Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and Netflix today announced that MVP’s newest signee, England’s unified super bantamweight champion Ellie Scotney (10-0) will face Mexico’s WBC super bantamweight world champion Yamileth “Yeimi” Mercado (24-3, 5 KOs) on the main card of the highly anticipated Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano trilogy mega-event. This historic MVP event will stream live globally, exclusively on Netflix at no additional cost to its 300+ million subscribers on Friday, July 11 from Madison Square Garden (MSG) in New York City. Scotney vs. Mercado, a matchup between ESPN’s #1 and #2 super bantamweights in the world and Boxrec’s #12 and #15 pound-for-pound fighters, will be a 10-round unified super bantamweight championship fight contested at 122 lbs. They join the first-ever all women’s professional boxing card at the iconic Madison Square Garden, streaming live globally on Netflix. The main event will feature Ireland’s pound-for-pound great, undisputed super lightweight champion Katie Taylor (24-1, 6 KOs) and Brooklyn’s Puerto Rican boxing trailblazer, unified featherweight world champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (47-3-1, 31 KOs). In the co-main event, MVP’s reigning undisputed super featherweight champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner (15-1, 7 KOs) will face undefeated WBA Interim world champion, Spain’s Jennifer Miranda (12-0, 1 KO), a 10-round undisputed super featherweight championship fight contested at 130 lbs.

Headlining the preliminary card will be MVP’s Danish two-weight world champion, reigning unified bantamweight world champion and Boxrec’s #1 pound-for-pound female boxer Dina Thorslund (23-0, 9 KOs) vs. MVP’s IBF bantamweight world champion Shurretta “Chiccn” Metcalf (14-4-1, 2 KOs) in a 10-round women’s world title unification bout contested at 118 lbs. Also joining the preliminary card will be MVP’s two-time Canadian Olympian, amateur world champion, and standout middleweight Tamm Thibeault (2-0, 1 KO), continuing to fight every bout in her pro career under equal rules to men, three-minute rounds, in an 8 round bout against the WBC, WBO, WBA and IBF’s #1 contender Mary Casamassa (6-0, 2 KOs), contested at 160 lbs. Six of the top 15 pound-for-pound female fighters in the world on Boxrec, including four of the top 10, are currently represented as part of MVP’s Taylor vs. Serrano 3 all-women’s card. 

Scotney, Mercado, Thorslund, Metcalf, Thibeault, and Casamassa will each participate in MVP’s Taylor vs. Serrano 3 and Baumgardner vs. Miranda kickoff press conference on Wednesday, April 9 at 6pm at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Media can apply for credentials HERE. Tickets for Taylor vs. Serrano 3 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com. 

MVP’s newest signee, unified super bantamweight world champion Ellie Scotney (10-0) is one of the fastest-rising stars in women’s boxing, having turned pro after a decorated amateur career and quickly racking up dominant wins en route to unifying the 122 lb division. The 27-year-old undefeated London native, now ranked #1 at super bantamweight by ESPN and #15 pound-for-pound by Boxrec, holds the IBF, WBO, IBO, and Ring Magazine titles.

“What MVP is doing for women’s boxing is changing the game, and I’m proud to be part of it,” said Ellie Scotney. “Fighting on the main card of Taylor vs. Serrano 3 at Madison Square Garden, live on Netflix—in another unification fight —is a massive moment in my career but it is one I know I am ready for. Yamileth Mercado might be the longest reigning champion in our division right now, but on July the 11th I’ll be showing why I’m the number one at 122lbs and moving one step closer to becoming the undisputed champion. Sharing this card with inspirations like Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano makes this even more meaningful and I want to leave my own mark on a special night. My whole career has been based in the UK, but I’m ready to make a statement on the biggest of stages and show the world what I can do.”

WBC super bantamweight world champion Yamileth “Yeimi” Mercado (24-3, 5 KOs) is the longest-reigning titleholder in the division, having defended her belt eight times since winning it in 2019 on home soil in Chihuahua, Mexico. Ranked #2 at 122 lbs by ESPN and #12 pound-for-pound by Boxrec, the 27-year-old will now face undefeated unified champion Ellie Scotney in a high-stakes unification bout on Friday, July 11.

“I am very excited to unify titles with Ellie Scotney and raise my WBC belt for my country, Mexico, and my home in Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua on MVP’s card at Madison Square Garden and in front of the world on Netflix,” said Yamileth Mercado. “This fight will be a war, and we will continue to demonstrate that women’s boxing brings a guarantee of both spectacle and boxing quality on Friday, July 11. Viva Mexico!”

MVP’s undefeated Dina Thorslund (23-0, 9 KOs) is a two-division world champion, unified bantamweight world champion and Denmark’s most accomplished boxer, with a national record 12 straight world title fights. Thorslund holds the unified WBC and WBO bantamweight titles and looks to extend her dominance in what will be her 14th world championship bout. She is currently ranked the #1 pound-for-pound women’s boxer in the world by Boxrec—ahead of Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano, Gabriela Fundora, Claressa Shields, and others—and also holds the #5 spot on Ring Magazine’s list and #10 on ESPN’s.

“I am thrilled to be making my MVP debut on the Taylor-Serrano 3 card. Just as this historic night will celebrate the close of Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano’s once-in-a-lifetime rivalry, so too will it be a celebration of some of the most decorated women’s champions in boxing on this all-women’s card,” said Dina Thorslund. “I know my opponent will bring her very best competition to the ring on Friday, July 11, but I look forward to making Denmark proud as I successfully defend my WBC and WBO titles and become the new IBF world champion. Thank you to Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul for this opportunity to show my talent to the world from Madison Square Garden.”

IBF bantamweight world champion and new MVP signee Shurretta “Chiccn” Metcalf (14-4-1, 2 KOs) is a single mother and former underground fighter from Dallas who turned pro in 2016 and captured her first world title at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in 2024. A relentless force both inside and outside the ring, Metcalf juggles boxing with raising two sons, running a boutique and salon, bartending, personal training, and launching her own activewear line, Elite Essence.

“I’m excited to be fighting Dina Thorslund for the unified title on MVP’s all-women’s card on Friday, July 11,” said Shurretta Metcalf. “She is a very worthy opponent and I have nothing but respect for her. I’m going to bring my A-game to MSG in July!”

MVP’s rising Canadian star Tamm Thibeault (2-0, 1 KO) is a two-time Olympian, and current #5-ranked WBA and WBO middleweight contender who has competed under equal rules to men with three-minute rounds across her pro career. The 6-foot southpaw from Quebec also holds gold medals from the IBA World Championships, Commonwealth Games, and Pan Am Games, speaks French, English, and Spanish, and continues her pro ascent while earning a Master’s degree in urban planning and training at Sheffield’s Steel City Gym.

“I’m incredibly honored to be part of MVP’s Taylor vs. Serrano 3, surrounded by inspirations and champions, with the opportunity to showcase women’s boxing and make history on such a massive stage,” said Tamm Thibeault. “Facing a tough competitor like Mary Casamassa is a challenge I’m ready for, and I’m going to prove that women can thrive under the same rules as men. Competing in three-minute rounds is an important step for equality in the sport, and I’m excited to fight for it on Friday, July 11 at Madison Square Garden.”

Undefeated middleweight and super middleweight contender Mary Casamassa (6-0, 1 KO) is currently the #1 WBC and IBF contender at 160 lbs and the #1 WBA and WBO contender at 168 lbs, as well as Ring Magazine’s #4 contender at 168 lbs. The Puerto Rican-American southpaw from Pittsburgh is a former Pennsylvania Golden Gloves standout and earned her engineering degree from the University of Pittsburgh while launching her pro career. Casamassa trains out of Jack’s Boxing Gym under retired police officer Jack Mook.

“Thank you to my team, Jake Paul, Nakisa Bidarian, and the MVP team for the wonderful opportunity to showcase my abilities at this great venue in one of the greatest cities in the world,” said Mary Casamassa. “I’m a quiet person, but I love to compete and let my hands do the talking.  I can’t wait to show everyone and especially the beloved Puerto Rican community in New York what I can do!”

“Taylor vs. Serrano 3 headlines an unprecedented lineup of world title fights, with every fight on our main card to be an undisputed or unified women’s world championship fight. This is the most stacked women’s boxing card in history, bringing together six of the top fifteen pound-for-pound female fighters—including four of the top ten—on Boxrec,” said Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions. “We are also committed to bringing another global event to fans, with stars from the US, Puerto Rico, Ireland, Spain, England, Mexico, and Canada so far represented on this card. MVP’s Ellie Scotney vs. Yamileth Mercado represent the best in the world at 122 lbs, alongside another clash of champions between MVP signees Dina Thorslund and Shuretta Metcalf and our very own Tamm Thibeault continuing to fight for equality in the sport. Friday, July 11 will be the most valuable night in women’s boxing history at Madison Square Garden, live globally on Netflix.”

Taylor vs. Serrano 3 is produced, marketed, and promoted by Most Valuable Promotions and distributed by Netflix. 

For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions and @Netflix, on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions and @Netflix, or on Netflix’s Tudum.

About Ellie Scotney

MVP’s newest signee, unified super bantamweight world champion Ellie Scotney (10-0) first broke into the boxing scene at the amateur level. Her shining amateur stint saw the London prospect win the 2017 Elite national amateur title at 57kg and the English Title at Youth level – having entered after only four amateur bouts. Scotney was in serious contention for a Great Britain Olympic qualifying place for Tokyo 2020 before deciding to leave the program to pursue her pro career. She moved 1-0 with a spiteful and impressive six round decision win over Bec Connolly on her debut before winning by decision over Mailys Gangloff in her second pro outing. Scotney then won her first fight out of Shane McGuigan’s gym in October 2021, beating Eva Cantos 79-73 at the O2 Arena. Continuing her rise, she went on to defeat the defending European super bantamweight champion Mary Romero in just her sixth pro fight on the undercard of Katie Taylor-Helen Carabajal a year later. In her next fight, Scotney earned her first shot at world title honors, contesting Cherneka Johnson for the IBF world super bantamweight title at Wembley Arena. The bout was initially planned for the Katie Taylor-Chantelle Cameron undercard in early 2023, but was postponed until June 2023. Scotney displayed a career-best performance that night, dethroning Johnson by unanimous decision to become the new IBF world champion at super bantamweight. Scotney successfully defended her IBF world title against Spain’s Laura Griffa in September 2023 before unifying the 122lb division and adding the WBO and Ring Magazine titles to her collection in a unanimous decision over then-undefeated 18-0 WBO champion Segolene Lefebvre. Scotney most recently continued to consolidate the super bantamweight world titles in her January 2025 bout against former IBO World Champion Mea Motu. Scotney again eased to a UD victory over the 20-0 Motu, adding the New Zealand fighter’s IBO hardware to her WBO, IBF, and Ring Magazine titles. The 27-year-old is currently Boxrec’s #15 pound-for-pound fighter and is ranked the #1 super bantamweight in the world by ESPN.

