FOUR CHAMPIONSHIP BELTS will be on the line tomorrow in Telford when Liam Davies takes on Jason Cunningham in the headliner at the Telford International Centre, live on TNT Sports. 

Photos from today’s weigh-in can be downloaded here.
Photos are free to use, please credit Queensberry where possible.

The EBU European, British, WBC & WBO International Super Bantamweight Championships 12 x 3 Minute Rounds
Liam Davies 121lbs 
Jason Cunningham 121lbs

The WBO European Welterweight Championship 10 x 3 Minute Rounds
Eithan James 146lbs
James Moorcroft 146lbs

6 x 3 Minute Rounds International Heavyweight Contest
Moses Itauma 241lbs
Kevin Nicolas Espindola 296lbs

8 x 3 Minute Rounds International Welterweight Contest
Owen Cooper 149lbs 
Robin Zamora 146lbs

6 x 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Lightweight Contest 
Macauley Owen 131lbs
Jayro Duran 132lbs 

6 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Lightweight Contest
Ben Fail 157lbs
Serge Ambono 155lbs

4 X 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Welterweight Contest
Jim Smith 154lbs
Lukasz Barabasz 154lbs

6 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Lightweight Contest
Amaar Akbar 145
Georgi Velichkov 144

4 X 3 Minute Rounds Heavyweight Contest
Boma Brown- To weigh in Tomorrow
Jake Darnell- To weigh in Tomorrow

FOUR CHAMPIONSHIP BELTS will be on the line on Saturday in Telford when Liam Davies takes on Jason Cunningham in the headliner at the Telford International Centre, live on TNT Sports. Today, the lead characters from the card – Davies, Cunningham, Moses Itauma, Eithan James and James Moorcroft – met the media and spoke the final words before the big fight night.

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

Below is a selection of key quotes from the event.

Liam Davies
I am feeling a million dollars, everything has gone good, I feel like all the fights I’ve taken in my career so far have built me into this position. He wants to show he is No.1 super bantamweight, but I am No.1 and on Saturday night you are gonna see why because I’m going to do a number on him. He messaged me saying he was going to smash my head in and since I’ve seen him everything’s changed. In a few days we will get to see whose head gets smashed in. I am going to take you out inside 12 rounds, you’re old, you’re weak and slow, man. You’re too small, you’re thin. Trust me, I know what is going to happen. I stand by everything I’ve said, it’s personal and I am going to settle it on Saturday.

Jason Cunningham
I have heard it all before about being written off and I have been in these four-belt fights before. Telford has become my second home since I have been with Queensberry but, obviously, I expect it to be a bit more hostile on Saturday night. I am very much looking forward to it, I’m excited to be back out again on the big stage, with it being TNT’s first show with Queensberry. So it is all good, main event, I am looking forward to a great fight to show why I am the No.1 super bantamweight with Queensberry. It’s kind of been the Liam show and even this week I’ve just let him do what he does and enjoy building it up. It goes straight over my head, he can’t get under my skin. It is only a matter of days away, the talking is done and he can keep going on as much as he wants. I cannot wait for Saturday night. It has proper put the fire in my belly, Telford is in for a great fight.

Moses Itauma
I’d say I was happy to get the rounds in last time. Obviously in my first two fights I was boxing doughnuts so it was good to get those rounds under my belt and I am looking to put on another performance on Saturday night. I don’t really take notice of other fights, I hope Matty Harris gets back on his feet and maybe we can get something sorted. Saturday night is my main focus and whatever happens after that is after that. It has obviously been tough sparring with Dubois getting ready for Usyk. I feel like it is my time and I will let Dubois handle his business. This is my fight now. I’d never rule out Dubois, he’s got that puncher’s chance, but it is a big ask. Against Espindola, these are the step-ups I’ve been asking for so I’m happy I’ve got them and I can show my skill set on Saturday night. It will get me in the talk with the other British heavyweights.

Eithan James
We have had a good camp, have been abroad and sparred some good people. Obviously we have had some setbacks but I am finally getting this title shot now. I have been asking for step-ups all the way along, there have been a couple of pull-outs and that is not what we want. He is a good lad with good credits on his card and hopefully I get one on my card on Saturday night. This is the pro game and it is completely different, but having the experience from going abroad against different styles plays into my hands, with being able to adapt. But on Saturday night he will be a different style again so I will have to do what I do best and adapt to win. It is never my plan to go in there and stop people. I can do the rounds, my legs can do the rounds and now I feel a lot stronger at welterweight. I ask my sparring partners so I know I punch hard enough to be in there for 10 rounds. I win by being me.

James Moorcroft
It is a massive fight and I have been in some big fights, but nothing compares to this in England on a massive show on TNT Sports. I am ready for a big fight and I’m ready to go. I’m feeling great, I’ve been with Anthony (Crolla) now for about three years and I feel like it is all just coming together. Anthony is going to let me off the reins, I hope, on Saturday night and we are in for a good night of boxing. I’m more than ready for this now. It feels amazing, I am in with a quality guy in Eithan James, I have done my homework and looked at him and I cannot congratulate him enough on his phenomenal amateur career. But amateur and professional boxing are two worlds apart at times and I am ready to put it all on the line and give everything on Saturday night. It is time to bust the bookies!

FUTURE HEAVYWEIGHT SUPERSTAR Moses Itauma will have his fourth professional fight at the Telford International Centre on July 29, having been added to the card headlined by the four-title collision between Liam Davies and Jason Cunningham, live on BT Sport.

Itauma, just 18, who holds the lofty ambition of becoming the youngest ever world heavyweight champion, took part in his first six-rounder in mid-April, hearing the final bell for the first time at the conclusion of his comprehensive decision victory over the robust Ukrainian Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko, who maintained the distinction of never having been stopped.

Previously, the world and European champion as an amateur, marked his entry to the professional ranks with two first round stoppages over Marcel Bode and Ramon Ibarra respectively, that lasted less than a minute combined.

Itauma, who will be making a second trip to Telford, will be fighting over a six-round distance on the night.

FOUR MAJOR TITLES will be on the line when Liam Davies and Jason Cunningham collide at the Telford International Centre on Saturday 29th July, live on TNT Sports, the new name for BT Sport from 18th July.

The undefeated British, WBC International and European champion Davies (13-0, 5 KOs) takes on former Euro-king and now WBO International champion Cunningham (32-7, 7) in an all-British blockbuster in the atmospheric cauldron in the hometown of three-belt holder.

In supporting action is Northampton’s Eithan James (10-0), who will fight for his first pro title. While leading cruiserweight prospect Oronzo Birardi (6-0, 5) from Mainz in Germany will also be in action, with the 23-year-old featuring for a first time on a UK platform.

Worcester’s undefeated Midlands Area welterweight champion Owen Cooper (8-0, 2) will be in eight round action, along with Telford super lightweight Macaulay Owen (5-0,1) fighting over six, with Batley super lightweight Amaar Akbar (3-0) entering into his first six-rounder. Fighting over four rounds will be London heavyweight Boma Brown (1-0).

Tickets for the Telford blockbuster headlined by Liam Davies vs Jason Cunningham on Saturday, 29^th July at the Telford International Centre are on sale now from ticketmaster.co.uk.

WBO number-one heavyweight contender Joe Joyce stopped Christian Hammer in round four of the 12-round heavyweight bout at the OVO Arena Wembley in London, England.

In round one, Hammer was able to get through with several power shots. In round two, Hammer was cut around the right eye. At the end of round three, Joyce dropped Hammer with a left to the head. In round four, it was a left to the body that sent Hammer down. Joyce sent Hammer to a knee with a flurry of punches. Joyce ended the fight by dropping Hammer with a right to the body and the fight was called at 1:20.

Joyce, 265 lbs of London, ENG is 14-0 with 13 knockouts. Hammer, 263 lbs of Hamburg, GER is 27-10.

Tete Stops Cunningham in 4

Former world champion Zolani Tete took out Jason Cunningham in round four of their 12-round super bantamweight fight.

In round round four, Tete landed a hard left hand that sent Cunningham to the canvas. With Cunningham hurt, Tete jumped on Cunningham and dumped him on the canvas from a flurry of punches that was highlighted by a right and left to the chin, and the fight was stopped at 34 seconds.

Tete, 121.1 lbs of Eastern Cape, SA is 30-4 with 23 knockouts. Cunningham, 121.2 lbs of Doncaster, ENG is 31-7.

Chamberlain Decisions Vidal

Mark Chamberlain remained undefeated by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over Marc Vidal in a lightweight bout.

Chamberlain, 134.1 lbs of Portsmouth, ENG won by scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 11-0. Vidal, 134.6 lbs of Spain is 13-4-5.

Fletcher Takes out Vmoga in 1

Tommy Fletcher made a successful pro debut with a first round stoppage over Aron Vmoga in a cruiserweight bout.

