HISTORY will repeat itself for Craig Evans with a second first-time defence of the WBO European Lightweight crown against Irishman Stephen Ormond.

Blackwood ace Evans locks horns with Ormond at Cardiff’s Vale Sports Arena on this Saturday, June 1, two years after beating the Dublin resident on points in Belfast.

Gavin Rees-trained Evans, then under St Joseph’s coach Tony Borg, travelled to Northern Ireland seven months on from dethroning Thomas Stalker in the Welsh capital.

Following that defeat of Ormond, which he did with the aid of two 10th-round knockdowns, Evans lost his belt to Roman Andreev in Russia.

However, last November, and with the title now vacant, 29-year-old Evans outpointed Boy Jones in London to take back what has been his until earlier in 2018.

Ormond, 36, has fought four times since that loss to Evans (19-2-2), winning three and losing one.

He was given another title shot following his setback at the hands of the Welshman but suffered disappointment for the second time in four months.

Facing IBF European lightweight king Paul Hyland, again in Belfast, Ormond (27-5) was on the wrong end of a split decision verdict.

But Ormond is a former holder of the WBO strap, successfully defending it three times after stopping Adam Mate in September 2013, before being disqualified against Terry Flanagan for use of the head.

“I’m very happy this fight has been made because it’s for a significant title and it’s also a rematch,” said Ormond.

“He outpointed me the first time we met but I put in a woeful performance. I’m looking to improve on that significantly this time around.

“I’m looking to do a lot differently and fight the way I know I can fight. I’ll fight a smarter fight than the first fight.

“It was a horrible performance and he beat me fair and square then.”

Ormond said: “I’m very happy this fight has been made because it’s for a significant title and it’s also a rematch.

“He outpointed me the first time we met but I put in a woeful performance. I’m looking to improve on that significantly this time around.

“I’m looking to do a lot differently and fight the way I know I can fight. I’ll fight a smarter fight than the first fight. It was a horrible performance and he beat me fair and square then.

“I don’t look too much into being the away fighter. I’ve been the away fighter many, many times. To me, this is just another fight.”

via https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/17593602.craig-evans-to-make-first-title-defence-against-stephen-ormond-again/

Boy Jones Jr. and Welshman Craig Evans will clash for the vacant WBO European Lightweight championship on Monday 19th November, headlining the 2018 Nordoff Robbins Charity Dinner Show.

Nordoff Robbins is the UK’s leading music therapy charity, dedicated to changing the lives of vulnerable and isolated people, helping them to communicate and improve their wellbeing through the skilled use of music.

Boy Jones Jnr (18-1-1) has racked up seven straight victories since his solitary defeat to Craig Poxton back in February 2017.

jones-evans

The Essex man will be looking to secure his second professional title after winning the Southern Area Super Featherweight title previously.

Craig Evans (18-2-2) will be fighting for the same belt he lost to the hands of undefeated Russian, Roman Andreev back in February 2018.

The Welshman won the WBO European Lightweight title when he defeated Tom Stalker in the third fight of their trilogy of contests.

Also on the bill, highly touted Scotsman, Willy Hutchinson (5-0) enters the ring for the sixth time as a professional as he takes on experienced Hungarian, Ferenc Albert.

‘Braveheart’ Hutchinson has three knockouts from his five contests to date which includes a brutal one-punch stoppage in his last outing.

Ferenc Albert (26-15-0) is no stranger to British soil having fought here on four previous occasions, including contests against Anthony Yarde and Lerrone Richards.

Tamuka Mucha (16-1) will enter the ring for the first time since May 2017. The former southern area welterweight champion will be looking to get back on track after opponent pull-outs and injury were major factors towards the Zimbabwean’s boxing career coming to a halt.

Nordoff Robbins Boxing Dinner is a fun, relaxed evening and includes a champagne reception, entertainment, three course dinner with wine and some first class championship boxing featuring undercard matches and a title fight.