A raucous atmosphere greeted Conah Walker and Sam Eggington as they faced-off for a final time at the official Weigh-In ahead of Saturday’s explosive all-Midlands derby in Wolverhampton – live on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN.

Local favourite ‘The Wolf’ Walker received a rapturous reception from his home faithful, serenaded to a succession of ‘There’s Only One Conah Walker’ chants, whilst Birmingham rival Eggington had to ignore the noise coming from boo-boys before their Super Welterweight showdown.

Elsewhere, another Brummie native in Ryan Kelly was doing his best to silence the verbal wind-ups from the British & Commonwealth Super Welterweight Champion Bilal Fawaz ahead of their Co-Main Event.

Shannon Ryan faces Nicola Hopewell with the IBF Intercontinental & Commonwealth Super Flyweight Titles on the line, meanwhile, as teenage sensation Tiah Mai Ayton looks ahead to a clash with livewire, Stevi Levy, jumping up to the Featherweight division for the first time.

Middleweight prospect Harley Burrows – ’The Beast’ – makes his professional bow with Matchroom Boxing against Lewis Howells, whilst fellow youngster Louie Ward looks forward to his second pro outing when the Super Featherweight sizes up Jesus Carrasco.

And highly-rated Super-Welterweight Junaid Bostan makes his eagerly anticipated return to the ring when he takes Mohammed Graich in the Prelims, live on DAZN.

Watch the Weigh-In in its entirety in the video player below – and follow all the latest updates on social media @matchroomboxing

WOLVERHAMPTON FIGHT NIGHT: OFFICIAL WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER

PRELIMS – LIVE ON DAZN FROM 5.30pm BST

Louie Ward (132.9lbs) vs Jesus Carrasco (131.5lbs)
Super Featherweight Contest
4 x 3-minute rounds

Junaid Bostan (158lbs) vs Mohammed Graich (156.8lbs)
Super Welterweight Contest
8 x 3-minute rounds

MAIN CARD – LIVE ON DAZN FROM 7pm BST

Shannon Ryan (114.5lbs) vs Nicola Hopewell (112lbs)
IBF Intercontinental & Commonwealth Super Flyweight Titles
10 x 2-minute rounds

Harley Burrows (163.35lbs) vs Lewis Howells (166.65lbs)
Middleweight Contest
4 x 3-minute rounds

Tiah Mai Ayton (125.7lbs) vs Stevi Levy (125.4lbs)
Featherweight Contest
8 x 2-minute rounds

Bilal Fawaz (153.2lbs) vs Ryan Kelly (153.8lbs)
British & Commonwealth Super Welterweight Titles
12 x 3-minute rounds

Conah Walker (152.7lbs) vs Sam Eggington (152.3lbs)
Super Welterweight Contest
12 x 3-minute rounds

Conah Walker and Sam Eggington traded their final verbal blows ahead of Saturday’s powder keg Midlands derby in Wolverhampton – live on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN.

The Super-Welterweight showdown headlines a stacked card at University of Wolverhampton at The Halls, and hometown hero Walker warned local rival Eggington that he will not be stopped in his quest for triumph, as he targets a push for World Title honours in 2026.

Bilal Fawaz, meanwhile, prepares to defend his British & Commonwealth Super Welterweight Titles against Birmingham’s Ryan Kelly.

Teenage Featherweight sensation Tiah Mai Ayton steps up against former European Title challenger Stevi Levy, whilst Shannon Ryan takes on Nicola Hopewell with the IBF Intercontinental & Commonwealth Super Flyweight belts at stake.

Another wonderkid is in action with Middleweight prospect Harley ‘The Beast’ Burrows looking ahead to his pro debut. Plus, the highly-rated Super Welterweight Junaid Bostan makes his eagerly awaited return, as fellow young gun Louie Ward prepares for his second professional contest.

Here’s what the fighters had to say at Thursday’s Final Press Conference – you can watch it back in full in the video player below:

CONAH WALKER
“It’s been a journey. It’s been a rollercoaster from start to end. In only my fourth fight, I fought an undefeated fighter. Then I fought another undefeated fighter in my fifth fight. It’s just the way I’ve done things. I don’t like to take the easy route and there were easier options on the table for this. I wanted Sam. I was asking for him last year. Not because I’ve got anything against Sam [Eggington]. I think he’s a great fighter and we get on well outside the ring. But business is business. It sells because we’re both big names from the Midlands. But we’re both household names outside of the Midlands too. And I want to be beating these household names – I want these names on my resumé. Obviously, we wanted the Ekow Essuman fight originally. Again, his name is out there. But that didn’t materialise, so I was pushing for Sam. We had a few back-and-forth messages and we agree together that we wanted the fight. We left it to the managers and then it was all done, signed and sealed. Now we are here.