In round one, Fletcher dropped Vmoga with a left hand. It was long until Fletcher ended things as he landed a combination that sent Vmoga to the canvas and the fight was stopped at 58 seconds.

Fltecher, 197 lbs of Norfolk, ENG is 1-0 with one knockout. Vmoga, 193 lbs of Croatia is 1-1.

Burke Decisions Ambomo

Mickey Burke Jr. remained undefeated with a six-round decision over Serge Ambomo in a super welterweight fight.

Burke, 154.1 lbs of Becksley, ENG won by a 60-55 score and is now 7-0. Ambomo, 152.4 lbs of Sheffield, ENG is 7-32-3.

Turner Decisions Laskowski

Henry Turner remained undefeated with a six-round decision over Jakub Laskowski in a super lightweight fight.

Turner, 141.1 lbs of Glambagreen, ENG won by a 60-54 tally and is now 8-0. Laskowski, 142.2 lbs of Poland is 4-17-1.

JASON CUNNINGHAM BELIEVES his confidence is at such a level that he can be optimistic over the prospect of world title success if he can overcome Zolani Tete on July 2.

European champion Cunningham takes on two-weight world title winner Tete at the OVO Arena, Wembley on a bumper card also featuring Joe Joyce in heavyweight action against Christian Hammer, Nathan Heaney defending his IBO International middleweight belt against Nizar Trimech and young lightweight star Mark Chamberlain bidding for a first title success against Marc Vidal for the IBF European championship.

Cunningham, 31-6 (7 KOs) and unbeaten as a super bantamweight, will enter the ring against the South African superstar feeling that he belongs in such company thanks to a self belief he has accumulated over a distinguished career where the ups have far outweighed the downs in recent years and he is now winning the plaudits he deserves.

In his last fight in April, the first in his promotional alliance with Frank Warren, he completely overwhelmed an unbeaten challenger to his European crown in Terry Le Couviour. The Frenchman was systematically chopped down to the body right from the off and probably the only surprise was it lasted until round six.

Even then the 32-year-old still picked a hole in his performance.

“I am happy with it, although there was one round where I thought I got a little bit complacent, but it was because I was having it all my own way really.

“I need to be on it at this level, I can’t afford any little slip-ups or lapses against Tete,” added the Iceman, who now exudes the aura of a champion as he sets about his work.

“I feel it and it is confidence. Up until you get to the point of a major title you are always questioning yourself. Then, when you get these wins, you think ‘I am good enough to fight for a world title and good enough to be a world champion’.

“I have got that confidence and that aura, 100%, and obviously it is showing in performances. It has been a brilliant year in total and I just feel the time is right now. It is my time, I am taking that confidence into the Tete fight and I truly believe I am going to beat him.

Cunningham revealed that a match with Tete didn’t come totally out of the blue and he considers the 29-4 (22 KOs) man as a clear and present danger, who will only serve to increase his own stock by confronting.

“It had been mooted a few times. I love a challenge and it is a fight I will get credit for, that is what I thought initially. He is a name, he has been over to these shores before, he has chinned Paul Butler and I thought this is the chance to prove how good I am, also to myself.

“I know he has been inactive for the last couple of years but, still, he has been there and he has done it at multiple weights. So, yeah, I have definitely got the bit between my teeth for this fight and I just think the timing is right.

“The time is now really, if I want to be world champion I need to beat Tete, simple as that.

“To have a scalp like that on your record… I just can’t wait really, I can’t wait for this fight and also to share the ring with him as well. Obviously the respect is there for what he has done but, at the same time, I am coming from a different angle where he is in my way and stopping me from getting to that next level and pushing for a world title.”

Tickets for ‘High Stakes’ at the OVO Arena, Wembley on Saturday 2 July are on sale now priced from £55 and available from AXS.com and Ticketmaster.co.uk.

‘High Stakes’ on Saturday, 2 July at the OVO Arena also includes leading heavyweight contender Joe Joyce taking on Christian Hammer for the WBO International and WBC Silver titles.

Callum Johnson fights Igor Mikhalkin for the WBC Silver light heavyweight title and Stoke favourite Nathan Heaney will make a defence of his IBO International middleweight championship against Nizar Trimech. Mark Chamberlain will fight Marc Videl with the IBF European lightweight title at stake

Wycombe super lightweight Henry Turner and Bexley welterweight Micky Burke jr will fight over six rounds, with Ashford cruiserweight Arnold Obidai having his second pro fight over four. Thetford cruiserweight Tommy Fletcher will make his professional debut in a four-round fight having recently signed to Frank Warren and Queensberry.

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

JOE JOYCE WILL battle the experienced German Christian Hammer at the OVO Arena, Wembley on July 2, as part of a huge fight night also featuring Jason Cunningham v Zolani Tete, Callum Johnson and Nathan Heaney, live on BT Sport.

After being out of the ring since his defeat of Carlos Takam in July of last year and suffering a broken wrist that kept him out of action in the first half of this year, Joyce takes his place on the Wembley bill against the 34-year-old German Hammer.

“The most important thing is to get Joe active and confident again after injury,” said promoter Frank Warren. “Christian Hammer is an experienced campaigner who will provide a decent test and give him a good fight, but obviously we expect Joe to come through it successfully and then start preparing for a bigger showdown later this year.

“It was well documented that it was our intention to match Big Joe with Joseph Parker in September, but Parker has now opted to sign a promotional agreement elsewhere. Joe’s route to a world title shot does not revolve around Parker and we have plans in place for a major fight for him in the autumn.”

“I’ve known about Christian Hammer for a while now,” said Joyce from his training base in Las Vegas. “He has fought everybody, it is going to be a good fight, he comes forward and it will be exciting. It is one to get me ready for the next fights coming up.

“I’ve been out of the ring for a whole year now so it will be good to dust off the gloves and shake off the cobwebs. It is going to be a big year, this year and next, with some great fights and I just need to be in the right place.

“I have taken myself out to the right place with this training camp here to bring out the best in me.”

The Hamburg resident, Hammer, has taken on all comers across his near 14-year career, with names such as Tyson Fury, Erkan Teper, David Price, Alexander Povetkin, Luis Ortiz, Tony Yoka, Hughie Fury all featuring on his record. He most recently went the distance with WBO number three ranked Frank Sanchez.

His most recent title success came in 2018 when he defeated Michael Wallisch to win the WBO European championship belt, a title he also won in 2016 with victory over countryman Teper and subsequently made successful defences against David Price and Zine Eddine Benmakhlouf.

The July 2 card at the OVO Arena also includes the highly anticipated super bantamweight collision between European champion Jason Cunningham and two-weight world champion Zolani Tete. Callum Johnson fights Igor Mikhalkin for the WBC Silver light heavyweight title and Stoke favourite Nathan Heaney will make a defence of his IBO International middleweight championship.

Due to a hand injury, Sam Noakes will no longer be defending his WBC International Silver lightweight title on the night against Marc Videl, so the Spaniard will now face an equally formidable foe from the Queensberry ranks in Mark Chamberlain, with the IBF European title on the line. This represents a first title tilt for the 10-0 Chamberlain and his first fight over 10 rounds.

Super featherweight newcomer Royston Barney-Smith has also suffered a hand injury and he is replaced on the card by the 6-0 welterweight Micky Burke jr.

Wycombe super lightweight Henry Turner is fighting over six rounds and Thetford cruiserweight Tommy Fletcher will make his professional debut in a four-round fight having recently signed to Frank Warren and Queensberry.

Tickets for High Stakes at OVO Arena, Wembley on Saturday 2 July are on sale now from £55 available from AXS.com and Ticketmaster.co.uk.

All the offical High Stakes graphics can be downloaded here.

JASON CUNNINGHAM WILL take on the biggest challenge of his career when he goes up against South African superstar Zolani Tete at the OVO Arena, Wembley on July 2, with world heavyweight contender Joe Joyce also featuring on a bumper card filled with must win fights, it’s High Stakes, live on BT Sport.

Callum Johnson (20-1, 14 KOs) faces Igor Mikhalkin (24-3, 11 KOs) for the WBO Global light heavyweight title in a fight between two punchers where neither man will want to give an inch.

Meanwhile, destructive lightweight Sam Noakes (9-0, 9 KOs) defends his WBC International Silver title against the Spaniard Marc Vidal (13-2-5, 5 KOs) as the Maidstone man aims to make it 10 stoppages in as many bouts.

Stoke favourite Nathan Heaney (15-0, 6 KOs) will fight in London for the first time in front of a crowd, making a defence of his IBO International middleweight championship.

Tickets for High Stakes at OVO Arena, Wembley on Saturday 2 July go on sale next week, fans are advised to sign-up for Ticket Alerts at frankwarren.com to receive an email ahead of the onsale.

