In a bout that made their world champion father’s proud, Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn carried on their legacy just fine with Eubank pounding out a 12-round unanimous decision in a middleweight bout in front over 67,000 fans at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England.

In round three, Benn landed a hard right hand the momentarily buckled Eubank. Benn came out full of energy while Eubank chose to box mostly from the outside for much of the first half of the fight.

In round eight, the fight broke out as the two stood toe-to-toe and both landed some hard shots on the inside which was much to the delight of the 67,000 fans in attendance. In round nine, Eubank was cut around the right eye. The cut was caused by a clash of heads. Benn and Eubank wailed away on each other in some more great action in round 10. In round 12, Eubank and Benn engaged in furious exchanges with Eubank landing some big shots including a left hook that rocked Benn on the ropes.

Eubank landed 367 of 912 punches. Benn was 215 of 583.

Eubank, 160.1 lbs won by scores 116-112 on all cards of and is now 35-3. Benn is now 23-1.

The fight was a grudge match on the heels of their father’s Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn fight that took place in 1990.

Anthony Yarde Rallies to Decision Lyndon Arthur in Trilogy

In a battle of veteran light heavyweight, Anthony Yarde dominated the second half of his 12-round light heavyweight bout to win a unanimous decision over Lyndon Arthur.

The fight was the third in their trilogy, which now has Yarde winning the last two of the three fights.

Yarde, 174.6 lbs of East London won by scores of 115-113 and 116-112 twice and is now 27-3. Arthur, 174.6 lbs of Manchester, ENG is 24-3.

Aaron McKenna; Dominates and Decisions Liam Smith

Aaron McKenna announced himself on the world stage as he scored a one-sided 12-round unanimous decision over former world champion Liam Smith in a middleweight bout.

For 11 rounds, McKenna beat up and battered Smith by working behind a long jab. In round 12, McKenna dropped Smith with a left to the body.

McKenna landed 292 of 794 punches, while Smith was 88 of 520.

McKenna, 159.7 lbs of Monahan, IRE won by scores of 119-108, 117-109 and 118-108 and is now 20-0. Smith, 160 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 33-5-1.

Viddal Riley Decisions Chev Clarke

Viddal Riley won a 12-round unanimous decision over Chev Clarke in a cruiserweight bout.

Riley landed 147 of 617 punches. Clarke was 108 of 546.

Riley, 199.5 lbs of Tottenham, London, ENG won by scores of 117-111, 116-112 and 115-113. and is now 13-0. Clarke, 199.7 lbs of Kent, ENG is 10-2.

Billiam-Smith Decisions Glanton

In a physical grueling fight, former world champion Chris Billiam-Smith pounded out a 12-round unanimous decision over Brandon Glanton in a cruiserweight bout.

Billiam-Smith landed 195 of 667 punches. Glanton was 177 of 560.

Billiam-Smith, 199 lbs of Bournmoth, ENG won by scores of 116-112 twice and 116-113 and is now 21-2. Glanton, 199.5 lbs of Atlanta is 20-3.

Chris Eubank Jr:

“I’m calm. I’m very at peace with where I am in my life and where I am in this fight. I really do believe that everything I envisioned, everything that I have trained for will come to fruition. I’m grateful to be here. I’m happy. I don’t have any chips on my shoulder, as Conor Benn always points out. I don’t have any frustrations. I don’t have any ill will towards people. I just want to go out there and have fun.

“Domination in every department you can imagine. Whether it’s boxing, whether it’s a gun fight. Defence, offense, foot movement, speed, power. I am the superior boxer in each of those departments and so many more – which is why I’m so confident. Which is why I’m so relaxed. Which is why I’m so happy.

“I guess you could say there’s been more fire in my soul, in my spirit, in my mindset. This is the biggest fight of my career. This is the most important fight to date, which is very rare for a 35-year-old fighter. Usually at 35 fighter’s careers are behind them. I’m still going up and up.”

Conor Benn:

“I’m just lapping it up. I’m enjoying it man. I’m excited to be here. I’m excited to be back on these shores. I don’t think anything of it. I don’t think nothing of it at all. He’s an opponent and that’s it.

“You wan’t to know what pressure is? A 19-year-old kid moving from Australia to the UK, walking out to a packed O2 arena with no amateur background. That’s pressure.

“Ultimately every fighter dreams of getting to this stage. I’ve worked extremely hard. This isn’t six months work. This isn’t six weeks work. This is ten years. I’ve done it too many times now for it to be an accident or a chance. This is who I am, I live for this. I don’t feel no pressure at all. I’m going to go in there and do what I do.

“I wish I was fighting tonight. But it’s just one of those things where this is all now just long. I just want to get in there. Ultimately he’s going to get it.

“Ten years ago when I first turned pro, did I ever think that I’d end up here? Nah. But I am here, I’m built for it and I feel ready for it. I’m loving the challenge of fighting at 160. I’m loving the competition. You thrive off challenges as a fighter. People are going to me, ‘are you not worried, how are you going to deal with it?’ This is what I do. I prepare for this. I do everything I possibly can in the gym, in training, that feels me with confidence.

“Ultimately it’s another fight. That’s how I’m looking at it. He’s another opponent in my way trying to crush my dreams. trying to take food off my plate and trying to render me unconscious. That’s how I look at him.”

Liam Smith:

“Last time I was in the ring I had a horrendous performance. It’s not secret, everybody saw it. I know the issues behind it. On Saturday I get to right that wrong. I was unfortunate I got ill, I didn’t get injured for the September card. I got ill. On Saturday I get to right that wrong, and prove the people who wrote me off after that Chris Eubank Jr second fight wrong. How can I be finished with no miles on the clock? After the first fight I’m the best Middleweight in the world. The second fight I’m finished and need to retire. It doesn’t make sense. I know the issues behind it and I can only make it right the next time I get in the ring.

“Yeah, they’re hungry and they’re two game kids. Sometimes a little bit clueless in how game they are. You can look at it like, they’re trying to get me at the right time. A fit Liam Smith is Aaron McKenna’s worse nightmare. He is absolutely made for a fit Liam Smith. If he thinks he’s going to stand and fight with me… He is my ideal opponent. Take away an inch or two in the height, his style is my perfect opponent to fight against. You’re going to see the old Liam Smith back. I’ll break Aaron McKenna down and I’ll stop him.”

Cheavon Clarke:

“I feel very good. Calm and relaxed. I know what I’ve got to do. It’s my belt and I’m going to protect it. Bring it home. I know Viddal. I’ve been around him and we say hello. We’re not like best friends but we’ve shared rounds before. He’s helped me out and I’ve helped him out. It’s nothing personal as in bad blood. It’s just the business that we’re in. A certain promoter tried to push me to the side before and get his two fighters to fight. I just had to pull up and say… You know what I mean? I showed them what time it was.

“People are out here acting like I can’t box. When I came out and I became mandatory for the belt when I fought David Jamieson and became mandatory for the belt. I turned up and I boxed ever so well. Sunny was there, he’ll tell you. You guys are acting like Chev can’t box.

“I’m looking forward to a stadium fight, especially the fact it’s Tottenham’s. Obviously I’m an Arsenal man. Arsenal have won the league there. It’s my time to just bring my title back home where it belongs. Tottenham ain’t ever won nothing; let’s have it right.”

Viddal Riley:

“Fighting at home, it does something to you. You can either let it crumble you or you can help it make you. I’m not really thinking about the arena right now, or the fact it’s home. Chev is enough to think about. I will watch it at home after and be like, ‘I did that’ But at this moment in time, I’m just ready to put hands on him.

“I believe in energy, a higher energy. You can have your way, you can miss your wave. I think right now, this it the right time. This British Title fight could be anywhere. It could be against someone that supports any team. But it’s against an Arsenal fan. I’m Tottenham. I’m from the area and I get the opportunity to win my first major professional title there. I just need to fulfil my destiny.

“I think the only way a fighter reaches their full potential is by throwing themselves in those tests. You can get stale. It’s a real thing. You’re never going to be ready. The way you get ready is by having these opponents. They make you ready. Chev is going to be someone who brings the best out of me. That’s exactly what I need at this time. I’m 27-years-old. Not the oldest, no the youngest. Right age to be British Champion. I’m going to show Chev’s age on the day.”

Eubank Jr vs. Benn tops a huge night of boxing in London, Ilford’s former World Title challenger Anthony Yarde (26-3, 24 KOs) fights Manchester’s Lyndon Arthur (24-2, 16 KOs) for the third time – with the WBA Intercontinental Heavyweight Title on the line, Liverpool’s former WBO Super-Welterweight World Champion Liam Smith (33-4-1, 20 KOs) takes on Ireland’s Aaron McKenna (19-0, 10 KO) for the WBA International Middleweight Title, Gravesend’s Cheavon Clarke defends his British Cruiserweight Title against Tottenham’s Viddal Riley and Bournemouth’s former WBO Cruiserweight World Champion Chris Billam-Smith (20-2, 13 KOs) meets the USA’s Brandon Glanton (20-2, 17 KOs) over 12 rounds.

MANCHESTER – (February 26, 2025) – Ahead of the long-awaited clash between the British boxing stars on April 26 at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, IBO World Middleweight Champion Chris Eubank Jr. (34-3, 25 KOs) and Conor Benn (23-0, 14 KOs)met yesterday in Manchester for the first of two press conferences this week. The bout headlines Ring Magazine’s first-ever boxing card titled “FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves,” in association with Matchroom Boxing and Boxxer, streamed worldwide on DAZN. The event comes as part of a special collaboration with SNK Games, creators of the FATAL FURY gaming series.

Eubank Jr. and Benn step into the ring 35 years after their fathers, Chris Sr. and Nigel, first battled for the middleweight title in a legendary affair, with the elder Eubank winning by TKO. The patriarchs met again in 1993 for Eubank Sr.’s super middleweight championship, dueling to a draw. Originally scheduled to square off in 2022, the bad blood between the two sons has only increased as they waged a war of words in the media.

The first press conference of the week took place in front of a crowd of fans and assembled media at Manchester Central. The two will meet again this Thursday, April 27, in London, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. 

The undercard of the event features a number of compelling contests, including a trilogy bout between light heavyweights Anthony Yarde (26-3, 24 KOs) and Lyndon Arthur (24-2, 16 KOs). Yarde and Arthur split their 2020 and 2021 fights, with Yarde securing the last victory via knockout. Also competing, former world champion Liam Smith (33-4-1, 20 KOs) faces the undefeated  Aaron McKenna (19-0, 10 KOs), ex-WBO cruiserweight champion Chris Billam-Smith (20-2, 13 KOs) takes on American Brandon Glanton (20-2, 17 KOs), and undefeated cruiserweight Viddal Riley (12-0, 7 KOs) will meet Cheavon Clarke (10-1, 7 KOs), who is coming off his first career defeat in December. 

Fans who pre-order ‘FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves’ will get priority access to tickets for Eubank Jr-Benn, beginning at 12pm GMT on February 26. The game, available on PlayStation, Xbox and PC, is scheduled for an April 24 release, with those who pre-order benefitting from early access on April 21. General ticket sales begin this Friday, February 28, at 12pm GMT. 

