Daniel DuBois retained the IBF Heavyweight Title with a stunning fifth round stoppage over former two-time world champion Anthony Joshua in front of 96,000 spectators at Wembley Stadium in London.

Im round one, DuBois foreshadowed of things to come as he landed a perfect right to the jaw that put Joshua down. At the end of round three, DuBois landd a left hand that buckled Joshua bacly into the ropes. DuBois followed up with three more had punches that put Joshua on the deck just before the bell sounded to end the round. In the beginning of round four, DuBois sent Joshua down again when he landed the first right hand of the round that put Joshua down again.

In round five, Dubois landed a perfect right to the jaw that plummeted Joshua on the canvas and the fight was halted at 59 seconds.

DuBois is now 22-2 with 21 knockouts. Joshua is 28-4.

Sheeraz Stops Denny in 2

Hamzah Sheeraz took out Tyler Denny in round two of their 12-round middleweight fight.

In round two, Sheeraz landed a big shot to the temple that put Denny down. Denny got to his feet but the feet was waved off at 2:05

Sheeraz, 196.6 lbs is 21-0 with 17 knockouts. Denny, 159.9 lbs is 19-3.

Buatsi Drops Hutchinson Twice; wins Split Decision and Captures Interim Light Heavy Title

Joshua Buatsi won the WBA Interim Light Heavyweight Title with a 12-round split decision over Willy Hutchinson.

In round five, Buatsi was cut around the right eye from a headbutt. At the end of round six, Buatsi hurt Hutchinson with a hard right that was followed up by a flurry and and then finished off by a right to the body that put Hutchinson on the deck.

Hutchinson had a good round seven, but it was marred by having a point deducted for leading with his head. Later in the round, he was cut over his left eye. In round nine, Buatsi dropped Hutchinson again with a little inside left to the body.

Buatsi landed 264 of 600 punches. Hutchinson was 209 of 556.

Buatsi won by scores of 117-110 and 115-110. A third card was out of wack and gave it to Hutchinson 113-112.

Buatsi, 174.7 lbs of London is now 19-0. Hutchinson, 174.9 lbs of Carstairs, Scotland is 18-2.

Anthony Cacace Decisions Josh Warrington

IBF Super Featherweight champion Anthony Cacace defended his crown in a non-title bout over former featherweight champion Josh Warrington via 12-round unanimous decision.

Cacace landed 127 of 452 punches. Warrington was 107 of 395.

Cacace, 129.8 lbs of Belfast, NI won by scofres of 118-110 and 117-111 twice and is now 23-1. Warrington, 129.8 lbs of Leeds, ENG is 31-4-1.

Josh Kelly Decisions Ishmael Davis

Josh Kelly won a 12-round majority decision over late-replacement Ishmael Davis in a middleweight fight.

Despite being cut over his eft eye in round 11, Kelly won by scores of 115-113, 115-114 and 114-114.

Kelly landed 97 of 331 punches. Davis was 84 of 338.

Kelly, 159.1 lbs of Sunderland, ENG is 16-1-1. Davis, 159.7 lbs of Leeds, ENG is 13-1.

“Conor Benn or a Eubank, get me one of them, 100%.  It might have to be next year, let me heal up.

“They want to box on cards like this, I’ve boxed on this card, let’s make the fight.  I believe I will beat both of them.”

Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing at Wasserman said: “Of course Liam Smith is still a big fight, so is Conor Benn, Chris Eubank and, potentially, Kell Brook.  

“The Conor Benn fight goes back six or seven years.  Kell Brook was talked about a lot before this fight and we had made the Smith fight, before he was forced out.”

Padley Decisions Chamberlain

Big underdog Josh Padley scored a big upset by scoring a 10-round unanimous decision over hot-prospect Mark Chamberlain in a super lightweight bout.

In round three, Chamberlain was cut around the right eye which was caused by an accidental headbutt. In round four, Chamberlain had another cut opened up around the same eye.

In round eight, Chamberlain landed a big uppercut that was followed by a left hook to the jaw that put Chamberlain on the canvas.

Padley landed 85 of 250 punches. Chamberlain was 80 of 351.

Padley, 139.6 lbs of Dorncaster, ENG won by scores of 96-92 twice and 95-93 and is now 15-0. Chamberlain, 139.9 lbs of Portsmouth, ENG is 16-1.

Hamzah Sheeraz announced himself as a legitimate middleweight contender as he destroyed former world title challenger Liam Williams in the opening round of their 12-round fight at The Copper Box Arena in London.

In the opening seconds of the contest, Sheeraz dropped Williams with a left hook. Williams continued to get rocked and then ate a huge right uppercut that put him on the deck for a second time. Sheeraz continued to batter Williams until the corner that was run by former world title challenger Gary Lockett threw in the towel and the fight was over at 2:36

Sheeraz, 159.4 lbs of ilford, ENG is 19-0 with 15 knockouts. Williams, 159 lbs of Wales is 25-5-1.

Former two-time world title challenger Anthony Yarde stopped Marko Nikolic in round three of their 10-round light heavyweight bout.

In round two, Yarde landed a right hand that put Nikolic on the canvas.. Then it was a left hook to the body that put Nikolic on a knee. In round three, Yarde sent Nikolic to the canvas again with a body shot and the fight was stopped at 1:15.

Yarde, 177.7 lbs of Milford, ENG is now 25-3 with 24 knockouts. Nikolic, 179 lbs of Belgrade, SRB is now 32-4.

Sam Noakes kept his perfect knockout record intact with a fourth round stoppage over Lewis Sylvester in a scheduled 12-round lightweight bout.

In round three, Noakes dropped Sylvester with a left hook to the body. Noakes was relentless in dropping him again with a right to the body. In round four, Noakes landed several hard rights to the head and another right to the body put Sylvester down again and the fight was stopped when the towel was thrown in at 2:10

Noakes, 134.3 lbs of Kent, ENG is 13-0 with 13 knockouts. Sylvester, 133.6 lbs of Hull, ENG is 13-1.

Masood Abdullah stopped Qais Ashfaq in round five of their 10-round super featherweight bout.

In round five, Abdullah dropped Ashfaq with an uppercut. Seconds later, Abdullah dropped Ashfaq with a right hook. With the end near, Abdullah went in and dropped Ashfaq for a tried time just as the corner was throwing in the towel at 2:02

Abdullah, 125.7 lbs of London is 10-0 with seven knockouts. Ashfaq, 134 lbs of Yorkshire is 12-3.

Umar Khan remained undefeated with a third-round stoppage over Maicol Velazco in a six-round featherweight bout.

Khan battered Velazco until the fight was stopped ay

Khan, 128 lbs of Elord, ENG is 9-0 with one knockout. Velazco, 129.2 lbs of Italy via Colombia is 10-15.

Billy Adams won a four-round decision over Engel Gomez in a lightweight bout.

Adams, 132 lbs of England won by a 40-36 score and is now 2-0. Gomez, 133 lbs of Slovakia via Nicaragua is 8-24-2.

6’7″ cruiserweight Tommy Fletcher stopped Alvaro Terrero in round three of their eight-round bout.

Fletcher badly bloodied the nose of Terrero and the fight was stopped at 1:20 of round three.

Fltecher, 202.5 lbs of Norfolk, ENG is 7-0 with six knockouts. Terrero, 204.13 lbs of Spain is 5-20-2.

IT IS ALL systems go for this Saturday on TNT Sports with the captivating clash of the middleweights between young contender Hamzah Sheeraz and former world title challenger Liam Williams in the main event at the Copper Box Arena, with the WBC Silver and Commonwealth titles on the line.

Sam Noakes and Lewis Sylvester will go into battle for the British lightweight title, plus we have the return of Anthony Yarde. The fighters gathered today in London for the final press conference and below are a selection of key quotes from the headline fighters.

