Category: Press Releases

THIS EUROPEAN TITLE FIGHT MEANS EVERYTHING TO ME SAYS GILL

by adminPress Releases
‘The Thrill’ challenges Guerfi at The O2
Jordan Gill is hoping to put a frustrating 2021 behind him when he clashes with European Featherweight Champion Karim Guerfi on the undercard of Lawrence Okolie’s WBO Cruiserweight World Title defence against Michael Cieslak at The O2 in London this Sunday February 27, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding New Zealand and Australia).

‘The Thrill’ (26-1-1, 7 KOs) was originally scheduled to face Frenchman Guerfi on the undercard of Conor Benn vs. Chris Algieri at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool on December 11, but the two-weight European Champion was forced to withdraw from their Merseyside showdown due to an illness.

Gill suffered a horrific cut in the third round of his eight rounder with late stand in opponent Alan Luques Castillo – the 27-year-old was forced to accept a technical draw after the gruesome head clash. The Chatteris man is aiming to kickstart his World Title push by dethroning 34-year-old Guerfi in his first fight for 2022. 

“I remember laying on the bed and getting stitches afterwards,” said Gill. “It was one of those things that could have happened to anyone at any time. It’s unfortunate that it happened to me. It was a nasty head clash – there was no way the fight was going to continue. When they stitched my head up, they stitched around the artery – it was that deep! It’s lucky that it was on my head and not my face, otherwise it would have been a plastic surgery job. It’s good in one way, bad in another. 

“I had a week off and then I was straight back in the gym, keeping fit and keeping my mind active. I knew I was always going to be Mandatory for the European Title. It wasn’t a fight lost because of the technical draw. All in all it was a frustrating 2021 but that’s behind us now and we look forward. 2022 is our year, I’m looking forward to this fight and pushing on to bigger and better things. 

“He’s a very good fighter, you can’t take that away from him. I fully respect him – he’s the champion. He did it against the odds, he’s been to the champion’s backyard and won the Title. He’s very experienced and he’s coming to the latter stages of his career. He’s had some big fights, I think he’s a four or five time European Champion. He’s established and he’s a very good pro. I’m looking forward to mixing it with him.

“As the fight gets nearer, I’m thinking of new ways to beat him. I’m thinking of new things to add to my game. We’re not so much preparing for Guerfi, but we’re preparing myself for the best that I can be. I’m looking forward to the fight. I feel like it has been a long time coming. This is my life. I dedicate my life to boxing. I take myself away from my family. I’m here in Rotherham, working every day. This European Title fight means everything to me, my family and the area that I’m representing. 

“I think I’m going to put on an absolute masterclass and stop Guerfi mid to late rounds and I’m going to push on, beat up that dosser Isaac Lowe and get a World Title shot. Guerfi is ranked 10th or 11th with the WBC. We’ve just got a new WBC Featherweight Champion. I know he’s got to fight his Mandatory for his first defence but after that I can get the winner.”

Gill vs. Guerfi is part of a huge night of Title action, Hackney’s WBO Cruiserweight World Champion Lawrence Okolie (17-0, 14 KOs) makes the second defence of his crown against Poland’s former World Title challenge Michal Cieslak (21-1, 15 KOs), Tokyo Olympic Champion Galal Yafai makes his highly anticipated professional debut in a ten round fight for the vacant WBC International Flyweight Title against Mexico’s Carlos Vado Bautista (10-4-1, 3 KOs) Liverpool Middleweight Anthony Fowler (15-2, 12 KOs) faces Poland’s Lukasz Maciec (27-3-1, 5 KOs) over ten rounds, unbeaten Ipswich Heavyweight Fabio Wardley (12-0, 11 KOs) takes on the USA’s Daniel Martz (20-9-1, 17 KOs) over ten rounds, Tokyo Olympian Cheavon Clarke makes his professional debut at Cruiserweight against Croatia’s Toni Visic (20-29-2, 5 KOs), Lightweight prospect Campbell Hatton (5-0, 1 KO) clashes with Joe Ducker (9-8-2, 2 KOs) over six rounds, Takeley Light-Heavyweight John Hedges (4-0) meets Aleksander Nagolski (2-1, 1 KO) over six rounds and Australian Heavyweight contender Demsey McKean (20-0, 13 KOs) takes on Argentina’s Ariel Esteban Bracamonte (11-6, 6 KOs) over eight rounds. 
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BRITISH STAR SHABAZ MASOUD HAS NEXT FIGHT CONFIRMED FOR DUBAI 

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Super slick British prospect Shabaz Masoud will face French opposition when he makes his Probellum debut next month.