This is what the fighters and their teams had to say:

Chris Eubank Jr. 

Q: How are you feeling two and a half years after this fight was supposed to happen?

“The bad guy is back again. He still never cheats. He still never lies. He still never cuts any corners, and yet he is still the bad guy. Isn’t it incredible? The unique and peculiar situation we find ourselves in here today is that for the first time in boxing history, in a mega fight, there are two bad guys. Fun fact: I’ve been booed into every British fight I’ve had since 2014. Let that sink in for a second. That’s 11 years of being the bad guy. I’m a veteran at this stage, a supervillain if you will. I remember the first time I got booed into an arena was against a fighter called Billy Joe Saunders, another scumbag in the boxing industry. It’s a cold, dark moment in your life when you realize you’re in an environment where thousands and thousands of people want to see you get hurt and lose. Even recently, walking into Wembley Stadium, AJ vs. Dubois, I walk in, the cameras are on me, my face goes up on the screen. 80,000 people boo me into that arena, and that is after a career-best performance against Liam Smith, where I beat him in a rematch. I say all that to say that on April 26, I’m probably going to be walking into the same environment. But it’s okay, because I’m not going to be alone. Like I said, there’s two bad guys in this fight. There’s one in me who has accepted his fate. I gave up on my dreams of being a hero a long time ago. The other still wants and believes and dreams and prays of being the good guy, of being the golden boy. That’s what I believe. 

Speaking directly to Conor Benn…

“You had the whole public behind you. Everyone wanted you to win. Everyone wanted you to be the next big thing in boxing. I never had that. Do you know what I would have given to be in that situation? You had it, and you pissed it all away. Literally pissed it all away. Now you’re here. We’re at this press conference. We’re going to fight, and you’re going to try to use me to get back in the public’s good graces. It’s just not going to happen for you, kid. ’m sorry to break it to you.”

Q: Two years ago you said you expected this fight to be easy work. Do you still feel the same?

“I go online, and I see that there’s a split. I either see “Conor Benn is going to knock Eubank out early because he’s too young, he’s too strong, he’s too ferocious, he’s too hungry, too angry,” or “Eubank wins on points because he’s too big.”And that’s not just the public, actually; this is respected members of the boxing community, trainers, and fighters. Apparently the only way I can win this fight is just because of my size. Where’s the [expletive] respect? I’ve had 34 fights, 25 KOs, and I can only beat this guy because I’m a bit bigger than him? I’m going to beat him because I’m a better fighter than him in every single department. Will it be a walk in the park? I don’t know but he cannot beat me, that’s for sure.”

On the rehydration clause for this fight…

“I like a challenge. When Eddie and Conor started demanding there was a rehydration clause for this fight, guess what I said? Show me the money. Show me the money. If you’re going to have that advantage over me, then you’ve got to pay top dollar. I’m not going to give you that advantage for free.”

Now this rehydration situation, I’ve never done it before. Usually I put on about 14 lbs after a weigh-in. So I have two ways of approaching this now. I can either restrict what I eat and drink so I make the weight the next day. Or I eat and drink as much as I want, rehydrate as much as I want, as I usually do, and then on the fight day I’ll hop in the steam room or sauna, and then I’ll hit that number that they want me to hit. I don’t know which I’m going to do yet. The fact of the matter is, it’s irrelevant. Whether there’s a weight clause or restrictions, it doesn’t change the outcome of the fight. One thing that you all need to know is that Eddie’s tried to push hard the last few weeks, and the IBF enforced a 10 lb restriction anyway, so that’s why this is safe. The truth is, that’s a lie; it’s a 12 lb weight limit. So just another example of Eddie lying through his teeth to the public to try and make himself look good. 

Q: Will the rehydration clause make a difference?

“I’m not going to lose the fight, if that’s what you mean. Will I be affected? Of course I will.  I’m being restricted from how much I can eat and drink. So there will be a slight disadvantage. But I’m being paid, so I will accept that challenge. It’s very simple. 

Conor Benn

Responding to Eubank Jr.’s opening comments

“Chris can say what he wants. The bottom line is, his dad doesn’t even like him. You could not pay that man enough money to sit in this man’s corner. That’s an accomplishment, Chris. Well done, the most unlikeable geezer on the planet, and even your dad doesn’t like you.”

On feelings and emotions coming into the fight on April 26…

“I think all the talking’s been done. Obviously, what I’ve been through is very public. But I’m excited to get in there on April 26 and end this man’s career. 

Q: Why are you so confident that you can stop Eubank Jr. within six rounds?

“I just can’t take him seriously, that’s all. Just look at his career. Every time he’s stepped up, he’s failed. Every time. Yeah, you’ve faced better opposition; well done you, but this is the end of your career. This is the end. This is it for you. I’m 28. You chose to face a welterweight over Sheeraz, over Janibek, over Adames, over anybody with a world title. You choose a welterweight. Your career is done. You’ve achieved your career. I’m a welterweight. I fought a light middleweight to prepare for you. I’m a welterweight, and you’re going to get rendered unconscious by a welterweight. Like Liam Smith, I bet that brings back horrors. Exactly like that, exactly the way he jumped up to 160 lbs. He had you dancing all funny. That’s exactly what’s going to happen on April 26, except by a welterweight whose name happens to be Benn. And you can retire off to the sunset with your pension fund, but this is you done. 

Q: Was there any hesitation in moving up to 160 lbs after 15 months away from the ring?

“No concern really, he’s another man in my way that I’ve got to beat. I don’t really look at him and go “whoa, you’re a big geezer.” It’s not really a concern to me. Ultimately, it’s just an opponent in my way that I’ve got to beat. Once I knock him out, I’ll move back down to 147 and win the world title.”

Q: Your thoughts on this big matchup?

“Genuinely excited. I’m glad this fight could happen for the fans. I’m looking forward to the challenge of stepping up two weight divisions. I’m excited to jump up to this plate and gie the fans the fight they want. That’s mainly it, just happy to get this fight done and over the line.

Eddie Hearn, Chairman, Matchroom 

Reflecting on the events of the Press conference

“Me and Eubank have got a love-hate relationship. We hate each other, and I don’t know where the love is. I actually think he’s good for the game. But it is what it is. He’s a showman. It’s premeditated. I think he waffles. The waffles were unbelievable. He’s moaning about everything about the fight, but that doesn’t matter; it’s just nonstop moaning about it. This fight was massive. It’s gone to another level. This fight is going to sell out quicker than you’d ever imagine. If you get a chance tonight, go on YouTube and look up Nigel Benn vs. Iran Barkley from Las Vegas. That is exactly what will happen in this fight. I’m not saying it will be over in one round, but watch the way Nigel Benn boxed in that fight. It will be exactly the same as  Conor Benn. And by the way, Eubank won’t take a step back. He will stand, and he will trade with him just like Iran Barkley did. I’m telling you now, forget a game plan, forget a strategy. He’s coming with speed and tenacity to iron out Eubank inside three rounds. 

Ben Shalom, Founder, Boxxer

Q: Where are we in the status of the rehydration clause for this fight?

“It wasn’t something that we expected; it wasn’t something that was agreed. I think the first fight, the weight limits, and the rehydration got a lot of controversy, and it wasn’t right. This was something that was added in last minute. It’s something that we’ll deal with. Chris is a professional, and he’ll make the weight he should, but it’s not something you typically see in boxing. Not at this limit, not on the day, and it’s just another thing that puts a bit of a downer on the event, when at the end of the day this is an unbelievable event for British boxing, and it wasn’t agreed until 24 hours before a contract was signed.  

Ronnie Davies, Eubank Jr.’s trainer

Q: You trained Chris Sr. and now Chris Jr., what do you make of the son now getting it on?

“I’ve got the greatest respect for, obviously, Nigel Benn and his son. I’m old school. How can I not have a great load of respect for Nigel Benn when I was in the opposite corner from him twice for two major wars? It was quite sickening sometimes sitting in the corner, watching them throw punches go in, and I think this is going to be another great fight. I will say may  the best man win, but Conor, Chris is too big for you, mate, and you haven’t boxed enough, and you haven’t fought on his level. He’s too big, and he’s good. People don’t realize how good he is. 

All I’ll say is, it will be a great fight for the fans. May the best man win, which will be Eubank. He’s too big, he’s too experienced. I know Eubank better than anyone; I’ve been with him since he was born. All I’m saying is, a lot of people don’t know what he is. I do. I’ll rest my case on that one. Eubank wins. 

Nigel Benn, Conor Benn’s Father

Q: How do you feel this version of your son is different from the one who was going to fight two and a half years ago?

“I like to say he’s matured in those two years. I’m more excited about this fight than I was about me and Chris Sr. I’ve got more confidence in his fight than I did in my fight when I fought Chris (Sr.). The way that Conor prepares for the fight, he just excels at everything he does. People say “he’s moving up two weights.” Conor walks around at 12 stone. That’s not a problem. The guys that he’s sparring with are huge. I think as soon as he hits him, he hits much harder than Liam Smith. Once Conor puts that pressure on him, Conor can do 12 rounds at pace.”

Speaking to Eubank Jr. directly:

Chris, I want to apologize to you because I remember you saying I was disrespectful to your dad, so I’m sorry if I offended you by saying that I hate your dad. I don’t hate your dad. What it is, through my stupidity, is that I’m a 61-year-old man. I thank God for having Chris in my life because, at the end of the day, we’ve done so much. We’ve left you lot to carry on the legacy, but I apologize for what I said about hating your dad. I really don’t. But retribution is coming your way, mate. I’m telling you, it’s coming your way. He’s going to be hitting you so many times with the left you’re going to be crying for a right. He’s going to hit you so many times, you’re going to think you’re surrounded. I’m telling you mate, he’s going to put it on you. I’m so, so confident. 

London, February 26, 2025: Tickets for the epic Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn fight will go on general sale starting this Friday, February 28 from 12pm GMT at Ticketmaster.co.uk for Ring Magazine’s first-ever boxing card entitled ‘FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves’, in association with BOXXER and Matchroom.

A range of ticket options are available with prices starting at £50 plus booking fees. Coach packages, premium packages and wheelchair accessible options are also on offer.

Demand is set to be huge for one of the most eagerly-anticipated fights in British boxing history which will take place on April 26 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Fans are urged to move fast to secure tickets and experience the return of the historic Eubank / Benn rivalry.

How to buy tickets:

• Tickets go on general sale from 12pm GMT on Friday, February 28 at Ticketmaster.co.uk.
• An exclusive 24-hour pre-sale for Tottenham Hotspur season ticket holders and members will open on Thursday, February 27 at 12pm GMT. Supporters will be contacted directly with details on how they can purchase tickets during this exclusive period. 
• Wheelchair accessible tickets are also available from here. 
• Premium Hospitality packages are now available exclusively via Tottenham Hotspur. Click here to explore packages and book.
• Coach and ticket packages are available from Thursday, February 27 at Ticketmaster.co.uk. Coaches depart from 10 locations around the UK.

