-5-3) over six rounds.

Limited remaining tickets are available to purchase via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk)
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BENN VS. ALGIERI WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER

by adminChampionship News
16:00 GMT LIVE ON BEFORE THE BELL

4 x 3 mins International Super-Bantamweight contest
JOE MCGRAIL 121lbs 4oz v FRANCISCO RODRIGUEZ 117lbs 11oz   
(Liverpool, England)             (Alfacar, Spain)

followed by

6 x 3 mins International Super-Lightweight contest
CALUM FRENCH 10st 6oz v RUSTEM FATKHULLIN 10st 12oz
(Gateshead, England)            (Ufa, Russia)

followed by

8 x 3 mins International Featherweight contest
JORDAN GILL 128lbs 10oz v ALAN ISAIAS LUQUES CASTILLO 127lbs     
(Chatteris, England)               (Cordoba, Argentina)

followed by

4 x 3 mins International Super-Welterweight contest
PADDY LACEY 11st 3lbs 2oz v VASIF MAMEDOV 11st 6lbs 5oz      
(Chester, England)                     (Perm, Russia)

followed by

19:00 GMT LIVE ON DAZN

10 x 3 mins vacant WBA International Middleweight Title
CAOIMHIN AGYARKO 159lbs 5oz v NOE LARIOS JR 160lbs
(Belfast, Northern Ireland)                (California, USA)

followed by

6 x 3 mins International Super-Bantamweight contest
PETER MCGRAIL 123lbs 4oz v ENGEL GOMEZ 124lbs 12oz                
(Liverpool, England)                  (Chinandega, Nicaragua)

followed by

10 x 3 mins vacant WBA Continental Super-Featherweight Title 
JOE CORDINA 129lbs 15oz v MIKO KHATCHATRYAN 129lbs 12oz          
(Cardiff, Wales)                        (Liege, Belgium)

 followed by

10 x 3 mins vacant WBA Continental Super-Lightweight Title
ROBBIE DAVIES JR 139lbs 2oz v HENRY LUNDY 141lbs 4oz             
(Liverpool, England)                      (Philadelphia, USA)

 followed by

10 x 2 mins Undisputed Lightweight World Titles
KATIE TAYLOR 134lbs 11oz v FIRUZ SHARIPOVA 143lbs 4oz              
(Bray, Ireland)                           (Taraz, Kazakhstan)
 
followed by
 
12 x 3 mins WBA Continental Welterweight Title
CONOR BENN 146lbs 8oz v CHRIS ALGIERI 146lbs             
(Brentwood, England)            (New York, USA)
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