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WBC Silver & Commonwealth Middleweight Contest 12 x 3 Minute Rounds
Hamzah Sheeraz 159.4lbs
Liam Williams 159lbs

WBC silver International & Commonwealth & vacant British & vacant WBO international Lightweight Championships 12 x 3 Minute Rounds
Sam Noakes 134.6lbs
Lewis Slyvester 133.6lbs

Commonwealth Silver Featherweight Championship 10 x 3 Minute Rounds
Masood Abdullah 125.7lbs
Qais Ashfaq 134.13lbs

International Light-Heaveight Contest 10 x 3 Minute Rounds
Anthony Yarde 177.7lbs
Marko Nikolic 179.6lbs

International Light-Heavyweight Contest 8 x 3 Minute Rounds
Karol Itauma 181.12lbs
Eros Seghetti 182.13lbs

International Cruiserweight Contest 6  x 3 Minute Rounds
Tommy Fletcher 202.5lbs
Alvaro Terrero 204.13lbs

International Cruiserweight Contest 6  x 3 Minute Rounds
Aloys Junior 204.6lbs
Miloslav Savic  To Weigh-in Tomorrow

International Featherweight Contest 6  x 3 Minute Rounds
Umar Khan 128lbs
Maicol Velazco 129.2lbs

International Lightweight Contest 4 x 3 Minute Rounds
Billy Adams 132.5lbs
Engel Gomez 133.9lbs

International Super-Featherweight Contest 4  x 3 Minute Rounds
Charlie Hickford – 127.4lbs
Yin Caicedo – 126.7lbs

International Middleweight Contest 4  x 3 Minute Rounds
Sam King – 160lbs
Bartos Glowacki – 159.13lbs

IT IS ALL systems go for this Saturday on TNT Sports with the captivating clash of the middleweights between young contender Hamzah Sheeraz and former world title challenger Liam Williams in the main event at the Copper Box Arena, with the WBC Silver and Commonwealth titles on the line.

Sam Noakes and Lewis Sylvester will go into battle for the British lightweight title, plus we have the return of Anthony Yarde. The fighters gathered today in London for the final press conference and below are a selection of key quotes from the headline fighters.

Liam Williams
“Camp has gone really, really well and I’ve trained my nuts off! I am ready and, if I’m not ready now, I never will be. I feel like I’ve turned back the clock a little bit and I’ve got that killer instinct back. I’ve been digging in and putting the work in because I want to be the best. I’m ready.

“He did ruin my Christmas a little bit. I was hoping for the fight in December and then have a bit of a chill out for a couple of weeks, but it didn’t do me any harm and I stayed fit over Christmas. If anything, it has made me better for this fight now. I still had a little runout.

“This the real one and where we want to be now. I don’t know why they have picked me and I think it is a bad mistake. They are bringing me in to get beat by this guy. He’s very good, he’s talented, big for the weight and the list goes on, really. I don’t think I am the right one for the job and you have brought in the wrong guy.

“I would have done exactly the same to every person he’s knocked out and that is no disrespect because he can only beat whoever is put in front of him. No, it is not a padded record, he’s had a couple of good wins, but I don’t think he has been in with someone yet who has really tested him and stuck it on him.

“On Saturday night we are going to see how he holds up to that.”

Hamzah Sheeraz
“I am just looking forward to it, I’ve put in the work and I don’t really have much to say. Saturday night, let’s go. He has always looked dangerous, to be fair, he’s got a lot of knockouts and the respect is there. I’d be a fool not to.

“In terms of this camp, I have prepared for the best version of him come Saturday night. In my head the best version still exists and, if I didn’t think otherwise, I wouldn’t have prepared like I have.

“It is my time to shine now. I know you hear that all the time, but if I win on Saturday in good fashion there are big things for me in 2024.

“I’d like to think he can take me into the second half of the fight because there needs to be a point in your career when you go past certain rounds to answer questions and whatnot. If that doesn’t happen I won’t be complaining.

“The ideal night is a Hamzah Sheeraz win, it all depends on that. For me to achieve my dreams and make people proud, I have to put on a performance. A stoppage is the plan and I don’t see why I can’t do it. The way I work and my mentality is elite level. I am rubbing shoulders with great champions in LA and only learning off them.”

HAMZAH SHEERAZ IS hoping that, should he overcome Liam Williams in his biggest fight to date at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday, the marquee middleweight names on the British scene will accept an invitation to take him on.

The undefeated Sheeraz goes up against the two-weight former British champion and world title challenger Williams with his WBC Silver and Commonwealth championship belts on the line.

In the event of victory in London, Sheeraz aims to be rewarded for his sterling progression in the division with a blockbuster 2024 featuring fights against established names like Chris Eubank Jr or Liam Smith, along with the hugely popular British champion Nathan Heaney.

First of all, however, Sheeraz is fully aware that he has serious business to attend to on Saturday.

“I’m not and won’t look past Liam Williams as he is the priority,” said the Ilford 160-pounder. “I will sit down with my team and God willing I will know after Saturday’s performance that there is big names in the division for me to fight.

“Eubank Jr, Liam Smith or the British champion Nathan Heaney, that is the goal for me and, after Saturday night, everyone is going to see that I’m ready for those fights, inshallah.”

Tune in for Fight Night Live from the Copper Box Arena on Saturday from 7pm on TNT Sports 1.

SAM NOAKES WILL fight English champion Lewis Sylvester at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday 10 February in the chief support to the mighty middleweight clash between Hamzah Sheeraz and Liam Williams, live on TNT Sports.

The Commonwealth and WBC International Silver belts currently owned by the 12-0 (12 KOs) Noakes will be on the line against the undefeated 13-0 (4 KOs) man from Hull.

Two-time World title challenger Anthony Yarde (24-3, 23) will return to action over 10 rounds at light heavyweight ahead of major title challenges in 2024.

The recently crowned Commonwealth Silver featherweight champion Masood Abdulah (9-0, 6) will make a first defence of his belt against the 2016 Olympian Qais Ashfaq (12-2, 5).

Sylvester, 25, won the vacant English title when he defeated the previously unbeaten Adam Cope in Sheffield via a unanimous verdict last July, before making a blistering first defence against Jimmy First in October when he took just over two minutes to complete the job.

Noakes has been on the title trail since the end of 2021 when he stopped Shaun Cooper for his WBC honour, before adding the Commonwealth to his cabinet with a fourth-round stoppage of Calvin McCord in November 2022. The charismatic Maidstone man extended his knockout run to 12 in December when Carlos Perez was accounted for in the fourth round at York Hall.

Islington’s Abdulah defeated Marc Leach in October to win his maiden title as a professional and he goes up against Leeds man Ashfaq, who dropped a split decision in challenge for the British super featherweight title against Liam Dillon in July

Also featuring at the Copper Box will be the WBC International super lightweight champion Pierce O’Leary (13-0, 7) making a third defence of his belt. While light heavyweight Karol Itauma (10-1, 7) continues his journey over eight rounds.

Cruiserweights Tommy Fletcher (5-0, 4) and Aloys Jr (5-1, 5), as well as welterweight Khalid Ali (7-0, 3) and featherweight Umar Khan (8-0) will fight over six rounds, with 1-0 newcomers Sam King (middleweight), Billy Adams (lightweight) and Charlie Hickford (super featherweight) having their second four round encounters.

“We are in for a busy night at the Copper Box in our first show of the year on February 10,” said promoter Frank Warren. “The main event speaks for itself, and I believe Hamzah Sheeraz and Liam Williams will deliver a captivating spectacle.

“The time has come for Sam Noakes to stake his claim at the top of the domestic scene, and we should be in for a cracking fight when he goes up against the undefeated English champion Lewis Sylvester, who will view this as his gateway to more big nights on a TV platform.

“The undercard is stacked, and fans can look forward to Anthony Yarde getting back into business in a 10-rounder before he returns to major title action a little further down the line. Pierce O’Leary and Masood Abdulah can also stake their claim to be part of headline fights over the course of this year.

“Our top prospects are also on parade, and I am particularly looking forward to seeing the rivalry between our knockout pair of cruiserweights, Tommy Fletcher and Aloys Jr, develop as they seek to out-do each other before, one day, they get to do it for real.”

Tickets for Sheeraz vs Williams on 10 February 2024 at the Copper Box Arena are on sale now available from ticketmaster.co.uk.

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Copper Box Arena, managed by GLL, a charitable social enterprise and worker-owned cooperative, operating under the community-brand, Better.

THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED middleweight collision between Hamzah Sheeraz and Liam Williams has got a new date and will take place on Saturday 10 February at London’s Copper Box Arena, live on TNT Sports.

Tickets for Sheeraz vs Williams are on sale at 12pm tomorrow (Friday 15 December) available from ticketmaster.co.uk.

The fight between the undefeated Sheeraz and former world title challenger Williams was originally set to go ahead in early December before Sheeraz suffered a perforated eardrum in training that forced the fight into 2024.

Now the fiercest test of the Ilford man’s professional career to date is back on and Sheeraz is already hard at work preparing over in Los Angeles, where he has been for the last week, with trainer Ricky Funez at the Ten Goose Boxing Gym.

During the recovery period of Sheeraz, Williams, 31, reminded us all that he has lost none of his old menaces by making more or less a minute’s work of Florin Cardos at York Hall at the end of November.

With a new date now booked in, festive celebrations for both men are now firmly put on hold.

“I am back in the flow of things now, grafting away,” reported 24-year-old Sheeraz. “Like I said last time, I think this is the perfect fight for me and it is not one that I can really take lightly. Hopefully, God willing, it will be a good camp and come February 10 I will get the job done in a good fashion and I will be a name that the middleweights start calling out and wanting to fight.

