A thrilling World Title double-header will top the latest instalment of the Monte-Carlo Showdown at Salle Des Étoiles at Sporting Monte-Carlo on Saturday December 14, shown live worldwide on DAZN. 

Uzbekistan’s former IBF and WBA Super-Bantamweight World Champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev (12-1, 9 KOs) attempts to become a two-time World Champion when he takes on Mexican knockout artist Ricardo Espinoza Franco (30-4, 25 KOs) for the interim WBA Super-Bantamweight World Title.

‘MJ’ made three defences of the IBF and WBA World Titles he landed against Daniel Roman in Miami in January 2020 before losing them in a split decision points loss to Marlon Tapales on the undercard of Jesse Rodriguez vs. Cristian Gonzalez at the Boeing Center at Tech Port in San Antonio, Texas last year.

Brazilian amateur star turned 5-0 professional Beatriz Ferreira makes the first defence of her IBF Lightweight World Title against France’s former European Champion Licia Boudersa (23-2-2, 4 KOs) after capturing the vacant crown against Yanina del Carmen Lescano in Liverpool earlier this year.

‘The Beast’, a former amateur World Champion, won silver at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games before putting pen to paper on a long-term promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing in 2022. The 31-year-old attempted to go one better by winning gold in Paris this summer but ultimately fell short to eventual champion Kellie Harrington in the semi-final.

British Cruiserweight Champion Chev Clarke (10-0, 7 KOs) looks to build on his successful American debut last time out in August when he clashes with unbeaten Frenchman Leonardo Mosquea (15-0, 9 KOs) for the vacant EBU European Cruiserweight Title in what will be his biggest test to date.

Big hitting ‘C4’ looks to end a breakout 2024 on a high after stopping Belfast’s former European ruler Tommy McCarthy at Ulster Hall back in January, taking out Ellis Zorro in eight rounds to claim the famous Lord Lonsdale Challenge Belt at the First Direct Arena in Leeds in May and decisioning Efetobor Apochi over ten hard rounds in Los Angeles in August.

Irish Lightweight contender Gary Cully (18-1, 10 KOs) puts his WBA Continental Title on the line against Rossington’s Maxi Hughes (27-7-2, 6 KOs) in an intriguing Ireland vs. England match-up. ‘The Diva’ outpointed Belgium’s former European Champion Francesco Patera in Leeds last time out in May while ‘Maximus’ earned an impressive stoppage win over Efstathios Antonas in Sheffield last month. 

“I’m very excited to be back in the ring and making the first defence of my World Title in Monte-Carlo,” said Ferreira. “I am very proud to have finished my Olympic journey as a two-time medallist but from now on my focus is 100% on the professionals and I am excited about this next phase in my career and dedicating myself fully to professional boxing.

“My opponent is very experienced and has won many titles in the past so I’m looking forward to the challenge and then I hope to move into big unification fights and add more World Titles in 2025.”

“I’m happy to be going back to work,” said Akhmadaliev. “It looks like that p4p star is not ready for big challenges. He can continue running away, but I will get what should be mine anyway. ‘M’J in business again and December will be hot!”

“I can’t wait to return to breathtaking Monte-Carlo for a magnificent night of World Championship boxing on December 14,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Two thrilling World Title clashes, a European Title showdown between two hungry undefeated contenders and a big Ireland vs. England match-up – Monte-Carlo Showdown V has something for everyone! Catch all of the action live worldwide on DAZN.”

“Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer has been the essential partner of the Principality of Monaco greatest sports events for over a century,” said Albert Manzone. “We are delighted to welcoming the 2024 edition of the Monte-Carlo Showdown, presented by the Casino de Monte-Carlo, at the Sporting Monte-Carlo, in the prestigious Salle des Etoiles room.”

Tickets priced at €200 plus fees will be available to purchase via Stage Front from 10am tomorrow morning (Monday October 28). In addition, Hotel and Ticket Packages are available priced at £995 plus fees (for two people sharing).

About Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer embodies a new Art de Vivre that is unique in the world with a taste for what is beautiful, fine and good. Its Resort offers Luxury Gaming in its casinos, “haute couture” experiences in its iconic palace hotels and their Diamond Suites and gourmet dining at the cutting edge of modernity, combining Michelin-starred restaurants, international concepts and our own creations, as well as a topflight artistic and cultural selection. The Resort also offers a fantastic range of sport and well-being activities, shopping and partying. And because the new Art de Vivre Monte-Carlo must evolve towards increasingly ethical and responsible luxury, Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer has been committed since 2007 to a pro-active policy in terms of energy transition, consumption of resources and waste, local fine dining and preservation of the natural heritage. The number 1 private employer in the Principality of Monaco, in 2023 the Group launched its 4th ethics charter to uphold its values of integrity and responsibility in conducting its professional business.

Katie Taylor avenged her first professional defeat to win a majority decision over Chantelle Cameron to win the Undisputed Junior Welterweight Title in front of a raucous crowd at 3 Arena in Dublin, Ireland

It was an action packed fight with Taylor landing the crisper combinations that had the crowd on their feet throughout the “Fight of They Year” Candidate. Cameron was courageous in defeat as she fought through a bad cut on her forehead that started in the second round.

Taylor, 139.6 lbs of Bray, Ireland won by scores of 98-92, 96-94 and 95-95 and is now 23-1. Cameron, 139.5 lbs of Northampton, ENG is 18-1.

Cully Edges By Mould Via Split Decision

Gary Cully came back from his first professional defeat by winning a 10-round split decision over Reece Mould in a lightweight bout.

Cully, 134.5 lbs of Naas, IRE won by scores of 97-93, 96-93 and Cully won a scorecard by a 97-93 total.

Cully landed 77 of 305 punches. Mould landed 92 of 261.

Cully is now 17-1. Mould, 134.1 lbs of Dorncaster, ENG is 18-2.

Donovan Stops Ball in Four

Paddy Donovan remained undefeated by stopping Danny Ball in round four of their 10-round welterweight fight.

In round four, Donovan dropped Ball with a hard left hand. Donovan then unloaded on Ball and dropped him again with a hard flurry of punches. The corner of Ball threw in the towel at 2:41.

Donovan, 146.5 lbs of Limerick, ENG is 12-0 with nine knockouts. Ball, 146.7 lbs of Kingswingford, ENG is 13-2-1.

Carty Stops Garber in 8th and Final Round

Popular heavyweight Thomas Carty stopped Dan Garber in the final minute of the eighth and final round.

Carty beat Garber down and in round eight, landed a hard left to the body that took the starch out of Garber and then dropped him after a few follow up punches at 2:19.

Carty, 154.3 lbs of Dublin, IRE is now 8-0 with seven knockouts. Garber, 220.5 lbs of Bradford, ENG is 5-2.

Skye Nicolson retained the WBC Interim Featherweight title with a ninth round stoppage of Lucy Wildheart.

Nicolson Defends Interim Title with 9th round Stoppage of Wildheart

Nicolson won every one by boxing and breaking down Wildheart. Wildheart was bleeding all over her face. the fight was stopped when the corner of Wildheart threw in the towel as Nicolson was landing an unanswered flurry of punches at 1:11.

Georgio Visioli made a spectacular pro debut with a first-round stoppage over Lee Anthony Sibley in a super featherweight bout.

Visioli landed a perfect left hook that put Sibley on the canvas. Sibley got to his feet, but the fight was stopped at 1:21.

Visioli, 134.9 lbs of Guidford, ENG is 1-0 with one knockout. Sible, 133.5 lbs of La Oliva, SPA is 3-2.

Gary Cully insists that he isn’t feeling the pressure ahead of his make-or-break clash with Reece Mould on the undercard of Chantelle Cameron’s huge undisputed Super-Lightweight World Title rematch with Katie Taylor at the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland this Saturday November 25, shown live worldwide on DAZN. 

The Naas native (16-1, 10 KOs) suffered a stunning upset loss at the hands of Jose Felix last time out in May, with the unheralded Mexican ripping up the script and inflicting Cully’s first defeat in the pros via a devastating third round knockout in front of the Irishman’s home crowd. 