Cunningham, 31-6 (7 KOs), demolished the previously unbeaten French challenger Terry Le Couviour in Telford in mid-April in what was the second defence of his EBU belt. The Renaissance Man of British boxing will bid to join the elite by taking on the formidable force of ‘Last Born’ Tete, 29-4 (22 KOs), who has been a regular and exciting feature on UK fight cards.

The two-weight world champion last held a world title at bantamweight with the WBO championship belt previously in his possession. Prior to this he held the IBF super flyweight title, won by defeating Paul Butler in Liverpool back in 2015.

A shock defeat to John Riel Casimero in Birmingham in late 2019 prompted a move to super bantamweight and Tete returned to the ring in typical fashion with a first-round stoppage in Johannesburg in December.

The Commonwealth and IBF International super-bantamweight championships will be on the line for a clash that has got the potential to be a FOTY candidate.

Joe Joyce (13-0, 12 KOs) will be getting back into the ring against an established heavyweight contender as he closes in on a September clash with Joseph Parker in what will be a battle between No.1 and No.2 with the WBO. Following a lay-off due to injury, the Juggernaut will return to the scene of his last fight, a sixth-round stoppage of Carlos Takam in July of last year.

A bout of Coronavirus denied Callum Johnson a world title shot against Joe Smith jr in January. After making his recovery, he will go up against former world title challenger Mikhalkin for WBO honours.

The Germany-based fighter was defeated by Sergey Kovalev in 2018 at Madison Square Garden, having previously won and defended the IBO World light heavyweight title, as well as the EBU European title.

Sam Noakes seeks a perfect 10 against Marc Vidal as he currently sits on 9 wins and 9 KOs. Vidal, 33, has previously fought former World champion Kiko Martinez on two occasions – a points defeat and technical draw – and is a former European champion and European Union champion at featherweight.

Nathan Heaney is taking his Stoke City show on the road after overcoming the adversity of a first round knockdown last time out against Diego Ramirez before winning comfortably on the cards.

Wycombe super lightweight Henry Turner (7-0, 1 KO) fighting over six rounds, and Thetford cruiserweight Tommy Fletcher will make his professional debut at the OVO Arena. The Norfolk Nightmare will make his bow in a four-rounder having recently signed with Frank Warren and Queensberry.

“The stakes are high for all the Queensberry boxers in action on July 2^nd at Wembley Arena, Live on BT Sport. Jason Cunningham vs Zolani Tete is about as even as matchmaking can be in Boxing and the same can be said regarding Callum Johnson vs Igor Mikhalkin. I’m predicting fan friendly action across both fights in matchups that will get the winners in the mix with the top guys in their respective divisions.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing the Heavyweight Juggernaut Joe Joyce back in action too. Joes had a frustration time since his demolition job on Carlo Takam last year. He’s not been as active as we or he would have liked due to a wrist injury and the delay to his showdown with Joseph Parker. We found out last week that Parker’s training schedule scuppered our plans for them to meet on July 2^nd, but it was important to us and Joe that he still fight after such a lengthy layoff with injury.

“The carrot for Joyce is a win on July 2 will set up a massive showdown with Parker in September. He needs to keep his focus, though, and deliver on July 2 as the big opportunities are now there to be taken for the Olympic Silver medallist.

“I am thrilled to deliver Jason Cunningham a massive fight and a huge test against Zolani Tete. Zolani has been with Queensberry for a long time, and we know what a top-class operator he is. Jason had no hesitation in taking the fight because his confidence is high, and he is an unbeaten fighter at super bantamweight.

“This is a fight between two top drawer and experienced campaigners that will bring out the best in each other and provide a treat for the watching public. It is a fight I cannot wait to see.

“The light heavyweight scene is hot at the moment and Callum Johnson will be looking to remind people why he believes he is top dog in the division. It was such a shame that his chance to prove it against Joe Smith jr fell through due to a bout of Covid-19 in January, but his time will come again and winning the WBC Silver title against the tough Igor Mikhalkin would put him right back in the mix.

“I am looking forward to seeing two of our crowd-pleasers in Sam Noakes and Nathan Heaney perform at Wembley.

“As well as seeing the much-anticipated debut of the giant Tommy Fletcher, it promises to be a thrilling night of action not to be missed.”

Tickets for High Stakes at OVO Arena, Wembley on Saturday 2 July go on sale next week, fans are advised to sign-up for Ticket Alerts at frankwarren.com to receive an email ahead of the onsale.

JASON CUNNINGHAM RETAINED his European super bantamweight title with a sixth round stoppage of previously unbeaten challenger Terry Le Couviour at the Telford International Arena on Saturday night.

It was a successful and spectacular second defence of his coveted title for the Doncaster man who has his eyes firmly fixed on a world title tilt.

Le Couviour came perilously close to being counted out in just the second round when Cunningham unloaded a vicious left uppercut to the body that floored the Frenchman, who got up at nine.

Le Couviour was down again in the third as Cunningham was exploiting the weakness at will and the 16-0 man was being outclassed by his more experienced opponent, although he managed to compose himself a little in the fourth.

Cunningham pummelled the body again in the fifth and Le Couviour looked vulnerable once more and it was all over in the sixth when another left under the ribs saw Le Couviour wanting no more and the fight was waved off after 53 seconds of the round.

Nathan Heaney extended his unbeaten record to 15-0 with a successful defence of his IBO International middleweight title against the dangerous Diego Ramirez.

Heaney was felled by a dynamite left from Ramirez near the end of the first round after what was a controlled beginning from the Stoke favourite. It was quickly clear that a looping left was the danger shot from the Argentinean and Heaney would have to be on his guard.

Heaney regrouped and largely dominated the second, putting the 27-year-old under severe pressure towards the end of the round. Heaney applied caution as he worked his way through the third, patiently landing the telling blows.

There were warning signs again for Heaney in the fourth as Ramirez enjoyed some success and the 32-year-old was strongly advised by his corner not to get involved in a shootout.

Heaney was snuffing out the threat and coming up with good work of his own as the final rounds approached. He asserted control over proceedings and just needed to stay out of the way of wild swings.

Heaney worked his way through and took the verdict with scores of 97-93, 98-91, 97-92.

Andrew Cain took all of 10 seconds to extinguish the threat of Pablo Ariel Gomez to win the WBC International Silver title at super bantamweight. A clubbing right hand poleaxed the Argentinean and, after John Latham’s count, the official time was given as 19 seconds.

“I was just thinking seek and destroy,” said Cain in the aftermath of his eighth stoppage in nine unbeaten fights. Cain is in line to face the winner of the forthcoming British title battle between Marc Leach and Liam Davies.

Eithan James passed the first stern examination of his young career by outsmarting the rough and always ready Ben Fields over eight. The 21-year-old remained composed against the robust Birmingham man with a reputation for removing the 0 from the records of prospects.

The classy James from Northampton picked off his more experienced opponent over the opening and middle rounds before Fields finally managed to get up closer and enjoyed some success.

James did not shy away from battle and will benefit from the experience with an English title eliminator looming. Despite taking a booming shot to the temple in round eight, James prevailed and moved to 8-0 via a 78-75 scoreline from referee Michael Alexander.

A lively scrap was had between Worcester welter Owen Cooper and his game opponent Richard Helm over six. The first round brought about an entertaining trade-up between the pair before Cooper established a rhythm and began to impose himself on the Rochdale man.

Cooper, just 21, was dominating by the fourth round and punished the older man to the body, which took away the ambition of the 35-year-old, but he wasn’t to surrender. Helm rallied in the final round, but Cooper moved to 6-0 with John Latham’s scorecard reading 59-56 in his favour.

Liverpool super bantamweight Brad Strand, now 7-0, displayed a combination of skill and spite to overcome the previously 11-1 Ally Mwerangi in a biggest career test. After plotting his way through most of the first four, Strand rocked his Tanzanian opponent at the end of the round.

The 25-year-old followed up in the fifth with a stinging onslaught and kept Mwerangi at bay with pockets of speedy and smart work. Mwerangi was docked a point in the final round for use of his head and the scorecard read a convincing 60-53 margin for the Everton Red Triangle product.

Earlier on, York welterweight George Davey was judged to have drawn with Serge Ambomo, with the score being marked up at 57-57.

In the opening fights of the evening, Bradley Thompson – the flyweight brother of Liam Davies – registered his fourth win as a pro with a third round stoppage of Francisco Rodriguez. The Spaniard was saved after 1.16 of the round.

Promising welterweight powerhouse George Bance, now 3-0, scored his first win via KO, stopping Des Newton after 1.48 of round two. At super lightweight, Telford local Macaulay Owen overcame Liam Richards with a shutout 40-36 victory on the cards to move to 3-0 as a pro.

JASON CUNNINGHAM DID not have to ponder too long and hard over the question of at what point did he realise that he had morphed from being considered a high level opponent to someone with fighting for a world title towards the forefront of his mind.