“Festivities are cancelled for me this year. Normally we do a little dinner and whatnot together with all the family because it is an excuse to do so. This will be the first time in my whole boxing career that I will have to grind through it. Sacrifice is nothing new to me and it is what you have to do to get to the top and go that extra mile to make it happen.”

To have a fight date confirmed, one that can reboot his middleweight prospects, Welshman Williams is happy to ditch the Christmas trimmings, even though with two children, he knows temptation will not be completely removed from his household.

“I am over the moon now the fight has been rescheduled,” said the KO-artist from Clydach Vale. “It is obviously not the best time with Christmas just around the corner now. With having kids it is going to be a little bit more difficult and there is gonna be a lot of food hanging about the house!

“There is obviously a lot on the line for me. It is a big opportunity with the belt we are fighting for and, realistically, I need to win if I want to get back onto that world title stage.”

Promoter Frank Warren added: “I really believe we are in for something very special at the Copper Box on February 10. It will be a classic collision of youth versus experience, a young fighter on the up against one looking to prove he still belongs.

“It provides a cracking fight to kick us off in 2024 a week before we head over to Riyadh for the big undisputed heavyweight fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.

“I believe Hamzah is destined to reach the very top, but he will be tested like never before against Liam. This is a fight not to be missed.”

Tickets for Sheeraz vs Williams on 10 February 2024 at the Copper Box Arena, Stratford go on sale at 12pm tomorrow (Friday 15 December) available from ticketmaster.co.uk.

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Copper Box Arena, managed by GLL, a charitable social enterprise and worker-owned cooperative, operating under the community-brand, Better.

THE QUEENSBERRY NEWCOMER Gavin Gwynne will fight for the vacant European lightweight championship at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday December 2 in support of the big middleweight showdown between Hamzah Sheeraz and Liam Williams, live on TNT Sports. 

Tickets for Sheeraz vs Williams on Saturday, 2 December at the Copper Box are on sale now available from: ticketmaster.co.uk.

Gwynne (16-2-1, 4) will take on the veteran unbeaten Italian Emiliano Marsili (42-0-1, 16) for the EBU title following his signing of a multi-fight promotional deal with Frank Warren and Queensberry.

The 33-year-old, who joined the professional ranks in 2016 and became Welsh champion just over 12 months later, became holder of the Lonsdale belt in April 2022 following victory over Luke Willis before twice defending against fellow Welshman Craig Woodruff, with the first meeting scored a draw.

A pivotal fight for the Merthyr Tydfil-born star came when he upset the odds to defeat home fighter Sean McComb in February 2021, overwhelming the Irishman into a seventh round retirement to win the Commonwealth title. This followed unsuccessful challenges for the British title against Joe Cordina and James Tennyson.

Marsili, the 47-year-old southpaw, first won the vacant European title back in 2013 via a second round stoppage of the previously unbeaten Luca Giacon and subsequently made four successful defences of the belt. He won the vacant title back in 2022 with a points success over Frank Urquiaga and last fought in December of last year, recording a second round stoppage.

In 2012, Marsili travelled to the Liverpool Olympia and stopped home favourite Derry Mathews in the seventh round to win the IBO world lightweight title.

Also at lightweight, knockout artist Sam Noakes (11-0, 11) will defend his WBC International Silver title at the Copper Box, with his iBox Gym teammate Pierce O’Leary (13-0, 7) making a defence of his WBC International super lightweight championship belt.

Raven Chapman (7-0, 2) is scheduled to make a third defence of her WBC International featherweight title.

Cruiserweight talent Oronzo Birardi (6-0, 5) from Mainz in Germany will fight over eight rounds, with super lightweight Sonny Liston Ali (6-0) and Featherweight Umar Khan (7-0) in action over six.

“This is another bumper card for the fans following up on the Magnificent 7 show up in Manchester a couple of weeks before,” said promoter Frank Warren.

“It is a strong line-up of fights with a couple still to be added and I am delighted to welcome Gavin Gwynne to our ranks and get him going with a fully deserved European title shot against remarkable opponent in Emiliano Marsili, who is undefeated at the age of 47 after 43 fights at a high level.

“Our iBox Gym brigade is out in force with Sam Noakes and Pierce O’Leary all set for big fights, plus Raven Chapman with a defence of her WBC belt ahead of very significant fights next year.”

Tickets for Sheeraz vs Williams on Saturday, 2 December at the Copper Box are on sale now available from: ticketmaster.co.uk.

UNDEFEATED MIDDLEWEIGHT STAR, Hamzah Sheeraz, will face the most severe test of his career to date when he takes on former world title challenger Liam Williams at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday, 2 December, live on TNT Sports.

Tickets for Sheeraz vs Williams go on sale at 12pm on Tuesday, 10 October available from: ticketmaster.co.uk

Sheeraz (18-0, 4 KOs), the WBC Silver champion, comes into the fight off the back of two hugely impressive quick stoppages over River Wilson-Bent and Dmytro Mytrofanov, who were both brutally dispatched in the second round.

The 26-year-old is making a third defence of his WBC belt and a second defence of the Commonwealth title he won against Wilson-Bent.

Welshman Williams (24-4-1, 19) returned to winning ways in November with a quick-fire victory over Nizar Trimech at York Hall after being on the wrong end of two 12 round points decisions against then middleweight world champion Demetrius Andrade and Chris Eubank jr.

Prior to his Andrade encounter, the 31-year-old became a two-weight British champion and embarked on a run of wins at middleweight that saw him win the WBC Silver and WBO Intercontinental titles in a five-fight reign of terror that resulted in as many showreel stoppages.

Sheeraz believes success against a fighter of the calibre and profile of Williams will serve to raise his own stock in British fight fan circles.

“It is definitely a great fight and a great fight for me at this stage of my career,” he reasoned. “Obviously, for him, it is a comeback fight and if he were to beat me, he would be back on the scene again, but this is a fight I feel I am more than ready for.

“It is something I almost need to get the attention of the British public. He has fought for world titles, and it is definitely my hardest fight to date, but it is a challenge I am relishing, and I know what I can do.

“I’ve just got to go in there and do what I do best. People have got to remember though, that he is a dangerous fighter with a lot to prove and he will come in hungry. I’ve got to prepare for the best version of Liam Williams.”

‘The Machine’ Williams is looking forward to getting back into championship contention on his previous stage.

“I am excited to be back on TNT Sports,” he said. “It is a really great platform, and I am excited for the fight. I think it is one all the people want to see, and I saw that fans are getting excited about it after one or two things leaked out on social media.

“People seem to be loving the idea of this fight already. Hamzah is a very good fighter and is obviously very tall and rangy, he can punch a bit and, overall, it will be a good challenge and one that I am really up for.

“I cannot wait for December, so bring it on!”

Promoter Frank Warren added: “This has got all the makings of a middleweight classic. We know all about Liam from working with him for a large part of his career and he always delivers the goods, entertainment-wise, plus he is a ferocious competitor.

“Making this fight for Hamzah shows the confidence we have in him and how impressed we have been with his development as a middleweight force.

“This will be his toughest fight, no question about it. Liam has operated at the top level and, should Hamzah overcome him, he will be ready to take the step up himself.

“Most of all, I am sure it will be a thrilling fight from start to finish.”

Tickets for Sheeraz vs Williams on Saturday, 2 December at the Copper Box go on sale at 12pm on Tuesday, 10 October available from: ticketmaster.co.uk

John Ryder captured the WBO Interim Super Middleweight Title via stoppage after round four when previously undefeated Zach Parker could not continue due to an injured right hand at The 02 Arena in London.

It was a close fight until Parker bowed out of the fight.

Ryder will not head the short list for a possible May fight with Canelo Alvarez and is now 32-3 with 18 knockouts. Parker is 22-1.

Hamzah Sheeraz stopped River Wilson-Bent in round two of their 12-round middleweight bout.

Sheeraz was dominant from the opening bell ny rocking him several times. At the end of round two, the pressure finally undid Wilson-Bent and a right hand put him down and the fight was stopped at 2:55.

Sheeraz, 159 lbs of London is 16-0 with 13 knockouts. Wilson-Bent, 159.7 lbs is 13-2-1.

“Zach started well, got behind the job well and was peppering me a bit there,” reacted Ryder afterwards. “I felt like the tide might be starting to turn and I was getting more on top, but these things happen in boxing. It is a bad injury for him and it feels like half a robbery victory for me.”

“Obviously I am absolutely gutted,” added Parker. “It was at the start of the round, I hit him with an uppercut and you can see from my hand that it is out now. He is obviously a good lad who will go on and do good things in boxing and I will come back stronger.

“I was warming into the fight and it was becoming a good fight. When the injury happened at the start of that last round I kept having to move because every time I jabbed him it was hurting and clicking.”