“Dangerous fighters are people who got it all to lose. It’s the same as what Sam has said, this is my dream job. I’ve got to put food on my table. There’s pressure in every walk of life, not just boxing. It’s everywhere you look. Boxing is what I enjoy and challenging myself is what I love. And this is a big challenge. I’m stepping up in weight and facing a high-risk level fighter, who comes and has it. But these are the fights that get me going. You’ve seen how I train and what sort of shape I come in, so it’s my job now to get past Sam and go on to the next big challenges. We’ve got a big fight on Saturday. He’s definitely going to be there. I know that. But he knows I’m going to be there too and that’s what makes it a great fight. I’ve been having these fights that people didn’t want to take. This is a fight I can really get my teeth stuck into. It’s just a great fight.” 

SAM EGGINGTON
“I’ve had a lot of fights. I’ve won a lot of belts. I love my job and my motivation is to keep the job I love. The more you lose, you’re going to have to pack it in. So, the fact is I need to carry on winning to keep doing the job I love doing. I get up and I love what I do. It gives me the freedom with my family and stuff like that. So that’s why it is my motivation. I always think the runners in the boxing world is a hard night – but the people who want to come and have a go is meat and drink. I love that stuff and I know Conah is very much the same. It’s why this fight was so easy to make when it was put to the promoter. We snapped it up in a heartbeat. It sells. People know what this is about. Nobody needs to be talked into this because they know what is going to happen on the night. Whether it sets fire in the first or the fourth or the sixth, it is going to set fire. Once it does, it won’t stop until someone falls over or the last bell rings.”

BILAL FAWAZ
“Hello everyone, thank you for having me once again. It’s a momentous occasion. Thank you. The last year has been quite sensational. People come to me and want to take pictures. People ask me for a picture for their son on their birthdays. I cannot fathom or comprehend the level of appreciation that we have ascertained. It’s crazy, and I think it’s because we’re the underdog. We only started boxing two and a half years ago. Look what we have, we’re not afraid of anyone.  

“You’re coming to get paid. Let me tell you, you cannot understand how much punishment I will rain down on you. I like you as a person. I have a kid, you have a 4 year old daughter – hats off to you. For you to even dream about stepping in that ring against me, it’s embarrassing to me that you think you can come and challenge me. If you do not apologise now, you will apologise in the ring. I’m telling you.”

RYAN KELLY
“I’m willing to do whatever it takes to come out the venue on Saturday night with those two straps. I believe I can do it. I’ve got to just do that bit more that’s been missing. He’s looking at me very deep. But, he’ll be looking at me Saturday night. It’s going to be a good fight. I like Bilal Fawz, I’m behind it. It’s good, it’s good for boxing. Saturday we get in there and it’s fisticuffs. 

“As a fighter, look, he’s got the British and Commonwealth Titles sat next to him. He’s doing something right. He’s got the people watching him. It’s good for boxing, whether he’s against me or not. But like I say, on Saturday I truly believe I get the win in fashion.”

TIAH MAI AYTON
“I’ve just got stronger and bigger in the last year. I’d been struggling to make weight so me and my team just decided it would be better for me to go up. 

“I’m excited because everyone knows about Stevi, everyone knows who she is, and she’s got a big following on Instagram. When I do win on Saturday it’s going to look good for me. 

“Definitely I want to make a statement. Loads of the women I’ve fought as a pro – none of them have been stopped and I’ve stopped all of them. It’s like the pressure is off now isn’t it – no KO’s. Nobody is expecting to see it all of the time.

“I reckon I could stop Stevi.”

STEVI LEVY
“Firstly, I want to just say how grateful I am to be here. It’s a chance to show the world the fighter I’ve become since working with Jordan and Paul Gill, my new family. And to be able to share it with my son Morgan – it was his birthday yesterday, happy birthday babe. We’ve been doing ringwalk dances for a couple of years now and he’s chosen this one. We’re so excited to do it on a Matchroom show. 

