Lamont Roach Jr. made the first defense of the WBA Junior Lightweight title with an eight-round stoppage of Feargal McCrory at The Entertainment And Sports Arena in Washington, D.C.

After rocking McCrory un each of the first two rounds with left hooks, Roach dropped McCrory with that very same punch in the third frame. In round four, Roach dropped McCrory with a hard right uppercut to the body. Literally seconds later, Roach landed a left hook to the live that put McCrory down for a third time.

In round eight, Roach continued to batter McCrory and finally dropped him for a final time and the fight was stopped at 2:51.

Roach, 130 lbs of Washington is now 25-1-1 with 10 knockouts. McCrory, 129.6 lbs of New York is 16-1.

Lester Martinez Decisions Carlos Gongora

Lester Martinez remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Carlos Gongora in a super middleweight bout.

Martinez, 167.2 lbs of Guatemala City, Guatemala won by scores of 100-90 and 99-91 twice and is now 18-0. Gongora, 168.6 lbs of Boston is 22-3.

Tellez Giron Stops Dilmaghani After 7

Rene Tellez Giron stopped Alex Dilmaghani after round seven of their 10-round lightweight bout.

In round four, Dilmaghani began to bleed from his nose.

Giron started to beat down and continued to bloody Dilmaghani and the fight was stopped after round seven.

Tellez Giron, 136.2 lbs of Mexico is 20-3 with 13 knockouts. Dilmaghani, 132 lbs of Manchester, ENG is 20-3-1.

Rianna Rios Decisions Mary Romero

Rianna Rios remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Mary Romero in a bantamweight contest.

In round five, Romero was deducted a point for hitting on the break.

Tios, 116.6 lbs of Upper Marlboro, MD won by scores of 79-72 and 78-73 twice and is now 8-0. Romero, 117.2 lbs of Murcia, SPA is 10-6.

Ben Johnson wins Pro Debut

12-time National Amateur champion Ben Johnson stopped Michael Williams in round one of their four-round welterweight bout.

In round one, Johnson dropped Williams with a flurry on the ropes that was punctuated by a left around the ear. Seconds later, Johnson dropped Williams again with another hard left hand. When the action continued, Williams slipped down and as he got up referee Sharon Sands stopped the bout at 2:23.

Johnson, 147.4 lbs of Springdale, MD is 1-0 with one knockout. Williams, 147.6 lbs of Las Vegas is 2-3.

Jordan Roach made a successful pro debut with a four-round unanimous decision over Luis Hernandez in a super flyweight bout.

In round two, Roach scored a knockdown when he landed a left hook to the side of the Hernandez’ head.

In round three, Roach landed a flurry that forced the glove of Hernandez to touch the canvas for a second knockdown.

Roach, 115 lbs of Upper Marlboro, MD won by scores of 40-34 twice and 40-35 and is 1-0. Hernandez, 113 1/2 lbs of Dominican Republic is 15-14-1.

Greg Outlaw stopped Isidro Curiel in round four of a scheduled eight-round welterweight bout.

In round four, Outlaw hurt Curiel with a left hook. With Curiel backed on the ropes, Outlaw landed about 15 unanswered punches and the fight was stopped at 2:38

Outlaw, 144 lbs of Bowie, MD is 15-2 with nine knockouts. Curiel, 144.1 lbs of Tamlipas, MEX is 11-4-1.

Deric Davis remained undefeated with a second round stopped Matias Agustin Arriagada in a four-round lightweight bout.

In round one, Davis dropped Arriagada with a left hook to the body. In round two, Davis landed a flurry of punches that put Arriagada down to the canvas. With Arriagada hurt, Davis landed a leftt hand to the chin that forced another knockdown and the fight was over at 1:15.

Davis, 135.4 lbs of Fort Washington, MD is now 4-0 with four knockouts. Arriagada, 132 lbs of Buenos Aires, ARG is 6-12.

Travon Marshall won a six-round unanimous decision over Midyael Sanchez in a junior middleweight fight.

Marshall, 151.0 lbs of Capitol Heights, MD won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 and is now 10-1. Sanchez, 156 lbs of San Juan, PR is 9-6.

Eric Hernandez won a four-round unanimous decision over Jonatan Godoy in a junior welterweight bout.

Hernandez, 140.6 lbs of Ashburn, VA won by scores of 40-36 and is now 11-1. Godoy, 142 lbs of Buenos Aires, ARG is 7-19-1.

London, UK (4 September 2020) Hennessy Sports are delighted to announce that all boxers, trainers and staff participating in the event tomorrow (Saturday 5 September) at the LS Studio in Wakefield have tested negative for COVID-19.

The main event features Samir Ziani versus Alex Dilmaghani for the Super-Featherweight Championship of Europe, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5 from 10pm tomorrow.

All boxers officially weighed in today at the Holiday Inn, Wakefield:
DOWNLOAD FREE-TO-USE HIGH RES IMAGES FROM TODAY’S WEIGH IN WITH ALL BOXERS HERE

THE SUPER-FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP OF EUROPE

12 x 3 Rounds at 9st 4lb (130lb)

Samir Ziani 9st 3lb 6oz (129.6lb)
vs.
Alex Dilmaghani 9st 3lb 4oz (129.4lb)

8 x 3 Minute Rounds Cruiserweight Contest

Isaac Chamberlain 14st 9lb (205lb)
vs.
Matt Sen 14st 9lb 2oz (205.2lb)

6 x 3 Minute Rounds Middleweight Contest

Michael Hennessy Jr. 11st 4lb 4oz (158.4lb)
vs.
Jamie Stewart 11st 2lb 4oz (156.4lb)

6 x 3 Minute Rounds Super Lightweight Contest

Stephen McKenna 10st 9lb 9oz (149.9lb)
vs.
Gary McGuire 10st 10lb 12oz (150.12lb)

4 x 3 Minute Rounds Super Welterweight Contest

Idris Virgo 11st 13lb 8oz (167.8lb)
vs.
Scott Williams 12st 2lb 8oz (170.8lb)

Samir Ziani vs. Alex Dilmaghani plus Isaac Chamberlain is exclusively LIVE on free-to-air Channel 5 on Saturday night from 10pm. Watch the whole undercard LIVE and free on the Seconds Out You Tube Channel youtube.com/secondsout from 6.30pm.

Presented by Mick Hennessy for Hennessy Sports in association with Ladbrokes, Infinitum, Numan and Everlast, Crayford’s Alex Dilmaghani’s challenge for the European Super-Featherweight Championship against the reigning Champion Samir Ziani from France headlines the card. Brixton cruiserweight title contender Isaac Chamberlain – hot off a third round KO win just under two weeks ago after two years out of the ring – returns to action in an eight-round contest against Wolverhampton’s Matt Sen. Unbeaten Sevenoaks middleweight hot-shot Michael Hennessy Jr. continues on his march towards his first pro title and takes on Stoke-on-Trent’s Jamie Stewart in a six-round contest. One of the world’s hottest emerging young talents, Stevie McKenna from Monaghan, Ireland, based out of California, makes his first pro appearance on UK soil when he takes on Glasgow’s Gary McGuire over six-rounds at lightweight. Birmingham’s undefeated Idris Virgo lit up social media with his sensational one-punch body KO in his last fight and now returns to face Manchester’s Scott Williams at super-welterweight.

Bexleyheath’s Sam Cantwell six-round super-flyweight fight against Westbrook’s Ricky Leach has been cancelled after Leach withdrew from the contest.
For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

London, UK (4 September 2020) Alex Dilmaghani says he’s going for a real belt tomorrow night when he aims to tear the European Super-Featherweight title from Champion Samir Ziani in Wakefield, live on Channel 5.

The Crayford ace is determined to capture the traditional belt before moving on and fighting one of his rivals and is happy to go up or down in weight to face top Brits Carl Frampton or Josh Warrington.

Dilmaghani said, “There’s plenty of plastic belts to be got by beating numpties but this is an exciting fight, a world eliminator, for a beautiful, traditional belt that gets you ranked in the world top five with the WBC and, I think, the IBF.”

“Wins over top names mean even more to me than belts. Samir’s well respected, a warrior like myself. No one can accuse me of padding my record…..a rarity! A legitimate fight, for a legitimate belt and a legitimate ranking.”

He was due to fight Ziani back in April, but when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and the lockdown followed, the fight was postponed, but Dilmaghani put the time to good use and is now fully prepared to face the tough Frenchman.

“I’ve not found lockdown especially hard. I’ve had a relaxing time, catching up with family, movies, lots of reading. With stuff like Netflix and smart phones, this lockdown isn’t as difficult as one in prior eras might have been,”

“From a professional point, I’ve concentrated on more strength work plus fine-tuning my nutrition. I discovered allergies to eggs and bananas which I consumed almost on a daily basis but were causing stomach cramps,”

“Covid has shown the importance of maintaining good health. My weight is fantastic. I pretty much made fight weight at the check weigh-in yet I’m so strong, manhandling welterweights in sparring,”

“After doing some pad work at home with my brother, I’ve had eight weeks with my trainer Lee Wilkins. I’ve had great sparring with Ryan Walsh and Louis Greene,”

“I intend showing I can box and fight. In a 12 round fight, I intend showing every desirable attribute.”

Ziani, a former French and WBC & WBA International Champion, is the most accomplished fighter Dilmaghani as faced so far, the 29-year-old will be making the second defence of his European crown and this will be his first pro-fight in the UK after previously fighting in Spain, Denmark, Morocco, Ukraine and Italy in his 35-fight career.