Noakes Stops McCord in 4

Sam Noakes stopped Calvin McCord in round four of a 12-round lightweight fight.

In round Noakes dropped McCord with a right to the body. Noakes dropped McCord again with a hard right hand. Noakes finished things when he sent McCord to a knee with another hard right to the body at 2:14.

Noakes, 1234.5 lbs of Kent, ENG is 10-o with 10 knockouts. McCord, 135 lbs of Scotland is 12-1.

McCann Stops Ham in 8

Dennis McCann stopped a gritty Joe Ham in round eight of their 12-round super bantamweight bout.

In round five, Ham began to bleed from his nose.

In round eight, McCann unleashed a series of flurries and the bout was stopped at 2:28.

McCann, 121.4 lbs of Kent, ENG is 14-0 with eight knockouts. Ham, 121.5 lbs of Glasgow, SCO is 17-4.

O’Leary Decisions Mungandjela

Pierce O’Leary won a 10-round unanimous decision over Emmanuel Mungandjela in a super lightweight bout.

In round one, O’Leary dropped Mungandjela with a perfect counter uppercut. At the end of round five, dropped Mungandjela with a right uppercut followed by a vicious left hook.

O’Leary, 139.5 lbs of Dublin, IRE won by scores of 99-90, 99-89 and 96-92 and is now 12-0. Mungandjela, 139.9 lbs of Namibia is 16-4-1.

Tommy Fletcher took out Jiri Krejci in the opening round of their four-round cruiserweight bout.

In the opening round, Fletcher landed a nasty left uppercut to the chin that put Krejci down and completely put at 2:!9. Krejci needed medical attention, but was able to leave the ring on his own power.

Fletcher, 201 lbs of Norfolk, ENG is 3-0 with three knockouts. Krejci, 197.8 lbs of CZE is 1-3-2.

HAMZAH SHEERAZ WILL bid to add the Commonwealth middleweight title to his WBC Silver belt when he takes on the highly-rated River Wilson-Bent at the 02 Arena on November 26, live on BT Sport.

Zach Parker vs John Ryder tops the bill at the popular Greenwich venue, with Dennis McCann (against Joe Ham) and Sam Noakes (against Calvin McCord) also fighting for Commonwealth titles on the night at super bantamweight and lightweight respectively, while Pierce O’Leary takes on Emmanuel Mungandjela with the WBC International super lightweight title at stake.

Along with the Commonwealth title, Sheeraz (16-0, 12 KOs), 23, will be making a first defence of his WBC Silver title he won last time out by defeating Francisco Emanuel Torres via a fifth round stoppage. He previously won the WBC International Silver title with a defeat of Jez Smith and is a former holder of the WBO European title at super welterweight.

Wilson-Bent (13-1-1, 6) enjoyed a perfect run in the professional ranks until coming up against forthcoming British title challenger Tyler Denny. Their first encounter in November of last year ended up as a draw on the scorecards following an epic English title battle, before Denny prevailed in the rematch via a split decision.

The 28-year-old has previously won and defended the Midlands Area title against unbeaten opponents in Troy Coleman and George Farrell and recently returned to winning ways with a fifth round stoppage of Ben Thomas.

Promoter Frank Warren commented: “This is going to be some night of boxing! We’ve now got four major domestic title fights on the bill, with all of them near enough even-money. This is a show tailor-made for British fight fans.

“We explored a number of options when it came to choosing an opponent for Hamzah. He is still pretty new to the weight division, with having just two fights at 160lbs, so we determined that a tough domestic test will serve him best at this stage.

“River has fought on one of our Birmingham shows previously, so we know his quality and also know that he will view this as a breakthrough opportunity and will give it his absolute everything.

“This is the sort of examination Hamzah needs and I feel certain it will be a competitive and entertaining fight on what is already an exciting card. Having the Commonwealth title on the line is a big bonus and the winner will be firmly in line for a shot at the British title.”

Tickets for Zach Parker vs John Ryder for the WBO Interim Super-Middleweight Championship at The O2 are on sale now, available from axs.com.

Zach Parker vs John Ryder for the WBO Interim world super middleweight championship headlines a huge bill at the 02 Arena on November 26, live on BT Sport.

The bill also features Dennis McCann (13-0, 7) who faces Joe Ham (17-3, 6) for the vacant Commonwealth super-bantamweight belt, while lightweight Sam Noakes (9-0, 9) takes on the unbeaten Scot Calvin McCord (11-0, 2) in a defence of his WBC International Silver championship.

Noake’s gym mate, Pierce O’Leary (10-0, 6), fights for the vacant WBC International super lightweight championship against the Namibian Emmanuelo Mungandjela (16-3-1, 7).

Thetford cruiserweight Tommy Fletcher (2-0, 2), Bexley welterweight Micky Burke jr (7-0, 3) and Upminster super lightweight Sonny Liston Ali (4-0) also appear on the card.

Images are free to use, where possible please credit: Queensberry

THE PRESS CONFERENCE for Saturday night’s bumper show at the Copper Box Arena took place this afternoon at the BT Sport studios, just a stone’s throw from the venue, and the headline fighters joined promoter Frank Warren to exchange some final messages ahead of the weigh-in on Friday.

Frank was flanked by top of the bill fighters Hamzah Sheeraz and Francisco Torres, who fight for the WBC Silver middleweight title, plus Lennox Clark and Mark Heffron, who are set to do battle for the British, Commonwealth and IBF Intercontinental titles.

Earlier, Frank introduced new signing Pierce O’Leary, along with Dennis McCann and James Beech jr, who fight for the vacant WBC International Silver featherweight title, plus WBC Silver featherweight champion Nick Ball, who defends against Nathanael Kakololo.

All the photos from today’s press conference can be downloaded here.
Photos are free to use, please credit Queensberry Promotions where possible.

A selection of quotes from the media event can be found below:

Frank Warren
“Lennox against Mark will be a war and they are two fighters who, when they get in the ring, they give it their all, they really do. I think this is going to be a bit of a cracker. It is one of those fights where the winner will go on, it won’t be the end for the loser, but the winner will move on quickly. It is about making a statement on the night, they have both got great win-rates and, with the experience they have got between them, this is going to be something a little bit special. It will be a real cracker.

“The boxing writers say Hamzah is the best young boxer of the year and now in this fight he can move from being a prospect to another level. In Francisco he has got a tough Argentinean and they are tough guys who come to fight. I think we will get a good yardstick to see how far he’s come in his career. For me he has done everything absolutely right, he is a credit to boxing and the sport and he is a consummate professional. He invests in himself and his future and I genuinely feel he is one of the best young prospects in the country and I hope, after this weekend, that everybody looks at him as a guy who can win a world title. I believe he is capable of doing it.”

Hamzah Sheeraz
“I am feeling great, camp has been great and I am in good spirits fighting at 160, my second fight at it and we have got a good opponent in front of us and we are ready to go. Me and my team got back in the gym after the Bradley Skeete fight and went back to basics. Then we made it happen and made it happen quite easily in my next fight against Jez Smith, but that is all past me now. I’ve got Francisco on Saturday night and I am looking forward to getting in there with somebody who will ask me a few questions and test me in certain ways. There is nothing we are not prepared for. He can do whatever he wants, he can come forward, box on the back foot, he can fly for all I care. Me and my team have prepared to the best of my ability and done everything in my power to make sure that on Saturday night I put on a performance, not just for myself, but because of me headlining for the first time. I’ve definitely got to come and put on a show.”

Francisco Torres
“I am very happy to be here and I am very ready for this fight. I am a boxer and this is my shot at the title, so that is why I accepted the fight. I am convinced that I won the fight against Jose Benevidez that the judges scored a draw, so now we have to dance for something new. Hamzah is a very good fighter and I am very happy to have him as an opponent.”

Mark Heffron
“I’d like to say a massive thank you to Frank for this massive opportunity and I am really looking forward to it. I’ve said it time and time again, I think Lennox is a very good fighter and, coming from his background as an unlicensed fighter, he has done really good to win the British and Commonwealth. I rank him right up with Denzel Bentley and Liam Williams and I think he is a big, strong fighter. He will bring the best out of me. It is definitely now or never but I feel like I am more than ready for this opportunity and on Saturday night we will see. Joe Gallagher has been working me extra hard and has got me 110% ready with big, strong sparring partners brought in. When I land I will definitely hurt him.”

Lennox Clarke
“I’ve been out, unluckily, with injury but I am back now fit and ready to go. I’ve prepared very well and very hard for 12 rounds and I am looking forward to Saturday night. I am coming into this fight as a challenger to relaunch myself and get right back in there. Mark is a good, tough fighter and I believe our fight has got the makings of a fight of the year. I’ve got the beating of him, I am fit, I’m strong and I am starving for success and want to get back on track. I am going to give it my all and I believe me at 110% smokes Mark Heffron. You are touching down there on Joe Gallagher, but he has had more coaches than anyone in boxing so there is going to be no gain there.”

