D4G Promotions in association with Round 10 Boxing Club and MTK Global are delighted to announce three incredible events heading to Dubai in February, March and April.

The star-studded cards will be broadcast live in the US on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank, and worldwide on IFL TV, and begin on Saturday 6 February with Lee McGregor challenging Karim Guerfi for his European bantamweight title, and Sean McComb facing Gavin Gwynne for the vacant Commonwealth lightweight title.

The action continues on Friday 12 March, as Tyrone McKenna meets undefeated Zhankosh Turarov in a brilliant super-lightweight bout, Lewis Crocker defends his WBO European welterweight title against Deniz Ilbay, and Gary Cully and Viktor Kotochigov collide for the vacant WBO European lightweight title.

The trio of fantastic bills then gets rounded up on Saturday 3 April, and features two Filipino superstars, as four-weight world champion Donnie Nietes and highly-rated Albert Pagara both return to the ring against opponents to be announced.

Some of Dubai’s best local stars will also be featured on the cards, as the likes of Hasibullah Ahmadi and Faizan Anwar are due to compete, while even more fights will be revealed for the events in the coming days.

Ahmed Seddiqi of D4G Promotions said: “We’re delighted to be working with Round 10 Boxing Club and MTK Global to bring these three sensational events to Dubai.

“The events are taking place thanks to the superb work from the Dubai Government and the Dubai Sports Council, with their proactive approach to safety measures and protocols making them a shining example of how things should be done on the international stage.

“Their tremendous dedication has seen Dubai become one of the global leaders in this department, and these events will follow all of the essential safety measures to ensure it is as safe as possible.

“Each card will feature some of the very best fighters in the world, along with a number of Dubai’s highly-rated up and coming stars, so we can’t wait to get started.

“I’ve worked in this region for many years to bring boxing here, and now I feel like it is really coming together. I’m looking forward to the future because it is going to be very bright. We want the Middle East to be one of the major powers in boxing. That’s our goal and our plan to help build up grassroots boxing in the region.”

MTK Global CEO Bob Yalen said: “With the cancellation of boxing in the UK in January, the team were forced to re-think the upcoming schedule for 2021, and after speaking with Ahmed Seddiqi of D4G Promotions, we came to a fantastic solution by deciding to move three of our next four shows to Dubai.

“These three shows in Dubai will feature some of the most exciting prospects and future stars on the MTK roster, and we’re excited to kick off 2021 in style.”

Everlast Group Head of Operations David Al-Mudallal added: “We’re delighted to be supporting the return of boxing to Dubai. As a brand synonymous with professional boxing and worn by all of the greats, it’s important to Everlast that we support events like these and the opportunities they afford to professional fighters across the world and the boxing fans that will tune in.”

Stay up to date at mtkglobal.com and on social media @mtkglobal

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Gary Cully will go up against Viktor Kotochigov for the vacant WBO European lightweight title as part of the huge #MTKFightNight event taking place on Friday 19 February.

Cully (11-0, 5 KOs) and Kotochigov (12-1, 5 KOs) will meet on the undercard of the British lightweight title fight between Liam Walsh and Paul Hyland Jnr, which will be broadcast in the US on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank, and worldwide on IFL TV.

Irish star Cully was last in action in August, when he defeated Craig Woodruff, while former WBC International champion Kotochigov will be looking to bounce back following his battle with Maxi Hughes in October.

Cully said: “I’m really excited to be kicking off 2021 with my biggest fight yet. At the start of 2020 I had my first title now, and now at the start of 2021 I’ll be fighting for my second title, so thanks to MTK Global for getting it done.

“I watched Kotochigov against Maxi Hughes and he’s technically very good. He’s more experienced than me, and he’s coming off a loss so he will be looking to redeem himself. It’s a dangerous opponent that is coming to win and I’ll have to be on the top of my game to beat him.”

Promoter Lee Eaton added: “We’re thrilled to add this fantastic fight between Gary Cully and Viktor Kotochigov for the vacant WBO European lightweight title. Both men are determined to win and it’s an extremely interesting contest.

“It’s the latest big fight to be added to the bill following the British lightweight title showdown between Liam Walsh and Paul Hyland Jnr, so it looks set to be yet another must-see event.”

More news on exciting additions to future #MTKFightNight events will be announced over the coming weeks.

Stay up to date at mtkglobal.com and on social media @mtkglobal

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Jazza Dickens and Ricards Bolotniks are both celebrating after they produced superb performances to win the Golden Contract featherweight and light-heavyweight tournaments.

Dickens (30-3, 11 KOs) defeated Ryan Walsh (26-3-2, 12 KOs) in the featherweight final, while Bolotniks (18-5-1, 8 KOs) overcame Serge Michel (11-2, 8 KOs) in the light-heavyweight final.