Cully’s ten-round clash with Felix was supposed to be a routine win on what was the rising Lightweight star’s first outing as a professional in Dublin, but ‘Josesito’ had other ideas and forced his opponent to go back to the drawing board and completely change his training set-up. 

“Something wasn’t quite right with me,” admitted Cully. “I didn’t really know it at the time, but my mind wasn’t fully focused. Everything was just planned for the party afterwards, the celebrations and reflecting on what a week and what a show it had been. I took my eye off having a fight in front of me. 

“Probably being back in Dublin and back in Ireland I fell into that trap as well of ‘The Diva Gary Cully’ – Gary is the guy and Gary is the man. I probably fell into that trap a little bit as well and started believing my own hype a little bit.

“I wanted to impress and thought I’d just f***ing walk through this kid. I just wasn’t fully focused, wasn’t fully focused on Jose Felix and I paid the price. This time it isn’t about a celebration or a party like last time was supposed to be.

“I’ve been through some ups and downs in my life, but that loss was definitely the hardest. It felt like the world was ending at one point. I thought it was, but it taught me lots of lessons. I think I’ve learnt a lot from it as well. I’m looking forward to showing that this Saturday.”

Now training under respected coach Joe McNally at the Rotunda ABC in Liverpool alongside Belfast Super-Welterweight contender Caoimhin Agyarko, World Champion hopeful Cully is determined to bounce back after vowing to take care of business when he faces Mould (18-1-0, 6 KOs) for the WBA Continental Europe Title. 

“I’ve got a job ahead of me. We’re going back to Dublin which is my hometown and we’re going straight back there after coming off a loss. I’m not in the winners club right now, and I believe that’s where I’m supposed to be.

“There’s a bit of pressure to get back into that club obviously but I’m not feeling an ounce of pressure, this is personal and this is me versus me this time around. This is about Gary Cully getting back to where I know I’m at and showing everybody what I can do.

“When I come in here (the Rotunda) I’m just another one of the lads. Darren Till is in here training with us and he’s just Darren, he’s just another one of the lads. I’ve got the second chance and I’ve got to make it right. I’ve got to come back and show them that I am what I say I am. It’s important to me for sure.

“Reece Mould, he’s tough and he’s game. He’s been around the block, 19 fights 18 wins. He’s only lost to Leigh Wood so he’s no mug. He knows what he’s doing and he’s going to come to win. I want to put pain on somebody and I want to put on a performance, beat somebody down and show them I’m at the level I say I’m at.”

Cully vs. Mould is part of a huge night of boxing in Dublin, undisputed Super-Lightweight World Champion Chantelle Cameron (18-0, 8 KOs) puts her crowns on the line against Irish great Katie Taylor (22-1, 6 KOs) Limerick Welterweight Paddy Donovan (11-0, 8 KOs) meets Danny Ball (13-1-1, 6 KOs) for the WBA Continental Title, Dublin Heavyweight Thomas Carty (6-0, 5 KOs) takes on Dan Garber (5-1, 1 KO) in an eight-round contest, Australia’s Interim WBC Featherweight World Champion Skye Nicolson (8-0) defends her crown against Sweden’s Lucy Wildheart (10-2, 4 KOs), Manchester’s former Super-Featherweight World Title challenger Zelfa Barrett (29-2, 16 KOs) fights Spain’s Costin Ion (10-4-2, 5 KOs) over eight rounds, Belfast’s John Cooney (8-0, 2 KOs) and Dublin’s own Liam Gaynor (10-4-0) meet for the Celtic Featherweight crown, as fellow Dublin fighter Emmet Brennan (1-0) battles Limerick’s Jamie Morrisey (5-0-1, 1 KO) for the Celtic Light-Heavyweight Title, while Guildford Super-Featherweight debutant Giorgio Visioli opens the show against Lee Anthony Sibley (3-1, 1 KO).

Chantelle Cameron won a 10-round majority decision over undisputed lightweight champion Katie Taylor to retain her undisputed super lightweight title at 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland.

Cameron, 139.7 lbs of Northampton, ENG won by scores of 96-94 twice and 95-95 and is now 18-0. Taylor, 139.7 lbs of Bray, IRE is 22-1.