Dennis McCann
“Listen, I am ready to rock. Give me a couple of packets of Haribos and I will fight right now. I’ve been training very hard for the last 16 weeks and rounds is not an issue for me at all. I’ve done 200 rounds of sparring against world champions, European champions and I have been putting all my sparring partners over. Not even on purpose and with 14-16oz gloves on. Saturday night will be the best you have ever seen Dennis McCann. I am very, very confident that I will put him over on Saturday. There are levels to this game and I believe I will definitely be a future world champion and he is in my way right now. He has won a few Area titles, but if he brings them with him on Saturday I will call the police and get him arrested. He can’t be bringing them out.”

James Beech jr
“I’ve just got to be better than I was against Brad Foster and Chris Bourke and then just do what I do. Dennis is a good lad, I don’t think he is as good as the hype he’s had around him, but I’ve just got to do what I do. For this one I have trained harder than ever before and I’ve got the experience from those two fights that I will be taking into this one. This is Dennis’ step up and he has never done the 10 rounds before so I’ve got to take him into the deep waters. I don’t think the hype around him is justified, not after his last two or three fights. He has got a big step up this Saturday and I think he will be found out. I’ve got to bully the bully and that is what I’ll be doing. I will hit him back for a start, I ain’t no flyweight who is coming up and fat, I am coming down in weight and I will be bigger than him.”

Nick Ball
“I am feeling good and thanks to Frank for getting me back out so soon. I am ready to go now and can’t wait. It has all been good and I’ve been getting a load of attention and new supporters, but life hasn’t changed for me and I will stay with the hard work and being focused. I will push on for bigger and better things now. I don’t want to look at him on YouTube, I want to look at him in real life and I will find out everything about him on Saturday night. I’ve got nothing really to say to him. No talking and all action, as always.”

Nathanael Kakololo
“I am feeling good and I am feeling at home. I used to see him fight and I have seen him struggling but, for me, he is a good customer for me. He is a small boy and I just want to tell him that every champion was once a contender. I hung up my WBA African belt at home and I have come to challenge for the WBC. I am here to win and become WBC champion. Champions stay ready and I am ready for him. I am ready for anything at any time.”

Pierce O’Leary
“I am feeling great, this is a massive opportunity for me so I am taking it all in. It is fantastic to see all the cameras here and this is something I have never done before. I am really loving it. My knockouts before haven’t been on BT Sport so nobody has seen them, but on Saturday night everyone will be able to see it all around the world. I am a nine-times national champion who has fought all over Europe and I am here to win titles and it is only a matter of time now. I do believe I will become a world champion in multiple weight classes.”

NEW MIDDLEWEIGHT STAR Hamzah Sheeraz is set to record another career first on July 16 when he tops the bill for the first time at the Copper Box Arena, where he takes on Francisco Emanuel Torres, live on BT Sport.

Sheeraz, just 23, introduced himself to the middleweight division back in March with a resounding defeat of the usually highly competitive Jez Smith, who lasted just 38 seconds into the second round.

The Ilford man, who picked up the WBC International Silver title for his triumph, is being rewarded for his rapid progression with the headline spot at the Copper Box against an in-form Argentinean fighting for the vacant WBC Silver title.

“It is an amazing feeling, it almost feels like I am at that next step of my career, slightly finishing off being a prospect and starting to be somebody who gets recognised seriously in the 160lbs division throughout boxing,” considered Sheeraz, who prepares for fights in the sunshine of Los Angeles.

“Hopefully, with main eventing, I can make a statement and get my name out there.”

Torres, who is unbeaten in 10 dating back to early 2018, achieved a notable result last time out when he shared the spoils with the highly rated world title challenger Jose Benavidez Jr in Phoenix.

“Yeah, listen, he has a draw with Benavidez and has beaten some top fighters. I am looking forward to it and he is coming to win. His confidence is going to be through the roof with a draw with Benavidez and he will bring his A-game.

“I will be bringing mine and hopefully I will be too much for him on the night.”

Hamzah Sheeraz fights for the vacant WBC Silver middleweight title against Francisco Emanuel Torres on July 2 at London’s Copper Box Arena. The British, Commonwealth and IBF European super middleweight titles will be on the line when Lennox Clarke and Mark Heffron meet in what should be a blockbuster battle between two big punchers.

A recent star at Wembley Stadium, Nick Ball will make a defence of his WBC Silver featherweight title, while Dennis McCann fights for the vacant WBC International Silver featherweight title against James Beech jr.

New Frank Warren signing Pierce O’Leary will fight for the vacant WBC Youth super lightweight championship, with other fights on a bumper card featuring super featherweight Ryan Garner, light heavyweight Karol Itauma, super bantamweights Masood Abdulah and Umar Khan, welterweights Khalid Ali and Sean Noakes and super lightweight Sonny Liston Ali.

Tickets for the show at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday, 16 July are on sale now priced from £55 and are availible from SeeTickets.com.

Images are free to use, please credit Queensberry Promotions where possible.

YOUNG BOXER OF the year Hamzah Sheeraz returns to the ring on July 16 at London’s Copper Box Arena on a night that includes a British title double featuring both Lennox Clarke and Nick Ball, live on BT Sport.

Sheeraz (15-0, 11 KOs) continues his quest at middleweight with a defence of his WBC International Silver title – won last time out via defeat of Jez Smith – against the Argentinean Francisco Emmanuel Torres (17-3-1, 5 KOs) over 10 rounds.

Birmingham’s Lennox Clarke (20-1-1, 8 KOs) makes a first defence of his British and Commonwealth middleweight titles against another big banger in Oldham’s Mark Heffron (27-2-1, 21 KOs) in what is certain to be a mighty collision, with the IBF Intercontinental championship belt also on the line.

Liverpool’s new star Nick Ball (15-0, 8 KOs) is bidding to add the British and Commonwealth featherweight belts to the WBC Silver title he won defeating Isaac Lowe at Wembley Stadium by taking on the unbeaten Scottish talent Nathaniel Collins (11-0, 5 KOs).

The exceptional young bantamweight star Dennis McCann (12-0, 6 KOs) makes the jump up to featherweight in a fight over 10 rounds for the vacant WBC International Silver title against James Beech jr (14-2, 2 KOs), a two-time British title challenger at super bantamweight.

Southampton snapper Ryan ‘The Piranha’ Garner (11-0, 6 KOs) is back in an eight-round fight against the Mexican Christian Lopez Torres (13-18-2, 11 KOs) ahead of a likely title challenge next time out, with new Queensberry recruit Pierce O’Leary (9-0, 5 KOs) from Dublin fighting over eight at super lightweight.

The stacked card also features young light heavyweight star Karol Itauma (7-0, 5 KOs) in his eighth professional assignment over six rounds, with rising super featherweight Masood Abdulah (4-0, 4 KOs) appearing over the same distance.

Super bantamweight Umar Khan (3-0) and super lightweight Sonny Liston Ali (3-0) will compete in six-round contests, with welterweights Khalid Ali (2-0, 1 KO) and Sean Noakes (1-0) appearing in four-rounders.

“This really is going to be an explosive night of boxing at the Copper Box,” said promoter Frank Warren. “The Boxing Writers’ Young Boxer of the Year Hamzah Sheeraz rightly gets to top the bill in his second fight at middleweight against an in-form Francisco Torres, who is unbeaten in his last 10 and fought at a good level. It is an ideal international test for Hamzah in a defence of his title.

“It doesn’t get much better than the two British title fights we are delivering. Lennox Clarke v Mark Heffron has got war written all over it and neither man is fond of taking a backward step and both carry huge power.

“Nick Ball is now a big noise in the featherweight division and he gets to fight for the British and Commonwealth titles against the highly-rated Nathaniel Collins, who has been attracting rave reviews for his recent performances. If Nick can add these two belts to his WBC Silver title he will not be far away from world title contention.

“Dennis McCann is another now taking significant steps forward and ‘The Menace’ is ready to jump up to featherweight and take on a real challenge in James Beech jr for the WBC International Silver belt.

“Ryan Garner is also on the cusp of fighting for titles and he will be looking to impress and show that he will be our super featherweight force, while I am also delighted to welcome another young fighter who means business in the formidable super lightweight Pierce O’Leary.”

Tickets for the show at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday, 16 July are priced from £55 and go on sale at 11am tomorrow (Tuesday, 31 May) from SeeTickets.com.

HAMZAH SHEERAZ WAS honoured by the Boxing Writers’ Club with the prestigious Young Boxer of the Year award this evening in London.