Elsewhere on the card, there were wins for Harlem Eubank, Adam Azim, James McGivern and Fearghus Quinn. Free to use photos from the event can be found HERE (Credit MTK Global), and here’s everything you need to know from a superb event:

QUICK RESULTS:
JAZZA DICKENS bt LIAM WALSH UD10 (97-94, 98-93, 96-94) – Golden Contract featherweight final / WBO European featherweight title

RICARDS BOLOTNIKS bt SERGE MICHEL TKO10 – Golden Contract light-heavyweight final / WBO European light-heavyweight title

HARLEM EUBANK bt DANIEL EGBUNIKE PTS10 (97-94) – Super-lightweight, 10 rounds

ADAM AZIM bt Ed Harrison PTS6 (60-54) – Lightweight, 6 rounds

JAMES MCGIVERN bt Jordan Ellison PTS6 (60-53) – Lightweight, 6 rounds

FEARGHUS QUINN bt Scott James PTS6 (60-54) – Middleweight, 6 rounds

DETAILED RESULTS & QUOTES:
JAZZA DICKENS bt LIAM WALSH UD10 (97-94, 98-93, 96-94) – Golden Contract featherweight final / WBO European featherweight title

Jazza Dickens won the Golden Contract featherweight tournament and retained his WBO European featherweight title with an impressive victory over domestic rival Ryan Walsh.

Dickens (30-3, 11 KOs) was in control for the majority of the fight, utilising his jab well and restricting Walsh (26-3-2, 12 KOs) to short bursts of success. Walsh’s superb heart and never say die attitude meant he kept coming forward, but in the end Dickens proved to be too good.

The three judges scored it 97-94, 98-93 and 96-94, meaning Dickens wins the tournament after previous victories over Leigh Wood and Carlos Ramos.

Dickens said: “I boxed many ways in this tournament with different styles, and I knew it was my chance to show what I can do.

“This was my moment on Sky Sports. I beat Leigh Wood and Ryan Walsh this year and now I want a world title. I’ll have my rewards when I get my world title.

“Sorry to those that couldn’t be there tonight. I need to thank my coaches George Vaughan and Derry Mathews for everything they have done for me.”

RICARDS BOLOTNIKS bt SERGE MICHEL TKO10 – Golden Contract light-heavyweight final / WBO European light-heavyweight title

Ricards Bolotniks won the Golden Contract light-heavyweight tournament after a fierce tenth round stoppage victory over Serge Michel.

The power of Bolotniks (18-5-1, 8 KOs) was on display, with fans watching on TV treated to a great contest. Bolotniks earned a knockdown in round five, before continuing his onslaught in round 10, securing another knockdown.

Michel (11-2, 8 KOs) was able to get back up to his feet, but his corner threw in the towel before the action could resume, handing Bolotniks an impressive win.

Bolotniks said: “At Christmas I will now be drinking coke and eating potatoes! I did my job and I showed the tactics that my coach taught me. I am just so happy.

“I want Anthony Yarde next year. Maybe we will see each other. I am ready for 12 rounds, 15 rounds, or 20 rounds! Everything in this tournament was good. Thank you to everybody. I will go drink beer and eat pizza!”

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Jazza Dickens feel the extra two months of training has allowed him to reach even bigger heights ahead of his #GoldenContract final with Ryan Walsh.

Dickens (29-3, 11 KOs) defends his WBO European featherweight title against Walsh (26-2-2, 12 KOs) at Production Park Studios in Wakefield on Wednesday 2 December, live on Sky Sports in association with Matchroom Boxing, and on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank.

The two men were originally due to meet in September, before a positive COVID-19 test for Dickens forced the bout to be delayed, but the Liverpool man has remained upbeat throughout and feels having more time to prepare has paid off.

Dickens said: “I’m very blessed and grateful that MTK Global, Sky Sports and ESPN+ rearranged the date so soon.

“It was a testing time but a great time for me in my personal relationship with god. The past two months have been fantastic as I’ve spent a lot of time with my coaches Georgie Vaughan and Derry Mathews.

“We’ve had another brilliant training camp, and I must thank all of my sparring partners for their help over the last few weeks.

“It’s nice to be active, and the continued training camps throughout the year have kept me in great shape both physically and mentally. I can’t wait for this fight.”

The event will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports in association with Matchroom Boxing. In the US on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank, and will also feature the light-heavyweight final between Ricards Bolotniks and Serge Michel for the WBO European title.

A belt will also be on the line in the light-heavyweight final, as Bolotniks (17-5-1, 7 KOs) defends his WBO European light-heavyweight title against Michel (11-1, 8 KOs).

Bolotniks progressed to the final with a unanimous decision win over Hosea Burton in the semi-final, and Michel picked up a fourth-round stoppage victory over Liam Conroy.

MTK Global Vice-President Jamie Conlan said: “We are finally at the grand conclusion to our Golden Contract tournament.

“In the light-heavyweight final, we have seen both boxers get better with each progressing round. Both have come in under the radar, with Bolotniks beating the tournament favorite Hosea Burton in Latvia.

“Serge Michel then had a tournament-best performance by destructively stopping Liam Conroy. Both have shown this fight can be explosive and end at any time, so expect fireworks.

“The Ryan Walsh vs. Jazza Dickens postponement has only added to the anticipation of what many in the trade are calling a genuine 50/50 and one of the best all-British fights to be on the 2020 schedule. A fight where the winner will be directly in line to fight for a world title.”

