?Rising cruiserweight sensation Viddal Riley will face unbeaten cruiserweight prospect Ross McGuigan in his next fight on Saturday, November 12th.

Riley (6-0, 3 KOs) made light work of Jone Volau back in June with a first round stoppage at Wembley Arena.

And the 25-year-old returns to the AO Arena in Manchester, where he defeated Willbeforce Shihepo on points, looking to continue his impressive ascent up the rankings.

BOXXER CEO & Founder, Ben Shalom said: “Viddal is a very good boxer, who is still very young and he should be taken very seriously.

“Coming out of Tottenham and training in East London, Viddal understands the importance of honing his craft. Training, sparring, watching, listening and learning the traditional way.

“Undefeated at 6-0, Viddal sets himself goals with each opponent and understands that hard work will push him on for domestic titles in 2023, with an ultimate focus of a world title down the line.”

Since turning professional back in 2018, Riley a 2014 Team GB Youth Olympian has enjoyed a flawless start and built up a huge following across social media

And he is intent on laying down another marker to the cruiserweight division.

Viddal Riley said: “My mission continues on November 12th in Manchester. Ross McGuigan is undefeated and will do his best to keep it that way, but I know my level and will display it in full come fight night.”

In McGuigan (3-0), Riley faces a tough opponent who is keen to make an impression live and exclusively on Sky Sports.

“I’m buzzing to be fighting Viddal Riley,” added London fighter McGuigan.

“I’m really looking forward to showcasing my skills on a massive platform with Sky Sports and BOXXER, where I plan to announce myself to the rest of the cruiserweight division.”

Elsewhere on the November 12 card, Dylan Cheema will be looking to extend his unbeaten record when he fights Jordan Ellison.

Cheema (7-0, 2 KOs) became the BOXXER Series: Lightweight champion back in April when he defeated Rylan Charlton – and the Coventry fighter is expected to have his legion of followers cheering him on in Manchester.

Oldham middleweight Jack Kilgannon will be keen to put on a show for the local fans as he joins the undercard.

And Mancunian welterweight prospect Clark Smith – a Gallagher’s Gym stablemate of Natasha Jonas, who fights Marie-Eve Dicaire for the unified world titles in the main event – will be in action too as he bids to continue his unbeaten start to life in the professional ranks.

Tickets are on general sale now. Go to boxxer.com

BOXXER proudly presents this event in association with bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE, Village Hotels and FCI Markets.

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CONTACT BOXXER PR

Matty Lawless, Head of PR

+447393764765 | [email protected]

JJ O’Regan, Media Officer

+447888 891861 | [email protected]

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON VENUE-SHARE WITH RICKY HATTON vs MARCO ANTONIO BARRERA & DAN HARDY vs DIEGO SANCHEZ EXHIBITION MATCHES, PROMOTED EXCLUSIVELY BY EUROPA COMBAT ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12th

BOXXER ticket holders

Ticket holders for the Sky Sports BOXXER event will be able to access the AO Arena from 16:45pm.

These tickets will also grant free access to the Hatton v Barrera exhibition match, promoted by Europa Combat, which is expected to begin around 10:30pm after the BOXXER main event and show has concluded.

Europa Combat ticket holders:

Tickets for the Hatton v Barrera & Hardy v Sanchez show will also enable free access to the Sky Sports BOXXER event taking place in the AO Arena from 16:45pm to around 10pm on 12th November. The Hatton v Barrera show will take place after the BOXXER event finishes.

FAQs

1. If I’ve got a ticket to the Hatton v Barrera & Hardy v Sanchez show, can I also attend the Sky Sport BOXXER event?

Absolutely, your ticket gives you free access to the BOXXER event and you can arrive at any time from 4:45pm onwards.

2. If I leave the AO Arena, will I be able to come back in?

Apologies but you will not be allowed to leave the venue and come back in. This is standard venue policy.

3. Can I transfer my ticket to a friend or family, so I can watch the BOXXER event and then they can watch the Hatton v Barrera & Hardy v Sanchez show?

We are sorry but all tickets are non-transferrable.

4. Why are there two separate events?

They are two separate events, which have been organised by two separate promoters, with Europa Combat taking over the venue when the BOXXER event has concluded. But purchasing a single ticket for either event will give access to both events.

5. Do I sit in the same seat for both events?

Yes, your seat will be the same for both events.

Coventry, England – (20th May 2022) – A new generation of future British boxing stars alongside midlands talent will be showcased live on Sky Sports next month when BOXXER rolls into the English heartlands for an event at Coventry SkyDome on Saturday, June 25.

Adam ‘The Assassin’ Azim (4-0, 3 KO’s), described by trainer Shane McGuigan as “the best natural talent I’ve ever worked with”, brings his spectacular skills to the ring in a World Youth Championship bout as he continues his journey from teenage prodigy to future world champion.