Jose Felix Jr. shocked previously undefeated hot prospect Gary Cully in round three of their 10-round lightweight bout.

In round three, Felix dropped Cully with a bug right. Felix sent Cully down again with a big flurry of punches. Felix landed some vicious left hooks and rights to the chin before Cully’s corner threw in the towel at 2:34.

Felix, 137.2 lbs of Los Mochis, MEX is 40-6-1 with 31 knockouts. Cully, 137.25 lbs of Naas, IRE is 16-1.

James Metcalf scored a 12-round unanimous decision Dennis Hogan in a super welterweight fight.

In round 12, Hogan was deducted a point for spitting out his mouthpiece. He also had a cut around his right eye.

Metcalf, 153.1 lbs of Liverpool, ENG won by scores of 117-110 twice and 115-112 and is now 25-2. Hogan, 163.3 lbs of Kilders, IRE is 31-5-1.

Caoimhin Agyarko remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Grant Dennis in a middleweight contest.

Agyarko, 159.3 lbs of Belfast, NI won by scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 13-0. Dennis, 159.3 lbs of Chatham, ENG is now 18-5.

Thomas Carty stopped Jay McFarlane in round three of a scheduled eight-round heavyweight fight.

In round two, Carty dropped McFarlane with a left hand down the middle. In round three, Carty sent McFarlane to the canvas with a right hand followed by another left down the middle. Seconds later, it was another left that sent McFarlane down again, and the fight was stopped at 2:58.

Carty, 258.6 lbs of Dublin, IRE is 6-0 with five knockouts. McFarlane, 283.7 lbs of Glasgow, SCO is 14-8.

Paddy Donovan stopped Sam O’Maison in round six of their eight-round welterweight bout.

In round six, Donovan landed some heavy shots and then dropped him with a left hand, the corner of O’Maison threw in the towel at 2:13.

Donovan, 148.1 lbs of Limerick, IRE is now 11-0 with eight knockouts. O’Maison, 149.3 lbs of Sheffield, ENG is 17-5-1.

Maisey Rose Courtney won a six-round decision over Kate Radomska in a flyweight bout.

Courtney, 112.1 lbs of Eltham, ENG won by a 58-57 score and is now 3-0. Radomska, 109.7 lbs of Waterford, IRE and is now 3-2.

Dalton Smith will make the second defence of his British Super-Lightweight Title against Billy Allington on the undercard of Leigh Wood’s highly anticipated WBA Featherweight World Title showdown with avoided Mexican Mauricio Lara at the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham on Saturday February 18, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia and New Zealand).

The Sheffield star (13-0, 10 KOs) recently put pen to paper on a new multi-fight promotional deal with Eddie Hearn following a stellar 2022 that saw the 25-year-old remain undefeated, and ‘Thunder’ is set to kick off an even busier year against Surrey’s former English Champion Allington (10-1-4) as he looks to win the prestigious British Title outright before moving onto the European scene. 

Irish Lightweight hope Gary Cully (15-0, 9 KOs), who also recently extended his promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing, returns to the scene of his impressive stoppage triumph over former World Champion Miguel Vazquez in March last year to take on the USA’s Wilfredo Flores (10-0-1, 5 KOs) for the vacant WBA Intercontinental Title ahead of what promises to be a huge year for the ‘The Diva’.

Gravesend Cruiserweight Cheavon Clarke (4-0, 4 KOs) has ended all four of his fights inside the distance since turning pro last February, including a brutal second round stoppage win over Jose Gregorio Ulrich last time out caused by a perfectly timed uppercut, and the former Team GB Olympian steps up next month in an Eliminator for the English Cruiserweight Title against Scunthorpe’s Dec Spelman (19-6, 9 KOs).

Former European Super-Bantamweight Champion Gamal Yafai (19-2, 11 KOs) returned to winning ways by stopping Sean Cairns in four rounds last June after losing his EBU Title to Jason Cunningham in May 2021, and the 31-year-old from Birmingham begins 2023 with a ten-rounder against Argentina’s Diego Alberto Ruiz (23-6-1, 12 KOs) as he aims to get back to title action later in the year. 