About Yamileth Mercado

Mexican WBC super bantamweight world champion Yamileth “Yeimi” Mercado (24-3, 5 KOs) is currently the longest-reigning titleholder with the most defenses in the women’s super bantamweight division. Born in Ciudad Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua, the 27-year-old has been a world champion since age 21 and has successfully defended her title eight times. Mercado made her professional debut in July 2014 at the age of 16 and won her first seven consecutive fights. She lost her undefeated record in her eighth bout while competing for the WBC Fecombox super bantamweight title against the more experienced Jessica Arreguín. Mercado then secured five consecutive victories before earning her first shot at the WBC super bantamweight world championship against Fatuma Zarika in Kenya in September 2018, which Zarika won by split decision. Despite the setback, the determined Mercado became the WBC International Champion in her next bout, defeating former world champion Alys Sánchez. She successfully defended the title one time before earning her next shot at world honors with a rematch against Zarika in November 2019, this time on Mercado’s home soil in Ciudad Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua, where she claimed the world title with a unanimous decision victory in front of her home fans. Since earning the WBC belt, Mercado has successfully defended her super bantamweight world title against Alejandra Julissa Guzmán, Angélica Rascón, Isis Vargas, Mariana “Barbie” Juárez, Kudakwashe Chiwandire, Paulette Valenzuela, Linda Laura Lecca, and Ramla Ali. Her only defeat during this period came in August 2021 when she challenged seven-division champion Amanda Serrano for the WBO and WBC featherweight world titles, losing by decision. Mercado, ESPN’s #2 super bantamweight and Boxrec’s #12 pound-for-pound fighter in the world, has spent a total of 199 rounds in the ring to date and will now aim to unify her WBC title against the undefeated WBF, IBF, IBO, and Ring Magazine title holder Ellie Scotney over 10 rounds on the main card of Taylor vs. Serrano 3. 

About Dina Thorslund

Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, MVP’s unified bantamweight world champion and two-division champion Dina Thorslund (23-0, 9 KOs) started her boxing journey at the age of 14. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a member of the Danish national team before turning professional in 2015 and winning her debut bout vs. Petra Podráská with a commanding technical knockout. In January 2017, she captured her first honors at super bantamweight, winning the vacant WBC Youth title with a unanimous decision victory over Xenia Jorneac, before capturing the WBC Interim title with a win over Hall of Famer Alicia Ashley in early 2018. Later that year, Thorslund got her first shot at a world title, handily defeating Jessica Arreguin Munoz to become the WBO super bantamweight world champion. Thorslund successfully defended her title three times at super bantamweight before moving down to the bantamweight division to contest for the then-vacant WBO title. In June 2021, Thorslund became a two-division world champion and the new WBO bantamweight world champion with a decisive victory over Jasseth Noriega. In September 2023, Thorslund unified the WBC and WBO bantamweight titles with a dominant win over Yulihan Luna Avila and has successfully defended her bantamweight hardware three times since. With a flawless professional record, the undefeated Thorslund has fought in 13 world title bouts to date, setting a Danish record with 12 consecutive world championship fights. She is currently ranked the #1 pound-for-pound women’s boxer in the world by Boxrec ahead of Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano, Gabriela Fundora, Claressa Shields, and others, and is Ring Magazine’s #5 and ESPN’s #10 pound-for-pound talent. The 31-year-old Thorslund resides in Struer, Denmark, trains under Thomas Madsen, and is managed by Lee Eaton.

About Shurretta Metcalf

MVP’s new signee Shurretta “Chiccn” Metcalf (14-4-1, 2 KOs), the current IBF bantamweight champion, has had to fight—both inside and outside the ring—all of her life. Born in Oak Cliff in Dallas, Texas, Shurretta grew up in a low-income area with her two younger siblings. Her mother worked hard for the Dallas School District and Shurretta never knew her father. A talented student, she was a standout basketball player and also excelled at track and field. She had her first son at 20 years old and her second son two years later. The single mom did a variety of jobs to survive and raise her two boys, the oldest of whom is autistic. To make money, Shurretta turned to underground boxing in 2012 and fought over 100 fights, sometimes fighting as often as twice a week. In 2016 she turned pro and hasn’t stopped moving forward since—winning her first world title in October 2024 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden with a unanimous decision against then-IBF champion Miyo Yoshida. Outside her boxing career, the industrious Metcalf owns and runs a boutique and salon, works as a personal trainer, and has a mobile bartending business. She is also launching her own line of workout clothes called Elite Essence.

About Tamm Thibeault

MVP’s standout Canadian signee Tamm Thibeault (2-0, 1 KO) is currently the #5-ranked WBA and WBO middleweight contender. Originally from Shawinigan, Quebec, Canada, Thibeault began her boxing journey at the age of nine, inspired by seeing her father, a former CFL player, knock out an opponent during a Provincial boxing tournament. Following in his footsteps, she took up boxing at age 12 and was inspired to compete for Canada while watching the first women’s Olympic boxing competition during the 2012 London Olympics. The 28-year-old middleweight, a southpaw standing 6 feet tall, forged an outstanding career in the amateur ranks. A two-time Olympian, Thibeault made her Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020, where she advanced to the quarterfinals of the women’s 75kg (165lb) event, matching Canada’s best-ever Olympic result in any women’s boxing event. She went undefeated until she returned to the Paris Olympics in 2024, earning gold medals at the 2022 IBA Amateur World Championship, the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and the 2023 Pan Am Games. Thibeault, who speaks French, English, and Spanish, recently completed a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies from Concordia University in 2023, which she earned over seven years while competing. She currently lives in Sheffield, England, where she is earning a one-year Master’s degree in urban design and urban planning while training at the renowned Steel City Gym. Thibeault made her pro debut while competing under men’s rules, three-minute rounds, on the main card of MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 10 in December 2024, defeating Natasha “The Nightmare” Spence. She returned to the ring in March 2025 as part of MVP’s first ever event in Canada, Most Valuable Prospects 11, where she again competed under men’s rules with three-minute rounds against former US National Golden Gloves champion Sonya Dreiling. Thibeault won by knockout in the final second of the first round, proving again the impact of women competing with equal rules to men. Thibeault now will enter her third pro fight continuing to compete under equal rules over 8, three-minute rounds on Friday, July 11 against #1 contender Mary Casamassa.

About Mary Casamassa

Puerto Rican-American Mary Casamassa (6-0, 1 KO) grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With multiple brothers in the military who having boxed as amateurs, Mary grew up tough, excelling in sports and academics. Prior to becoming a boxer, she was a standout basketball player, playing through her senior year of high school at Aquinas Academy in Pittsburgh. She began boxing at the age of 15 competing in the 2018 Pennsylvania State Golden Gloves championship before deciding to turn pro while finishing her engineering degree at the University of Pittsburgh. The southpaw made her professional debut in May 2022 defeating her opponent by clear-cut unanimous decision. Two months later, she earned her first stoppage finish, shutting down LeAnn O’Malley by third round TKO. Casamassa then stepped up to face Scotland’s then-undefeated Christianne Fahey, winning by split decision. Initially fighting four and six-round bouts, Casamassa stepped up in March 2024 to her first 10-round championship fight, earning a unanimous decision over Canadian veteran and former World Champion Olivia Gerula for the W.I.B.A 168-lb world title, as well as a unanimous decision over Brazil’s Olympic bronze medalist and IBF #5 and Ring Magazine #4 middleweight Adriana Dos Santos Araujo for the W.I.B.A. 160-lb world title. Casamassa’s performances raised her to the #1 contender by each of the four major sanctioning bodies, with the WBC and IBF ranking her #1 at 160 lbs and the WBA and WBO ranking her at #1 at 168 lbs, as well as rising to Ring Magazine’s #4 contender at 168 lbs. Casamassa trains under retired police officer Jack Mook out of Jack’s Boxing Gym in Pittsburgh.

About Most Valuable Promotions (MVP)

MVP was founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian in 2021. With the mission to provide more creative control to fighters, MVP works to identify, grow, and maximize return for its own events and talent partners. One year into its inception, MVP was nominated as one of the prestigious Sports Breakthroughs of the Year in 2022 by Sports Business Journal. MVP has produced Jake Paul’s last six global pay-per-view events, including the recent Paul vs. Perry match. The promotion company also signed one of the most decorated Hispanic athletes of all time, Amanda Serrano, in its first year. Serrano and MVP made history in April 2022 when Serrano went head-to-head with Katie Taylor, marking the first female fight to headline at Madison Square Garden, earning a nomination for Event of The Year by Sports Business Journal. MVP made history again in November 2024 with Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and Taylor vs. Serrano 2, the first-ever live professional sports event on Netflix, which became the most-streamed sporting event ever with 108 million live viewers globally. Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian was an executive producer of Paul vs. Tyson and the historic Triller Presents Mike Tyson v. Roy Jones Jr., the 8th most-bought pay-per-view event in history.

About Netflix 

Netflix is one of the world’s leading entertainment services, with over 300 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, films, and games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can play, pause, and resume watching as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, and can change their plans at any time.

NEW YORK, NY – April 9, 2025 – Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today continued strengthening its global investment in women’s boxing, announcing the signings of English boxing phenom and unified super bantamweight world champion at 122 lbs Ellie Scotney (10-0), IBF bantamweight world champion at 118 lbs Shurretta Metcalf (14-4-1, 2 KOs), Spain’s WBA Interim featherweight world champion at 126 lbs Jennifer Miranda (12-0, 1 KO), and Nigeria’s 126 lb Elizabeth Oshoba (9-0, 5 KOs). 

