LONDON, UK (March 30, 2024) –Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke both weighed in today ahead of their hotly anticipated ‘Bad Blood’ Easter Sunday showdown tomorrow night at The O2 in London, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.
Their unbeaten heavyweight clash for the British and Commonwealth Titles tops a stack card in the capital that also features further ‘Bad Blood’ clashes between warring welterweights Florian Marku and Chris Kongo, London cruiserweight rivals Viddal Riley and Mikael Lawal plus the return of viral boxing sensation Ben Whittaker and rising super middleweight star Callum Simpson.
All the action is available to watch live and exclusively on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.
Final remaining tickets are available at BOXXER.com.
FULL FIGHT CARD CONFIRMED FOR BUMPER ‘BAD BLOOD’ BILL
LONDON, UK (March 22, 2024) – The full fight card is now confirmed for BOXXER’s bumper ‘Bad Blood’ bill on Sunday, March 31st at The O2 in London, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.
Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke top a stacked card in the capital as they look to settle their differences in one of British boxing’s most hotly anticipated match ups.
The unbeaten fighters have been on a collision course as both men aim to establish themselves as Britain’s number one heavyweight.
Their simmering rivalry has reached boiling point following a cancelled purse bid last year.
Clarke was ordered as mandatory challenger for Wardley’s British Title in April but was later withdrawn from purse bids. The fallout sparked a series of tense exchanges between the warring heavyweights and has added serious spite to their Easter Sunday showdown.
The ‘Bad Blood’ runs deep in an undercard filled with unmissable fights.
Welterweight rivals Florian Marku and Chris Kongo, who had to be pulled apart following an explosive press conference altercation last year, finally get the chance to settle their long-standing feud.
Viddal Riley and Mikael Lawal will clash in a special bet365 Wildcard contest for the English Cruiserweight Title, while Alen ‘The Savage’ Babic and Steve Robinson collide in what promises to be a fan-friendly heavyweight fire fight.
With opponents set for Ben Whittaker and Callum Simpson the full supporting cast is now in place for a dramatic night of boxing at The O2.
Whittaker (6-0, 5 KOs) has become a viral sensation with clips of his flamboyant showboating during his stoppage win over Khalid Graidia on February 3rd generating millions of views and global interest on social media.
Tipped for superstardom, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Silver Medallist will look to capitalise on his new-found attention by delivering another show stealing performance when he takes on Leon Willings (7-1, 2 KOs).
Rising super middleweight star Simpson (13-0, 9 KOs) will look to extend his unbeaten streak as he builds towards a British Title challenge.
Before the 27-year-old from Barnsley has his crack at the Lonsdale belt, he must first get past the experienced Tanzanian Dulla Mbabe (34-13-1, 29 KOs).
Over 10,000 tickets have already been sold for the stacked Easter Sunday ‘Bad Blood’ show with an additional allocation of tickets, priced from £35, now released due to demand and available for purchase via BOXXER.com.
This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE, Integritas Property Group, Fastline Steel Services, CarFinance 247 and VOW Nutrition.
CRUISERWEIGHT RIVALS RILEY AND LAWAL COLLIDE IN BET365 WILDCARD CONTEST ON BUMPER ‘BAD BLOOD’ BILL
LONDON, UK (February 16, 2024) – Cruiserweight rivals Viddal Riley and Mikael Lawal collide in a special bet365 Wildcard contest as part of BOXXER’s bumper ‘Bad Blood’ bill at The O2 in London on Sunday, March 31st, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.
Riley (10-0, 6 KOs) returns to action following a shut-out points win over Nathan Quarless to capture the English Cruiserweight Title last September at York Hall. The talented Tottenham man has set his sights on the big fights in a stacked domestic division and can expect his toughest career test when he faces London rival Lawal.
Lawal (17-1, 11 KOs) will be looking to get back to winning ways having lost his British Cruiserweight Title to Isaac Chamberlain in October. The heavy-handed fighter from Shepherd’s Bush has the chance for redemption as he gets straight back into the domestic mix with another high-profile contest against undefeated opposition.
Viddal Riley said: “I look forward to the first notable name in my career being ticked off. I respect Lawal as a former British champion and as we know that’s a goal of mine so this is a perfect level check.”
Mikael Lawal said: “I’ve been legit, my journey in this sport is well documented. I’m just here to work and take care of business.”
BOXXER Founder and CEO Ben Shalom said: “Viddal Riley vs Mikael Lawal is another exciting addition to an already action-packed night of boxing. Credit to both men for taking this fight. Viddal Riley is taking a serious step up against a very dangerous fighter in Mikael Lawal, who has everything to prove following his defeat to Isaac Chamberlain. It really is a wildcard contest. I’m expecting an all-action fight between the two Londoners on Sunday, March 31st at The O2.”
Unbeaten heavyweight rivals Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke clash in a ‘Bad Blood’ showdown for the British and Commonwealth Titles on Sunday, March 31st at The O2 in London, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.
Florian Marku and Chris Kongo settle their simmering welterweight rivalry as part of a stacked undercard that also features future boxing superstar Ben Whittaker, the return of Alen ‘The Savage’ Babic against Steve Robinson and rising super middleweight contender Callum Simpson.
This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE, Integritas Property Group, Fastline Steel Services and VOW Nutrition.
Tickets, priced from just £30, are available now via BOXXER.com
FUTURE BOXING SUPERSTAR BEN WHITTAKER RETURNS ON BOXXER ‘BAD BLOOD’ CARD
LONDON, UK (February 15, 2024) – ‘The Surgeon’ is back! Future boxing superstar Ben Whittaker brings his unique style to The O2 in London as the latest addition to BOXXER’s action-packed ‘Bad Blood’ card on Sunday, March 31st, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.
Whittaker (6-0, 5 KOs) has become a viral sensation with clips of his flamboyant showboating during his stoppage win over Khalid Graidia on February 3rd generating millions of views and global interest on social media.
Tipped for superstardom, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Silver Medallist will look to capitalise on his new-found attention by delivering another show stealing performance following his win over Graidia on the Buatsi-Azeez card in Wembley.
Whittaker will add star power to an already stacked card on Easter Sunday topped by the ‘Bad Blood’ showdown between unbeaten heavyweights Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke for the British and Commonwealth Titles.
Florian Marku and Chris Kongo will settle their simmering welterweight rivalry following an explosive press conference altercation last year, whilst Alen ‘The Savage’ Babic takes on Newcastle’s Steve Robinson and rising super middleweight star Callum Simpson closes in on a British Title shot.
BOXXER Founder and CEO Ben Shalom said: “The reaction to Ben Whittaker’s performance against Khalid Graidia has been incredible. It shows the power of social media. He gained hundreds of thousands of followers overnight and there’s clips of him online with millions and millions of views. We’ve known from day one that we’ve got a superstar on our hands with Ben Whittaker. With his style and personality, we believe he can become the biggest star in world boxing.”
This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE, Integritas Property Group and VOW Nutrition.
Tickets, priced from just £30, go on sale today (Thursday, February 15th) from midday. For more details visit: https://www.boxxer.com
BABIC VS ROBINSON & CALLUM SIMPSON ADDED TO WARDLEY-CLARKE ‘BAD BLOOD’ BILL
LONDON, UK (February 14, 2024) –Alen ‘The Savage’ Babic takes on Steve Robinson and rising super middleweight star Callum Simpson is back in action on the undercard of the ‘Bad Blood’ showdown between unbeaten heavyweight rivals Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke on Sunday, March 31st at The O2 in London, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.
Babic (11-1, 10 KOs) returns to The O2 where he has previously recorded wins over Morgan Dessaux, former World Title challenger Eric Molina and Adam Balski. The popular Croatian heavyweight has built a cult following in the UK where he has amassed a series of impressive KO wins. His unbeaten run was cut short when challenging Lukasz Rozanski for the WBC Bridgerweight World Title in Poland last April. The 33-year-old will be looking to get back to winning ways when faces Newcastle’s Steve ‘Drago’ Robinson (6-2, 4 KOs) as part of a huge night of boxing in the capital.
Simpson (13-0, 9 KOs) was ringside to watch Zak Chelli capture the British Super Middleweight Title from Jack Cullen at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool in January. The Barnsley man is mandatory challenger for the British Title but before he has his crack at the Lonsdale belt, the 27-year-old will look to extend his unbeaten streak as he returns to London following a unanimous points win over Jose de Jesus Macias at York Hall in September.
Unbeaten heavyweights Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke collide in a ‘Bad Blood’ showdown for the British and Commonwealth Titles on Sunday, March 31st at The O2 in London, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.
