In a bout that made their world champion father’s proud, Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn carried on their legacy just fine with Eubank pounding out a 12-round unanimous decision in a middleweight bout in front over 67,000 fans at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England.

In round three, Benn landed a hard right hand the momentarily buckled Eubank. Benn came out full of energy while Eubank chose to box mostly from the outside for much of the first half of the fight.

In round eight, the fight broke out as the two stood toe-to-toe and both landed some hard shots on the inside which was much to the delight of the 67,000 fans in attendance. In round nine, Eubank was cut around the right eye. The cut was caused by a clash of heads. Benn and Eubank wailed away on each other in some more great action in round 10. In round 12, Eubank and Benn engaged in furious exchanges with Eubank landing some big shots including a left hook that rocked Benn on the ropes.

Eubank landed 367 of 912 punches. Benn was 215 of 583.

Eubank, 160.1 lbs won by scores 116-112 on all cards of and is now 35-3. Benn is now 23-1.

The fight was a grudge match on the heels of their father’s Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn fight that took place in 1990.

Anthony Yarde Rallies to Decision Lyndon Arthur in Trilogy

In a battle of veteran light heavyweight, Anthony Yarde dominated the second half of his 12-round light heavyweight bout to win a unanimous decision over Lyndon Arthur.

The fight was the third in their trilogy, which now has Yarde winning the last two of the three fights.

Yarde, 174.6 lbs of East London won by scores of 115-113 and 116-112 twice and is now 27-3. Arthur, 174.6 lbs of Manchester, ENG is 24-3.

Aaron McKenna; Dominates and Decisions Liam Smith

Aaron McKenna announced himself on the world stage as he scored a one-sided 12-round unanimous decision over former world champion Liam Smith in a middleweight bout.

For 11 rounds, McKenna beat up and battered Smith by working behind a long jab. In round 12, McKenna dropped Smith with a left to the body.

McKenna landed 292 of 794 punches, while Smith was 88 of 520.

McKenna, 159.7 lbs of Monahan, IRE won by scores of 119-108, 117-109 and 118-108 and is now 20-0. Smith, 160 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 33-5-1.

Viddal Riley Decisions Chev Clarke

Viddal Riley won a 12-round unanimous decision over Chev Clarke in a cruiserweight bout.

Riley landed 147 of 617 punches. Clarke was 108 of 546.

Riley, 199.5 lbs of Tottenham, London, ENG won by scores of 117-111, 116-112 and 115-113. and is now 13-0. Clarke, 199.7 lbs of Kent, ENG is 10-2.

Billiam-Smith Decisions Glanton

In a physical grueling fight, former world champion Chris Billiam-Smith pounded out a 12-round unanimous decision over Brandon Glanton in a cruiserweight bout.

Billiam-Smith landed 195 of 667 punches. Glanton was 177 of 560.

Billiam-Smith, 199 lbs of Bournmoth, ENG won by scores of 116-112 twice and 116-113 and is now 21-2. Glanton, 199.5 lbs of Atlanta is 20-3.

Matchroom Boxing is delighted to announce the signing of former World Champion Liam Smith.

The Liverpool Middleweight (33-4-1, 20 KOs) will return to the ring this year – with a major fight to be announced in due course – where he will resurrect his quest to rule the world once again.

Fans’ favourite ‘Beefy’ is one of the revered Smith Brothers, the famous fighting family from Merseyside which includes siblings Paul, Stephen and Callum.

Collectively they have held multiple championships between them – including the WBO World Super-Welterweight crown that 36-year-old Liam memorably captured a decade ago with a scintillating seventh-round stoppage over Apollo Thompson.

Now Smith, ranked at No.10 in the rankings by the WBC, is preparing to fight for the first time since September 2023 – and he is ready to launch his charge back to the top under the guidance of promoter Eddie Hearn.

“I’m delighted to be back working with Eddie [Hearn] and Frank Smith,” he said.

“I have always had a great relationship with Matchroom, where they’ve promoted my brothers and, of course, myself a few years back. It’s great to re-sign with them and now we’re looking forward to some huge fights together in 2025.”

Smith stunned Chris Eubank Jr with an emphatic fourth-round demolition in January 2023 in front of a sold-out AO Arena in Manchester.

The result of the return fight months later did not go his way, however, and he revealed he will be watching his old adversary closely when he squares off against Conor Benn.

“Obviously, I will be keeping a very close eye on the big fight coming up in my division with Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn,” Smith said. 

“But generally speaking I’m very excited about what the future holds for me, especially with Eddie so closely involved with the Riyadh Season shows and some of the biggest events in the sport. 

“I’m buzzing to be working with Eddie and Frank again. This is a big year and I can’t wait to get going with Matchroom.”

Smith has been in with some of boxing’s best having cleaned up the 154 lbs division by winning British, Commonwealth, WBA Continental and WBO Intercontinental Titles before capturing the WBO World Title in 2015, of which he made two successful defences.

He memorably faced pound-for-pound great Saúl ‘Canelo’ Álvarez in September 2016 where a valiant performance was ultimately ended by a big body shot in the ninth round.

His eventual comeback trail after Canelo saw him overcome Liam Williams in back-to-back fights, which set-up a showdown for the WBO belt against hard-hitting Jaime Munguia – taking the Mexican to the distance for the first time, only to fall short on the scorecards.

A devastating eight-round stoppage over fellow Liverpudlian Anthony Fowler in 2021 set up an eventual win over two-time World Champion Jesse Vargas at New York’s fabled Madison Square Garden on the undercard of the classic Katie Taylor-Amanda Serrano super show in April 2022 – his last outing under the Matchroom banner.

Almost three years on, Smith is back – and Eddie Hearn is thrilled to have captured his signature.

The Matchroom Sport chairman said: “Welcome back, Beefy! We’ve worked together before, and we’ve always had a great relationship. 

“Liam certainly needs no introduction. The desire inside him burns brighter than ever before and I’m looking forward to seeing him in some huge fights – live on the global home of boxing, DAZN – that will hopefully propel him towards his dream of becoming a world champion again. 

“We will announce his return date soon.”

Chris Eubank Jr. showed tremendous resolve in stopping Liam Smith in round 10 of their 12-round middleweight bout in Manchester, England.

Eubank dominated from the second round on as he boxed very well with his jab and landing solid combinations behind it.

In round four, Eubank dropped Smith with an uppercut.

In round 10, Smith began to bleed from his right eye. Eubank jumped on Smith and hit with a barrage of punches that made Smith crumble to the canvas in the corner. Later in the round, Eubank landed another seven unanswered shots to the head that forced a referee stoppage at 1:45.

Eubank, 159.4 lbs of Bolton, England is now 33-3 with 24 knockouts. Smith, 160 lbs of Liverpool is 33-4-1.

