NEW YORK CITY (May 29, 2025) — At 16, Puerto Rican rising star Xander Zayas became Top Rank’s youngest signee. Now, at just 22, he’s ready to seize his first world title.

Zayas will take on upset-minded Mexican puncher Jorge Garcia for the vacant WBO junior middleweight world championship on Saturday, July 26, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.

In the co-feature, Brooklyn native Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington and unbeaten Namibian Mateus Heita will collide for the WBC interim featherweight world title.

And, in the eight-round televised opener, Mexican American prospect Emiliano Fernando Vargas returns against Ecuador’s Alexander Espinoza in a junior welterweight showdown.

Zayas-Garcia, Carrington-Heita, and Vargas-Espinoza will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions, tickets go on sale Friday, June 6 at 12 p.m. ET and can be purchased via Ticketmaster.com.  

“When we signed Xander at the age of 16, he was a teenager with all the potential in the world. He’s now an accomplished young contender with a tremendous opportunity to win his first world title,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Jorge Garcia has been impressive lately, and I expect an action-packed, dramatic main event at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.”

Zayas (21-0, 13 KOs) looks to become Puerto Rico’s next world champion almost six years after turning pro as a 17-year-old. He became a contender in August 2022 after knocking out Elias Espadas to win the NABO title. Zayas has made seven defenses of the NABO strap, including one-sided decisions over Damian Sosa and former world champion Patrick Teixeira in 2024. He kicked off his 2025 campaign in February with a savage ninth-round stoppage over German puncher Slawa Spomer. Zayas grew up idolizing Miguel Cotto, another Puerto Rican standout who turned pro under the Top Rank banner. Cotto won his first world title, the WBO junior welterweight strap, in September 2004. More than two decades later, Zayas looks to follow the lead of his boxing hero.

??”This is a dream I’ve worked hard for my entire life. I’ve got a good opponent in Jorge Garcia, a Mexican hungry to become a world champion,” Zayas said. “But I’m ready to raise the Puerto Rican flag high in victory and become a world champion at 22 years old. See you all on July 26.”

Garcia (33-4, 26 KOs) enters the assignment against Zayas riding an eight-fight winning streak, which began with a seventh-round knockout over then-unbeaten countryman Hector Andres Reyes in June 2023. During that streak, he has played the road warrior role, knocking out Angel Cruz Johnson in the Dominican Republic and Roarke Knapp in South Africa. In April, Garcia snatched the ‘0’ of the highly touted unbeaten U.S. Olympian Charles Conwell, securing a split decision over “Bad News” in Oceanside, California. The good news from the Conwell triumph was a WBO No. 2 ranking and a shot at the title.

“A lot of people thought I wasn’t going to win my last fight, but I scored a stunning upset,” said Garcia. “Even though I was the underdog, I shocked the world. This fight won’t be any different. Becoming a world champion is my dream, and I’m ready to make it come true on July 26 with a dominant win over Xander Zayas. Mexico will have a new champion this summer.”

Carrington (15-0, 9 KOs) has not found a long list of willing dance partners as he’s ascended the featherweight hierarchy. He’s ranked No. 1 by the WBC and WBO, No. 2 by the WBA, and No. 4 by the IBF, the result of several high-profile victories against seasoned veterans. Carrington went 4-0 in 2024, beginning the year in February with a highlight-reel stoppage of Bernard Torres and ending it with a shutout decision over Dana Coolwell on the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson bill. “Shu Shu” took out his frustration on Jose Enrique Vivas in March, becoming the first man to stop the Mexican pressure fighter. After knocking down Vivas in round two, Carrington ended the fight in the third. 

“It’s always a thrill to fight in my city, and I can’t wait to bring the ‘Shu Shu Show’ back to The Theater at Madison Square Garden,” Carrington said. “The featherweight division is full of champions who have refused my challenge, so I credit Heida for accepting. That said, I will take out my frustration on him on July 26 and continue putting the division on notice.”

Heita (14-0, 9 KOs) is the latest hopeful from Namibia, a coastal African nation that has produced world champions Julius Indongo, Paulus Moses, and Paulus Ambunda in recent years. A stablemate of longtime contender Jeremia Nakathila, Heita turned pro as a junior featherweight in 2018, going 9-0 before moving up in weight. Last November, he stopped Tatenda Biningu in nine rounds to win the WBO Africa featherweight title. In April, Heita notched a one-sided 12-round decision over South Africa’s Abdulaziz Kunert.