The masterful Masoud will look to extend his unblemished record to 10-0 when he takes on the seasoned Yoann Boyeux (43-6) over 10 rounds as part of Probellum Evolution in Dubai on Saturday, March 19.

Masoud – nicknamed ‘Maverick’ – is rated as one of Britain’s hottest talents and the 25-year-old super-bantamweight is set on making a statement against a fighter who clashed with a pound-for-pound star only a few years ago.

The Stoke-on-Trent born switch-hitter signed with Probellum, a global promotion and media company, earlier this month and is ready to show a worldwide audience that the hype around him is real.

“I can’t wait to make my debut for Probellum in Dubai next month,” buzzed the unbeaten Shabaz Masoud.

“My opponent boxed Naoya Inoue back in 2017 and was stopped in three rounds.  I’d love to do it quicker than Inoue but, either way, I am definitely going to put on a dazzling display of my skills in Dubai.”

Masoud, who is trained by one of Britain’s most in-demand coaches Ben Davison, has not put a foot wrong since turning professional in 2018 and knows another stand-out display next month will soon have Probellum lining up title shots for him.

“Shabaz is one of the most scintillating prospects, not only in British boxing, but world boxing,” said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum.

“We are delighted to be able to confirm his first fight with us and we know Shabaz is going to put on a show for those at ringside in Dubai and for everyone at home.

“He’s in with a very experienced guy but Shabaz has made light work of every opponent he’s faced so far – and we expect this to be no different.”

Probellum Evolution is a double-header being staged in Dubai next month, with back-to-back shows headlined by world title fights.

On Friday, March 18, Estelle Mossely makes history when she defends her IBO lightweight crown against Yanina del Carmen Lescano – in the first ever female world title fight staged in the Middle East.

And the following night Sunny Edwards puts his IBF flyweight belt on the line against Muhammad Waseem, with Masoud’s fight part of an exciting undercard. 

For ticket news on Probellum Evolution, shows in Newcastle and Liverpool, plus live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.   

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Jordan Flynn flying after camp with Conor Benn and Joe Cordina

by adminPress Releases

Jordan Flynn believes that training alongside Conor Benn and Joe Cordina has made him better than ever – as he prepares to return to the ring on this Friday’s action-packed #MTKFightNight.

Undefeated Flynn (3-0) takes on Marian Marius Istrate as part of the stacked card headlined by Danny Dignum’s WBO European middleweight title defence at York Hall in London this week, which will be broadcast live in the US on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank, and worldwide on IFL TV.

Flynn was last in action in October, earning a dominant points win over Lee Connelly, and he has relished the time spent in camp with elite fighters such as Benn and Cordina.

Flynn said: “The plan is to get in as many fights as I can this year. Hopefully I can four, five or even six. I stay in the gym 24/7 and I’m working every day, so I’m always ready to fight.

“I was meant to fight a week before Christmas and had a full camp with Conor Benn and Joe Cordina, but then the guy didn’t even turn up on the day of the weigh-in. I’m now fighting on Friday and it’s good to get out and keep things moving.

“I’ve been getting better and better in the gym, so people haven’t seen what I’m about yet. I need to keep getting these fights to show what I can do. I know the level I can get to, so I need to get on the big platform to show my skills.

“Kevin Mitchell trains me and he’s like a second dad to me. I’ve moved up near the gym and I’m fully focused on boxing as that’s what it’s all about. I’m constantly sparring top fighters, and there’s no reason why I can’t be on that level soon as well.