Despite enjoying much notable success over the years, Cunningham has effectively turned his career on its head and is now preparing to top the bill in Telford with a second defence of his European super bantamweight title.

The Doncaster man goes up against the unbeaten 16-0 Terry Le Couviour at the Telford International Centre on April 16, live on BT Sport.

The turning point, Cunningham reports, came off the back of a defeat, the sixth and last of his 36-fight career to date.

In December 2018 he was drafted in to provide stubborn opposition for Belfast’s amateur superstar Michael Conlan who was, at the time, entering into double figures as a pro and was adding additional Irish flavour to the Warrington-Frampton card at the Manchester Arena.

Cunningham, typically, was nobody’s fall guy and put on a solid performance in losing on the cards. It was a display that triggered a surge of confidence in the boxer known as ‘The Iceman’ and one that he identifies as the keynote moment in his resurgence.

“It is the best way it has been put across to me, to be fair,” said the 32-year-old, who is now signed up by Frank Warren and Queensberry following his first European defence against Brad Foster in October of last year. “It was definitely after the Conlan fight where I gave a very, very good account of myself on the night. This obviously boosts your confidence, it was also up at featherweight, which was never really my division.

“I just got opportunities there because I won the Commonwealth title at that weight. That was an opportunity given at short notice and then you end up campaigning in that division.

“Super bantamweight has always been my division and I am undefeated at that weight as well.

“So after the Conlan fight, my next few performances put me in good shape and then it is all down to experience really.

“It has been a long road from the small hall stuff as well. I’ve been matched hard and have been in the away corner many, many times against good names. It has put me in good stead, I don’t take anything back, any of the defeats because it is all knowledge and experience and has made me the fighter I am today.

“I would say after the Conlan fight that I was coming into my prime. I had a few tickover fights and everything just started coming together. I felt I was coming into my best years and then, obviously, we stumbled into the Covid era, which put things at a standstill.

“So I ended up taking my opportunities at short notice again with Gamal Yafai (who he claimed the title from in May 2021) and kind of went from there. But I would say after the Conlan fight I could feel myself growing in confidence and took it from there.

“I knew it was all coming together,” continued Cunningham, who now possesses the inner belief that he is ready to take on anybody at the right weight.

“Yes, against anyone, and I do truly believe that. It is all step by step and I am confident of competing at world level. I believe I am big enough, strong enough at the weight and my boxing ability is at a high level as I also have a good pedigree from my amateur days as well.

“Confidence is a big thing and I am just ready to test myself and see how far we can go. Whether or not I get to my ultimate goal of being a world champion, I will certainly give it my best shot either way.

“Obviously I have now got Frank behind me, so everything is with me to give it my best.”

Tickets for Jason Cunningham vs Terry Le Couviour for the EBU super bantamweight title at the Telford International Centre on Saturday, April 16 are on sale now available exclusively from Ticketmaster here.

Jason Cunningham defends his European super bantamweight title against Terry Le Couviour at the Telford International Centre on April 16, live on BT Sport. Also on the bill, Stoke favourite Nathan Heaney defends his IBO International middleweight crown against Diego Ramirez from Argentina and Liverpool super bantamweight Andrew Cain fights for the vacant WBC International Silver title against the Nicaraguan Martin Diaz.

Telford pair, super lightweight Macaulay Owen (2-0, 1 KO) and flyweight Bradley Thompson (3-0) complete the card.

THE TELFORD INTERNATIONAL Arena will play host to European title action when Doncaster man Jason Cunningham makes a second defence of his EBU super bantamweight belt against the unbeaten Frenchman Terry Le Couviour on Saturday April 16, live on BT Sport.

Hugely popular Stoke middleweight Nathan Heaney also features with a defence of his IBO international Championship, plus two absolutely cracking fights with WBC International Silver belts at stake.

Former British, Commonwealth and IBF International bantamweight champion Brad Foster from Lichfield makes his return to the ring following his disputed defeat to Cunningham in Birmingham back in October and he takes on the highly rated Spaniard Ionut Baluta, the former WBO European champion.

In a fight that is guaranteed to spark fireworks, Telford native Liam Davies defends his WBC super bantamweight belt against Liverpool firebrand Andrew Cain, with the pair having encountered each other three times in the amateur ranks.

‘The Iceman’ Cunningham, 30-6 (6 KOs), will be looking to extend his winning streak to seven, a formline that has seen him seize the European title from Gamal Yafai in May 2021 and increase his belt collection at the expense of Foster. The 32-year-old last tasted defeat when he took on world title challenger Michael Conlan back in December 2018.

Cunningham, who recently signed a promotional agreement with Queensberry, intends on maximising his career swansong by working his way into position for a world title tilt.

Le Couviour hails from Auray in Brittany and holds a record of 16-0 (2 KOs). He successfully fought for the EBU super bantamweight title in May 2019.

Bidding to get back on track is Foster, 14-1-2 (5 KOs), who became one of the youngest outright British champions when he defeated James Beech jr in July 2020, having previously overcome Josh Wale, Ashley Lane and Lucien Reid, with his IBF International success coming against Alvaro Rodriguez in March 2021.

Baluta, 14-3 (3 KOs), impressively defeated Irish stars, former world champion TJ Doheny and Olympian David Oliver Joyce, before dropping a narrow majority decision to Conlan last time out in April 2021.

‘Hitman’ Heaney, 14-0 (6 KOs), secured the vacant IBO International middleweight title in November of last year in Birmingham, halting the stubborn Sladan Janjanin in the seventh round in what was his third straight stoppage victory.

Telford local Davies, 11-0 (5 KOs), has enjoyed a hugely productive three-fight run since teaming up with Queensberry, with two spectacular second round stoppages topped off with a WBC International Silver title triumph over Dixon Flores last October.

Cain, 8-0 (7 KOs), is a naturally explosive operator as his record suggests and has only once been extended to the final bell. Now one of the most exciting young contenders in the country, Cain held the upper hand over Davies as an amateur, defeating his rival on three occasions.

Also featuring on a bumper card is Northampton super lightweight Eithan James (7-0), Liverpool super bantam Brad Strand (6-0, 3 KOs) and Worcester welterweight Owen Cooper (5-0).

Again in welterweight action is York’s stylish George Davey (5-0), along with super lightweight Macaulay Owen (2-0, 1 KO) from Telford and explosive young welterweight George Bance (2-0) from Atherstone.

Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren commented: “I am delighted we are heading back to Telford where we will showcase our considerable talent from the region.

“Jason Cunningham’s story is a remarkable one and I am thrilled that he will be coming out of the home corner on the night. He has turned his career upside down and his plan is to cap it all with a world title. First of all though he has a tough defence of his European title to navigate against an unbeaten and hungry opponent.

“Brad Foster considered himself very unlucky to drop a decision to Jason when they fought so we are getting him straight back into title business against a strong opponent in Ionut Baluta, who has some previous in upsetting the odds.

“Liam Davies v Andrew Cain is an absolute cracker that I cannot wait for and the winner will be in a great position to accelerate his prospects. I am also looking forward to seeing Nathan Heaney in action again and hearing his incredible support get right behind their man as he increases his experience with a title defence.”

Tickets will be going on sale in the coming weeks, fans are asked to sign-up for Queensberry Ticket Alerts here to receive the ticket link directly to their inbox!

BRITISH, Commonwealth and European Super-Bantamweight champion Jason Cunningham has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Queensberry.

Doncaster’s triple-title holder is closing in on a World championship challenge after brilliant wins against Gamal Yafai and Brad Foster cemented his status as one of the division’s top boxers.

Cunningham (30-6, 6 KOs) caused one of the biggest upsets of 2021 when he thrashed Yafai on points at Manchester Arena in May, taking his rival’s European crown.

Last month he outpointed Foster in Birmingham, adding the British and Commonwealth belts that his new Queensberry stablemate held .

Southpaw Jason insists Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren can deliver a World title fight in 2022.

Cunningham, 32, is willing to step up and face any of the current champions, Murodjon Akhmadaliev (IBF and WBA Super), Brandon Figueroa (WBC), or Stephen Fulton (WBO).

He added: “I am excited to be working with Frank Warren, after seeing first hand how much he supports and backs his fighters.

“After spending years in the away corner on small hall shows I will finally be given the chance to be the home fighter.

“Thanks to all the team at Queensberry, I can look forward to working towards a World title.

“I have had a brilliant career, I am doing all right. I want to go for it and get the biggest fights I possibly can.

“The World champions are all good fighters and that is a step up, but after my wins against Gamal and Brad over the last few months there is only one place to go.”

Cunningham’s manager Stefy Bull said: “I am so happy for Jason to finally be presented with a lucrative promotional contract with one of the World’s leading promoters.