Florian Marku and Chris Kongo will settle their simmering welterweight rivalry following an explosive press conference altercation last year with more major undercard announcements coming soon.
This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE, Integritas Property Group and VOW Nutrition.
Tickets, starting from just £30, go on general sale tomorrow (Thursday, February 15th) at midday. For more details visit: https://www.boxxer.com
MARKU-KONGO CONFIRMED FOR ‘BAD BLOOD’ CLASH ON MARCH 31ST AT THE O2 IN LONDON
LONDON, UK (February 9th, 2024) – More bad blood has been added to BOXXER’s hotly-anticipated Super Sunday Bank Holiday showdown between unbeaten heavyweights Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke with welterweight rivals Florian Marku and Chris Kongo set to settle their differences on March 31st at The O2 in London, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.
There’s no love lost between Marku and Kongo, who had to be pulled apart following an explosive press conference altercation last year. It will be a clash of styles as the ‘Albanian King’ and ‘2 Slick’ meet in the capital to settle their long-standing feud in a fascinating ten round contest.
Marku, the unbeaten former IBF International Champion, made short work of his last opponent, stopping Dylan Moran inside 60 seconds on the undercard of the Liam Smith vs Chris Eubank Jr rematch on September 2nd in Manchester. The 31-year-old will be raring to go following this speedy stoppage win and is expected to bring an army of Albanian supporters with him to London.
Kongo returns following a narrow points defeat to Ekow Essuman for the British, Commonwealth, IBF European and WBC International Silver Welterweight Titles on January 21st last year. The Bermondsey man thought he did another to edge the contest but found himself of the wrong end of a majority decision at Manchester’s AO Arena.
Florian Marku said: “I’m really pleased that all my fans get to see me put on a special performance on this great card at The O2, live on Sky Sports. It’s been two and half years since my last fight in London. I can’t wait to get back in the ring and for all my fans to see me knock out Chris Kongo.”
Chris Kongo said: “I’m back in my backyard, and I’m not here to play games. Marku might think he’s dangerous, but he’s just another stepping stone on my path. I’ll show everyone why I belong at the top, starting with a victory at The O2 in South London.”
BOXXER Founder and CEO Ben Shalom said: “This is a great addition to what is going to be an incredible night of action at The O2. Florian Marku vs Chris Kongo is a fight fans have wanted to see for years. Finally, we will see them in the ring on Sunday, March 31st. It’s another unmissable ‘Bad Blood’ matchup and a must-win fight for both men.”
Unbeaten heavyweight rivals Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke collide in a ‘Bad Blood’ showdown for the British and Commonwealth Titles on Sunday, March 31st at The O2 in London, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA
Pre-sale tickets, priced from just £30, go on sale at midday on Tuesday, February 13th with general sale tickets available from midday on Thursday, February 15th. Sign up for pre-sale tickets here: https://www.boxxer.com/sign-up-31-mar/
This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE, Integritas Property Group and VOW Nutrition.
UNBEATEN HEAVYWEIGHT RIVALS WARDLEY & CLARKE COLLIDE IN ‘BAD BLOOD’ SHOWDOWN AT THE O2 IN LONDON ON MARCH 31ST
London, UK (February 3rd, 2024) – Unbeaten heavyweight rivals Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke collide in a ‘Bad Blood’ showdown for the British and Commonwealth Titles on Sunday, March 31st at The O2 in London, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.
Reigning champion Wardley (17-0, 16 KOs) is on an incredible 16-fight KO streak, which has seen him steamroll his way through the domestic division. The 29-year-old from Ipswich looked at his devastating best last time out when dismantling David Adeleye on the Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou undercard on October 28th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Tokyo 2020 Olympic Bronze Medallist Clarke (8-0, 6 KOs) is just eight fights into his promising professional career. Last year, ‘Big Fraze’ banked ten valuable rounds against former world title challenger Mariusz Wach before retiring domestic rival David Allen in the sixth-round to continue his unbeaten run.
Wardley and Clarke have been on a collision course as both men look to establish themselves as the number one heavyweight in Britain. Their simmering rivalry reached boiling point following a cancelled purse bid last year.
Clarke was ordered as mandatory challenger for Wardley’s Lonsdale belt in April but was later withdrawn from purse bids. The fallout sparked a series of tense exchanges between the warring heavyweights and has added serious spite to their Bank Holiday Super Sunday showdown.
Fabio Wardley said: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be headlining what will be a massive show at the iconic O2 Arena, I’ve fought there a lot before so it’s like a home away from home for me. As a seasoned former Olympian, Frazer Clarke is definitely the most well-schooled boxer I’ll have ever faced, but there’s some lessons you can’t learn in school… And I’ve got more than enough firepower in my arsenal to lay him flat on his back, just like all my other opponents.”
Frazer Clarke said: “Finally, the fight that I wanted and the fight that the British public wanted. The talking is over, it’s here. Headlining the O2 Arena for the British and Commonwealth Titles is something I’ve dreamed of. I’m ready to take out Fabio Wardley and bring the titles back to Burton upon Trent. There’s been a lot of back and forth but now we can settle it like men.”
“The Bad Blood needs to be settled,” said BOXXER founder and CEO Ben Shalom. “We’re more committed than ever to making the biggest domestic fights for British fight fans and I’m excited for BOXXER to deliver a British heavyweight classic on March 31st at The O2. After the outrage last year, this fight has been one that has been really important to make, with fight fans desperate to see it. I’m really happy to deliver the opportunity to Frazer Clarke against Fabio Wardley who is a dangerous man and a great champion.”
Wardley vs Clarke will top an action-packed fight card in the capital with undercard fights to be announced soon.
Having faced off in the ring before Joshua Buatsi and Dan Azeez’s light heavyweight final eliminator, Wardley and Clarke will come face-to-face again at a launch press conference on Wednesday, February 7th in London.
This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE, Integritas Property Group and VOW Nutrition.
Chris Eubank Jr. Gets Even; Stops Liam Smith in 10
Chris Eubank Jr. showed tremendous resolve in stopping Liam Smith in round 10 of their 12-round middleweight bout in Manchester, England.
Eubank dominated from the second round on as he boxed very well with his jab and landing solid combinations behind it.
In round four, Eubank dropped Smith with an uppercut.
In round 10, Smith began to bleed from his right eye. Eubank jumped on Smith and hit with a barrage of punches that made Smith crumble to the canvas in the corner. Later in the round, Eubank landed another seven unanswered shots to the head that forced a referee stoppage at 1:45.
Eubank, 159.4 lbs of Bolton, England is now 33-3 with 24 knockouts. Smith, 160 lbs of Liverpool is 33-4-1.
This was a rematch of a January 21st fight that saw Smith stop Eubank in four-rounds.
Chris Eubank Jr said to Sky Sports after the fight: “Liam is a warrior. I respect him, his team, his family and his brothers. They always come out and put it all on the line. He fought until the last second, so big up to Liam and his team.
“I’m not going to lie, what happened tonight was supposed to happen in January. Like I said, it wasn’t my night. I trained hard for that fight, I trained hard for this fight. The focus is always there. I dedicate my life to this sport. Now we’re onto bigger and better fights. There’s some big names out there.”
Liam Smith said to Sky Sports after the fight: “Everything from start to finish. I was flat. I think the weight killed me. I was flat and Chris was sharp. Chris was the better man tonight.”
Adam Azim won a 10-round unanimous decision over Aram fanyan in a junior middleweight bout.
Azim, 139.4 lbs iwon by scoresof 100-90, 98-92 and 97-93. Fanyan of Ukraine is 23-2.
Frazer Clarke remained undefeated with a stoppage after round six over David Allen in a 10-round heavyweight bout,
In round five, Clarke was cut around the right eye.
In round six, Clarke lost a point for a low blow. With Clarke dominating the action, Allen’s corner stopped the bout after the sixth frame.
Clarke, 270 lbs is 8-0 with six knockouts. Allen, 257 lbs is 21-6-2.
Jack Cullen stopped Mark Heffron in round three of their 12-round super middleweight bout.
In round three, Cullen landed a right hand that was followed by a left hook right on the chin that put Heffron on the canvas. Heffron got to his feet but plummeted to the canvas and the fight was stopped at 2:43.
Cullen, 167 lbs of Little Leaver, ENG is 22-4-1 with 10 knockouts. Heffron, 167 lbs of Manchester falls to 29-3-1.
Former unified world champion Mikaela Mayer won a 10-round decision over Sylvia Bortat in a junior welterweight bout.