The bitter Eubank/Benn feud has reignited this week as the fighters go head-to-head in two major Press Conference meetings in Manchester and London.

It’s been 35 years since their legendary boxing fathers Chris Eubank Sr and Nigel Benn slugged it out in the first of two ferocious battles for the World Middleweight and Super-Middleweight titles in the 1990s. The family rivalry is considered one of the most iconic in boxing.

Old Trafford was the venue for the second and final Benn and Eubank battle on October 9 1993, which ended in a draw. Yesterday, their sons returned to the city for a seismic head-to-head meeting with hundreds of fans witnessing the fireworks.

After Manchester, the Eubank Jr and Benn press tour continues at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday, February 27 in a media-only event when the fighters will get their first chance to experience the impressive scale of the futuristic venue before they return to face each other in the ring in April.

The blockbuster April 26 ‘FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves’ fight night at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium headlined by Eubank Jr v Benn is part of a unique collaboration between Ring Magazine and SNK Corporation, the famous Japanese video game publisher known for the franchises such as the King of Fighters and Fatal Fury.

The headline Eubank Jr vs Benn fight is part of an incredible card which also includes Light Heavyweights Anthony Yarde and Lyndon Arthur embarking on a trilogy fight after Yarde avenged his twelve round decision defeat to Yarde in 2020 with a four-round knockout a year later.

Plus, former World Champion Liam Smith returns to action against unbeaten rising star Aaron McKenna, while former World Cruiserweight Champion Chris Billam-Smith will take on Brandon Glanton, on a streak of three wins by knockout. In another Cruiserweight battle, British Champion Cheavon Clarke defends his title against undefeated London rival Viddal Riley.

For further details on the fight event, visit: ringmagazine.com

CARDIFF, UK (February 12, 2025) – Rising Welsh star Rhys Edwards has inked a long-term promotional deal with next generation promoter BOXXER.

Edwards (16-1, 4 KOs) has impressed on BOXXER cards in recent years. The 24-year-old from Penygraig scored a points victory over former British Champion Brad Foster in November 2023 before capturing the WBA Intercontinental belt with a unanimous points win over former WBA #1 Thomas Patrick Ward in front of his home fans in Cardiff in May 2024.

Stepping in at short notice, Edwards closed out 2024 by going toe-to-toe with Peter McGrail on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury II at the Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia in a fight that many felt the Welshman had done enough to win.

Having signed with BOXXER, Edwards joins a world-class stable of fighters including country women Lauren Price MBE, Chris Eubank Jr, Joshua Buatsi, Natasha Jonas, Ben Whittaker, Caroline Dubois, Chris Billam-Smith, Adam Azim, Frazer Clarke, Martin Bakole, Viddal Riley, Callum Simpson and Karriss Artingstall.

“It feels amazing to sign a long-term deal with a big promotion like BOXXER,” said Edwards. “They gave me my first chance on the big stage and have delivered me some very good fights so it’s nice to sign with them as they have been good to me.

“Getting the opportunity to fight Peter McGrail in Saudi Arabia was a surreal experience. It was a great fight, so big props to Peter as it takes two to tango. I thought I nicked it but I can’t argue either way. I learnt a lot about myself and showed my level.

“The fight against Ward in Cardiff was electric. The Welsh crowd really got behind me and I’m very grateful for that. I would love to headline a show back home by the end of 2025 or the start of 2026.

“I just want good performances and wins against good fighters and titles, and hopefully the British Featherweight Title before the end of the year.”

BOXXER Founder & CEO Ben Shalom said: “We’re delighted to have secured Rhys’ signature. He has a very bright future ahead of him. I thought he won the McGrail fight.  He landed the cleaner shots and on just three days’ notice, he showed his class. I know Rhys has big ambitions. Together with Lauren Price, I believe he can lead a resurgence in Welsh boxing and bring more big nights back to Cardiff.”

LAS VEGAS, USA (July 10, 2024) – Chris Eubank Jr and BOXXER have today announced a major partnership deal, with the iconic middleweight star signing with the next generation boxing promoter as he targets mega-fights and vows to silence his domestic rivals ahead of his hotly anticipated ring return.

One of the most recognisable names in world boxing, Eubank Jr has continued his impressive family legacy in a career which has seen the Brighton superstar twice capture IBO Super Middleweight and WBA interim Middleweight World Titles and claim notable wins over James DeGale, Arthur Abraham, Liam Smith, Matvey Korobov, Avni Yildirim and Dmitrii Chudinov.

The top-rated middleweight contender looked at his best last time out when ending his rivalry with Liam Smith with an emphatic tenth-round stoppage win over the former WBO World Champion in front of a capacity crowd at the AO Arena in Manchester in September.

Having joined forces with BOXXER, Eubank Jr has now set his sights on the biggest fights available including mouth watering match ups with pound-for-pound stars Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford and domestic grudge matches with long standing rivals including Conor Benn and Billy Joe Saunders.

Founded by the UK’s youngest licensed promoter Ben Shalom with a vision to bring inclusivity, innovation and entertainment to one of the oldest sports in the world, BOXXER is a next generation professional boxing promoter.

Home to world champions, Olympic gold medallists and some of the sport’s most exciting contenders, BOXXER have broken a host of viewership records in the UK and Ireland while delivering unmissable events featuring sold-out arenas and stadiums, and boxing’s biggest names going head-to-head.

Eubank Jr is the latest addition to BOXXER’s star studded stable including WBO World Cruiserweight Champion Chris Billam-Smith, future boxing superstar Ben Whittaker, Unified Welterweight World Champion Lauren Price, WBO #1 Light Heavyweight contender Joshua Buatsi and fast rising stars Adam Azim, Caroline Dubois, Viddal Riley and Karriss Artingstall.

Chris Eubank Jr said: “I’m very excited to have signed with BOXXER and Ben Shalom. They fit the direction I want to go in. We have big plans over the next 12 to 24 months. There are big fights in the pipeline and these guys can make it happen. This is a partnership. I have the freedom and the leeway to work how I want to work, which is very rare. I’m in a position of power. I’m in a position to really control the direction that I want to go in so I’m excited.

“I’ve been in the game for 12 years now and I’m still hungry. I’m still excited. I’m still in love with the sport of boxing. I’m in a blessed position right now where there are 4 or 5 different names out there that are mega fights that everybody wants to see. Canelo Alvarez, Terence Crawford, Conor Benn, Billy Joe Saunders – and that’s just off the top of my head. There are many more fights out there that can be made, even domestically, so I’m in an exciting position.”

BOXXER Founder and CEO Ben Shalom said: “Chris Eubank Jr is undoubtedly one of the biggest star attractions in boxing. He brings excitement and intrigue wherever he goes. BOXXER is his natural home and I’m incredibly excited to work with Chris to make sure we fully realise his huge potential and fierce ambition. We’ve had the privilege of working with Chris on some massive fight nights in the UK and there will be plenty more to come in the UK and worldwide. He is a bonafide pay-per-view star. The hunger and ambition is there. We can’t wait to see him back in action and involved in some massive fights.”

HAMZAH SHEERAZ IS hoping that, should he overcome Liam Williams in his biggest fight to date at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday, the marquee middleweight names on the British scene will accept an invitation to take him on.

The undefeated Sheeraz goes up against the two-weight former British champion and world title challenger Williams with his WBC Silver and Commonwealth championship belts on the line.

In the event of victory in London, Sheeraz aims to be rewarded for his sterling progression in the division with a blockbuster 2024 featuring fights against established names like Chris Eubank Jr or Liam Smith, along with the hugely popular British champion Nathan Heaney.

First of all, however, Sheeraz is fully aware that he has serious business to attend to on Saturday.

“I’m not and won’t look past Liam Williams as he is the priority,” said the Ilford 160-pounder. “I will sit down with my team and God willing I will know after Saturday’s performance that there is big names in the division for me to fight.

“Eubank Jr, Liam Smith or the British champion Nathan Heaney, that is the goal for me and, after Saturday night, everyone is going to see that I’m ready for those fights, inshallah.”

Tune in for Fight Night Live from the Copper Box Arena on Saturday from 7pm on TNT Sports 1.

Chris Eubank Jr. showed tremendous resolve in stopping Liam Smith in round 10 of their 12-round middleweight bout in Manchester, England.

Eubank dominated from the second round on as he boxed very well with his jab and landing solid combinations behind it.

In round four, Eubank dropped Smith with an uppercut.

In round 10, Smith began to bleed from his right eye. Eubank jumped on Smith and hit with a barrage of punches that made Smith crumble to the canvas in the corner. Later in the round, Eubank landed another seven unanswered shots to the head that forced a referee stoppage at 1:45.

Eubank, 159.4 lbs of Bolton, England is now 33-3 with 24 knockouts. Smith, 160 lbs of Liverpool is 33-4-1.

This was a rematch of a January 21st fight that saw Smith stop Eubank in four-rounds.

Chris Eubank Jr said to Sky Sports after the fight: “Liam is a warrior. I respect him, his team, his family and his brothers. They always come out and put it all on the line. He fought until the last second, so big up to Liam and his team. 

“I’m not going to lie, what happened tonight was supposed to happen in January. Like I said, it wasn’t my night. I trained hard for that fight, I trained hard for this fight. The focus is always there. I dedicate my life to this sport. Now we’re onto bigger and better fights. There’s some big names out there.”

Liam Smith said to Sky Sports after the fight: “Everything from start to finish. I was flat. I think the weight killed me. I was flat and Chris was sharp. Chris was the better man tonight.”

Adam Azim won a 10-round unanimous decision over Aram fanyan in a junior middleweight bout.

Azim, 139.4 lbs iwon by scoresof 100-90, 98-92 and 97-93. Fanyan of Ukraine is 23-2.

Frazer Clarke remained undefeated with a stoppage after round six over David Allen in a 10-round heavyweight bout,

In round five, Clarke was cut around the right eye.

In round six, Clarke lost a point for a low blow. With Clarke dominating the action, Allen’s corner stopped the bout after the sixth frame.

Clarke, 270 lbs is 8-0 with six knockouts. Allen, 257 lbs is 21-6-2.

Jack Cullen stopped Mark Heffron in round three of their 12-round super middleweight bout.

In round three, Cullen landed a right hand that was followed by a left hook right on the chin that put Heffron on the canvas. Heffron got to his feet but plummeted to the canvas and the fight was stopped at 2:43.

Cullen, 167 lbs of Little Leaver, ENG is 22-4-1 with 10 knockouts. Heffron, 167 lbs of Manchester falls to 29-3-1.

Former unified world champion Mikaela Mayer won a 10-round decision over Sylvia Bortat in a junior welterweight bout.

Mayer, 141.4 lbs of Las Vegas won by a 100-90 score and is now 19-1. Bortat, 139 lbs of Italy is 11-3-1.

Florian Marku obliterated Dylan Moran in the opening round of their 10-round welterweight bout.

Marku hurt Moran with a left hand that knocked him backwards. Marku unloaed with a series of hard punches that forced a referee stoppage at 54 seconds.