“Secondly, I was to say that I am actually a massive Tiah Ayton fan. I’ve followed her for years and I think she’s incredible. I really do. Feelings aside, Matchroom has always been my dream. I sat here four and a half years ago and said the same thing. I didn’t have any skill back then, no ring IQ, no experience and no self-belief. I’ve got all of that now and I’m extremely confident that I’m going to get the win and shock everyone.”

SHANNON RYAN
“I think both of us facing Emma, I don’t really think it means anything overall. It’s going to be a great fight. I’ve seen Nicola before. She had a good fight and a close fight with Emma Dolan. I haven’t taken Nicola lightly at all. I think it will be a really good fight. I respect her and I’m looking forward to it.

“I think I’m ready (for a World Title fight), before I don’t think I was – how I was as a person, my boxing etc. Whereas now I think I’ve come on leaps and bounds. I’ve changed overall. My maturity is a lot better as well. That is something that I’m definitely looking for – get the win on Saturday night and I’m hoping an IBF World Title can come after that. Clean, good performance and a Shannon Ryan win.”

NICOLA HOPEWELL
“It’s a really good opportunity for me to go back up to Super-Flyweight. We’re boxing for the first title that I boxed for at Super-Flyweight as a pro. So, it’s like full circle for me – and then obviously the IBF on the line as well. It’s really exciting for me. I think she’s a good fighter. It’s a really good match-up. I think it’ll be a really good fight to be fair.”

HARLEY BURROWS
“I’m just taking it all in, I’m excited. Obviously this is what we’ve trained for. This is what you dream of as a young boxer so I’m buzzing.  Probably in my first ten fights. I was stopping one every two – with a headguard as well. Then I started training full time. I thought, ‘I’ve got something here, so I may as well give it a go’. Jordan [Gill] said told me not to get carried away and to stick to the plan – which is what I’m going to do. The dream it just to be remembered as one of the great household names, and a knockout artist.”

JUNAID BOSTAN
 “I’d say the first quarter of this year has just been about getting my shit together. The second quarter onwards is about getting back on job. Last year was what it was. I think sometimes you have to take a few steps backwards in order to go a dozen forward. I think that’s definitely that.  We take the lessons and we move forwards. I’m heavily motivated. A good performance, I do believe I can get this man out inside the distance. Getting back to winning ways again. You’d rather have a shit win than a good loss. I definitely agree with that. I’m here for titles. The two titles I’ve always wanted from boxing is the British Title and a World Title. The guys who’s got the British is the one I don’t think many fans would complain about me being in with for a third fight. All eyes on Saturday.”

LOUIE WARD
“It was a good show. It was a good experience. It came with a lot of pressure, I suppose. My teammate was headlining it, Jimmy was on it as well. Maybe I felt a little bit of pressure. He was a tough opponent and it was good to get the rounds in. It feels a little bit different. I’ll still have nerves on the night, but it’s good to have nerves. I’ve always thought it was a good idea to have some nerves before you go in there, it makes you sharp and aware. I just want to put on another good performance really – a more spiteful one.”

By order of Conah Walker, “there ain’t no man” beating him in Wolverhampton as he prepares to headline in his hometown this Saturday – live worldwide on DAZN.

‘The Wolf’ went toe-to-toe with Midlands rival Sam Eggington at the first Fight Week Face-Off, taking place on the famous cobbles at the Black Country Museum, where scenes for the popular ‘Peaky Blinders’ TV series were filmed.

Walker – who moves up in weight for this fight – is on the cusp of a World Title fight at Welterweight level. But he’s ready to go into the trenches this weekend for what he expects to be an all-out war at the sold-out University of Wolverhampton at The Halls.

“This is everything I’ve asked for, since jumping on board with Matchroom Boxing,” said Walker, speaking to SJA Award-winning presenter Jamie Ward. 

“After a couple of good wins, I was crying out for it asking to be a headliner, so I can get back to where it all started. And I’ve got it, so I’m buzzing.

“’m happy, not only for me and the fight itself, but happy for all my friends and family who have travelled the world to come and watch me. The support has been phenomenal for this. It’s my time now to put on a performance for them.”

‘The Savage’ Eggington – a former IBO World Champion – has built up a formidable reputation over the years as one of the UK’s most battle-hardened fighters with a record 36-9, featuring 20 victories by way of knockout.

And Walker (17-3-1, 8 KOs) believes a win over the Birmingham fighter will further enhance his own impressive standing in the sport as he sets his sights on eventually challenging for World Titles. 