Mayer, 141.4 lbs of Las Vegas won by a 100-90 score and is now 19-1. Bortat, 139 lbs of Italy is 11-3-1.
Florian Marku obliterated Dylan Moran in the opening round of their 10-round welterweight bout.
Marku hurt Moran with a left hand that knocked him backwards. Marku unloaed with a series of hard punches that forced a referee stoppage at 54 seconds.
Marku, 146.4 lbs is now 13-0-1 with eight knockouts. Moran, 145 lbs of Ireland is 18-2.
Frazer Clarke and Mariusz Wach put on open workouts in central London on Wednesday, Wach powering punches into his padholder’s mitts while Olympic bronze medallist Clarke shadow-boxed skilfully in the sweltering heat.
Midlands man Clarke rates the experienced Wach highly and has put in a serious training camp.
“It’s been really difficult. I’ve taken this fight very seriously. Mariusz Wach is a very good opponent.
“This is true competition between two fighters that both want to win. He’s very good at what he does, very experienced. I’ve got full respect for him. But I’m here to do a job.”
“Much respect to this man. He’s absolutely correct there will be solid shots going in and I expect solid shots back. A competitive fight, a good fight and I hope it entertains everyone.
“If it goes the distance, it goes the distance. I take this round by round. I’m confident in my ability and I know what I came to do. I want to let people know that I’m here and I mean business. I want titles.”
Wach is also a man on a mission:
“I know it’s going to be a tough task but I’m here to win. I know I’m going to get hit with a few solid shots. But I’m not going to back down. I’m here to put on a hell of a show. I want this fight to be remembered.”
Caroline Dubois is also on the title trail.
She will attempt to prove her world class credentials in a key step-up against Argentina’s Yanina Lescano on Friday’s show.
Caroline Dubois says a statement win against Yanina Lescano will help progress her and get the big fights as she targets a clash with Mikaela Mayer
“I’m aiming for the top dogs. I’m not going to get there fighting nobodies and people that aren’t going to push me. I’m not going to learn and I’m not going to improve,” Dubois told Sky Sports News.
Lescano is well ranked with world title sanctioning bodies and gave Olympic champion Estelle Mossely a good fight. It’s a significant moment then for Dubois but one the Londoner welcomes.
“When you step in the ring with someone who’s up there, the only way you’re going to beat them is by going above them. Hopefully she comes and brings it, which I’m sure she will,” Dubois said.
“I’m ready to raise my game.”
Aaron McKenna subjected fellow unbeaten fighter Uisma Lima to a tense staredown after their public workouts.
Lima, with a knockout ratio of 80 percent, might be dangerous but McKenna warned: “He’s never ever shared the ring with anyone like me.”
The Irishman wants to be the finisher in this fight. “I believe I will knock this guy out,” McKenna said. “I’ve seen a few clips of his fights and he doesn’t like getting hit.
Isaac Chamberlain is putting behind him the frustration of Mikael Lawal pulling out of their British cruiserweight title fight and his bout being postponed from the Bournemouth bill at the end of last month.
“It’s just about keeping my professionalism,” Chamberlain said. “The team that I have, they’ve kept me on track.”
On Friday, the Londoner gets to fight in front of a home crowd against Dylan Bregeon, a former European title challenger and French national champion.
“Very, very credible,” Chamberlain said. “I’m always focused, I’m always locked in and I can’t wait to put on a great performance.”
York Hall was also the scene of a great win for Chamberlain when, against Wadi Camacho in 2016, he won despite dislocating his shoulder.
“I still have PTSD from that fight! It’s literally like a lion’s den,” Chamberlain said of the historic venue. “There’s something special about York Hall. It’ll go on forever. It’s one of the legendary arenas of British boxing.
“I expect a great night of boxing. All I have to do is adapt and overcome. I’ve been motivated throughout the setbacks.”
He final predication was simple: “Knockout.”
Anees Taj has drawn Viddal Riley into a rematch, which will also take place on this York Hill bill.
Riley beat him in February but Taj insisted: “It was an inconclusive victory because of the cut.”
If that last bout did leave any unanswered questions, Riley has every intention of settling the issue on Friday. “He’s here again so I’m looking forward to it. After Friday, it will be conclusive,” Riley promised.
“I’m just looking forward to having the most spoken about, anticipated, exciting fight on the night.”
BOXXER Fight Night at York Hall this Friday, June 16th airs live and exclusively on Sky Sports Action from 7pm.
The live undercard stream begins 5pm on the Sky Sports Boxing official YouTube channel.
Card confirmed: New era’s brightest head to historic York Hall this Friday
LONDON, ENGLAND – (June 12, 2023) – East London’s historic York Hall has been a milestone in the journeys of many British boxing greats, from three-time world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis, record-setting super-middleweight Joe Calzaghe and middleweight icon Nigel Benn.
This Friday, the new generation of Britain’s brightest boxing talent make their first appearances in the famed venue as part of the BOXXER Fight Night event airing live and exclusively on Sky Sports.
The five-fight televised card features Frazer Clarke (6-0, 5 KO’s) and Caroline Dubois (6-0, 5 KO’s) in key breakout battles, undefeated Irish standout Aaron McKenna (16-0, 8 KO’s) in a WBC title bout, a second instalment of the heated rivalry between Viddal Riley (8-0, 5 KO’s) and Anees Taj (7-3, 5 KO’s) plus the return to the ring of #1 British Cruiserweight Championship contender Isaac Chamberlain (14-2, 8 KO’s)..
Battle-tested veteran Mariusz Wach (37-9, 20 KO’s) awaits Clarke in the ring. The Polish fighter has faced numerous household names of the heavyweight boxing scene and took Hall of Fame inductee Wladimir Klitschko when he challenged him for the unified world heavyweight championship in 2012.
A stiff test awaits Dubois as she faces South American champion Yanina ‘Panterita’ Lescano (13-2, 4 KO’s), who last year lost a controversial decision in Dubai when she challenged Estelle Mossely in her challenge for the IBO World Lightweight Championship.
With Dubois’ star on the rise – the undefeated young prodigy has scored five of her six wins inside the distance since turning professional last year – Lescano heads to London hoping to stop her momentum and steal her shine, while the ambitious Dubois wants a statement win which will add weight to her calls for world title challenges in the near future.
A literal monster of a title fight occupies the midpoint of the Sky Sports televised card as Aaron McKenna (16-0, 8 KO’s) faces undefeated Uisma ‘Monstro’ Lima (10-8 KO’s) for the WBC International Middleweight Championship, with Lima having an 80% finish rate and three KO wins from his last four outings.
Heated cruiserweight rivals Viddal Riley (8-0,5 KO’s) and Anees Taj are fighting a second instalment of their feud, with neither having been satisfied with the cut stoppage which made Riley the TKO winner of their January first encounter, while Issac Chamberlain – the #1 contender for the British Cruiserweight Championship – returns to the ring in the opening bout of the televised card.
Super-lightweight prodigy Adam Azim, British boxing’s hottest prospect, had been due to headline this Friday’s event but has been forced to withdraw due to a severe infection in the dorsal hood of his left hand, which his team believe was acquired when Azim cut his knuckles in a training session several weeks ago.
Housing the tendons responsible for finger movement, the infected area has proven resistant to prescription antibiotics and is so painful that Azim could not use the hand in a test sparring session at the end of last week, prompting his team to withdraw him. Azim will be rescheduled for a BOXXER card later this year.
FRAZER CLARKE STEPS UP TO FACE FORMER WORLD TITLE CHALLENGER MARIUSZ WACH IN LONDON ON JUNE 16TH
LONDON, ENGLAND – (May 18, 2023) – With a resumé featuring close-fought encounters with some of heavyweight boxing’s biggest names – including two-time world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko and former WBA world champion Alexander Povetkin – Mariusz ‘The Viking’ Wach (36-9, 19 KO’s) is one of the most experienced veterans on today’s heavyweight circuit.
Next month, the battle-tested gladiator travels to London, England on a mission to bring all of his experience to bear in an effort to halt the ascent of British heavyweight contender Frazer ‘Big Fraze’ Clarke (6-0, 5 KO’s) in its tracks at London’s historic York Hall on Friday, June 16th, live on Sky Sports.
Clarke is no stranger to pressure or challenges – having succeeded on the biggest stage in amateur boxing when he won a bronze medal for Great Britain at the 2020 Olympic Games – but the clash with Wach will test him as never before and thoroughly examine his prospects for world-stage success.