Marku, 146.4 lbs is now 13-0-1 with eight knockouts. Moran, 145 lbs of Ireland is 18-2.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – (September 1, 2023) – Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr stared silently and unblinkingly into each other’s eyes without wavering following both of them making weight at today’s official weigh-ins for tomorrow’s ‘BOXXER: Smith vs Eubank 2 – Repeat or Revenge?’ showdown. 

Airing live and exclusively in the UK as a Sky Sports Box Office pay-per-view event (and airing in the US on ESPN+) the fight sees the two antagonists return to the ring in Manchester’s AO Arena, eight months on from the January firefight which saw Smith secure a fourth-round stoppage victory.

Eubank Jr has called this rematch a “do or die” fight for him and Smith has promised to end his rival’s career tomorrow night when they meet in the ring. Repeat or revenge? The question will be answered on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports Box Office. 

Sparks also flew today between Florian Marku and his Irish rival Dylan Moran, the week’s war of words turning into a shoving match as they squared off on stage. 

Fireworks are also expected between heavyweights Frazer Clarke and Dave Allen, whose strained bonhomie barely concealed clear tensions, and Adam Azim and Aram Fanyan, who travels from Ukraine looking to derail the Azim hype train and score a morale-boosting win for his Ukrainian fanbase.

The official weigh-in results are as follows:

Liam Smith (11st 6lbs) vs Chris Eubank Jr (11st 5lbs 5oz)

12 Round Middleweight Bout

Adam Azim (9st 13lbs) vs Aram Fanyan (9st 13lbs) 

10 Round Super-Lightweight Bout

Frazer Clarke (19st 4 lbs) vs David Allen (18st 5 lbs) 

10 Round Heavyweight Bout

Mark Heffron (11st 13 lbs) vs Jack Cullen (11st 13 lbs) 

12 Round British Super-Middleweight Title Bout

Mikaela Mayer (10st 1lbs 5oz) vs Silvia Bortot (9st 13lbs) 

10 Round Super-Lightweight Bout

Florian Marku (10st 6lbs 5oz) vs Dylan Moran (10st 5lbs)

10 Round Welterweight Bout

Sky Sports Stream

Lauren Price (10st 6lbs 5oz) vs Lolita Muzeya (10st 7lbs 5oz) 

8 Round Welterweight Bout 

Frankie Stringer (9st 9lbs 5oz) vs Engel Gomez (9st 8lbs) 

6 Round Lightweight Bout

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – (August 31, 2023) – A fiery exchange between Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr concluded today’s press conference when they faced off in Manchester today ahead of this Saturday’s highly-anticipated rematch at the AO Arena, airing exclusively in the UK and Ireland as a Sky Sports Box Office pay-per-view.

Smith stopped Eubank Jr in the first minute of the fourth round in their January encounter in the same venue, but Eubank’s confidence seemed undented when he confronted Smith at today’s press conference.

Even now he was unwilling to acknowledge that Smith, with the first win behind him, was the better fighter of the two.

“If he pulls it off again, I can’t argue with it,” said Eubank. “But the performance I’m going to have on Saturday night is going to be exquisite, super-natural.”

Eubank has referred to Smith’s stoppage win as a “miracle” for the Liverpool man and a feat unlikely to be repeated, a claim which drew derision from Smith.

“Which shot was the miracle, Chris? The miracle was how easy it was!” he said. “If he makes the same mistakes, I’ll punish him for them.”

Eubank does acknowledge he is in this position for the first time – rematching an opponent who’s defeated him. “It is a new pressure that I have never had to deal with before. But I’m enjoying it,” he said.

“I’m enjoying the hardship I’m having to go through mentally and physically to execute the game plan on the night.

“I’m excited to go out there and see how I react.”

Florian Marku and Dylan Moran had a fiery interaction when they faced off, with Marku afterwards claiming Moran had trembled during the staredown.

“He was shaking when we were face to face, he tried to hide it. If you see the videos from the cameras, he was shaking his legs,” he said.

“I’m going to hunt him. I know he’s going to try to box, he going to try to run, but I will be too much for him.”

Moran laughed this off, “Never in my life will I shake in front of you… I am the superior boxer. It’s been a long and tough journey to get here today and I won’t let Florian Marku rob me of that.

“He’s standing in my way. It’s been a lifetime of hard work to be sat here and I plan on finishing the job Saturday night.”

Another fight on the undercard which is generating excitement is the heavyweight clash between Olympic bronze medallist Frazer Clarke and David Allen.

Allen will look for a huge upset on Saturday night and although he knows his task is a tricky one, he is confident of victory.

Allen said: “I’ve known him a very long time. I’ve known him since 2012. We’ve done a lot of rounds together [in sparring]. I know what he’s capable of. He’s a very good fighter. I’ve been out for a long time. I know it’s a difficult ask for me, but I expect to win. I wouldn’t be here if not.”

Clarke, 7-0 as a professional, was last out in June where he dominated Mariusz Wach over 10 rounds to secure a unanimous decision and looks to continue his winning ways.

He said: “I come to win fights and have my hand raised at the end. My job is to land more leather on Dave Allen than he lands on me.”

‘Big Fraze’ also responded to Allen’s claims he is the better boxer, he said: “Dave outboxing me is like me saying that I’m going to become an underwear model for Calvin Klein. I just can’t see it happening.”

Undefeated prospect Adam Azim takes on his toughest challenge in 23-1 Aram Fanyan and although Azim has only eight professional fights under his belt, he is relishing the challenge.

The 21-year-old said: “I’m treating every single fight like a world title fight. I’ve got to take fights like this to develop myself and I feel like my confidence has doubled up. This is going to be the best performance you have ever seen in your life.”

Liam Smith vs Chris Eubank Jr II is live on Sky Sports Box Office this Saturday. 

(Aug. 21, 2023) — Former unified junior lightweight world champion Mikaela Mayer returns in a 10-round junior welterweight battle against Italian contender Silvia Bortot on Saturday, Sept. 2 at AO Arena in Manchester, England.
 
Mayer-Bortot will take place on the undercard of the highly anticipated middleweight rematch between bitter rivals Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr.
 
Promoted by BOXXER, Smith-Eubank II, Mayer-Bortot and additional undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ starting at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT. Sky Sports Box Office will broadcast the event in the UK and Ireland.
 
Mayer (18-1, 5 KOs), a 2016 U.S. Olympian, signed with Top Rank in 2017 and captured the WBO junior lightweight world title by defeating Ewa Brodnicka in October 2020. The following year, the Los Angeles native unified the WBO and IBF titles in an action-packed slugfest against Maiva Hamadouche. In October 2022, she suffered a razor-thin split decision loss to Alycia Baumgardner in an undisputed world title showdown at London’s O2 Arena. Mayer then moved up to lightweight and scored a unanimous decision win over Lucy Wildheart in April. She now prepares to make her third consecutive appearance in London.

Mayer said, “It’s my sixth year as a pro, but I’ve never felt better. My run at 130 was a ton of fun and something I’m proud of, but it’s time for a new chapter. It’s time to combine my experience with my size and see what I can accomplish. This fight is at 142 pounds, but 147 is the next hot division in women’s boxing, and that’s where I’m headed.”
 
Bortot (11-2-1, 3 KOs) debuted in the pro ranks in 2016 and captured the European junior welterweight title in 2019 with a fourth-round TKO win over Marie Helene Meron. She suffered her first loss via ninth-round TKO in April 2022 but bounced back that year with three victories. In her last outing, she lost to undefeated standout Flora Pili via 10-round decision in May.
 
Smith (33-3-1, 20 KOs) captured the WBO junior middleweight title with a seventh-round TKO win over Apollo Thompson in 2015. He defended the title twice before losing to Canelo Alvarez in 2016. Smith remained a division mainstay during the following five years, earning wins over the likes of Liam Williams, Anthony Fowler and Jessie Vargas. In September 2022, he made his middleweight debut with a stoppage win over Hassan Mwakinyo before upsetting Eubank via fourth-round TKO in their first encounter.
 
Eubank (32-3, 23 KOs) began his pro career in 2011 and went 18-0 before losing to Billy Joe Saunders in 2014. In 2017, he moved up to super middleweight and beat former two-division world champion Arthur Abraham and then-unbeaten contender Avni Yildirim. In his first world title shot, he suffered a unanimous decision loss to George Groves in February 2018. Eubank returned with wins against JJ McDonagh and former world champion James DeGale before returning to middleweight, where he was 4-0 before the first Smith showdown.
 
In other streaming action from Manchester:

• Junior welterweight standout Adam Azim (8-0, 6 KOs) takes on Ukraine’s Aram Fanyan (23-1, 5 KOs) in a 10-round clash.
   
• Unbeaten heavyweight Frazer Clarke (7-0, 5 KOs), a British Olympic bronze medalist, will lock horns with David Allen (21-5-2, 18 KOs) in a 10-rounder.
   
• British super middleweight champion Mark Heffron (29-2-1, 23 KOs) will defend his title against former English middleweight champion Jack Cullen (21-4-1, 9 KO) in a 12-rounder.
   
• Unbeaten Albanian southpaw Florian Marku (12-0-1, 7 KOs) will take on Ireland’s Dylan Moran (18-1, 8 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight tilt. 

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – (August 8, 2023) – Adam Azim, the hottest young talent in British boxing, heads to the AO Arena Manchester on Saturday, September 2nd, joining the blockbuster Smith vs Eubank II pay-per-view card on a mission to fast-track himself to world-title contention and fulfil a promise made to his idol Amir Khan.

Having accepted a challenge laid down by Amir Khan – who became world champion at just 22 years old – to win his first world title at an even younger age, the 21-year-old Azim is taking a big step up in opposition in an attempt to fast-track himself into world title contention.

Dangerous Ukrainian Aram Fanyan (22-1, 4 KO’s) has nearly three times Azim’s professional experience and just one career loss, making the young veteran a serious test for the young Azim (8-0, 6 KO’s). Fanyan is headed to Manchester intent on derailing Azim’s momentum and stealing the young prodigy’s shine for himself.

Originally scheduled for June, the clash was postponed when a severe bacterial infection took root in Azim’s left hand via a cut sustained in a training session. Now fully recovered, the super-lightweight standout is straining at the leash to put on another show-stopping performance for British fight fans at one of the most anticipated boxing events of the year.

“Aram Fanyan isn’t coming to roll over. He’s dangerous, he’s experienced and we all know what’s going on in Ukraine right now – he wants to win for his country as much as anything. He’s very motivated and he’s not a guy to underestimate, so he’s definitely a good opponent,” said Azim.

“He’s the toughest opponent of my career so far and I’m looking to put on a great performance which shows beyond doubt that I am ready to to step up to that next level and start winning some titles. Being on a big pay-per-view card like Smith vs Eubank 2 is just extra motivation for me – I want to be headlining my own pay-per-views in the future and the road to that really starts with this fight on September 2nd.”