The 22-year-old achievements were acknowledged at the 69th annual dinner at the Savoy Hotel.

Middleweight Hamzah, 15-0 (11 KOs), is the current holder of the WBC International Silver title following his defeat of Jez Smith at Wembley in March, with him previously having won the WBO European title and defended on four occasions at super welterweight.

“I am delighted to see Hamzah following in the footsteps of Daniel Dubois in winning the Young Boxer of the Year award, voted for by the boxing writers,” said promoter Frank Warren.

“It is a coveted honour that has been won by many greats of the past and, if Hamzah fulfils his huge potential, he will rightly belong in such company.

“Hamzah is totally devoted to his craft and him taking himself off to the United States to improve speaks volumes for his dedication. I genuinely believe he is a future world champion at middleweight.”

The other young boxers shortlisted for the award were Adam Azim, Mark Chamberlain, Zak Chelli, John Docherty, Johnny Fisher, Brad Foster, Mark Jeffers, Dennis McCann, Sam Noakes, Hopey Price, Brad Rea and Ellie Scotney.

European welterweight champion David Avanesyan made an emphatic statement in a stunning fifth defence of his EBU belt at the OVO Arena, Wembley on Saturday night.

His previously unbeaten opponent Oskari Metz had no answers once Avanesyan got to work and the Finn never recovered from a brutal knockdown and was finally saved from himself by the referee with just two minutes on the clock.

The champion, 24-4-1, will now await a ruling from the WBC – where he is ranked No.2 – over his passage to a shot at the champion Errol Spence jr.

In the co-main event, Hamzah Sheeraz was also making statements and putting down a marker in a new division as he secured the WBC International Silver title with a second round knockout of Jez Smith.

Smith promised to bring the heat but was brutally picked off by the unbeaten Sheeraz, now 15-0 (11 KOs).

A sweet left hook planted Smith on the canvas in round one as Sheeraz asserted authority in his first fight at middleweight. He was down again at the beginning of the second and failed to beat the count just as his trainer Josh Burnham rightly threw in the towel.

Royston Barney-Smith delivered a sparkling performance on debut against Adan Martinez, who was rocked on a number occasions across the first two rounds by the accuracy of Barney-Smith’s punches.

The 18-year-old former two-time European champion as an amateur showed more than enough to suggest he will be one to watch as he progresses through the ranks. He punches clean and hard, doesn’t waste shots and employs plenty of variety in his work.

Martinez was a stubborn and ideal opponent who seemed to view getting through the four rounds as a personal triumph. Referee Lee Every scored the fight 40-36 and Royston Barney-Smith is up and running.

Sam Noakes defended his WBC International Silver lightweight title with a ninth straight stoppage to edge closer to his goal of a perfect 10.

After three one-sided rounds the Italian Vincenzo Finiello was plonked to the canvas in the fourth by a peach of an uppercut that Finiello failed to recover from. Mark Lyson waved it off after 1min 54secs of the round.

Dennis McCann collected the first belt of his professional career by winning the WBO World Youth bantamweight title after defeating Charles Tondo over eight tough rounds.

The iBox Gym trained youngster started on fire with all his usual spite and swagger and looked like he could be in for an early night, but Tondo responded and started to match fire with fire.

Tondo came back into it across rounds four and five, tagging McCann several times and punishing any indecision on the part of the 21-year-old. The Tanzanian was growing in confidence after weathering the early storm and the pair engaged in a fiery shootout at the end of the sixth when McCann attempted to regain the momentum.

McCann re-established some sort of control in the seventh as Tondo was put under a huge assault and looked, for the first time like he could be on the brink and showing signs of distress.

The Maidstone Menace started to enjoy himself in the final round and was duly declared the victor by a 79-73 scoreline on all three cards.

Mark Chamberlain notched up the biggest win of his career to reach 10-0, forcing the retirement in the corner of Jeff Ofori after five rounds largely dominated by the Waterlooville lightweight.

Chamberlain made all the running and forced Ofori onto the back foot, whether he wanted to be or not. The 23-year-old is now firmly in the picture for significant title action and a win such as this suggests he is the real deal and one to watch at the weight.

Masood Abdulah continued his short reign of terror at super featherweight. His six rounder against
Sandeep Singh Bhatti followed a pattern of the Islington man using the Indian’s face for target practice, but the hardy Bhatti was game as they come and was dangerous with lunging counters.

Abdulah made it four stoppages out of four when referee Mark Lyson had seen Bhatti take more than enough and waved it off after 1min 20sec of the final round.

Henry Turner, the super stylish super lightweight, scored his first stoppage victory to take himself to 7-0, putting Ivan Njesac down in the third before referee Lee Every stepped in to end proceedings after 2 mins 18 secs of the round.

In the opening bouts of the evening, welterweight Khalid Ali made it to 2-0 with a 40-36 points victory over Josue Bendana, with super lightweight hope Sonny Liston Ali clocking up a third win in the professional ranks via a 60-52 margin. His opponent Lee Glover was floored in the first and final round.

HAMZAH SHEERAZ HAS marked the week of his Middleweight baptism by signing a new three-year promotional contract with Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions.

The strapping 6ft 4″ Sheeraz, still only 22, has reached 14-0 (10 KOs) in the professional ranks since making his debut at the Copper Box Arena in September 2017.

On Saturday he will battle Jez Smith for the WBC International Silver middleweight title at the OVO Arena, Wembley, having departed the Super-Welterweight scene as WBO European champion, a title he defended on four occasions.

“I am very, very grateful,” said the Ilford man on signing his new deal. “I am grateful for the opportunity and I will always remember that Frank and my manager Andy Ayling gave me a chance when nobody else did.

“I say it all the time and I won’t ever forget that. I wasn’t a big, standout amateur but they gave me a chance, so it is only right to renew and carry on until we get to the top and win world titles, God willing.

“Frank has got behind me and I have been proving him right with every fight. I haven’t lost yet and I am doing everything that is asked of me and that little bit more, so all I have got to do is keep winning and keep shining.

“My career has been handled perfectly so far and that is down to your promoter, your manager and the matchmaker. Obviously I am now moving up to middleweight and I have to keep winning and keep following what they say.

“Before this contract is up I want to be fighting for world titles. By then my apprenticeship and all the learning will all be done. Hopefully I can win this WBC belt and soon be up there with all the big names.”

Frank Warren added: “Hamzah is undoubtedly a future star of the sport and I was quickly able to identify that and his potential very early on in his professional journey. He gives his all to boxing and willingly makes the sacrifice of taking himself over to the States, away from his family, to experience better sparring and world class preparation.

“He couldn’t really be more likable and is such a personable young man who has attracted a massive following already and sponsors and his fans cannot get enough of him.

“I am thrilled he has signed a new contract with Queensberry and I am looking forward to seeing him make a big impact in the middleweight division, which I believe he is perfectly suited to and where he can reach the very top.”

Tickets for an incredible night of Championship boxing at the OVO Arena are available at AXS.com. 

European welterweight champ David Avanesyan tops the night of multiple championship clashes on March 19 at the OVO Arena, Wembley against the unbeaten Oskari Metz, 15-0, in what will be a fifth defence of his EBU belt.

Finally, Frank Warren gets to unleash his latest young star onto the professional ranks, with two-time European championship gold medallist Royston Barney-Smith, who turned 18 in January, making his pro debut at super-featherweight against Adan Martinez (0-2).

Tickets for an incredible night of Championship boxing at the OVO Arena are available at AXS.com. 

Images are free to use, please credit: Queensberry Promotions

HAMZAH SHEERAZ BELIEVES he will benefit from the adversity of his last fight when he makes the step up to middleweight on March 19 at the OVO Arena, Wembley.

The 14-0 Hamzah found himself caught in the eye of a storm back in December at the Copper Box when he was deducted a point for hitting Bradley Skeete when he was down in a passage of the fight that altered the momentum and resulted in the former British welterweight champion ultimately being stopped in the ninth round.

By his own admission, the 22-year-old from Ilford admits he was off his game on the night but has been heartened by a chat with veteran trainer Joe Goosen on his return to the Californian sunshine to begin preparing for his Wembley date at middleweight against Jez Smith.

“Looking back on it now, straight away I know it was not a good performance,” conceded Hamzah in conversation with Dev Sahni on the Unibet Lowdown. “I was chatting to Joe Goosen about it when I came back here about two weeks ago and he asked me what I learned from it.

“I told him what I did and he said a fight like that will do me the world of good and it was the equivalent of about 10 easy knockout fights. He said with what I learned I will be a different man in my next fight.

“It wasn’t my greatest performance, everyone knows that, but I got the win and I’m moving forward now.”