With only three points losses, the granite chinned Ziani has never been floored and one of his losses was to the to the big-hitting former IBF World Lightweight Champion Richard Commey in a very tight fight that some had Ziani winning.

Dilmaghani is well aware of the threat Ziani poses, but believes he is well prepared with the extra months to get ready in the southpaw versus southpaw battle.

He said, “Samir’s a very tough guy, throws lots of punches, applies lots of pressure. But, technically, I’m far superior as will be evident on fight night. He’s not that much more experienced when you consider that he’s fought three fellas three times,”

“I respect him and his team but thoroughly expect to take his belt and his rankings,”

“I’ve prepared for 12 rounds at a frantic pace but if I clock him clean – right place, right time – and see him hurt, I’ll take him out,”

“Style wise, it’s an attractive match-up for terrestrial TV viewers,”

“I had Christian Arrazola over three times in the first round, I had a landslide against Tuomo Eronen. I’ve fought plenty and always get plenty of southpaw on southpaw sparring to practise combinations which work best against southpaws,”

“You’ve just got to be professional. Besides, the beauty of ‘behind closed doors’ is it’s a level playing field. No one’s at home or away. It’s impartial, no crowd influence.”

Providing he comes through against Ziani, Dilmaghani hopes that promoter Mick Hennessy can secure him a world title fight next year.

“Mick’s an experienced and influential guy and, after maybe one defence, I’d definitely expect to fight for a world title next year, even if it’s behind closed doors,” Added Dilmaghani.

“I intend to win in style. Every world class fighter should aim to impress every outing,”

“Boxing is evolving. Now there’s ice chambers and ever improving nutrition. Careers go on longer – Bernard Hopkins is proof of that. I’m still young and fresh, 29 not 49!”

Samir Ziani vs. Alex Dilmaghani plus Isaac Chamberlain is exclusively LIVE on free-to-air Channel 5 on Saturday night from 10pm. Watch the whole undercard LIVE and free on the Seconds Out You Tube Channel youtube.com/secondsout from 6.30pm.

Presented by Mick Hennessy for Hennessy Sports in association with Ladbrokes, Infinitum, Numan and Everlast, Crayford’s Alex Dilmaghani’s challenge for the European Super-Featherweight Championship against the reigning Champion Samir Ziani from France headlines the card. Brixton cruiserweight title contender Isaac Chamberlain – hot off a third round KO win just under two weeks ago after two years out of the ring – returns to action in an eight-round contest against Wolverhampton’s Matt Sen. Unbeaten Sevenoaks middleweight hot-shot Michael Hennessy Jr. continues on his march towards his first pro title and takes on Stoke-on-Trent’s Jamie Stewart in a six-round contest. One of the world’s hottest emerging young talents, Stevie McKenna from Monaghan, Ireland, based out of California, makes his first pro appearance on UK soil when he takes on Glasgow’s Gary McGuire over six-rounds at lightweight. Birmingham’s undefeated Idris Virgo lit up social media with his sensational one-punch body KO in his last fight and now returns to face Manchester’s Scott Williams at super-welterweight.

Bexleyheath’s Sam Cantwell six-round super-flyweight fight against Westbrook’s Ricky Leach has been cancelled after Leach withdrew from the contest.
For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

London, UK (2 September 2020) As Alex Dilmaghani heads into his crunch showdown with European Super-Featherweight Champion Samir Ziani this Saturday night live on Channel 5, he looks back at his brutal war with Francisco Fonseca last year.

The judges might have deprived Dilmaghani of the victory he felt he merited in his challenge for the vacant IBO Super-Featherweight crown last November, but the classy Crayford contender takes nothing but positives from his Fight of the Year contender with nuclear hitting Nicaraguan Fonseca last November.

Dashing ‘Dilma’ was ahead on all cards after eight rounds but when craniums crashed in round nine, the smooth southpaw was compromised by a horrific cut which severely impaired his vision. Still, he bravely staved off the lethal Latino over the final third to scoop a share of the spoils after 12 high grade but brutally violent rounds.

‘It certainly advanced me, gave greater awareness of my name to the fans in a potential Fight of the Year,’ claimed the articulate and intelligent Southampton University law graduate who remains unbeaten in over nine years and 15 fights (one No Contest).

‘The biggest improvement was to my confidence. I proved several intangibles. Firstly, I absorbed punches from a proven puncher which I knew already as I’ve never been down, amateur, pro or gym and I sparred some ‘killers’ in Mexico. Secondly, I showed heart to cope with a really bad cut and come through. Thirdly, I showed I could sustain a very high pace over a 12 round war. Whilst I always THOUGHT I could, now I KNOW I can.’

The Nicaraguan nightmare, a former two-time world title challenger who’d executed 20 of his 26 victims (just two losses) before the final bell, provided easily the stiffest test of Dilmaghani’s 11 years punching for pay. But the 29 year old ‘Plague’, who served his ring apprenticeship in the vicious gyms and brawl halls of Mexico City, passed the exam with distinction.

‘I don’t enjoy any fight. It’s simply work to me but it confirmed that I belong in world class,’ claimed Alex who now challenges Frenchman Samir Ziani for the European crown at a TV studio in South Kirkby this Saturday (5th). Channel Five broadcast live.

‘It was a ‘bad blood’ type of fight. All eyes were on me. I suppose I could’ve boxed more, moved to the side more, but we didn’t like each other. It was a put your balls on the table type of fight and I felt I beat him at his own game.

‘The butt in round nine didn’t just cut me, it concussed me. I guess it depends how you score but in the close rounds I was the aggressor. I thought I deserved to win. Fonseca might have thrown a few more but I landed cleaner. Afterwards, I felt fine, ready to go again a few days later. Clearly I’m cut from a different cloth, made of different sh**!’

With business unfinished, supremacy unestablished, fight fans were left salivating for a replay but the principals have temporarily opted to tread alternative paths.

‘Fonseca wanted too much money for a rematch but it can still happen down the line,’ disclosed ‘Dilma’.

‘After sharing a war like that, of course there’s respect but we definitely don’t like each other. It’s intense!’

Presented by Mick Hennessy for Hennessy Sports in association with Ladbrokes, Infinitum, Numan and Everlast, Crayford’s Alex Dilmaghani’s challenge for the European Super-Featherweight Championship against the reigning Champion Samir Ziani from France headlines the card. Brixton cruiserweight title contender Isaac Chamberlain – hot off a third round KO win just under two weeks ago after two years out of the ring – returns to action in an eight-round contest against Wolverhampton’s Matt Sen. Unbeaten Sevenoaks middleweight hot-shot Michael Hennessy Jr. continues on his march towards his first pro title and takes on Stoke-on-Trent’s Jamie Stewart in a six-round contest. One of the world’s hottest emerging young talents, Stevie McKenna from Monaghan, Ireland, based out of California, makes his first pro appearance on UK soil when he takes on Glasgow’s Gary McGuire over six-rounds at lightweight. Birmingham’s undefeated Idris Virgo lit up social media with his sensational one-punch body KO in his last fight and now returns to face Manchester’s Scott Williams at super-welterweight. Finally, Bexleyheath’s Sam Cantwell, son of the former British Flyweight Champion, Mickey, faces Westbrook’s Ricky Leach over six-rounds at super-flyweight.

Samir Ziani vs Alex Dilmaghani | Sep 5th Channel 5 Promo
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For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

London, UK (1 September 2020) Gallic God of War Samir Ziani has no intention of allowing the European super-featherweight crown he has worn for the past 19 months to slip from his concrete head, when he cracks skulls with Crayford contender Alex Dilmaghani this Saturday night in Wakefield, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5.

‘After Samir sees off Dilmaghani on Saturday, he’ll definitely hunt world honours,’ states the Frenchman’s Irish manager Gary Hyde, who previously steered brilliant Cuban Guillermo Rigondeaux to world titles.

‘We’ve already had the talks with Top Rank regarding (WBO 130lb ruler) Jamel Herring once we’re able to get Samir a visa to enter the United States. That’s the plan and Alex Dilmaghani certainly isn’t going to spoil it.

The brutish French ogre, from the Toulouse suburb of Blagnac, has been grinding bones to make his bread for over 10 years and 264 pro rounds yet, despite warring with several champions across a host of countries, is yet to be toppled from his feet.

‘Samir’s got a granite chin, fantastic endurance and he’s scared of nobody,’ continues Corkman Hyde who assumed the managerial reins shortly before Ziani collared the EBU belt by smashing Spain’s Juli Giner in Barcelona (RTD6) in February 2019.

‘Even sparring welters, he’s never been over. He fought Richard Commey – a monstrous punching two-time world champion at the weight above – no bother at all. And Samir was a bit hard done by that night (Ziani lost a tight 10 round decision in Denmark in 2014). He was all set to fight Herring for the world title this summer until this Covid hit.’

Beyond the ropes, the 5ft 6in father to an infant son works with the region’s retail giant GiFi. Professionally, he has yielded just three times in 35 paid outings (one draw) and is presently world-ranked by both the WBC (15) and IBF (12). Now 30, he arrives in his physical prime.

‘Samir’s a bubbly little fella, a genuine family man, very pleasant with everyone….until he puts on the gloves!’ claims Hyde.

‘Most southpaws are counter punchers but not this fella. I’d not be giving away any secrets or game plans when I say Ziani fights only one way – in your face from first bell to last.

‘He’ll jump on top of ya, stay on top of ya so you’ve no choice but to fight with him. The punches come at ya, non-stop. He’s very hard to stave off. While he’ll not ‘spark’ Dilmaghani with one, he’ll catch him in abundance, wear him down until he ‘taps out’ or the ref rescues him.’