“I’ve proven to the world that I’m a world-class boxer, and facing the best has always been my ambition because I believe I’m destined for greatness,” said Heita. “I see Bruce as just another obstacle to becoming a world champion. There’s nothing particularly special about him — he’s simply another challenge I will overcome.”

Vargas (14-0, 12 KOs), the youngest son of former world champion Fernando Vargas, has continued to live up to the family legacy since turning pro in 2022. The 20-year-old moved up to junior welterweight last year and went 4-0 with four knockouts, including brutal stoppages over Angel Varela, Jose Zaragoza, and Larry Fryers. In March, he kicked off his 2025 campaign with a highlight-reel second-round TKO against Giovannie Gonzalez. He returned five weeks later to stop Juan Leon in two on the Naoya Inoue-Ramon Cardenas undercard in May. Espinoza (20-3-1, 9 KOs) is an 11-year pro coming off back-to-back wins at home following a loss to Rogelio Jimenez last July.

“Like 50 Cent said, I run New York. All jokes aside, I’m ready to perform on the biggest stage and continue to win,” Vargas said. “Each fight is one step closer to becoming the world champion God called me to be.”

The ESPN+-streamed undercard is scheduled to include second-generation Puerto Rican star Juanmita Lopez De Jesus (2-0, 1 KO) and the pro debut of Team USA amateur sensation Julius ‘JuJu’ Ballo.

Lopez, the son of former two-weight world champion Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez, will return in a four-round junior bantamweight tilt against Jorge Gonzalez-Sanchez (5-2, 4 KOs). In April, the 19-year-old fought in his home country in his last outing, decisioning Malik Quinonez-Torres over four rounds.

Ballo, a decorated international amateur standout, will fight Brandan Ayala (2-0, 1 KO) in a four-round featherweight bout. The 22-year-old enters the paid ranks with an accomplished resume that includes wins over several of the nation’s elite.

Los Angeles, CA (April 22, 2025) Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions presents a Blockbuster Triple-Header on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at the Commerce Casino Events Center and broadcast globally on UFC Fight Pass, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports.

The Hollywood Fight Nights event features the highly anticipated Southern California return of #1 Ranked WBC Super Welterweight and Mandatory World Title Challenger Serhii ‘El Flaco’ Bohachuk, (25-2, 24 KOs),against veteran contender Mykal ‘The Professor’ Fox, (25-4, 5 KOs), World Ranked Featherweight Omar ‘The King of LA Boxing’ Trinidad, (18-0-1, 13 KOs), versus upset minded Alexander ‘Supernova’ Espinoza, (23-6-3, 8 KOs), and Women’s WBA Super Flyweight World Champion Mizuki Hiruta (7-0, 2 KOs) defending her title for the fourth time against #1 Ranked Mandatory Challenger Carla Ayelan ‘Muneca’ Merino, (16-2, 4 KOs), all three fights scheduled for ten rounds.

Tickets for Hollywood Fight Nights are Now On-Sale, priced at $250, $150, $100 and $80 and can be purchased online at www.360Promotions.us. The Commerce Casino, ‘The World’s Largest Card Room and Site of the LA Poker Classic’, is located at 6131 Telegraph Road, Commerce, CA 90040. For more information and directions visit their website. 

“We’re very excited to announce our May 17 event at the Commerce Casino Events Center featuring three of the best fighters in the world in outstanding matchups; Serhii Bohachuk, Omar Trinidad and Mizuki Hiruta,” said Tom Loeffler. “With our acclaimed monthly Hollywood Fight Nights series, 360 Promotions has become the home for can’t miss boxing events from coast-to-coast.”

Following a remarkable 2024, Serhii Bohachuk, (25-2, 24 KOs),will return to battle in the ten-round main event on May 17. On March 30, 2024, the native of Vinnytsia, Ukraine, dominated former world champion Brian Mendoza at the T-Mobile Arena towards a 12-round unanimous decision. The victory earned the Manny Robles trained Bohachuk the WBC Interim Super Welterweight World Title.