“Even without the backing of a big promoter, I’ve still got a big fan base, so all I need is the fights. I’ll keep working hard and getting better and better.”

Elsewhere on Friday’s card, undefeated sensation Lee McGregor returns against Diego Alberto Ruiz, Nina Hughes takes on Bec Connolly, Bilal Fawaz makes his professional debut against Vladimir Fleischhauer, Joe Giles meets Lewis van Poetsch, plus Paul Ryan and George Mitchell are both in action.

Stay up to date by subscribing to our weekly newsletter HERE and on social media @mtkglobal
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EVERLAST PARTNERS WITH INSPIRATIONAL BILAL FAWAZ

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Everlast, the brand of choice for generations of world champion athletes, today proudly welcomes Bilal Fawaz as its latest brand partner. 

Fawaz will make his long-awaited professional debut next month, when he competes at York Hall on Friday 11 February. Even before he steps into the paid ranks for the first time, he has already had to overcome a number of massive obstacles in his life, beginning in 1988 when he was born in Nigeria to a Lebanese father and a Beninese mother.

Despite being born in Nigeria, it does not automatically result in citizenship. He never knew his father, and was subject to a difficult upbringing with his abusive mother. It then resulted in Fawaz being illegally trafficked as a 14-year-old into the UK from Nigeria, and placed into modern slavery.

Fawaz was able to escape from the building where he was being kept, and was then placed into care. At the age of 18 he was no longer the responsibility of the care system, and therefore had to apply for an extension to remain in the country to give him the ability to work, but it was refused.

Even though his application was refused, Fawaz was unable to be deported due to having no passport, along with the Nigerian and Lebanese embassies both declaring that Fawaz is not Nigerian nor Lebanese. His father did not name him as one of his sons before he died, making him stateless.

The legal battle continued for a number of years, and in order to try and deal with the setbacks he was being handed, Fawaz began boxing in 2012.

It soon became clear just how talented he was, and aged 24 he achieved the unthinkable by winning the National Amateur Championships, whilst also becoming an England international.

He is the latest to join Everlast’s existing stable of elite athletes, which includes Josh Taylor, Conor Benn, Sunny Edwards, Jack Catterall, Lee McGregor, Chantelle Cameron, Liam Smith, Jazza Dickens, Archie Sharp, Craig Richards, Natasha Jonas, Ramla Ali, Jordan Gill and Hopey Price. Together, the #TeamEverlast fighters seek to inspire the fight in us all.
 
In signing a long-term partnership with the premier fight sports and fitness brand, the athletes will use Everlast equipment and wear the new Greatness sportswear range. Battle-tested in one of the toughest athletic environments, Everlast products have been imagined by a hundred years in the gym, designed and engineered to empower your best self.

They exemplify Everlast’s values of authenticity and dedication, as we champion brave individuality, seeking out people and partners who express themselves boldly and creatively.

Commenting on the partnership, Fawaz said: “I’m extremely grateful to be partnering with Everlast. It is well-documented just how much of a struggle with adversity I have endured in my life, but having a brand such as Everlast supporting me has shown there is light at the end of the tunnel. I can see it now, I just have to go and grab it.

“Everlast is the biggest sports brand in boxing. They sponsored Muhammad Ali, who I watched as a kid, and now we wear the same logo. This is a dream come true for a someone who is a refugee. Now I can fully focus on matters inside the ring, as I look to make my mark as a professional. I shall make you all proud, so thank you for giving me a chance.”

Chris Zoller, Everlast’s VP of Marketing and Product Development, added: “It is a true privilege to welcome Bilal Fawaz as our latest brand partner. He has overcome incredible adversity in his life and we’re delighted to give him the backing he finally deserves.

“He has already proven himself to be a true champion outside of the ring, and we can’t wait to throw our support behind him and help him achieve his dream of becoming a champion inside the ring during his professional career.”

Fawaz was given a 30-month right to stay in the UK back in June 2020, bringing to an end a traumatic period which followed after his success as an amateur.