Further news on the #GoldenContract event, including undercards fights, will be announced in due course.

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The highly-anticipated #GoldenContract finals will take place at Production Park Studios in Wakefield on Wednesday 2 December – featuring the rescheduled featherweight final between Jazza Dickens and Ryan Walsh.

The event will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports in association with Matchroom Boxing, and in the US on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank, and will also feature the light-heavyweight final between Ricards Bolotniks and Serge Michel.

The clash between Dickens (29-3, 11 KOs) and Walsh (26-2-2, 12 KOs) was originally set for September 30 before a positive COVID-19 test for Dickens postponed the fight, with the final now confirmed for December. Dickens will also defend his WBO European featherweight title in the bout.

Dickens defeated Leigh Wood by majority decision in the semi-final to move into the final, while Walsh earned a unanimous decision victory over Tyrone McCullagh.

A belt will also be on the line in the light-heavyweight final, as Bolotniks (17-5-1, 7 KOs) defends his WBO European light-heavyweight title against Michel (11-1, 8 KOs).

Bolotniks progressed to the final with a unanimous decision win over Hosea Burton in the semi-final, and Michel picked up a fourth round stoppage victory over Liam Conroy.

MTK Global Vice-President Jamie Conlan said: “We are finally at the grand conclusion to our Golden Contract tournament.

“In the light-heavyweight final we have seen both boxers get better with each progressing round. Both have came in under the radar with Bolotniks beating the tournament favourite Hosea Burton in Latvia.

“Serge Michel then had a tournament best performance by stopping Liam Conroy in destructive fashion. Both have shown this fight can be explosive and end at anytime, so expect fireworks.

“The Ryan Walsh vs Jazza Dickens postponement has only added to the anticipation of what many in the trade are calling a genuine 50/50 and one of the best all-British fights to be on the 2020 schedule. A fight where the winner will be directly in line to fight for a world title.”

Further news on the #GoldenContract event including undercards fights will be announced in due course.

Stay up to date at mtkglobal.com and on social media @mtkglobal

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MTK Global is delighted to announce the signing of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s world-ranked junior heavyweight star Edin Puhalo.

Unbeaten Puhalo (19-0, 18 KOs) is known for his incredible power, with 18 of his 19 wins coming by knockout, while he is also currently ranked #4 in the world by the WBO.

He is set to take on Dilan Prasovic in a WBO cruiserweight title eliminator in Belgrade on October 23, with a win in that fight setting him up for a showdown against the winner of the battle between Lawrence Okolie and Krzysztof Glowacki for the vacant WBO title.

Puhalo is highly-rated throughout the world of boxing, and the 32-year-old is pleased to be teaming up with MTK Global.

He said: “I am happy that I’ve become part of the large and prestigious MTK Global family and I look forward to our co-operation. This is a big milestone for me and I hope we will be a great team. I am very proud to be on the same team with Tyson Fury and other boxers and this will be a great motivation in my career.

“I have come a long way and I am satisfied with my career, but I am also convinced that I can be a world champion. I have a big fight coming up, and I have enriched my team with top trainers for fitness and physical preparation. They have helped me a lot to be even better and to push my limits and possibilities. I look forward to the fight and I want to prove myself once again.

“After this eliminator, the next fight is for the world title and I sincerely hope it will be Lawrence Okolie because he would suit me better in the fight itself. The fight between Glowacki and Okolie will be quite uncertain and difficult and I think they have an equal chance of winning.”

MTK Global Promoter Lee Eaton said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Edin Puhalo to the team. He’s one of the most exciting fighters in the cruiserweight division and every fight he’s involved in is a must-see affair for all boxing fans.

“Up next for him is a fight against Dilan Prasovic in a world title eliminator later this month, and with a victory there he can secure a WBO title shot against the winner of Okolie and Glowacki, so we’re all excited to see what he is capable of.”

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Ricards Bolotniks booked his place in the final of the #GoldenContract light-heavyweight tournament with a victory over Hosea Burton.

The two men were competing at Studio 69 in Riga, Latvia, with a fantastic back and forth battle taking place over 10 hard-fought rounds.

Bolotniks appeared to get the better of the action, with the most dramatic moments coming in round nine when Burton received two standing counts after an onslaught from the Latvian.

In the end, the judges had it slightly wider than expected, scoring it 98-90, 100-90, 98-90, earning Bolotniks the win and seeing him keep hold of his WBO European light-heavyweight title in the process.

Bolotniks will take on the winner of the other Golden Contract semi-final, which sees Liam Conroy meet Serge Michel at Production Park Studios in Wakefield, England on Wednesday.

Elsewhere on that card, Tyrone McKenna takes on Ohara Davies in the super-lightweight semi-final, and Jazza Dickens faces Ryan Walsh in the featherweight final, with the action live on Sky Sports in association with Matchroom Boxing, and on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank.

WATCH THE FIGHT

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Davey Oliver Joyce has warned Ionut Baluta that he’ll be taken out of his comfort zone during their showdown on Saturday.