Another learning experience for the still young professional was the storm of criticism that headed his way following his illegal manoeuvre against Skeete. Hamzah did formally offer a rematch to his vanquished opponent, but acceptance was not forthcoming and he now proceeds with his plan to operate in the next division up.

“At the start it was like everyone was mad angry! I think what helped me – not that I needed help because I am pretty thick skinned – was that I know everyone has got an opinion and everyone is entitled to an opinion.

“That helped me to understand where it was coming from. It is part of boxing and I am glad it has happened early in my career rather than later on because, from this adversity, I can learn and become a better fighter and a better person.

“All I know is that it [a rematch] was declined. I said that I would make 154lbs one more time if he accepted the rematch because it was only fair. It was always my intention to move up and here we are now.”

Tickets for an incredible night of Championship boxing at the OVO Arena are on sale now available at AXS.com.

European welterweight champ David Avanesyan tops the night of multiple championship clashes on March 19 at the OVO Arena, Wembley against the unbeaten Finn Oskari Metz, 15-0, in what will be a fifth defence of his EBU belt.

Thrilling bantamweight star Dennis McCann is entering into title business for the first time. ‘The Menace’ (11-0, 6 KOs) will fight for the WBO Youth world title over eight rounds against Charles Tondo (12-4-2, 5 KOs), a southpaw from Tanzania.

The two leading young lightweights in Britain are also in action at Wembley, with Sam Noakes (8-0, 8 KOs) making a first defence of his WBC International Silver title against the Italian Vincenzo Finiello (15-4-2, 1 KO). While Mark Chamberlain (9-0, 6 KOs) takes on a 10-rounder for the first time.

Further title action comes with relentless featherweight star Louie Lynn (10-0, 7 KOs) defending his WBC International Silver belt for a second time against James Beech jr (14-2, 2 KOs) from Bloxwich.

Completing the card, gifted super lightweight prospect Henry Turner (6-0) will have a fourth six-rounder, explosive super feather Masood Abdullah (3-0, 3 KOs) goes in with Engel Gomez (8-4, 4 KOs) over six rounds and super lightweight Sonny Liston Ali (2-0) fights Birmingham’s Sean Davis (14-18), also in a six-rounder.

In four-round action, Khalid Ali (1-0, 1 KO) will look to double his win tally against Kris Pilkington (2-10-1).

Tickets for an incredible night of Championship boxing at the OVO Arena are on sale now available at AXS.com.

HAMZAH SHEERAZ has rammed Bradley Skeete’s threats back at him, taunting: “You’ve never smashed anyone.”

The red-hot Ilford prospect makes the fourth defence of his WBO European Super-Welterweight title against Skeete at Copper Box Arena, London on Saturday December 4, live on BT Sport.

It’s a huge step up for Sheeraz, while former British Welterweight champion Skeete must win to keep his big-time career alive.

Sheeraz, 22, who trains in Los Angeles under Ricky Funez said: “I have seen a few interviews where he said he wants to come and smash my face in.

“In the most respectful way possible I don’t think Bradley has smashed anybody’s face in.

“He has outboxed opponents and outclassed them, but in all honesty he has smashed no one’s face in.

“I’m hoping he does try to do that because it will be an even more entertaining fight to meet him in the middle of that ring.

“This a good fight, no it’s a great fight and as Frank Warren described it’s a breakout for me.”

Although Sheeraz jumped at the chance to face Skeete when the fight was offered he never expected to meet his South London rival who trains in Sheffield under Dominic Ingle.

Sheeraz was still a teenager when he had had his fourth and fifth professional fights on bills in Brentwood when Skeete was World ranked and the star attraction.

Hamzah can even recall sparring with his latest rival just a few months after leaving school while working as an apprentice electrician.

He added: “It’s mad to think I was on his undercards three years ago and now he is challenging for my belt.

“When I used to train with Dominic Negus I sparred with Bradley when I was 17 before I turned professional with Frank.

“Dominic said after the spar that I would fight him one day and I didn’t think anything of what he had said.

“When I boxed on Bradley’s undercard I wasn’t thinking of us ever meeting because he was looking at a World title shot against Jeff Horn, but he didn’t get that fight.

“Here we are and this is a great opportunity for myself.”

In the bill topper Manchester’s Lyndon Arthur (19-0, 13 KOs) defends his Commonwealth and WBO International Light-Heavyweight title against Ilford’s Anthony Yarde (21-2, 20 KOs) in a rematch of last December’s controversial clash that he won on points.

 Ilford’s Hamzah Sheeraz (13-0, 9 KOs) puts his WBO European Super-Welterweight title on the line against Penge’s former British champion Bradley Skeete (29-3, 14 KOs).

In a third title fight the vacant WBC International Silver Lightweight crown is up for grabs when Maidstone puncher Sam Noakes (7-0, 7 KOs) meets Willenhall’s Shaun Cooper (11-2).

Exciting Super-Bantamweight prospect Dennis McCann (10-0, 6 KOs) is in eight round action.

Mill Hill Heavyweight George Fox (4-0) faces a tough eight rounder against Pole Kamil Sokolowki (10-23-2, 4 KOs).

Chatham Light-Heavyweight Karol Itauma (4-0, 2 KOs), Reading Super-Featherweight Charles Frankham (3-0, 1 KO) and Islington Super-Featherweight Masood Abdullah (2-0, 2 KOs) are in six rounders.

Two four rounders complete the bill and feature Ilford Super-Bantamweight Umar Khan (2-0) and Upminster’s Super-Welterweight debutant Sonny Liston Ali.

Tickets for the event can be purchased here

Hospitality Tickets – £330
Lower Bowl Seat – £55

HAMZAH SHEERAZ has moved his training base to California and insists: “I now know that I belong at the top.”

The WBO European Super-Welterweight champion is training under experienced Ricky Funez at the Ten Goose gym in Los Angeles.

Sheeraz (12-0, 8 KOs) switched to his new base two months ago and believes the results will show when he returns to action this Summer.

The Ilford man said: “If I came here and got my arse kicked in sparring I would have come home and not wasted time and money.

“The sparring whether it’s in our gym, going to the Wild Card or Justin Fortune’s gym is great. I have been sparring Olympians, Mexicans, South Americans and Cubans.

“It’s good to get a taste of all the styles because you know where you are at.

“I know for sure that I belong at the top after sparring here. It’s now about making the right adjustments and moves at the right time.

“In terms of training over here it is how you are outside as well as inside the ring.

“It’s not like I’m a wild child. I’m well behaved, but watching boxing, living it and breathing it is all I do out here.

“So many people come in and out the gym like the Ruelas brothers and I pick up a bit of knowledge from everyone.

“It takes a few camps for massive changes, but I’ve been learning a hell of a lot especially when it comes to work rate.”

Honduran born Funez learned the boxing business under Dan and Joe Goossen and worked with some of the sport’s biggest names.

That list includes the late Diego Corrales, Shane Mosley, Azumah Nelson, Michael Nunn, Gabe Ruelas, Rafael Ruelas, James Toney and Israel Vazquez.

Hamzah who is world ranked number 13 by the WBO for Brian Castano’s world title set out to chase the American dream after meeting with Funez in London in 2019.

Sheeraz explained: “Before my fight with Ryan Kelly, Ricky was around as he had a YouTuber fighting on a charity event.

“I was asked to do a session with him so I could get a taste of what it was like working with an American coach and didn’t think anything of it.

“I thought I’d do the session and crack on with my day. Ever since then I have always wanted to come to America.

“At the time I didn’t have the funds and sponsorship in place, but got that thanks to my sponsors in Dubai.

“That allowed me to come over here and once we got the funds I made the move straight away. I am fully based here training wise with Ricky.

“It is pure camp life and I’m usually too tired to do much when I have time so it is Netflix and rest. It isn’t boring because I am enjoying it.

“I have given up so much. Unfortunately, my Uncle passed away and I had to miss his funeral, my birthday and a couple Religious festivals.

“I have been away for what seems so long that whoever is in the ring with me has to pay for it.

“We plan to fly back into the UK soon and allow plenty of time to get used to the eight hours time difference before the fight.”

There are plenty who expect Hamzah to reach the top, but before then he is involved in a thriving domestic scene.

A showdown with Queensberry stablemate Troy Williamson has been discussed but his rival is next in line to challenge British champion Ted Cheeseman.

.Hamzah added: “I have never set out to go out and win a British title, but if the opportunity came I wouldn’t knock it down.

“Whatever route Frank Warren and my manager Andy Ayling chooses I’ll go with. I will get in with whoever is in my way.”

In a highly anticipated heavyweight battle of undefeated fighters, Joe Joyce scored a 10th round stoppage over Daniel Dubois at The Church House, Westminster in London, England.

It was a highly competitive and high quality scrap with DuBois getting the better early as he landed some hard right hands that Joyce showed a terrific chin by walking right through him. Joyce was very effective with his jab.