Despite receiving support from some of the sport’s top figures, the Home Office continued to refuse his work permit, which prevented him from earning money or claiming benefits.

With no income to survive on, Fawaz lost his home and was forced to sleep on the streets. Two wrongful arrests then took place in December 2017 and May 2019, where he was taken to Immigration Removal Centres before later being released.

With those difficulties appearing to now be firmly behind him, Fawaz is hopeful of achieving success in the paid ranks, and giving his story a happy ending.

Everlast and its users share an inner and outer strength. It is for those with a strong sense of self and commitment in whatever they do, in both athletic and non-athletic endeavours. Everlast supports the individual spirit that drives uniqueness and greatness within each of us.
 
Shop the Everlast collection as worn by #TeamEverlast fighters, at www.sportsdirect.com/everlast.
 
Explore the boxing journeys of our fighters at www.everlast.com/pro-team.
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NORTH-EAST TRIO HEADLINE PACKED CARD AS PROBELLUM HEADS TO NEWCASTLE

by adminPress Releases

Global boxing promotion Probellum will host its first UK show of 2022 in Newcastle in March, jointly headlined by local fighters Lewis Ritson, Troy Williamson and Thomas Patrick Ward, with the hugely talented duo Pat McCormack and Ben Rees set to make their professional debuts.
 
Taking place at the Utilita Arena, on Friday March 25, Probellum returns to the north-east following its sell out inaugural UK show in Sunderland in December.
 
The upcoming event features some of British boxing’s biggest and brightest talents, with tickets available to purchase via Ticketmaster from today (Friday January 28).
 
Newcastle-born Ritson (22-2, 13 knockouts) will be back in action after defeating Christian Uruzquieta with a brilliant performance in December. This time around he faces Dejan Zlaticanin (24-3, 16 knockouts), an experienced Serbian fighter.
 
Having signed to Probellum last month, Williamson (17-0-1, 13 knockouts), from Darlington, aims to maintain his unbeaten record in what will be the first defence of his British super-welterweight title, which he secured courtesy of an eye-catching knockout victory over British fighter Ted Cheeseman in October 2021.
 
The undefeated Ward (31-0-1, 4 knockouts), from County Durham, produced a dominant display against Venezuelan Leonardo Padilla in his most recent contest to move one step closer to a deserved world title shot.
 
The event will also see McCormack and Rees, both local fighters who recently signed to Probellum, make their hotly anticipated professional debuts following brilliant careers at amateur level, with McCormack winning a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Rees a five-time national champion.
 
Fellow Probellum fighter and rising star Dickinson (2-0, 1 knockout) will be looking to build on an impressive start to his professional career under the guidance of world-leading coach Ben Davison when he returns to the ring at the Utilita Arena.

Speaking about the event Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum, who has promoted some of the biggest names in world boxing including Ricky Hatton and Floyd Mayweather, said:

“We are extremely pleased to be bringing our first UK show of the year to Newcastle, a city which boasts a huge passion for boxing, and home to many of Probellum’s most promising young fighters.
 
“December’s show in Sunderland was a big success, with a brilliant atmosphere, and we are really looking forward to returning to the north-east in March.
 
“As always, the card is packed full of talent with Troy Williamson joining a host of talented local fighters, including the likes of Lewis Ritson and Mark Dickinson, for what promises to be a fantastic night of boxing.”
 
Tickets, which go on sale today (Friday January 28), can be purchased via Ticketmaster.

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OLYMPIC CHAMPION GALAL YAFAI SIGNS PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM

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Tokyo 2020 gold medallist makes pro debut on February 27
Tokyo 2020 Olympic Champion Galal Yafai MBE has signed a long-term promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and will make his highly anticipated professional debut on the Lawrence Okolie vs. Michal Cieslak WBO Cruiserweight World Title show at The O2 in London on Sunday February 27, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding New Zealand and Australia).
 
Birmingham’s Yafai fulfilled his lifelong dream and became Olympic Champion as he brilliantly won Team GB’s first boxing gold of Tokyo 2020, impressively outpointing the Philippines’ Carlo Paalam to secure gold in the Flyweight division – Britain’s 19th gold medal of the Games. 
 