Joyce (12-1, 9 KOs) defends his WBO European Jr. Featherweight title against Baluta (13-2, 2 KOs) on the undercard of Josh Taylor’s world title defence against Apinun Khongsong – live on BT Sport and ESPN+.

Baluta heads into the fight on the back of his huge win over TJ Doheny earlier this year, but Joyce feels he’s seen plenty of weaknesses to exploit.

Joyce said: “I’ll be setting a higher pace against him and taking him out of his comfort zone. He doesn’t like getting attacked to the body and I’ll exploit that.

“I’m used to fighting in empty arenas as I’ve been boxing as an amateur all my life. You do that in some different parts of the world for Ireland with nobody cheering you on.

“Winning this fight will bring me one step closer to a world title. I have a great team with me in MTK Global and I have complete faith in them.”

Saturday’s huge card will also see Charlie Edwards make his bantamweight debut against Kyle Williams, plus Jordan Flynn goes up against Jamie Quinn.

Via mtkglobal.com

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The upcoming trio of stacked MTK Fight Night events will each take place 24 hours later – after the shows were moved to Wednesday evenings.

The new dates for the upcoming behind-closed-doors shows at the LS-Live in Wakefield are August 12, August 26 and September 2, and will be broadcast live in the US on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank and worldwide on IFL TV.

WBO bouts on Wednesday 26 August, and sees unbeaten star Lewis Crocker (11-0, 6 KOs) go up against former Southern Area champion Louis Greene (12-1, 7 KOs) for the vacant WBO European Welterweight title.

David Oliver Joyce (12-1, 9 KOs) defends his WBO European Junior Featherweight title against recent TJ Doheny conqueror Ionut Baluta (13-2, 2 KOs), while amateur sensation James McGivern makes his professional debut against an opponent to be announced.

MTK Global Chief Strategy Officer Paul Gibson said: “There are a lot of unique challenges to pulling a card together in the current climate but these fifteen matches guarantee some cracking fights.

“The remit was to make as many quality 50-50s as possible and the fact we’ve been restricted to matching domestically only adds to intrigue of the contests. It’ll be action from first bell to last.”

MTK Global Vice-President Jamie Conlan added: “Our first show on August 12 sees Jono Carroll returning following his incredible victory against Scott Quigg in March.

“Sean McComb and Siar Ozgul always bring excitement, so having them face each other is certain to lead to fireworks, and then we have two outstanding 50-50 fights as Craig MacIntyre faces Darren Surtees, and Sahir Iqbal goes up against Maredudd Thomas.

“Pierce O’Leary rounds off our first show, and he has looked tremendous in his career so far, so we can’t wait to see him back in the ring.

“Our second card on August 26 is just as packed, with Lewis Crocker competing for his first title in a terrific fight against Louis Greene, and it’s great to have Lee McGregor back too after his brilliant bout with Kash Farooq in November.

“Gary Cully against Kieran Gething is an extremely interesting fight that I can’t wait to see unfold, and the fans will see a star for the future when James McGivern is in action.

Aged 15-19 and want to enter the world of boxing as a fighter, coach, referee, cutsperson, promoter, event coordinator, journalist and everything in between? Sign up for the #MTKAcademy now: www.academyse.co.uk/mtkacademy

Stay up to date at mtkglobal.com and on social media @mtkglobal

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Unbeaten fighters will collide when Danny Dignum faces Alfredo Meli on a huge #MTKFightNight at the Brentwood Centre on March 7.

The event will be live in the US on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank, and worldwide on IFL TV, and sees Dignum (12-0, 6 KOs) defend his WBO European Middleweight belt against Meli (17-0-1, 5 KOs).

Dignum said: “I’m really looking forward to this fight. Alfredo has a very good record on paper so it’s a real 50/50 bout.

“I’ve not seen anything of him to be honest. My coach watched his last fight and said he comes forward a lot and has a high work rate which could suit me, as I like someone that comes forward.

“His last opponent was a good fighter so he’s been in there with some good opposition and he also boxed Conrad Cummings a few years back. I won’t be taking anything away from both of our results with Cummings as his fight was a long time ago, so I’m preparing for my hardest fight to date.”

Meli added: “I’m really looking forward to this fight with Danny Dignum. He has the WBO European title so a win here can catapult me high into the WBO rankings, so it’s a great opportunity.

“I was pleased with the win in my last fight against an unbeaten fighter. It was a massive card to be a part of in Belfast and now I’m excited to compete on another huge #MTKFightNight.”

It is the latest massive #MTKFightNight to take place at the Brentwood Centre, with a number of huge names competing at the venue throughout 2019.

Tickets for the event are now on sale, with more fantastic fights set to be added in the coming days and week.

via www.worldboxingnews.net

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WBO Bouts at the Copper Box Arena

ARCHIE SHARP makes a third defence of his WBO European Junior Lightweight title when he takes on the unbeaten Artjoms Ramlavs at the Copper Box Arena on December 21.

It is one of many fights currently scheduled on the bumper bill that also includes the heavyweight collision between Daniel Dubois and Kyotaro Fujimoto for the WBO International title and for the vacant WBO Inter-Continental Middleweight Championship Liam Williams going up against the American Alantez Fox for vacant WBO Inter-Continental Middleweight title.