The signings of Scotney, Metcalf, Miranda, and Oshoba follow MVP’s recent series of groundbreaking commitments to women’s boxing, including MVP’s historic lifetime combat sports agreement with boxing trailblazer and seven-division world champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano that will see Serrano will compete under the MVP banner for the remainder of her boxing career before transitioning to Chairwoman of MVP’s women’s boxing initiatives, where she will spearhead efforts to identify, sign, develop, and market MVP’s growing roster of female athletes. A trailblazer for equality in the sport, Serrano will continue her mission by empowering future generations as both a role model and mentor for rising female fighters.

Building on this first-of-its-kind deal, MVP announced the historic Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano trilogy megafight, set for Friday, July 11 at Madison Square Garden, airing live globally, exclusively on Netflix at no additional cost to the platform’s 300+ million subscribers. Taylor vs. Serrano 3 will headline the first-ever all-women’s card in MSG history, setting a new financial standard for female fighters, with Taylor and Serrano earning record-breaking purses and Serrano becoming the highest-paid female athlete for a single event. Further solidifying its commitment to women’s boxing, MVP also recently signed 130 lb undisputed super featherweight world champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner, reigning unified bantamweight world champion at 118 lbs and Boxrec’s #1 pound-for-pound female boxer Dina Thorslund, the multi-talented Somali-British 122 lb boxer, activist, and high fashion model Ramla Ali, Costa Rica’s 20-year-old undefeated WBC Youth light flyweight 108 lb world champion Naomy Valle, and 115 lb super flyweight and 15x US national amateur champion Nat “No Love”’ Dove to its growing roster of elite women’s fighters.

Unified super bantamweight world champion Ellie Scotney (10-0), fighting at 122 lbs, first broke into the boxing scene at the amateur level. Her shining amateur stint saw the London prospect win the 2017 Elite national amateur title at 57kg and the English Title at Youth level – having entered after only four amateur bouts. Scotney was in serious contention for a Great Britain Olympic qualifying place for Tokyo 2020 before deciding to leave the program to pursue her pro career. She moved 1-0 with a spiteful and impressive six-round decision win over Bec Connolly on her debut before winning by decision over Mailys Gangloff in her second pro outing. Scotney then won her first fight out of Shane McGuigan’s gym in October 2021, beating Eva Cantos 79-73 at the O2 Arena. Continuing her rise, she went on to defeat the defending European super bantamweight champion Mary Romero in just her sixth pro fight on the undercard of Katie Taylor-Helen Carabajal a year later. In her next fight, Scotney earned her first shot at world title honors, contesting Cherneka Johnson for the IBF world super bantamweight title at Wembley Arena. The bout was initially planned for the Katie Taylor-Chantelle Cameron undercard in early 2023, but was postponed until June 2023. Scotney displayed a career-best performance that night, dethroning Johnson by unanimous decision to become the new IBF world champion at super bantamweight. Scotney successfully defended her IBF world title against Spain’s Laura Griffa in September 2023 before unifying the 122lb division and adding the WBO and Ring Magazine titles to her collection in a unanimous decision over then-undefeated 18-0 WBO champion Segolene Lefebvre. Most recently, Scotney continued to consolidate the super bantamweight world titles in her January 2025 bout against former IBO World Champion Mea Motu. Scotney again eased to a UD victory over the 20-0 Motu, adding the New Zealand fighter’s IBO hardware to her WBO, IBF, and Ring Magazine titles. She is currently ranked the #1 super bantamweight in the world by ESPN.

“Becoming a unified super bantamweight world champion has been the result of years of grit, sacrifice, and passion—and now, with the backing of MVP, Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, I’m ready to take things to the next level,” said Ellie Scotney. “MVP is breaking barriers for women’s boxing, and I’m proud to be part of a movement that’s creating real change and global opportunities for female fighters. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to show the world what’s next.”

Shurretta “Chiccn” Metcalf (14-4-1, 2 KOs), the current IBF bantamweight champion at 118 lbs, has had to fight—both inside and outside the ring—all of her life. Born in Oak Cliff in Dallas, Texas, Shurretta grew up in a low-income area with her two younger siblings. Her mother worked hard for the Dallas School District and Shurretta never knew her father. A talented student, she was a standout basketball player and also excelled at track and field. She had her first son at 20 years old and her second son two years later. The single mom did a variety of jobs to survive and raise her two boys, the oldest of whom is autistic. To make money, Shurretta turned to underground boxing in 2012 and fought over 100 fights, sometimes fighting as often as twice a week. In 2016 she turned pro and hasn’t stopped moving forward since—winning her first world title in October 2024 at Madison Square Garden with a unanimous decision against then-IBF champion Miyo Yoshida. Outside her boxing career, the industrious Metcalf owns and runs a boutique and salon, works as a personal trainer, and has a mobile bartending business. She is also launching her own line of workout clothes called Elite Essence.

“I am honored and overjoyed to have signed with MVP, Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian. They are the premiere promoters in women’s boxing, and I look forward to being a part of their family,” said Shurretta Metcalf. “I thank them for this opportunity and I plan to make MVP proud that they are giving me this opportunity.”

WBA Interim world champion Jennifer Miranda (12-0, 1 KO) is undefeated so far in her pro career, currently ranked by Boxrec as the #3 featherweight in the world at 126 lbs. She started boxing at age 23 while at university, quickly proving herself worthy of a spot on the Spanish national team. In her amateur career, she became a nine-time consecutive Spanish national champion, won multiple international titles, and represented Spain at high-level competitions, ranking among the top nine in the world, establishing herself as a pioneer of women’s boxing in Spain. Miranda then made her professional debut in 2018, quickly establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with, competing for the then-vacant Spanish featherweight title in just her second pro fight. She defeated Jessica Sanchez by unanimous decision and successfully defended the title against Vanesa Caballero in 2019, becoming the first woman in history to defend the Spanish national title. Miranda became the WBA’s Gold champion before stepping up to face Panamanian Teresa Almengor in her most recent professional October 2024, coming away victorious with a unanimous decision and becoming the new WBA interim world champion in her sixth title fight out of her twelve pro fights to date. Miranda is slated to make her MVP debut against undisputed super featherweight world champion Alycia Baumgardner in the co-main event of the historic Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 3 all-women’s card on Friday, July 11 at Madison Square Garden, live globally, exclusively on Netflix. Alongside boxing, Miranda has completed two bachelor’s degrees and two master’s degrees including an MBA, and is currently pursuing another degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. Miranda is also an accomplished actress who is best known for her role as ‘Arteche’ in Netflix’s global smash-hit series Money Heist. The 38-year old trains out of The Boxer Club in Madrid, Spain with coach Javier Pardo, and is managed by Sergio Pérez.

“Signing with MVP marks an exciting new chapter in my career ahead of facing Alycia Baumgardner for the opportunity to become the next super featherweight undisputed champion on Friday, July 11,” said Jennifer Miranda. “As both an athlete and an advocate for women in sport, it’s inspiring to join a team that’s truly reshaping the future of boxing. With MVP’s support, I’m ready to take on the world stage and show that the best is yet to come.”

Elizabeth Temitayo Oshoba (9-0, 5 KOs) is an undefeated 26-year-old Nigerian featherweight boxer at 126 lbs. Growing up in a challenging neighborhood in Lagos, Oshaba was inspired by her older brother in the Nigerian Army to become tough and succeed despite all odds. She began boxing at age 13, quickly distinguishing herself with a relentless work ethic and powerful punches, the start of a decorated amateur career with over 70 fights, including becoming a 6x Nigerian national amateur champion, a bronze medal at the 2019 All African Games, a gold at the 2020 African Zone 3 Championships, and winning silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Oshoba relocated to the UK to make her pro debut in September 2022 and has maintained an unblemished record since. In November 2023, she clinched the IBO female super featherweight title, defeating Martina Reighi via unanimous decision. In January 2024, Oshaba made history with a dominant performance against Italy’s Michela Braga, winning by 10th round knockout to become Nigeria’s first female world title holder and the WBC Silver featherweight champion. She has continued to build her undefeated record, most recently defeating Agustina Rojas in June 2024 and Lenka Volejnikova in March 2025. Outside the ring, Oshoba balances academic commitments with her deep commitment to mentoring young female boxers in Nigeria, providing support and guidance to aspiring athletes and aiming to inspire and cultivate the next generation of champions. She is managed by Lee Eaton.

“Joining MVP is a dream come true—not just for me, but for every young girl in Nigeria who dares to believe in their dreams,” said Elizabeth Oshoba. “I’ve fought hard to reach this level, and now as part of MVP, I’m ready to show the world just how far I can go. I look forward to using this platform to inspire and represent. Thank you to Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian for this opportunity.”

“From day one, we said MVP would be a force for change in boxing—and a cornerstone of that statement has been supporting women’s boxing like no one has before. Today we are excited to have four more powerful women join our roster,” said Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions. “Ellie Scotney is going to become one of the top names in the sport in short order. Shurretta Metcalf defines the determination required for being great. Elizabeth Oshoba has the power to put the entire 126 lb division on KO notice now, and Jennifer Miranda signifies what we look for in all athletes, inside and outside the ring in her capabilities.” 

Scotney, Metcalf, Miranda, and Oshoba join MVP’s elite roster of athletes and up-and-coming talents including international superstar Jake “El Gallo” Paul, boxing trailblazer and unified featherweight world champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano, undisputed super featherweight world champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner, prolific top boxing prospect H2O Sylve, MVP’s first homegrown champion, the new WBO Super Middleweight Champion Shadasia “The Sweet Terminator” Green, multi-talented megastar Javon “Wanna” Walton, India’s most successful professional boxer Neeraj Goyat, top-ranked lightweight “Prince” Lucas Bahdi, Puerto Rican sensation Krystal Rosado, three-time US national boxing champion and high-fashion model Alexis “Chop Chop” Chaparro, Puerto Rican National Team star Jan Paul Rivera, two-time Canadian Olympian Tamm Thibeault, 2x amateur national champion and rising bantamweight star Alexander “The Alley Cat” Gueche, reigning unified bantamweight world champion and Boxrec’s #1 pound-for-pound female boxer Dina Thorslund, the multi-talented Somali-British boxer, activist, and high fashion model Ramla Ali, Costa Rica’s 20-year-old undefeated WBC Youth light flyweight world champion Naomy Valle, and 15x US national amateur champion Nat “No Love”’ Dove. 

For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions, @JakePaul, @elliescotney_, or on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions, @JakePaul, @elliescotney_.

