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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tickets are available now via Tixr at BOXXER.com.

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

Two future superstars of the sport, Francesca Hennessy and Gradus Kraus, will now top the bill at BOXXER’s The World Awaits fight night on Saturday January 31 at the Copper Box Arena in London, broadcast live and free-to-air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. 

Adam Azim was due to headline the event, but his fight against Gustavo Lemos has been postponed after both fighters suffered hand injuries in training. Their IBF eliminator will be rescheduled for later this year.

Francesca Hennessy can take another big step towards world glory when she faces fellow unbeaten British boxer Ellie Boutell in a final eliminator for the WBC World Bantamweight Title, with the WBC Silver Bantamweight Championship also on the line.

Hennessy returns to BBC television after a perfect performance against former WBC World Champion Fabiana Bytyqi. The 21-year-old’s aim is to become the youngest ever undisputed world champion, a record currently held by Gabriela Fundora, who claimed all four major titles at the age of 22. 

A win would put Hennessy in line to face Cherneka ‘Sugar Neekz’ Johnson, the current Undisputed Bantamweight Champion. However, Boutell, the Shanghai-based Cambridge graduate, will be coming into the bout with her own world title ambitions.

Gradus Kraus is considered one of the most exciting prospects in world boxing. The 24-year-old from Oss, Netherlands has stopped eight of his nine opponents inside the distance and holds an amateur win over two-time Olympic gold medallist Arlen Lopez. 

The reigning IBF European Light Heavyweight Champion will take on Boris Crighton as he makes his promotional debut for BOXXER having signed a long-term deal with the next-gen promoter in December. 

Glasgow boxer Crighton has previously gone the distance with former IBO World Champion and current European Light Heavyweight Champion Lyndon Arthur and should provide Kraus with the toughest test of his career so far. 

BOXXER Founder & CEO Ben Shalom said: “Obviously, we were disappointed to lose Adam Azim as our headliner, but we are thrilled to have two of the most exciting young fighters in world boxing in action on Saturday night. Francesca Hennessy and Gradus Kraus have the potential to dominate their divisions and become future pound-for-pound stars. 

“We’re also pleased that, together with our broadcaster and partners, we have been able to keep the show on despite losing our main event. We have eight fights, showcasing some incredible talent. All the fighters have been training hard and are deserving of their opportunities on Saturday.” 

Remaining tickets are available at BOXXER.com

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

All purchased tickets remain valid. Any ticket holders requiring a refund following the postponement of Azim vs Lemos should contact their point of purchase. 

Francesca Hennessy and Ellie Bouttell both made weight today ahead of their WBC World Bantamweight Title final eliminator on Saturday, January 31 at the Copper Box Arena in London, presented by BOXXER, and broadcast live and free-to-air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer and live worldwide on DAZN. 

Hennessy can take another big step towards world glory when she faces fellow unbeaten British boxer Ellie Bouttell in a final eliminator for the WBC World Bantamweight Title, with the WBC Silver Bantamweight Championship also on the line.

A win would put Hennessy in line to face Cherneka ‘Sugar Neekz’ Johnson, the current Undisputed Bantamweight Champion. However, Boutell, the Shanghai-based Cambridge graduate, will be coming into the bout with her own world title ambitions.

In the co-main event Gradus Kraus, makes his promotional debut for BOXXER. The 24-year-old from Oss, Netherlands is considered one of the most exciting prospects in world boxing. He has stopped eight of his nine opponents inside the distance and holds an amateur win over two-time Olympic gold medallist Arlen Lopez. 

Kraus will face Glasgow boxer Boris Crighton who has previously gone the distance with former IBO World Champion Lyndon Arthur and should provide the rising Dutch star with the toughest test of his career so far. 