Fanyan said, “This is a huge opportunity for me to fight on one of the world’s biggest television platforms for the sport of boxing. Ukraine has produced some great names in boxing. After this fight, Aram Fanyan is the next Ukrainian name the world’s boxing fans will come to know

“Adam Azim is young but already has a big name and big reputation, so when I travel to England and beat him on his home soil, that’s going to get a lot of attention and it’s going to open up some huge opportunities for me.”

2_SEP_AZIM_FANYAN_1080x1080_NoCTA.jpeg“Adam Azim is a prodigious talent and having just turned 21 we’ve still only seen a fraction of what he’s capable of. His natural ability combined with his work ethic and ambition is frightening. We believe he is the future star of this sport. On September 2nd he will feature on a pay-per-view card for the first time and we believe he will headline many pay-per-views of his own in the future. He’s facing a dangerous, experienced opponent in Aram Fanyan. It’s an important test for Adam Azim and a big step forward for his career.”

BOXXER: Smith vs Eubank II – Repeat or Revenge? takes place Saturday, September 2nd at the AO Arena Manchester and airs live and exclusively as a Sky Sports Box Office pay-per-view event.

Azim vs Fanyan joins previously announced undercard bouts including a big domestic heavyweight clash between Frazer Clarke (7-0, 5 KO’s) and Dave Allen (25-5-2, 18 KOs), a welterweight encounter between ‘The Albanian King’ Florian Marku (12-0-1, 7 KO’s) and Irish rival Dylan Moran (18-1, 8 KO’s) plus British super-middleweight champion Mark Heffron (29-2-1, 23 KO’s) against Jack Cullen (21-4-1, 9 KO’s) and the return to the ring of light-heavyweight sensation Ben Whittaker (4-0, 3 KO’s).

Final remaining tickets are available via Boxxer.com

This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Village Hotels.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – July 27, 2023 – BOXXER, the next generation boxing promotion, are delighted to announce four exciting additions to the undercard for the highly-anticipated rematch between Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr on Saturday, September 2^nd at the AO Arena, Manchester,live and exclusive on Sky Sports Box Office.  

Bitter middleweight rivals Smith and Eubank Jr will meet in the middle of the ring for a second time following their epic January encounter, which saw ‘Beefy’ claim a stunning fourth-round stoppage victory. 

Hostilities have escalated since their first fight and are set to reach boiling point when they return to the AO Arena on September 2^nd. 

Eubank Jr is out for revenge, believing Smith used an elbow in the combination that sent him to the canvas, while Smith is eager to secure another decisive win to put an end to their rivalry and Eubank Jr’s career once and for all.

Demand for the rematch is huge, with over 70% of tickets snapped up during a record-breaking pre-sale, and is set to become even bigger following the announcement of four exciting additions to the undercard.

Tokyo 2020 Olympic Bronze Medallist Frazer Clarke returns to action having banked 10 invaluable rounds against former world title challenger Mariuz Wach at York Hall in June and is set to lock horns with ‘The White Rhino’ Dave Allen. 

Now 7-0, Burton’s Clarke will be aiming to continue his transition from highly-regarded amateur to successful pro as he takes on Allen in a tantilising ten round domestic heavyweight dust up. 

Allen, who is undefeated in his last four contests, has brought in the expertise of sought after coaches Jamie Moore and Nigel Travis to work alongside Roger Sampson to prepare him for this fight. 

Having previously shared the ring with the likes of David Price, Tony Yoka, Luis Ortiz and Dillian Whyte, and secured high-profile wins over Lucas Browne and Nick Webb, the Doncaster fan favourite will be looking to claim another sizable scalp in front of a raucous Manchester crowd.

‘The Albanian King’ Florian Marku will take on Ireland’s Dylan Moran in a ten round welterweight contest. 

Marku has recovered from the hand injury he took into his memorable homecoming fight against Miguel Parra at Air Albania Stadium last year and will want to continue to showcase improvements made under coach Grant Smith.

Like Marku, Moran is fresh from his own homecoming fight having secured a stoppage win against Mauro Maximiliano Godoy at the WIT Arena in Waterford in April. The 28-year-old southpaw now has the opportunity to prove if he is ‘The Real Deal’, as his ring moniker suggests, and to boost his profile against his popular opponent.

2020 Olympic Silver Medallist Ben Whittaker continues to dazzle and delight with his stylish approach to the sweet science. Trained by SugarHill Steward, the Wolverhampton wonderkid secured his fourth professional win with the eighth-round stoppage of Vladimir Belujsky on the undercard of Savannah Marshall’s undisputed clash against Franchón Crews-Dezur in Manchester. Whittaker will make a swift return to the AO Arena on September 2nd and have the chance to showcase his star power on the big stage once again. 

In another mouth-watering domestic clash, Oldham’s Mark Heffron will defend his British and Commonwealth Super Middleweight titles against Jack Cullen.

Heffron, who trains out of Manchester’s Champs Camp gym under the guidance of Joe Gallagher, was forced to pull out of a scheduled defence of his British title against Zak Chelli on July 2 due to injury. Now fully fit, the 31-year-old will defend his belts against ‘Little Lever’s Meat Cleaver’, the former WBO and IBF International Champion, who is looking to bounce back from a stoppage loss to dangerous Californian Diego Pacheco. 

Ben Shalom, BOXXER’s promoter and CEO, said “We’re delighted to announce the first four additions to what promises to be an action-packed undercard. The response to Smith-Eubank II has been incredible. Manchester is going to be rocking on September 2nd. We look forward to releasing more undercard announcements soon.” 

SMITH vs EUBANK II: REPEAT OR REVENGE? is presented in association with official partners bet365, WOW HYDRATE, Everlast and Village Hotels. 

Tickets for the blockbuster clash at the AO Arena in Manchester are available via Boxxer.com

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – (July 19, 2023) – The highly-anticipated rematch between bitter middleweight rivals Liam ‘Beefy’ Smith and Chris Eubank Jr has a new date, with the two now set to collide in at the AO Arena, Manchester on Saturday, September 2nd.

Airing live and exclusively on Sky Sports Box Office, the SMITH vs EUBANK II: REPEAT OR REVENGE? pay-per-view blockbuster event will bring the heated rivalry to a fiery conclusion, nine months after their first electrifying encounter.

Smith and Eubank Jr first fought in January, meeting in the middle of the ring for a frenetic firefight which lasted just one minute into the fourth round before Smith secured victory with a stunning pair of knockdowns. 

Upset at the referee’s intervention and determined to avenge the defeat, Eubank Jr immediately activated the contracted rematch clause and went into a protracted training camp focused on handing a loss to Liverpool man Smith.

With a prior date having been postponed due to Smith suffering a minor injury in training camp, the simmering rivalry has reached new heights with each passing month and is set to reach boiling point on September 2nd.

“I’m glad that the date is set now and we can look forward to getting rid of this itch that needs scratching. I’m fully healed up now, injury-free, and I’m looking forward to finishing Chris Eubank Jr’s career on September 2nd,” said Smith.

“No more excuses, no more postponements. Smith can’t run forever. September 2 is the day of my revenge,” said Eubank Jr.

Ben Shalom, BOXXER’s promoter and CEO, said, “The rivalry between Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr has quickly become one of the most heated in British boxing. Their January fight was one of the most exciting encounters in BOXXER history. We’re expecting tickets to fly out for September 2nd at the AO Arena as fans rush to be ringside for what is guaranteed to be another unbelievable firefight.”

Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing at Wasserman Boxing, said: “Good things come to those who wait, and so the postponements will only make victory that bit sweeter for Chris, when he finally meets Liam Smith on September 2. Chris has had to remain patient and disciplined but what has been clear, in our conversations over the last few weeks and months, is that he is laser-focused on setting the record straight. Chris is going to deliver an electric performance.”

SMITH vs EUBANK II: REPEAT OR REVENGE? is presented in association with official partners bet365, WOW HYDRATE, Everlast and Village Hotels. 

Tickets for the blockbuster clash at the AO Arena in Manchester will go on sale on Tuesday July 25th. 

Fans can sign up at Boxxer.com for exclusive access to presale tickets before general sale.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – (May 24th, 2023) – Savannah Marshall (12-1, 10 KO’s) is on track to land a record-setting 1-2 this summer as she follows October’s sell-out of The O2 London – the UK’s largest arena – by headlining a sold-out show at the AO Arena Manchester – the UK’s second-largest arena – on Saturday, July 1st.

The undisputed World Super-Middleweight Championship will be on the line when Marshall walks out to challenge defending champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn (8-1, 2 KO’s) and becomes the first female boxer ever to headline the UK’s two largest arenas in back-to-back events.

Previously set to occupy the co-headline slot, the undisputed world championship bout now takes main event status as Liam Smith postpones his rematch with bitter rival Chris Eubank Jr to recover from a minor but nagging injury which has dogged his training camp.

The two antagonists set a pay-per-view record for their weight class when they fought in January, a bout Smith won by fourth-round stoppage, and a stellar support card was put in place for their highly-anticipated rematch, which was also set to air as a Sky Sports Box Office pay-per-view event.

With two world title fights – Liverpool’s Natasha ‘Miss GB’ Jonas (13-2-1, 8 KO’s) is set to defend her unified world light-middleweight championship at the event – plus a guaranteed-fireworks British super-middleweight title fight pitting Manchester man Mark ‘Kid Dynamite’ Heffron (29-2-1, 23 KOs) against Zak Chelli (13-1-1, 6 KOs), that stacked undercard now becomes a stacked event which will air live on the Sky Sports network.

And BOXXER has today also announced that every fan entering the AO Arena on Saturday, July 1 will be issued with a £10 or £20 food and beverage voucher (depending on value of ticket held), courtesy of BOXXER, plus priority access to tickets for the new Smith vs Eubank II date when announced and a 10% discount code to use in their priority access window. 

Also confirmed for the card is once-in-a-lifetime talent Ben ‘The Surgeon’ Whittaker (3-0, 2 KO’s), who became one of the most talked-about athletes in the country earlier this month when his outrageous showboating at BOXXER’s Birmingham event went viral online and had him trending at #1 on UK twitter for the night of May 6th.

Another prospect heavily-tipped by boxing insiders is Callum Simpson (11-0, 9 KO’s), who journeys from his native Yorkshire on July 1st to make his second BOXXER appearance following his stunning third-round stoppage in the same venue in March.

“I’m gutted and sorry to all the fans about the postponement. I’ve always said a fully fit Liam Smith beats Chris Eubank Jr every time. I tried training through because I was desperate not to let anyone down but I’ve had to withdraw from the bout in July following the latest medical assessment this week. I’ll heal up now and then be fully fit for later in the summer,” said Liam Smith. 

“I wanted BOXXER to put a big card together and they more than delivered, so I’m honestly delighted that BOXXER is keeping the card on without the pay-per-view, which doesn’t always happen. I would encourage all the fans to get behind Tasha Jonas and Savannah Marshall in their world title fights, and the other fighters in a brilliant card.”

Ben Shalom, BOXXER founder and CEO, saluted Smith’s courageous efforts to stay on the card and looks forward to another record-setting night in Manchester.