“I’ve been calling out to fight Sam for a long while,” said Walker.

“Not because I’ve got anything against him – myself and Sam get on. There’s no bad blood or stigma there. It’s just he’s one of the big names here in the Midlands in and around my weight. So, it’s a local derby. He’s a big name here and a well-known name in the UK. It would be a statement for me to go and win – and win in style.

“There were probably easier fights that I could have accepted, but I wanted to fight Sam. I knew it would sell well, which it has. 

“There ain’t no man beating me in Wolverhampton. I’m telling you that now.”

Shabaz Masoud won a 10-round unanimous decision over Peter McGrail in a super bantamweight bout in Monte Carlo.

Maoud, 121.9 lbs of Stoke-on-Trent, ENG won by scores of 116-111, 115-112 and 114-113 and is now 15-0. McGrail, 121.7 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 12-2.

Turhan Stops Ferreira in 5 To Win IBF Lightweight Title

Elif Nur Turhan stopped Beatriz Ferreira in round five to win the IBF Lightweight title.

In round one, Turhan dropped Ferreita with a hard right right. Seconds later, another big right dropped Ferreira for a second time. In round five Turhan landed a booming right that sent Ferreira into the corner that set off a 14 punch flurry where several flush head shots that put Ferreira down. Ferreira got to her feet but the fight was stopped at 1:08.

Turhan, 134.3 lbs of Istanbul, TUR is 12-0 with eight knockouts. Ferreira, 134.6 lbs of Salvador, BRA is 8-1.

Fisher Stops Balaz in 4

Johnny Fisher stopped previously undefeated Ivan Balaz in round four of their 10-round heavyweight bout.

In round two, Fisher was docked a point for a low blow. In round four, Fisher scored a knockdown when he landed a left to the head. Fisher scored a second knockdown with another right. Seconds later, Fisher ended the fight with a hard right that put Balaz down to a knee and the fight was stopped at 1:19.

Fisher, 242.1 lbs of Romford, ENG is 14-1 with 12 knockouts. Balaz of Prague, CZE us 7-1.

Walker Stops McCormack in 12th

Conah Walker stopped previously undefeated Pat McCormack in the 12th and final round of their welterweight bout.

In round 12, McCormack was bleeding from around his left eye. Later in the round, Walker landed an unrelenting flurry that put McCormack through the ropes. McCormack tried to beat the count, but was unable at 2:16.

Walker, 146.9 lbs of Wolverhampton, ENG is 17-3-1 with eight knockouts. McCormack, 147 lbs of Wasminson, ENG is 8-1.

Sean McComb stopped previously undefeated Hugo Micallef in round eight of their 10-round juniorr welterweight bout.

In round three, McComb dropped Micallef with a straight left to the head.

In round six, McComb dropped Micallef with a left to the body. In round eight, McComb landed another left on the ropes that put Micallef down and the fight was stopped at 2:35.

McComb, 139.7 lbs of Belfast, NI is 21-2 with six knockouts. Micallef, 138.9 lbs of Monte Carlo, MON is 11-1.

Dalton Smith remained undefeated with an opening round stoppage of Walid Ouizza in a scheduled 12-round super lightweight bout in Nottingham, ENG.

Smith floored Ouizaza when he landed a big flurry that was culminated by a right to the side of the head. Ouizza never fully recovered and Smith landed a hard right that put Ouizza down again and the fight was stopped at 3:00.

Smith, 140 lbs of Sheffield, ENG is 17-0 with 13 knockouts. Ouizza, 139.4 lbs of Saint-Quen, FRA is 19-3.

Conah Walker Scores Improbable 11th Round Stoppage over Scarff

Conah Walker scored a miraculous come from behind 11th round stoppage over Harry Scarff in a 12-round welterweight bout.

After being way behind in the cards, Round 11 saw Walker landed a big right hand that dropped Scarff. Scarff was badly hurt and a barrage of punches until the bout was stopped at 1:23.

Walker, 146.7 lbs of Wolverhampton, ENG is 15-3-1 with six knockouts. Scarff, 146.3 lbs of Derby, ENG is 13-4.

Scotney Defends Super Bantamweight Titles W/Decision over Motu

Ellie Scotney defended the IBF/WBO Super Bantamweight title with a unanimous decision over Mea Motu.

In round one, Scotney was cut over the left eye from an accidental headbutt.