This was a rematch of a January 21st fight that saw Smith stop Eubank in four-rounds.

Chris Eubank Jr said to Sky Sports after the fight: “Liam is a warrior. I respect him, his team, his family and his brothers. They always come out and put it all on the line. He fought until the last second, so big up to Liam and his team. 

“I’m not going to lie, what happened tonight was supposed to happen in January. Like I said, it wasn’t my night. I trained hard for that fight, I trained hard for this fight. The focus is always there. I dedicate my life to this sport. Now we’re onto bigger and better fights. There’s some big names out there.”

Liam Smith said to Sky Sports after the fight: “Everything from start to finish. I was flat. I think the weight killed me. I was flat and Chris was sharp. Chris was the better man tonight.”

Adam Azim won a 10-round unanimous decision over Aram fanyan in a junior middleweight bout.

Azim, 139.4 lbs iwon by scoresof 100-90, 98-92 and 97-93. Fanyan of Ukraine is 23-2.

Frazer Clarke remained undefeated with a stoppage after round six over David Allen in a 10-round heavyweight bout,

In round five, Clarke was cut around the right eye.

In round six, Clarke lost a point for a low blow. With Clarke dominating the action, Allen’s corner stopped the bout after the sixth frame.

Clarke, 270 lbs is 8-0 with six knockouts. Allen, 257 lbs is 21-6-2.

Jack Cullen stopped Mark Heffron in round three of their 12-round super middleweight bout.

In round three, Cullen landed a right hand that was followed by a left hook right on the chin that put Heffron on the canvas. Heffron got to his feet but plummeted to the canvas and the fight was stopped at 2:43.

Cullen, 167 lbs of Little Leaver, ENG is 22-4-1 with 10 knockouts. Heffron, 167 lbs of Manchester falls to 29-3-1.

Former unified world champion Mikaela Mayer won a 10-round decision over Sylvia Bortat in a junior welterweight bout.

Mayer, 141.4 lbs of Las Vegas won by a 100-90 score and is now 19-1. Bortat, 139 lbs of Italy is 11-3-1.

Florian Marku obliterated Dylan Moran in the opening round of their 10-round welterweight bout.

Marku hurt Moran with a left hand that knocked him backwards. Marku unloaed with a series of hard punches that forced a referee stoppage at 54 seconds.

Marku, 146.4 lbs is now 13-0-1 with eight knockouts. Moran, 145 lbs of Ireland is 18-2.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – (September 1, 2023) – Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr stared silently and unblinkingly into each other’s eyes without wavering following both of them making weight at today’s official weigh-ins for tomorrow’s ‘BOXXER: Smith vs Eubank 2 – Repeat or Revenge?’ showdown. 

Airing live and exclusively in the UK as a Sky Sports Box Office pay-per-view event (and airing in the US on ESPN+) the fight sees the two antagonists return to the ring in Manchester’s AO Arena, eight months on from the January firefight which saw Smith secure a fourth-round stoppage victory.

Eubank Jr has called this rematch a “do or die” fight for him and Smith has promised to end his rival’s career tomorrow night when they meet in the ring. Repeat or revenge? The question will be answered on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports Box Office. 

Sparks also flew today between Florian Marku and his Irish rival Dylan Moran, the week’s war of words turning into a shoving match as they squared off on stage. 

Fireworks are also expected between heavyweights Frazer Clarke and Dave Allen, whose strained bonhomie barely concealed clear tensions, and Adam Azim and Aram Fanyan, who travels from Ukraine looking to derail the Azim hype train and score a morale-boosting win for his Ukrainian fanbase.

The official weigh-in results are as follows:

Liam Smith (11st 6lbs) vs Chris Eubank Jr (11st 5lbs 5oz)

12 Round Middleweight Bout

Adam Azim (9st 13lbs) vs Aram Fanyan (9st 13lbs) 

10 Round Super-Lightweight Bout

Frazer Clarke (19st 4 lbs) vs David Allen (18st 5 lbs) 

10 Round Heavyweight Bout

Mark Heffron (11st 13 lbs) vs Jack Cullen (11st 13 lbs) 

12 Round British Super-Middleweight Title Bout

Mikaela Mayer (10st 1lbs 5oz) vs Silvia Bortot (9st 13lbs) 

10 Round Super-Lightweight Bout

Florian Marku (10st 6lbs 5oz) vs Dylan Moran (10st 5lbs)

10 Round Welterweight Bout

Sky Sports Stream

Lauren Price (10st 6lbs 5oz) vs Lolita Muzeya (10st 7lbs 5oz) 

8 Round Welterweight Bout 

Frankie Stringer (9st 9lbs 5oz) vs Engel Gomez (9st 8lbs) 

6 Round Lightweight Bout

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – (August 31, 2023) – A fiery exchange between Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr concluded today’s press conference when they faced off in Manchester today ahead of this Saturday’s highly-anticipated rematch at the AO Arena, airing exclusively in the UK and Ireland as a Sky Sports Box Office pay-per-view.

Smith stopped Eubank Jr in the first minute of the fourth round in their January encounter in the same venue, but Eubank’s confidence seemed undented when he confronted Smith at today’s press conference.

Even now he was unwilling to acknowledge that Smith, with the first win behind him, was the better fighter of the two.

“If he pulls it off again, I can’t argue with it,” said Eubank. “But the performance I’m going to have on Saturday night is going to be exquisite, super-natural.”

Eubank has referred to Smith’s stoppage win as a “miracle” for the Liverpool man and a feat unlikely to be repeated, a claim which drew derision from Smith.

“Which shot was the miracle, Chris? The miracle was how easy it was!” he said. “If he makes the same mistakes, I’ll punish him for them.”

Eubank does acknowledge he is in this position for the first time – rematching an opponent who’s defeated him. “It is a new pressure that I have never had to deal with before. But I’m enjoying it,” he said.

“I’m enjoying the hardship I’m having to go through mentally and physically to execute the game plan on the night.

“I’m excited to go out there and see how I react.”

Florian Marku and Dylan Moran had a fiery interaction when they faced off, with Marku afterwards claiming Moran had trembled during the staredown.

“He was shaking when we were face to face, he tried to hide it. If you see the videos from the cameras, he was shaking his legs,” he said.

“I’m going to hunt him. I know he’s going to try to box, he going to try to run, but I will be too much for him.”

Moran laughed this off, “Never in my life will I shake in front of you… I am the superior boxer. It’s been a long and tough journey to get here today and I won’t let Florian Marku rob me of that.

“He’s standing in my way. It’s been a lifetime of hard work to be sat here and I plan on finishing the job Saturday night.”

Another fight on the undercard which is generating excitement is the heavyweight clash between Olympic bronze medallist Frazer Clarke and David Allen.