Yafai comes from a proud boxing family, with old brothers Kal and Gamal having successful careers in the professional ranks after beginning as amateurs. 2008 Olympian Kal won a European silver medal in 2010 before turning pro and winning the WBA Super-Flyweight World Title in 2016, with Gamal winning Commonwealth and European Titles. 
 
“The goal now is to win a World Title,” said Yafai. “I know there’s not many who have won Olympic Gold and then a World Title so hopefully I can add my name to that list. There’s some great current World Champions out there at the minute, I’m not going to call out any names but my time will come – I have set my sights on being at the very top.

“I’ve boxed all over the World with Team GB, it’s made me into a better fighter no doubt. I’ve fought and sparred with many styles which will stand me in good stead in the pro game. Eyes will be on me as a pro but I thrive on the pressure and it’s a really exciting time to be entering this new chapter of my career.

“I remember standing on the podium with the National Anthem playing with the medal around my neck, it was a surreal moment. I enjoyed my time in Tokyo and now I’m ready for the next step. Matchroom are the biggest promotional company in the world. I’ve known Eddie for years obviously with all the shows with my brothers so it was the best fit for me to become a World Champion.”

“I’m over the moon to secure the signature of Olympic Gold Medallist Galal Yafai and we welcome him with open arms to the Matchroom Boxing and DAZN team,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Galal was the standout British fighter at the Games and we have a long-standing relationship with his brothers, so it was personally very important to me to get this done. 
 
“Galal is going to do things very differently, for his professional debut at The O2 we are looking for him to challenge for his first professional title and from there move quickly to a World Title which we expect him to win across multiple divisions. This young man is an exceptional talent and you are going to be able to watch him on the biggest shows all over the world live on DAZN.”
 
You can follow Yafai’s journey on Instagram: galalyafai and Twitter: @galal_yafai

Tickets for Okolie vs. Cieslak are priced £40, £60, £100, £150 and £250 (VIP).

General Sale tickets can be purchased NOW via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk).
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PROBELLUM UNSTOPPABLE FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

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The action-packed card is in association with promoter Phil Jeffries, and sees local hero Lewis Ritson meet Christian Uruzquieta, three-weight world champion Ricky Burns take on Emiliano Dominguez, unbeaten Thomas Patrick Ward face Leonardo Padilla, plus Mark Dickinson, Joe Laws, Joe Maphosa, Adam Cope, Mark McKeown, Alex Farrell, Jordan Flynn and Ewan Mackenzie are all in action.

It will be shown live on Free Sports, BoxNation and Premier Sports in the UK, on Fight Network in the USA and Canada, plus more networks worldwide. Here’s what all the boxers had to say at today’s final press conference:

Ritson: “It was a massive setback in my last fight. It wasn’t the best of performances, but I’ll make that right on Saturday. I’ll get a good win and then we’ll get people talking about me again and the dream can stay alive.

“A lot of the fighters in the North East have fought at the Rainton Arena in their careers, and we’ll get plenty of fans in there and create plenty of noise. It’s going to be a good night.

“I’ll wait and see what Uruzquieta comes with and brings. We know he can box and fight a bit, but we’ve got a plan for what to do on the night.

“I’ve heard what Probellum’s next plan is, so I need to make sure I can get through Saturday and then get people talking about me again.”

Uruzquieta: “I’m very happy to be here. I want to thank God, Probellum and Miura Boxing. I’m happy to come back to Europe and this will be a fight that I will win.

“I’m a Mexican warrior, and I don’t know if I will win by points or knockout, but it will be a great fight and I will definitely win.”

Ward: “My opponent is a good fighter, and I’m looking forward to Saturday. I’ve been knocking on the door for a world title for a long time. I was one of the best super-bantamweights, but my shot never come, now I’m pushing on at featherweight.