About MVP

MVP was founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian in 2021. With the mission to provide more creative control to fighters, MVP works to identify, grow, and maximize return for its own events and talent partners. One year into its inception, MVP was nominated as one of the prestigious Sports Breakthroughs of the Year in 2022 by Sports Business Journal. MVP have produced Jake Paul’s last six global pay-per-view events, including the recent Paul vs. Perry match. The promotion company also signed one of the most decorated Hispanic athletes of all time, Amanda Serrano in its first year. Serrano and MVP made history in April of 2022 when Serrano went head to head with Katie Taylor, marking the first female fight to headline at Madison Square Garden, earning a nomination for Event of The Year by Sports Business Journal. MVP made history again in November 2024 with Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2, the first-ever live professional sports event on Netflix. MVP’s Paul vs. Tyson streamed live globally on Netflix and shattered records, becoming the most-streamed sporting event ever with 108 million live viewers globally. Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian was an executive producer of Paul vs. Tyson and the historic Triller Presents Mike Tyson v. Roy Jones Jr., which was the 8th most bought pay-per-view event in history.

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

Ellie Scotney will defend her IBF, WBO and IBO Super-Bantamweight World Titles against mandatory challenger Mea Motu on the undercard of Jack Catterall’s blockbuster Super-Lightweight showdown with Regis Progais at Co-op Live in Manchester on Saturday October 26, shown live worldwide on DAZN. 

Catford’s Scotney (9-0) captured the IBF World Title by dethroning Cherneka Johnson at OVO Arena Wembley back in June 2023 before unifying the 122 lbs division against France’s former WBO Champion Segolene Lefebvre in her last outing at Manchester Arena in April.

The 26-year-old now faces her undefeated IBF mandatory Motu (19-0, 7 KOs) – her second unbeaten opponent in a row – with the promise of further unification clashes against WBA champion Nazarena Romero and WBC ruler Yamileth Mercado should she get past the New Zealander. 

Watford’s Reece Bellotti (19-5, 14 KOs) looks to continue his remarkable run of form when he defends his British and Commonwealth Super-Featherweight Titles for the second time against Manchester favourite Michael Gomez Jr (21-1, 6 KOs).

The 33-year-old’s brilliant resurgence began at the famous York Hall in April 2022 where he stopped Dean Dodge in seven rounds to pick up the Southern Area Title. Two years and four wins later ‘Bomber’ can take another step towards winning the prestigious British Title outright should he become just the second man to defeat Gomez Jr. 

Hyde Super-Lightweight Campbell Hatton (14-1, 5 KOs), now training under Barry Smith at the Ben Davison Performance Centre in Harlow, Essex, jumps straight back into a rematch with Doncaster’s James Flint (14-2-2, 3 KOs), looking to avenge the first loss of his professional career. 

‘Hurricane’ Hatton was soundly beaten by Flint when challenging for the Central Area 140 lbs title at the Utilita Arena Sheffield in March, but armed with a new training team, the 23-year-old Manchester City fanatic is aiming to get his career back on track by silencing his doubters. 

Sunderland’s rising Welterweight star Pat McCormack (5-0, 5 KOs) returns to the ring for his first fight since July 2023 to face Argentina’s William Andres Herrera (16-3, 7 KOs) for the vacant WBA Intercontinental Title and there’s action on the card for Leeds Super-Welterweight Ishmael Davis (13-0, 6 KOs), Manchester Super-Welterweight talent WilliamCrolla (5-0, 4 KOs), Liverpool Middleweight Ste Clarke (4-0, 1 KO), Liverpool Featherweight talent Joe McGrail (10-0, 5 KOs) and Heywood Bantamweight debutant Emily Whitworth.

“I’ve been desperate to get back in the ring since I unified the division in Manchester back in April,” said Scotney. “That night was a dream come true for me and it seems like the city is becoming a second home. 

“Right now all that matters is October 26 where I’m fully focused on defending what’s mine. I’m ready to prove I’m the number one in the Super-Bantamweight division.”

Tickets for Catterall vs. Prograis priced £40, £60, £100, £200 and £350 (VIP) are available to purchase NOW via Stage Front and Co-op Live.

Zelfa Barrett boxed very well and then scored a 10th round stoppage over Jordan Gill in a 12-round WBA International Super Featherweight title bout at The AO Arena in Manchester, England.

Barrett used a pinpoint jabs that set up body shots. In round 10, Barrett landed a hard body shot that put Gill to the canvas. Gill was hurt, and Barrett landed hard combinations that forced a referee stoppage at 2:44.

Barrett, 129.6 lbs of Manchester. ENG is 31-2 with 17 knockouts. Gill, 129.5 lbs of Chatteris, ENG is 29-3-1.

Scotney Defeats Lefbvre to become Unified Super Bantamweight Champion

Ellie Scotney retained her IBF and won the WBO Super Bantamweight Title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Segolene Lefbvre.

Scotney, 121.8 lbs of Carford, ENG won by scores of 99-91, 97-93 and 96-94 and is now 9-0. Lefbvre, 119.3 lbs of Douai, FRA is 18-1.

Dixon Decisions Carabajal; Wins Lightweight Title

Rhiannon Dixon won the WBO Lightweight championship with a 10-round unanimous decision over Karen Elizabeth Carabajal.

In round three, Dixon dropped Carabajal with a left hand. Later in the round, Dixon was cut over her right eye due to an accidental clash of heads. Carabajal was cut over her right eye.

Dixon, 134.5 lbs of Warrington, ENG won by scores of 98-91, 97-92 and 96-93 and is now 10-0. Carabajal, 134.5 lbs of Buenos Airies, ARG

Flynn Decisions Maharusi

Jordan Flynn won a six-round decision over Tampela Maharusi in a lightweight bout.

In round three, Maharusi was docked a point for holding.

Flynn, 134.3 lbs of Oxford, ENG won by a 59-54 score and is now 10-0-1. Maharusi, 134.5 lbs of Dar-Es-Salaam, TAN is 10-5-4.

The win by Flynn sets up a showdown with Cameron Vuong. Flynn shoved Vuong in the ring after the fight, and promoter Eddie Hearn said that fight will take place in June.

Gomez Jr. Stops Baker in 6

In a high contact fight, Michael Gomez Jr. stopped Kane Baker in round six of a scheduled 10-round super featherweight bout.

In round three, Baker was cut ever the right eye which looked to be caused by a head clash.

In round six, Gomez dropped Baker with a right hand. With Baker hurt, Gomez landed a hard right that put Baker on his back and the fight was stopped at 36 seconds.

Gomez, 129.1 lbs of Manchester, ENG is 21-1 with six knockouts. Baker, 129.4 lbs of Birmingham, ENG is 19-11-2.

Jack Turner stopped Abdul Kesi Ngaoma in round one of their six-round super flyweight bout.

In round round one, Turner landed a perfect right to the jaw that put Ngaoma on his back and the fight was stopped at 1:14.

Turner, 117.6 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 6-0 with six first round knockouts. Ngaoma, 116.1 lbs of Dar-Es-Salaam, TAN is 7-6-1.

Jimmy Sains remained perfect with a fourth round stoppage over Mateusz Kalecki in a six-round middleweight contest.

In round one, Kalecki was cut under his rigt eye. A cut then opened up over his left eye.

In round four, Sains was battering a bloodies Kalecki and the fight was stopped after a perfect right from Sains at

Sains, 162.3 lbs of Brentwood, ENG is 4-0 with four knockouts. Kalecki, 161.6 lbs of Brezno, POL is 2-2.

William Crolla remained undefeated with a first-round stoppage over Fabio Cascone in a six-round super welterweight contest.

In round one, Crolla dropped Cascone with a left to body that was followed up by a left to the head and he did not beat the count at 1:11.

Crolla, 154.1 lbs of Manchester, ENG is 4-0 with three knockouts. Cascone, 152.9 lbs of Latina, ITA is 4-10.

Brandon Scott won a six-round decision over Rodrigo Matias Areco in a bantamweight contest.

Scott, 135 lbs of Swansea, ENG won by a 58-56 score and is 7-0. Areco, 125.8 lbs of Buenos Aires, ARG is 5-6-2.

Ste Clarke won a four-round decision over Jensen Irving in a middleweight contest.

In round two, Clarke dropped Irving with a left to the body.

Clarke, 161.5 lbs of Liverpool won by a 40-35 score and is 2-0. Irving, 163.1 lbs of Swindon is 4-10.

IBF World Champion Ellie Scotney says her nan will have the best seat in the house when she aims to unify the Super-Bantamweight division against France’s undefeated WBO ruler Segolene Lefebvre at the AO Arena in Manchester this Saturday – live worldwide on DAZN.

The 26-year-old Catford native, who fights in Manchester for the first time this weekend, won the IBF crown against Australia’s Cherneka Johnson on a memorable night at Wembley Arena last June and proudly raced it around to her super-fan nan.

Sadly Eileen passed away at the age off 99 at the end of August, but she witnessed her granddaughter achieve her lifetime goal of becoming a World Champion after walking into the renewed Lynn AC in South London as a small girl. Scotney says her nan will be at the front of her mind as she looks to add to her legacy by becoming a unified World Champion on Saturday’s World Title doubleheader.

“I always had this thing where I’d go down to my nan’s the week before a fight and I still did that for this one,” said Scotney. “I still went down to my nan’s; I still went in the room, and I chatted rubbish to her like I usually do. She always used to tell me that she’d say a prayer for me. I know that she’s got the best seat in the house as always. Nan always told me you’ve got to finish the collection, and we’re onto the second part of that collection and I’ve got to deliver.”

Lefebvre (18-0, 1 KO) will be making the fourth defence of her WBO crown after winning the vacant title against Mexico’s Paulette Cuesta in November 2021 on home soil. ‘Majestic’ will be fighting outside of her homeland for the first time in her career and Scotney acknowledges her 30-year-old opponent will be her toughest test to date. 

“Even before the Cherneka Johnson fight, Lefebvre was someone that we targeted,” said Scotney. “We tried to make the fight previously but it just didn’t align. Now I’ve got more to offer on the table and we’re both young, we’re both undefeated and we’re both World Champions. I believe that’s going to make for a great fight.

“I promise you now, whatever I’ve got to go through I’ll go through on that night. I’ll be walking out as unified Champion of the World. I just believe that these are the fights where you’ve got to show that you’re different. She’s 18-0 and I’m 8-0. You’d look at that and think that she’s got the more experience. I just think that it’s quantity versus quality in some respects.