Himself an Olympian – Wach represented Poland in the 2004 Olympic Games – Wach’s professional career has seen him consistently face the best fighters the heavyweight division has to offer, including his 2012 challenge against Klitschko for the unified world heavyweight championship.
The challenge was unsuccessful but Wach showed his quality and has done so many times since, including in bouts with top British talents Dillian Whyte and Hughie Fury on UK soil. A hostile crowd in London will not faze Wach.
Clarke has scored a string of knockout wins since turning professional last year, showcasing a blend of boxing finesse and ferocious power. Now Clarke is now eager for tougher tests to sharpen his arsenal as he continues his march towards the championship bouts which await him.
“I’m glad that we’re finally able to announce this fight and let people see the kind of challenges I’m looking for. Mariusz Wach is a very tough opponent, his record speaks for itself – look at the names he’s been in there with and the kind of fights he’s had with them. So I hope it’s clear to everyone now that Frazer Clarke isn’t afraid of anyone,” said Clarke.
“I’m in this game to be world champion and the pathway has always been carefully planned. A lot has been said about me lately but people don’t know what goes on behind the scenes. Myself and my promoter Ben Shalom are on the same page and we’re executing the plan step by step. I expect to have the British heavyweight championship belt round my waist by the end of the year – but first I have to handle Mariusz Wach.”
Ben Shalom, BOXXER Founder and CEO, added “This is a great fight for Frazer Clarke. Mariusz Wach is a very tough customer who has shared the ring with some of the biggest names in the sport with some memorable performances. Frazer Clarke is taking a big step up on June 16th but these are the challenges needs as he makes his way to the top.”
Dubbed ‘A Step To Greatness’, the BOXXER Fight Night at York Hall on Friday, June 16th features several hotly-tipped British fighters who are stepping up to take on serious challenges in search of wins which will move them significantly up the rankings.
Super-lightweight prodigy Adam Azim (8-0, 6 KO’s) headlines against dangerous Ukrainian Aram Fanyan (22-1, 4 KO’s), who brings three times the professional experience, is on the edge of the EBU top ten rankings and has lost just once in 23 professional fights.
And Caroline Dubois (6-0, 5 KO’s) takes on Yanina Lescano (13-2, 4 KO’s), who many believe should rightfully be the IBO world champion. Lescano – current holder of South American Lightweight Championship – lost a narrow split-decision in a title challenge against Estelle Mossely last year which many observers felt she had won.
Frazer Clarke gets new opponent for Manchester this Saturday
MANCHESTER, England – Tuesday, March 21 – Frazer Clarke will face former WBA world interim heavyweight title challenger Bogdan Dinu this Saturday, March 25th at Manchester’s AO Arena.
The news comes as Clarke’s initial opponent Rydell Booker is sadly forced to withdraw through illness following a serious medical incident.
The American heavyweight was taken unwell last weekend. Booker had attended a boxing event in his hometown of Detroit, just days before he was due to travel to the UK, where he was taken ill with a serious medical emergency. He is now recuperating and everyone at BOXXER sincerely wishes Rydell Booker a full and swift recovery.
Undefeated Team GB Olympics hero Clarke (5-0, 4 KOs), who memorably won a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games, will now bid to take another scalp on his burgeoning resume when he faces off against his 6ft 5in Romanian rival.
Dinu (20-4-0, 16 KOs) was beaten by Daniel Dubois the last time he fought in England when he was stopped for the vacant WBA interim heavyweight title in June 2021.
Last year, he fell short in his challenge for the vacant WBA Inter-Continental heavyweight title after taking on Kevin Lerena.
Based in Bucharest, Dinu fought former world title challenger Kubrat Pulev in 2019 and has stood opposite American Jerrell Miller too during his 24-fight career since turning professional in 2008.
Outside of the ring, the 36-year-old has served as an Independent Special Actions and Intervention Service Agent (SIIAS), which is a Romanian police task force created in 1995 as part of the Counter-Organised crime squad. Its roles include seizing dangerous or armed criminals, handling hostage crises, disaster rescues, the protection of police, witnesses and others involved in criminal investigations.
Whether Dinu will be able to handle the might of ‘Big Fraze’ in Manchester remains to be seen, however. Standing at a mean 6ft 6in, Clarke has been triumphant in his last two successive fights at the AO Arena and will be looking to make it a hat-trick when he returns this Saturday.
“Unfortunately Rydell Booker had to pull out of the fight. He’s had a medical problem, so I’m sending my best wishes to him and I hope he can get better soon,” said Clarke, speaking today on Sky Sports News.
“We’ve got a new opponent in Bogdan Dinu, who is a very credible opponent. He has boxed some great names including the likes of Daniel Dubois, Kubrat Pulev and Jerrell Miller. It’s a good fight for me and I’m looking forward to it.
“This is professional boxing – you can’t bank on anything. I’m accustomed to it now and throughout my career I am used to fighting people at a day’s notice. My job is to go out there and win. People can talk about looking fantastic and making a statement. But I’m a winner and that’s my job every time. If I can perform how I know I can then I will do that. I’m looking to go out there and make a statement.
“It’s been an up-and-down start to my career. Everytime I’ve got in there and I’ve won. This is heavyweight boxing. It’s dangerous. It’s up to me to be professional and do my job.
“It doesn’t matter who I’m getting in with this weekend, I’m ready to go and do my job.”
Final tickets are on sale now at BOXXER.com starting at just £25 – a bargain price for a blockbuster night of elite boxing, headlined by Lawrence Okolie defending his WBO world cruiserweight title against New Zealand’s David Light.
This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Village Hotels.
FULL CARD FOR SATURDAY, MARCH 25 AT THE AO ARENA IN MANCHESTER
*Please note: Below list is not the running order
12 x 3 mins WBO World Cruiserweight Championship
LAWRENCE OKOLIE vs DAVID LIGHT
8 x 3 mins Heavyweight Contest
FRAZER CLARKE vs BOGDAN DINU
10 x 3 mins Vacant English Super-Featherweight Contest
MICHAEL GOMEZ JR vs LEVI GILES
6 x 2 mins Featherweight Contest
KARRISS ARTINGSTALL vs LINZI BUCZYNSKI
8 x 3 mins Super-Middleweight Contest
CALLUM SIMPSON vs CELSO NEVES
6/8 x 3 mins Featherweight Contest
RHYS EDWARDS vs BRIAN PHILLIPS
6 x 3 mins Middleweight Contest
SHAKIEL THOMPSON vs ROBERT TALAREK
8 x 3 mins Middleweight Contest
AARON McKENNA vs LUCAS NDAFOLUMA
6 x 3 mins Welterweight Contest
SAMUEL ANTWI vs OMIR RODRIGUEZ
6 x 3 mins Lightweight Contest
FRANKIE STRINGER vs TBA
4 x 3 mins Super Welterweight
HARVEY LAMBERT vs CASEY BROWN
HUGE ENGLISH TITLE FIGHT AND MORE ADDED TO BOXXER MANCHESTER CARD
Manchester, England – (February 23, 2023) – A thrilling English championship bout, two Olympians and the promotional debut of an exciting super-middleweight prospect have today been announced for the undercard of the BOXXER Fight Night: Manchester event taking place Saturday March 25 at the AO Arena.
Headlined by Lawrence Okolie (18-0, 14 KO’s) defending his WBO World Cruiserweight Championship against undefeated, 2014 Commonwealth Games silver medallist David Light (20-0, 12 KO’s), today’s announcements revealed a March card packed with quality from top to bottom.
English title fights have a deserved reputation for producing some of the most exciting contests in boxing and that tradition looks set to continue in the evening’s chief support bout when Michael Gomez Jr (18-1, 5 KO’s) and Levi Giles (13-0, 3 KO’s) enter the ring to contest the vacant English Super-Featherweight Championship.
Michael Gomez Sr was a firm favourite of fight fans in his home city of Manchester thanks to his all-action, no-nonsense fighting style. His son Gomez Jr – the current Central Area Super-Featherweight title holder – is continuing the family business and will have the Manchester Arena crowd behind him for his English title tilt.
Manchester’s storied arena played host to many a Gomez Sr bout and also hosted Gomez Jr’s professional debut in 2014, making it a fitting scene for his bout against the undefeated Grimsby man Giles, who is taking the first title shot of his career in this ten-round contest.
Hard-hitting heavyweight prospect Frazer ‘Big Fraze’ Clarke (5-0, 4 KO’s) – a bronze medallist for Great Britain at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics – is another fighter who counts Manchester’s arena as his second home, with three of his five professional bouts to date having taken place there.