“They share my vision and goals for Jason and I believe it’s going to be a fantastic few years chasing the ultimate goal of becoming champion of the World.”

Warren is delighted to welcome another World class fighter to the growing Queensberry team, and says: “Jason is another great addition.

“Jason and Stefy made it clear that they are after the biggest fights and it’s the job of myself and the Queensberry team to deliver.

“This year, Jason proved that he belongs in the World title picture. Very few expected him to beat Gamal and he won comfortably and he emerged on top again against Brad in what was seen as a 50-50.

“We are looking at getting Jason out pretty early in 2022 and next year should ensure he is involved against the best in the Super-Bantamweight division.”

Cunningham who celebrates ten years as a professional next month is one of the few boxers to be a three-weight Commonwealth champion. He has won titles at Bantamweight and Featherweight besides the Super-Bantamweight crown he currently holds.

Jason who has won six fights on the spin has never lost at Super-Bantamweight and often taken fights outside his weight class to remain active.

8 x 3 Minute Rounds Super-Featherweight Contest

NICK BALL – 128lbs 10oz
v
PIOTR GUDEL – 126lbs 5oz

4 x 3 Minute Rounds Lightweight Contest

AMAAR AKBAR – 142lbs 2oz
v 
LIAM RICHARDS – 140lbs 9oz

THE VACANCT WBC INTERNATIONAL SILVER SUPER-BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
10 x 3 Minute Rounds @ 122 lbs

LIAM DAVIES – 121lbs 4oz
v
DIXON FLORES – 122lbs

THE BRITISH, IBF EUROPEAN AND COMMONWEALTH WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
12 x 3 Minute Rounds @ 147 lbs

EKOW ESSUMAN – 146lbs 9oz
v
DANNY BALL – 146lbs 2oz

THE WBO GLOBAL LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
10 x 3 Minute Rounds @ 175 lbs

CALLUM JOHNSON – 174lbs 3oz
v
SERVER EMURLAEV – 174lbs

THE BRITISH, COMMONWEALTH, IBF INTERNATIONAL AND EBU EUROPEAN SUPER-BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
12 x 3 Minute Rounds @ 122 lbs

BRAD FOSTER – 121lbs 8oz
v 
JASON CUNNINGHAM – 121lbs 3oz

QUEENSBERRY today hosted a press conference ahead of their show at Utilita Arena, Birmingham on Saturday (October 9), live on BT.

Queensberry’s British and Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight champion Brad Foster (14-0-2, 5 KOs) meets European title holder Jason Cunningham (29-6, 6 KOs) in a 12 round contest where all three titles are on the line,

In a Midlands derby, Nottingham’s Ekow Essuman (15-0, 6 KOs) will defend his British, Commonwealth Welterweight titles when he faces Kingswinford’s Danny Ball (10-0-1, 4 KOs).

Former World Light-Heavyweight title challenger, Callum Johnson (19-1, 14 KOs) defends his WBO Global championship against Russian Server Emurlaev (24-2, 8 KOs).

English Bantamweight champion Liam Davies (10-0, 5 KOs) faces Nicaragua’s former World title challenger Dixon Flores (17-7-3, 6 KOs) with the vacant WBC International Super-Bantamweight crown on the line.

Liverpool Super-Featherweight Nick Ball (13-0, 6 KOs) is in eight round action Poland’s Piotr Gudel (10-6-1, 1 KO).

York Welterweight George Davey (4-0) is in six round action. Worcester Super-Welterweight Owen Cooper (4-0, 1 KO), Bradford Lightweight Amaar Akbar (1-0), Bloxwich Super-Welterweight Ryan Woolridge (1-0) and Telford debutant Macauley Owen all box four rounders.

Here are a selection of quotes from the press conference.

FRANCIS WARREN: “We have a monster fight later on Saturday night between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder, but before that some monsters in the Midlands. Brad v Jason and Ekow v Jason are the type of fights that get people intrigued. It’s an old phrase but domestic dust-ups get the blood flowing. There are plenty of belts up for grabs and that is what people want to see. Liam Davies was spectacular in his last fight and this is a good progression fight against Dixon Flores. Callum is one of the best Light-Heavyweights in the World. Callum has a tough fight on Saturday and some think it is a potential banana skin. I don’t think it is.”

BRAD FOSTER: “Jason is the toughest test of my career and that is why I have worked so hard. Let’s go into the deep waters Jason talks about because I am a very good swimmer. Jason is no mug and I have to be on top of my game. I’m just living the dream, working hard and chasing my goals. The next one is Saturday night.

JASON CUNNINGHAM: “I’m ready for what Brad has on Saturday. I hold the bigger title and I’m in the away corner. It’s nothing new to me. It’s a great fight with all the marbles. All I ask, is that I get a fair crack of the whip. I don’t care what anyone says, I am taking care of Brad Foster. It’s taken me that long to get here I am just going to enjoy it. We’re going to see what Brad is all about.”

EKOW ESSUMAN: “All respect to Danny, but I have paid the price to be the boss. I have worked my way from small hall shows without a promoter until the last couple of fights. It’s been hard, but I have been training in the trenches and I just graft. I didn’t revel in the title win because I have tunnel vision and move onto the next thing. Danny is in my way and I have to take him out. He is just another victim. Nobody has seen me show my true potential. I just want to push on and take over the World.”

DANNY BALL: “The pressure of a big fight against Ekow doesn’t bother me. I am in the sport to be in these fights. Winning the British title is a World title for someone like me. The British title was once just a dream. Now it’s going to come home with me on Saturday.”

CALLUM JOHNSON: “I’m ready to go. I am looking to put a show on and do the job I always do. You are in there to throw punches, but if it is another war I know I can go through the trenches and go as deep as anybody. I would like to get a World title and defend it against Lyndon Arthur or Anthony Yarde. I have a test on Saturday and have to come through that. I always get in there to knock out people and at some point he will go.”

SERVER EMURLAEV: “Callum is a very dangerous opponent and one who will throw me a challenge. I have a chance to rise to the occasion. Britain is the home of boxing and I am happy to be here, but I’m here to fight. This is the career opportunity I have been waiting for.”

LIAM DAVIES: “Since I joined Queensberry it has been great. I have two stoppages and I am going for another one in the second round. Dixon has fought for a World title and is no idiot. I am going up to Super-Bantamweight for this fight because the opportunities never came at Bantamweight. I am big enough and good enough to mix with the best at Super-Bantamweight. I will come with bad intentions at either weight. There are also great domestic fights with Andrew Cain and Dennis McCann to be had.”

BRAD FOSTER will face Jason Cunningham for the British, Commonwealth and European Super-Bantamweight championships at Utilita Arena, Birmingham on Saturday October 9.

Their eagerly awaited battle heads a high quality evening of action that includes another British and Commonwealth showdown, plus the return of World ranked Callum Johnson.

British and Commonwealth champion Foster’s promoters Queensberry won the purse bids when they were ordered for his showdown against European title holder Cunningham (29-6, 6KOs).

The fight had been scheduled to take place last month, but Foster suffered an injury forcing a short postponement.

Foster (14-0-2, 5 KOs) lives close to the venue and Frank Warren is backing his home support to roar him on.

The Hall of Fame promoter said: “It is one of the most evenly matched fights anywhere this year, but we want to give Brad every advantage so we have gone to an arena close to his home.

“The bill is well-matched and although everyone has waited a little longer than we expected for Foster v Cunningham it will be worth the wait.

“I expected Brad to be facing Gamal Yafai, but Jason was exceptional when he beat him. Brad has been in fantastic form since he signed with Queensberry and it’s hard to believe he’s only 23.”

Doncaster southpaw Cunningham caused a huge upset when he snatched the European crown from Yafai in May, winning on points.

Foster last fought in March when he scored a shut out points win against Alvaro Rodriguez to claim the vacant IBF International belt.

Former World Light-Heavyweight title challenger, Johnson (19-1, 14 KOs) is likely to make a defence of his WBO Global belt.

Johnson lost a four round war in a IBF title challenge against Artur Beterbiev in October 2018, but is highly ranked by the IBF and WBO. Warren is confident of landing the Boston man another marquee contest.

In a Midlands derby Nottingham’s Ekow Essuman (15-0, 6 KOs) will make the first defence of his British and Commonwealth Welterweight crowns when he faces Kingswinford’s Danny Ball (10-0-1, 4 KOs).

Essuman impressed when he ended Chris Jenkins 28 month reign in July stopping the Welsh star in eight rounds.

Ball last boxed in March when he outpointed fellow unbeaten boxer Sam Gilley over ten rounds in a WBC International Silver title defence.

Liam Davies (10-0, 5 KOs) will return on the card after a recent victory in the same arena in August. Davies had been due to face Andrew Cain on the show, but illness means that bout will likely be postponed.

Also featured on the card will be Nick Ball, George Davey, Owen Cooper, Amaar Akbar, Tommy Collins and Macauley Owen.

