| 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) |
Tag: Kiko Martinez
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.” |
GALAHAD VS. MARTINEZ WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER
| 17:10 BST LIVE ON BEFORE THE BELL 6 x 2 mins International Super-Featherweight contest RAVEN CHAPMAN 9st 3lbs 1oz v KARINA KOPINKSA 9st 2oz (High Wycombe, England) (Dabrowa Gornicza, Poland) followed by 4 x 3 mins International Light-Heavyweight contest KHALID AYUB 12st 4lbs 3oz v STANKO JERMELIC 12st 3lbs 7oz (Sheffield, England) (Split, Croatia) followed by 4 x 2 mins International Featherweight contest STEVI LEVY 8st 12lbs 7oz v POLINA GOLUBEVA 8st 13lbs 8oz (Kings Lynn, England) (Narva, Estonia) followed by 4 x 3 mins Bantamweight contest WILLIAM CAWLEY 8st 6lbs v STEPHEN JACKSON 8st 7lbs (Oldham, England) (Chorlton-cum-Hardy, England) followed by 19:00 BST LIVE ON DAZN 10 x 3 mins vacant Central Area Welterweight Title JAMES FLINT 10st 5lbs 8oz v DOM HUNT 10st 5lbs 3oz (Doncaster, England) (Wakefield, England) followed by 8 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight contest DONTE DIXON 9st 8lbs 1oz v JORDAN MCCORRY 9st 5lbs 5oz (Sheffield, England) (Cambuslang, Scotland) followed by 12 x 3 mins European Cruiserweight Title CHRIS BILLAM-SMITH 14st 3lbs 1oz v DYLAN BREGEON 14st 1lb 8oz (Bournemouth, England) (Nantes, France) followed by 10 x 2 mins WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles TERRI HARPER 9st 3lbs 6oz v ALYCIA BAUMGARDNER 9st 3lbs 8oz (Denaby Main, England) (Michigan, USA) followed by 12 x 3 mins IBF Featherweight World Title KID GALAHAD 8st 13lbs 8oz v KIKO MARTINEZ 8st 13lbs 5oz (Sheffield, England) (Alicante, Spain) |
GALAHAD VS. MARTINEZ + UNDERCARD PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
| Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman: “It great to be back in Sheffield, this is a tremendous fighting city and it’s been almost two years since we’ve been here for a major fight. Terri Harper and Kid Galahad boxed on that card and now we return with both of them in big fights. “Kid Galahad had grinded for many years, a product of Brendan Ingle’s great Ingle Gym, now gets the chance to headline in Sheffield at the Sheffield Arena defending his IBF World Title. I know this is a very proud moment for himself and the Ingle Gym. “Terri Harper who sits on the verge of a mega fight with Mikaela Mayer for the Undisputed Championship has a very, very tough fight against America’s Alycia Baumgardner – some tremendous action of the card. Chris Billam-Smith defending his European Title against Dylan Bregeon, Donte Dixon, one of the best prospects in the country, and so much other talent to be displayed on Saturday night live and exclusive on DAZN worldwide.” Kid Galahad: “It’s took me a long time to get here, and I just can’t wait. Kiko mentioning Garcia and Joshua, mentally I’m different from those guys. Never in my career have I ever underestimated any fighter, on Saturday night trust me he’ll be wishing he never took this fight. “Some of the names you [Eddie] gave me, I think Kiko was the best from all of them because he’s a former World Champion. He’s been at this level for 15 years, name me another fighter who’s been at the world level, or just below it, for 15 years, there hasn’t been. I believe I’m a different kettle of fish to him and on Saturday night I’m not going to take it easy on him, I’m going to seriously hurt him. “Forget those unification fights for now, it’s all about Kiko Martinez on Saturday night, going in there and doing a job on him. I’m not looking to just go in there and win, he’s had some bad decisions in the past against Barrett and Warrington, so I know he’s going to come and not try leave it to the judge’s hands – that’s what I’m going to do. I’m not going to leave it to the judges’ hands, I’m going to go in there and seriously hurt him. “All the razzmatazz and that I don’t really let it get to me I’m just focused on the fight. All the media stuff, the ring walk and people shouting your name, when I get to the venue I’m tunnel vision and ready to seriously hurt someone. I’m focused on what I’ve got to do, all that other stuff doesn’t really bother me, I’m here to win and stay champion for a long time.” Kiko Martinez: “First and foremost, it’s been two years of incredibly hard work, I haven’t had a day off in that time or any holiday – for my family or myself. It’s been constant hard work to get this opportunity so thank you for this opportunity to fight for this World Title. “There have been many surprises recently in boxing, look at some of the surprises, Joshua vs. Usyk, we have situations where champions aren’t respecting their defences and their rivals. If