Sharp, 17-0 (9KOs) is on a roll since parting the previously unbeaten champion Lyon Woodstock from his belt in Leicester in October of last year. Injury prevented immediate title progression before he got back in the swing with a second round stoppage of Sergio Gonzalez at Wembley in April and he proceeded to make a first defence against the tough Scot Jordan McCorry at the o2 Arena in July, where he recorded a convincing points victory.

His most recent assignment came at the Royal Albert Hall in September, where he again defended his WBO strap, this time against the unpredictable Irishman Declan Geraghty. The Dubliner presented early problems to the Welling man before a peach of a punch dispatched by the 24-year-old spectacularly ended Geraghty’s night in the fourth round.

Ramlavs from Riga will enter into unfamiliar territory on the night of ‘The Fight Before Christmas’ at the Copper Box.

Known as ‘Supersonic’, the 30-year-old has not previously fought outside his native Latvia in a career that has spanned 11 professional fights, with six of his wins coming via KO.

The 5ft 7southpaw and the champion Sharp do have one opponent in common in the Nicaraguan Gonzalez, who Ramlavs fought in 2018 and recorded a points victory.

“He is a southpaw, 11-0 with six stoppages and I see he had a bit of amateur pedigree,” said Sharp on his forthcoming mission. “So we have got another unbeaten fighter to come and take me on and he is a little bit shorter than Declan (last opponent, Geraghty) and that will probably work a little bit in my favour.

“I think what is happening is he is tough and game, but I don’t think his ability is up there with the other boys I have fought and he will come to work and have a right go.

“Facing an unbeaten fighter brings another dynamic because every time he has showed up before he has won. He’s now got a shot at the WBO European title so we will see how he turns up.

“I’ve just got to make sure I am in tip-top shape and able to adapt to whatever he brings on December 21. It is another lively one and I think they are all going to be that now.”

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The coming Thursday will mark the next return of professional boxing to Grozny, the capital of the Chechen Republic and one of the hotbeds of martial arts in Russia. Staged by Akhmat Promotion Company at the Uvais Akhtaev Sports Palace is a huge fight card, which will see the best of local boxing against top intrinsic and international opposition, which includes a former world champion among others.

Headlining the show is WBO #8 super middleweight Aslambek Idigov (16-0, 7 KOs), 23. Having started his pro career at a tender age of 17 and having competed mostly in Ukraine, he has been campaigning in Russian for the last three years. Idigov will face Slovakian opponent Robert Racz (21-1, 19 KOs) for the WBO European title belonging to the Chechen fighter Idigov. Racz’s record looks solid but it will be his debut outside of Hungary/Slovakia/Czech Republic, where he has been fighting since the onset of his career.

In a co-featured bout of the evening, WBO #4 light heavyweight Umar Salamov (24-1, 18 KOs), still 25, will continue his redeem against 30-year old Ghanaian Emanuel Danso (31-4, 26 KOs for Salamov WBO International Light Heavyweight Title. Salamov has been 5-0, 4 KOs, since his upset loss to Australian Olympian Damien Hooper in 2017.

The show will be aired live by Boets TV channel.

via Alexey Sukachev / BoxingScene.com

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World title challenger Liam Walsh has a chance to regain the WBO European lightweight title when he faces Maxi Hughes at York Hall on November 9.

‘Destiny’ (22-1, 15 KOs) takes on Hughes (19-4-2, 4 KOs) on the #MTKFightNight in London – live on ESPN+ in the U.S in association with Top Rank.

Walsh said: “I’m buzzing to be coming back and fighting for a title. My deepest thanks to MTK Global, who have invested in me and are doing everything they said they were going to do for me.

“They believe in me and Ryan and we’re over the moon. I’m half-kicking myself I didn’t join them five or six years ago. They told me I’d be fighting for titles in no time and here we are!

“Maxi Hughes is an opponent I’ve kept an eye on for a long time. Me and my brothers were at York Hall a few years ago when he fought Martin J Ward. We always keep an eye on people around our weight.

“He also fought Scott Cardle and I know quite a lot about him. He’s a good, honest fighter and I’m looking forward to facing him.

“I’ve won this WBO European title before. I beat an Italian called Domenica Urbano on the undercard of David Haye vs. Derek Chisora at Upton Park for it. It turned out well because I won it that night and defended it against Scott Harrison.

“Winning this fight will get me a top 15 ranking, which is very important.”

Already confirmed for the card is world-ranked welterweight Michael McKinson taking another step up against WBO world no. 6 Luis Alberto Veron, while WBC world lightweight title mandatory challenger Chantelle Cameron takes another step towards a showdown with Katie Taylor.

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ARCHIE SHARP will defend his WBO European Jr. Lightweight title at the Royal Albert Hall on September 27 when he takes on the challenge from Declan ‘Pretty Boy’ Geraghty.

‘Sharpshooter’ Sharp, 16-0 (8KOs), makes a second defence of the title he won from Lyon Woodstock in October of last year, having seen off the threat of game Scot Jordan McCorry last time out in July.