Returning to Las Vegas on August 10, Bohachuk faced Vergil Ortiz Jr. in the first defense of his title at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Despite dropping the undefeated challenger twice over twelve rounds in a hotly contested clash, the judges awarded Ortiz Jr. a highly controversial majority decision.

Fighting for the first time at a Riyadh Season event in Saudi Arabia on December 21, Bohachuk displayed his full offensive arsenal stopping world ranked contender Ishmael Davis in the sixth round of their scheduled twelve round fight. (Bohachuk was originally scheduled to face former world champion Israil Madrimov who unfortunately fell ill two weeks prior.)

An eleven-year professional, the 29-year-old Mykal Fox, (25-4, 5 KOs), has battled a wealth of top competition including hard fought battles against world ranked contenders Egidijus Kavaliauskas, Shohajon Ergashev, DeMarcus Corley and Fazliddin Gaibnazarov.

In 2024, Fox recorded dominant decision victories over Donald Ward on July 20 and Yaniel Alvarez on November 9.

Fighting on January 17, 2025 at the Commerce Casino Events Center, world ranked featherweight Omar Trinidad, (18-0-1, 13 KOs), won a ten-round shutout decision over perennial contender Mike Plania in front of a huge crowd of supporters for the popular Boyle Heights, CA native.

Currently world ranked #2 by the IBF, #6 by the WBC and #8 by the WBO and WBA in addition to #10 by Ring Magazine, Trinidad was victorious and impressive with three victories in 2024; Hector Andres Sosa (UD-12) on October 26, Viktor Slavinskyi (KO-10), on July 26 and Jose Perez (KO-8) on January 27, 2024. All three fights took place in front of sold-out crowds at the Commerce Casino Events Center where the all-action attraction has proven to be the most popular fighter in Southern California.

Trinidad will defend his WBC Continental Americas Title on May 19 in the ten-round co-main event against Alexander ‘Supernova’ Espinoza, (23-6-3, 8 KOs), of Managua, Nicaragua. Espinoza is currently riding a three-fight unbeaten streak, most recently battling to a ten-round draw against undefeated local favorite Carlos Gonzalez on February 15, 2025 at Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT.

Fighting in 2024, Espinoza won an eight-round decision over then undefeated prospect Gustavo Rivera Rio on May 31 in Houston, TX followed by a decision victory over Diuhl Olguin in Lincoln, CA on September 21, 2024.

Trained by the renowned Manny Robles, Mizuki Hiruta, (7-0, 2 KOs), will make the fourth defense of her WBO Super Flyweight World Title against #1 Ranked Contender Carla Ayelen ‘Muneca’ Merino, (16-2, 4 KOs), of Cordoba, Argentina in a scheduled ten rounder. The colorful and exciting Hiruta impressed Los Angeles boxing fans in her United States debut with an eighth-round stoppage of world ranked Maribel Ramirez on January 17, 2025 as a large crowd of local Japanese sports fans stood and cheered throughout her dominating performance.

Currently riding a remarkable 13-fight winning streak, Merino challenges for her first world title following a seventh-round stoppage of Rosana Bermudez on November 16, 2024. This will be her first fight in the United States.

 

Carlos González held onto his WBA NABA featherweight title, but had to settle for a draw against Nicaragua’s Alexander Espinoza at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut. The judges’ scorecards read 94-96 for Espinoza, 97-93 for González, and 95-95, resulting in a stalemate that allowed the champion to retain his belt.

From the opening bell, both fighters wasted no time trading leather in a high-paced battle. The jab-uppercut combinations were the weapons of choice for both men, but neither was able to seriously hurt the other.

At times, González appeared to be in control, looking like he could pull away with the win, but Espinoza’s sharp counterattacks and relentless work rate kept the fight close and put him in position to possibly steal the belt.

With the result, Espinoza moves to 23-6-3, proving he’s a legitimate contender for regional titles. Meanwhile, González remains undefeated, now standing at 14-0-1, and holds on to his No. 11 ranking in the WBA featherweight division. The American prospect remains focused on climbing the ranks and pushing toward bigger opportunities in the division.

LIVERPOOL, OCTOBER 15 – Peter McGrail broke the spirit of Alexander Espinoza and forced a sixth-round stoppage with a masterclass display in front of his fans.