“Nobody is more disappointed than Liam Smith, he’s the ultimate professional but he had no choice but to postpone the bout. We’re working on a new date for the fight and hope to announce that in a week or so. In the meantime we’ve got a huge night taking place in Manchester on July 1st,” he said.

“Savannah Marshall headlining the UK’s two biggest arenas in back to back fights is a first for a female fighter and shows the strength of the women’s sport today. She’s fighting for the undisputed world super-middleweight championship against the USA’s Franchon Crews-Dezurn – a fight which could headline any arena in the world. 

“Manchester’s own Mark Heffron defending his British title against Zak Chelli, Natasha Jonas laying her own world titles on the line, plus a once-in-a-generation talent like Ben Whittaker and the outstanding Callum Simpson takes on Boris Crighton – this is a card stacked with great fights and we are very excited for it.

“We understand a lot of fans will be disappointed to hear the Smith-Eubank rematch is being postponed, so we’ve arranged a free voucher for every fan in the venue to have a drink on us on fight night, plus they will receive priority access to Smith vs Eubank II tickets for the new date when it’s announced, and a discount on those tickets.”

Eubank Jr’s promoter Kalle Sauerland of Wasserman Boxing said a new date for the Smtih vs Eubank rematch will will be announced imminently. “We have been informed that Liam Smith is not fit to fight on July 1st. We are awaiting further medical reports before we announce the new date shortly.”

A new date for the rescheduled Smith vs Eubank II bout – which follows Smith’s stunning stoppage of Eubank in January – will be announced in the near future.

LONDON, ENGLAND – (May 15th, 2023) – Long hailed as one of the best young prospects ever to emerge from the British circuit, Adam Azim (8-0, 6 KO’s) will next month take another step towards the greatness widely predicted for him when he faces dangerous Ukrainian Aram Fanyan (22-1, 4 KO’s) at London’s historic York Hall on Friday, June 16th.

The 20-year-old prodigy’s seemingly unstoppable rise from highly-decorated amateur to hotly-tipped professional has former world champion Amir Khan predicting he will win his first world championship before 22, the age Khan first became champion.

In pursuit of his fast-track to contention, Azim steps up another level again for his next opponent when he faces Fanyan, who has nearly three times the amount of professional experience and has lost just once in his career.

Caroline Dubois (6-0, 5 KO’s), Azim’s stablemate at McGuigan’s Gym under noted trainer Shane McGuigan, is also taking a step up in opposition on June 16th as she seeks to continue her rise to the top of her division. 

Yanina del Carmen Lescano (13-2, 4 KO’s) was just one scorecard away from becoming IBO World Lightweight Champion last year, losing her March 2022 title challenge against 2016 Olympic gold medallist Estelle Mossely by way of a split-decision which sparked much debate among boxing’s fanbase.

Since then she has made three more defences of the South American Lightweight Championship she won in 2020. Two of those three wins have come by way of knockout, the most recent being a quick finish in her native Argentina last month.

Riding a five-fight streak of KO and TKO wins, Dubois is also a proven fight-finisher and an explosive encounter beckons at York Hall next month when she faces off with her Argentinian antagonist. 

Previously scheduled for June 10th – the same day as the Champion’s League Final – the event will now take place in the same venue on Friday, June 16th and will air live and exclusively on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Showcase in the UK and Ireland.

All tickets purchased for the sold-out event on the original date remain valid for the new date.

The move comes as a result of changes to the programming schedule following the recent relocation of the blockbuster Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr event to a new date of July 1st – a result of Smith extending his training camp by two weeks to work around a minor injury – and also avoids a clash with the Champions League Final taking place that night.

“With the event already sold out, we’re expecting an incredible atmosphere in York Hall on Friday, June 16th as Adam Azim headlines for the third time in his young professional career. His Ukrainian opponent Aram Fanyan is dangerous and experienced – it’s a very tough test for Adam as he continues his remarkable rise,” remarked BOXXER’s promoter and CEO Ben Shalom.

“Caroline Dubois is taking on an incredible challenge on June 16th as well. Yanina Lescano nearly became world champion last year, a lot of people felt she won that fight against Estelle Mossely and should be champion now. 

“For Caroline to be facing a recent world title contender in just her seventh professional fight speaks volumes about her level and her heart. I’ve always said she’s going to be the future face of women’s boxing and it’s fights like this which will get her there.

“The fact we’re moving from the same evening as the Champions League Final is a total coincidence but it’s definitely welcome news for those fans who were set to spend their night double-screening between this card and the football. I expect a few of the fighters on the card will be quite pleased as well!”

Other treats on the June 16th card include the return to the ring of slick super-middleweight Callum Simpson (11-0, 9 KO’s), a hotly-tipped prospect by boxing insiders, and a highly-charged rematch between feuding cruiserweights Viddal Riley (8-0, 5 KO’s) and Anees Taj (7-3, 5 KO’s). 

It’s a literal ‘bad blood’ second tilt: Riley won their February fight by way of doctor’s stoppage due to a cut over Taj’s eyebrow, but neither man was satisfied with the conclusion and they now seek a more definitive end to their feud. 

BOXXER’s next event takes place in Bournemouth on Saturday, May 27th and will be the biggest boxing event in the history of the South Coast region when Bournemouth’s own Chris Billam-Smith – a stablemate of Azim and Dubois – challenges WBO world cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie at the Vitality Stadium. 

BOXXER’s confirmed upcoming schedule is as follows:

– Lawrence Okolie vs Chris Billam-Smith, Bournemouth – Saturday, May 27th

-BOXXER Fight Night: Azim vs Fanyan, York Hall London – Friday, June 16th

– Smith vs Eubank II: Repeat or Revenge?, Manchester – Saturday, July 1st 

LONDON, ENGLAND – (May 9th, 2023) – BOXXER, the next-generation boxing promotion, today announced updates to the blockbuster SMITH vs EUBANK II: REPEAT OR REVENGE? event headlined by Liam Smith (33-3-1, 20 KO’s) and Chris Eubank Jr (32-3, 23 KO’s), with a new addition to the card confirmed plus a new date for the event at the AO Arena Manchester.

Middleweight sensation Ben ‘The Surgeon’ Whittaker considers ‘Prince’ Naseem Hamed one of his greatest inspirations and paid tribute to his idol in style on Saturday night with a stunning blend of skills and showboating which had him trending across UK social media.

The electrifying young talent won a silver medallist at the 2020 Olympics and is widely-tipped by boxing insiders to become a dominant world champion in the professional ranks and a potential all-time great. In July, Manchester fans will have their first chance to witness his magic in person.

The event – headlined by the highly-anticipated rematch between bitter rivals Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr. – also has a new date, moving to Saturday, July 1st.

The date change comes after Smith received medical advice to adjust his training camp for a two-week period in order to allow the healing of a minor injury which had begun flaring up.

With Eubank Jr consenting to the move, the two rivals will now return to the AO Manchester Arena in July, almost five months to the day from the four-round January firefight which took place in front of a sold-out crowd in the same venue – joined by a massive television audience watching on pay-per-view – and ended with Smith winning by stoppage in the first minute of the fourth round.

Determined to avenge the defeat and square the record between them, Eubank Jr activated the contracted rematch clause to set up a summer showdown which has taken their rivalry to new heights and looks set to draw an even larger audience.

Explaining his request, Smith commented, “It’s just an old injury niggle flaring up but I want to take the time to let it heal up so that I can enter the ring at 100% on fight night, because a 100% Liam Smith beats Chris Eubank Jr every day of the week and twice on Sunday.”

The co-headline bout remains in place, with former middleweight world champion Savannah ‘The Silent Assassin’ Marshall (12-1, 10 KO’s) challenging undisputed world super-middleweight champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn (8-1, 2 KO’s) for her four belts and undisputed champion status.

Having won a new belt in each of her three fights in 2022 unified world light-middleweight champion Natasha ‘Miss GB’ Jonas (13-2-1, 8 KO’s) will lay them all on the line in Manchester, with her challenger to be announced in the coming days. 

Jonas – a member of the 2012 Team GB Olympic squad – won the WBO world title in February last year, captured the WBC belt in September and added the IBF belt to her collection in November. 

British super-middleweight champion Mark ‘Kid Dynamite’ Heffron (29-2-1, 23 KOs) – a Champs Camp stablemate of Jonas under the tutelage of two-time trainer of the year, Joe Gallagher – will defend the prestigious Lonsdale Belt against Zak Chelli (13-1-1, 6 KOs) in a certain crowd-pleaser.

Chelli goes into the title challenge off the back of a stunning, career-best performance against American standout Anthony Sims Jr earlier this year. Having recently been mandated for the British title, the Londoner will now be hoping to cause a mighty upset in the North West when he stands toe-to-toe with Oldham native Heffron.

All tickets purchased for the originally-scheduled date remain valid for the newly-announced July 1st date. Ticket-holders who cannot attend the rescheduled date can obtain a full refund by contacting their ticket provider.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – Friday, April 28 – The biggest boxing event of the summer is now even bigger with 2022 British Fighter of the Year, Natasha Jonas joining a blockbuster card on Saturday, June 17 – live on Sky Sports Box Office. 

Thousands of tickets have already been snapped up by eager fans in the pre-sale window before today’s general sale release with a bumper, 18,000 capacity crowd expected to fill a sold-out AO Arena Manchester.

In the main event, in association with Wasserman Boxing, Liam Smith faces bitter rival Chris Eubank Jr in a high stakes rematch and Savannah Marshall challenges ‘The Heavy Hitting Diva’ Franchon Crews-Dezurn for the Undisputed Super-Middleweight Championship in the co-headline bout.

Now BOXXER can confirm that ‘Miss GB’ Jonas (13-2-1, 8 KOs) will be defending her WBC, WBO, IBF and Ring Magazine Super-Welterweight titles too.

The Merseyside favourite captured the gold with three memorable wins last year – two of those in Manchester – when she defeated Chris Namus, Patricia Berghult and Marie Eve Dicaire. 

Her incredible hat-trick of feats saw her named the first-ever woman to claim the coveted British Boxing Board of Control Fighter of the Year award. An opponent will be named in due course for Jonas.

And in a huge domestic battle, British Super-Middleweight champion Mark ‘Kid Dynamite’ Heffron (29-2-1, 23 KOs) will defend the prestigious Lonsdale Belt against Zak Chelli (13-1-1, 6 KOs).

Chelli delivered a stunning, career-best performance to defeat American prodigy Anthony Sims Jr back in February. And having recently been mandated for the British title, the Londoner will now be hoping to cause a mighty upset in the North West when he stands toe-to-toe with Oldham native Heffron – who is a Champs Camp stablemate of Jonas under the tutelage of two-time trainer of the year, Joe Gallagher.

A bumper night of elite championship boxing awaits with a host of huge fights still to be added.

Tickets are now on general sale and selling fast.

Head to BOXXER.com to purchase yours today and for all the latest news ahead of what promises to be a historic evening on Saturday, June 17 at AO Arena Manchester, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

This event is presented in partnership with official partners Everlast and Wow Hydrate.