Northampton’s Kieron Conway (18-3-1, 4 KOs) meets Portugal’s Jorge Silva (21-7, 12 KOs) over eight rounds at Super-Middleweight following his points loss to Austin Williams on the Canelo vs. Golovkin 3 undercard last September, Rotherham Super-Welterweight talent Junaid Bostan (4-0, 4 KOs) fights for the third time under the Matchroom banner after inking a deal with Eddie Hearn last September and popular Mansfield Super-Bantamweight Nico Leivars (3-0-1) squares off against Spain’s Alberto Motos (2-0) over six rounds. 

Tickets for Wood vs. Lara are priced at £40, £60, £80, £100, £150 and £300 (VIP)

Matchroom Fight Pass members can purchase tickets NOW.  Priority ticket info has been emailed directly to eligible members.

General Sale tickets can be purchased via Stage Front and Motorpoint Arena Nottingham from midday tomorrow (Thursday January 12).

Irish Lightweight star Gary Cully has signed a multi-fight extension with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing as he continues to work towards a World Title opportunity in the 135lbs division. 

The 26-year-old from Naas kicked off a memorable 2022 by earning an impressive fifth-round stoppage win over Mexico’s former IBF Lightweight World Champion Miguel Vazquez on the undercard of Leigh Wood’s brilliant World Title win over Mick Conlan at the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham in March.

‘The Diva’, who fights out of the Colosseum Gym and Unit 3 Fitness under the guidance of trainers Pete Taylor and Niall Barrett, then put pen to paper on a promotional deal with Matchroom in August before claiming a stunning first-round knockout win over Jaouad Belmehdi at Wembley’s OVO Arena in October.

“I’m delighted to sign a new deal and pledge my long-term future with Matchroom,” said Cully. “I’m only one fight into my first deal so for Matchroom to come to me so soon after initially signing with them and offer me a new deal shows the belief that they have in me. I’ve always believed that Matchroom are the best promotional company in boxing, and I’ve always seen myself and my career being aligned with Matchroom. To get this deal across the line is massive for me. As soon as we sat down and talked about the plans for the future it was a no brainer for me.

“2022 was massive for me, the biggest year of my career so far. To get the opportunity to fight Miguel Vazquez on the big Wood vs. Conlan card back in March and to beat him in the fashion that I did was a massive statement. I kicked on from there and signed with Matchroom at the start of August which was a massive step forward in my career. It was a huge step for me and something that I’d been working towards for a long time. To get my official Matchroom debut against Jaouad Belmehdi on a big Katie Taylor undercard and to get a first round knockout in 35 seconds was great statement. Two big wins and two big knockouts set me up perfectly for a massive 2023.

“2023 I believe is the year where I really become a star and become a name in world boxing. I want to fight early in the year and get some ring time and get active. A big aim of mine this year is to fight at Croke Park back in my home on the undercard of the big Katie Taylor rematch with Amanda Serrano. Hopefully all going well that gets over the line and I’ll be in a position for a big fight on that card. I hope to be co-headlining on Katie’s show in a big fight against a Jorge Linares or another big name in the division. Moving on later into the year I’d like to return to Dublin and headline my own show. I want to become a force and a name back in my home at the 3Arena. Lots of big plans in 2023, lots of exciting times ahead and lots of big nights.”

“Gary Cully enjoyed a Matchroom debut to remember and certainly caught the attention of the Lightweight division with an explosive first round knockout back in October,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “I was so impressed with that performance that I wanted to extend this deal further so we can get some solid plans in place to see Gary become a World Champion at 135lbs. He talks the talk and can clearly walk the walk and I believe that ‘The Diva’ is going to have an even bigger 2023. I have full belief that if Gary fulfils his potential he can become the next star of Irish Boxing.”

You can follow Cully’s journey on Instagram: garycully and Twitter: @BoxerCully

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ireland’s undefeated Lightweight star Gary Cully has signed a long-term promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing.
 
The 26-year-old from Naas earned an impressive career-best win last time out when he stopped former Lightweight World Champion Miguel Vazquez in five rounds on the huge Leigh Wood vs. Mick Conlan World Title bill in Nottingham.
 