The Dubliner Geraghty, 19-4 (4KOs), is accustomed to being involved in thrilling encounters and took part in an absorbing double-header with recent world title challenger Jono Carroll, with the second part taking place in June of last year with the IBF Intercontinental title at stake. Victory for Carroll after nine epic rounds saw him push on towards world title contention.

Sharp believes more drama could be in the offing when he fights for the first time at the stunning South Kensington venue.

“Declan Geraghty is a good fight, a very good fight,” said the 24-year-old. “He is always in exciting fights and always seems to bring a high level of skill to the ring.

“He is skilful but has ended up in a number of wars, which has probably been his downfall. He is a good, technical boxer and, because he has been chinned a couple of times, he might want to prove something now.

“If he sticks to his boxing it will be interesting because my last couple of fights have been against come-forward fighters. I like testing myself so it will be good to go in with a nice rangy southpaw. Why not?

“I am building now and every fight is benefiting me and moving me on towards those big fights. They have all been good fights – Woodstock, McCorry and now Geraghty is a good fight. They have all been hungry to win titles and if I keep beating these live opponents it will only serve to ready me for world level.”

Geraghty, 29, say he won’t get pulled into war by neat boxing Sharp, but insists: “It’s a really exciting fight and will be fan-friendly for everyone watching at the Royal Albert Hall and on BT Sport.

“I am going into his backyard and there is no pressure on me. I know how good his boxing ability is and I think it is down to who has the better boxing IQ.

“I like getting involved in a fight, but not this time because it is boxer v boxer.

“Archie is a bit similar to me and likes to keep it long and rangy, but I like getting dragged into a war every so often.

“His style will suit me and now is my time to deliver.”

Daniel Dubois v Ebenezer Tetteh for the vacant Commonwealth heavyweight title tops the bill at the Royal Albert Hall on Friday September 27, alongside Nicola Adams making a first defence of her WBO world flyweight title. Also on the card is Battersea banger Denzel Bentley in middleweight action, heavyweight Jonathan Palata, exciting bantamweight talent Dennis McCann and debuts for lightweight Sam Noakes, super lightweight Eithan James and super middleweight Lewie Edmondson.

Tickets for the September 27 bill at the Royal Albert Hall are available to purchase from www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.royalalberthall.com. Prices £40, £50, £75, £100, £150 Ringside.

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One of Great Britain’s most promising welterweights, Michael “The Problem” McKinson, is ready to conquer Europe. McKinson, a native of Portsmouth, England, will take on Russian veteran Evgeny Pavko in a 10-rounder for the vacant WBO European welterweight title on the latest edition of #MTKFightNight Saturday, July 20 from the Brentwood Centre in Brentwood, England.

McKinson-Pavko will headline a scheduled four-bout card that will stream live on ESPN+ — the industry-leading sports streaming service — beginning at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT.

“This is a good bout,” McKinson said. “Nobody in Britain wanted to fight me, so we’ve had to go the harder route and take on a dangerous Russian.”

McKinson (16-0, 2 KOs), a slick southpaw, is taking a step up in competition after winning both the WBC Youth and WBC International silver welterweight belts in less than five years as a professional. He last fought March 9 at the Brentwood Centre, outboxing Ryan Kelly over 10 rounds. Pavko (18-2-1, 13 KOs), from Kopeysk, Russia, is 2-0 since moving up from the super lightweight division. Unbeaten in three career fights outside of Russia, Pavko has not fought in seven months. Last December, he stopped the previously undefeated Fedor Vinogradov on cuts following the fifth round.

In other action scheduled for ESPN+:
Rising British welterweight prospect Shaquille “The Black Mexican” Day (12-0, 2 KOs) will fight countryman Louis Adolphe (10-1, 1 KO) in a 10-rounder for the vacant British Southern Area welterweight strap. Day has knocked out two of his last three opponents.

Former amateur star Chantelle Cameron (10-0, 7 KOs) will make her third ring appearance of 2019 versus Anisha Basheel (8-5, 8 KOs) in a 10-round WBC world title lightweight eliminator for the belt currently held by undisputed world champion Katie Taylor. Basheel has won eight straight fights by knockout since beginning her career 0-5 and is coming off a first-round stoppage over Sam “SJ” Smith for the vacant Commonwealth female lightweight title.
Thomas Patrick Ward (26-0, 4 KOs) will look to notch his second win of the year against Brayan Mairena (10-12-1, 4 KOs) in an eight-round featherweight tilt.

Fans can sign-up for ESPN+ at any time at ESPNPlus.com, ESPN.com or on the ESPN App for $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year.

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Welling’s Archie Sharp retained his WBO European super-welterweight title as he won a unanimous points verdict over tough Scot Jordan McCorry.

All three judges scored the South London fighter as a 98-91 winner.

Sharp’s record stands at 16-0 with eight stoppages.

McCorry was dropped by an excellent left to the body in the third round but the challenger was made of tough stuff and continued to try and force his way back into the contest.

But Sharp had the greater quality and cleaner connection to his punches.

In the early rounds he showed patience – not rushing his own work – but the final rounds became more attritional.