His sixth outing is by far his toughest test to date. Experienced American Rydell Booker (27-7-1, 14 KO’s) has shared the ring with some of the biggest names in the sport. He lost a decision to Hall of Fame heavyweight James Toney in a 2004 world heavyweight title fight and went the distance with the highly-accomplished Filip Hrgovic and Kubrat Pulev.
Clarke’s fellow 2020 Olympic bronze medallist Karriss Artingstall – now 2-0 in the professional ranks – also returns to the ring in Manchester, with her opponent set to be confirmed in the coming days.
Hotly-tipped super-middleweight prospect Callum Simpson (10-0, 8 KO’s) – the reigning Central Area champion – recently signed an exclusive promotional agreement with BOXXER. Yorkshireman Simpson trained alongside former world champion Josh Warrington when he entered the professional ranks and has stopped 80% of his opponents thus far.
Other names confirmed for the March 25th card today include Welsh featherweight Rhys Edwards (2-2), who faces Liverpool’s Brian Phillips (12-3, 3 KO’s), and the return to the BOXXER ring of welterweight Samuel ‘True Sensation’ Antwi (14-2, 6 KO’s), middleweight Aaron McKenna (15-0, 8 KO’s) and former Team GB member and Tri-Nations amateur champion Harvey Lambert (1-0), with opponents for the trio to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
The confirmed card for BOXXER Fight Night: Manchester is as follows – with more to come:
12 x 3 mins WBO World Cruiserweight Championship
Lawrence Okolie vs David Light
10 x 3 mins Vacant English Super-Featherweight Contest
Michael Gomez Jr vs Levi Giles
8 x 3 mins Heavyweight Contest
Frazer Clarke vs Rydell Booker
6 x 2 mins Featherweight Contest
Karriss Artingstall vs Linzi Buczynski
6 x 3 mins Super-Middleweight Contest
Callum Simpson vs TBA
8 x 3 mins Middleweight Contest
Aaron McKenna vs TBA
6 x 3 mins Welterweight Contest
Samuel Antwi vs TBA
6/8 x 3 mins Featherweight Contest
Rhys Edwards vs Brian Phillips
4 x 3 mins Super Welterweight Contest
Harvey Lambert vs TBA
The event takes place Saturday, March 25 and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Village Hotels.
LAWRENCE OKOLIE VS DAVID LIGHT WORLD TITLE FIGHT CONFIRMED FOR MARCH 25 IN MANCHESTER AS CATTERALL, CLARKE AND ARTINGSTALL RETURN
MANCHESTER, Wednesday, February 8 – Lawrence ‘The Sauce’ Okolie has delivered a confident prediction ahead of his WBO world cruiserweight title defence against David Light on Saturday, March 25th at the AO Arena.
The date and venue has officially been switched from what was previously advertised as Liverpool and now confirmed in Manchester as part of a blockbuster BOXXER fight night which will see Jack Catterall, Frazer Clarke and Karriss Artingstall all in action.
After BOXXER successfully agreed the purse bid, Okolie will make his long-anticipated return having last fought 12 months ago.
And the undefeated Brit believes he will extend his perfect 18-0 (14 KOs) professional record when he defends his WBO championship against unbeaten New Zealand rival Light (20-0, 12 KOs).
“I’ll make ‘light’ work of him,” said Okolie, who returns to fighting live and exclusively in the UK & Republic of Ireland on Sky Sports.
Okolie’s first professional victory was in Manchester, in May 2017 – less than a year after he competed for Team GB at the Rio 2016 Olympics – when he sensationally stopped Geoffrey Cave in just 20 seconds.
Whilst confident he will retain his world title in what will be his third defence since he captured the belt back in March 2021 following a scintillating sixth round stoppage over Krzysztof Glowacki, Okolie knows he needs to deliver the goods against his Kiwi nemesis.
Speaking toBoxxer.com, Okolie added, “I know that Sky and BOXXER are going to deliver as long as I deliver in the ring. I’ve got to make sure I beat David Light and then beat whoever is next.
“It’s good to be back and I’m looking forward to the first step in the journey towards unifications and more world titles.”
BOXXER CEO & Founder, Ben Shalom, said: “We’re heading back to our spiritual home of Manchester and we’re bringing The Sauce.
“Lawrence Okolie’s wait to get back inside a ring has been well documented. But I’m delighted to see a proper British elite fighter defending his world title on home soil.
“The cruiserweight division is arguably the most exciting weight class in the sport right now and it is full of domestic stars who are clamouring to be crowned king. Lawrence sits at the top of that mountain – and he’s planning on keeping it that way when he takes on a very dangerous challenger in David Light, who impressively best Brandon Glanton last time out.”
The North-West’s own Jack Catterall (26-1-0, 13 KOs) will be keen to remind the world that he should be an undisputed champion himself.
Controversially denied a victory against Josh Taylor last February, the Chorley fighter had hoped to avenge that night in Glasgow in a rematch with the WBO and Ring Magazine super-lightweight champion.
But with the Scot sidelined through injury, Catterall must instead turn his attention to a new opponent who will be named in due course.
Shalom said: “It was a travesty what happened to Jack a year ago. He should be fighting now as a world champion. I believe his time will come – but for now, he needs to remind us all what he can do and get out there and fight again.”
‘The People’s Champion’ Frazer Clarke (5-0, 4 KOs) will return to what has been a very happy hunting ground in Manchester when he takes on experienced American heavyweight, Rydell Booker.
Towering 6ft 6in Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze medal hero Clarke has won back-to-back fights at the AO Arena and will be looking to make it a hat-trick when he returns next month.
But in Michigan native Booker (27-7-1, 14 KOs), Clarke faces the former No.1 ranked American heavyweight, who has stood toe-to-toe with the likes of Jermaine Franklin, Kubrat Pulev, Filip Hrgovic and Otto Wallin.
Booker knocked out Norman Neely last December and will hope to continue his renaissance against the highly-rated ‘Big Fraze’.
And Clarke’s fellow 2020 bronze medalist Karriss Artingstall (2-0) is back too.
The 28-year-old southpaw has made an impeccable start to life as a professional with two wins from two – including her impressive points victory against Marina Sakharov on what was a historic all-female night of Boxing at The O2 in London last October.
An opponent for the featherweight prospect will be announced in due course, along with a host of other cracking fights for what promises to be an epic night in the North-West on March 25.
To pre-register your interest for tickets, visitboxxer.com
Liam Smith Knocks Out Chris Eubank Jr. in 4
Liam Smith scored a fourth round stoppage over Chris Eubank Jr. in their scheduled 12-round middleweight fight at The AO Arena in Manchester, England.
In round four, Smith hurt Eubank with a hard right in the corner that set off a vicious six-punch barrage that featured a left uppercut and a left hook that put Eubank on the deck. Eubank was badly hurt and tried hold on, but Smith landed another flurry of punches that put Eubank down again, and the fight was stopped at 1:09.
Smith of Liverpool, ENG is 33-3-1 with 20 knockouts. Eubank is 32-3.
Riakphore Stops Glowacki in 4
Richard Riakphore stopped former world champion Kryzystof Glowacki in round four of their scheduled 10-roud cruiserweight bout.
In round four, Riakphore hurt Glowacki with a hard right hand that drove him to the ropes. Four punches later the bout was stopped at 2:44.
Riakphore of England is 16-0 with 12 knockouts. Glowacki of Poland is 32-4.
Essuman Decisions Kongo
Ekow Essuman won a 12-round majority decision over Chris Knongo in a welterweight bout.
Essuman of England won by scores of 116-113, 115-114 and 114-114 and is now 19-0. Kongo is 14-2.
Parker Decisions Massey
Former world Heavyweight champion Joseph Parker won a 10-round unanimous decision over Jack Massey.
In round eight, Massey was deducted a point for holding. In round 10, Massey was cut over his left eye.
Parker of New Zealand won by scores of 97-97, 96-93 and 97-93 and is now 31-3. Massey is 20-2.
Clarke Stops Espindola in 4
Frazer Clarke remained undefeated with a stoppage after round four of his scheduled eight-round heavyweight bout with Kevin Espindola.
Clarke of England is now 5-0 with four knockouts. Espindola of Argentina is 7-7.
EKOW ESSUMAN AND CHRIS KONGO UNLEASHED FOR EUBANK JR-SMITH UNDERCARD AS FRAZER CLARKE RETURNS TO MANCHESTER ON JANUARY 21
The British & Commonwealth, IBF European and WBC International Silver Welterweight titles will be on the lines as Ekow Essuman and Chris Kongo go head-to-head in a scintillating addition to the undercard of Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith on Saturday, January 21 at Manchester’s AO Arena.