Scotney, 121.7 lbs f Vatford, ENG won by scores of 99-91 on all cards and is now 10-0. Motu, 121.1 lbs of Auckland, NZ is 20-1.

Sulaimaan Decisions Arce

Ibraheem Sulaimaan won an eight-round decision over Reuquen Facundo Arce in a super featherweight bout.

Sulaimaan, 132.3 lbs of Birmingham, ENG won by a score 80-72 and is now 7-0. Arce, 131 lbs of Buenos Aires, ARG is 18-18-2.

Hamza Uddin won an eight-round decision over Misael Ezequiel Graffioli in a flyweight contest.

Uddin, 133.3 lbs of Walsall, ENG won by an 80-72 score and is now 4-0. Graffioli, 113.1 lbs of Canada de Gomez, ARG is 5-4.

Traie Duberry barely held on to win a six-round decision over Camilo Castagno in a cruiserweight bout.

In round two, Duberry landed a hard right hand that rocked Castagno in the corner and Castagno was dropped after another right hand.

In round five, Duberry landed another right hand that forced Castagno to take a knee. Late in round six, Castagno landed a brutal overhand left that planted Duberry on his behind. Unfortunately for Castagno, that punch landed just before the bell rang.

Duberry, 198.2 lbs of Aston, ENG won by a 59-53 score and is now

Lewis Crocker knows that a win over Conah Walker could take him a step closer to an all-Irish blockbuster with unbeaten Limerick talent Paddy Donovan later this year.

Belfast’s Crocker (19-0, 11 KOs) clashes with Wolverhampton’s Walker (13-2-1, 5 KOs) for the WBA International Title in what promises to be an unmissable Welterweight war at Resorts World Arena Birmingham this Saturday – live worldwide on DAZN. 

‘The Croc’ beat Mexico’s Jose Felix with a devastating fifth-round knockout at Ulster Hall last time out in January, and the 27-year-old Sandy Row native is targeting another dominant performance when he takes on a resurgent Walker on away soil. 

“I always say that the end goal is a World Title,” said Crocker. “This is the perfect fight to get a world ranking and a new belt. This fight isn’t a 50-50 fight: I’m the better fighter. He’s been talking a lot of shit recently so I’m looking forward to getting the job done.

“He’s shitting himself so he is. He hasn’t fought on the big stage. He was on the top table at the press conference and he was all happy with himself. Good mate because you’re going back to the small hall shows after this. Your time is over. See you later. I’m ending the man.

“Who’s this guy talking to? Do you know what I mean? He’s won two fights in a row and he actually thinks he’s Mike Tyson. This guy would have to kill me to win this fight. I don’t know if he actually believes what he’s saying. I think he’s a bit stupid in the head. I can’t wait.

“I’m laughing at this guy already. One million percent I stop this guy. I’m too big, too strong, too smart, too fast. Get that in your head mate. You’re never beating me; ever. The fans can’t miss this fight because they can see the bad blood already. It’s going to be toe-to-toe for the get-go; there’s no doubt about it.”

Crocker, who picked up four wins from four fights in 2023, continues to thrive under the guidance of veteran Scottish trainer Billy Nelson and the heavy-handed Irishman says moving to Scotland has been a game-changer for him both inside the ring and out of it. 

“Mentally, it was important for me to come to Scotland where everything is set for me with Billy (Nelson) and all of the lads at the gym. Everything is just great over here.

“The distractions back home, it’s just drinking and partying and what not. When I didn’t have fights and stuff, everything was just going to shit. Mentally and physically, training over here has changed me as a person, inside and outside of the ring.”

Crocker vs. Walker is part of a big night of action in Birmingham, the main event sees Tyler Denny (18-2-3, 1 KO) defend his European Middleweight Title against former British and Commonwealth Champion Felix Cash (16-0, 10 KOs), slick Blyth prospect Cameron Vuong (4-0, 3 KOs) takes on late replacement Jeff Ofori (13-7-2, 4 KOs) over ten rounds at Super-Lightweight, Watford’s Shannon Ryan (7-0) and Newark’s Emma Dolan (6-0, 1 KO) create history when they become the first women to contest the British Super-Flyweight Title, with Dolan’s Commonwealth Title also on the line, Walsall Flyweight Hamza Uddin (1-0, 1 KO) has his second pro fight against Giulio Commerso (4-1,1 KO) Oldham’s Aqib Fiaz (12-1, 1 KO) and Birmingham’s Kane Baker (19-11-2, 1 KO) clash over eight rounds at Lightweight, Birmingham Lightweight Ibraheem Sulaimaan (3-0, 2 KOs) looks to impress on home soil when he meets JesusGonzalez (3-1) over six rounds, Leicester Super-Bantamweight Muhammad Mustafa Ali (4-0, 1 KO) fights Kelvin Madjid over six rounds and Hamburg Heavyweight Emanuel Odiase (2-0, 1 KO) kicks off the Before The Bell action.