“It’s my hardest fight without a doubt but believe me I’m more than ready to show that I’m there. I really am. I believe that this camp has showed me there’s more to me that I haven’t really even seen myself. I’m not just talking about in that boxing ring – I’m talking out of it. I feel like I’ve really grown as a person. I think it’s happening at the right time for me. Timing is everything and on Saturday night it will be my time.”

Scotney vs. Lefebrve is part of a huge night of boxing in Manchester, Jordan Gill (28-2-1, 9 KOs) and Zelfa Barrett (30-2, 16 KOs) clash in a must-win Super-Featherweight showdown at the top of the bill, Warrington’s Rhiannon Dixon (9-0, 1 KO) looks to win her first World Title when she takes on Argentina’s KarenElizabeth Carabajal (21-1, 3 KOs) for the vacant WBO 140lbs crown, Manchester’s Michael Gomez Jr (20-1, 5 KOs) defends his English Super-Featherweight Title against Birmingham’s Kane Baker (19-10-2, 1 KO), Liverpool Middleweight prospect Ste Clarke (1-0, 1 KO) meets Swindon’s Jensen Irving (4-9) over four rounds, Oxford Lightweight JordanFlynn (9-0-1, 1 KO) fights Tanzania’s Tampela Maharusi (10-4-4, 5 KOs) over 8 rounds, Liverpool Super-Flyweight Jack Turner (5-0, 5 KOs) goes for another knockout against Abdul Kesi Ngaoma (7-5-1, 6 KOs), Brentwood Middleweight Jimmy Sains (3-0, 3 KOs) has his fourth pro fight against Mateusz Kalecki (2-1, 1 KO), Manchester Super-Welterweight William Crolla (3-0, 2 KOs) faces Italy’s Fabio Cascone (4-9, 1 KO) over six rounds and Swansea Super-Bantamweight Brandon Scott (6-0, 1 KO) returns for his first fight since last August when he takes on Rodrigo Matias Areco (5-5-2) over six rounds. 

Jai Opetaia will make the first defence of his IBF and Ring Magazine Cruiserweight World Titles against Jordan Thompson on a huge night of World Championship boxing at the OVO Arena Wembley on Saturday September 30 that also sees IBF Super-Bantamweight ruler Ellie Scotney make the maiden defence of her World Title against Laura Soledad Griffa, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia and New Zealand).

Opetaia (22-0 17 KOs) wrestled the IBF and Ring Magazine World Cruiserweight Titles away from Mairis Briedis on home turf with an outstanding display in Queensland, Australia in July 2022, outboxing the Latvian with a show of skill mixed with guts after breaking his jaw in both the second and final rounds.

The 28-year-old extended his unbeaten slate to 22 fights in the paid ranks on that famous night, landing World Title honours at the first attempt in a professional career that began in August 2015 after the imposing southpaw said goodbye to a glittering amateur stint that yielded gold in the World Junior Championships in 2011 and saw him become the youngest ever Australian Olympian fighter when he represented his country in at the 2012 Games in London.

He returns to London next month, putting his red and gold hardware on the line against Manchester’s undefeated contender Thompson (15-0, 12 KOs), who heads into his first shot at world honours on the back of a dominating sixth-round TKO win over Swindon’s Luke Watkins at the Cardiff International Arena back in Cardiff.

The 6′ 7″ powerhouse, who is trained by Tony Sims at the Matchroom Boxing Elite Gym in Essex, has won all five of his fights under the Matchroom Boxing banner since putting pen to paper on a multi-fight promotional deal with Eddie Hearn in June 2021, picking up the IBF European Title but outpointing Vasil Ducar at the Sheffield Arena in August 2022.

Catford’s 122lbs queen Scotney (7-0) returns to the arena where she was crowned IBF World Champion in June, comfortably outpointing Australia’s former champion Cherneka Johnson on the undercard of Sunny Edwards’ shutout points win over Andres Campos.

Argentina’s Griffa (20-8, 1 KO) gets her second shot at the IBF Super-Bantamweight after falling short in her challenge against Marcela Eliana Acuna in August 2018. ‘La Joya’, who fights out of Pehuajo in Buenos Aires, has also challenged for the IBO Super-Bantamweight and Featherweight Titles and has won both of her fights in 2023.

Dangerous Gravesend Cruiserweight Cheavon Clarke (6-0, 5 KOs) gets his first title shot – taking on former Chris Billam-Smith and Jordan Thompson opponent Vasil Ducar (14-6-2, 10 KOs) for the vacant IBF International Title and Warrington’s Rhiannon Dixon (8-0, 1 KO) meets Norway’s World Title challenger Katherina Thanderz (16-1, 2 KOs) for the vacant EBU European Lightweight crown.  

Billericay Middleweight George Liddard (4-0, 3 KOs) and Eltham Flyweight Maiseyrose Courtney (4-0) have a quick turnaround after picking up wins on the Joshua vs. Helenius undercard at The O2 in London earlier this month, Watford Super-Flyweight Shannon Ryan (5-0) fights for the sixth time as a pro and Tony Sims-trained Middleweight Jimmy Sains makes his professional debut.

“I have been waiting too long for someone to challenge me and now we finally have a fight,” said Opetaia. “Thank you Jordan for stepping up but I hope you are ready!”

“Opetaia is the recognised number one in the division and the best guy out there and that’s why he’s the one I want,” said Thompson. “This is my time now and the world will see that on September 30th. I ain’t never been one to just take part, I’m a winner, I’m going to win.

“Winning a World Title is every fighter’s dream but now I want more,” said Scotney. “I want to prove myself the best Super-Bantamweight in the world, but a true champion also has to be willing to defend her title. I wanted to stay active and getting to defend the belt in the same venue I was crowned World Champion gives me the ideal opportunity to show that there are levels to this sport On September 30 I will show just that.”

“I am very excited to be fighting for the World Title for a second time,” said Griffa. “Ellie Scotney is a very good and skilful boxer, but she doesn’t have the heart and toughness that I do. I am a true warrior and will bring war to London September. I will break her down bring the World Title back home to Argentina.”

“A huge World Title double-header at the OVO Arena Wembley on September 30 topped by IBF Cruiserweight king Jai Opetaia defending his crown against Manchester’s Jordan Thompson and Catford’s Ellie Scotney putting her IBF Super-Bantamweight crown on the line against Laura Soledad Griffa,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Jai’s win over Briedis was an historic moment for Australian boxing and solidified him as the number one in the Cruiserweight division. Jordan is showing huge courage by bypassing the domestic scene and jumping in with the best in his division for a shot at glory – he should get massive credit for grabbing this opportunity with both hands when others have avoided it. 

“Ellie has plans on unifying the Super-Bantamweight division and becoming a multi-weight World Champion but first she must get her first World Title defence under her belt. There’s plenty more title action on the undercard as Cruiserweight powerhouse Chev Clarke goes for the IBF International Title against the tricky Vasil Ducar and Anthony Crolla’s charge Rhiannon Dixon meets former Terri Harper opponent Katherina Thanderz for the EBU European Lightweight Title. Watch all of the action live worldwide on DAZN.”

“It’s great to have Jai debut on DAZN on September 30 in London,” said Alfie Sharman VP, DAZN. “Jai is one of the best in the division and with Jordan being tipped for a big future in the sport, this is going to be a cracker. Watch it live and exclusive on DAZN.”

Ticket information will be announced soon. 

Sunny Edwards made the fourth defense of the IBF Flyweight title with a 12-round unanimous decisions over Andres Campos at the OVO Arena in London.

Edwards, 111.1 lbs of Croydon, ENG won by scores of 117-111 on all cards and is now 20-0. Campos, 111.6 lbs of Santiago, CHL is 15-1.

Johnny Fisher remained undefeated with an opening round stoppage over Emilio Salas in a eight-round heavyweight bout.

Fisher sent Salas down with an overhand right. Salas got to his feet as the referee reached the count of 10 at

Fisher,238.4 lbs of Romford, ENG is 9-0 with eight knockouts. Salas, 229.9 lbs of San Sebastian, PR is 7-5-1.

Ellie Scotney won the IBF Super Bantamweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Cherneka Johnson.

In round six, Johnson was cut around the right eye.

Scotney, 121.4 lbs of Catford, ENG won by scores of 98-92 twice and 97-93 and us now 7-0. Johnson, 120.8 lbs of Melbourne, AUS is 15-2.

Cheavon Clarke stopped David Jamieson in round five of their 10-round cruiserweight fight

In round four, Clarke dropped Jamieson with an uppercut. In round five, Clarke dropped Jamieson again with a hard combination to the head and the fight was stopped at 35 seconds.

Clarke, 199.2 lbs of Gravesend, ENG is 6-0 with five knockouts. Jamieson, 199.1 lbs of East Kilbride, SCO is 10-3.

Nina Hughes retained the WBA Bantamweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Katie Healy.

Hughes, 117.3 lbs of Billericay, ENG won by scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91 and is now 6-0. Healy, 117.5 lbs of Wolverhampton, ENG is 6-1.

Reece Bellotti won a 10-round unanimous decision over Youssef Khoumari in a super featherweight bout.

Bellotti, 129.4 lbs of Watford, ENG won by scores 97-93, 97-94 and 96-94 and is now 16-5. Khoumari, 129.8 lbs of Wembley, ENG is 15-2-1.

George Liddard remained undefeated with a first round stoppage of Nikolas Dzurnak in a scheduled six-round middleweight fight.

In round one, Liddard dropped Dzurnak with a body punch. A moment later, Liddard put Dzurnak down with a left hook to the head. Liddard ended things as he jumped on Zurnak and a right hand put Dzurnak down for a third and final time at 2:29.

Liddard, 162 lbs of Billericay, ENG is 3-0 with three knockouts. Dzurnak, 160.5 lbs of Vyskov, CZE is 5-4-2.

Shannon Ryan remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Martina Bernile in a super flyweight bout.

Ryan, 115 lbs of Watford, ENG won by an 80-72 score and is now 5-0. Bernile, 114.4 lbs of Milan, ITA is 5-2-1.

Muhammad Ali won a four-round decision over Bryan Castro in a super bantamweight fight.

Ali, 123.8 lb of Leicester, ENG won by a 40-36 contest and is now 2-0. Castro, 123.3 lbs of Managua, NIC is 2-6-1.