Official Weights from London: 

WBC World Title Final Eliminator & WBC Silver Bantamweight Championship – 10 x 2 rounds

Francesca Hennessy – 8st 5lbs 9oz / 117.6lbs

Ellie Bouttell – 8st 5lbs 1oz / 117.1lbs 

Light Heavyweight Bout – 8 x 3 rounds

Gradus Kraus – 12st 6lbs 12oz / 174.8lbs

Boris Crighton – 12st 6lbs / 174lbs

Heavyweight Bout – 6 x 3 rounds

Ergal Elezaj – 18st 8lbs 12oz  / 260.8lbs

Will Howe – 18st 3lbs 3oz / 255.2lbs

Middleweight Bout – 6 x 3 rounds

Hassan Azim – 11st / 154lbs

Sean Murray – 11st 1lbs 11oz / 155.7lbs

Commonwealth Welterweight Title Eliminator – 10 x 3 rounds

Joel Kodua – 10st 6lbs 4oz/ 146.3lbs

Joe Garside – 10st 6lbs 4oz/ 146.3lbs

Heavyweight Bout – 4 x 3 rounds

Derrick Osadolor – 18st 10lbs 9oz / 262.6lbs 

Ben Vickers – 17st 1lbs / 239lbs

Super Lightweight Bout – 6 x 3 rounds

Archie Sharp – 9st 13lbs 4oz / 139.3lbs

Angelo Dragone – 9st 13lbs 14oz/ 139.9lbs

Lightweight Bout – 4 x 3 mins

Saqib Mehmood – 9st 11lbs 4oz/ 137.3lbs

Engel Gomez – 9st 8lbs 11oz / 134.7lbs

Remaining tickets are available at BOXXER.com

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

‘Billion Dollar Baby’ Francesca Hennessy from Kent makes her debut on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer on Saturday, October 25, headlining the first primetime fight of BBC Sport’s new partnership with BOXXER. She’ll take centre stage ahead of the blockbuster British Heavyweight Championship clash between Frazer Clarke and Jeamie TKV.

Dubbed the ‘Billion Dollar Baby’ due to her early entrance into professional boxing, at just 20 years old Hennessy is unbeaten in her first six professional fights and has already carved out a reputation as one of British boxing’s most rapidly rising new female talents.

Known for her bold ring walks and her fearless fighting style, she’s a natural show-stealer and has said she’s looking forward to starring on her biggest stage yet with the nation watching live. Hennessy will square off against former world champion Fabiana Bytyqi (22-2-2, 5 KOs) which will make for the biggest challenge of her career to date.

Bytyqi made history becoming the first female world champion from Czechia when claiming the WBC Atomweight Title in September 2018. The 29-year-old went on to successfully defend her belt multiple times during a six-year reign before moving up to the bantamweight division.

Francesca Hennessy said: “To be fighting live on BBC primetime Saturday night is a rare and special moment. It’s my opportunity to bring the energy and entertainment on a night when the whole nation will be watching. Women’s boxing is thriving at the moment, but I’m determined to showcase something different – especially with it being the first time in 20 years that big-time boxing is shown on the BBC. It’s a new age, and I want people to look back and say this was the night the next generation arrived”

BOXXER Founder & CEO, Ben Shalom, said: “Francesca Hennessy is pure box office – a natural star who brings charisma, excitement and real fighting talent. This is a huge platform for her as part of the main BBC television broadcast and the perfect stage to introduce her to millions of new fans. I know she will shine in the spotlight and I’m so excited for her.”

Alex Kay Jelski, Director of BBC Sport: “After a historic summer for women’s sport, we’re proud to keep driving that momentum forwards by giving top female athletes the platform they deserve. Francesca Hennessy is one of British boxing’s most exciting rising talents, and her primetime debut on BBC Two and iPlayer is another great step in our mission to champion women’s sport and put it where it belongs – centre stage.”

The fight marks the return of professional boxing to free-to-air BBC primetime television for the first time in over 20 years. Coverage begins at 8pm on BBC Two, with the undercard streaming live on BBC iPlayer.