Mahogany-hard Ziani enters Saturday’s showdown with a huge sway in experience, having previously held minor WBC and WBA baubles at lightweight plus the French national belt down at 9st 4lbs. His CV lists more than double the rounds shown on ‘Dilma’s record. Whilst this is his bow in Britain, he has previously triumphed in Italy, the Ukraine, Morocco and Spain.

‘Samir also had on extensive amateur career, over 80 bouts,’ revealed manager Hyde.

‘As a pro for 10 years, he’s very well-travelled; a consummate professional who doesn’t mind where he fights. The ring might be in England on Saturday but Dilmaghani has no advantage, no home crowd, no home judges.

‘Mick Hennessy has been trying to do this for about 10 months and now we’re here. Dilmaghani’s come up short a few times already so this last chance. He has to win. All the pressure is on Alex, Samir is deadly cool.’

And the Irishman claims his turbo-charged ward shall be pounding some pain into the classy Crayford southpaw come Saturday.

‘The style’s will really match up well because Dilmaghani throws plenty himself. It’s going to be a right battle, all-action, but we’re not here to give up our titles,’ concludes Hyde.

‘I guarantee Samir will give it his very best shot on Saturday and we’re confident that will be more than enough.’

Presented by Mick Hennessy for Hennessy Sports in association with Ladbrokes, Infinitum, Numan and Everlast, Crayford’s Alex Dilmaghani’s challenge for the European Super-Featherweight Championship against the reigning Champion Samir Ziani from France headlines the card. Brixton cruiserweight title contender Isaac Chamberlain – hot off a third round KO win just under two weeks ago after two years out of the ring – returns to action in an eight-round contest against Wolverhampton’s Matt Sen. Unbeaten Sevenoaks middleweight hot-shot Michael Hennessy Jr. continues on his march towards his first pro title and takes on Stoke-on-Trent’s Jamie Stewart in a six-round contest. One of the world’s hottest emerging young talents, Stevie McKenna from Monaghan, Ireland, based out of California, makes his first pro appearance on UK soil when he takes on Glasgow’s Gary McGuire over six-rounds at lightweight. Birmingham’s undefeated Idris Virgo lit up social media with his sensational one-punch body KO in his last fight and now returns to face Manchester’s Scott Williams at super-welterweight. Finally, Bexleyheath’s Sam Cantwell, son of the former British Flyweight Champion, Mickey, faces Westbrook’s Ricky Leach over six-rounds at super-flyweight.

For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

London, England (14 February 2020) British star Alex Dilmaghani will challenge the reigning European Super-Featherweight Champion Samir Ziani for his title on Saturday 25th April at the National Sports Centre, Crystal Palace, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5 in the UK.

Presented by Mick Hennessy for Hennessy Sports in association with Ladbrokes, Channel 5, Infinitum. Tickets are priced at £40 Standard, £70 Ringside and £100 Inner Ringside are on sale NOW from https://myfighttickets.com/

All-action Dilmaghani (19-1-1, 8 KO’s) takes on the rugged Ziani (31-3-1, 6 KO’s) in the main attraction with an action packed undercard that includes Hennessy’s latest hot-signing, the London cruiserweight talent Isaac Chamberlain, who yesterday announced a long-term promotional deal. Further top up-and-coming talents, including unbeaten middleweight prospect Michael Hennessy Jr. will be added to the card.

Dilmaghani, 28, rose to pubic consciousness in his last fight in November at the York Hall when he battled to a thrilling draw against the Nicaraguan Two-Time World title challenger Francisco Fonseca for the IBO World title in one of the fight’s of year for 2019.

The stylish Crayford southpaw is now even more determined and confident that he can become a World Champion after extending hardman Fonseca who had previously taken World Champions Gervonta Davis and Tevin Farmer the distance in World title challenges.

Despite fighting with a bad cut above his left eye from the ninth round, Dilmaghani pressed the fight and although it was very close at the end, many ringside observers felt that Dilmaghani had done enough to be given the decision.

Ziani from Blagnac, France, a former French and WBC & WBA International Champion, will be making the second defence of his European title against Dilmaghani. Well travelled and experienced Ziani, 29, has previously fought in Spain, Denmark, Morocco, Ukraine and Italy in his 35-fight career stretching back to 2010.

Winning the vacant European title by forcing Spaniard Juli Gigner to retire in the sixth round in his Barcelona backyard last year demonstrates that Ziani holds no fear in coming to the UK for the first time to face ‘Dilma’ on his own home soil and put his title on the line.

In his last fight against in October, Ziani successfully made the first defence of his title with a unanimous points decision over the tricky Belgian challenger Faroukh Kourbanov.

With only 3 three points loses on his record, Ziani has never been stopped and one of those was against the big-hitting former IBF World Lightweight Champion Richard Commey in a very tight fight that some had Ziani winning.

Dilmaghani said, “It’s going to be a great fight between two world class operators. We’re both exciting to watch, we both throw a lot of punches and we’re both warriors, but I’m technically better in every aspect and I’ll be victorious. I proved a lot against Fonseca and ticked a lot of boxes like fighting twelve rounds at frantic pace, my solid chin and my warrior spirit at world class level. The European title is a beautiful belt to challenge for with plenty of history and I look at this fight as a World title eliminator. Ziani is well respected and I’m preparing very hard and meticulously as I want his name on my record with a W next to it.”

Ziani said, “I am excited to be coming to London and making the second defense of my EBU title in London against Dilmaghani. We have a very similar style of boxing which will prove to be very exciting for the fans. I watched his fight against Fonseca and I have seen plenty of weakness that I can exploit. I am very confident that I will leave London with my belt.”

Gary Hyde, Ziani’s manager, added, “This is a great chance for Samir to showcase his talent on Channel 5. Dilmaghani is a hungry and determined challenger to take Samir’s belt but he’s coming up against Ziani who has a hell of a lot of experience. Once Ziani makes another successful defense of his title he will close in on a world title by the end of 2020.”

Hennessy is thrilled to deliver a European title opportunity for Dilmaghani in his return and believes that his man can lift the title at the iconic National Sports Centre.

He said, “This is a super fight for Alex to come straight back into and Ziani will bring out the best in him. After his rip roaring battle with Fonseca, which to me was last year’s fight of the year, he’s going in to challenge Ziani who’s the best in Europe with the prestigious European title on the line and it’s live on free to air Channel 5. It’s the traditional, old school, route and a win will elevate him in the ratings towards a major World title opportunity. I’m pleased to be promoting at the historic Crystal Palace where many of the British greats such as Nigel Benn and Lennox Lewis have fought and where Alex will aim now to be crowned champion of Europe.”

For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

London, UK (26 November 2019) Promoter Mick Hennessy is delighted to announce that Alex Dilmaghani’s all-action showdown with Francisco Fonseca on Saturday 16 November had a total reach of just under 2 million viewers on free-to-air Channel 5.

Hot Crayford talent Dilmaghani stepped up to face Nicaragua’s hard-hitting former Two-Time World Title Challenger, Fonseca, with the Vacant IBO World Super-Featherweight Championship on the line, headlining London’s iconic boxing venue The York Hall.

In an exhilarating encounter, Dilmaghani and Fonseca went to war from the first to the last bell with both men fighting at a ferocious pace. Dilmaghani bravely fought through a bad cut sustained from a head clash in the ninth round that hampered the vision in his left eye with the fight scored a draw on the judges’ scorecards, but it is surely a contender for the Fight of the Year award.

The show’s total reach on Channel 5 was just under 2 million and the peak was over 1million during the live two hour show and considering it was broadcast at the same time as the controversial Newsnight Prince Andrew interview, the viewing figures proved to be very impressive.

In addition, this was the first time Dilmaghani had headlined an event and also the first time he was the main attraction live on Channel 5.

Dilmaghani is thrilled that his brutal battle against Fonseca has taken his profile and career to a new level and is looking forward to a massive 2020 when he will again contend for a world title.

Shortly after his fight he posted on his Instagram page: “It’s crazy how my life has changed in such little time. Early last year I was sleeping at the back of the gym in -20 weather with no heating. In the last month I’ve been featured in national newspapers including the times, recently arrived on the world stage and main eventing on national television. Now it’s only going to get bigger and better. 2020 I become world champ. Persistence and pressure are the fundamental foundations of success in life.”

Mick Hennessy, Hennessy Sports’ CEO, said, “I’m extremely pleased that the fight peaked at over a million live viewers and just shy of 2 million in total on Channel 5. These are fantastic figures and we have a proven track record in building boxing stars on Channel 5. It was a riveting and pulsating fight and certainly one of the best I’ve seen in a very long time and I’m delighted that the crowd at the York Hall and the Channel 5 viewers were treated to such a spectacle. I’m more that happy with the public and media’s reaction towards Alex’s world class potential and that will come to fruition next year when he will again challenge for a World title. Alex’s highly anticipated return in 2020 is planned for mid-February to early March and I can’t wait.”

London, UK (20 November 2019) New British boxing star Alex Dilmaghani can’t wait for his first fight of 2020 and is confident he will win a World title after his riveting shoot-out with Francisco Fonseca last Saturday night at the York Hall.

The home of London boxing, that has featured many of the legends and epic fight nights of British boxing, served up another classic as modern-day warriors Dilmaghani and Fonseca went to war for the fans in the iconic hall and for the viewers on Channel 5 in the UK and around the world on YouTube.