Tickets will be on sale this week.

BRAD FOSTER will face Jason Cunningham for the British, Commonwealth and European Super-Bantamweight titles at Utlilita Arena, Birmingham on Saturday August 28, live on BT Sport.

Their eagerly awaited triple title showdown heads a stunning night of action that includes two further British championship contests.

Other big names on the blockbuster bill includes Anthony Yarde and boxing’s biggest ticket seller Nathan Heaney.

British and Commonwealth champion Foster’s promoters Queensberry wiped out their rivals when purse bids were ordered for the showdown against European title holder Cunningham (29-6, 6KOs).

Foster (14-0-2, 5 KOs) lives close to the venue in Lichfield and promoter Frank Warren is backing his legion of fans to roar him on.

Warren said: “It is one of the most evenly matched fights anywhere this year, but we want to give Brad every advantage.

“The bill is outstanding and a big local crowd could be the difference come fight night. What a fight it will be.

“I expected Brad to be facing Gamal Yafai, but Jason was exceptional when he beat him. Brad has been in fantastic form since he signed with Queensberry and it’s hard to believe he’s only 23.”

Doncaster southpaw Cunningham caused a huge upset when he snatched the European crown from Yafai in May.

Foster last fought in March when he scored a shut out points win against Alvaro Rodriguez to pick up the vacant IBF International belt.

Former World Light-Heavyweight title challenger Yarde (20-2, 19 KOs) has a warm-up ahead of his likely rematch against Commonwealth champion Lyndon Arthur, who controversially outpointed him last December.

Akeem Ennis-Brown (14-0, 1 KO) will risk his British and Commonwealth Super-Lightweight championships against Liverpool’s former amateur superstar Sam Maxwell (15-0, 11 KOs).

The Gloucester man hasn’t boxed since winning his title in a points win against Philip Bowes last September.

He had been due to face Maxwell in March, but was injured and his challenger had to be content with a points win against late sub Ben Fields.

Belfast’s Anthony Cacace (18-1, 7 KOs) will finally get to defend his British Super-Featherweight crown against Lyon Woodstock (12-2, 5 KOs).

Injuries and illness has prevented the fight taking place since it was first scheduled last August, and it promises to be a cracking 12 rounder.

In a fourth title fight Telford’s Liam Davies (9-0, 4 KOs) will make his first defence of the English Bantamweight title he won so impressively against Sean Cairns last November.

Warren added: “Ennis-Brown v Maxwell and Cacace v Woodstock fights promise and will deliver excitement for those lucky enough to be there and BT Sport viewers.

“This is a card that no one can have any complaints about.”

Stoke Middleweight Heaney(12-0, 4 KOs) will have his raucous army behind him when he boxes a ten rounder in his third fight under the Queensberry banner.

Warren hopes that next summer, Heaney will be fighting on an open air show at the bet365 Stadium, home of his beloved Stoke City.

Northampton Super-Lightweight  Eithan James (5-0) will box a six rounder on the bill.

Dublin’s Willo Hayden a training partner of Conor McGregor makes his professional debut in a four round Super-Lightweight contest.

Also in four round action is Nottingham Light-Heavyweight Ezra Taylor (1-0, 1 KO) and Telford debutant Super-Lightweight Macauley Owen.

BRAD FOSTER reckons he is ready to conquer Europe after cleaning up domestically.

Foster has boxed just 16 times as a professional, but already fought five British Super-Bantamweight title fights, winning a Lonsdale belt for keeps.

He beat Josh Wale in March 2019 to win his domestic title. Foster then defeated Ashley Lane, drew with Lucien Reid, won their rematch and outpointed James Beech Jr last July.

Lichfield’s Foster, 23, is mandatory challenger for the European crown held by Doncaster’s Jason Cunningham, who shocked Gamal Yafai this past weekend.

Foster (14-0-2, 5 KOs) said: “I have the Lonsdale belt outright and I am mandatory for Jason’s title so I want to move up the levels and challenge myself even more.

“I don’t want to be staying at British level because I have won it outright.

“There is a final eliminator for my British title coming up, but fighting the winner isn’t going to help my World ranking.

“What is the point of staying at British level when I have won the Lonsdale belt outright? That was one of my goals.

“Who knows if I will defend the British title, but I am looking forward. I am mandatory for the European title so that is the one I look at.”

In March, Brad added the IBF International championship to his British and Commonwealth belts when he impressively outpointed Spaniard Alvaro Rodriguez.

That victory earned Foster a top ten ranking for the title currently held by unified champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev, who is also the WBA champion.

Foster is also keen to get in the queue for WBO champion Stephen Fulton, WBC title holder Luis Nery and he would also relish facing Michael Conlan.

He added: “I want to get some good world rankings, pick up some titles on the way and eventually become world champion.

“Guys like Michael Conlan and world title fights appeal, but they are further down the line. For now, I want to keep on progressing.

“The current world champions are all good fighters. I am building myself up to that level. I wouldn’t say I am ready to jump in for a world title right now.

“In the future, of course. I am only 23, had five British title fight and won it outright. I didn’t have any amateur boxing experience and have a kickboxing background.”

Foster returned to training earlier this month and is hoping to have his second fight of 2021 this summer.

“I injured my left hand when I hit Rodriguez with a left hook. I let it rest, but I started punching again last week,” said Foster.

“I’m looking forward to a fight date. We are waiting on a few things, but I would like to be out in July.”

“I am still learning and as Frank Warren says, I have gone under the radar and most people don’t know what I’ve achieved at my age.

“My job is to keep on winning and they will notice me.”

Joshua Buatsi stopped Daniel Dos Santos in round four of their scheduled 10-round light heavyweight at The Manchester Arena in Manchester, England.

In round four, Buatsi landed a devastating overhand right to the face of Dos Santos, who like a ton of bricks, and the fight was over at 2:44.

Buatsi, 174 lbs of Croydon, ENG is 14-0 with 12 knockouts. Dos Santos, 174.1 lbs of Point-Sainte-Maxence, FRA is 15-1.

“I hope he’s okay,” Buatsi told Matchroom. “We’ve seen this happen to many fighters. You box someone they say you’re levels above and it’s a banana skin situation. I’m glad I handled it. The most important thing is I hope he’s okay. We’ve seen these type of fighters come and cause upsets recently and I was adamant it wasn’t going to happen to me. I’m glad it went well.

“I remain optimistic all of the time in the moves that I make and this is one of them. We will have a week or so off and then we’re back in the gym to keep building. Going in we had little footage of him. Usually you can watch who you’re going to fight to get a feel. He looked very good in the one bit of footage we had of him. I had to learn round by round what he was like.

“Virgil gave me the perfect instructions and I followed them. I haven’t got here by being given it. The little that I’ve earnt, I had to work hard for it. I thank god for everything that we’ve got but I work hard for it. When I step in that ring it’s a dog mentality. This is a fight. I’m here to take everything. We’re here to win but we’re not here to hurt anyone. The time that we’re in the ring, yes, we want to win, and we want to entertain. We’re not here to hurt anyone in the long-term.”

Richards Decisons De Carolis

Lerrone Richards won an easy 12-round unanimous decision over Giovanni De Caolins in a super middleweight.

Richards, 167 lbs of New Malden, ENG won by scores of 120-108 twice and 119-109, and is now 15-0. De Carolis, 167.4 lbs of Vitebo, ITA is 28-10-1.

“I said I was going to conquer Europe, and I’ve done it,” Richards told Matchroom. “I’m very pleased and I’m very happy. I wanted this so bad to complete the collection. British, Commonwealth and now the European Super-Middleweight Champion. I’m very happy.

“It’s all of the drilling and all of the work in the gym. I’d like to thank my team – Dave Coldwell, Danny Wilson and my nutritionist Lee for getting me in the best shape possible for this fight. I’m going to be very difficult to beat. I said this from the start. It’s all about the skills, and I have them in abundance. I showcased a little bit of that tonight.

“There were points in the fight where I decided to sit in the pocket and work with him. I could have gone up the gears a little bit more tonight. I felt like what I was doing was enough. My team are very happy with my performance.

“I started from the bottom and worked my way up – I backed myself. There’s something to learn at every level. We’ll see what the team says the best options are for me. The next step now is fringe world level.”

Jason Cunningham dropped Gamal Yafai three-times en-route to a 12-round unanimous decision in a super bantamweight bout.

In round two, Cinningham dropped Yafai with a straight left. In round four, Cunningham dropped Yafai with a counter left. In round six, Cunningham dropped Yafai.

Yafai rallied down the stretch and hurt Cunningham down the stretch, but it was too little-too late as Cunningham won by scores of 115-110 and 114-111 twice.

Cunningham, 121.8 lbs of Doncaster, ENG is 29-6. Yafai, 121. lbs of Birmingham, ENG is 18-2.