NEW YORK — The recent announcement that Cherneka Johnson will defend her International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior featherweight title against Ellie Scotney has left the team of Maureen Shea perplexed and looking for answers.

Shea (30-2-1, 13 knockouts), rated no. 2 by the IBF, and Scotney, rated no. 1, had been ordered by the IBF on February 7 to face off in an interim title fight, which Scotney’s promoter Matchroom Boxing proposed for April 29 in Sheffield, England. Johnson suffered a major head gash during her most recent title defense against Susie Ramadan in October and was ruled unlikely to be ready to make a mandatory defense until at least June.

Shea and manager Luigi Olcese reached an agreement with Matchroom for the interim title fight. Shea’s team signed and returned the contracts to Matchroom on February 18, but the contracts were never executed by Matchroom and returned to the IBF before the deadline.

Now Shea is seeking justice after being pushed aside for a title opportunity that she has waited a long time for.

“This is bad for every female boxer out there. The IBF needs to step in. Matchroom did not negotiate in good faith or intend to make this fight. Matchroom’s economics should not dictate the opportunities to the sanctioning bodies,” said Shea, a native of The Bronx, N.Y. who now resides in Delray Beach, Fla.

As it stands, Johnson (15-1, 6 KOs) is expected to make her second defense of the belt against Scotney (6-0) on May 20 at the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland. Shea, who is also half Irish, believes she should be next in line at the winner after being unfairly skipped over.

“Maureen should get an immediate shot at whoever wins this fight. We should get that in writing because we negotiated in good faith. We could have moved in a different direction but we didn’t. We passed over an opportunity to stay busy for this,” said Olcese. “This is bigger than Maureen Shea because it happened to her in this instance, but it’s happening to other females as well.”

Shea, a pioneer of the sport, is a former WBC interim featherweight champion who has been unbeaten for the past 14 years.

She last fought in May of 2022, outpointing veteran Calista Salgado in Queens, N.Y.

Katie Taylor retained the Undispted Lightweight world title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Karen Elizabeth Carabajal at The OVO Arena in London.

Taylor, 134.5 lbs of Bray, IRE won by scores of 99-91 and 97-93 and is now 22-0. Carabajal, 134.2 lbs of Buenis Aires, ARG is 19-1.

Former world champion Kiko Martinez upset Jordan Gill via fourth round stoppage in their scheduled 10-round featherweight contest.

In round three, Martinez dropped Gill with a right hand. Later in the round, Martinez sent Gill to the canvas with a right uppercut. In round four, Martinez dumped Gill with a perfect right to the head. Martinez ended things by landing a big left hook that put Gill down for a fourth and final time at 2:44.

Martinez, 124.8 lbs of Alicante, SPA is 44-11-2 with 31 knockouts. Gill, 125.8 lbs of Chatteris, ENG is now 27-2-1.

Johnny Fisher remained undefeated as he obliterated Dominik Musil inside of a round in their six-round heavyweight bout.

In round one, Fisher dropped Musil with a overhand right. Fisher then ran after Musil and dropped him again with a two punch combination. Fisher then landed a plethora of right hands that forced a referee stoppage at 2:03.

Fisher, 233.4 lbs of Romford, ENG has a rabid fan base and they went home happy as Fisher upped his mark to 7-0 with six knockouts. Musil, 262.7 lbs of the Czech Republic is 7-5.

Ellie Scotney remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Mary Romero in a super bantamweight fight.

Scotney, 121.5 lbs of Catford, ENG won by scores of 97-93, 97-94 and 96-94 and is now 6-0, Romero, 120.5 lbs of Murcia, SPA is 8-3.

In a battle of undefeated lightweights, Gary Cully destroyed Jaouad Balmedhi in a scheduled 10-round bout.

Cully landed one left to the chin that dropped and stopped Belmedhi at 35 seconds.

Cully, 135.5 lbs of Naas, IRE is 15-0 with nine knockouts. Belmedhi, 136.3 lbs of France is 16-1-3.

Mickey Ellison won a 10-round light heavyweight bout with a decision over previously undefeated Thomas Whittaker Hart.

Ellison, 174.9 lbs of Darwen, ENG won by a 96-95 score and is now 14-4. Hart, 174.8 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 7-1.

Jordan Reynolds remained undefeated with a six-round decision over Jose Manuel Lopez Clavero in a middleweight fight.

Reynolds, 163.1 lbs of Luton, ENG won by a 60-55 score, and is now 4-0. Clavero, 161.3 lbs of Granda, SPA is 16-19-1.

John Hedges remained undefeated with a six-round decision over Ales Makovec in a light heavyweight contest.

In round one, Hedges dropped Makovec with a body shot.

Hedges, 181.6 bs of Takeley, ENG won by a 60-53 score and is now 7-0. Makeovec, 180.2 lbs of Tabor, CZR is 3-1.

Maiseyrose Courtney made a successful pro debut with a four-round decision over Judit Hachbold in a flyweight bout.

Courtney, 113.5 lbs of Ektham, ENG won by a 40-36 score.

Joshua Buatsi remained undefeated with a 12-round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Craig Richards at The O2 Arena in London.

Buatsi, 174.75 lbs of Croydon, ENG won by scores of 116-112 and 115-113 twice and is now 16-0. Richards, 174.25 lbs of Crystal Palace, ENG is 17-3-1.

Cameron Decisions Bustos; Retains Unified 140 lb. Titles

Chantelle Cameron defended the WBC/IBG Super Lightweight titles with a 10-round unanimous decision over former world champion Victoria Bustos.

Cameron, 140 lbs of Northamptonm ENG won by scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 16-0. Bustos, 137.3 lbs of Rosario, ARG is now 23-.

Babic Decisions Balski

Alen Babic went the distance for the first time and won a 10-round unanimous decision over Adam Balski in a bridgerweight fight.

In round one, Balski dropped Babic with a left hook to the top of the head.

Balski was deducted a point for clocking and hurting Babic after hitting after the ninth round bell.

Babic, 208.4 lbs of Zagreb, CRO won by scores of 97-91 twice and 95-93 and is now 11-0. Balski, 210.2 lbs of Warsaw, POL is 16-2.

Scotney Decisions Roman

Ellie Scotney won a 10-round unanimous decision over former world champion Cecilla Roman in a super bantamweight bout.

Scotney, 121.7 lbs of Catford, ENG won by scores of 100-90 and 99-91 twice and is now 5-0. Roman, 121.7 lbs of San Juan, ARG is 16-7-1.

Davies Jr. Decisions Javier Molina

Robbie Davies Jr. won a 10-round split-decision over former United States Olympian Javier Molina in a super lightweight fight.

Davies Jr., 139.75 lbs of Liverpool, ENG won by scores of 96-94 twice while Molina took a card 97-94.

Davies Jr. is 23-3. Molina, 139.75 lbs of Norwalk, CA is 22-5.

Cheavon Clarke remained undefeated with a third round stoppage over Paweil Martyniuk in a scheduled six-round cruiserweight bout.

In round three, Clarke dropped Martyniuk with a body shot. Seconds later, it was another body shot that put Martyniyuk down and the fight was stopped at 1:10.

Clarke, 199 lbs of Gravesend, ENG is 2-0 with two knockouts.

Cyrus Pattinson remained undefeated with a third-round stoppage over Dimitri Trenel in a scheduled eight-round welterweight bout.

In round three, Pattinson dropped Trenel with a left to the body. Seconds later, a flurry of shots that were mostly to the body had the corner throw in the towel at 2:21

Pattinson, 150 lbs of Alnwick, ENG is 4-0 with two knockouts. Trenel, 149.9 lbs of Dainville, FRA is 8-1.

John Hedges stopped Robert Baltrau in round three of a six-round light heavyweight contest.

In round three, Hedges landed a perfect left that sent Baltaru to the canvas. Baltaru got to his feet but the fight was stopped at 2:24.

Hedges, 182.7 lbs of Talkaley, ENG is now 6-0 with two knockouts. Baltaru, 181.2 lbs of Braga, PR is 2-1-1.

Shiloh DeFreitas remained undefeated with a six-round decision over Iliyan Markov in a super lightweight contest.

In round three, Markov began to bleed from his mouth. In round six, DeFreitas with a right to the body.

DeFreitas, 146.75 lbs of London won by a score of 60-54 and is now 4-0. Markov, 146 lbs of Sofia, Bulgaria is 6-20-2.

John Ryder scored the biggest win of his career with a 12-round split decision over former middleweight beltholder Daniel Jacobs in a super middleweight fight at Alexandra Palace in London, England.

Jacobs controlled the first half of the fight with is boxing. Ryder came on strong over the final half of the contest and won most of the inside battles by landing small combinations to the head.

Jacobs landed 123 of 651 punches; Ryder was 135 of 448.

Ryder, 167 lbs of Islington, ENG won two cards 115-113 and Jacobs took a card 115-113.

Ryder is now 31-5. Jacobs, 166.9 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 37-4.

Fisher Decisions Enguema

Johnny Fisher went the distance for the first time and won a six-round decision over Gabriel Enguema in a heavyweight bout.

In round one, Fisher was cut over his left eye.

Fisher landed 66 of 319 punches; Enguema was 36 of 158.

Fisher, 237 lbs of Romford, ENG, sold over 2,600 tickets for the fight, and won by score of 59-55 and is now 5-0. Enguema, 231.7 lbs of Madrid, SPA is 10-12.

Cash Survives Two Knockdowns; Decisions Madiev

Felix Cash had to get off the deck twice and a point deduction, but he was able to overcome those and won a razor thin 10-round unanimous decision over Magomed Madiev in a battle of undefeated middleweights.

In round two, Madiev dropped Cash with a left hook.

In round 10, Madiev dropped Cash again with a left Cash was bleeding over his left eye. Later in the round, Cash was deducted a point for holding. In between all of that, Cash was able to bank rounds and get the victory by scores of 95-92 twice and 94-93.

Cash landed 118 of 519 punches; Madiev was 131 of 417.

Cash, 159.6 lbs of Workingham, ENG is now 15-0. Madiev, 159.1 lbs of Russia is 15-1-2.

Scotney Decisions Guanini

Ellie Scotney remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Jorgelina Guanini in a super bantamweight fight.

Scotney was cut over her left eye in round three from a clash of heads.

In round 10, Scotney was deducted a point for an elbow.

Scotney, 121.2 lbs of Catford, ENG won by scores of 96-94 twice and 95-94 and is now 4-0. Guanini, 119.6 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 9-4-2.