Headlining this historic night is a monumental clash for the British Heavyweight Title, as Frazer Clarke and Jeamie TKV go head-to-head in a bid to cement their place in boxing history.

Adding to the excitement, two high-stakes matchups featuring top domestic contenders have been confirmed for the undercard – streaming live and exclusively on BBC iPlayer.

Redcar’s Bobby Dalton (11-0, 2 KOs) puts his English Welterweight Title on the line against Dagenham’s Joel Kodua (9-0, 2 KOs) in a battle of unbeaten contenders that promises fireworks.

Both fighters enter the bout on the back of career-best performances. Dalton secured the English title with a hard-fought majority decision over Ben Vaughn, while Kodua claimed the Southern Area belt with an impressive tenth-round TKO victory over Daniel Francis.

With pride, legacy and future opportunities on the line, both men will be eager to prove they are England’s number one welterweight and to take another step forward in their careers.

Manchester’s undefeated Mauro Silva (9-0, 4 KOs) hasn’t put a foot wrong since turning professional. The 23-year-old, who is managed by Chris Eubank Jr, impressed in his most recent outing with a dominant fourth-round stoppage of Omir Rodriguez in Barnsley.

He now faces the toughest test of his career to date, stepping up in class to take on Coventry’s Bradley Goldsmith (13-1, 9 KOs) in an eight-round middleweight contest.

Goldsmith, who trains out of the renowned Ingle Gym in Sheffield, delivered a gutsy performance earlier this year in a thrilling fight with Troy Coleman for the Midlands Area Title.

The 27-year-old had Coleman hurt in the sixth round, but a dramatic turnaround saw Goldsmith suffer his first professional defeat. Eager to return to title contention, Goldsmith will be looking to make a statement with a win over the unbeaten Silva.

Former world title challenger Jack Massey (22-3, 12 KOs) also returns to action following his courageous attempt at Jai Opetaia’s IBF World Cruiserweight Title last year. The 32-year-old former IBO, European and Commonwealth Champion, is determined to work his way back into the world’s elite, beginning with a comeback clash against heavy-handed Argentinian Ivan Gabriel Garcia (10-4-1, 10 KOs).

Further details of the undercard will be announced soon.

Limited tickets are still available at BOXXER.com.

LONDON, UK (February 11, 2025) – Chloe Watson defends her European Flyweight Title against Jasmina Zapotoczna as the final fight card is now confirmed for BOXXER’s historic all-women’s event on Friday, March 7th at the Royal Albert Hall in London, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland.

Watson captured the European Flyweight crown with a unanimous points win over Justine Lallemand in December 2023. The 24-year-old was scheduled to make the first defence of her belt against Zapotoczna in September 2024, but a shoulder injury forced the fight to be postponed.

Zapotoczna earned her shot at Watson’s European title with an impressive victory over the previously unbeaten Maisey Rose Courtney. Born in Poland but based in Wakefield, the 30-year-old will be looking to upset another of Britain’s top prospects following her unanimous decision win over Courtney.

Watson, undefeated in her eight professional contests, is trained by British boxing legend Ricky Hatton. She boxes on Sky Sports for the second time having outpointed Gemma Reugg at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle in 2022.

The 24-year-old from Birkenhead is looking forward to fighting on the undercard of fellow Merseyside boxer Natasha Jonas, who inspired Watson to start boxing when visiting her school after the London 2012 Olympics.

Chloe Watson said: “I think Jasmina is a good fighter, but it’s a very dangerous time to be fighting me and I’ll be looking to put on my best performance yet come March 7th and what a platform and show to do it on.

“It’s great to be on the same card as Tasha Jonas who was a massive role model for me growing up, coming from the same area and high school, she’s always been a big inspiration to me.”