Allen will look for a huge upset on Saturday night and although he knows his task is a tricky one, he is confident of victory.

Allen said: “I’ve known him a very long time. I’ve known him since 2012. We’ve done a lot of rounds together [in sparring]. I know what he’s capable of. He’s a very good fighter. I’ve been out for a long time. I know it’s a difficult ask for me, but I expect to win. I wouldn’t be here if not.”

Clarke, 7-0 as a professional, was last out in June where he dominated Mariusz Wach over 10 rounds to secure a unanimous decision and looks to continue his winning ways.

He said: “I come to win fights and have my hand raised at the end. My job is to land more leather on Dave Allen than he lands on me.”

‘Big Fraze’ also responded to Allen’s claims he is the better boxer, he said: “Dave outboxing me is like me saying that I’m going to become an underwear model for Calvin Klein. I just can’t see it happening.”

Undefeated prospect Adam Azim takes on his toughest challenge in 23-1 Aram Fanyan and although Azim has only eight professional fights under his belt, he is relishing the challenge.

The 21-year-old said: “I’m treating every single fight like a world title fight. I’ve got to take fights like this to develop myself and I feel like my confidence has doubled up. This is going to be the best performance you have ever seen in your life.”

Liam Smith vs Chris Eubank Jr II is live on Sky Sports Box Office this Saturday. 

(Aug. 21, 2023) — Former unified junior lightweight world champion Mikaela Mayer returns in a 10-round junior welterweight battle against Italian contender Silvia Bortot on Saturday, Sept. 2 at AO Arena in Manchester, England.
 
Mayer-Bortot will take place on the undercard of the highly anticipated middleweight rematch between bitter rivals Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr.
 
Promoted by BOXXER, Smith-Eubank II, Mayer-Bortot and additional undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ starting at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT. Sky Sports Box Office will broadcast the event in the UK and Ireland.
 
Mayer (18-1, 5 KOs), a 2016 U.S. Olympian, signed with Top Rank in 2017 and captured the WBO junior lightweight world title by defeating Ewa Brodnicka in October 2020. The following year, the Los Angeles native unified the WBO and IBF titles in an action-packed slugfest against Maiva Hamadouche. In October 2022, she suffered a razor-thin split decision loss to Alycia Baumgardner in an undisputed world title showdown at London’s O2 Arena. Mayer then moved up to lightweight and scored a unanimous decision win over Lucy Wildheart in April. She now prepares to make her third consecutive appearance in London.

Mayer said, “It’s my sixth year as a pro, but I’ve never felt better. My run at 130 was a ton of fun and something I’m proud of, but it’s time for a new chapter. It’s time to combine my experience with my size and see what I can accomplish. This fight is at 142 pounds, but 147 is the next hot division in women’s boxing, and that’s where I’m headed.”
 
Bortot (11-2-1, 3 KOs) debuted in the pro ranks in 2016 and captured the European junior welterweight title in 2019 with a fourth-round TKO win over Marie Helene Meron. She suffered her first loss via ninth-round TKO in April 2022 but bounced back that year with three victories. In her last outing, she lost to undefeated standout Flora Pili via 10-round decision in May.
 
Smith (33-3-1, 20 KOs) captured the WBO junior middleweight title with a seventh-round TKO win over Apollo Thompson in 2015. He defended the title twice before losing to Canelo Alvarez in 2016. Smith remained a division mainstay during the following five years, earning wins over the likes of Liam Williams, Anthony Fowler and Jessie Vargas. In September 2022, he made his middleweight debut with a stoppage win over Hassan Mwakinyo before upsetting Eubank via fourth-round TKO in their first encounter.
 
Eubank (32-3, 23 KOs) began his pro career in 2011 and went 18-0 before losing to Billy Joe Saunders in 2014. In 2017, he moved up to super middleweight and beat former two-division world champion Arthur Abraham and then-unbeaten contender Avni Yildirim. In his first world title shot, he suffered a unanimous decision loss to George Groves in February 2018. Eubank returned with wins against JJ McDonagh and former world champion James DeGale before returning to middleweight, where he was 4-0 before the first Smith showdown.
 
In other streaming action from Manchester:

• Junior welterweight standout Adam Azim (8-0, 6 KOs) takes on Ukraine’s Aram Fanyan (23-1, 5 KOs) in a 10-round clash.
   
• Unbeaten heavyweight Frazer Clarke (7-0, 5 KOs), a British Olympic bronze medalist, will lock horns with David Allen (21-5-2, 18 KOs) in a 10-rounder.
   
• British super middleweight champion Mark Heffron (29-2-1, 23 KOs) will defend his title against former English middleweight champion Jack Cullen (21-4-1, 9 KO) in a 12-rounder.
   
• Unbeaten Albanian southpaw Florian Marku (12-0-1, 7 KOs) will take on Ireland’s Dylan Moran (18-1, 8 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight tilt. 

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – (August 8, 2023) – Adam Azim, the hottest young talent in British boxing, heads to the AO Arena Manchester on Saturday, September 2nd, joining the blockbuster Smith vs Eubank II pay-per-view card on a mission to fast-track himself to world-title contention and fulfil a promise made to his idol Amir Khan.

Having accepted a challenge laid down by Amir Khan – who became world champion at just 22 years old – to win his first world title at an even younger age, the 21-year-old Azim is taking a big step up in opposition in an attempt to fast-track himself into world title contention.

Dangerous Ukrainian Aram Fanyan (22-1, 4 KO’s) has nearly three times Azim’s professional experience and just one career loss, making the young veteran a serious test for the young Azim (8-0, 6 KO’s). Fanyan is headed to Manchester intent on derailing Azim’s momentum and stealing the young prodigy’s shine for himself.

Originally scheduled for June, the clash was postponed when a severe bacterial infection took root in Azim’s left hand via a cut sustained in a training session. Now fully recovered, the super-lightweight standout is straining at the leash to put on another show-stopping performance for British fight fans at one of the most anticipated boxing events of the year.

“Aram Fanyan isn’t coming to roll over. He’s dangerous, he’s experienced and we all know what’s going on in Ukraine right now – he wants to win for his country as much as anything. He’s very motivated and he’s not a guy to underestimate, so he’s definitely a good opponent,” said Azim.

“He’s the toughest opponent of my career so far and I’m looking to put on a great performance which shows beyond doubt that I am ready to to step up to that next level and start winning some titles. Being on a big pay-per-view card like Smith vs Eubank 2 is just extra motivation for me – I want to be headlining my own pay-per-views in the future and the road to that really starts with this fight on September 2nd.”