Cunningham avenged a loss to Gamal’s brother Khalid.

“We’re buzzing,” said Cunningham. “We’re from a little town called Doncaster. We’ve got a British, European and World Champion – that’s some doing that. In at three weeks’ notice – I won my second Commonwealth Title at three weeks’ notice. They tried catching me out tonight, I don’t care what anyone says – that’s what they’ve done. 

“I’ve stayed prepared, stayed disciplined and dedicated. This is what happens when you stick to it. I was in this venue last time I had a big fight against Michael Conlan. I pushed Michael Conlan hard. I had to grit in late on tonight – he hurt me a few times to the body. I’ll never quit. It’s my boxing ability that sets me above the rest. I’m an awkward tall southpaw.

“I said I knew I had the tools to do it. I said I’d have done a better job if I had more notice but to be fair, I dropped him three times and it was quite comfortable really. I knew to keep calm and carry on what I was doing. I stuck to it and this is my reward. I made a lot of people in Doncaster a lot of money tonight.

“I showed my class, I was levels above him in terms of boxing ability. Usually you get a good ten weeks’ notice for a European Title fight – it was the biggest fight of my life. I’ve been out of the ring since February last year. Tonight was just my night, I knew I was all wrong for him.”

Tommy McCarthy stopped Alezandru Jur in round six of a scheduled 12-round cruiserweight bout,

In round four, McCarthy dropped Jur with a left to the body. Two rounds later, it was another left to the body, but this time Jur was down for the count of 10 at 2:09.

McCarthy, 199.4 lbs of Belfast, NI is 18-2 with nine knockouts. Jur, 198.7 lbs of Ordea, ROM is 19-5.

“I’m delighted,” McCarthy told Matchroom. “I got a few rounds in and a stoppage. I got everything that I wanted. We prepared for Jur to give me a good test. I don’t think he expected me to come out the way that I did. It threw him off a bit. I can’t complain.

“I thought it was all over after the first knockdown. Feinted to the head, left hook to the body and he went over. He went into survival mode after that. It was the same again with the next one. I’ve been working hard with my team all through camp. We’ve been doing all sorts of drills. We’ve been working on being explosive. The S and C training was all focused on me being explosive. I’m a hard puncher.

“Everything was perfect this camp – no injuries. I was driving them shots through him, it was great. The pandemic has been great for me, I’ve kept my head down, stayed in the gym and worked on my whole game. I hope everybody is buzzing back home in Belfast.

“I’ve got no problem fighting Chris Billam-Smith, it’s easy work. If this is the hurdle that I have to jump over for a World Title fight, then so be it. Chris Billam-Smith, stop Tweeting about me, stop talking about me – we’ll see you at Fight Camp.”

Dalton Smith remained undefeated with a beatdown sixth round stoppage over Lee Appleyard in a scheduled 10-round junior welterweight bout.

Smith dominated throughout until the fight was stopped at 2:44

Smith, 139.9 lbs of Sheffield, ENG is 8-0 with seven knockouts. Aplleyard, 139.1 lbs of Rotherham, ENG is 16-6-1.

“I’ve got my first professional Title,” said Smith. “I’ve dreamt about this since I was a little boy. I’m English Champion! It’s the starting block for me. When the fight first got announced, I thought, ‘it’s just an English Title’, but now I’ve got it it’s like, ‘wow, I’m a professional Champion now’. It feels good.

“All credit to Lee – he’s one tough kid. I was prepared for a fast-paced ten rounds tonight, but he was just taking a few too many shots in there. I’m good friends with Lee out of the ring. When you go in there it’s just business. I could see his face was getting bust up pretty bad. I kind of felt sorry for him in a way. I’ve got respect for him. I knew eventually the shots would come and I knew he wasn’t going to last long.

“I’m happy with my performance. You want to win in style. The knockouts are good. We want to win but we don’t want anyone to come out of there hurt. People forget that was my eighth pro fight there. Lee is an experienced guy and he’s been in with some top kids. He’s been those championship rounds.

“I’m taking my time, I’m 24. I’ve got one shot at boxing; I want to make sure that I do it right. I’m not in there with no mugs – they’re real contenders. That was a good step up and I proved what I’m about. I’m not a championship round fighter yet. Kay Prosper just boxed for the European Title – they’re the type of fights that I want. I want to get those championship rounds in, I’m in a tough division. Maybe I’ll get over to the States in my next fight, get a bit of experience over there. I’d love to do that.”

Solomon Dacres made a successful pro debut with an easy six-round unanimous decision over Mladen Manev in a heavyweight bout.

Dacres, 221.1 lbs of Birmingham, ENG won by a 60-54 score and is 1-0. Manev, 233 lbs of Sofia BUL is 3-9.

“It was good to get six rounds under my belt,” Dacres told Matchroom. “I know a lot of people like to get the big Heavyweights that get them out of there in one round, but you don’t learn much from that. I got to show my skills. I didn’t just go for all power. I’ve got plenty more in the tank, so it was good to get the rounds in.

“I showed my hand speed at times. I showed I can box. I didn’t rush it. I’ve varied the power up. It’s all building up. We’re training to be a twelve-round fighter, not just a one or two round knockout artist. You don’t gain much from getting someone that is going to fall over after a round. Six tough rounds, I got to go through the gears, show a bit of what I’m about and learn a little bit as well.

“I was pretty relaxed to be honest. I’ve had plenty of amateur fights. I know that I prepared very hard. It felt good to get in there. Hard work is at the route of it all. If you put that hard work and dedication in, the sky is the limit. I’ll keep putting my head down in the gym and performing in the ring.”

Josh Warrington won a 12-round unanimous decision over former world champion Carl Frampton to retain the IBF Featherweight title at The Manchester Arena in Manchester, England.

Warrington came out like gangbisters and he threw and landed punches with reckless abandon.  Warrington dominated the first half of the fight with sheer volume.  Frampton showed a champions class as he fought his way back in the fight, and made it very tight on the scorecards bt landing right counters over the combinations of Warrington.

Warrington built up too much of a lead, and held on by scores of 116-113 and 116-112.

Warrington, 125.9 lbs of Leeds, UK is 28-0.  Frampton, 125.9 lbs of Belfast, IRE is 26-2

Liam Williams stopped previously undefeated Mark Heffron in round 10 of a scheduled 12 round middleweight fight.

In round two, Williams was cut over the right eye from a clash of heads.  Williams dominated the action as he will able to land his right hand at will.

In round two, Williams landed a big shot that drove Heffron into the ropes, which was ruled a knockdown.  Williams followed that up with an onslaught of punches, and the fight was stopped at 1:55

Williams, 159.9 lbs of Wales is 19-2-1 with 14 knockouts.  Heffron, 157.9 ls 21-1.

Hassan N’Dam won a 12-round majority decision over Martin Murray in a middleweight contest.

At the end of round four, Murray landed an overhand right that sent N’Dam down in the corner.  But N’Dam was able to survive that and box and move his way to a points victory by scores of 117-112, 116-112 and 114-114.

N’Dam, 157.9 lbs of France is now 37-3.  Murray, 159.9 lbs of England is 37-5-1.

Michael Conlan remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Jason Cunningham in a featherweight bout.

In round six, Conlan was deducted a point for a low blow, but Conlan dominated the action, and won by scores of 98-92 and 97-92 twice

Conlan, 125.9 lbs of Ireland is 10-0.  Cunningham, 124.9 lbs of England is 24-6.

On his performance against Cunningham

“I made some mistakes in there, but it was a learning experience. It was the first time I went 10 rounds. I felt comfortable in there going the distance, and I got the job done.”

“At the end of the day, it’s another win in the bank. I’m very happy.”

On almost finishing Cunningham in the 10th round

“I thought I had him going, but I couldn’t get him out of there. He did very well to survive. I hit him with some good shots, but he’s a smart fighter and he knew how to survive. If I had a couple more rounds, I think I could have had him out of there.”

On his 2018 campaign

“I’ve progressed. I’ve gone from prospect to contender. I still have a few questions to answer, but I’m happy with the way things are going.”

On what’s next

“I’m going to be back at Madison Square Garden on March 17 for St. Patrick’s Day. Then, we want to come back to Belfast in the summer with a fight in between. I’m not sure who is next, but I want to keep stepping up.”

Nathan Gorman remained undefeated with a 12-round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Razvan Cojanu in a heavyweight bout.

Gorman, 238.1 lbs won by scores of 120-108 and 119-109 twice, and is now 15-0.  Cojanu, 273.1 lbs of Burbank, CA is now 16-5.

Tyson Fury’s brother, Tommy Fury made a successful pro debut with a decision win over trial horse Jevgenis Andrejevs.

Fury, 178.8 lbs won by  a 40-36 scores and is 1-0.  Andrejevs of Lativa is 10-103-3.