“There are a lot of good guys there who I’d love to fight. Both me and my opponent on Saturday are ranked high with the WBA, and this is a fight that will push us closer to a shot at that title. Leo Santa Cruz still holds the Super title, and then you have Leigh Wood and Michael Conlan fighting next year too.

“There’s Emanuel Navarrete who I was chasing down at super-bantamweight and not many wanted to fight him. It seems to be the same for him at featherweight, but that’s a fight that I still want. I’ve got to get through Saturday and then we’ll see where I go.

“At super-bantamweight it was getting too hard to make the weight, and my best performances wouldn’t have come from me at that weight. It was time to move up, and now this is a really good division to be in.

“I want titles, so whoever has them is who I want to fight. Just send the contract over. I’ll travel to you and you can choose where you want to fight and you can pick what gloves, it doesn’t make a difference for me.

“You can expect a good performance from me on Saturday. The fans are the real winners, as Probellum are putting on this great show. Look at the talent you’ve got here, so thanks to them for this event.”

Padilla: “First of all I want to thank God. This is a fight that can lead to something big for me, and this is a great chance for me to be on the big stage, so it’s good for my career. I’ve got a good team with me, and I’m here to win. I’ve fought better rivals than Ward, and soon you’ll be hearing ‘and the new’ after this fight.”

Burns: “I’m looking forward to being back. I never say no to any opponent, and whatever names they give to me that’s who I’ll get in there with. This is my first fight back in two years, and in that two years there have been a lot of fights spoken about and a few dates that have fallen through.

“I’ve teamed up with new trainers and I’m training alongside Mark McKeown now, so I’m excited to put on a good show. After each fight I’m straight back in the gym, as boxing is one of those sports where if you don’t enjoy it, it’s too hard.

“I always drag myself out of bed at 6:30am to do the track work, and if I wasn’t good enough I’d be the first one who knows it’s time to call it a day. I was in a bad place after the Lee Selby fight, it was close but I thought I’d done enough to win.

“In the build up everybody just kept going on about my age and when I would retire. I was thinking ‘you do know I’m fighting on Saturday don’t you?’ It felt like I was being forced out, but thanks to Probellum for making this happen, and we’ll get down to business on Saturday.

Dickinson: “I want to start off by saying a big thank you to Probellum for this opportunity so quickly after my debut. My debut wasn’t broadcast on TV, so this time it’s going to be good to be shown properly as a fight in front of my home fans.”

Laws: “After the loss against Rylan Charlton, I went back to the drawing board and straight back into the gym and asked myself a lot of questions.

“I’m enjoying the ride and I’m training hard, and I hope that on Saturday I can perform exactly like I have been doing in the gym.”

McKeown: “I can’t wait to get in there on Saturday and showcase what I’ve got. Big thanks to Probellum for giving me the opportunity to be on a card as big as this, and I won’t disappoint.”

Promoter Phil Jeffies: “It’s great that Probellum is coming to the North East, especially with the likes of Lewis and Tommy. This show will be a sellout, and it will be rocking inside the Rainton Arena.

“The fans in the North East know how to make an atmosphere, and it will be great to have them all in here. I’m chuffed to be working with Probellum. They know how to treat the boxers, and we’re going to push boxing in the North East.”

For images, please view HERE. 

For live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

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This is the road to becoming a two-time world champion says Charlie Edwards

by adminPress Releases

Charlie Edwards believes that his new set-up will pave the way to becoming world champion once again as he prepares to face Jacob Barreto on Friday’s massive #MTKFightNight event.

Former world champion Edwards (16-1, 6 KOs) meets Barreto (13-3, 5 KOs) as part of a huge card at York Hall in London, which is headlined by an IBF featherweight title final eliminator between Isaac Lowe and Luis Alberto Lopez, and will be broadcast live in the US on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank, and worldwide on IFL TV.

It sees Edwards make his return for the first time in over a year, and after teaming up with new trainer Joe Gallagher at his gym in Bolton, the ex-WBC flyweight king feels he is better than ever.