The majestic McGrail dropped the tough Nicaraguan with a peach of a backhand in round four at Probellum Liverpool II at the Eventim Olympia and continued to systematically dismantle his experienced rival.

McGrail, one of the stand-out world amateurs of his generation, was ready to dish out further punishment at the start of round six but Espinoza’s corner threw in the towel and retired their forlorn fighter.

A proud son of Liverpool, McGrail moves to 5-0 (4 KOS) as a pro having made the sternest test of his career appear impressively straightforward.

McGrail said: “This was my first time topping a bill and the crowd were unbelievable.

“I thought it was a good performance, it wasn’t 10 out of 10, but overall, I am happy.  It was a step-up on paper so I’m happy to get him out of there, because he went 10 rounds with Kash Farooq last year.

“I am overwhelmed by the support and can’t wait for the next one already!”

Jazza Dickens won the vacant IBO world featherweight title after a hard fought 12 rounds with tough South African Lerato Dlamini.

Dickens has twice failed in his attempts to win world titles, but it was third time lucky for the popular 31-year-old, who was awarded the win on all three of the judges’ scorecards.

Roared on by huge support, Dickens was given the win 115-113, 115-113 and 116-112 by the officials and will now target the biggest fights in the division, against Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington.

An emotional Dickens said: “I have been working for this for 18 long hard years.

“But I did it with my fans, we did it together.  Tonight, I am going to celebrate with everyone in Liverpool.”

Steven Cairns extended his perfect professional record by controlling his six-round fight with Angelo Turco.
Cairns, who won 60-53 on the scorecards, said: “The holding from Turco was a little bit frustrating but this is boxing and that is just another bit of experience.”

Joe McGrail came through the “toughest fight” of his fledgling career, as he survived a cut and a damaged hand to record a clear points win.

McGrail defeated Nicaraguan Alexander Taylor 59-55, with brother Peter watching on from ringside, to move to 6-0, but 19-year-old Joe said that didn’t tell the whole story.

He sustained a cut by the side of his left eye and hurt his hand, both in the second round.

McGrail said: “It was the toughest fight I’ve had so far as a pro.
“In the second round I got a cut after an accidental elbow and then, in the same round I’ve hurt my right hand.  I didn’t throw it much after that, my coach told me to feint with it and throw it to the body, where it was soft.”

Undercard Results:
Frankie Stringer 40-36 Lee Hallett
Blane Hyland 60-54 Mikey Young
John Edwards 40-36 Simas Volosinas

Key Fighter imagery can be found HERE
(If used please credit Probellum)

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LIVERPOOL, OCTOBER 14 – Peter McGrail says victory over Alexander Espinoza will be the launchpad towards title fights and “big things” next year.

McGrail shared a final stare down with Nicaraguan puncher Espinoza at Friday’s weigh-in ahead of his headline fight at Probellum Liverpool II. 

The future world champion has only had four fights as a professional, but the Liverpudlian’s stellar amateur career means he is ready to be moved quickly towards title class. 

And McGrail, who tipped the scales at 124.2lbs at the Eventim Olympia, knows a win over the experienced Espinoza will catapult him towards fights with domestic rivals Jason Cunningham, Liam Davies and Gamal Yafai – fighters the Everton fan is already confident of beating. 

“At this moment in time, I’m nowhere near close to the rankings as I’ve only had four fights, but I believe over the next two or three fights, I’m going to be pushing into that top 10 domestically,” McGrail said.  

“But there’s no-one even in the top four that I wouldn’t back myself against. I believe the experience I’ve had in the amateurs and boxing for Great Britain over the years, none of them in the top 10 in Great Britain would worry me. 

“Cunningham has been European champion and Davies has the British, one million per cent, I believe I’d beat them.  

“But I’m not one to call people out. I leave all of that down to my management team, Probellum and my coach Paul Stevenson. All I can do is make sure I am at my best in fights and I’m pretty sure that over the next few years we’re going to be showing that I’m number one. 

“This feels like the start of big things for me. Next year will be the looking to start collecting some belts, it’s been a long time coming.” 

Probellum Liverpool II, which also features the IBO world featherweight title fight between Jazza Dickens and Lerato Dlamini, streams live and for free at Probellum.com from 6pm. 