Galahad doesn’t do the same and respect this fight, he’s going to get a big shock on Saturday night. “I think you’ve seen the results of Spanish boxing learning from their errors over the years. We’re in a really good position at the moment and doing well. Terri Harper: “It’s been a long year; I had a tough time after the operations but here we are back on the main stage, and it feels like we haven’t been away. Even though I haven’t boxed for a year I’ve been in the gym non-stop, I had two weeks out to recover from the operation but since that I’ve been in the gym working, developing myself as a fighter not just physically but mentally. I’ve excited to get back out Saturday night and show everybody the improvements I’ve made, I’m not the same fighter I was a year ago and I’m ready to put on a show. “Working with Danny over at Boxing Science, just the numbers that I’m hitting and PB’s I’m doing I know. Working with Andrew we’ve had time to enjoy ourselves in the gym and try new things, it’s just clicked. I’ve enjoyed myself and enjoyed training, I’m a completely different fighter, mentally, it’s always been the biggest thing. I lack self-believe and confidence, so I’ve been doing my own work outside the gym to take my mindset to the next level – here I am ready to go. “I’ve never shied away from a tough fight since I turned professional with Andrew. He’d give me the choice of a couple of girls, and I would always say give me the toughest fight. That’s not just for me but for the fans as well, I’ve fought girls with winning records, former World Champions, reigning World Champions, that’s the reason why we chose Alycia. She’s a tough and respectable opponent, I want to be out there Saturday night making a statement and showing everyone I’m back. “I know what I’ve got ahead of me on Saturday night, I’m not overlooking Alycia, but this is a steppingstone in my journey and career. I want to go on and push on to have a big 2022 and hopefully get a unification against Choi, push on for an Undisputed against Mayer.” Alycia Baumgardner: “My confidence is at an all-time high, I’ve been preparing for this moment for a very long time in my career and being in boxing for twenty years – this moment everybody dreams of. Here I am, well prepared and ready to give a great fight Saturday night. I’m ready to showcase what women’s boxing has been doing and give a different look on what a lot of boxing fans haven’t seen from me and from a women’s boxing perspective. “It is a very dangerous fight for Terri, I pose a big threat, again just the experience I have with over 100 amateur fights and many former World Champion’s training camps. I’ve been prepared for these moments, just to go out there Saturday night to really do what I do best and get the win – I will become a two-time World Champion come Saturday night. “Like I said, my confidence is at 100, there’s levels to this game and I believe I’ve been on that level, but I haven’t been given the opportunity to showcase that. Now on Saturday I’ll be able to show the many levels of boxing of what I have to offer to the sport and what I have to show Terri Harper Saturday night. She hasn’t been in the ring with somebody like me, I’m definitely going to show her and punish her every round.” Chris Billam-Smith: “It’s an honour to be Commonwealth, British and European Champion, I’m looking forward to defending the European Title on Saturday night. Last time out wasn’t my best performance, so I’m really looking to put on a clinical performance this time out. “To lose by two rounds in Italy against an Italian, most people take that as a win, so I see him as unbeaten. He’s tall, awkward, he throws a lot of shots and moves well so we’re very aware of the dangers in this fight and on the same note as long as I perform to the best of my ability, I know I’ll come out on top on Saturday. “The next twelve months is huge for me, and it’s fights like this I’ve got to perform in and keep progressing and doing the work we’ve done in the gym since the last fight. I’m ranked in the top seven in every governing body so I’m looking to push on, keep climbing those rankings until I get my opportunity – when it comes, I’ll be ready.” Dylan Bregeon: “This is a big opportunity for me of course, I’m very pleased to have this chance at the title. Looking over the recent history there’s only been five French champions at European level so come Saturday I’ll put on a good show and hopefully I’ll be the sixth. “It was a tough defeat to take against Turchi I have to say, obviously I respect the decision, it can happen in any boxer’s career that some decisions don’t go your way. I’m here to put on a great show, with Chris Billam-Smith I’m sure we’re both going to