Follow all the action as Josh Warrington defends the IBF Featherweight title against former world champion Carl Frampton.  The action kicks off at 1 PM ET/ 6 PM UK time with Tommy Fury making his pro debut.  Also Nathan Gorman takes on Razvan Cojanu; Michael Conlan battles Jason Cunningham; Martin  Murray fights Hassan N’Dam; Mark Heffron fights Liam Williams

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Round 1 Good right hook by Warrington and they are going at it..Frampton backing up…Heated pace

Round 2 Left hook from Frampton..Right from Warrington..Body shot..Warrington opening up..Short right

Round 3 Uppercut from Frampton..Body shots

Round 4  Right from Warrington..Warrington working on the ropes

Round 5 Barrage of punches from Warrington..Left..Body work..Uppercut..Frampton trying to land the uppercut

Round 6  Warrington applying pressure..Right from Frampton..Uppercut from Warington..right to the body

Round 7 Heavy body shots by both guys…Right from Frampton….Warrington outlanding Framton 142-76

Round 8 Body shots from Frampton..Uppercut from Warrington..Good shots from Frampton..Combination..Warrington trying to answer

Round 9 Right Counter from Frampton..Good right from Warrington..Combination from Frampton..Body punches..Warrington lands a 4 punch combination

Round 10 Jab from Warrington..Uppercut from Frampton..Warrington upping his punch output..Frampton getting better of exchange..Jab from Frampton

Round 11 Jab from Frampton..Right..1-2 from Warrington..Jab..Good combination from Frampton.

Round 12 Body work from Warrington..Pop shotting from the outside

116-113; 116-112 TWICE FOR JOSH WARRINGTON

Round 1 Williams lands a 1-2..Right

Round 2 Clash of heads..Another…Cut over right eye of Williams

Round 3 Good combination from Williams

Round 4 Right from Williams..Jab

Round 5 Hook from Heffron..Good left from Williams..Jab

Round 6 2 hard rights from Williams..Heffrom warned for low blow..Right from Williams..Hard right..Chopping right

Round 7 Right from Williams..Right over the top

Round 8  Right from Williams..Right..Williams warned for low blow

Round 9 Hook from Heffron..Body..Right from Williams

Round 10  HUGE RIGHT AND HEFFRON SLAMS INTO THE ROPES FOR A KNOCKDOWN..Williams landing big shots..REFEREE STOPS THE FIGHT

Round 1 Left to body from Murray..Body shot

Round 2 Left hook from Murray..Uppercut from N’Dam..Left to body from Murray

Round 3

Round 4 Combination from Murray..Combination in close by N’Dam..RIGHT FROM MURRAY AT BELL AND RULED A KNOCKDOWN

Round 5 Murray working the body..Uppercut from N’Dam

Round 6  Combination from N’Dam..Body shot

Round 7 Good uppercut from N’Dam..Combination..Body shot

Round 8 Body shots from N’Dam..Right from Murray

Round 9 Combination from N’Dam..Another combination on the ropes..

Round 10 Right from Murray..

Round 11 N’Dam boxing and moving

Round 12 Murray pressing..Uppercut from N’Dam

114-114; 117-112; 116-112 FOR N’DAM

Round 1

Round 2 Good right from Conlan..Left from Conlan…

Round 3 Body shot from Conlan

Round 4  Right from Conlan..2 lefts from Cunningham..Good body work from Conlan..Right to body

Round 5 Jab and combination from Conlan

Round 6 Conlan deducted a point for a low blow..

Round 7 Combination from Cunningham..Good exchange

Round 8 Good right from Conlan..Uppercuts

Round 9 Jab from Conlan..Good right

Round 10 Cunningham coming forward..Good left hurts Cunningham..Huge right buckles Cunningham

97-92 TWICE AND 98-92 for Conlan

Round 1 Body and uppercuts from Gorman

Round 2 Right from Cojanu..Left from Gorman..Lead left hook..Combination from Cojanu..Left hook

Round 3 Right from Gorman…Gorman getting more active

Round 4  Right from Gorman

Round 5 Left hook from Gorman..Right snaps Cojanu’s head back

Round 6 Hook to body and right from Gorman..Right from Cjanu..Nice uppercut..Body shots..

Round 7 Uppercut from Cojanu..Good left hook..Left hook from Gorman

Round 8 Left from Gorman

Round 9 Left from Gorman…Right to body from Cojanu

Round 10 Nice right from Gorman..Right from Cojanu..Hard right from Gorman

Round 11 Good right from Gorman..Good left from Gorman drive Cojanu to the corner

Round 12 Good left from Gorman..Body shot

119-109 twice and 120-108 for GORMAN

Round 1 Body shot from Fury..Uppercut…Body shot

Round 2 Right hand from Fury..Right

Round 3 Hard uppercut from Fury..Good body shots and right hand..Fury warned for low blows..Right to body

Round 4 Lead left hook from Fury

FURY WINS BY 40-36 SCORE

Michael Conlan will face former Commonwealth champion Jason Cunningham when he fights in England for the first time as a professional at the Manchester Arena on the massive Josh Warrington-Carl Frampton card on December 22.

Featherweight Conlan joins his Belfast band of brothers, Frampton, Paddy Barnes and Steven Ward on the BT Box Office blockbuster (ESPN+ in the United States) and in Cunningham he faces his first British opposition since entering the paid code in March of last year.

The experienced Doncaster 29-year-old holds a record of 24-5 and has won the Commonwealth title at two different weights – bantam and featherweight – while he has previously challenged for the British title at super flyweight. He is also a two-time winner of the English bantamweight title.

Last time out in June, Cunningham won the Central Area super bantamweight title via a points victory over Paul Economides.

He is now up against blue chip prospect Conlan, the former world amateur champion who will have his tenth professional fight in Manchester.

In his hugely successful amateur career, Conlan was ranked No.1 in the AIBA world rankings at bantamweight with a medal haul that included an Olympic bronze medal (London 2012), Commonwealth Games gold (Glasgow 2014), European Championships gold (Samokov, Bulgaria 2015) and a World Championships gold (Doha 2015). He achieved superstar status in his homeland as one of Ireland’s most decorated amateur fighters of all time.

“He is a good, experienced fighter who has been in with some top guys and I am looking forward to facing this challenge head on in only my 10th fight,” said the 26-year-old Conlan on his latest assignment.

“It is something I am excited about and something where I believe I can show the best Michael Conlan.

“This is maybe the first time I will be facing someone who can speak proper English! The fans will know him and I rate Jason Cunningham, but I believe come fight night I will show my class and how good I actually am.

“I have been calling for stiffer opposition for a while now, although I know my fight in Belfast was a tough test (against Adeilson Dos Santos), but I quite easily outboxed that dude.

“The fact that Jason is known for giving it a go and not backing down – and with it being an opponent who will bring a fanbase with him – it will be a first for me. It is something I need to experience.

“There is no doubt in my mind that I will prepare strenuously because this dude will provide a tough challenge in a fight that he will believe he can win.”

Since turning professional in the wake of a controversial exit from the 2016 Rio Olympics, Conlan has clocked up nine straight wins, with six of them coming inside the distance.

The younger brother of Jamie Conlan made his debut as the headliner at the Madison Square Garden Theater where, after being walked to the ring by Irish MMA superstar Conor McGregor, he outclassed Tim Ibarra to get his pro journey underway.

He has since boxed in Chicago, Brisbane, Tucson and twice more at the MSG Theater before getting to perform in the main arena at the Garden against Ibon Larrinaga in May.

The following month he enjoyed a homecoming fight and a significant step up in class against Adeilson Dos Santos at the SSE Arena in Belfast, where he was victorious over the eight-round distance.

Most recently in October, Conlan got to experience the Las Vegas fight scene where he overcame the resistance of Nicola Cipolletta and forced a seventh round stoppage at the Park Theater in his Las Vegas debut.

IBF world featherweight champion Josh Warrington takes on former two-weight world champion Carl Frampton at the Manchester Arena on December 22nd live on BT Sport Box Office. Mark Heffron will now fight WBO Interim world title challenger Liam Williams in support of the main event, while Belfast’s blue chip featherweight prospect Michael Conlan (9-0) takes on former Commonwealth Champion Jason Cunningham (24-5) on the bill along with world flyweight title challenger Paddy Barnes (5-1) and unbeaten Light Heavyweight contender Steven Ward (9-0).

In another middleweight addition, 7-0-1 Darlington Middleweight Troy ‘Trojan’ Williamson has also been added to the show after his thrilling draw with Jack Flatley earlier this year.

Tickets are priced at £50 Upper Tier, £80 Tier, £100 Tier, £150 Tier, £200 Floor/Tier, £300 Floor, £400 Floor, £600 Inner Ring VIP Hospitality and are available.

Tickets available via Manchester-Arena.com