Jasmina Zapotoczna said: “I’m honored to be part of such a historic boxing event and I can’t wait to step into the ring with Chloe. Chloe is the perfect opponent for a European title fight and I know this will be an extremely competitive battle. But that’s exactly what I expect—from myself and from a true championship fight. I’m ready to give it everything and deliver a performance to remember! This is a moment to give the audience the best version of Jasmina Zapotoczna, and I’m ready to make it unforgettable!”

Francesca Hennessy completes a star-studded line up for this landmark event as the unbeaten 20-year-old returns to action having claimed the WBA Intercontinental Title with a points win over Ana Karla Vaz De Moraes last time out at the Copper Box Arena in London. Hennessy will aim to continue her impressive run in the pro ranks against Carla Camila Campos Gonzales.

Watson vs Zapotoczna and Hennessey vs Gonzales are the final additions for BOXXER’s ‘Unstoppable’ fight night – a historic all-women’s world championship event at the Royal Albert Hall taking place on Friday March 7th as the curtain-raiser to the International Women’s Day 2025 global campaign the following day.

Headlined by the WBC, IBF, WBA and Ring Magazine World Welterweight Unification clash between Natasha Jonas and Lauren Price MBE, this iconic event will also feature Caroline Dubois defending her WBC World Lightweight Title against WBC #1 contender Bo Mi Re Shin, an exciting all-British featherweight showdown between Karriss Artingstall and Raven Chapman and the professional debut of Olympic history maker Cindy Ngamba against reigning European champion Kirstie Bavington.

This event is presented in association with official partners Betfred, That Prize Guy, Riyadh Season, Car Finance 247, Village Hotels, Hell Energy and IFX Payments.

Remaining tickets are available via BOXXER.com

Chris Billam-Smith retained the WBO Cruiserweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Richard Riakporhe at Crystal Palace Stadium un London.

Billiam-Smith, 200 lbs of Bournemouth, ENG won by scores of 116-111 and 115-112 twice and is now 20-1. Riakporhe, 200 lbs of London is 17-1.

Ben Whittaker remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Ezra Arenyeka in a light heavyweight bout.

Whittaker, 175 lbs of West Bromwhich, ENG won by scores of 100-89 and 99-90 twice and is now 8-0. Arenyeak, 175 lbs of Chesire, ENG is 12-1.

Jack Massey won a 12-round unanimous decision over Isaac Chamberlain in a cruiserweight bout.

Massey, 196 lbs of Manchester, ENG won by scores of 116-112 and 115-113 on two cards and is now 22-2. Chamberlain, 196 lbs of Brixton, ENG is 16-3.

Dan Azeez and Hrvoje Sep battled to an eight-round draw in a light heavyweight bout.

The referee score was 76-76. Azeez, 188 lbs of London is now 20-1-1. Sep, 179 lbs of Croatia is 12-2-1.

Francesca Hennessy remained undefeated with a eight-round decision over Dorota Norek in a super bantamweight bout.

Hennessy, 121 lbs of Kent, ENG won by a 77-75 score and is now 4-0. Norek, 119 lbs of Poland is 7-5.

LONDON, UK (January 16, 2024) – Future boxing superstar Ben Whittaker will look to steal the show as he returns to action on the undercard of the huge all-British showdown between unbeaten #1 and #2 world ranked light heavyweights Joshua Buatsi and Dan Azeez on Saturday, February 3rd at the OVO Arena Wembley in London, live and exclusive on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

Whittaker closed the year in style with a highlight reel knockout of Stiven Leonetti Dredhaj in Bournemouth. Now 5-0, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Silver medallist is aiming to kick-start the New Year with another spectacular performance when he takes on Swiss-based French fighter Khalid Graidia over eight-rounds.

Graidia returns to British shores having previously shared the ring with Whittaker’s domestic rivals Zach Parker, Ezra Taylor and Karol Itauma in London. Graidia also took British and Commonwealth Champion Dan Azeez the distance when they squared off in Milan in July 2023.