They were scheduled to meet in September in Bolton but minutes before the ring walks were due to start, Fonseca was withdrawn by the BBBofC because of sickness. Promoter Mick Hennessy envisioned a barnstormer and potential Fight of the Year candidate back then and it proved to be right with both fighters delivering on the night.

Rescheduled for London and with the Vacant IBO World Super-Featherweight title on the line, the pair went straight into battle from the opening bell, setting a frenetic pace and fought at a blistering intensity around the middle of the ring from the first bell that remained throughout the whole of the action-packed contest.

The pair exchanged a high-volume of hurtful body-punches mixed with fast, hard, combinations and it was hard to separate them early on. Crayford’s classy Dilmaghani appeared to have the quicker hands, higher work-rate, better foot movement and defence by taking the punches on his arms and gloves, but Nicaraguan hardman Fonseca seemed to have the heavier hands and harder punches and was continually pushing forward.

In the ninth round a clash of heads resulted in Dilmaghani getting a bad cut above his left eye that his corner – with cuts man Kerry Kayes – did a superb job to stop it from getting worse and see their man get through to the final bell.

When the scores were read out at the end of the contest, Pawel Kardyni and Roberto Ramirez Jr both had a draw at 114-114, while British judge Howard Foster had it 115-114 to Fonseca.

Whilst Dilmaghani was disappointed not to have been given the nod by the judges’ and not have the IBO title in his possession, he was pleased with his performance and the exciting nature of the fight and believes it will only increase his value.

“I thought I won the fight,” Said Dilmaghani. “It was a very close fight, definitely before I got the cut in the ninth round I felt that I had won everything, overall I had it 8-4 or 7-5 in my favour,”

“It was a great fight and Fonseca was really up for it and gave it everything he had, so I take off my hat to him. It was a war and I felt that I proved that I’ve got the qualities of a great fighter, I’ve got a World class chin and showed I’ve got plenty of heart where people may have doubted it, I think everyone knows that now,”

“I thought that I could’ve boxed more and that is my only regret, but as it turned out I had to ‘war’ it out with him. The fans in the York Hall and viewers on Channel 5 and YouTube certainly got treated to a great fight,”

“I didn’t think Fonseca would last at that pace set from the first bell and I wanted to stop him by grinding him down, that was the game plane, but I couldn’t see out of my left eye from the ninth because of the cut,”

“I’ve got to let my cut heal and have a rest over Christmas, but I’ll be ready to go early next year for whatever my promoter Mick Hennessy has lined up. There’s an option to go down to featherweight, which I can make easily, and campaign there and I’m planned to fight four times next year. One of those will be for a World title and I’m confident that I will become World Champion. My name has certainly increased in awareness now and I’m all set for a big year ahead. I can’t wait.”

Hennessy was thrilled with the pulsating, all-action, fight and felt that his man had done enough to win, whilst surprised with the draw, he believes that the excitement of the fight has increased the Dilmaghani brand and put him in a great position to start 2020.

Hennessy said, “That fight to me is definitely the Fight of the Year, it was one of boxing’s night of nights and an absolutely awe-inspiring contest. Whilst it was called a draw by the judges’, the winner that night was the sport of boxing and Channel 5 for hosting such an incredible fight and the fans and the viewers were treated to a real barnstormer,”

“People think I was crazy about the things I was saying before hand about Alex, but I knew what he could do and he just needed a big fight to show what I was saying and the Fonseca fight was the one to bring it out of him. Now you can see why he’s avoided like the plague by his rivals out there,”

“Looking at the fight with a balanced view, I scored it 7-5 to Alex and the cut from the head clash in the ninth affected him as it impaired his vision. I believe that Alex had the better defence and was taking the majority of punches on his arms, gloves and elbows. That’s not taking away from Fonseca who proved himself to be a real warrior. Fonseca had plenty of time to prepare for Alex, probably around four months in total, including the first postponed fight. For the fights against Gervonta Davis and Tevin Farmer, Fonseca only two weeks’ and five weeks’ notice respectively and we knew he’d come in at his absolute best for Alex. Fonseca was huge at the weight and he’s a dangerous world class fighter when given the right notice,”

“We’ll have to see what opportunities present themselves to Alex before we make a decision going into the new year. The rematch with Fonseca is there, but we were going to move down to featherweight before the Fonseca opportunity arose as he makes super-feather too easy. The plan is for him to have four fights next year and make himself a major household name on Channel 5. I think now with all the fantastic publicity around this fight in the build up and the fight turning out how it did, it’s certainly put Alex up there and he will be a force to be reckoned with.”

London, UK (16 November 2019) Tonight’s big night of World Championship boxing presented by Hennessy Sports from the home of London boxing, The York Hall, Bethnal Green, will be available to watch exclusively live and on free-to-air Channel 5 in the UK from 9pm – 11pm GMT.

A massive night of action starts with the undercard that features the hard-hitting heavyweight talent Lucian Atana and the hot middleweight prospect Michael Hennessy Jr., before switching to two exciting title fights that sees Irish star John Joe Nevin against Freddy Fonseca clash for the Vacant WBA International Super-Featherweight Championship, before Alex Dilmaghani faces Francisco Fonseca for the Vacant IBO World Super-Featherweight Championship.

In addition, Hennessy Sports has made available a Live and Free stream on the Hennessy Sports YouTube channel where it can be viewed around the world. Here’s how to watch:

Live undercard stream (6.45pm – 8.30pm GMT)

Will be available around the world for free. Please view here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1WHHYCVrlk

And you can embed to your site using the following embed code:

Viewers in the UK only will then need to switch over to free-to-air TV coverage on Channel 5 to watch the main event.

Live main event stream (9pm – 11pm GMT)

Will be available for free around the world (except UK) on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_Aiobpkpq8

And you can embed to your site using the following embed code:

Promoted by Mick Hennessy in association with Infinitum, Channel 5 and Priority Promotions, Dilmaghani v Fonseca will be televised exclusively live in the UK on free-to-air Channel 5.

Headline attraction on the card features Alex Dilmaghani versus Francisco Fonseca for the Vacant IBO Super-Featherweight Championship. Chief support sees an exciting clash between Irish star John Joe Nevin v Freddy Fonseca for the WBA International Super-Featherweight Championship. A packed and top quality undercard also features: Fast rising Sevenoaks middleweight talent Michael Hennessy Jnr; Stockwell welterweight Samuel Antwi; Welsh super-featherweight Rhys Edwards; Chelsea Lightweight Connor Marsden; two London based Romanians: super-welterweight Flavius Biea and heavyweight Lucian Atani; Basildon super-lightweight Lewis Smith; Islington middleweight Billy Underwood; Luton super-lightweight Jahid Munim and Islington featherweight Alizara Ghadiri

London, UK (15 November 2019) Here are the official weights from today’s weigh-in for this Saturday’s Hennessy Sports World Championship Boxing event at The York Hall, Bethnal Green, headlined by Alex Dilmaghani v Francisco Fonseca for the Vacant IBO World Super-Featherweight Championship and John Joe Nevin v Freddy Fonseca for the Vacant WBA International Super-Featherweight Championship:

The Vacant IBO World Super-Featherweight Championship
12 x 3 Minute Rounds at 9st 4lbs (130lbs)

Alex Dilmaghani
Crayford, England
9st 3lb 8oz (129.8lbs)

vs.

Francisco Fonseca
Managua, Nicaragua
9st 3lb 5oz (129.5lb)

The Vacant WBA International Super-Featherweight Championship
10 x 3 Minute Rounds at 9st 4lbs (130lbs)

John Joe Nevin
Mullingar, Ireland
9st 3lb 2oz (129.2lb)

vs.

Freddy Fonseca
Managua, Nicaragua
9st 3lb 6oz (129.6lb)

6×3 Minute Rounds Middleweight Contest

Michael Hennessy Jnr.
Sevenoaks, England
11st 5lb 8oz (159.8lb)

vs.

Richard Baba
Szeged, Hungary
11st 5lb 6oz (159.6lb)

Promoted by Mick Hennessy in association with Infinitum, Channel 5 and Priority Promotions, Dilmaghani v Fonseca will be televised exclusively live in the UK on free-to-air Channel 5 and 5Spike.

Headline attraction on the card features Alex Dilmaghani versus Francisco Fonseca for the Vacant IBO Super-Featherweight Championship. Chief support sees an exciting clash between Irish star John Joe Nevin v Freddy Fonseca for the WBA International Super-Featherweight Championship. A packed and top quality undercard also features: Fast rising Sevenoaks middleweight talent Michael Hennessy Jnr; Stockwell welterweight Samuel Antwi; Welsh super-featherweight Rhys Edwards; Chelsea Lightweight Connor Marsden; two London based Romanians: super-welterweight Flavius Biea and heavyweight Lucian Atani; Basildon super-lightweight Lewis Smith; Islington middleweight Billy Underwood; Luton super-lightweight Jahid Munim and Islington featherweight Alizara Ghadiri.

Tickets are available from MyFightTickets: https://myfighttickets.com/shop-1?olsPage=products%2Fhennessy-york-hall

DILMAGHANI V FONSECA HIT THE HEADLINES
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TURF WARS Boxing brothers Freddie and Francisco Fonseca dress as Kray twins as they look to rule East London at York Hall event

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Alex Dilmaghani & John Joe Nevin targeted by ‘The new Krays’

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How to watch Alex Dilmaghani v Francisco Fonseca

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ALI-ESQUE John Joe Nevin believes he has the ability to emulate Muhammad Ali with world title fight at Croke Park

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Alex Dilmaghani v Francisco Fonseca preview and prediction

World Boxing News
Alex Dilmaghani looks forward to Francisco Fonseca clash

Boxing Insider
Alex Dilmaghani: “Luckily For Me, I’m able to fight extremely well”

Boxing Scene
Dilmaghani Motivated To Topple Fonseca, Face Other Champions

15 Rounds
Alex Dilmaghani: I’m ready to go again right now

Boxing Monthly
Avoided like the plague: Alex Dilmaghani interview

British Boxers
Dilmaghani vs Fonseca grudge fight is back on!