Fanyan said, “This is a huge opportunity for me to fight on one of the world’s biggest television platforms for the sport of boxing. Ukraine has produced some great names in boxing. After this fight, Aram Fanyan is the next Ukrainian name the world’s boxing fans will come to know

“Adam Azim is young but already has a big name and big reputation, so when I travel to England and beat him on his home soil, that’s going to get a lot of attention and it’s going to open up some huge opportunities for me.”

2_SEP_AZIM_FANYAN_1080x1080_NoCTA.jpeg“Adam Azim is a prodigious talent and having just turned 21 we’ve still only seen a fraction of what he’s capable of. His natural ability combined with his work ethic and ambition is frightening. We believe he is the future star of this sport. On September 2nd he will feature on a pay-per-view card for the first time and we believe he will headline many pay-per-views of his own in the future. He’s facing a dangerous, experienced opponent in Aram Fanyan. It’s an important test for Adam Azim and a big step forward for his career.”

BOXXER: Smith vs Eubank II – Repeat or Revenge? takes place Saturday, September 2nd at the AO Arena Manchester and airs live and exclusively as a Sky Sports Box Office pay-per-view event.

Azim vs Fanyan joins previously announced undercard bouts including a big domestic heavyweight clash between Frazer Clarke (7-0, 5 KO’s) and Dave Allen (25-5-2, 18 KOs), a welterweight encounter between ‘The Albanian King’ Florian Marku (12-0-1, 7 KO’s) and Irish rival Dylan Moran (18-1, 8 KO’s) plus British super-middleweight champion Mark Heffron (29-2-1, 23 KO’s) against Jack Cullen (21-4-1, 9 KO’s) and the return to the ring of light-heavyweight sensation Ben Whittaker (4-0, 3 KO’s).

Final remaining tickets are available via Boxxer.com

This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Village Hotels.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – July 27, 2023 – BOXXER, the next generation boxing promotion, are delighted to announce four exciting additions to the undercard for the highly-anticipated rematch between Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr on Saturday, September 2^nd at the AO Arena, Manchester,live and exclusive on Sky Sports Box Office.  

Bitter middleweight rivals Smith and Eubank Jr will meet in the middle of the ring for a second time following their epic January encounter, which saw ‘Beefy’ claim a stunning fourth-round stoppage victory. 

Hostilities have escalated since their first fight and are set to reach boiling point when they return to the AO Arena on September 2^nd. 

Eubank Jr is out for revenge, believing Smith used an elbow in the combination that sent him to the canvas, while Smith is eager to secure another decisive win to put an end to their rivalry and Eubank Jr’s career once and for all.

Demand for the rematch is huge, with over 70% of tickets snapped up during a record-breaking pre-sale, and is set to become even bigger following the announcement of four exciting additions to the undercard.

Tokyo 2020 Olympic Bronze Medallist Frazer Clarke returns to action having banked 10 invaluable rounds against former world title challenger Mariuz Wach at York Hall in June and is set to lock horns with ‘The White Rhino’ Dave Allen. 

Now 7-0, Burton’s Clarke will be aiming to continue his transition from highly-regarded amateur to successful pro as he takes on Allen in a tantilising ten round domestic heavyweight dust up. 

Allen, who is undefeated in his last four contests, has brought in the expertise of sought after coaches Jamie Moore and Nigel Travis to work alongside Roger Sampson to prepare him for this fight. 

Having previously shared the ring with the likes of David Price, Tony Yoka, Luis Ortiz and Dillian Whyte, and secured high-profile wins over Lucas Browne and Nick Webb, the Doncaster fan favourite will be looking to claim another sizable scalp in front of a raucous Manchester crowd.

‘The Albanian King’ Florian Marku will take on Ireland’s Dylan Moran in a ten round welterweight contest. 

Marku has recovered from the hand injury he took into his memorable homecoming fight against Miguel Parra at Air Albania Stadium last year and will want to continue to showcase improvements made under coach Grant Smith.

Like Marku, Moran is fresh from his own homecoming fight having secured a stoppage win against Mauro Maximiliano Godoy at the WIT Arena in Waterford in April. The 28-year-old southpaw now has the opportunity to prove if he is ‘The Real Deal’, as his ring moniker suggests, and to boost his profile against his popular opponent.

2020 Olympic Silver Medallist Ben Whittaker continues to dazzle and delight with his stylish approach to the sweet science. Trained by SugarHill Steward, the Wolverhampton wonderkid secured his fourth professional win with the eighth-round stoppage of Vladimir Belujsky on the undercard of Savannah Marshall’s undisputed clash against Franchón Crews-Dezur in Manchester. Whittaker will make a swift return to the AO Arena on September 2nd and have the chance to showcase his star power on the big stage once again. 

In another mouth-watering domestic clash, Oldham’s Mark Heffron will defend his British and Commonwealth Super Middleweight titles against Jack Cullen.

Heffron, who trains out of Manchester’s Champs Camp gym under the guidance of Joe Gallagher, was forced to pull out of a scheduled defence of his British title against Zak Chelli on July 2 due to injury. Now fully fit, the 31-year-old will defend his belts against ‘Little Lever’s Meat Cleaver’, the former WBO and IBF International Champion, who is looking to bounce back from a stoppage loss to dangerous Californian Diego Pacheco. 

Ben Shalom, BOXXER’s promoter and CEO, said “We’re delighted to announce the first four additions to what promises to be an action-packed undercard. The response to Smith-Eubank II has been incredible. Manchester is going to be rocking on September 2nd. We look forward to releasing more undercard announcements soon.” 

SMITH vs EUBANK II: REPEAT OR REVENGE? is presented in association with official partners bet365, WOW HYDRATE, Everlast and Village Hotels. 

Tickets for the blockbuster clash at the AO Arena in Manchester are available via Boxxer.com

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – (July 19, 2023) – The highly-anticipated rematch between bitter middleweight rivals Liam ‘Beefy’ Smith and Chris Eubank Jr has a new date, with the two now set to collide in at the AO Arena, Manchester on Saturday, September 2nd.

Airing live and exclusively on Sky Sports Box Office, the SMITH vs EUBANK II: REPEAT OR REVENGE? pay-per-view blockbuster event will bring the heated rivalry to a fiery conclusion, nine months after their first electrifying encounter.

Smith and Eubank Jr first fought in January, meeting in the middle of the ring for a frenetic firefight which lasted just one minute into the fourth round before Smith secured victory with a stunning pair of knockdowns. 

Upset at the referee’s intervention and determined to avenge the defeat, Eubank Jr immediately activated the contracted rematch clause and went into a protracted training camp focused on handing a loss to Liverpool man Smith.

With a prior date having been postponed due to Smith suffering a minor injury in training camp, the simmering rivalry has reached new heights with each passing month and is set to reach boiling point on September 2nd.

“I’m glad that the date is set now and we can look forward to getting rid of this itch that needs scratching. I’m fully healed up now, injury-free, and I’m looking forward to finishing Chris Eubank Jr’s career on September 2nd,” said Smith.