BY RICHARD CAWLEY / www.londonnewsonline.co.uk

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Welterweight Michael McKinson will look to add the WBO European crown when he takes on Evgeny Pavko.

Undefeated McKinson (16-0, 2 KOs) will clash with hard-hitting Russian Pavko (18-2-1, 13 KOs) on the #MTKFightNight at the Brentwood Centre on July 20 – live on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank and on iFL TV.

Having been unable to entice the big domestic names at 147lb to step in the ring with him, McKinson is delighted to be graduating to European level.

McKinson said: “This is a good bout. Nobody in Britain wanted to fight me so we’ve had to go the harder route and take on a dangerous Russian.

“I’ve always said I’ll fight anyone and while Pavko is a dangerous opponent, I believe in my ability and I’m going to show everyone – once again – that I’m not here to play games.

“I wouldn’t be a good fighter or a good champion if I had easy fights. I actually prefer these tough challenges so I’m excited by this.

“It’s about time I had a third belt to add to my collection. I’ve defended the WBC International Silver twice now against proper opponents so I wanted a new challenge and MTK Global has delivered.”

McKinson’s last performance was a 10-round schooling of the heavy-handed Ryan Kelly at the same venue back in March.

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ARCHIE SHARP WILL make a first defence of his WBO European Jr. Lightweight title when he takes on the tough Scot Jordan McCorry at The O2, London on July 13.

The 24-year-old from Welling, 15-0, who memorably defeated Lyon Woodstock last October to win his first title belt, knows he will have to be at his quick-footed best to overcome a challenger who gave British champion Sam Bowen a troublesome night before succumbing to a ninth round TKO in his last fight in March.

“It is a good fight, Jordan McCorry is going to come to beat me and he is going to be fit, strong and ready,” said Sharp on his slot on a blockbuster card headlined by Daniel Dubois and Nathan Gorman battling it out for the British heavyweight title and Joe Joyce coming up against Bryant Jennings.

“I am pretty sure he will be coming to try and rough me up, but we are prepared for all sorts of styles coming our way and I am looking forward to the fight. It will be a good win on the night for me.

“I have watched probably about a minute of his fight against Bowen to see what sort of fighter he is. Of course I would like to do a better job than Bowen because everybody wants to make big statements and I will do what I’ve got to do on the night.

“I think Jordan McCorry is made for a good Archie Sharp to come out and shine. I think you will see a good me and I believe his style will suit me down to a tee.”

For the 28-year-old McCorry, 17-5-1, it will be a case of jumping from one big title fight to another.

“That is why you are in boxing – you want the big fights,” said the native of Cambuslang. “You want to be on the big shows and top bills and this is definitely the case here.

“I think I kind of earned it when I fought Bowen. It was a good fight and I think you will see a better me this time because obviously I have had more time to prepare.

“It could have been a different story against Bowen if the referee had let it go a wee bit more, but sometimes you will get that as the away boxer.

“I definitely take a lot from the fight, I spoke to Bowen after and he is a good guy who I hope goes on to do well, but I think everybody underestimated me and thought I would just fall over.

“People saw what I am all about and they will see more this time,” added the Scot, who believes he is up against a more technical opponent on July 9.

“Sharp is a better boxer, for sure. Bowen is big and strong but Sharp is a better boxer who I rate and he won the ABAs as an amateur, so he has got a good pedigree.

“Although, no disrespect to Lyon Woodstock, but he is the only guy he has fought in a hard fight and he is already talking about world titles on Twitter. I am in front of him now and I showed before that I am no mug and I am there to win the fight and that’s it.

“He needs to get by me first. I just think I will be too big and too strong for him.”

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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/

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Conrad Cummings and Brian Rose will contest the WBO European middleweight crown after a back injury forced champion Luke Keeler to temporarily vacate.

Rose, who returned with victory on the MTK Global show in Manchester on Friday night, had been scheduled to face Keeler in London but will now head to Belfast to take on Cummings on December 7 – live on IFL TV.

With Keeler lying in wait for the winner as he works back to full fitness, Cummings is hopeful of securing a chance at gaining revenge over the Dublin man for a points defeat earlier this year by beating the experienced Rose.

Cummings (15-2-1-KO7) said: “I’m absolutely thrilled. This is a chance at redemption and to show what I’m really about. Fair play to Rose – he’s fought at world level and he’s a big name but this is a fight I’m going to win.

“I think I’ve got a lot advantages. I’m a big, strong middleweight at 27 and I’m hungry. I’ve a big chance here and Rose is not going to stop me. This is my home territory.

“It’s going to be buzzing in there on the night. My support will be right behind me because this is a big fight. It’s a real roll of the dice and roll on December 7. Guess who’s back?!”

Former world title challenger Rose – unsurprisingly – has other ideas.

Rose (29-5-1-KO8) said: “I watched Keeler against Conrad and it was a great fight for the fans so hopefully we can bring more of the same.

“I expect to be favourite given what I’ve achieved but I’ve been out nearly two years so people questioning what I’ve got left is inevitable. What they don’t know is that I feel reinvented and back to where I was five or six years ago.

“He might have youth and activity on his side but I’ve got experience. I’ve been in so many big fights and I can do 12 rounds standing on my head. Can he?”