MAIN EVENT?? 

10 Rounds Super Bantamweight Contest 

Peter McGrail (4-0) 124.2lbs 

Alexander Espinoza (21-4-2) 121.4lbs? 

VACANT IBO WORLD FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE 

Jazza Dickens (31-4) 125.12lbs 

Lerato Dlamini (18-1)?125.2lbs? 

?
6 Rounds Lightweight Contest?? 

?Steven Cairns (3-0) 136.8lbs 

Angelo Turco (8-26-2) 133.4lbs 

6 Rounds Super Bantamweight Contest 

Joe McGrail (5-0) 124.1lbs 

Alexander Taylor (20-36-2) 124.1lbs 

6 Rounds Bantamweight Contest  

Blane Hyland (6-1) 119.6lbs 

Mikey Young (2-5-1) 117.1lbs 

6 Rounds Bantamweight Contest 

Will Cawley (2-0) 124.1lbs 

Angel Gabriel Chavez (3-3-1) 120.4lbs 

4 Rounds Featherweight Contest  

John Edwardson (3-0) 131.8lbs 

Simas Volosinas (7-103) 132lbs 

Doors open at 5pm 

Key fighter imagery from the press conference and event artwork can be found HERE 
(Please credit Probellum if used) 

To keep up to date with the latest news on Probellum Liverpoll II, sign up to our newsletter?or follow Probellum on?Instagram,?Twitter?and?Facebook.???? 

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LIVERPOOL, OCTOBER 13 – Peter McGrail delivered a chilling big fight prediction when he came face-to-face with Alexander Espinoza for the first time ahead of Probellum Liverpool II. 

World-champion-in-the-making McGrail headlines a packed card at the Eventim Olympia on Saturday night and has vowed to make light work of the hardest fight of his professional career, in front of his raucous fans.

The co-main event sees Jazza Dickens face dangerman Lerato Dlamini for the vacant IBO world featherweight title and the pair exchanged pre-fight barbs at Thursday’s press conference.

A confident Dlamini told host Ali Drew that he plans to cause a major upset and KO his rival, which prompted Dickens to ditch the pleasantries and set the South African straight.

Big fights for McGrail and Dickens are supported by a host of talented prospects, including Joe McGrail and Steven Cairns, with the action live and free to watch on Probellum.com.

Super bantamweight star, Peter McGrail said: “I see a one-sided fight, with me hitting him loads and him not hitting me much at all. 
“I hope his training camp has gone well and good luck to him on Saturday night, because he is going to need it.”

Alexander Espinoza, known as ‘Supernova’ said: “I won’t say a round in which this fight will end but it is all about me and I am going to be the winner.  I can promise everyone a good fight.”

‘Lights Out’ Lerato Dlamini said: “I think I am going to stop Jazza in the later rounds.
“I won’t get a decision in his backyard, so I think I am going to stop him.”

Jazza Dickens, a two-time world title challenger, replied: “I was going to welcome him to Liverpool but now he’s going home with a bandage on his head!  I see me getting my arm raised and getting this win in front of a crazy crowd here in Liverpool.”

Key fighter imagery from the press conference and event artwork can be found HERE 
(Please credit Probellum if used)

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LONDON, SEPTEMBER 26 – Peter McGrail faces the hardest fight of his career when he headlines a major show in Liverpool next month.

McGrail tops the bill at the Eventim Olympia on Saturday, October 15 and takes on the dangerous Nicaraguan Alexander Espinoza over 10 rounds, in a milestone moment for the former amateur sensation. 

A world-champion-in-the-making, McGrail (4-0, 3KOs) knows a win over Espinoza (21-4-2) will make his rivals sit up and take note as he picks up the pace on his journey to the top of the super bantamweight division. 

McGrail is the star attraction as Probellum returns to Liverpool next month, but he is supported in the co-main event by Jazza Dickens who fights the hard-hitting South African Lerato Dlamini. 

Dickens (31-4, 12KOs) enters into another high stakes contest as he rebuilds towards a world title shot and Dlamini (17-1, 9KOs) – known as ‘Lights Out’ – cares not for reputations having caused an upset in his only previous fight outside of his homeland.