Williams Stops Maciel in 6

Austin Williams remained undefeated with a 6th round stoppage over Javier Maciel in a scheduled eight-round middleweight fight

In round one, Williams dropped Maciel with a left on the ropes.

In round six, Williams dropped Maciel with a straight left to the body. Seconds later, he dropped him again with a combination to the body. Williams ended things with some more hard body work and the fight was stopped at 1:02.

Williams, 161.4 lbs of Houston, TX is now 10-0 with eight knockouts. Maciel, 166.3 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 33-16.

Hopey Price remained undefeated with a 4th round stoppage over Ricardo Roman in a super bantamweight contest.

In round one, Price dropped Ramon with a left hand. In round two Ramon’s face started to swell up badly.

In round four, the onslaught continued as Price dropped Roman with another left. Price had Roman in trouble in the corner and the bout was stopped at 1:09.

Price, 125 lbs of Leeds, ENG is 7-0 with three knockouts. Roman, 124.6 lbs of Durno, MEX is 14-13.

Pattinson, 150.2 lbs of Ashtington, ENG won by a 60-54 score and is now 3-0. Vazem, 150.9 lbs of Russia is 9-22.

Shiloh DeFreitas remained undefeated with a six-round decision over Alexey Tukhtarov in a welterweight bout.

DeFreitas, 143.6 lbs of London, ENG won by a 60-54 score and is now 3-0. Tukhtarov, 143.6 lbs of Russia is 4-24-6.

Lawrence Okolie scored a 6th round stoppage over former world champion Krzystof Glowacki to win the WBO World Cruiserweight championship at the SSE Arena in London, England.

In round five, Glowacki started to bleed over his right eye. In round six, Okolie landed a stabbing right to the body that sent Glowacki on his back. He got up but the fight was stopped.

Okolie, 199.6 lbs of Hackney, England is now 16-0 with 13 knockouts. Glowacki, 195 lbs of Walcz, POL is 31-3.

“I don’t think it has sunk in yet,” said Okolie. “It’s nice hearing you say it. I’m happy. For me, it’s more of a relief. The potential has been there for over a year. I’m happy to get the victory. Now and forever, I’ll be a World Champion.

“I was just really focused on putting on a good performance. I’m physically very strong and punch hard. I’m very fit, so I can win on just those attributes at a certain level. I really focused on not rushing any shots because he’s very dangerous with counter shots and he’s very heavy-handed. His jabs were very solid, so I had to be very meticulous in keeping the distance. It was a good clean performance.

“All of the British former World Champions wishing me good fortune really touched me – shout out to them. From every run that I ever did, losing all of that weight, deciding to take a risk, having my parents support me financially when I couldn’t afford to get the bus down to the gym for training. To see it all pay off with a World Title is a dream come true – never give up. We can just go on from here. I need to keep pushing myself to prove myself as the best.”

Cordina Decisions Kourbanov

Joe Cordina remained undefeated by winning a 10-round majority decision over Faroukh Kourbanov in a junior lightweight bout.

Cordina, 132,4 lbs of Cardiff, Wales won by scores of 98-93, 96-95 and 96-96 and he is now 12-0. Kaourbanov, 130.5 lbs of Liege, BEL is 17-3.

“I didn’t think it was close at all,” said Cordina. “I think he nicked one or two rounds, maybe three. I was comfortable and I didn’t really get out of second gear. I let him work a couple of times throughout the rounds, maybe I shouldn’t have. I got a good valuable ten rounds out of that and it’s something to build on. I’ll put on a better performance in my next fight.

“It wasn’t about just going out there and trying to blow him out of there. We knew he was tough, that’s why we chose him. Both of his losses before me were to European Champions. He’s gone the distance a lot of times, we knew he was durable. We got the rounds under our belt and I felt I hurt him a couple of times. He was cute at times.

“I had 16 months out of the ring. He came to win and that’s what I wanted. The hand felt fine, I let it go a few times. I didn’t want to overdo it. Tony told me to let the shots flow so that’s what I did. I shouldn’t have any problems with my hand now. It’s time to build on that. If I want to be a World Champion, I have to get past people like Kourbanov. I didn’t really get out of second gear.”

Fowler Takes out Fortea in 3

Anthony Fowler stopped Jorge Fortea at in round three of a scheduled 10-round super welterweight fight.

At the end of round three, Fowler landed a booming right hand that sent Fortea to the canvas. With Fortea hurt, Fowler was able to land a hard combination that crashed Fortea down againm and the fight was stopped at 3:08.

Fowler, 153.8 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 14-1 with 11 knockouts. Fortea, 152.9 lbs of Sueca, SPA is 21-3-1.

“I surprised myself, I’m not going to lie,” said Fowler. “I thought it was going to go to points. I half play myself down. He just went 12 rounds with a Russian 18-0 killer, IBF No.1. I’m boxing at a much lower level. I’m the first one to admit that.

“I get a few trolls sometimes telling me that I’m boxing at English Title level and they’re right, it’s not my fault. I’m asking for these big fights. I haven’t been getting them. I’ve said to Eddie, ‘throw me in mate, let’s see what I’m made of’. Try and get me smashed and let’s see how I get on.

“He went down from a stiff jab which I was surprised about. I heard Shane say, ‘don’t rush it’, but I knew there was ten seconds left so I thought ‘f*ck it’. I had to throw one bomb at least, luckily enough it landed. He was actually better than I thought he was going to be.

“The first round was even and in the second round he caught me with a good shot. The jab was landing but he was quite tricky. I started throwing to his body to slow him down. The finish was nice, it was a nice straight hand. I was glad he stayed down; it could have been a long night that.

“I could have cried in that ring; it means that much to me. My coach genuinely believes in me more than me. I’ve got the power in both hands and I’ve got the ability. Me and Metcalf is an unbelievable fight. I know he wants it; I’ve heard him talking about it. The whole city would be buzzing. Put me in with Garcia and I’ll beat him too.”

Scotney Decisions Gangloff

Ellie Scotney won a six-round unanimous decision Mailys Gangloff in a featherweight bout.

Scotney, 123 lbs of Catford, ENG won by a 59-55 score and is 2-0. Gangloff, 119 lbs of France is now 4-2.

“It was definitely a learning fight for me for sure,” said Scotney. “Normally in your second fight you’re going to box someone that’s not coming to win. She wasn’t an idiot; she’d had five fights. I learnt a lot from that and there’s a lot to build on. I’m thankful for that.

“She was very angry wasn’t she. She’s as tough as they come, and I think I’m going to benefit a lot from it. It’ll give me a kick up the backside. I’ve got a lot more work to put in, which I love doing. I’ve got a long way to go.

“It was my birthday this week, I’ve just turned 23, I want to push on and I know I’ve got it in me. Now it’s time to start delivering. Women’s boxing is going from strength to strength. Hopefully I can get on the undercard of one of the big ones in May.”

Billam-Smith Decisions Ducar

Chris Billam-Smith won a 10-round unanimous decision over Vasil Ducar in a cruiserweight bout.

In round two, Billam-Smith started bleeding from the mouth. In round four, Billam-Smith hurt Ducar with a counter right and then jumped on him with solid punches for a knockdown.

In round six, Billam-Smith dropped Ducar with a body shot.

Billam-Smith, 199 lbs of Bournemouth, ENG won by sores of 99-90 twice and 97-92 and is now 12-1. Ducar, 198.8 lbs of Brno, Czech Republic is 9-4-1.

“I felt comfortable in there at all times, even when he had his little spurts,” said Smith. “It was really good for me. I thought I was going to become the first man to stop him. I had him down a couple of times, but he was a tough tough man. If I was going to rate it out of ten, I’d probably give myself a 6.5 or 7 out of ten.

“I’ve got plenty to work on in the gym and I can improve a lot. The main thing was getting the win. I got that and I’m happy. I hit him with a great body shot, I felt it really sink in, and then I dropped him to the head as well. He was dipping and I was trying to hit him just over the top of his gloves. Those Czechs are tough and all respect to him.

“Unfortunately, I didn’t get the stoppage, but the main important thing was the win. I switched off a couple of times during the fight because I felt very comfortable. I let my hands get leaky probably two or three times during the fight and he clipped me, but I wasn’t buzzed or hurt at all. I saw everything coming so you can always take something out of the shots.

“I’ve definitely got improvements to make. That was my 13^th fight and I’m always about improving every day in the ring. I’m very grateful to have such great stablemates and such a great coach. I’d love to get the Tommy McCarthy fight as soon as possible.”

Ali Decisions Connolly

Ramla Ali remained undefeated with a decision over Bec Connolly in a sex-round featherweight bout.

In round five, Ali was cut around her left eye from an elbow.

Ali, 126.6 lbs of Bethenal Green, ENG won by a 60-55 score and is now 2-0. Connolly, 126.5 lbs of Swindon, ENG is 3-9.

“Apart from the shiner on my face I’m very satisfied,” Ali told Matchroom. “Regardless of what the scales said, I gave away about half a stone. I weighed-in in like two pairs of jogging bottoms just so I could match the weight. I felt the weight difference for sure, but I tried to not let her use her weight advantage against me.

“I tried to maintain the centre of the ring as much as possible, which I did. I’m really satisfied with how I performed. She’s tough but I got it done. Jobi always says you can’t beat the feet – and he’s right! I was always moving off from the double jab. We work a lot on footwork, and I feel like I did really well with my footwork.

“She was the one calling me out saying that she wanted to fight me. Don’t then turn around and complain that you’ve had short notice. You’re a professional, if I was calling someone out, I’d be ready any time. She said she had a couple of days’ notice. I don’t know what to say about that really.

“Everyone is nervous before getting in the ring because it means so much to you. You want to prove yourself and you want to show all of your friends and family that are watching at home that you’re worthy of watching. You want to put on a good performance and have a good fight. The moment that bell went all of the nerves went and I was razor focused on getting the job done. The Olympic dream is still alive and I’m still hopeful to go, and hopeful to compete. I’m still hoping to progress in my professional career.”

Lewis Ritson won a dubious 12-round unanimous decision over former world champion Miguel Vazquez in a junior welterweight bout in Peterborough, England/

Vazquez landed 193 of 1001 punches. Ritson was 141 of 544.

Ritosn, 139.3 lbs of Forest Hall won by scores of 117-111, 115-113 and Vazquez won a card 116-113 to go to 21-1. Vazquez, 139.3 lbs of Mexico is 42-10.