LONDON, ENGLAND – (April 25th, 2023) – Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr met in London today at the official pre-fight press conference to formally announce their Saturday June 17th rematch in Manchester this summer.

The two exchanged frank opinions both about their January encounter – which Smith won by fourth-round stoppage – and the upcoming rematch, which Smith feels will go the same way. 

Joining the middleweights at today’s press conference were female super-middleweights Savannah Marshall and her old amateur rival in Franchon Crews-Dezurn, who is now the undisputed world champion at the weight class.

Their co-headline bout will be for the undisputed world championship, with Marshall taking an immediate shot the WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO world titles – and marks Marshall’s return to her former weight class, where she was previously Intercontinental champion before moving up to middleweight for her world title reign.

The event takes place at the AO Arena Manchester on June 17th and airs live and exclusively in the UK and Ireland as a Sky Sports Box Office, with pricing to be announced by Sky in the near future.

Here’s what the fighters had to say today:

LIAM SMITH 

On Eubank’s claims that he wanted the January fight to continue: “Any other fighter gets stopped after that first knockdown.”

“It all happened to him on one night, everything he thought couldn’t happen to him, everything Chris prides himself on not happening, happened to him on one night – and I did  it to him.

“I knew I was a better fighter than Chris. Now I know I can hurt him and hurt him quite handily at 160lbs. Now I’m massively confident.

“To save face he had to take this rematch if he wants to go any further in his career. He’s got a lot of demons to overcome.”

CHRIS EUBANK JR

On the January stoppage: “The thing I regret is not being given the chance to get through it. I wanted to continue. I wanted to see if I could overcome that adversity and I feel like I was robbed of that challenge. 

“This is what we sign up for. We signed up to get hurt. We sign up for the possibility of receiving punishment. 

“If a beating was what I was going to take if the fight had been left to go longer, then great, that’s what I deserve. I would have accepted that. I would have enjoyed that. 

“In my opinion, he didn’t stop me, the referee stopped me. In a sense we both got robbed there.

“I’m a grizzled veteran in the sport, I know how much I can take, I know when I can’t go on. I was buzzed but I knew what was going on.”

FRANCHON CREWS-DEZURN

“She gave a valiant fight in October [against Shields] but it might not be the same, it’s going to be a little worse this time. We’re here right now and I’m telling you June 17 is going to be fun for me. There are some things in boxing you can’t teach.”

SAVANNAH MARSHALL 

“There’s no weight cutting, no being drained for fights so I think this weight will suit me a lot better. I believe I’m at world level and if I can’t mix it with the likes of Franchon what good am I in boxing?

“Our styles have changed to suit the pros. I’m no mug, I’m not overlooking her. It’s going to be a hard night’s work. She’s a tough, rugged, very experienced fighter but I believe I beat her.”

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – (April 25, 2023) -– Repeat or revenge? All or nothing? A blockbuster night of box office boxing is locked in at AO Arena Manchester on Saturday, June 17 as Liam Smith faces Chris Eubank Jr in a high stakes rematch and Undisputed Super-Middleweight champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn puts all her gold on the line against Savannah Marshall. 

Months of build-up and high tensions in fight week set the stage for a classic encounter in January between Smith and Eubank, with the 20,000 fans inside the sold-out Manchester Arena joined by a huge television audience which set a new domestic pay-per-view record for the weight class.

And another sell-out is expected in June with fans able to register for tickets today ahead of Friday’s general sale. 

With both fighters eager for a definitive finish, there was little in the way of a feeling-out process. Heavy leather was traded from the opening bell – and it was all over twelve minutes later, the referee stepping in to wave the fight off after Smith emphatically put Eubank Jr down twice in the first minute of the fourth round.

The result did little to settle tensions between the two men and they rose still further when Eubank’s team claimed one of the knockdowns had been the result of an illegal elbow strike. This incensed Smith, who saw it as a display of bad sportsmanship and Eubank refusing to admit Smith had been the better man on the night.

In summer those tensions will soar to new heights as both men return to Manchester Arena in June for a clash which will irrevocably change the course of their careers.

For former WBO world light-middleweight champion Smith (33-3-1, 20 KO’s), a second win will stamp his authority on the domestic division and set the stage for huge future world title opportunities as he continues his career renaissance under the BOXXER banner.

Liam Smith said: “I know he tried his best to go a different route but the fight is on now and I am looking forward to hearing what he has to say for himself in the build up. Let’s see what angle he comes with this time. 

“He can’t come with angles about how he’s never been hurt, he’s never been dropped, he’s never been stopped, because he just had all three of those things happen to him in one night and it was me who did it to him. So I’m interested to see what he comes with this time and I’m also interested to see where he goes after I beat him again on June 17.

For Eubank (32-3, 23 KO’s), victory means redemption and revitalises the prospect of encounters with elite names on the world stage. 

Chris Eubank Jr said, “Liam had the night of his life against me in January, the stars aligned for him in Manchester, and he went away with a big win. But lightning doesn’t strike twice. If he even has the slightest thought that he can beat me again, then great, because it will be his undoing.”

Ben Shalom, BOXXER Founder and CEO, said, “Liam Smith will be looking for a repeat as Chris Eubank Jr goes in search of revenge in an absolute must-win, at the scene of their first fight in a rivalry that has gripped that nation.

“And Savannah Marshall will have restitution in mind when she takes on the queen of the super middleweight division Franchón Crews-Dezurn in an all or nothing collision for 168lbs glory where Savannah could create history by becoming a two-weight world champion.

“This is a huge box office night – and I cannot wait.”

Wasserman’s Head of Global Boxing, Kalle Sauerland, said: “Hell hath no fury like a Eubank scorned and there was no chance Chris was going to let this one lie. He’s a wounded animal and this makes him extremely dangerous. No sooner had the fight finished, then Chris made it clear that he wanted to trigger the rematch clause and on June 17, he gets his shot at revenge. Smith, you have been warned. Beast mode is on!”

Meanwhile, Savannah ‘The Silent Assassin’ Marshall (12-1, 10 KO’s) will challenge undisputed world super-middleweight champion Franchón ‘FCD’ Crews-Dezurn in the co-headline bout.

Having headlined a record-setting event at London’s O2 Arena in an October challenge against Claressa ‘GWOAT’ Shields, Marshall’s return to the ring places her immediately in another high-stakes encounter against an undisputed world champion with the WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF world super-middleweight championships on the line.

Crews-Dezurn (8-1, 2 KO’s) began her second stint as WBO world super-middleweight champion in March 2020, captured the WBC title for a second time in June 2020 and then added the WBA and IBF belts in April 2022 to become undisputed world champion of the weight class. 

For former world middleweight champion Marshall, the bout is a return to her roots: she commenced her professional career at super-middleweight, her first professional bout taking place on the undercard of the blockbuster Floyd Mayweather Jr vs Conor McGregor superfight which took place in August 2017. 

Having once held the WBA Intercontinental Super-Middleweight Championship before moving up to middleweight and commencing her successful middleweight run, Marshall is going all-in on her return to the division and is aiming for immediate undisputed world champion status.

Franchón Crews-Dezurn said: “I’m so excited that my team and BOXXER were finally able to get this fight done. I’m looking forward to fighting in Manchester, England, especially against a competitor like Savannah Marshall, who has represented the UK for many years just as I have represented the United States for many years, including as amateurs. 

“This fight has been over 10 years in the making and it’s going to be one for the history books. I love to elevate women’s boxing and put on a great display for the people here in the UK. The fans have embraced women’s boxing so much here and I’m coming for the win, regardless of being in Savannah’s backyard or any other adversity stacked against me. I’m full confident in myself and my team and I look forward to putting on a great show for the people.”

Savannah Marshall said: “I’m grateful to BOXXER and Hennessy Sports for getting this fight over the line. This is a big fight for me and a chance to become a two-weight world champion.”

Peter Kahn, Franchón Crews-Dezurn’s manager, said: “This is exactly what boxing needs. The best fighting the best. Champions fighting champions, deserving of a shot at undisputed. I have no doubt that Franchón and Savannah are going to entertain the fans in Manchester and around the world on June 17.”

Sky Sports Box Office will exclusively screen the bout in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Pricing details, as set by Sky, will be released in due course along with further announcements on the full, exciting undercard.

Liam Smith scored a fourth round stoppage over Chris Eubank Jr. in their scheduled 12-round middleweight fight at The AO Arena in Manchester, England.

In round four, Smith hurt Eubank with a hard right in the corner that set off a vicious six-punch barrage that featured a left uppercut and a left hook that put Eubank on the deck. Eubank was badly hurt and tried hold on, but Smith landed another flurry of punches that put Eubank down again, and the fight was stopped at 1:09.

Smith of Liverpool, ENG is 33-3-1 with 20 knockouts. Eubank is 32-3.

Riakphore Stops Glowacki in 4

Richard Riakphore stopped former world champion Kryzystof Glowacki in round four of their scheduled 10-roud cruiserweight bout.

In round four, Riakphore hurt Glowacki with a hard right hand that drove him to the ropes. Four punches later the bout was stopped at 2:44.

Riakphore of England is 16-0 with 12 knockouts. Glowacki of Poland is 32-4.

Essuman Decisions Kongo

Ekow Essuman won a 12-round majority decision over Chris Knongo in a welterweight bout.

Essuman of England won by scores of 116-113, 115-114 and 114-114 and is now 19-0. Kongo is 14-2.

Parker Decisions Massey

Former world Heavyweight champion Joseph Parker won a 10-round unanimous decision over Jack Massey.

In round eight, Massey was deducted a point for holding. In round 10, Massey was cut over his left eye.

Parker of New Zealand won by scores of 97-97, 96-93 and 97-93 and is now 31-3. Massey is 20-2.

Clarke Stops Espindola in 4

Frazer Clarke remained undefeated with a stoppage after round four of his scheduled eight-round heavyweight bout with Kevin Espindola.

Clarke of England is now 5-0 with four knockouts. Espindola of Argentina is 7-7.

Manchester, England – (January 20, 2022) – The time for talking is almost over. In a little over 24hrs from now, bitter rivals Chris Eubank Jr and Liam ‘Beefy’ Smith will enter the ring to bring their long-running war of words to a climactic conclusion.

The two middleweights are very different characters and both have stated an open dislike for one another. 

Fight week has seen their antagonism intensify by the day, with Smith particularly incensed by Eubank’s comments about economic conditions in his home city of Liverpool 

Today the two faced off for the final time before Saturday night’s showdown, with both making weight at the official pre-fight weigh-ins inside the Manchester Central events complex.

Bookmakers largely have the fight as a 50-50 contest, heightening anticipation for a bout which will send the winner forward to huge opportunities on the world stage while pushing the loser several steps back from a world title chance.

The fight airs live and exclusively on Sky Sports Box Office via pay-per-view, available to Sky subscribers and non-subscribers alike and priced at £19.95.

Co-main event fighter Richard Riakporhe was all business as he weighed in for his cruiserweight contest with former world champion Krzysztof Glowacki. 

Burberry model Riakporhe maintained the same icy visage he uses on the catwalk as he faced off with Glowacki in a high-stakes encounter which will step him up into world title contests if he wins.