Probellum Liverpool II also includes the must-see UK debut of Olympic super heavyweight champion Bakhodir Jalolov who has a frightening 100% KO record as a pro. 

Peter McGrail said: “Alexander Espinoza comes to fight and does not take a backwards step, so this is easily the hardest fight of my career to date. 

“But I’ve said many times before that I am more than ready for these challenges and believe that I am as good as anyone in the division when it comes to skills and ability, but now I need the rounds and the experience to go with it. 

“Espinoza will push me, but I plan on making a statement to the rest of the division by hitting him with my blurring hand speed and then closing the show with a vicious stoppage.” 

Hailing from the proud fighting nation of Nicaragua, Espinoza will not be overawed by travelling into the lion’s den in Liverpool. 

The 29-year-old, whose nickname is ‘Supernova’, lost a contentious decision to former amateur stand-out Mikhail Aloyan in Russia before giving Kash Farooq all he could handle in a battle last year, leaving the Scot with cuts over both eyes and a damaged cheek at the end of 10 rounds. 

Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum, said: “Probellum’s return to Liverpool in October is going to prove a landmark moment in Peter McGrail’s career. 

“Peter is headlining a show for the first time and steps up to the 10-round distance, against a dangerous and highly seasoned opponent.  And this is where the ‘Scouse Lomachenko’ sends a message to the rest of the guys at 122lbs. 

“October 15 is Peter McGrail’s coming out party – make sure you are there!”

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Conor Benn Scored an impressive 1st round stoppage over Samuel Vargas in the opening round of heir scheduled 12-round welterweight bout at the Copper Box Arena in London England.

Vargas landed a hard right that was followed by a uppercut that hurt Vargas. Benn jumped all over Vargas and landed vicious flurry and the fight was stopped at 1:20.

Benn, 146.6 lbs of Essex, ENG is 18-0 with 12 knockouts. Vargas, 146.6 lbs of Bogota, COL is 31-7.

“I train hard for it,” said Benn. “Again, you’re talking levels. It shows the level I’m at. Errol Spence, Danny Garcia, Vergil Ortiz, Amir Khan – nobody banged him out like that. First round, first round! He came and he was game. He took my belt off me in the week and I had a little stare down with him.

“He was telling me he was ready to fight, and he was talking a good game. He said I had no power. It’s irrelevant because a lot of people can talk. My shots were landing flush. You could tell they were hurting him. When I first hit him it landed swiftly and I thought, ‘right, this is going to be a much quicker night than I thought’.

“I’ve been working on my power with my strength and conditioning coach Dan Lawrence. We’ve been working with Tony, endless hours. First to arrive last to leave. He’s always pushing me. I told you lot I’d knock him out in the first round. I was cool, calm and collected. I work so hard. 

“Give me Amir Khan. I know he’s too busy on reality TV. If he wants it, he can have it. I can deal with pressure. I can cope with it. I can live with it, no problem. I’m ready for the top dogs – Shawn Porter, Adrien Broner? Forget the word prospect, I ain’t a prospect no more.”

Marshall stops Lindberg in 3; Retains Middleweight Title

Savannah Marshall remained undefeated and retained her WBO Middleweight title with a 3rd round stoppage over late-replacement Maria Lindberg

In round two, Marshall dropped Lindberg with a right hand. In round three, it was a left hook that put Lindberg on the deck, and she was counted out at 1:11.

Marshall, 159.9 lbs of Hartlepool, ENG is 10-0 with eight knockouts. Lindberg, 154 lbs of Malmo, SWE is 19-7-2.

“To be honest, I really didn’t think it would pan out like that,” said Marshall. “Maria is one tough woman. She keeps herself in shape all year round. She’d never been stopped in 27-fights. I thought I was in for a bit of a tough night’s work.

“Once I started finding my range with the jab then the backhand just found its way home and I don’t think she could handle the power. She just said there she’s never been dropped in 23 years! I’m quite proud of that.

“On Sunday, I didn’t even think I was going to fight, and then they brought Maria in. It kind of rocked the boat a bit. A quick change of tactics and we got the job done. She’s been in with some good girls, Christina Hammer, she’s boxed for numerous World Titles. She wanted mine, but she’s not getting it. I’m truly grateful to Maria for stepping up. Big thanks to her.