‘The Engine’ produced a comprehensive, unanimous points victory over BOXXER’s Samuel Antwi at the same venue last September to retain his British & Commonwealth titles and protect his flawless record (18-0, 7 KOs).
But Essuman will undoubtedly face a tough test in the form of ‘2 Slick’ Kongo in what promises to be a barnstorming title clash.
Kongo captured the vacant WBC International Silver Welterweight crown when he defeated Sebastian Formella last June in London. And he’ll be hungry to start the new year in style by putting the first dent on Essuman’s burgeoning CV and claiming two prestigious titles.
Rising heavyweight sensation Frazer Clarke is another sterling addition to the event which is broadcast live, in the UK and Republic of Ireland, on Sky Sports Box Office.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze medal hero is eager to ascend up the heavyweight rankings this year and will return to the scene of his last victory.
An opponent will be named in due course but Clarke (4-0, 3 KOs) will be keen to remind the division of his incredible power as he did last November when he outclassed Kamil Sokowlski over six rounds.
Another explosive heavyweight prospect is confirmed for January 21 too in Matty Harris.
The hard-hitting Coventry fighter (3-0, 2 KOs) burst on the scene in 2021 and last year added two impressive stoppages to his résumé, defeating Mait Metsis and Pawel Strykowski. An opponent for Harris will be named soon.
And unbeaten Scottish cruiserweight starlet Scott Forrest (3-0, 3 KOs) will be keen to showcase his talent on the night when he collides with Amine ‘The Beast’ Boucetta (7-5-0).
BOXXER Founder and CEO, Ben Shalom said: “These are four terrific additions to what is already a blockbuster card. Tickets are selling out fast with a bumper crowd all set for an incredible night of boxing in Manchester.”
The main event – in association with Wasserman Boxing – sees bitter middleweight enemies Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith face-off in what promises to be an epic domestic clash for the ages as both rivals bid to take a giant leap towards their desired world title pursuits.
Elsewhere on the stacked pay-per-view card, Richard Riakporhe battles former two-time WBO cruiserweight world champion Krzysztof G?owacki, as local lad Jack Massey steps up to the heavyweight division to fight former world champion Joseph Parker.
Final remaining tickets are on sale now at Boxxer.com.
This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, WOW HYDRATE and Village Hotels.
VIDEO: WEIGH-IN | Manchester Fight Night | Jonas, Clarke, Hatton, Barrera
NATASHA JONAS AND DALTON SMITH TOP THE BILL IN BLOCKBUSTER BOXXER: MANCHESTER EVENT ON SATURDAY, 12th NOVEMBER AT THE AO ARENA
Manchester, England – (September 28, 2022) – Natasha Jonas, Dalton Smith, Frazer Clarke and many more will light up a blockbuster night of boxing on Saturday, 12th November.
The unified world WBC, WBO, IBF and Ring Magazine super-welterweight titles will all be on the line at the AO Arena in Manchester, England when Natasha ‘Miss GB’ Jonas faces defending Marie-Eve Dicaire.
Jonas (12-2-1, 8 KOs) conquered Patricia Berghult for the WBC belt earlier this month in her home city of Liverpool. The coveted green strap joined her pink WBO belt in her trophy cabinet – and now the former Olympian wants to add Dicaire’s IBF belt and Ring Magazine titles to her collection and write herself another glorious chapter in boxing’s history books.
Her quest for global domination takes Jonas into a clash with Canada’s two-time world champion Dicaire (18-1-0, 1 KO) in what promises to be a momentous world championship encounter with all three titles on the line.
Coming just weeks after a historic night of celebration for women’s boxing takes place on October 15th at The O2 in London – when Savannah Marshall faces Claressa Shields for the undisputed middleweight world titles – the contest further highlights the strength of the women’s sport in what has been a gala year for female boxing.
Southpaw Dicaire suffered her only professional defeat to date to Shields back in March 2021 following a unanimous decision. But she reclaimed her then vacant IBF title when she produced a stunning stoppage win over Cynthia Lozano last December in Montreal.
The main event between Jonas and Diclaire in Manchester tops the bill in what promises to be an unmissable BOXXER bill screened live and exclusively in the UK and Republic of Ireland on Sky Sports Boxing.
It includes a tantalising domestic co-main event between two of the country’s hottest super-lightweight prospects as champion Dalton ‘Thunder’ Smith (12-0, 10 KO’s) defends his British title against challenger Kaisee Benjamin (16-1-1, 6 KOs).
BOXXER earned the right to promote the mandated British championship bout between the two rivals when it won the purse bid earlier this month.
Former Team GB sensation Smith scored an impressive sixth-round stoppage win when he headlined in Sheffield last month – his third consecutive win inside the distance – to win the vacant title and take his number of professional stoppage wins to ten, including a 2021 TKO of BOXXER Series tournament semi-finalist Lee Appleyard.
Benjamin, from Birmingham, has 16 wins from 17 professional appearances and is undefeated in his last 13 fights. In June, he celebrated a unanimous decision win over Serge Ambomo at the Coventry Skydome to maintain his status as Smith’s mandatory opponent.
And Frazer ‘Big Fraze’ Clarke (3-0, 3 KO’s) will bid to continue his impressive and rapid rise up the heavyweight rankings as he takes on his toughest professional challenge to date in the form of experienced veteran Kamil Sokolowski (11-26-3, 4 KOs).
Clarke has won all three of his professional bouts thus far with three devastating knockouts – and the Tokyo 2020 Team GB Olympic bronze medalist will be hungry to add another stoppage to his burgeoning highlight reel in front of a packed crowd at the AO Arena – just a stone’s throw away from the home of his beloved football club, Manchester United.
Earlier in the evening, Manchester’s own Bradley ‘The Sting’ Rea (14-0, 6 KO’s) will put his unbeaten record on the line when he takes on English middleweight champion Tyler Denny (14-2-3). Rea has developed a reputation for an all-action style and will look to make this another crowd-pleasing contest for his hometown fans.
BOXXER CEO & Founder Ben Shalom, said: “This will be a massive night of boxing in Manchester.
“Tasha Jonas can etch her name in the history books by winning the WBC, WBO, IBF and Ring Magazine titles if she beats Marie-Eve Dicaire. I think this is Tash’s toughest test to date and it promises to be a spectacular women’s fight, just weeks after the iconic all-female card in London, on 15th October.
“In the co-main, Dalton Smith will be hoping to win the British super-lightweight title outright in what is a very, very tough challenge against Kaisee Benjamin. It’s a big fight and it will have huge consequences for the winner.
“Dalton is one of the finest young fighters in the country. We saw recently in Sheffield how his popularity continues to grow. Kaisee is a brilliant talent too and he’ll be hungry to pull off a major upset
“Frazer Clarke will go right to the top of this very exciting heavyweight division. He has a huge personality and the talent and commitment to go all the way. This fight against Kamil Sokolowski will offer a sterner test against experienced competition that fans will look forward to seeing
“Bradley Rea against Tyler Denny is a great fight. I saw Tyler in one of the fights of the year when he won the English title against River Wilson-Bent. This will be a huge test for Brad early on in his career. It is a compelling fight and possibly it could be the fight of the night. Brad has the chance to make a real statement in front of his home crowd on the big stage.”
Adam Smith, Sky Sports Head of Boxing Development, added: “Remember, remember the 12th of November, because this Fight Night will deliver more fireworks just a week after Bonfire Night.
“This truly is a great card, taking place in the iconic big fight city of Manchester, and it will be a night which promises to be a historic occasion with Tasha fighting for the unified world titles, just weeks after our iconic evening of women’s boxing at The O2 in London.
“And we’ll have a real spectacle in store with Kaisee Benjamin challenging Dalton Smith for the British title. Both men are hot prospects, who have huge futures ahead of them. This fight has all the makings of a domestic classic.
“Plus, after the controversy of his last outing in Liverpool, I’m delighted to see Frazer Clarke stepping it up against Kamil Sokolowski. A big man for a big night of boxing, live on Sky Sports – including the legendary Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton versus Mexican great Marco Antonio Barrera, which takes place in an unmissable separate show by Europa Combat on the same evening, following the BOXXER card.”
To register for pre-sale tickets for 12th November, go to Boxxer.com.
BOXXER proudly presents this event in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Village Hotels.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON VENUE-SHARE WITH RICKY HATTON vs MARCO ANTONIO BARRERA & DAN HARDY vs DIEGO SANCHEZ EXHIBITION MATCHES, PROMOTED EXCLUSIVELY BY EUROPA COMBAT ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12th
BOXXER ticket holders
Ticket holders for the Sky Sports BOXXER event will be able to access the AO Arena from 16:45pm.