And Manchester man Jack Massey was equally composed as he faced off with former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker. 

It’s a huge challenge for the former cruiserweight champion, who is stepping up in weight to face the giant New Zealander in search of a victory which would change forever the lives of himself and his expectant partner.

Today’s official weigh-in results are below in stones / pounds / ounces:Middleweight Bout (12×3)

Chris Eubank Jnr 11st 5lbs 

Liam Smith 11st 5lbs Cruiserweight Bout (12×3)

Richard Riakaporhe 14st 3lbs 5oz

Krzysztof G?owacki 14st 1lb 5ozBritish + Commonwealth Championship Bout (12×3)

Ekon Essuman 10st 6lbs

Chris Kongo 10st 6lbs 5ozHeavyweight Bout

Joseph Parker 17st7lbs 5oz

Jack Massey15st 5lbs 3ozHeavyweight Bout

Frazer Clarke 19st 6 lbs

Kevin Espindola 20st 5 lbsHeavyweight Bout

Matthew Harris 19st 2 lbs

Jiri Surmanj 17st 10 lbs 5ozCruiserweight Bout (6×3)

Scott Forrest 14st 8 lbs 

Amine Boucetta 15st Lightweight Bout (4×3)

Frankie Stringer 9st 11 lbs 

Christian Narvaez 9st 9 lbs 5oz

LIAM SMITH:

“It’s just the win that matters regardless. I’d love to make a statement and stop him, but a win at any means necessary is the aim.”

“Nobody believes him [about coming in at 50%], maybe a couple of his phone carriers and ball carriers. He doesn’t believe that himself. His coaches, Roy and Ronnie, both have told you different, so we’ll see Saturday what shape he’s in.”

CHRIS EUBANK JR

“I’ve always wanted to win this fight by knockout. The fact that Liam is being a child up here it gives me a bit of extra incentive to embarrass him.” 

“I’m cutting weight right now, so I’m at a good solid 44-45 per cent right now, but I’ll be a strong 50 per cent on the night and that will be more than enough to take the man [out]”

“I actually weighed in lighter than Liam yesterday, so I guess that argument about weights is irrelevant now. Liam’s the bigger man. I’m comfortable, happy and glad to be back in Manchester.” 

ROY JONES JR, TRAINER OF CHRIS EUBANK JR

“When you’re a complete fighter, there’s no style to be caught between. Chris is a complete fighter now, so he can fight any style. 

“Smith is a highly dangerous opponent. He’s been in the ring with the likes of Canelo and knows his way around the ring. That pushes Chris even more to get ready and get prepared. If he chooses to use 40 per cent, that’s up to him. Our goal is to get him ready and then it’s up to him.”

JOE McNALLY, TRAINER OF LIAM SMITH

“I’m expecting a bit of Roy (Jones Jr), a little bit of ferociousness. I hope he brings everything because that’s what Liam’s prepared for.” 

“I believe the early rounds will be key, If Eubank allows Smith to take the the early rounds he might be forced into trying to get a stoppage. Eubank cannot take his foot off the pedal.

BEN SHALOM, PROMOTER

“I remember when I met Liam, he said, ‘get me the Eubank fight and I’ll sign with you.’ Now It’s a bigger fight than when Liam first mentioned it to me. 

“It’s just built and built, it’s got war written all over it and I think this is what British boxing really needs right now.”

DAZN Group, the leading global sports entertainment platform, today announces that it will broadcast the all-British dust up, Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith, Saturday, January 21^st, from BOXXER in association with Wasserman Boxing, Live from AO Arena in Manchester. The event will be available to all DAZN subscribers in the US, Canada, DACH and Japan.

Chris Eubank Jr (32-2-0, 23 KOs) needs no introduction, son of legendary former world champion Chris Eubank, the 33-year-old has successfully carved out his own reputation in the sport and is seen as one of the leading middleweights in the world.

His latest fight in February 2022 saw an impressive shutout points win over Liam Williams at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff in which he showed his class by knocking down the Welshman four times.

Liam Smith (32-3-1, 19 KOs) heads into this mouth-watering clash in the form of his life following big wins over Jesse Vargas, Anthony Fowler and Roberto Garcia. The Liverpool man is determined to become a world champion for a second time and a statement win vs Eubank JR will kick off 2023 with a bang.

 ‘DAZN are always looking to deliver the best boxing schedule to our subscribers and we are proud to be showing this huge fight between two of Britain’s finest’ said Joe Markowski, CEO DAZN North America. ‘We are no strangers to Liam and Chris and know we have a potential blockbuster on our hands. In 2023, we are determined to work with as many promoters as we can in order to deliver the best fights for fight fans and with actions speaking louder than words we are excited to be working for the first time with BOXXER on this special event. Tune in live January 21^st for a memorable night of British boxing’.

BOXXER CEO & Founder, Ben Shalom said: “This is fantastic news. I am delighted that fight fans in the US, Canada, DACH and Japan will be able to watch this blockbuster event live and exclusively on DAZN. The card is stacked with massive fights from top to bottom. And the brewing animosity between bitter rivals, Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith will reach boiling point in what promises to be an unmissable main event in front of a sold-out AO Arena in Manchester.”

Wasserman’s Head of Global Boxing, Kalle Sauerland, said: “It’s fantastic that this mega fight will now have a global audience on DAZN, it’s a fight that merits a global audience and the eyeballs of the world will be on Manchester come next Saturday.”

The show features a stacked undercard with Richard Riakporhe launching his quest for a world title shot in 2023 when he battles former two-time WBO cruiserweight world champion Krzysztof G?owacki and local lad Jack Massey stepping up to face former WBO world heavyweight champion, Joseph Parker.

Joining them on this blockbuster night of boxing will be Ekow Essuman vs Chris Kongo and further bouts involving Frazer Clarke, Matty Harris, Scott Forrest and Amine ‘The Beast’ Boucetta.

The British & Commonwealth, IBF European and WBC International Silver Welterweight titles will be on the lines as Ekow Essuman and Chris Kongo go head-to-head in a scintillating addition to the undercard of Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith on Saturday, January 21 at Manchester’s AO Arena.

‘The Engine’ produced a comprehensive, unanimous points victory over BOXXER’s Samuel Antwi at the same venue last September to retain his British & Commonwealth titles and protect his flawless record (18-0, 7 KOs).

But Essuman will undoubtedly face a tough test in the form of ‘2 Slick’ Kongo in what promises to be a barnstorming title clash.

Kongo captured the vacant WBC International Silver Welterweight crown when he defeated Sebastian Formella last June in London. And he’ll be hungry to start the new year in style by putting the first dent on Essuman’s burgeoning CV and claiming two prestigious titles.

Rising heavyweight sensation Frazer Clarke is another sterling addition to the event which is broadcast live, in the UK and Republic of Ireland, on Sky Sports Box Office.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze medal hero is eager to ascend up the heavyweight rankings this year and will return to the scene of his last victory.

An opponent will be named in due course but Clarke (4-0, 3 KOs) will be keen to remind the division of his incredible power as he did last November when he outclassed Kamil Sokowlski over six rounds.

Another explosive heavyweight prospect is confirmed for January 21 too in Matty Harris.

The hard-hitting Coventry fighter (3-0, 2 KOs) burst on the scene in 2021 and last year added two impressive stoppages to his résumé, defeating Mait Metsis and Pawel Strykowski. An opponent for Harris will be named soon.

And unbeaten Scottish cruiserweight starlet Scott Forrest (3-0, 3 KOs) will be keen to showcase his talent on the night when he collides with Amine ‘The Beast’ Boucetta (7-5-0).

BOXXER Founder and CEO, Ben Shalom said: “These are four terrific additions to what is already a blockbuster card. Tickets are selling out fast with a bumper crowd all set for an incredible night of boxing in Manchester.”

The main event – in association with Wasserman Boxing – sees bitter middleweight enemies Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith face-off in what promises to be an epic domestic clash for the ages as both rivals bid to take a giant leap towards their desired world title pursuits. 

Elsewhere on the stacked pay-per-view card, Richard Riakporhe battles former two-time WBO cruiserweight world champion Krzysztof G?owacki, as local lad Jack Massey steps up to the heavyweight division to fight former world champion Joseph Parker. 

Final remaining tickets are on sale now at Boxxer.com.

This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, WOW HYDRATE and Village Hotels.

Richard Riakporhe will officially launch his quest for a world title shot in 2023 when he battles former two-time WBO cruiserweight world champion Krzysztof G?owacki on the Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith undercard at the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday, 21 January.

The undefeated Londoner (15-0, 11 KOs) has bulldozed his way into contention to challenge for a coveted crown with three knockouts in his last three fights. 

Now Riakporhe, 32, will be out to claim a major scalp in the form of Poland’s Glowacki (32-3-0, 20 KOs), whose only defeats have come against Oleksandr Usyk, Maris Briedis and Lawrence Okolie.

Riakporhe said: “I’m really pleased that he took the fight. I can test the ‘Midnight Train’ once again and everybody can see how I fare up to the test of facing a former world champion.

“He won’t be a pushover and I have to be at the top of my A game. It is going to be fireworks, believe me.”

Joining the bumper BOXXER: Unleashed undercard – live and exclusively in the UK and Republic of Ireland on Sky Sports Box Office – is Manchester’s own Jack ‘One Smack’ Massey (20-1-0, 11 KOs) who collides with former WBO world heavyweight champion, Joseph Parker (30-3-0, 21 KOs).

The 30-year-old stablemate of heavyweight king Tyson Fury returns to Manchester, scene of his Fight of the Year candidate defeat by Joe Joyce back in September, intent on getting his own world title ambitions back on track.

But Cheshire-based Massey, whose only ever defeat was inflicted by Riakporhe in 2019, will be looking to cause a monster upset against the Kiwi warrior when he steps up to the heavyweight division for the first time.

Further huge fights for this blockbuster card will be announced in due course.

BOXXER CEO & Founder, Ben Shalom said: “We’re adding two major fights – with lots more to come – to what is already a blockbuster night of boxing.

“It’s a massive test and a huge step up for Richard Riakporhe against a former two-time world champion, whose only defeats are to Usyk, Breidis, and Okolie.

“Glowacki has had a long time to prepare for this and it’s a huge cruiserweight fight that could be a headline bout. In what is a very exciting division, it’s crunch time for Richard.

“Local lad Jack Massey has been pushing for a big fight and he has jumped at this test against Joseph Parker. He has got huge support in Manchester and now he’ll be fighting one of the biggest names in boxing.

“Parker is coming back after his Fight of the Year contender with Joe Joyce and will want to show exactly what he is all about. It will be very interesting to see how Parker reacts against a hometown favourite.”

The main event – in association with Wasserman Boxing – sees bitter middleweight enemies Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith face-off in what promises to be an epic domestic clash for the ages as both rivals bid to take a giant leap towards their desired world title pursuits. 

Tickets are on sale now at Boxxer.com. But hurry – less than 20% remain available. 

BOXXER proudly presents this event in association with Village Hotels.