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Unbeaten super-bantamweight Tyrone McCullagh hopes to reward deafening support at MTK Global’s Belfast show with victory in his European title fight.

‘White Chocolate’ (11-0-KO6) climbed off the canvas to cruise to the Celtic crown against Joe Ham last time out and is relishing the prospect of even more noise when he takes on Josh Kennedy for the WBO European belt at the Titanic Exhibition Centre on October 5.

McCullagh said: “I’m very lucky to have a great following from both Derry and Belfast. Everyone gets behind me when I fight and I’m very grateful for that.

“It should be a jam-packed arena and I’m relishing that. The atmosphere picks me up a level or two – I know that from the noise when I fought Joe Ham. There was no chance I wasn’t getting up!

“The noise carried me through the fight; especially in the later rounds. When you hear them, it really gives you a lift.”

As he prepares to take another significant step up in facing a fellow unbeaten fighter in Kent’s Kennedy (11-0-KO5), McCullagh knows he’ll need to keep improving if he’s to climb to the very top.

The 27-year-old southpaw said: “The belt means a lot to me but boxers always want bigger and better belts. It’s great to have it on the line but the main thing is a big step up in opponent. I feel ready.

“Winning the Celtic title was an unbelievable feeling but it’s just a minor title in the grand scheme of things. In boxing, you always want more. When I was young, I thought I’d be happy with a national title but once I’d done that, I wanted more and more.

“I’ve seen a few clips of Kennedy and he seems big and strong but I’m very confident in my own ability. You have to beat these kind of lads if you want to make it to the top.

“If I can’t beat Kennedy, I’m going to have to take a long, hard look at myself.”

BUY TICKETS: mtkglobalstore.com/tickets/

Watch the action LIVE on BoxNation

https://www.worldboxingnews.net/2018090125515/news/tyrone-mccullagh-relishing-josh-kennedy-wbo-euro-test

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Archie Sharp is full of confidence going into his clash against WBO European Jr. Lightweight Champion Lyon Woodstock and states that his opponent’s downfall will be because of his ‘one dimensional’ boxing ability.

Sharp (13-0) had the opportunity to do some homework on Woodstock (11-0) when he witnessed the fight in which Lyon beat Craig Poxton to claim the WBO European title; the belt he will be defending when they step into the ring on October 6th.

“It was a good fight.” admitted Sharp.

“Regarding Lyon’s performance, I thought he boxed the same as he did in his first fight, his second fight, third fight and so on…

“he’s a one-dimensional fighter, there is no change in his game, he has shown me nothing different. Poxton sat in the pocket the whole fight and it worked out well for Lyon, and to be honest with you I still thought it was a very close fight.”

Unimpressed by Woodstock’s efforts in his encounter with Poxton, Sharp continued by taking a punt on how their fight will pan out on October 6th:

“Lyon is going to come out at the first bell and try and put the pressure on me and try and sit on my chest for the ten rounds.

“I’ll be too clever for that and my boxing abilities are too cute for that to happen.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if Lyon is going to just make sure he’s super fit for this fight because that is all he’s got; boxing skill and boxing ability wise, he isn’t on my level.”

Along with having the ‘challenger’ status, Sharp will be in Woodstock territory on fight night when he travels up from London to fight in Woodstock’s native Leicester.

However, it is a factor undaunting to Sharp who believes it could feel quite the opposite when making the journey up the M1 from London and into the Midlands.

“It might be in his back garden but at the end of the day it will just be me and him in that ring.

“I’m coming up with a big army of supporters so it wouldn’t surprise me if it sounds like we’re in London on October 6th.”

‘The Time Is Now’ is headlined by Jack Catterall v Ohara Davies. Leicester’s own, Lyon Woodstock defends his WBO European Super-Featherweight title against Archie Sharp. Heavyweight prospect Daniel Dubois takes on former world title challenger Kevin Johnson. Olympian and double gold medallist Nicola Adams and Leicester’s British Super-Featherweight champion Sam Bowen also feature on a major night of boxing televised live on BT Sport.

Tickets are priced at £40, £60, £100, £150, £200 and are available to purchase from Eventbrite and Ticketmaster.

https://www.boxingnews24.com/2018/08/archie-sharp-ready-to-beat-lyon-woodstock/

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Nuri_Seferi_me_titullin_WBC

By Per Ake Persson

Nuri Seferi (35-6-1) goes for the vacant WBO European cruiserweight title on May 16 at the CU Hall in Hamburg when he takes on Hungarian Tamas Lodi (13-1-1). Seferi is trained by former EBU champ and world title challenger Oktay Urkal and is reported by boxen-heute.de to have done ten rounds of sparring against four different sparring partners yesterday and done well. Romanian featherweight Viorel Simion (16-1) takes on Bakhtiyar Iskenderzade (a claimed 9-3) in a ten rounder and Swedish heavyweight Adrian Granat (3-0) is in against Austrian Andreas Kapp (4-2-1) on the undercard.

http://www.boxingscene.com/nuri-seferi-faces-tamas-lodi-wbo-euro-belt–77635

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