Ringside Report
Ringside Report Takes a Closer Look at Boxer Alex Dilmaghani

London, UK (29 October 2019) Alex Dilmaghani headlines the York Hall, Bethnal Green, on Saturday 16th November when he finally takes on world class Nicaraguan Francisco Fonseca with the IBO Super-Featherweight World Championship on the line, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5.

The 28-year-old southpaw super featherweight – slippery, strong and savage in equal measure – stumbled on a pothole in late September when his WBA International Title challenge was scuppered at the 13th hour after Fonseca was withdrawn be BBBofC doctors after citing an illness shortly before the ring walks.

‘Some said Fonseca looked nervous at the weigh-in. Though he was perhaps half an inch taller, I looked bigger all round, far healthier, far stronger,’ claims ‘Dilma’ who is now undefeated in well over eight years and 15 starts, many of which took place in the brawl halls of Mexico where he served a brutal ring apprenticeship.

‘We know Fonseca is big at the weight but he’d had eight weeks to prepare and, in previous articles and interviews, he’d said he’d pretty much been ‘on weight’ for a few weeks.

‘I only learned the fight was off at about five to nine, after I was gloved up, warmed up. When the Board official approached, I just assumed it was to notify me that it was ‘Walk Out’ time. But I knew they’d not joke about something like that. I’m a big student of the sport but I’ve never come across anything remotely similar.

Ferocious Fonseca, a two time world title challenger with dynamite in his fists, had been recruited as a litmus test for the Mick Hennessy promoted Southampton law graduate who had presented himself as a world champion-in-waiting after forcing 25-2-1 Slovakian hard case Martin Parlagi to crack in eight on dazzler Dilma’s UK return at Manchester’s Victoria Warehouse last May.

But, confronted by adversity, the one time hired help for Mexican Hall of Famer Juan Manuel Marquez demonstrated the bloody-mindedness and consummate professionalism that many knowledgeable minds believe will ultimately see him coronated at the highest stage.

My initial emotion was ‘pissed off’. It messes with your mind. I wasn’t good to be around,’ disclosed Dilmaghani.

‘Making weight is not an issue for me – I could still make featherweight, if needed – but you think of all the heartache you’ve put yourself through in prep, the sacrifices you’ve made. You think about the plans you’d made to relax after the fight. You think about not getting the win, not being able to move on.

‘This was my long overdue break at crashing the major rankings, announcing myself on the world stage but there’s no point crying over spilt milk. It dawned there’s nothing I could do to change it. There’ll be many more fights. At least I got the experience of another full camp, press conferences, weigh-in etc. You just have to accept that, in this industry, fights can get called off at late notice…..just not THAT late.

‘I knew if I lost focus, it’d only harm me in the long run so I channelled the anger back into my training. The gym has always been where I go to vent my aggression and I was back there on the Monday (30th).

‘My philosophy is, I train all year round to improve. Similar to martial artists, I treat boxing as a craft that I need to master so I try to improve every day that I’m at the gym. Others might take time off after a fight and harm their bodies, going up and down in weight. Not me.

‘But I know my limits. There’s no risk I’ll go stale. I don’t ‘over push’ it. Sparring puts mileage on the clock so I only do that close to a fight, as a necessity. I took two weeks off sparring after the Sept 28th date but I’ve loads of good sparring recently.

‘I’m ready to go again right now or in three weeks. Nothing will deter me.’

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR MEDIA ACCREDITATION
Promoted by Mick Hennessy in association with Infinitum, Channel 5 and Priority Promotions, Dilmaghani v Fonseca will be televised exclusively live in the UK on free-to-air Channel 5 and 5Spike.

Chief support on the card features an exciting clash between Irish star John Joe Nevin v Freddy Fonseca for the WBA International Super-Featherweight Championship. A packed and top quality undercard also features: Fast rising Sevenoaks middleweight talent Michael Hennessy Jnr; Bexleyheath super-flyweight Sammy Cantwell, son of Mickey, the former British Flyweight Champion; Stockwell welterweight Samuel Antwi; Welsh super-featherweight Rhys Edwards; Chelsea Lightweight Connor Marsden; two London based Romanians: super-welterweight Flavius Biea and heavyweight Lucian Atani; Basildon super-lightweight Lewis Smith; Islington middleweight Billy Underwood; Luton super-lightweight Jahid Munim and Islington featherweight Alizara Ghadiri.

Tickets are available from MyFightTickets: https://myfighttickets.com/shop-1?olsPage=products%2Fhennessy-york-hall

London, UK (18 October 2019) Hennessy Sports are delighted to announce that the salivating super-featherweight shootout between Alex Dilmaghani and Francisco Fonseca is back on!

The high-grade contenders collide over 12 rounds for the Vacant International Boxing Organisation World Title belt at London’s hallowed York Hall, Bethnal Green, on Saturday 16th November, in a fascinating contrast of styles that matches Crayford’s classy Dilmaghani with the nuclear hitting Nicaraguan.

Promoted by Mick Hennessy in association with Infinitum, Channel 5 and Mo Prior of Priority Promotions, Dilmaghani v Fonseca will be televised exclusively live in the UK on free-to-air Channel 5 and 5Spike.

Initially, the potent pair were primed to punch it out at the Bolton Whites Hotel late last month, only for Two-Time World title challenger Fonseca to fall ill prior to the ringwalk. On the advice of the doctors, Mick Hennessy had to make a compassionate call to pull the main event at the last minute and allow Fonseca to recover fully and reschedule for a later date.

But given the quality of this mouthwatering match-up, it was always going to be a case of better seven weeks late than not at all.

Dazzler ‘Dilma’, who enters on an incredible eight and a half year unbeaten streak and who earned lavish plaudits when he returned to Britain from a five-fight exile in North America, to slaughter Slovakian hard case Martin Parlagi in eight at Manchester’s Victoria Warehouse in late May, finally faces the litmus test he has long coveted.

Two-time IBF World class title challenger Fonseca – from the nation that delivered ring legends Alexis Arguello, Ricardo Mayorga and ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez – has been bettered just twice in a 28 fight pro career and has sent 19 of his 25 victims for an early shower. Still only 25, the lethal Latino harbours big world title aspirations in his third world title attempt. It is a genuine world grade match-up.

A talent stacked 13 bout undercard is headed with an intriguing fight between Ireland’s highly decorated ex-amateur star John Joe Nevin, who is ambitiously matched with Fonseca’s equally combustible elder brother Freddy Fonseca for the Vacant WBA International Super-Featherweight Championship.

The magic man from Mullingar won European gold (2013, Minsk) and Olympic silver (London 2012) in the singlet, and has racked up a perfect 13 fight slate since entering the paid brigade in March 2014, sizzling in rings on the US East Coast as well as Ireland and mainland Britain. However, already 31, this mercurial talent needs to roll the dice if he’s to replicate past achievements as a pro.

Victory over Fonseca the Elder will provide Nevin with a short-cut to the major world titles but the savage Central American – world ranked until recently – has lost just four of 32 and 18 stoppage victories suggest he is a serious puncher. It’s certainly no formality.

Promoter Hennessy’s son, Michael Hennessy Jr, an all action, fast-rising, middleweight talent who is undefeated in three, features in a six rounder in what promises to be an unmissable fight night.

Mick Hennessy, CEO of Hennessy Sports, said, “I’m extremely pleased and relieved to finally to see this exciting match up back on and can’t wait to see Alex and Francisco get it on in the ring, I’m sure everyone will agree that it was a fight worth waiting for. Of course, it was very disappointing last time round that it had be cancelled at the very last minute, but we’ve battled hard to ensure that the fight remained on and will now headline at London’s famous and historic York Hall with the IBO World title on the line. A great chief supporting title fight on the card see Irish talent John Joe Nevin take on Francisco’s brother Freddy, they will be determined coming to London to make it a double family victory. With a great undercard also, this is a real fight card coming to the home of London boxing.”

A packed and top quality undercard also features: Bexleyheath super-flyweight Sammy Cantwell, son of Mickey, the former British Flyweight Champion; Stockwell welterweight Samuel Antwi; Welsh super-featherweight Rhys Edwards; Chelsea Lightweight Connor Marsden; two London based Romanians: super-welterweight Flavius Biea and heavyweight Lucian Atani; Tottenham super-lightweight Jeff Ofori; Basildon super-lightweight Lewis Smith; Islington middleweight Billy Underwood; Luton super-lightweight Jahid Munim and Islington featherweight Alizara Ghadiri.

Tickets are available from MyFightTickets: https://myfighttickets.com/shop-1?olsPage=products%2Fhennessy-york-hall

Bolton, UK (28 September 2019) The Vacant WBA International Super Featherweight Championship to be contested this evening between Alex Dilmaghani and Francisco Fonseca at the University of Bolton, Premier Suite, has been cancelled. 

Due to Nicaraguan Fonseca feeling unwell in his dressing room before his ringwalk and then following an examination by doctors, the decision was made by the British Boxing Board of Control to withdraw Fonseca from the contest and he has been referred to hospital for further assessment.  