“The Surgeon is back and ready to start 2024 with another clinical performance. I’m putting the whole light heavyweight division on notice. Another big year is on the way so don’t miss the start of it on February 3rd,” said Whittaker.

“This is the start to a huge year for Ben Whittaker,” said BOXXER CEO and Founder Ben Shalom. “He will bring his star power to an already massive night for the light heavyweight division on February 3rd in London. Ben is a special talent and we expect to see him headlining shows and fighting for major titles this year.”

Having dethroned Franck Petitjean in front of a capacity crowd in Wolverhampton last year, Adam Azim makes the first defence of his EBU European Super Lightweight Title against undefeated former champion Enock Poulsen.

Rising featherweight star Francesca Hennessy and heavyweight hope Jeamie TKV are also confirmed for action in the capital. Hennessy, who has wowed fans with her explosive style since joining the paid ranks last year, goes in search of her third professional victory, while TKV looks to get back to winning ways having suffered his first career defeat to Igor Macedo in September 2023.

This event is presented in association with official partners Bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE, Integritas Property Group and IFX Payments.

Tickets starting from £30 are available via BOXXER.com

LONDON, ENGLAND – (August 22nd, 2023) – Hotly-tipped prospect Francesca Hennessy was today unveiled as the latest addition to the BOXXER ranks, joining her brother Michael on the roster and becoming part of the world’s strongest stable of female boxers.

Entering the professional ranks following an accomplished amateur career which saw her win two national championships, the Women’s Winter Box Cup and Sweden’s Golden Girls Box Cup, the talented 18-year-old hopes to follow in the world championship footsteps of stablemates Savannah Marshall and Natasha Jonas.

Daughter of veteran boxing manager and promoter Mick Hennessy, head of Hennessy Sports, the young Hennessy has never been short of inspiration. Her childhood years were populated by some of boxing’s biggest names – including heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury, who was long part of her father’s stable – and she has all but grown up in the ring.

“I’m turning professional now, signing with the best platform, best promotion – I’m more than ready, I’m ready to shake up boxing. My style is very unique. I like to move and groove. I’m a bit of a show-woman. You’re going to see some excitement for sure,” said Hennessy.

“I saw the way my dad and Peter Fury were looking after Savannah Marshall and I thought ‘This is something I can do and go to the top at’. It really inspired me, seeing Savannah, I have always looked up to her. Savannah’s such a massive role model.

“Women’s boxing has got massive recently. I was at the Savannah Marshall-Claressa Shields fight and obviously as a young girl who loves boxing standing in that arena, it was amazing. I never thought I’d see the day when an arena would be packed out like that with two women fighting. It’s so exciting for all us young girls who are coming on up.”

Ben Shalom, BOXXER CEO, said, “BOXXER and the Hennessy family have worked together for a long time, so we’ve watched Fran blaze a trail through the amateur ranks and now we’re delighted she will make her professional debut under the BOXXER banner. She’s grown up in the game – she was practically raised in the ring – and she’s got enormous potential, so we’re excited to start that journey with her on September 30th.”

In signing with BOXXER, Hennessy joins the world’s strongest stable of female boxers, lining up alongside world champions Marshall and Jonas plus Olympic medalists Lauren Price and Karriss Artingstall and the prodigious Caroline Dubois.

She will make her debut BOXXER and professional debut on Saturday, September 30th as part of the undercard for the BOXXER: Breakthrough event taking place at London’s historic York Hall.

Three centrepiece bouts were announced for that card yesterday, showcasing the top tier of British boxing’s rising stars and new talent. 

Caroline Dubois challenges for the IBO World Lightweight Championship, undefeated cruiserweights Viddal Riley and Nathan Quarless contest the English Cruiserweight Title and super-middleweight standout Callum Simpson heads into a firefight with the always-aggressive Germaine ‘G-Man’ Brown. 

The event airs live and exclusively in the UK and Ireland on Sky Sports.