“It just depends what you like doesn’t it,” Ritson told Matchroom afterwards. “He was tapping me and running away. I was hitting him with the cleaner jabs. It was very frustrating being out the gym a year and then facing that style.

It was probably more awkward than I thought it was going to be. The more the fight went on the more frustrated I got. It was a big eye opener. We’ve been mentioning the Prograis fight, tonight was a bit of an eye opener that we’re a million miles off that fight.

“We need a couple more fights like Vazquez, maybe not his style. That’s what you get when you step up. We had a hard job doing it. I’m improving as a fighter but I’ve got a lot more improving to do.”

Leach Decisions Ashfaq

Marc Leach won a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Qais Ashfaq in a super bantamweight fight.

In round four, Leach dropped Ashfaq with a hard right off the clinch.

In round seven, Ashfaq was dropped with counter left that was followed by a left inside.

Leach, 121 lbs of Salford won by scores of 96-92, 95-92 and 95-93 and is now 15-1-1. Asfaq, 121.7 lbs is 9-1.

“I’m feeling over the moon,” Leach told Matchroom afterwards. “I’ve said before in previous interviews, the underdog tag means I’ve got nothing to lose and lots to gain. I felt good in there. Mine, Jamie’s and Nigel’s tactics worked to a T. Happy days.

“I felt like I had had him in trouble. Nigel and Jamie know that I’ve got power behind me. We moved up a weight as well. I presume he didn’t know I had that power. I believe in myself and it worked. Even at my weight, Bantamweight, I’m supposed to be next in line for the British Title. Whichever one comes first, I’ll happily take.

“Hopefully after one or two more fights at this level I won’t have to work anymore. This is the life I have chosen. I work nights, six until two. It’s not ideal but I’ve got kids to feed and a family to look after. Hopefully this turns into more opportunities for me.

In a battle of undefeated super lightweights, Rylan Charlton stopped Joe Laws in round three of scheduled six-round super lightweight.

In round one, Charlton dropped Laws with a left hook to the chin. In round three, it was another left hook that sent Laws down again. Carlton finished Laws off with a combination that sent Laws down for the 10-count at 1:39.

Charlton, 144.4 lbs of Norwich is 6-0-1 with three knockouts. Laws, 146.9 lbs of Benwell is 9-1.

“It’s what I expected,” said Charlton afterwards. “I’ve been training my ass off for this. No disrespect to Joe, I think he’s a great guy, a great boxer, but he’s a ticket seller. He sells loads of tickets to get into the positions that he gets in. He’s a good fighter and he’s a very nice guy. I have been training my ass off. I can’t really sell that many tickets. I’m the fighter. I’m just pleased I got the opportunity to showcase my skills. 

“I felt like it got a little bit scrappy at some point. I was trying to stay as composed as possible. I saw the opening and I stuck it up there. That’s all she wrote. I always knew that this would be the result. I trained too hard for it not to be the result. My power was too much.

“Pint Size Powerhouse all the way! He’s got a massive following and this won’t be the end of Joe. He’ll be back. This has just rocketed my career in the right direction. Eddie get this contract, and let’s go! Get me out before Christmas.”

Thomas Patrick Ward and Thomas Essomba fought to split technical draw in a super bantamweight fight.

In round seven, Ward was cut over the left eye from a hard head clash The got was bad with the eyelid split open and the fight was called after eight.

Essomba won a card 88-85; Ward won a card 88-84 and a 3rd card was even at 86-86.

Ward, 123.3 lbs of West Rainton is 29-0-1. Essomba, 123.2 lbs is 10-6-1.

“To be honest, the fight was close, but I knew I was better than him,” Essomba said afterwards. “We had the accident, and then the judges decided the outcome, I have to respect their decision. I didn’t see the head clash. I don’t know who’s fault it was.

“I’ve had a really long and good camp since my last fight against Sunny Edwards. If I would have had two or three more weeks’ notice then I could have prepared more for Tommy. I had six days’ notice. I know if we fight again the fight will be totally different. I will give him a rematch, any time and anywhere.”

Kane Baker won a six-round decision over previously undefeated Meshech Speare in a super lightweight bout.

In round two, Baker was cut around the left eye.

Baker, 138 lbs of Birmingham won by a 5-56 score and is now 14-7. Speare, 138 lbs of Liverpool is 5-1.

“I’m floating,” said Baker afterwards. “It’s amazing. I’ve been here a few times. That winning feeling is something else. When I fought Fiaz two weeks ago my corner was quite confident in how I was doing. Tonight, they were telling me I was losing every round! I did think I’d won, but you just don’t know.

“When I heard Birmingham first, I knew then and it was amazing. He caught me twice to be fair. He caught me with two good shots. He’ll be back again, he’s a strong kid. I hope it was a good fight for the fans. It was a lot tougher this time than it was two weeks ago. The two weeks off didn’t recharge me as much as I’d have liked. It was tough but I was never going to say no to being here. I bit down on the gumshield and toughed it out.”

Ellie Scotney made a successful pro debut with a six-round decision over Bec Connolly in a super bantamweight bout.

In round three, Scotney put Connolly on the canvas from a right hand that was followed by a perfect left hook to the head.

In round five, Connolly started to bleed around the right eye.

Scotney, 125.9 lbs of Catford won by a score of and is now 1-0. Connolly, 125.2 lbs is 3-8.

“Bec is a tough person and she came to fight,” Scotney told Matchroom afterwards. “It was brilliant to share a ring with her. She gave it her all. She’s a nice woman. I feel like I’ve got a lot to work on still. I’m 22 and boxing at the weight above, so now I’ll be going down to the weight I should be at and I’m so looking forward to getting out again.

“I rushed it a little bit. I got a bit carried away when I landed a shot. I’ve got a lot to work on. I’m buzzing to get the first one out of the way. It’s been a long time coming. I’m going to get back in the gym on Monday if Adam lets me. I love boxing.”

Worth the wait. That is the feeling of Ellie Scotney as she prepares to trade leather for the first time as a professional this weekend.

The 22-year-old had been scheduled to make her highly-anticipated professional debut on the undercard of the David Avanesyan-Josh Kelly European Title showdown at The O2 at the end of March.

Lockdown got in the exciting Londoner’s way but almost seven months on, her first contest is finally here as she faces Swindon’s Bec Connolly over six rounds in Peterborough, live on Sky Sports and DAZN.

“I’m just looking to get in there, I’m buzzing,” said Scotney. “It’s second time lucky after the first one got called off, I’m just grateful for the opportunity given the world we’re in at the moment.”

A smile is never far away from the bubbly Adam Booth-managed Featherweight who hopes to impose her thrilling style on the pro game.

“I like to do a bit of both, but I do like to get involved! I hope I don’t disappoint the fans, I do like to fight but hope I can be smart with it. I had 40 fights as an amateur and boxed all over the world.

“But pro boxing is a different game and I feel my style and my character is going to suit that, I just can’t wait to get in there. A career is short-lived so I’m going into it to enjoy every minute of it and make the most of everything.”

A highly-accomplished amateur, Scotney was tipped for an Olympic place in Tokyo but instead signed a long-term promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing.

Standing in her way at the East of England Arena is the experienced Connolly (3-7), who has fought a number of top girls including Terri Harper, Natasha Jonas and Rachel Ball. So what is Ellie expecting?

“I’m ready for a top Beccs turning up, I wouldn’t expect anything less,” she said. “I’m well prepared and ready to get down to work. Two weeks ago I handed in my resignation at B&Q, I think they were happy to receive it. This is the next chapter.”

Scotney vs. Connolly is part of a huge night of boxing at the East of England Arena in Peterborough, Geordie favourite Lewis Ritson (20-1, 12 KOs) takes on former long-reigning World Champion Miguel Vazquez (42-9, 16 KOs), 2016 Rio Olympian Qais Ashfaq (8-0, 3 KOs) meets Salford’s Marc Leach (14-1-1, 3 KOs) in a Final Eliminator for the British Super-Bantamweight Title, Joe ‘Benwell Bomber’ Laws (9-0, 5 KOs) takes on Norwich’s Rylan Charlton (5-0-1, 2 KOs) over six rounds at Super-Lightweight and West Rainton’s Thomas Patrick Ward (29-0, 4 KOs) fights Thomas Essomba (10-6, 4 KOs) over ten rounds at Super-Bantamweight.

Ellie Scotney has signed a long-term promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and will make her highly-anticipated professional debut on the undercard of David Avanesyan vs. Josh Kelly at The O2 in London on Saturday March 28. 

A shining amateur stint saw the London prospect win the 2017 Elite national amateur title at 57kg and the English Title at Youth level having entered after only four amateur bouts. She was in serious contention for a GB Olympic qualifying place for Tokyo 2020 before leaving the programme last year to pursue her pro career. 

Trained by renowned coach Adam Booth alongside Matchroom stablemates Josh Kelly and Shannon Courtenay, Scotney will begin her career at Featherweight next month as she looks to announce herself as the next star of women’s boxing. 

“I’m over the moon to be joining the Matchroom stable,” said Scotney. “I can’t wait for my debut at The O2, it all seems surreal at the minute! I’m counting down to fight night already. I’m joining a team that boasts a two-weight World Champion in Katie Taylor, the first British woman to win a World Title in Terri Harper and rising start Shannon Courtenay so I know that the sky is the limit with Eddie and my team.”

“I’m excited to announce the signing of gifted Adam Booth protege Ellie Scotney who will make her highly-anticipated professional debut on the undercard of Avanesyan vs. Kelly at The O2,” said Eddie Hearn. “Women’s boxing is absolutely flying at the moment and this is the perfect time for Ellie to start her journey in the professional ranks.

“We saw Terri Harper create history in Sheffield last week by dethroning long-reigning WBC Super-Featherweight Champion Eva Wahlstrom to become the first ever British woman to win one of the major World Titles and Irish hero Katie Taylor has been flying the flag for women’s boxing in recent years. 

“Ellie joins a thriving Matchroom stable and I believe she in the perfect place to develop her skills as she bids to become the latest major player in women’s boxing. The March 28 show at The O2 is shaping up to be another huge night of boxing so make sure you catch it all on Sky Sports and DAZN.”

General Sale tickets priced £40, £60, £100 and £200 (VIP) are available to purchase NOW from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), The O2 (www.theo2.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com).