FRANCESCA HENNESSY FACES AURORA DE PERSIO ON MAY 30 IN LONDON, LIVE AND FREE-TO-AIR ON BBC TWO & BBC IPLAYER

Francesca Hennessy returns to action live and free-to-air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer as the ‘Billion Dollar Baby’ defends her WBC Silver Bantamweight Title against Aurora De Persio on Saturday, May 30 at OVO Arena Wembley in London as part of BOXXER’s Betfred Fight Night. 

Hennessy (8-0, 1 KO) stands on the edge of glory following her WBC final eliminator victory over Ellie Bouttell at the Copper Box Arena in January. The 21-year-old will now put her undefeated record on the line against Italian champion De Persio (8-1, 3 KOs).

Victory is crucial for Hennessy as she looks to make history and secure her shot at undisputed bantamweight champion Cherneka Johnson later this year. Hennessy’s ambition is to become the youngest-ever undisputed world champion, a record currently held by Gabriela Fundora, who claimed all four major titles at the age of 22.

Hennessy versus De Persio will serve as chief support to Adam Azim’s high-stakes super lightweight clash with top Canadian contender Steve Claggett.

Francesca Hennessy said: “I’m really excited to be back fighting on the BBC. The support has been unbelievable and every time I fight, I want to put on a big performance for everyone watching at home and in the arena.

“This is another important test for me. I’ve always wanted to challenge myself against good opponents because that’s what will prepare me for world title fights.

“I know what I want to achieve in this sport and every fight is another step towards becoming world champion. I’m staying focused, improving every camp and I can’t wait to put on a show on May 30.”

BOXXER Founder & CEO Ben Shalom said: “This was already a huge fight night and it’s now even bigger with Francesca Hennessy returning in another major fight live on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. She has quickly become one of the breakout stars in British boxing and the viewing figures and momentum behind her are incredible.

“Full credit to Francesca because once again she’s taking on a tough opponent at a crucial stage in her career. Having won a final eliminator, a lot of fighters would sit on the sidelines and protect their position, but that tells you everything about her mindset and ambitions.

“When you look at fighters like Francesca Hennessy and Adam Azim leading this card, you are seeing two future world champions aged 23 and under with enormous futures ahead of them. British boxing is in very good hands.”

Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of Sport at the BBC, said: “Francesca Hennessy is one of the brightest young stars in British sport and this is a huge step in her journey towards a world title shot. With Adam Azim headlining and a stacked undercard featuring some of the sport’s top emerging talent, viewers can expect an incredible evening of boxing live on the BBC on 30 May.”

Alongside Adam Azim and Francesca Hennessy, BOXXER’s action-packed fight card will also feature Newham born boxer Joel Kodua (11-0, 3 KOs) defending his English Welterweight Title against his unbeaten mandatory challenger Will Harrison (8-0-2), while IBO Cruiserweight Champion Juergen Uldedaj (21-1, 8 KOs) puts his belt on the line against undefeated American Muhsin Carson (14-0, 11 KOs).

Hillingdon heavyweight Ergal Elezaj (5-0, 1 KO) returns after impressing on his BOXXER debut earlier this year, joined by Amir Khan’s cousin Abdul Khan (14-0, 3 KOs) and Birmingham boxing lawyer Oscar ‘De La Lawyer’ McCracken (5-0). 

Luton lightweight Saqib Mehmood (2-0) is also set for action, plus 18-year-old Southampton bantamweight prospect Vijayray Karia (6-0, 1 KO) and south coast heavyweight hopeful Derrick Osadolor (0-1) from Portsmouth. 

Tickets are available now via Tixr at BOXXER.com.

This event is presented in association with BOXXER’s official partners Betfred, Riyadh Season, That Prize Guy, Tixr and Champion.