‘The Diva’, who fights out of the Colosseum Gym and Unit 3 Fitness under the guidance of trainers Pete Taylor and Niall Barrett, has won all fourteen of his fights since turning professional in September 2017 at the Devenish Complex in Belfast.
 
Cully claimed the Irish Lightweight Title by wiping out Belfast’s Joe Fitzpatrick in the opening round of their clash at Ulster Hall in 2020 before adding the WBO European Title to his collection with a second-round stoppage win over Viktor Kotochigov at the Bolton White Hotel in 2021.
 
“I’m really excited to be joining the Matchroom Boxing team,” said Cully. “I’ve had my sights set on joining Matchroom long before I turned professional so to finally be here is massive for me. My last fight was on a Matchroom card back in March – the huge Wood vs. Conlan bill. I saw how they did things and it reminded me that this is where I wanted to be. I’m glad to finally get it over the line.
 
“I’ve always said that with the right promotional team and the right backing I believe I can reach the very top of this sport and be a huge name in boxing. I believe that with Matchroom behind me I’m in the right place to do that. I’ve got big dreams in boxing; I want to be involved in the biggest fights with the biggest names. I want the likes of Gervonta Davis, Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney.
 
“With Eddie and Matchroom backing me I’m in the right place to make these fights happen. I also have big dreams of brining big-time boxing home one day. I remember going to The O2 arena back in the day to see Bernard Dunne win his World Title when I was just a kid starting out in boxing. Ever since then I’ve dreamed of bringing boxing back home and having big fights back in Dublin one day. The ball is in my court now.
 
“I just need to keep putting those performances in that I have been in the last two years. I think the performance that I put in against Miguel Vazquez in March proved the level that I’m capable of operating at. He’s a former World Champion that has fought the likes of Canelo Alvarez and Timothy Bradley. He came over to the UK in the past and gave some big names a few problems there as well. The skills I showed and the way I got him out of there in the end proved that I can operate at the highest level.”
 
“I’m delighted to add rising Lightweight star Gary Cully to the growing Matchroom Boxing team,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “I was hugely impressed with how he dealt with former IBF Lightweight World Champion Miguel Vazquez on our show back in March after so many had previously struggled with him. I’m confident that win is a sign of things to come for one of Ireland’s most talented fighters. The Lightweight division is up there as the most exciting division in boxing and Gary has huge confidence in himself to make his own mark on it. With the backing of Matchroom Gary has all of the tools he needs to achieve his dreams.”
 
You can follow Culley’s journey on Instagram: garycully and Twitter: @BoxerCully

Leigh Wood retained the WBA Featherweight title with a shocking 12th round stoppage over mandatory challenger Michael Conlan in front of a raucous sold out crowd at The Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham, England.

At the end of round one, Conlan uncorked a wild left hand that landed right on the jaw of Wood that sent the hometown champion to the canvas. In round four, Conlan was cut around his left eye.

Conlan was winning most of the rounds as he was getting the better of the exchanges.

In round 11, Wood came back and dropped Conlan with a short left hook. In round 12, Wood stunned Conlan with another left hook, and a follow up flurry knocked Conlan out of the ring, and the fight was stopped at 1:25.

Woodm 125.7 lbs of Nottingham, ENG is 26-2 with 16 knockouts. Conlan, 124.4 lbs of Belfast, NI is 16-1.

Agyarko Decisions Rubio

Caoimhin Agyarko won a 10-round unanimous decision over Juan Carlos Rubio in a middleweight fight.

Agyarko was 130 of 430 punches; Rubio was 59 of 454.

Agyarko, 159.2. lbs of Belfast, NI won by scores of 100-90 twice and 98-92 and is now 11-0. Rubio, 159.3 lbs of Zapopan, MEX is 18-2.

Harper Decisions Abellaneda

Former world champion Terri Harper won a 10-round unanimous decision over Yamila Abellaneda in a lightweight fight.

Harper landed 127 of 357 punches; Abellaneda was 62 of 433.