Lewis Crocker scored a fifth round stoppage over Jose Felix in round five of their 10-round welterweight bout in Ireland

In round three, Felix was deducted a point for low blows. In round five, Crocker landed a perfect left hook that sent Felix under the bottom rope. Felix got to his feet, but was in no condition to continue and the fight was stopped at 1:54

Crocker, who was three pounds over the 147-pound weight limit is now 19-0 with 11 knockouts. Felix, 146.6 lbs of Los Mochis, MEX is 40-7-1.

Cheavon Clarke remained undefeated with a fourth round stoppage over Tommy McCarthy in a 10-round cruiserweight fight.

In round four, Clarke overwhelmed McCarthy and dropped him with a flurry. Clarke continued to pound the body and land vicious uppercuts until the fight was stopped at 1:28.

Clarke, 199.6 lbd of Gravesland, ENG is 8-0 with six knockouts. McCarthy, 199.4 lbs of Belfast, NI is 20-6.

Paddy Donovan remained undefeated with seventh round stoppage over Williams Andres Herrera in a scheduled 10-round welterweight bout

In round seven, Donovan dropped Herrera with a left to the body. Donovan continued to land body shots and folded him up in the corner for a second knockdown. Donovan beat down Herrera until the fight was stopped at 1:44.

Donovan, 146.4 lbs of Limerick, IRE is 13-0 with 10 knockouts. Herrera, 146.6 lbs of La Calera, ARG is 15-3.

Conah Walker stopped Lloyd Germain in round three of their 10-round welterweight bout.

In round three, Walker dropped Germain with a flurry on the ropes. Walker dropped Germain again with a left to the body. Walker ended things by dropping Germain with a right hand and the fight was stopped at 1:33.

Walker, 146.4 lbs of Wolverhampton, ENG is 13-2-1 with five knockouts. Germain, 146.6 lbs of Cardiff, WAL is 9-1.

Giorgio Visioli stopped Samuel Pikire in round two of their six-round super featherweight bout.

In round two, Visioli dropped Pikire with a perfect left cross on the chin that put him down. Pikire got to his feet, but the fight was stopped at 1:34.

Visioli, 134.2 lbs of Guidford, ENG is now 2-0 with two knockouts. Pikire, 133.5 lbs of Longbridge, ENG is 4-3.

Kurt Walker remained undefeated with a six-round decision over Darwing Martinez in a super featherweight bout.

Walker, 133.2 lbs of Lisburn, NI won by a 60-54 score and is 10-0. Martinez, 130.6 lbs of Managua, NIC is 8-18-2.

Leli Buttigieg won a four-round decision over Artjom Spatar in a super welterweight bout.

Buttigieg, 158.5 lbs of Newham, ENG won by a 40-36 score and is now 2-0. Spatar, 157.5 lbs of Narva, EST is 4-5.

Liam Dillon and Reece Bellotti will clash for the British and Commonwealth Super-Featherweight Titles at Indigo at The O2 in London on Saturday February 10, shown live worldwide on DAZN.

Welterweight rivals Conah Walker and Cyrus Pattinson were originally set to rematch at the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle on Saturday February 10, but an eye injury sustained by the Alnwick man has forced him to withdraw from their second meeting.

Watford’s Bellotti (17-5, 14 KOs) is enjoying a three-fight winning streak across 2022 and 2023, with the ‘Bomber’ picking up the vacant Commonwealth Super-Featherweight Title last time out at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool by stopping Aqib Fiaz in eight rounds – the Oldham fighter’s first professional loss.

Chingford’s Dillon (13-0-1, 3 KOs), a former Southern Area and English champion at 130lbs, claimed the vacant British Super-Featherweight Title via an all-action split decision win against Qais Ashfaq in Newcastle last July – dedicating the career-best win to his late sister Lauren.

Watford’s Shannon Ryan and Newark’s Emma Dolan will create history when they become the first women to contest the British Super-Flyweight Title, with Dolan’s Commonwealth Title also on the line in their 10-round showdown.