Whilst Hennessy Sports are disappointed that the main event has had to be cancelled, we understand that Fonseca’s health and safety is paramount and respect the decision.

Bolton, UK (24 September 2019) Nicaragua’s iron-fisted Francisco Fonseca believes Alex Dilmaghani has bitten off far more than he can chew by agreeing to face-off against the formidable former Two-Time World title challenger at the Premier Suite, University of Bolton, on Saturday 28th September.

Presented by Hennessy Sports and VIP Promotions, in association with Infinitum and Voltarol, Dilmaghani v Foneseca is exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5 this Saturday from 9pm.

The WBA International Super-Featherweight Championship – and a lofty world top-ten rating – are at stake in this high-grade collision and the mix of styles should mesh to produce a potential classic.

‘Dilma’ might be four years Fonseca’s senior, profiting from home advantage and undefeated in over eight years but that certainly doesn’t daunt the destroyer from the land that delivered ring legends such as Alexis Arguello and ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez.

Coached by his older brother Jose Fonseca and two weight WBA World Champion champion Rosendo Alvarez – the ONLY boxer to put a stain on Mexican great Ricardo Lopez’s brilliant 52 fight unbeaten career (TD8, 1998) – the lethal Latino arrived in Bolton last night boasting seven more pro starts, 41 more pro rounds and a record that lists as many stoppages (19) as Dilmaghani has wins.

Eight of the explosive-hitting Nicaraguan’s quick wins have come by clean count out. Make no mistake, the dangerous Fonseca brings serious firepower with a capital F and poses a significant threat to Dilmaghani’s ambitions.

Life began in El Rama, central Nicaragua in March 1994, although the family migrated south to seek a better life in Costa Rica, when feisty Francisco was just six.

‘We are 6 children in total, The three boys of us all boxed. I was introduced to the sport, aged 14, by my older brother Jose, a pro, who has already retired. My other brother is Freddy Fonseca (a 27-3-1 world ranked ex WBA 130lb challenger), who has just lost in Japan last weekend. Twice the three of us fought in the same show as pro,’ disclosed Francisco through an interpreter.

‘As an amateur boxer, I had 70 fights, only 6 losses. Several times I was the national champion.

I like both styles, countering but also exchanging punches.’

Restricted to a four-round draw during his debut as a teenager back in December 2013, the Managua based banger then blitzed 19 successive opponents, with 13 of the vanquished failing to finish.

The only other blemishes on his stellar 25-2-1 slate were a brace of IBF world title reverses over in the USA to two of the world’s elite, firstly to Gervonta Davis (LKO8, August 2018) and then Tevin Farmer (LPTS12, December 2018). Still only 25, fiery Frankie certainly hasn’t surrendered his dream of securing a World title crown.

In addition to starring in Costa Rica, the Nicaraguan nightmare has previously wreaked havoc in Panama, El Salvador and the USA as a pro so certainly won’t be fazed by his maiden European venture and sent a .

‘I am really looking forward to fighting in the UK, as it’s such a big place for boxing,’ states the 5ft 7 ½ in boxer-banger who has already racked up a hat-trick of stoppage wins in 2019.

‘I know I must win this fight to get a new shot at the world title again. It could be either points or stoppage but I will win.

‘Though I was unsuccessful in those two previous chances at world level, I fought solid champions. Both fights left me great experiences and I know my experience in world title fights will be the key to winning this fight.

‘I’ve watched Dilmaghani and I can see he has good boxing skills. That’s why I am sure it will be a very good fight.

‘My message to him is, ‘Make sure you train hard because I am 100% ready and motivated.’

Chief support on the talent stacked card sees undefeated starlets Jack ‘The Giant Killer’ Flatley and Harry ‘Hammer Time’ Scarff fight it out over 10 rounds for the former’s English Super-Welterweight Championship. Bolton wonder Flatley, a former national amateur finalist at both junior and senior level, is yet to be beaten in 16 but the ex-England international can expect to be stretched right to the limit by 7-0 Derby six footer Scarff in a mouthwatering match-up.

Promoter Hennessy’s son, Michael Hennessy Jr, an all action middleweight who is undefeated in two, is set to feature in a six rounder.

A full undercard featuring several of Steve Wood’s rising talents is set to garnish an unmissable night of entertainment.

Passions are sure to run high when Darwen’s robust Mickey Ellison (9-2) locks horns with Manchester technician Charlie Schofield (unbeaten in 16) in a seriously spicy looking Eliminator for the English Super-Middleweight Championship.

Popular Wigan welterweight James Moorcroft and Oldham’s turbo charged Andy Kremner will be banking to triumph in separate six rounders before clashing against each other back at the Bolton Whites in December. The former goes up against Manchester circuit fighter Sam Omidi whilst the returning Kremner seeks to become the first to stop Cannock tough man Lee Gunter.

Prestwich pressure fighter Sean Ben Mulligan, beaten just once in 11, endeavours to edge yet further up the domestic super-welter rankings by prevailing in a Roses rumble with 71 fight Driffield warmonger Danny ‘Lethal’ Little.

Wigan lightweight Rhiannon Dixon makes her exciting debut over four rounds against nine fight Lithuanian Vaida Maseokaite, a regular visitor to these shores.

Stretford’s Bradley Rea, Wigan’s Andrew Fleming and Stockport’s Jack Booth are three local lads who’ll be seeking to extend their perfect slates. Middleweight Rea, described as ‘a serious talent’ by promoter Wood, will be hoping to go seven-up in an Anglo-Scottish affair with Stranraer’s significantly more seasoned Paul Allison. Also over six, Fleming, a strong super-lightweight southpaw, intends to stretch his streak to eight against an opponent still to be announced while Matthew Hatton’s all-action super-middle starlet Booth will be looking to defuse ‘Baltic Bomber’ Genadij Krejevskij from Lithuania in an intriguing international four-rounder.

London, UK (23 September 2019) After boldly introducing himself to the British boxing public with a sizzling stoppage of Slovakia’s Martin Parligi, who had never been stopped, in late May, classy Crayford super-featherweight Alex Dilmaghani aims to gatecrash the top end of the world rankings when he squares off with dynamite-punching and two-time World Challenger Francesco Fonseca in a world grade shootout at the Premier Suite, University of Bolton, on Saturday 28th September. 

Presented by Hennessy Sports and VIP Promotions, in association with Infinitum and Voltarol, Dilmaghani v Foneseca is exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5 this Saturday from 9pm.

The 130lb rivals challenge for the Vacant WBA International Super-Featherweight title and, more poignantly, a top five position in the governing body’s world rankings.

Nicarguan Fonseca, a former two-time IBF title challenger, has sent 19 of his 25 victims for an early shower and is sure to harbour world title aspirations of his own. He promises to present the litmus test that the much avoided Dilmaghani has long coveted.

‘Plenty of others collect high world rankings by picking up meaningless paper titles without actually fighting anyone of note. But that’s certainly not what I’m about,’ declared dazzling ‘Dilma’, 28, who destroyed hardman Parligi in eight in a sensational homecoming at Manchester’s Victoria Warehouse, having served a blue-chip five year ring apprenticeship in North America. 

That sizzling showing cornered critical acclaim from the cognoscenti and now the 29 year old Anglo-Iranian is salivating to go again, against even stiffer competition.

‘I don’t view Fonseca as a big threat. It’ll be just another day to me,’ states super confident Dilmaghani.

‘Last time, I dominated a good guy who had a very undervalued amateur pedigree – Martin once beat Andrew Selby – and he’d only lost twice, both by marginal decision, in 28 pro fights. And I didn’t just beat him up, I stopped him in first gear. He quit on me before I could hit second gear! Parligi was supposed to be a huge step up for me but it proved an easy night.’ 

That stellar showing not only revealed Dilmaghani as one of Britain’s best kept ring secrets but also alerted fans of his intriguing background story that saw him raised by his mum, combat racial prejudices, graduate in law at Southampton University, then master his craft in the sweat shop gyms and fight clubs of Mexico and Canada.

He says: ’The fight was shown live on network tv and I’ve had a lot of great feedback since. 

‘A lot more people are keen to communicate with me now. I’m a humble guy who knows what comes with success but I prefer to keep my circle small.’

Whilst his silky southpaw skills are significant, the Redhill born rumbler believes it’s his agile mind that distinguishes him.

‘I’m a relatively educated, meticulous person and, if I set my mind to something, it gets done. I’m very, very serious about boxing. It isn’t a game to me. I don’t just seek to win, I look to dominate, be impressive….and that’s a mentality every great fighter should have. 

A few may work as hard in the gym but they don’t study the game as intensely as I do. I live and breathe boxing. I’m OCD with it.  

‘Going from my spars and fights thus far, I have supreme confidence in what I can do. Apart from sparring the great Juan Manuel Marquez at his Romanza Gym in Mexico City years ago, when I was a young apprentice, I’ve never been inside a ring with anybody who I felt was comfortably better than me. I’ve sparred against some big names and let me tell you they found it difficult to handle the intense pressure when I put on them.  I just take one fight at a time but I know I’m on the right path to becoming a world champion. “

Mastered just once in 21 and presently undefeated in well over eight years, the smooth but spiteful southpaw – five stoppages in his last seven – knows that victory over the formidable Fonseca will catapult him to the cusp of the major world title fight he craves. 

He concludes: ‘The beautiful thing about this fight is, after years of being overlooked, when I crash the ratings after taking care of Francisco, one of the world champions could be stupid enough to choose me for a voluntary!’