In round five, the effectiveness of the jabs showed as the left eye of Dubois began to swell. Dubois was still able to get in some good shots, but towards the end of the ninth round, you could feel the tide beginning to turn towards Joyce.

The eye of Dubois was getting worse and worse, and finally in round ten, Joyce landed another hard jab, that made Dubois first paw at his left eye and then take two steps back to take a knee and basically submitted as he watched the referee count to 10 and the fight was over at 36 seconds.

Joyce, 258 lbs of Puttney, London is 12-0 with 11 knockouts. Dubois, 244.6 lbs of Greenwich, London is 15-1.

Sheeraz stops Pitto in 10th

Hamzah Sheeraz won stopped Guido Nicolas Pitto in the 10th and final round of their super welterweight bout.

Sheeraz rocked Pitto with a hard right. That set up a nine punch flurry and then three hard punches later, the fight was stopped at 1:11.

Sheeraz, 153.9 lbs of East London is 12-0 with eight knockouts. Pitto, 152.9 lbs of Barcelona, SPA is 26-8-2.

Number-one ranked junior welterweight Jack Catterall tuned up for a world title opportunity by winning a 10-round decision over Abderrazak Houya.

In round six, Catterall dropped Houya with a perfectly timed counter-left. In round nine, Catterall sent Houya down again with a hard left.

Catterall, 143.3 lbs won by a 99-90 score and is now 26-0. Houya, 141.9 lbs is 14-3.

David Adeleye stopped Danny Whitaker in round two of their scheduled six-round heavyweight bout.

In round two, Adeleye landed a right that dropped Whitaker. Seconds later, Whitaker was sent to the canvas for a 2nd time, and the fight was stopped at 2:09.

Adeleye, 219.4 lbs of London is 4-0 with all wins coming early. Whitaker, 260.1 lbs is 4-2.

Jack Massey won an eight-round decision over Mohammad Ali Bayat in a cruiserweight bout.

In round eight, Massey was cut over the right eye.

Massey, 201.6 lbs of Manchester, UK won by a 79-74 score and is now 17-1. Bayat, 200.7 lbs of Dubai i 16-2-1.

WBO European Super Welterweight Champion Hamzah Sheeraz has taken aim at challenger Paul Kean by saying that the behind-closed-doors environment plays into the Scotsman hands as he’s “used to boxing on small shows”.

Ahead of the first behind-closed-doors show on British soil – Friday night, 7pm on BT Sport 1 – Sheeraz said of no audiences: “He’s probably used to boxing on small hall shows, so if anything it plays in his favour.”

Asked if the lack of fans would impact his own performance, Sheeraz insisted ““not at all!” 

“At the end of the day, it’s just going to be me and Paul in a ring smashing each others faces in.  Regardless of who’s outside the ring, it’s not going to change anything.

Opponent Kean was equally forthright in his views about fighting in front of a TV audience but no physical crowd.

“A fight’s a fight, you know what I mean? It’s two people in the ring fighting. It could be in your back garden, in the street. A fight’s a fight to me” said Kean,  “I’m just happy with the opportunity.”

Sheeraz and Kean have been on a collision course for some time now, with their scrap originally scheduled for the Dubois vs Joyce undercard on April 11.

That fight was subsequently moved back, first to July 11th and most recently until October 24th, and both Hamzah and Paul were happy to move their date completely to make sure they could meet.

Neither believe the delay will impact their performance.

“I don’t really go into camp. I’m always training and I’m always ready. I’ve stayed in shape. Come Friday I’ll be more than ready.

“Anything he’s bringing fight night I’ll be more than ready for”, said Hamzah.

Kean went further still and said that Lockdown has actually helped his preparations. 

The Scotsman usually balances boxing with a full-time job but Lockdown has allowed him to devote more time to his training, with the exception of the odd Zoom PT session he’s been providing to punters.

“It’s been good… I’ve got a full time job, so Lockdown has been perfect for me as i’ve been able to train as a professional for the first time. It couldn’t have worked out any better for me. It’s given me more time to prepare.” 

Hamzah enters the ring as the WBO European Champion, a title he claimed by toppling Ryan Kelly in Birmingham late last year.

The young man from Ilford believes that that experience, against a tough and well-rated opponent, has given him an extra fire in his belly to push on up the rankings.

“When I fought Ryan Kelly for the title it was different as I was still a prospect. Now i’ve got the belt, if anything, it’s given me more hunger as I don’t want to lose my belt, I don’t want to lose my position… I’m definitely not going to let that go.” 

Kean was quick to reply that, despite Hamzah’s big-time experience, he and his team were ready to spring the upset.

He said: “I’m confident in my ability as well. Me and my team are more than confident in coming down and doing the business.

“This is a big opportunity for me and I’m ready to take it with both hands. I’ve been around the fight game a long time, I was a kickboxer before I was a boxer so I’m very experienced.” 

A clearly unimpressed Sheeraz laughed and, with a final pre-fight pun, simply replied “Come fight night we’ll see how keen he really is.”

——-

Watch ‘Head 2 Head – Sheeraz vs Kean’ here

Lerrone Richards won a 12-round split decision over Lennox Clarke in a super middleweight in Birmingham, England.

Richards won by scores of 117-112 and 116-113. Clark won a card 115-113.

Richards is 13-0. Clarke is 19-1-1.

Hamzah Sheeraz stopped Ryan Kelly in round six of their scheduled 10-round super welterweight bout.

Sheeraz dropped Kelly three times in round six, and the bout was stopped at 2:58.

Sheeraz is 10-0 with six knockouts. Kelly is 14-3.

John Riel Casimero won the WBO Bantamweight title with a 3rd round stoppage over Zolani Tete.

Casimero dropped Tete with a short right to the head. Tete was was badly hurt and dropped again from a hard flurry in the corner. Casimero jumped all over Tete and the bout was stopped at 2:14.

Casimero of the Philippines is 29-4 with 20 knockouts. Tete of South Africa is 28-4.

In a battle of undefeated super lightweights, Sam Maxwell stopped Connor Parker in round seven of a scheduled 10-round bout.

Maxwell dominated the action, and in round seven landed a hard flurry of punches on he ropes, and the fight was stopped at 2:45.

Maxwell is 13-0 with 11 knockouts. Parker is 12-1.

Anthony Cacace won a 12-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Sam Bowen in a super featherweight bout.

Cacace won by scores of 115-113 twice and 115-112 for Bowen,

Cacace is 18-1. Bowen is 15-1.

Nathan Heaney stopped Nelson Altamarro in round five of a scheduled six-round middleweight bout.

In round one, Heaney dropped Altamarino with a body shot.

In round five, Heaney continued to dominate and the bout was stopped at 2:02.

Heaney is 9-0 with three knockouts. Altamirano is 10-34-3

Anthony Yarde stopped Travis Reeves in round five of their scheduled 12-round light heavyweight bout at Royal Albert Hall in London.

In round five, Yarde landed several heavy and flush right hands that wobbled Reeves, and referee Marcus McDonnell stopped the bout at 48 seconds.

Yarde is now 18-0 with 17 knockouts. Reeves is 17-4-2.

Liam Williams obliterated Joe Mullender in round two of their scheduled 12 round middleweight fight.

Williams dropped Mullender in the 2nd frame with a crushing uppercut that sent Mullender down face-first. Mullender got to his feet, only to eat a booming right that knocked him down and out and the fight was immediately waved off at 1:09.

Williams is 20-2-1 with 15 knockouts. Mullender is 11-3.

Daniel DuBois remained undefeated by stopping Razvan Cojanu in round two of their scheduled ten-round heavyweight bout.

DuBois landed a hard left-right that dropped Cojanu in the 2nd frame. Cojanu could not get to his feet before then ten-count at 2:48.

DuBois is 10-0 with nine knockouts. Cojanu is 16-6.

Hamzah Sheeraz destroyed Rod Douglas Jr inside of a round of their scheduled six-round junior middleweight bout.

Sheeraz dropped the overmatched Douglas three times before the fight was stopped when the towel was thrown in at 1:10.

Sheeraz is 7-0 with three knockouts. Douglas is 2-2.

Hamzah Sheeraz won a six-round decision over Jodean Gannum in a super welterweight fight.

Sheeraz, 156 lbs of London won on the referee card of 60-54, and is now 6-0. Grannum, 158 lbs of London is 4-43-1.

Ryan Garner stopped Jose Aguilar in round three of a scheduled six-round featherweight bout.

Garner dominated the action, and the bout was stopped at 1:44 after a flurry on the ropes.

Garner, 127 lbs of Southhampton, UK is 8-0 with six knockouts. Aguilar, 125 lbs of Managua, NIC is 16-54-4.