“I’ve heard whispers we’re going back to Newcastle in July, hopefully with crowds. I’d love to box for the IBF Title which is vacant. I feel good at this weight, I’m a big Middleweight. Me against Shields is the only fight at the bigger weights. It has to happen really. There’s nowhere else for her to go. She needs me just as much as I need her.”

Courtenay Decisions Bridges in war; Wins Bantamweight Title

Shannon Courtenay won the WBA Bantamweight with a unanimous decision over Ebanie Bridges in a toe-to-toe slugfest

In round two, both Bridges and Courtenay were cut from a headbutt. Bridges on her forehead, and Courtenay around her right ear. In round five, the left eye of Bridges started to swell.

Bridges continued to push the pace and even hurt Courtenay in round seven. Courtenay had a strong final few rounds, and won y scores of 98-92 twice and 97-94.

Courtenay, 117.1 lbs of Watford, ENG is 7-1. Bridges, 117 lbs of New South Wales, AUS is 5-1.

“Amazing. I don’t want to cry. Amazing,” said Courtenay. “I feel like my jab won me the fight to be honest. My conditioning, my attrition, all of the hard work. My two coaches Charlie and H kill me on a daily basis. They kill me in the gym. I hate them for it, but it bloody paid off. My nice jab, my fitness and my conditioning won me that fight.

“I have to give credit to her because that was a bloody good fight. She was tougher than I thought she’d be. I knew if I stuck to my boxing I’d win. I had to keep listening to Charlie – he kept saying, ‘box, box, box’. When I was getting into a war it was stupid of me. The jab won me the fight.

“There was respect before I got in the ring because anybody that gets in the ring deserves respect. I now have more respect for her. When it was a shootout that was my own stupidity. I’ve come a long way. I’ve said it all week. Tonight is proof that anyone can turn their life around.

“I’m a different person to who I was back then. I’m a World Champion baby! I’m wearing this belt everywhere. This is such a proud moment for me. This is such a good example to young girls that you can turn your life around. I can’t put it into words.”

Farooq Decisions Espinoza

Kash Farooq win a 10-round unanimous decision over Alexander Espinoza in a bantamweight bout.

It was an action packed fight that saw both fighters scrap from in close. In round seven, Farooq was cut around his right eye, The blood was caused by a head clash.

Farooq, 117 lbs of Glasgow, SCO won by scores of 97-93, 97-94 and 97-95 and is now 15-1. Espinoza, 117.8 lbs of Managua, NIC is 20-3-2.

“I’m over the moon with the performance,” Farooq told Sky Sports. “I knew it was going to be a tough fight. I came as an underdog, he was the champion. He took some really heavy shots and he kept coming and coming. 

“When you’re a champion you don’t want to give your belt up. He just wanted to win. That’s why he came here. I wasn’t going to be denied. It’s a lot of hard work in the gym. Practice, practice and practice. It’s second nature because I’ve been working on this for such a long time. I can see the punches coming.”

Campbell Takes Out Frohlich in 2

Nick Campbell made a successful pro debut with a 2nd round stoppage over Petr Frohlich in a scheduled six-round heavyweight bout.

Campbell dropped Frohlich in the 2nd frame with a right. He finished off the fight with a flurry that forced a referee stoppage at 41 seconds.

Campbell, 248.8 lbs of Glasgow, SCO is 1-0 with one knockout. Frohlich, 226.6 lbs of Most, CZE is 2-31-1.

“I like to try and stay humble, I expected to get rid of that guy to be honest with you,” said Campbell. “I know he’s not been knocked out many times in his losses and he’s tough. He took some shots there. I’m pleased with how it went. I put him down once and then the referee jumped in and stopped it.

“In my opinion it was the dream debut. Making my debut on a stage like that after everything that happened in the past year is something that I’d have never of dreamed of. I’m just buzzing to be here and to be talking to you. I’m happy with my performance. I went in there and I had a high work rate. I was just trying to display the things we’d been working on in the gym.

“I can’t thank my team enough for all of the hard work they’ve put into me. They’re the best team around in my opinion. All of the people that have been singing my praises, that was for you, so thank you. I’m a bit older than most people that make their debut, but I feel young. Every fight that I have is a step further than people thought I could go. I’m just here to prove people wrong and work hard.”