Edwards said:“I was umming and ahhing about whether I would return or whether I wouldn’t. I had achieved my boyhood dream by becoming world champion, but as soon as I walked into the doors at Joe Gallagher’s gym, the whole buzz was back.

“It really brought me back to life and brought my motivation and hunger back. I’m firing on all cylinders again mentally, physically and emotionally, and now moving forward all that is on my mind is winning another world title.

“I’m looking forward to this next stage in my career. I’ve been training hard and grafting and living the life of an elite athlete. Eat, sleep, train, repeat. It’s been an amazing camp, and an even better camp than when I won the world title against Rosales.

“I’m on fire and sparring has gone great. I’ve been sparring Paul Butler, Kash Farooq, and even had some good super-lightweights in for sparring, so anything that Barreto has I’ll be better on the night.

“I’m coming back fresh with a new coach, a new team and a new set-up, and this really is the road to becoming a two-time world champion.”

Elsewhere on Friday’s card, Jordan Reynolds faces Blaise Paka Mukia, Elliot Whale takes on Miroslav Serban, Shiloh Defritas squares off with Dario Barrosa, Carl Fail meets Juan Carlos Clavero, Inder Bassi goes up against Vasif Mamedov, Nina Hughes enters the paid ranks for the first time against Claudia Ferenczi, and Arnold Obodai makes his professional debut.

Stay up to date by subscribing to our weekly newsletter HERE and on social media @mtkglobal

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SHEERAZ OUT TO SILENCE DOUBTERS

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HAMZAH SHEERAZ REVEALS that he is inspired by the idea people are doubting him ahead of the biggest test of his career against Bradley Skeete at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday, live on BT Sport.

The unbeaten 22-year-old spent Monday afternoon at the old Peacock Gym along with the home fighters from the undercard for a media event ahead of the traditional formalities of the final press conference and weigh-in at the back end of the week.

Despite his suspicions over people harbouring reservations over his prospects against the 34-year-old Skeete, Sheeraz cut a confident figure in Canning Town – typically sporting his Arsenal winter coat – although he acknowledged that the former outright British champion and WBO European title holder at welterweight is a step or two up on the ladder for him.

“It is a great fight, I am looking forward to it and it is definitely the biggest fight of my career,” said the WBO European champion at super welterweight. “Experience-wise, in terms of rounds, knockouts, titles – he has ticked all the boxes. If you compare my record to his, I’ve ticked barely anything and he has ticked nearly everything.

“It is going to be an amazing fight and I am more than confident that I am going to get the job done. I’ve had a great camp and I am honestly buzzing,” he continued, before answering whether this should be considered a 50-50 fight.

“I’d say so. If anything it is probably more a 60-40 in his favour on paper. In terms of how I look at it personally it is 100% my way, but obviously I’ve got to prove that come Saturday night.

“It is kind of refreshing to hear people doubting me. I know it sounds a bit weird, but I am kind of enjoying it as this is better than jumping in the ring with someone you expect to get out of there in six rounds.

“If I was to knock him out between three and six, or even the 10th, it would be a great achievement.”

‘Super’ Skeete will present a puzzle for Sheeraz even before a punch is thrown because he won’t know whether to expect the tricky and defensive version of old or a more aggressive newer model.

“We have prepared for both and he says he is going to smash my face in. From interviews and how he is portraying himself, it seems like he is going to come all guns blazing, so hopefully he will meet me in the middle and make it an exciting fight. Although, to be honest, I don’t really see that happening.

“I can just see him boxing, switch-hitting and just being sharp as he always has been. I am kind of expecting the best version of him because it is his last chance.”

In the bill topper Manchester’s Lyndon Arthur (19-0, 13 KOs) defends his Commonwealth and WBO International Light-Heavyweight title against Ilford’s Anthony Yarde (21-2, 20 KOs) in a rematch of last December’s controversial clash that he won on points.  

Ilford’s Hamzah Sheeraz (13-0, 9 KOs) puts his WBO European Super-Welterweight title on the line against Penge’s former British champion Bradley Skeete (29-3, 14 KOs).