These tickets will also grant free access to the Hatton v Barrera exhibition match, promoted by Europa Combat, which is expected to begin around 10:30pm after the BOXXER main event and show has concluded.
Europa Combat ticket holders:
Tickets for the Hatton v Barrera & Hardy v Sanchez show will also enable free access to the Sky Sports BOXXER event taking place in the AO Arena from 16:45pm to around 10pm on 12th November. The Hatton v Barrera show will take place after the BOXXER event finishes.
FAQs
If I’ve got a ticket to the Hatton v Barrera & Hardy v Sanchez show, can I also attend the Sky Sport BOXXER event?
Absolutely, your ticket gives you free access to the BOXXER event and you can arrive at any time from 4:45pm onwards.
If I leave the AO Arena, will I be able to come back in?
Apologies but you will not be allowed to leave the venue and come back in. This is standard venue policy.
Can I transfer my ticket to a friend or family, so I can watch the BOXXER event and then they can watch the Hatton v Barrera & Hardy v Sanchez show?
We are sorry but all tickets are non-transferrable.
Why are there two separate events?
They are two separate events, which have been organised by two separate promoters, with Europa Combat taking over the venue when the BOXXER event has concluded. But purchasing a single ticket for either event will give access to both events.
Do I sit in the same seat for both events?
Yes, your seat will be the same for both events.
FRAZER CLARKE MAKES QUICK RETURN TO RING: ‘BIG FRAZE’ BACK IN ACTION IN LIVERPOOL ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3RD
Liverpool, England – 11th August 2022 – Fresh off his stunning stoppage win in Bournemouth last month, Burton battler Frazer ‘Big Fraze’ Clarke (2-0, 2 KO’s) is making a quick return to the ring for more heavyweight havoc.
The massive Midlander has been added to the line-up for the BOXXER event taking place Saturday, 3rd September at the M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool, live on Sky Sports.
Tickets for BOXXER: Liverpool – which sees hometown hero Liam Smith debuting with BOXXER and Tasha Jonas fighting for the unified world title – are on sale now via BOXXER.com, with prices starting at just £30.
Clarke, who captained the Team GB boxing squad at the 2020 Olympic Games and won a bronze medal for his country, will be making his third professional outing when he enters the ring in Liverpool.
Last month, he stopped twenty-fight Argentinian veteran Ariel Esteban Bracamonte in the final seconds of the second round, unleashing a combination which showcased his trademark mixture of ferocious power and technical boxing ability.
“I’m so excited to be fighting again so soon, especially in Liverpool which is one of my favourite fight cities in the world,” said Frazer Clarke.
“Liverpool is full of great characters and fighters. And it is a city which I have very fond memories in, notably when I won my ABA title there. I’m looking forward to bringing an exciting performance to the city on what is a great show which has some great fights on the card.”
Ben Shalom, BOXXER Founder and CEO, said: “We’re massively excited about ‘Big Fraze’s’ future with us at BOXXER. There are so many big fight nights to look forward to. For now, it’s important to see him back in action as we build upon that journey. But it was clear for all to see in Bournemouth just how devastating he can be, with his impressive knockout victory over Esteban Bracamonte. Frazer will fire another warning to the heavyweight division when he fights on what is an unmissable card in Liverpool on 3rd September.”
Adam Smith, Head of Boxing Development at Sky Sports, “Big Fraze was on blistering form in Bournemouth and now he’s back in action, making a quick turnaround to get on this Liverpool card to give boxing fans in the north of England a chance to see the kind of firepower he delivered at last month’s battle on the beach.
“This is Frazer Clarke’s third professional outing. He’s ended his first two well inside the distance and he’s surely going for the hat-trick in this one, as he continues his journey to greatness in what was once the gateway to the Empire, the great port city of Liverpool. Never a dull moment when Big Fraze is in the ring!”
Clarke, meanwhile, has also been confirmed as a studio guest on Sky Sports Box Office for the Anthony Joshua-Oleksandr Usyk fight night on Saturday, August 20th. Earlier that day, he will appear on Soccer AM, fronted by John ‘Fenners’ Fendley and Jimmy Bullard.
BOXXER: Liverpool sees the homecoming of former WBO world light-middleweight champion Liam ‘Beefy’ Smith (31-3-1, 18 KOs), who recently signed an exclusive promotional agreement with BOXXER. He kicks off his campaign for a second world title in a clash with heavy-handed Hassan Mwakinyo (20-2, 14 KO’s).
Clarke’s fellow Olympian Tasha Jonas – who made history for Britain and her home city of Liverpool when she became the first British female to box at the Olympics – is gunning to add the WBC world title to her collection. WBO champion Jonas (11-2-1, 8 KOs) faces Sweden’s unbeaten defending WBC world champion Patricia Berghult (15-0, 3 KOs).
BOXXER proudly presents this event in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Village Hotels.
Visit Boxxer.com today for the best seats at the best prices. For media opportunities and accreditation requests, please contact the BOXXER media and PR team.
BOXXER ADDS TWO OLYMPIC MEDALISTS TO BOURNEMOUTH 30th JULY LINEUP
Bournemouth, England – (30th June 2022) – The huge domestic clash between Chris Billam-Smith and Isaac Chamberlain at the Bournemouth International Centre on 30th July will headline a card featuring two 2020 Olympic Games medalists, one of the most explosive finishers in British boxing and a rising star tipped as a future great.
Ben ‘B£NZO’ Whittaker, who won silver at the latest Olympics and is now crossing over into the professional ranks with a stated intention of becoming the greatest British boxer of all time, will launch his professional career against solid opposition in the experienced County Durham fighter Greg ‘The Real Deal’ O’Neill (6-6-1, 1 KO).
Testament to Whittaker’s confidence in himself, he has elected to make his professional debut in a six-round fight, skipping the traditional four-round entry level. Coached by SugarHill Steward, who also trains Tyson Fury, the big-hitting Midlander is lauded as one of the most exciting prospects in the world.
Fellow medalist Frazer Clarke (1-0, 1 KO), who captained Team GB at the 2020 Olympics and won a bronze medal, returns to the ring for his second professional outing following his stunning first-round stoppage win on the undercard of Khan vs Brook in February.
The Burton-based ‘Big Fraze’ heads to Bournemouth in search of a second similarly emphatic finish, as he takes the next step of his journey towards conquering the domestic heavyweight scene.
Southampton KO sensation Joe Pigford (19-0, 18 KO’s) makes the short journey on the M27 to Bournemouth with his fanatical fans. He’s looking to put on another devastating performance, before returning home with his first championship title in his bag.
Thunderous puncher Pigford holds a 95% KO ratio and is on an unbroken 16-KO run. In Bournemouth he will challenge for the Vacant WBO European Super-Welterweight Championship and will take a huge step closer to world title contention if he wins.
Hard-hitting Scottish prospect John Docherty (12-1, 9 KOs) looks to make a big statement against the undefeated Manchester-based Brazilian puncher Diego Costa (8-0, 5 KOs) in an exciting shoot out that is sure to deliver drama.
Another 2020 Team GB Olympian in Caroline Dubois (2-0, 1 KO) continues on her career following her powerful first round stoppage of Martina Horgasz last time out and faces experienced Tanzanian Happy Daudi over six rounds.
Undefeated cruiserweight puncher Mikael Lawal (15-0, 9 KOs) looks for his sixteenth career win and possible tenth stoppage as he continues a journey which has taken him from homeless teenage gang member to the top tier of the British cruiserweight rankings.
One half of boxing’s hottest sibling talents, Hassan Azim (3-0, 2 KOs), will also look to extend his unbeaten record. After watching younger brother Adam capture his first championship title last week in Coventry with a blistering first-round stoppage, welterweight Hassan will be looking to display his own awesome firepower, following on from his own first-round KO win in March.
Completing the card is another hugely popular all-action Bournemouth fighter, Lee Cutler (10-1, 7 KOs). He has ended his last three fights inside two rounds, with his most recent victory winning him the Southern Area Super-Welterweight title.
Be first in line and get priority access to exclusive discounted tickets – join the waiting list at Boxxer.com
BOXXER: Billam-Smith vs Chamberlain, headlines a stellar card presented by BOXXER in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Village Hotels; with special thanks to K4 Global.