express ourselves and put on a good show for everybody.” Donte Dixon: “I’m looking forward to it, it’s a nice little step up but obviously skills pay the bills, I should pass. It’s been eleven months, my last fight was on Billy’s undercard, I’m just looking forward to getting back out there I’ve got itchy knuckles man. “Look good on Saturday and we move on from there but just got to get it out of the way. I’ve got to go in there, do my job, look good while doing it and sky’s the limit.” James Flint: “I’ve worked really hard throughout camp, mentally and physically I’m ready to face the best Dom Hunt. Hopefully he can return the favour, all the ingredients are there, it’s set to be a great fight. “It’s like our World Title shot really, coming off the small hall shows to this and such a big platform, I’m really grateful to be here.” Dom Hunt: “This is why we’re in boxing for opportunities like this so thank you to everyone for making this possible, it’s down to me now to go in and do the best I can and put on a show Saturday night. “There’s no extra nerves because when I got into boxing, I didn’t set any targets or anything, I’m just in this because I love boxing. I don’t need to do it, but I do because I love it, that’s why I get up so early and do all the hard work because I want to do it. Saturday night is just an opportunity I never thought I’d get, I know it’s a hard fight, James is a really good fighter and I’ve just got to match that and do the best I can on Saturday.” Raven Chapman: “I just can’t for Saturday, obviously training alongside Terri for our fights on Saturday has just been massive experience – money can’t buy that. I know I’m more than prepared Saturday night, get the ball rolling again and get my second fight out the way. “I had my debut only six weeks ago so it’s nice to get straight back out there, six-week training camp and back in the ring, hopefully I can stay busy going forward as well. “I think on Saturday night if I can go out there and get the stoppage that makes a big statement, I’m more than capable of doing that as well. I’ve got the power, I got the stoppage in my first fight, I’m not going to go out there and look for it. It’s just going to happen with what I work with my coach, the way we do things, it’ll just come when I break my opponent down, I’m sure I’ll work my way to that stoppage.” Khalid Ayub: “It’s a massive opportunity for myself, all of my family is from Sheffield so it’s good for them to come down and watch me. I’m just ready to put on a mature performance, I’m only 19 but I want everybody to know that I’ve got a good skill set and I’m ready to go do the business on Saturday.” William Cawley: “I can’t wait, it’s unbelievable to be boxing alongside World Champions and other great fighters. I can’t wait to get the ball rolling Saturday night. “If it was up to me, I’d be asking to fight for the British Title in my second fight, that’s why I’ve got the best management team, to pick the correct fights for me and move forward in my career.” Stevi Levy: “I cannot tell you how grateful I am for you having me here, it’s the dream. I train so hard; most people dream of being a World Champion, but I just dream of being on a Matchroom show. My ultimate goal is a Commonwealth Title, I’m living the dream, on Saturday I’m going to prove I can actually fight as good as I can talk. “I spent a lot of years on my own, now I’m so busy and I’m always around people, I’ve got my little boy, my team, I work in the gym. I love it, I’m busy, we all had a lot of time in lockdown, you can’t complain when you’re busy can you.” |
GALAHAD AND HARPER TOP NOVEMBER 13 WORLD TITLE DOUBLE-HEADER IN SHEFFIELD
| IBF Featherweight ruler meets Martinez whilst ‘Belter’ defends WBC & IBO straps against Baumgardner |
| Kid Galahad will make the maiden defence of his IBF Featherweight World Title against former World Champion Kiko Martinez on the same night that WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight ruler Terri Harper returns to put her belts on the line against the USA’s Alycia Baumgardner, exclusively on DAZN worldwide – excluding Australia and New Zealand. The World Title double-header lands at the Utilita Arena Sheffield on Saturday November 13 and is supported by a stellar undercard that features Chris Billam-Smith (13-1, 10 KOs) making the first defence of his European Cruiserweight Title, Leeds Super-Bantamweight talent Hopey Price (6-0, 2 KOs), James Flint (9-0-1, 2 KOs) battling Dom Hunt (7-0, 1 KO) for the Central Area Welterweight Title, Donte Dixon (5-0, 3 KO) squaring off with Jordan McCorry (19-7-1, 4 KOs) in an eight-round Super-Featherweight contest, Raven Chapman (1-0, 1 KO), Sheffield Light-Heavyweight Khalid Ayub (1-0) and Oldham debutant William Cawley. Sheffield’s Galahad (28-1, 17 KOs) turned in a superb performance as he clinically stopped Liverpool’s Jazza Dickens in eleven rounds to claim the vacant IBF crown at Matchroom HQ in Brentwood, Essex back in August – fulfilling his life-long dream of becoming a World Champion. The Dominic Ingle-trained 31-year-old is targeting supremacy at 126lbs, and has already called for unification fights with the likes of WBC ruler Gary Russell Jr. and WBO Champion Emanuel Navarrete, but must first get past former IBF Super-Bantamweight Champion Martinez (42-10-2, 29 KOs). Spain’s Martinez is relishing the opportunity to become a two-weight World Champion after suffering a controversial loss at the hands of Manchester’s Zelfa Barrett at The SSE Arena, Wembley earlier this year, and the 35-year-old is well known on these shores having shared the ring with multiple World Champions. Harper (11-0-1, 6 KOs) looked sensational as she stopped Norway’s Katharina Thanderz in nine rounds to retain her WBC and IBO 130lbs crowns last time out in November 2020 on the undercard of Katie Taylor’s win over Miriam Gutierrez in London. The Denaby favourite was set to defend her World Titles in a unification clash with South Korea’s undefeated WBA World Champion Hyun-Mi Choi in May before sustaining a hand injury that has kept her side-lined for a number of months, but will now look to get her career back on track against Baumgardner (10-1, 6 KOs)in Sheffield. “I am beyond excited for this,” said Galahad. “It will give me a great sense of pride to be making my first World Title defence right here in Sheffield, the city where my boxing journey began with the legend Brendan Ingle. “Brendan told me way back when I was 14 years old that if I stuck with it, I would be a World Champion one day – so this will be a special moment for me, and it will be dedicated to Brendan and Alma Ingle. To make my maiden World Title defence right here in front of the incredible people of Sheffield, my family and my fans will be a very special moment. “Kiko is a former World Champion and has been in with multiple other World Champions so he has a huge amount of experience. He is a very tough man and never shy’s away during a fight. You’re always going to be in for a hard night’s work with Kiko who will be pushing, pressuring and punching all night long. “We saw how sharp and hungry he looked against Zelfa Barrett recently so with this being his chance to become World Champion again, I’m expecting an even hungrier and sharper version and I will be preparing for exactly that, with no stones left unturned!” “The UK is like my second home, I felt robbed against Zelfa Barrett, but all the fans know who the real winner was,” said Martinez. “I hope that this time the judges will be fair with me. Galahad is a very good boxer and I respect him, but I am very confident in my abilities. I am excited with this opportunity. To become a World Champion in a second weight division is my goal.” “I am very excited to be back out on November 13 and continuing the journey,” said Harper. “It has been a tough year out with the injury, but we have been constantly working in the gym and I feel so much more focused mentally. I couldn’t think of a better return than at Sheffield Arena back in front of the home crowd where I last boxed before lockdown.” “I hope Terri Harper understands that when you step in the ring with me, I’m throwing bombs,” said Baumgardner. “Terri will feel every punch I throw. My punches are thrown with evil intent and I intend to hurt her, and to become ‘The New’. My time is now, and everyone will know who ‘The Bomb’ is. Don’t let a pretty face fool you. On November 13 I can’t wait to show the world that god has blessed me with talent and I intend to show what happens when talent meets opportunity and my fist meets Terri Harper’s face.” “After a fantastic performance at Fight Camp, Kid Galahad is back defending his IBF Featherweight World Title for the first time,” said Ed Breeze, EVP Rights at DAZN. “It doesn’t get much better than a maiden title defence in your hometown, against a former World Champion in Kiko Martinez. Terri Harper also returns to the ring after a year out, putting her WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight Titles on the line. This is certainly not one to miss, live on DAZN around the world.” Tickets are priced £40, £60, £100 and £200 (VIP). Fight Pass members can purchase tickets now via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk). General Sale tickets are available from midday on Thursday October 14 via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) and the Utilita Arena Sheffield (www.utilitaarenasheffield.co.uk). |