Harper, 133.25 lbs of Denaby Main, ENG won by scores of 99-91 on all cards and is now 12-1-1. Abellaneda, 134.2 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 13-5-1.

Cully stops Former Champion Vazquez in 5

Gary Cully remained undefeated with a 5th round stoppage over former world champion Miguel Vazquez in a scheduled 10-round lightweight fight.

In round three, Cully dropped Vazquez with a straight left. In round five, Cully dropped Vazquez with another left for the 10-count at 41 seconds.

Cully, 134.4 lbs of Dublin, IRE is 14-0 with eight knockouts. Vazquez, 134.1 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 44-1.

Farias Decisions Sandy Ryan

Former two-division world champion Erica Anabella Farias won an entertaining 10-round split-decision over previously undefeated touted prospect Sandy Ryan in a super lightweight fight.

It was a good back and forth fight with Farias getting the better of most exchanges.

In round seven, Ryan had some blood over her left eye and nose. In round 10, Farias had a point deducted for leading with her head.

Farias, 141.1 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG won by scores of 97-94 and 96-94 with Ryan taking a card 97-93.

Farias is now 27-5. Ryan, 144.5 lbs of Derby, ENG is 3-1.

Nico Leivars made a successful pro debut with a four-round decision over Jose Hernandez in a bantamweight fight.

Leivers, 120.1 lbs of Mansfield, ENG won by a 40-34 score and is 1-0.

Thomas Carty stopped Michal Boloz in round five due to Boloz being cut up over his left eye,

In round two, Boloz began to bleed from the bridge of his nose.

In round five, Boloz had a cut and bad swelling over his left eye. Seconds later, the ringside doctor was called in for a 2nd time and the fight was stopped at 2:27.

Carty, 243.25 lbs of Dublin, IRE is 3-0 with two stoppages. Boloz, 232.25 lbs of Nowy Sacz, POL is 2-4-2.

Thomas Whittaker Hart stopped Ben Thomas inside of a minute of their six-round light heavyweight bout.

Hart landed a left to the body that sent Thomas down for the 10-count at 43 seconds.

Hart, 178.2 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 6-0 with three knockouts.

Lewis Crocker stopped Louis Greene in round seven of a scheduled 10-round welterweight fight in Yorkshire, England.

In round one, Crocker dropped Greene with a left hook.

In round seven, Crocker dropped Greene with a right uppercut that was followed by a left to the body. Crocker finished things with a hard right hand that dropped Greene again, and the fight was stopped at 2:02.

Crocker of Belfast, Northern Ireland is 12-0 with seven knockouts. Greene of Strood, UK is 12-2.

Taylor Decisions Tetley

Liam Taylor scored two knockdowns en-route to a 10-round unanimous decision over Darren Tetley in a welterweight bout.

In round two, Taylor dropped Tetley with a right to the body. The Same occurrence happened in the next round as a body shot put Tetley down again.

Taylor, 147 lba of Middleton, UK won by scores of 96-93 twice and 95-93, and is now 22-1-1. Tetley, 147 lbs of Middleton, UK is 20-1.

McGregor stops Walker in 5

Lee McGregor stopped Ryan Walker in round five of their scheduled 10-round super bantamweight fight.

In round five, McGregor landed a booming right that sent Walker hard to the canvas. Walker got up but the fight was stopped at 16 seconds.

McGregor, 122 lbs of Edinbergh, SCO is 9-0 with seven knockouts. Walker, 122 lbs is 11-2.

Quinn Decisions Chapman

Ferghus Quinn made a successful pro debut with a six-round decision win over Robbie Chapman in a middleweight bout.

Quinn, 163 lbs of Ireland won by a 60-54, and is now 1-0. Chapman, 162 lbs of London is 6-4.

Cully Decisions Woodruff

Gary Cully had to get off the deck to remain undefeated with an eight-round decision over Craig Woodruff in a junior welterweight bout.

In round five, Woodruff landed a perfect right that put Cully on his back. Other then that, Cully dominated the action and won by a 77-75 score.

Cully, 140 lbs of Naas, IRE is now 11-0. Woodruff, 139 lbs of Newport, WAL is 10-6.