London, England (20 September 2019) North-west fight fans get a second chance to savour the smooth southpaw skills of soaring super-featherweight Alex Dilmaghani when the fast rising star tops the Premier Suite, University of Bolton Stadium, Bolton on Saturday 28th September, exclusively live on Channel 5 from 9pm.

The classy 28-year-old from Crayford, Kent, who enters on an incredible eight and a half year unbeaten streak and who earned lavish plaudits when he returned to Britain from a five year campaign in North America – to defeat the Slovakian hard case Martin Parlagi at Manchester’s Victoria Warehouse in late May – shall be seeking to smash his way into the world ranking’s by neutralising Nicaragua’s nuclear hitting and two-time World title challenger Francisco Fonseca.

The high-grade contenders collide over 12 rounds for the Vacant WBA International belt – and a guaranteed world rating – in a salivating contrast of styles that stands as a world title eliminator in all but name. The show will be promoted by Mick Hennessy in association with Steve Wood VIP Boxing Promotions, screened live in the UK on free-to-air Channel Five and 5Spike.

Originally, Dilmaghani was scheduled to headline for the first time in his home county of Kent but due to unforeseen venue difficulties with The Mote Park Theatre, promoter Hennessy has switched to where dazzler Dilma was so well received in late spring.

The frighteningly focussed Southampton University law graduate who took himself to Mexico to learn under legendary trainer Nacho Beristain and alongside the great Juan Manuel Marquez is unlikely to be unsettled by the late switch, but promoter Hennessy tendered the following explanation.

‘We apologise to the fans who were expecting Alex to headline in Kent for the first time, but at this short notice we have had no alternative but to move the fight,”

‘Nevertheless, we’re delighted to work again in association with renowned promoter Steve Wood and his VIP Boxing Promotions team who already had a great show in place for that date and now with Dilmaghani v Fonseca added as the main event, together we are thrilled to present a fantastic evening of Championship Boxing, live on Channel 5,”

‘Alex will get a fabulous opportunity to show why he is the dangerman in the 130lb division and why he has been avoided like the plague by his rivals.  This is a real fight for Alex against a hard and experienced fighter in Fonseca who only has two very competitive losses against elite world level fighters in Gervonta Davis and Tevin Farmer.  I’m seriously excited about this fight and I can’t wait to see Alex perform to his best and show precisely what I have been talking about – that’s he’s boxing’s best kept secret.”

Chief support on the talent stacked undercard sees undefeated starlets Jack ‘The Giant Killer’ Flatley and Harry ‘Hammer Time’ Scarff fight it out over 10 rounds for the former’s English super-welter title. Bolton wonder Flatley, a former national amateur finalist at both junior and senior level, is yet to be beaten in 16 but the ex-England international can expect to be stretched right to the limit by 7-0 Derby six footer Scarff in a mouthwatering match-up.

Wood is thrilled to add the premium Dilmaghani-Fonseca title showdown to top his already quality stacked show and deliver fans a thrilling night of action.  He said, “It was short notice, but I’m pleased that VIP Boxing Promotions could assist Mick Hennessy and Channel 5. We’re excited to add the International title fight between Dilmaghani and Fonseca to the show that will compliment the English title showdown between the unbeaten contenders Flatley and Scarff, plus some of our best young talent will get tremendous exposure on 5Spike.”

Promoter Hennessy’s son, Michael Hennessy Jr, an all action middleweight who is undefeated in two, is set to feature in a six rounder and a full undercard featuring several of Steve Wood’s rising talents is set to garnish an unmissable night of entertainment.

Passions are sure to run high when Darwen’s robust Mickey Ellison (9-2) locks horns with Manchester technician Charlie Schofield (unbeaten in 16) in a seriously spicy looking eliminator for the English super-middleweight belt.

Popular Wigan welterweight James Moorcroft and Oldham’s turbo charged Andy Kremner will be banking to triumph in separate six rounders before clashing against each other back at the Bolton Whites in December. The former goes up against Manchester circuit fighter Sam Omidi whilst the returning Kremner seeks to become the first to stop Cannock tough man Lee Gunter.

Prestwich pressure fighter Sean Ben Mulligan, beaten just once in 11, endeavours to edge yet further up the domestic super-welter rankings by prevailing in a Roses rumble with 71 fight Driffield warmonger Danny ‘Lethal’ Little. 

Wigan lightweight Rhiannon Dixon debuts over four rounds against nine fight Lithuanian Vaida Maseokaite, a regular visitor to these shores. 

Stretford’s Bradley Rea, Wigan’s Andrew Fleming and Stockport’s Jack Booth are three local lads who’ll be seeking to extend their perfect slates. Middleweight Rea, described as ‘a serious talent’ by promoter Wood, will be hoping to go seven-up in an Anglo-Scottish affair with Stranraer’s significantly more seasoned Paul Allison. Also over six, Fleming, a strong super-lightweight southpaw, intends to stretch his streak to eight against an opponent still to be announced while Matthew Hatton’s all-action super-middle starlet Booth will be looking to defuse ‘Baltic Bomber’ Genadij Krejevskij from Lithuania in an intriguing international four-rounder. 

Hennessy Sports would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused to the supporters and local fighters on the original card.  Members of the public who have purchased tickets for the Mote Park Theatre can go to their original point of purchase for a full refund.

London (6 September 2019) Classy super-featherweight Alex Dilmaghani aims to punch himself into the 130lb world rankings and line up a world title fight when he faces the dangerous Nicaraguan Francisco Fonseca at Mote Hall, Mote Park, Maidstone, on Saturday 28th September, live on terrestrial free-to-air Channel 5 in the UK.

A fistful of fighters from the home isles already feature in the 130lb world rankings, but criminally, the super talented 28 year old southpaw – who is now undefeated in his last 15 starts spanning well over eight years – isn’t among them.

However, the dashing ‘Dilma’ – now under the guidance of renowned promoter Mick Hennessy – is determined to show he deserves to be listed alongside the best in the division by scalping the lethal Latino.

The 25 year old from the nation that delivered ring legends Alexis Arguello, Ricardo Mayorga and ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez has been bettered just twice in a 28 fight pro career that has brought a daunting 19 stoppage wins.

Both reverses on Fonseca’s slate came in IBF world title tilts on megashows over in the USA. Baltimore’s Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis stopped him in eight (contentious) on the Mayweather-McGregor undercard in Las Vegas (2017), while Philadelphia’s Tevin Farmer edged him out on points over 12 on a ‘Canelo’ Alvarez card at the hallowed Madison Square Garden, New York last December. Fonseca has rebounded with a hat-trick of impressive stoppage wins in 2019 and is clearly a major player within the division.

Dilmaghani, a Southampton University law graduate who conquered his craft under arguably the sport’s finest contemporary coach ‘Nacho’ Beristain at the world renowned Romanza Gym in Mexico City, is positively salivating at the prospect of breaking out into genuine world class.

‘Many other leading contenders turned down the opportunity to face me on this date but Fonseca showed he’s a true gladiator by stepping up,’ stated Dilmaghani, who copped rave reviews for his eight round slaughter of 25-2-1 Slovakian Martin Parlagi – who had never been stopped – in his first British start for almost six years in late May.

He added, ’But Fonseca will be dealt with accordingly. I’ve stopped seven of my last 10 and will certainly be seeking an eighth here. I expect another fantastic win on free to air terrestrial TV that’ll expose my talents and take me a step closer to the world title fight that is my destiny.’

Hennessy is delighted to bring national free-to-air broadcaster Channel 5 to Kent for a big night of boxing. He said, “I’m really going to be banging the drum for Alex now and with Channel 5’s backing I firmly believe that he is going to become a big star on the channel. The fight against Fonseca, who is a world class operator, is just the type of fight Alex needs and it will bring the best out in him. When people see it put on him that is when he will really shine and his heart and talent will be clear to all. I’m really excited with this main event fight and we’ll announce a quality undercard over the next few days.”

Tickets are priced at £40 and £75 (VIP) and are available from MyFightTickets at https://myfighttickets.com/shop-1?olsPage=products%2Fhennessy-mote-park

London, UK (26 May 2019) Former World Heavyweight title challenger Hughie Fury halted the previously undefeated Chris Norrad inside two rounds at the Victoria Warehouse, Manchester, last night to put himself back on track towards a world title shot.

The Manchester star looked in sensational shape in his first fight back since his loss to Kubrat Pulev last October and knew that he had to put on a solid performance for the fans and viewers on Channel 5.

Fury took command from the start and was the aggressor as he landed with sharp jabs and unloaded with hard power punches to Norrad’s head and body, midway in the first round he landed with a hard right to the back of Noarrad’s head that hurt the Canadian.

In the second, Fury was on the front foot again and asserted his power and halfway through the round two big right hands dropped Norrad, up at the referees count of nine he was still hurt and it was waved off at 1:51.

Afterwards, Fury thanked his team of father and trainer Peter and renown strength and conditioner Kerry Kayes for transforming his diet and training, he said “I felt a lot strong and a lot fitter and I’m ready now to fight anyone. All the experience I’ve had including the losses is all experience, I’m young and making me the final article for the future.”

On the undercard, female sensation Savannah “The Silent Assassin” Marshall demolished Borislava Goranova – who had not been stopped in nearly seven years – in the first round with a hard left hook to the body that flattened the Bulgarian.  The WBA Intercontinental Super-Middleweight Champion from Hartlepool continues to close in on a mega-showdown against undisputed World Champion Claressa Shields.