Ryan (6-0) hasn’t put a foot wrong since joining the professional ranks at Wembley Arena in March 2022, and the Anthony Joshua-managed star can take another step on her journey to becoming the latest face of women’s boxing when she contests her first titles next month.

Dolan (6-0, 1 KO) claimed the vacant Commonwealth crown in her hometown by outpointing Tanzania’s Halima Vunjabei in March 2023 before defending her belt for the first time against local rival Nicola Hopewell at the Park Community Arena in Sheffield last October.

Also featuring on the card is a fourth pro-outing for exciting 21-year-old Cameron Vuong (3-0, 2 KOs) who takes on the experienced Ishmael Ellis (14-7) over eight rounds at Lightweight, Takeley Cruiserweight John Hedges (8-0, 2 KOs) meets Germany’s Erdogan Kadrija (20-5, 12 KOs) over eight rounds, plus there’s action for Eltham Flyweight Maiseyrose Courtney (5-0) and Bolton Super-Lightweight Khaleel Majid (12-0, 4 KOs).

“I’m looking forward to defending my British Title against Reece Bellotti at the top of a big Matchroom Boxing card live around the world on DAZN,” said Dillon. “Reece’s Commonwealth Title is also on the line so that’s another big motivation for me. 2024 is going to be a big year for my career. My British Title isn’t going anywhere. See you on February 10!”

“Always stay ready!” said Bellotti. ” A brilliant opportunity has come up for me to win a title that I’ve dreamed of winning since I was a kid and I can’t wait. I plan on kicking 2024 off with a bang on February 10 and then kicking on from there. This has the potential to be a massive year for me. I’m absolutely buzzing, let’s go!”

“The British and Commonwealth Super-Featherweight Titles are on the line as Liam Dillon and Reece Bellotti clash at the top of our latest NXTGEN card on February 10,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “History will be made when Shannon Ryan and Emma Dolan contest the British Super-Flyweight Title for the very first time and it’s a quick return to action for red hot Lightweight prospect Cameron Vuong who steps up against the experienced Ishmael Ellis. Young guns John Hedges, Maiseyrose Courtney and Khaleel Majid all kick off what will be a busy year for them. Catch all of the action live worldwide on DAZN.”

Three February fight nights across the globe kick off what promises to be Matchroom Boxing’s busiest year yet. Crucial domestic clashes, World Title rematches and undefeated vs. undefeated showdowns whet the appetite for fight fans around the world – with all of the action shown exclusively live on DAZN.  

Matchroom’s UK schedule gets underway with a huge rematch at the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle on Saturday February 10 as Welterweight rivals Conah Walker and Cyrus Pattinson do battle again following their thrilling clash at the Utilita Arena Birmingham back in August. 

Wolverhampton’s Walker (12-2-1, 4 KOs) sensationally handed former Team GB standout Pattinson (6-1, 4 KOs) the first loss of his professional career, flooring the Alnwich man three times on route to securing the biggest win of his career via an eighth-round stoppage.

All-action Pattinson gets an immediate shot at redemption, this time in front of his home crowd, as he looks to get his promising career back on track by putting his first loss behind him and continuing his climb towards title action in the 147lbs division.

Also featuring on the card is a fourth pro outing for exciting 21 year old Cameron Vuong (3-0 2 KOs) who takes on the experienced Ishmael Ellis (14-7) over eight rounds at Lightweight. 

The following Friday (February 16) Mexico plays host to another must-watch rematch as Adrien Curiel and Sivenathi Nontshinga run it back for the IBF Light-Flyweight World Title following their dramatic first meeting at the Casino de Monte-Carlo last month. 

Mexico’s Curiel (24-4-1, 5 KOs) ripped up the script by scoring a shocking one-punch knockout of South Africa’s defending champion Nontshiunga (12-1, 9 KOs) in the second round of their highly anticipated showdown in Monaco.

The 24-year-old makes the first defence of his World Title on home soil, determined to prove that his stunning knockout of the year contender wasn’t just a one off. Having tasted defeat for the first time in his career, Nontshinga is aiming to recapture his old belt to keep his dreams of unifying the division alive. 

Rising Super-Middleweight star Edgar Berlanga closes out an action-packed February on DAZN as he faces the toughest test of his career in the shape of Belfast’s Padraig McCrory at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida.