Azim won ten national titles as an amateur and was ranked #1 in the world at welterweight before turning professional in 2020, where he has continued to win plaudits and show every sign of living up to the potential which has industry insiders so excited by him .

Also heading to Coventry on the path to future greatness is Tokyo 2020 Olympic Medallist Karriss Artingstall. She will make her highly-anticipated professional boxing debut following a glittering amateur career which culminated in a bronze medal in the latest Olympics.

From Bunny Johnson – Britain’s first black heavyweight champion – through to Robert McCracken and Frankie Gavin, the Midlands has a long history of producing elite boxing talents who have made their mark on the sport.

Leading the region’s new generation on their own march to the top are BOXXER Series tournament winners Cori Gibbs (16-0, 3 KO’s) and Dylan Cheema (5-0, 1 KO’s).

Undefeated Birmingham battler Gibbs, who won the eight-man BOXXER Series Liverpool: Super-Lightweights tournament in November, will face the tough and wily Carlos ‘Raton’ Perez (17-6-2, 2 KO’s), the current Spanish lightweight champion

Cheema, who won last month’s BOXXER Series: Coventry tournament in spectacular fashion despite entering as an unknown underdog, is making a quick return to the ring for the first fight of his newly-signed multi-fight promotional deal with BOXXER.

Birmingham’s Sam Eggington (31-7, 18 KO’s), a two-time ‘Fight of the Year’ winner and firm crowd favourite thanks to his all-action fighting style, looks set to deliver another crowd-pleasing performance as he challenges for the IBO Super Welterweight Championship against undefeated Pole Przemyslaw Zysk (18-0, 6 KO’s)

Both fighters have a reputation for never taking a backwards step, making this another potential ‘Fight of the Year’ nominee for Eggington and an encounter likely to produce many a highlight-reel moment.

The rematch for the English Middleweight Championship between River Wilson Bent (12-0-1, 5 KO’s) and Tyler Denny (13-2-3) will be taking place on this card after their controversial and explosive first fight that ended prematurely after a clash of heads, resulting in a technical draw.

With a torrent of bad blood running through this fight and a score to settle after their first encounter, this is another of the evening’s bouts which guarantees sensational action from start to finish.

Undefeated 6’3” middleweight Shakiel Thompson (7-0, 5 KO’s) will be returning to action on this card, along with Scottish cruiserweight Scott Forrest (22-24, 4 KO’s) and Welsh super-bantamweight prospect Rhys Edwards (12-0, 4 KO’s).

Tickets for this event go on sale Friday 20 May at 12pm midday via boxxer.com/tickets

Presented by BOXXER in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Village Hotels.

London, England – (May 13, 2022) – BOXXER today announced the signing of the undefeated young prospect Dylan Cheema (5-0, 1 KO), who stormed his way to victory in last month’s BOXXER Series tournament in his home city of Coventry. The tournament run, which saw him win three fights in one night live on Sky Sports, earned Cheema a new army of British boxing fans as he progressed from major underdog to grand final winner over the course of the event.  A proud Coventry man, it was Cheema’s first ever time competing in the city in which he was born and raised. Cheema had transitioned to professional boxing following a highly accomplished run as a professional kickboxer, but Birmingham was the closest he had ever fought to home in either discipline. A high achiever in other areas of his life – Cheema was a world champion in kickboxing and holds a university degree – he now turns his attention to climbing the professional boxing ranks and winning equally impressive plaudits.  Cheema’s new army of fans are joining his existing battalion, one which features a huge number of his fellow Sikhs. Drawing his ancestry from Punjab – a region of India with a long and storied warrior tradition – Cheema’s pride in his heritage is reflected in the strength of support he draws from the wider community across the UK. At 25 years old and with his professional record now including a win over the highly-regarded Rylan Charlton, runner-up in the tournament, Cheema looks set to secure big opportunities as he joins the BOXXER ranks on a long-term exclusive promotional contract. Ben Shalom, BOXXER founder and CEO, said “The Boxxer Series is all about giving UK boxers the chance to showcase themselves and secure big future opportunities. Dylan Cheema did exactly that in Coventry – he put on an incredible performance, going from underdog to tournament champion, and we’re very excited about his future potential.” Cheema said, “This is just the beginning. I’m ready for the big fights – BOXXER and Sky Sports are the ones to make those big fights happen. I’m delighted to sign with BOXXER. I’ve got a good manager and a good team, and they’re going to guide me along this next stage of my journey.”

Coventry, England – (April 16 2022) – Hometown hero Dylan Cheema (5-0, 1 KOs) emerged as the winner of the BOXXER Series lightweight tournament tonight as he beat Rylan Charlton (9-3-1, 4 KOs) by unanimous decision to claim the 40-thousand-pound prize at the Skydome Arena in Coventry, live on Sky Sports.

The former kickboxing world champion from Coventry didn’t have an easy road to the final however as Cheema had to fend off the likes of Scott Melvin (5-1, 1 KOs) and Otis Lookman (1-1, 1 KOs) on the way.