In his first fight in the UK in for five and half years, exciting super-featherweight title contender Alex Dilmaghani became the first man to stop the tough Czech Martin Parlagi in the eighth round.  Dilmaghani credited his time in the hard gyms of Mexico that have turned him into a pressure fighter and he’ll now look to drop down to featherweight and face one of the leading domestic names.

Standout amateur and pro-debutant Michael Hennessy Jr. made a great start to his career when he outpointed 33-fight veteran Adam Grabiec.  The Seven Oaks hot prospect – son of promoter Mick Hennessy – passed the traditional four rounds entry for a pro debut and opted for the harder six-rounds.

FULL FIGHT CARD RESULTS 

10 x 3 International Heavyweight Contest

Hughie Fury WKO2 (Time 1:51) Chris Norrad

10 x 3 International Super Featherweight Contest

Alex Dilmaghani WTKO8 (Time 0:44) Martin Parlagi

6 x 2 International Super Middleweight Contest

Savannah Marshall WKO1 (Time 1:11) Borislava Goranova

6×3 Middleweight Contest

Michael Hennessy Jr WPTS6 (60-55) Adam Grabiec

6×3 Featherweight Contest

Marcel Braithwaite WPTS6 (60-54) Jake Pollard

6×3 Super Lightweight Contest

Kane Gardner LPTS4 (37-38) Des Newton

4×3 Welterweight Contest

Jake James WTD3 (30-27) Lee Hallett
Referee halts fight on doctors advice in 3rd round after Hallett cut above left eye in 2nd from a head clash 

4×3 Welterweight Contest

Connor Lynch WPTS4 (40-36) Dylan Draper

London, UK (25 May 2019) With Channel 5 cameras rolling live, the slick and super savvy southpaw resurfaces from an anonymous five year stint in the rough and tough finishing schools of Mexico City and Toronto to flaunt his considerable wares in a tasty 12 round international tear-up against  Slovakian beast Martin ‘Cracker’ Parlagi. 

‘When I review my career, later in life, I intend to have been involved in big fights. I expect to become a world champion and a great fighter,’ declares the 27 year old Southampton University law graduate.

‘Early in my career, I saw others focussing more on selling tickets than developing as fighters. So I fled to educate myself at boxing’s best ‘universities’ in Mexico City. I sparred several world champions including the great Juan Manuel Marquez.

‘Now, thanks to Mick (Hennessy, his new manager-promoter), I return to Britain as a potential bill-topper. I believe Mick has already pencilled in a few more statement fights for this year and I trust him to deliver ‘good and often’. 

‘My mum and brother who are very important to me are both here (Dad passed away when Alex was very young) and boxing is booming in Britain right now. In terms of support and interest, if not talent, it’s probably the world leader. The British sell out stadiums.’

Dilmaghani is not shy of stating his ambitions, he wants the big showdowns and is prepared to drop down to 126lbs to face leading domestic names Carl Frampton and the winner out of Josh Warrington’s fight against Kid Galahad.

He said, “I’m back on these shores now and I’m campaigning to fight the best in the country and that’s the trio of Frampton, Warrington and Galahad.  I feel I’m ready now to be let off the leash against them and the thought of fighting any of them gets my juices flowing.  I’m in the business to fight the best and to prove myself so I’ll have to force myself into the mix, but I’m confident in my abilities and know I could handle any of them.”

The Iranian descendant first entered the professional ranks at the age of just 17 and with negligible amateur breeding.

‘I’d always been a real student of the game, reading books about the old-time greats like Sam Langford, Jack Johnson and Charley Burley. But I never got actively involved. The nearest gym was some way away and, besides, I enjoyed my food!’ quips the 5ft 8in contender who is now coached by the upwardly-mobile Lee Wilkins at the Body Shots Gym in Crayford.

‘I finally started at the Whitehawk ABC in Brighton when I was away at university. I only had a handful of amateur fights but won them all bar one when I was blatantly, blatantly robbed. Though I was only 17, Ronnie Davies (long-time coach to the Eubank clan) told me I was more than good enough to go pro.’ 

With one sole early points loss in career, he has remained undefeated in eight years and 14 fights since, expanding his global fan club with five wins in Mexico and a further seven in Canada. So what can U.K fans expect from his homecoming this weekend?

‘I compare myself to (Hall of Fame ex world light-middle champ)Winky Wright. Aggressive yet defensive minded. It’s not just because I’m relatively academic but I’ve developed a good boxing brain,’ claims Dilmaghani who has stopped four of his last six.

‘I’m an all-rounder. Very quick with a great chin. I’ve never been close to getting knocked down. And I fully respect the sport. Boxing is like a prison term. I’ve learned to live the life. Eat right, avoid idiots.’ 

Though heavyweight Hughie Fury formally headlines Saturday’s card, ace Alex intends to be the name on everyone’s lips once the duelling is done.

‘Every time I step between the ropes, it’s my intention to impress,’ says Dilmaghani.

‘Parligi brings a good amateur pedigree and has had a lot of pro fights, more wins than me. I’ve studied tapes and he’s a rough, tough operator but, trust me, I tamed plenty of those over in Mexico!

‘Boxing is a nasty, dangerous business so I always wish the opposition good health but whatever Martin brings I’ll have the answer for.  I have everything over him; speed, technique, stamina, youth…

‘I expect to put on a fantastic show and probably stop him. I train way, way too hard for opponents to last the 12 round distance with me!’

London, UK (16 May 2019) Alex Dilmaghani was born in Redhill, Surrey, of Iranian ancestry but, following just a fistful of amateur bouts and eight pro starts in the U.K, the then 22 year old southpaw boldly uprooted to the sweltering slums of Mexico City to fast track his ring education.

‘I HAD to go abroad if I was to progress’ admits the well-spoken 27 year old, who holds a law degree from Southampton University.

‘I chose Mexico because it’s a great country and the Mexicans are really great people. It has a great boxing tradition and so many genuinely hungry fighters.’

The Iranian knight entered the profession as a callow 17 year old under the wing of long-term Eubank mentor Ronnie Davies way back in April 2009. Over the next four and a half years he racked up seven wins in eight starts – without ripping up too many trees – prior to taking the plunge across the Atlantic in early 2014.

Based at the capital city’s world famous Romanza Gym, Dilmaghani lapped up the wisdom of Hall of Fame trainer and national treasure Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Beristain.

‘I only started to take boxing seriously once I moved over to Mexico City,’ declared Dilmaghani who had the privilege sharing gym space with native all-time great Juan Manuel Marquez, the seven-time, four division world champion.

‘I did all my proper learning over there; how to train, how to fight, how to live. It was in the gyms of Mexico City that I developed all the subtle stuff, a proper stance, how to put your hip and shoulders into punches, the real science of boxing.

‘I meticulously studied the way (Juan Manuel) Marquez conditioned himself. He possibly wasn’t the hardest trainer I’ve ever worked alongside but he was definitely the most specific. Everything he did had genuine purpose.’

On a daily basis, the young ‘gringo’ challenged himself to survive then thrive against some seriously sinister hombres.

‘I sparred Juan Manuel in the build up to the last Pacquiao fight and, trust me, he lacks for nothing; very smart, very skilful. I also sparred lots of rounds with (three-time, two-weight world champion) Jhonny Gonzalez and (former WBC super-feather boss) Francisco Vargas. The sparring over there was always very hard,’ recalls Alex.

Between 2014-2017, the Azteca adventurer triumphed in all five fights in the Land of the Sombrero, completing the 10 round trip for the first time, and making quite a commotion by bombing out three hapless victims for the full ten count.

‘Mexico was a sacrifice I had to make and ended up a brilliant life experience,’ he says.

‘It took me out of my comfort zone, taught me not just about boxing but about life in general. It built mental strength. Though I’ve many great friends in Mexico now, initially I arrived on my own and couldn’t speak a word of Spanish.’

And having graduated the grime of Mexico, academic Alex attended a two-year finishing school in Canada, having been headhunted by Toronto promoter Lee Baxter in late 2016.

‘In Canada, a beautiful place, I may not have learned so much but, career wise, it was a great move for me, more about the fights than the training,’ claims Dilmaghani, who further expanded his global fan club by remaining undefeated in seven Canadian starts (one No Contest) which included a further three early finishes.

Having survived America, the stylish Surrey southpaw (now an impressive 18-1-1NC), is intent on conquering Britain and dazzling UK fight fans with his unique cosmopolitan skill set.

‘Apprenticing abroad will undoubtedly stand me in good stead,’ insists Alex who recently penned a deal with manager- promoter Mick Hennessy and features in a 12 rounder against Slovakian hard case Martin ‘Cracker’ Parlagi at Manchester’s Victoria Warehouse on Saturday week.

‘Living away from home, alone and so young, certainly taught me how to cope with pressure. I was living in a ghetto over there and the British inner cities just don’t compare. It was a seriously dangerous place. I came through and now nothing can faze me.’

Promoted by Hennessy Sports, Channel 5 and Infinitum, in association with VIP Promotions, Hughie Fury headlines an action packed show on Saturday 25th May at the Victoria Warehouse, Manchester, when he takes on undefeated Canadian Chris Norrad. Exciting super-featherweight Alex Dilmaghani faces the hardened Martin Parlagi. Female super-middleweight sensation Savannah Marshall returns to action. Steve Brogan defends his Central Area Lightweight Championship against rival Adam Hague and completing the card will be Matty Fagan, Connor Lynch and Marcel Braithwaite.

Tickets priced at £40 & £70 are available from http://vipboxing.tv/shop/vip-tickets/hughie-fury-saturday-25th-may-victoria-warehouse/ and 01942 874 241

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