“No more excuses, no more postponements. Smith can’t run forever. September 2 is the day of my revenge,” said Eubank Jr.

Ben Shalom, BOXXER’s promoter and CEO, said, “The rivalry between Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr has quickly become one of the most heated in British boxing. Their January fight was one of the most exciting encounters in BOXXER history. We’re expecting tickets to fly out for September 2nd at the AO Arena as fans rush to be ringside for what is guaranteed to be another unbelievable firefight.”

Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing at Wasserman Boxing, said: “Good things come to those who wait, and so the postponements will only make victory that bit sweeter for Chris, when he finally meets Liam Smith on September 2. Chris has had to remain patient and disciplined but what has been clear, in our conversations over the last few weeks and months, is that he is laser-focused on setting the record straight. Chris is going to deliver an electric performance.”

SMITH vs EUBANK II: REPEAT OR REVENGE? is presented in association with official partners bet365, WOW HYDRATE, Everlast and Village Hotels. 

Tickets for the blockbuster clash at the AO Arena in Manchester will go on sale on Tuesday July 25th. 

Fans can sign up at Boxxer.com for exclusive access to presale tickets before general sale.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – (May 24th, 2023) – Savannah Marshall (12-1, 10 KO’s) is on track to land a record-setting 1-2 this summer as she follows October’s sell-out of The O2 London – the UK’s largest arena – by headlining a sold-out show at the AO Arena Manchester – the UK’s second-largest arena – on Saturday, July 1st.

The undisputed World Super-Middleweight Championship will be on the line when Marshall walks out to challenge defending champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn (8-1, 2 KO’s) and becomes the first female boxer ever to headline the UK’s two largest arenas in back-to-back events.

Previously set to occupy the co-headline slot, the undisputed world championship bout now takes main event status as Liam Smith postpones his rematch with bitter rival Chris Eubank Jr to recover from a minor but nagging injury which has dogged his training camp.

The two antagonists set a pay-per-view record for their weight class when they fought in January, a bout Smith won by fourth-round stoppage, and a stellar support card was put in place for their highly-anticipated rematch, which was also set to air as a Sky Sports Box Office pay-per-view event.

With two world title fights – Liverpool’s Natasha ‘Miss GB’ Jonas (13-2-1, 8 KO’s) is set to defend her unified world light-middleweight championship at the event – plus a guaranteed-fireworks British super-middleweight title fight pitting Manchester man Mark ‘Kid Dynamite’ Heffron (29-2-1, 23 KOs) against Zak Chelli (13-1-1, 6 KOs), that stacked undercard now becomes a stacked event which will air live on the Sky Sports network.

And BOXXER has today also announced that every fan entering the AO Arena on Saturday, July 1 will be issued with a £10 or £20 food and beverage voucher (depending on value of ticket held), courtesy of BOXXER, plus priority access to tickets for the new Smith vs Eubank II date when announced and a 10% discount code to use in their priority access window. 

Also confirmed for the card is once-in-a-lifetime talent Ben ‘The Surgeon’ Whittaker (3-0, 2 KO’s), who became one of the most talked-about athletes in the country earlier this month when his outrageous showboating at BOXXER’s Birmingham event went viral online and had him trending at #1 on UK twitter for the night of May 6th.

Another prospect heavily-tipped by boxing insiders is Callum Simpson (11-0, 9 KO’s), who journeys from his native Yorkshire on July 1st to make his second BOXXER appearance following his stunning third-round stoppage in the same venue in March.

“I’m gutted and sorry to all the fans about the postponement. I’ve always said a fully fit Liam Smith beats Chris Eubank Jr every time. I tried training through because I was desperate not to let anyone down but I’ve had to withdraw from the bout in July following the latest medical assessment this week. I’ll heal up now and then be fully fit for later in the summer,” said Liam Smith. 

“I wanted BOXXER to put a big card together and they more than delivered, so I’m honestly delighted that BOXXER is keeping the card on without the pay-per-view, which doesn’t always happen. I would encourage all the fans to get behind Tasha Jonas and Savannah Marshall in their world title fights, and the other fighters in a brilliant card.”

Ben Shalom, BOXXER founder and CEO, saluted Smith’s courageous efforts to stay on the card and looks forward to another record-setting night in Manchester.

“Nobody is more disappointed than Liam Smith, he’s the ultimate professional but he had no choice but to postpone the bout. We’re working on a new date for the fight and hope to announce that in a week or so. In the meantime we’ve got a huge night taking place in Manchester on July 1st,” he said.

“Savannah Marshall headlining the UK’s two biggest arenas in back to back fights is a first for a female fighter and shows the strength of the women’s sport today. She’s fighting for the undisputed world super-middleweight championship against the USA’s Franchon Crews-Dezurn – a fight which could headline any arena in the world. 

“Manchester’s own Mark Heffron defending his British title against Zak Chelli, Natasha Jonas laying her own world titles on the line, plus a once-in-a-generation talent like Ben Whittaker and the outstanding Callum Simpson takes on Boris Crighton – this is a card stacked with great fights and we are very excited for it.

“We understand a lot of fans will be disappointed to hear the Smith-Eubank rematch is being postponed, so we’ve arranged a free voucher for every fan in the venue to have a drink on us on fight night, plus they will receive priority access to Smith vs Eubank II tickets for the new date when it’s announced, and a discount on those tickets.”

Eubank Jr’s promoter Kalle Sauerland of Wasserman Boxing said a new date for the Smtih vs Eubank rematch will will be announced imminently. “We have been informed that Liam Smith is not fit to fight on July 1st. We are awaiting further medical reports before we announce the new date shortly.”

A new date for the rescheduled Smith vs Eubank II bout – which follows Smith’s stunning stoppage of Eubank in January – will be announced in the near future.

LONDON, ENGLAND – (May 15th, 2023) – Long hailed as one of the best young prospects ever to emerge from the British circuit, Adam Azim (8-0, 6 KO’s) will next month take another step towards the greatness widely predicted for him when he faces dangerous Ukrainian Aram Fanyan (22-1, 4 KO’s) at London’s historic York Hall on Friday, June 16th.

The 20-year-old prodigy’s seemingly unstoppable rise from highly-decorated amateur to hotly-tipped professional has former world champion Amir Khan predicting he will win his first world championship before 22, the age Khan first became champion.

In pursuit of his fast-track to contention, Azim steps up another level again for his next opponent when he faces Fanyan, who has nearly three times the amount of professional experience and has lost just once in his career.

Caroline Dubois (6-0, 5 KO’s), Azim’s stablemate at McGuigan’s Gym under noted trainer Shane McGuigan, is also taking a step up in opposition on June 16th as she seeks to continue her rise to the top of her division. 