CLARKE WITHDRAWS FROM BOXXER WEMBLEY CARD FOLLOWING HAND SURGERY
London, England – 17 March 2022 – Olympic Heavyweight Bronze Medallist Frazer Clarke underwent hand surgery yesterday and has withdrawn from the BOXXER Fight Night show on Saturday 26th March at OVO Wembley Arena, live on Sky Sports.
The action packed show is headlined with the big London cruiserweight collision between Richard Riakporhe and Deion Jumah, plus unbeaten light-heavyweight star Dan Azeez, Olympian talent Caroline Dubois; unbeaten lightweight hot shot Adam Azim faces Conor Marsden; his brother Hassan is in welterweight action; Chris Kongo; the pro-debut of London heavyweight star Jeamie TKV; Southampton hitter Joe Pigford; the pro-debut of Team England amateur star Jimmy Lee; Louis Greene and Harry Scarff square off for the Vacant English Welterweight title and super-flyweight prospect Shannon Ryan makes her pro-debut.
Clarke, 30, sustained a hand injury during a sparring session and following a successful operation, he will now allow time to rest and recover before commencing a course of rehabilitation treatment at Loughborough University.
He was due to face Spain’s Gabriel Enguema on the show, but the Burton-upon-Trent talent will not be able to punch for six weeks and it is anticipated that he will return to the ring again in 10-12 weeks’ time and resume his career.
‘Big Fraze’, who captured Bronze in Beijing last summer as the Team GB captain, made his pro-debut last month on the Amir Khan-Kell Brook undercard with a first round stoppage of Jake Darnell at the AO Arena Manchester to kick off his campaign in the heavyweight division.
Whilst the injury has put a slight pause in Clarke’s fight schedule this year, it is expected that Clarke’s hand will be significantly improved and he’ll return to his big-hitting best.
Clarke said, “I’m gutted to sustain this injury, but it’s part and parcel of boxing and these things happen through no fault of anyone. Thankfully during my time in boxing I’ve met some great people to point me in the right direction and I’ve now been fixed up, operated on, the operation went really well and I’m healing well. I’ll come back back stronger and I’ll use this time really well to develop in other areas. I’ll be back in no time and pick up where I left off.
Ben Shalom, BOXXER founder and CEO, said. “I’m really gutted for Frazer, but I’m glad he will be back so quickly. He will step up in the summer and then have a very strong end to the year.”
Freddie Cunningham, Managing Director at 258 MGT, said, “As frustrating as it is, we know Frazer will stay dedicated and we have and will ensure that he gets the best treatment and rehabilitation possible. We will use the time wisely to come back as soon as possible and with even more drive.”
HEAVYWEIGHT MOURAD ALIEV EYES FRAZER CLARKE AFTER SIGNING FOR PROBELLUM
LONDON, FEBRUARY 21 – Heavyweight Mourad Aliev will use the “injustice” he suffered in the Olympics against Frazer Clarke as fuel to succeed as a professional after becoming the latest Probellum co-promotional signing. The French fighter was booted out of the Tokyo Games for deliberate use of the head in his quarter-final bout with Great Britain’s captain.
Aliev was outraged at the decision to disqualify him in the second round, strongly arguing his innocence, and the 26-year-old hit the headlines after staging a sit-in protest to dispute the decision which lasted almost an hour.
However, since having teamed-up with Probellum and Arena Box the 6’7” puncher wants to prove himself on the biggest stage and is already eyeing a rematch with Clarke.
“I felt a great injustice in the Olympics and although the officials now accept they made a mistake, it was still an injustice,”said Mourad Aliev.
“But I will use the pain of that experience to make sure I achieve great things in the professional ranks, which I know will happen with the backing of both of my promoters Probellum and Arena Box.
“I would definitely love a rematch with Clarke and I watched his professional debut on Saturday, which was a joke of a fight.
“He won a bronze medal after I was disqualified in the Olympics but he knows I was winning our fight before it was called off.”
Aliev, who is a huge fan of former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, showed his pedigree by claiming a silver medal at the European Games in 2019.
And he has made a perfect start to life in the pro ranks, with two wins out of two – the latest of which came by stoppage on Saturday night in Hamburg, Germany.
“The world saw those emotional images of Mourad Aliev after he suffered the disqualification at the Olympics,” said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum.
“And our job is to now harness that pain and desire to help Mourad fulfil his vast potential in the sport’s blue-ribbon division.
“At 6’7”, he is a giant heavyweight and everyone at Probellum is thrilled to have him on board. The Frazer Clarke rematch would be a huge fight down the line.”
“I am delighted to be teaming up with Probellum as the co-promoters of Mourad Aliev,” said Ahmet Oner, President of Arena Box Promotions.
“Together, I know we can help Aliev move up the heavyweight rankings and give him the platform to show just how good he is, after what happened in the Olympics.”
For ticket news, live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.?
About Probellum
Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promotion and media company, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport.
Probellum’s elite stable includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Lee McGregor, Donnie Nietes, Troy Williamson, Dina Thorslund, Muhammad Waseem, O’Shaquie Foster, Will Cawley, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack.?
Since launching, Probellum has signed co-promotional partnerships with some of the biggest promoters globally, including Wasserman (Germany), Universum (Germany), GYM (Canada), Maravilla Box (Spain), Team Ellis (Australia), Titov Boxing Promotions (Russia), Volcano Boxing (El Salvador), BXSTRS Promotions (Mexico), PR Best (Puerto Rico) Glozier Boxing (New Zealand), Box Office Sports (Ghana) and LNK Boxing (Latvia).
Probellum?hosted its inaugural event at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena in December 2021 and returns to Middle East in March for a double-header.
Probellum Evolution takes place at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium on March 18 and 19, with both shows topped by world title fights.?
Brook Stops Khan in 6
In a much awaited grudge match, former world champion Kell Brook stopped Amir Khan in round six of their 12-round bout at the AO Arena in Manchester, England.
In round one, Brook wobbled Khan on two occasions. The first was from a hard jab. The second was from a hard right hand. In round six, Brook hurt Khan again with a jab. Brook began to pour on the offense until the fight was stopped at 51 seconds.
Brook, 148.3 lbs of Sheffield, ENG is 40-3 with 28 knockouts. Khan, 147.3 lbs of Bolton, ENG is 34-6.
Natasha Jonas won the vacant WBO Super Welterweight title with a 2nd round stoppage of Chris Namus.
In round one, Jonas dropped Namus with a right hook. In round two, it was a straight left off of a furious exchange that sent Namus down again. Namus got to her feet, but the fight was waved off at 28 seconds.
Jonas, 149.3 lbs is 11-2-1 with eight knockouts. Namus, 147.3 lbs of Uraguay is 25-7-1.
2021 Olympic Bronze Medal winner Frazer Clarke made a successful pro debut with a 1st round stoppage over Jake Darnell in a heavyweight fight.
In round one, Darnell began bleeding from his nose. Shortly after, Clarke landed a big combination that was set off by a body shot that was followed by several head shots that forced the corner of Darnell to throw in the towel at 2:06.
Clarke, 256 lbs is 1-0 with one knockout. Darnell, 248.3 lbs of Blackpool, ENG is 0-1.
Hasan Azim won a four-round decision over MJ Hall in a welterweight bout.
Azim, 148 lbs won by a 40-36 score and is 2-0. Hall is now 2-74-2.
Adam Azim stopped Jordan Ellison in round three of their six-round junior welterweight bout.
In round one, Azim dropped Ellison with a right to the body. In round three, Azim landed a hard left hook to the head that dropped Ellison down and out at 2:09.
Azim, 138.4 lbs is 3-0 with two knockouts. Ellison, 138.4 lbs is 13-36-2.
Brad Rea scored a vicious opening round stoppage over Craig McCarthy in a middleweight fight.
Rea landed a ripping undercard that sent McCarthy down on his back, and the fight was stopped before the 10-count could be completed at 1:53.
Rea, 160.3 lbs of Sweatburg, ENG is 12-0 with five knockouts. McCarthy, 161.3 lbs of Waterford, IRE is 8-1-1.
Viddal Riley won a six-round decision over Will Shihepo in a cruiserweight bout.
In round one, Riley dropped Shihepo with a right uppercut.
Riley, 197 lbs of London, ENG won by a 60-53 score and is now 5-0. Shihepo, 196.3 lbs of Namibia is 25-14.
Germaine Brown won a 10-round unanimous decision over Charlie Schofield in a super middleweight fight.
Brown, 168 lbs of London, UK won by scores of 99-92 and 98-92 twice and is now 12-0. Schofield, 168 lbs of Manchester, UK is 17-2.