In a third title fight the vacant WBC International Silver Lightweight crown is up for grabs when Maidstone puncher Sam Noakes (7-0, 7 KOs) meets Willenhall’s Shaun Cooper (11-2).

Exciting Super-Bantamweight prospect Dennis McCann (10-0, 6 KOs) is in eight round action.Mill Hill Heavyweight George Fox (4-0) faces a tough eight rounder against Pole Kamil Sokolowki (10-23-2, 4 KOs).

Chatham Light-Heavyweight Karol Itauma (4-0, 2 KOs), Reading Super-Featherweight Charles Frankham (3-0, 1 KO) and Islington Super-Featherweight Masood Abdullah (2-0, 2 KOs) are in six rounders.

Two four rounders complete the bill and feature Ilford Super-Bantamweight Umar Khan (2-0) and Upminster’s Super-Welterweight debutant Sonny Liston Ali.

Tickets for the event can be purchased here

Upper Bowl Seat – £77
Lower Bowl Seat – £55
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NEWS: AUSTRALIAN HEAVYWEIGHT CONTENDER DEMSEY MCKEAN PENS PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM

by adminPress Releases
19-0 southpaw returns on Andrade vs. Quigley undercard
Undefeated Australian Heavyweight contender Demsey McKean has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and will make his American debut on the Demetrius Andrade vs. Jason Quigley WBO Middleweight World Title bill at the SNHU Arena in Manchester, New Hampshire on Friday November 19, live worldwide on DAZN.

The 31-year-old southpaw from Queensland, who is trained by Tony Sims at the Matchroom Elite Boxing Gym in Essex, is the reigning WBO Asia Pacific Champion and the reigning IBF Inter-Continental Champion, belts that rank him at No.11 in the world with the WBO and No. 12 in the world with the IBF.

Demsey (19-0, 12 KOs) was used as a sparring partner by former Unified Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua ahead of his huge showdown with Oleksandr Usyk at the home of Tottenham Hotspur in September before joining the WBC’s No.1 ranked Heavyweight Dillian Whyte at his Portugal training camp ahead of his cancelled fight with Otto Wallin.

“I am delighted on my recent signing and to join the Matchroom Boxing team and get back in the ring next week,” said McKean. “I’ve had a brilliant time over the last few months sparring with Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte but now it’s time to do it for real and I can’t wait to fight in America. 
 
“Matchroom have big plans in Australia but it also gives me the chance to box all over the world including the USA and the U.K. I’m looking forward to staying active and to keep climbing the Heavyweight rankings, thank you to Eddie Hearn and Angelo DiCarlo and the Ace Boxing Group team for making this happen.”

“I’m very happy to announce Demsey as part of the Matchroom Boxing team as we continue our expansion into Australia,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Demsey is 19-0 and now ranked No. 11 with the WBO and 12 with the IBF in the Heavyweight division and sits on the cusp of some huge fights. Whilst the plan for us is to begin staging shows in Australia in 2022, we plan on boxing Demsey all around the world starting in the States next week. I’m excited to keep him active and continue to raise his profile globally before we return home for a major fight in Australia.”

You can follow McKean’s journey on Instagram: demsey.mckean

McKean’s first action with Hearn and Matchroom is part of a stacked night of action in Manchester, New Hampshire with a quadruple header of World Title action, led by Demetrius Andrade (30-0 18 KOs) defending his WBO World Middleweight Title against Ireland’s Jason Quigley (19-1, 14 KOs).

Murodjon Akhmadaliev (9-0, 7 KOs) defends his IBF and WBA World Super-Bantamweight Titles against Ronny Rios (33-3 16 KOs), it’s Mexico vs. Puerto Rico in the long-awaited showdown between WBC World Flyweight Champion Julio Cesar Martinez (18-1 14 KOs) and McWilliams Arroyo (21-4 16 KOs) and the fourth World Title bout on the bill is the second step on the path to crowing an undisputed women’s champion at 140lbs as Kali Reis (18-7-1 5 KOs) takes on Jessica Camara (8-2) for the WBA, IBO and vacant WBO straps.
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