Yanina del Carmen Lescano (13-2, 4 KO’s) was just one scorecard away from becoming IBO World Lightweight Champion last year, losing her March 2022 title challenge against 2016 Olympic gold medallist Estelle Mossely by way of a split-decision which sparked much debate among boxing’s fanbase.

Since then she has made three more defences of the South American Lightweight Championship she won in 2020. Two of those three wins have come by way of knockout, the most recent being a quick finish in her native Argentina last month.

Riding a five-fight streak of KO and TKO wins, Dubois is also a proven fight-finisher and an explosive encounter beckons at York Hall next month when she faces off with her Argentinian antagonist. 

Previously scheduled for June 10th – the same day as the Champion’s League Final – the event will now take place in the same venue on Friday, June 16th and will air live and exclusively on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Showcase in the UK and Ireland.

All tickets purchased for the sold-out event on the original date remain valid for the new date.

The move comes as a result of changes to the programming schedule following the recent relocation of the blockbuster Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr event to a new date of July 1st – a result of Smith extending his training camp by two weeks to work around a minor injury – and also avoids a clash with the Champions League Final taking place that night.

“With the event already sold out, we’re expecting an incredible atmosphere in York Hall on Friday, June 16th as Adam Azim headlines for the third time in his young professional career. His Ukrainian opponent Aram Fanyan is dangerous and experienced – it’s a very tough test for Adam as he continues his remarkable rise,” remarked BOXXER’s promoter and CEO Ben Shalom.

“Caroline Dubois is taking on an incredible challenge on June 16th as well. Yanina Lescano nearly became world champion last year, a lot of people felt she won that fight against Estelle Mossely and should be champion now. 

“For Caroline to be facing a recent world title contender in just her seventh professional fight speaks volumes about her level and her heart. I’ve always said she’s going to be the future face of women’s boxing and it’s fights like this which will get her there.

“The fact we’re moving from the same evening as the Champions League Final is a total coincidence but it’s definitely welcome news for those fans who were set to spend their night double-screening between this card and the football. I expect a few of the fighters on the card will be quite pleased as well!”

Other treats on the June 16th card include the return to the ring of slick super-middleweight Callum Simpson (11-0, 9 KO’s), a hotly-tipped prospect by boxing insiders, and a highly-charged rematch between feuding cruiserweights Viddal Riley (8-0, 5 KO’s) and Anees Taj (7-3, 5 KO’s). 

It’s a literal ‘bad blood’ second tilt: Riley won their February fight by way of doctor’s stoppage due to a cut over Taj’s eyebrow, but neither man was satisfied with the conclusion and they now seek a more definitive end to their feud. 

BOXXER’s next event takes place in Bournemouth on Saturday, May 27th and will be the biggest boxing event in the history of the South Coast region when Bournemouth’s own Chris Billam-Smith – a stablemate of Azim and Dubois – challenges WBO world cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie at the Vitality Stadium. 

BOXXER’s confirmed upcoming schedule is as follows:

– Lawrence Okolie vs Chris Billam-Smith, Bournemouth – Saturday, May 27th

-BOXXER Fight Night: Azim vs Fanyan, York Hall London – Friday, June 16th

– Smith vs Eubank II: Repeat or Revenge?, Manchester – Saturday, July 1st 

LONDON, ENGLAND – (May 9th, 2023) – BOXXER, the next-generation boxing promotion, today announced updates to the blockbuster SMITH vs EUBANK II: REPEAT OR REVENGE? event headlined by Liam Smith (33-3-1, 20 KO’s) and Chris Eubank Jr (32-3, 23 KO’s), with a new addition to the card confirmed plus a new date for the event at the AO Arena Manchester.

Middleweight sensation Ben ‘The Surgeon’ Whittaker considers ‘Prince’ Naseem Hamed one of his greatest inspirations and paid tribute to his idol in style on Saturday night with a stunning blend of skills and showboating which had him trending across UK social media.

The electrifying young talent won a silver medallist at the 2020 Olympics and is widely-tipped by boxing insiders to become a dominant world champion in the professional ranks and a potential all-time great. In July, Manchester fans will have their first chance to witness his magic in person.

The event – headlined by the highly-anticipated rematch between bitter rivals Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr. – also has a new date, moving to Saturday, July 1st.

The date change comes after Smith received medical advice to adjust his training camp for a two-week period in order to allow the healing of a minor injury which had begun flaring up.

With Eubank Jr consenting to the move, the two rivals will now return to the AO Manchester Arena in July, almost five months to the day from the four-round January firefight which took place in front of a sold-out crowd in the same venue – joined by a massive television audience watching on pay-per-view – and ended with Smith winning by stoppage in the first minute of the fourth round.

Determined to avenge the defeat and square the record between them, Eubank Jr activated the contracted rematch clause to set up a summer showdown which has taken their rivalry to new heights and looks set to draw an even larger audience.

Explaining his request, Smith commented, “It’s just an old injury niggle flaring up but I want to take the time to let it heal up so that I can enter the ring at 100% on fight night, because a 100% Liam Smith beats Chris Eubank Jr every day of the week and twice on Sunday.”

The co-headline bout remains in place, with former middleweight world champion Savannah ‘The Silent Assassin’ Marshall (12-1, 10 KO’s) challenging undisputed world super-middleweight champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn (8-1, 2 KO’s) for her four belts and undisputed champion status.

Having won a new belt in each of her three fights in 2022 unified world light-middleweight champion Natasha ‘Miss GB’ Jonas (13-2-1, 8 KO’s) will lay them all on the line in Manchester, with her challenger to be announced in the coming days. 

Jonas – a member of the 2012 Team GB Olympic squad – won the WBO world title in February last year, captured the WBC belt in September and added the IBF belt to her collection in November. 

British super-middleweight champion Mark ‘Kid Dynamite’ Heffron (29-2-1, 23 KOs) – a Champs Camp stablemate of Jonas under the tutelage of two-time trainer of the year, Joe Gallagher – will defend the prestigious Lonsdale Belt against Zak Chelli (13-1-1, 6 KOs) in a certain crowd-pleaser.

Chelli goes into the title challenge off the back of a stunning, career-best performance against American standout Anthony Sims Jr earlier this year. Having recently been mandated for the British title, the Londoner will now be hoping to cause a mighty upset in the North West when he stands toe-to-toe with Oldham native Heffron.

All tickets purchased for the originally-scheduled date remain valid for the newly-announced July 1st date. Ticket-holders who cannot attend the rescheduled date can obtain a full refund by contacting their ticket provider.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – Friday, April 28 – The biggest boxing event of the summer is now even bigger with 2022 British Fighter of the Year, Natasha Jonas joining a blockbuster card on Saturday, June 17 – live on Sky Sports Box Office. 