The final was an all-out war from the opening bell, both men landed powerful shots that had all in attendance grimacing. The pair were feeling the effects of the previous fights and were breathing heavily at the end of the round. It asked the question of who was hungrier to win.

Cheema and Charlton traded numerous punches in the second round and at times it seemed Charlton was flat out on his feet, but he kept mustering the energy to answer Cheema back.

The third and final round was one to go down in the BOXXER Series history books as all in attendance were speechless in what they were witnessing. Both men put the hard hours in during training camp and it showed in the ring with the end-to-end action. The Coventry crowd were treated to a great night of tournament boxing.

The BOXXER Series victory at lightweight not only led Cheema to an eye-watering amount of cash but a step in the right direction as more opportunities under the BOXXER and Sky Sports banner await the 25-year-old.

Cheema’s route to the final was a hard earnt one that had his home crowd of Coventry entertained. After an explosive first round stoppage victory over Otis Lookman in the quarter finals, Cheema faced Scott Melvin in the semis which was easily fight of the night until the final.

Melvin looked comfortable throughout the second round against Cheema, he wasn’t afraid to showboat in front of the Coventry crowd on the night. However, it was Cheema that was landing the more convincing punches.

The final round had the crowd in awe as both fighters bit down on the gum shield and came out swinging. Melvin was able to slip some of the forward attacks from Cheema but saw himself on the end of a lot of heavy blows that was the difference for the judges at ringside.

Melvin’s journey to the semi-final against Cheema was a difficult one for himself personally as he was drawn against fellow stablemate Tion Gibbs (8-1, 0 KOs) who is most notably recognised as the brother of Cori Gibbs, BOXXER series Liverpool champion.

An interesting fight from the moment it was drawn earlier in the week, both fighters shared the same corner and were anticipating a meeting in the final. Both men fought hard, and it was hard to split the two before the final bell. Melvin took the victory via a split decision.

Before Charlton joined Cheema in the final, he stopped the experienced Shaun Cooper (13-4, 0 KOs) in the final round of their semi final meeting. Charlton was a handful in every fight he took part in on the night with his super aggressive style of fighting, living up to his nickname ‘The pint-sized powerhouse’.

Cooper was able to stay on the back foot at times and land long, looping shots over the top of the guard of Charlton who remained consistent on the front foot. A brutal body shot landed in the final round that saw Cooper drop to the canvas in agony and wanting no more.

The bookies favourite and Sky Sports Boxing regular Charlton defeated Nottingham based fighter Joe Underwood Hughes (7-1, 1 KOs) prior to his semi final appearance in a gruelling quarter final clash which could have gone either way.

Charlton remained on the front foot throughout all three rounds with Hughes doing a fantastic job to stay with his man following the onslaught.

Shaun Cooper, who formerly held the WBO Youth lightweight title, matched up against 22-year-old Brooklyn Tilley (3-1, 0 KOs) in the final quarter final of the evening in Coventry.

Tilley who was spurred on by his loyal fanbase struggled to convince the judges at ringside as Cooper had his hand raised and his name booked into the semi final with Charlton. The judges scored it 29-28 all in favour of a split decision victory for Cooper.

BOXXER Series returns to Sky Sports next month as the tournament hits Sheffield on May 21st, showcasing eight hungry cruiserweights waiting for their time to shine.

Fight results

Final: Dylan Cheema (5-0, 1 KOs) def. Rylan Charlton (9-3-1, 4 KOs) – Unanimous decision 29-28, 29-28, 29-28 Cheema 3×3 lightweight.

Semi final one: Dylan Cheema (5-0, 1 KOs) def. Scott Melvin (5-1, 1 KOs) – Split decision 29-28 Melvin, 29-28 Cheema, 29-28 Cheema 3×3 lightweight.

Semi final two: Rylan Charlton (9-3-1, 4 KOs) def. Shaun Cooper (13-4, 0 KOs) – 3rd rnd KO, 3×3 lightweight

Quarter final one: Dylan Cheema (5-0, 1 KOs) def. Otis Lookman (1-1, 1 KOs) – 1st rnd TKO, 3×3 lightweight.

Quarter final two: Scott Melvin (5-1, 1 KOs) def. Tion Gibbs (8-1, 0 KOs) – Split decision 29-28 Melvin, 29-28 Gibbs, 29-28 Melvin 3×3 lightweight.

Quarter final three: Rylan Charlton (9-3-1, 4 KOs) def. Joe Underwood Hughes (7-1, 1 KOs) – Unanimous decision 29-28, 29-28, 29-28 Charlton 3×3 lightweight.

Quarter final four: Shaun Cooper (13-4, 0 KOs) def. Brooklyn Tilley (3-1, 0 KOs) – Unanimous decision 29-28, 29-28, 29-28 Cooper 3×3 lightweight.