‘The Chosen One’ (21-0, 16 KOs) takes on his second Irish opponent in a row after widely outpointing Jason Quigley to retain his WBO NABO Title at New York’s Madison Square Garden Theatre in June. 

Unbeaten McCrory (18-0, 9 KOs) fights in the U.S. for the first time in his career, tasked with the challenge of derailing Berlanga’s rapid rise to the top of the Super-Middleweight division.

Elsewhere, Islington’s John Ryder (32-6, 18 KOs) looks to build on his brilliant showing against pound-for-pound star Canelo Alvarez when he takes on his undefeated compatriot Jaime Munguia (42-0, 33 KOs) at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday January 27 – live worldwide on DAZN. 

“2023 has been an incredible year for Matchroom Boxing and our partners DAZN – and we’re not done just yet!” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “We close out the year in incredible fashion next weekend in Saudi Arabia as Anthony Joshua, Dmitry Bivol and Jai Opetaia all star in one of the biggest cards ever put together. However, 2024 promises to be even bigger and better and I’m excited to announce our first three events of the year.

“It’s time for Cyrus Pattinson to show us what he’s made of when he faces Conah Walker in a must-win rematch with his career on the line. Adrien Curiel caused one of the biggest upsets in boxing this year when he sensationally dethroned Sivenathi Nontshinga in Monte-Carlo. He gets the hero’s return to Mexico where he will be looking to end Nontshinga’s dreams of unifying the Light-Flyweight division. ‘The Chose One’ Edgar Berlanga is out to remind everyone why he is rated as one of the very best Super-Middleweights on the planet when he takes on Belfast’s unbeaten Padraig McCrory. Watch all of our action live worldwide on DAZN.”

“After a stacked 2023 seeing the biggest names fighting in the biggest fights, we are delighted to be adding three shows to an already busy 2024”, said Alfie Sharman, VP DAZN. “This year will see new matchups constantly added as we continue to deliver nonstop boxing action to subscribers and fight fans all around the world.” 

Further undercard announcements and ticket details will follow in due course.

London, UK (24 July 2020) Promoter Mick Hennessy oversees the long-awaited return of Championship Boxing to UK free-to-view TV screens exclusively LIVE on Channel 5 on Saturday 22nd August and has added a further title fight to the show.

The five-fight card, presented by Hennessy Sports in association with Ladbrokes, Infinitum and Numan, will be staged behind-closed doors at a purpose built production studio and is headlined with the long-awaited battle for the Vacant British Light-Heavyweight title between Shakan Pitters and Chad Sugden.

Hennessy is delighted to bolster the big fight-night with a sizzling Midlands derby that pits Birmingham’s Kaicee Benjamin and Wolverhampton’s Conah Walker in a fiery clash for the Vacant Midlands Area Welterweight Title with plenty of pride and honour at stake.

All-action Benjamin (10-0-1, 2 KO’s), the former Midlands Area Champion, is in fine recent form having made two defences of the title and seen off three unbeaten fighters (Shaquille Day, Levi Ferguson and Alex Fearon) in his last four fights.

Rival Walker (7-0-1, 2 KO’s) will be looking to cause an upset and beat the favourite Benjamin to prove that he is the real deal. The former standout amateur took the unbeaten record of Nathan Bendon and then forced then unbeaten Ohio Kain Iremiren to a draw and is pumped up for the challenge against Benjamin.

In addition to the Pitters-Sugden and Benjamin-Walker showdowns, an action-packed card also features the highly anticipated return of Brixton cruiserweight title contender Isaac Chamberlain (10-1-0, 4 KO’s) as he targets titles on his comeback, Birmingham super-welterweight talent and Love Island star Idris Virgo (5-0-1) and fast-rising Sevenoaks middleweight prospect Michael Hennessy Jr (3-0-1).

Hennessy said, “It’s fast building momentum towards an exciting and long-awaited return for British boxing on the free-to-air TV platform Channel 5 on August 22nd. We’ve got a fantastic main-event in place with the British Light-Heavyweight title showdown between Shakan and Chad and that is now complimented with a Midlands Area title clash between Kaicee and Conah. Not only that, but we have the exciting return of cruiserweight star Isaac who’s on the road back towards challenging for titles, plus reality TV star Idris and young prospect Michael complete the card. This is a statement that our sport is finally back and where it belongs on the big-stage on free-to-air Channel 5 for everyone to watch without having to pay.”

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