Thousands of tickets have already been snapped up by eager fans in the pre-sale window before today’s general sale release with a bumper, 18,000 capacity crowd expected to fill a sold-out AO Arena Manchester.

In the main event, in association with Wasserman Boxing, Liam Smith faces bitter rival Chris Eubank Jr in a high stakes rematch and Savannah Marshall challenges ‘The Heavy Hitting Diva’ Franchon Crews-Dezurn for the Undisputed Super-Middleweight Championship in the co-headline bout.

Now BOXXER can confirm that ‘Miss GB’ Jonas (13-2-1, 8 KOs) will be defending her WBC, WBO, IBF and Ring Magazine Super-Welterweight titles too.

The Merseyside favourite captured the gold with three memorable wins last year – two of those in Manchester – when she defeated Chris Namus, Patricia Berghult and Marie Eve Dicaire. 

Her incredible hat-trick of feats saw her named the first-ever woman to claim the coveted British Boxing Board of Control Fighter of the Year award. An opponent will be named in due course for Jonas.

And in a huge domestic battle, British Super-Middleweight champion Mark ‘Kid Dynamite’ Heffron (29-2-1, 23 KOs) will defend the prestigious Lonsdale Belt against Zak Chelli (13-1-1, 6 KOs).

Chelli delivered a stunning, career-best performance to defeat American prodigy Anthony Sims Jr back in February. And having recently been mandated for the British title, the Londoner will now be hoping to cause a mighty upset in the North West when he stands toe-to-toe with Oldham native Heffron – who is a Champs Camp stablemate of Jonas under the tutelage of two-time trainer of the year, Joe Gallagher.

A bumper night of elite championship boxing awaits with a host of huge fights still to be added.

Tickets are now on general sale and selling fast.

Head to BOXXER.com to purchase yours today and for all the latest news ahead of what promises to be a historic evening on Saturday, June 17 at AO Arena Manchester, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

This event is presented in partnership with official partners Everlast and Wow Hydrate.

LONDON, ENGLAND – (April 25th, 2023) – Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr met in London today at the official pre-fight press conference to formally announce their Saturday June 17th rematch in Manchester this summer.

The two exchanged frank opinions both about their January encounter – which Smith won by fourth-round stoppage – and the upcoming rematch, which Smith feels will go the same way. 

Joining the middleweights at today’s press conference were female super-middleweights Savannah Marshall and her old amateur rival in Franchon Crews-Dezurn, who is now the undisputed world champion at the weight class.

Their co-headline bout will be for the undisputed world championship, with Marshall taking an immediate shot the WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO world titles – and marks Marshall’s return to her former weight class, where she was previously Intercontinental champion before moving up to middleweight for her world title reign.

The event takes place at the AO Arena Manchester on June 17th and airs live and exclusively in the UK and Ireland as a Sky Sports Box Office, with pricing to be announced by Sky in the near future.

Here’s what the fighters had to say today:

LIAM SMITH 

On Eubank’s claims that he wanted the January fight to continue: “Any other fighter gets stopped after that first knockdown.”

“It all happened to him on one night, everything he thought couldn’t happen to him, everything Chris prides himself on not happening, happened to him on one night – and I did  it to him.

“I knew I was a better fighter than Chris. Now I know I can hurt him and hurt him quite handily at 160lbs. Now I’m massively confident.

“To save face he had to take this rematch if he wants to go any further in his career. He’s got a lot of demons to overcome.”

CHRIS EUBANK JR

On the January stoppage: “The thing I regret is not being given the chance to get through it. I wanted to continue. I wanted to see if I could overcome that adversity and I feel like I was robbed of that challenge. 

“This is what we sign up for. We signed up to get hurt. We sign up for the possibility of receiving punishment. 

“If a beating was what I was going to take if the fight had been left to go longer, then great, that’s what I deserve. I would have accepted that. I would have enjoyed that. 

“In my opinion, he didn’t stop me, the referee stopped me. In a sense we both got robbed there.

“I’m a grizzled veteran in the sport, I know how much I can take, I know when I can’t go on. I was buzzed but I knew what was going on.”

FRANCHON CREWS-DEZURN

“She gave a valiant fight in October [against Shields] but it might not be the same, it’s going to be a little worse this time. We’re here right now and I’m telling you June 17 is going to be fun for me. There are some things in boxing you can’t teach.”

SAVANNAH MARSHALL 

“There’s no weight cutting, no being drained for fights so I think this weight will suit me a lot better. I believe I’m at world level and if I can’t mix it with the likes of Franchon what good am I in boxing?

“Our styles have changed to suit the pros. I’m no mug, I’m not overlooking her. It’s going to be a hard night’s work. She’s a tough, rugged, very experienced fighter but I believe I beat her.”

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – (April 25, 2023) -– Repeat or revenge? All or nothing? A blockbuster night of box office boxing is locked in at AO Arena Manchester on Saturday, June 17 as Liam Smith faces Chris Eubank Jr in a high stakes rematch and Undisputed Super-Middleweight champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn puts all her gold on the line against Savannah Marshall. 

Months of build-up and high tensions in fight week set the stage for a classic encounter in January between Smith and Eubank, with the 20,000 fans inside the sold-out Manchester Arena joined by a huge television audience which set a new domestic pay-per-view record for the weight class.

And another sell-out is expected in June with fans able to register for tickets today ahead of Friday’s general sale. 

With both fighters eager for a definitive finish, there was little in the way of a feeling-out process. Heavy leather was traded from the opening bell – and it was all over twelve minutes later, the referee stepping in to wave the fight off after Smith emphatically put Eubank Jr down twice in the first minute of the fourth round.

The result did little to settle tensions between the two men and they rose still further when Eubank’s team claimed one of the knockdowns had been the result of an illegal elbow strike. This incensed Smith, who saw it as a display of bad sportsmanship and Eubank refusing to admit Smith had been the better man on the night.

In summer those tensions will soar to new heights as both men return to Manchester Arena in June for a clash which will irrevocably change the course of their careers.

For former WBO world light-middleweight champion Smith (33-3-1, 20 KO’s), a second win will stamp his authority on the domestic division and set the stage for huge future world title opportunities as he continues his career renaissance under the BOXXER banner.

Liam Smith said: “I know he tried his best to go a different route but the fight is on now and I am looking forward to hearing what he has to say for himself in the build up. Let’s see what angle he comes with this time. 

“He can’t come with angles about how he’s never been hurt, he’s never been dropped, he’s never been stopped, because he just had all three of those things happen to him in one night and it was me who did it to him. So I’m interested to see what he comes with this time and I’m also interested to see where he goes after I beat him again on June 17.

For Eubank (32-3, 23 KO’s), victory means redemption and revitalises the prospect of encounters with elite names on the world stage. 

Chris Eubank Jr said, “Liam had the night of his life against me in January, the stars aligned for him in Manchester, and he went away with a big win. But lightning doesn’t strike twice. If he even has the slightest thought that he can beat me again, then great, because it will be his undoing.”

Ben Shalom, BOXXER Founder and CEO, said, “Liam Smith will be looking for a repeat as Chris Eubank Jr goes in search of revenge in an absolute must-win, at the scene of their first fight in a rivalry that has gripped that nation.

“And Savannah Marshall will have restitution in mind when she takes on the queen of the super middleweight division Franchón Crews-Dezurn in an all or nothing collision for 168lbs glory where Savannah could create history by becoming a two-weight world champion.

“This is a huge box office night – and I cannot wait.”

Wasserman’s Head of Global Boxing, Kalle Sauerland, said: “Hell hath no fury like a Eubank scorned and there was no chance Chris was going to let this one lie. He’s a wounded animal and this makes him extremely dangerous. No sooner had the fight finished, then Chris made it clear that he wanted to trigger the rematch clause and on June 17, he gets his shot at revenge. Smith, you have been warned. Beast mode is on!”

Meanwhile, Savannah ‘The Silent Assassin’ Marshall (12-1, 10 KO’s) will challenge undisputed world super-middleweight champion Franchón ‘FCD’ Crews-Dezurn in the co-headline bout.

Having headlined a record-setting event at London’s O2 Arena in an October challenge against Claressa ‘GWOAT’ Shields, Marshall’s return to the ring places her immediately in another high-stakes encounter against an undisputed world champion with the WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF world super-middleweight championships on the line.

Crews-Dezurn (8-1, 2 KO’s) began her second stint as WBO world super-middleweight champion in March 2020, captured the WBC title for a second time in June 2020 and then added the WBA and IBF belts in April 2022 to become undisputed world champion of the weight class. 

For former world middleweight champion Marshall, the bout is a return to her roots: she commenced her professional career at super-middleweight, her first professional bout taking place on the undercard of the blockbuster Floyd Mayweather Jr vs Conor McGregor superfight which took place in August 2017. 

Having once held the WBA Intercontinental Super-Middleweight Championship before moving up to middleweight and commencing her successful middleweight run, Marshall is going all-in on her return to the division and is aiming for immediate undisputed world champion status.

Franchón Crews-Dezurn said: “I’m so excited that my team and BOXXER were finally able to get this fight done. I’m looking forward to fighting in Manchester, England, especially against a competitor like Savannah Marshall, who has represented the UK for many years just as I have represented the United States for many years, including as amateurs. 

“This fight has been over 10 years in the making and it’s going to be one for the history books. I love to elevate women’s boxing and put on a great display for the people here in the UK. The fans have embraced women’s boxing so much here and I’m coming for the win, regardless of being in Savannah’s backyard or any other adversity stacked against me. I’m full confident in myself and my team and I look forward to putting on a great show for the people.”

Savannah Marshall said: “I’m grateful to BOXXER and Hennessy Sports for getting this fight over the line. This is a big fight for me and a chance to become a two-weight world champion.”

Peter Kahn, Franchón Crews-Dezurn’s manager, said: “This is exactly what boxing needs. The best fighting the best. Champions fighting champions, deserving of a shot at undisputed. I have no doubt that Franchón and Savannah are going to entertain the fans in Manchester and around the world on June 17.”

Sky Sports Box Office will exclusively screen the bout in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Pricing details, as set by Sky, will be released in due course along with further announcements on the full, exciting undercard.

Liam Smith scored a fourth round stoppage over Chris Eubank Jr. in their scheduled 12-round middleweight fight at The AO Arena in Manchester, England.

In round four, Smith hurt Eubank with a hard right in the corner that set off a vicious six-punch barrage that featured a left uppercut and a left hook that put Eubank on the deck. Eubank was badly hurt and tried hold on, but Smith landed another flurry of punches that put Eubank down again, and the fight was stopped at 1:09.

Smith of Liverpool, ENG is 33-3-1 with 20 knockouts. Eubank is 32-3.

Riakphore Stops Glowacki in 4

Richard Riakphore stopped former world champion Kryzystof Glowacki in round four of their scheduled 10-roud cruiserweight bout.

In round four, Riakphore hurt Glowacki with a hard right hand that drove him to the ropes. Four punches later the bout was stopped at 2:44.

Riakphore of England is 16-0 with 12 knockouts. Glowacki of Poland is 32-4.

Essuman Decisions Kongo

Ekow Essuman won a 12-round majority decision over Chris Knongo in a welterweight bout.

Essuman of England won by scores of 116-113, 115-114 and 114-114 and is now 19-0. Kongo is 14-2.

Parker Decisions Massey

Former world Heavyweight champion Joseph Parker won a 10-round unanimous decision over Jack Massey.

In round eight, Massey was deducted a point for holding. In round 10, Massey was cut over his left eye.

Parker of New Zealand won by scores of 97-97, 96-93 and 97-93 and is now 31-3. Massey is 20-2.

Clarke Stops Espindola in 4

Frazer Clarke remained undefeated with a stoppage after round four of his scheduled eight-round heavyweight bout with Kevin Espindola.

Clarke of England is now 5-0 with four knockouts. Espindola of Argentina is 7-7.

Manchester, England – (January 20, 2022) – The time for talking is almost over. In a little over 24hrs from now, bitter rivals Chris Eubank Jr and Liam ‘Beefy’ Smith will enter the ring to bring their long-running war of words to a climactic conclusion.

The two middleweights are very different characters and both have stated an open dislike for one another. 

Fight week has seen their antagonism intensify by the day, with Smith particularly incensed by Eubank’s comments about economic conditions in his home city of Liverpool 

Today the two faced off for the final time before Saturday night’s showdown, with both making weight at the official pre-fight weigh-ins inside the Manchester Central events complex.

Bookmakers largely have the fight as a 50-50 contest, heightening anticipation for a bout which will send the winner forward to huge opportunities on the world stage while pushing the loser several steps back from a world title chance.

The fight airs live and exclusively on Sky Sports Box Office via pay-per-view, available to Sky subscribers and non-subscribers alike and priced at £19.95.

Co-main event fighter Richard Riakporhe was all business as he weighed in for his cruiserweight contest with former world champion Krzysztof Glowacki. 

Burberry model Riakporhe maintained the same icy visage he uses on the catwalk as he faced off with Glowacki in a high-stakes encounter which will step him up into world title contests if he wins.

And Manchester man Jack Massey was equally composed as he faced off with former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker. 

It’s a huge challenge for the former cruiserweight champion, who is stepping up in weight to face the giant New Zealander in search of a victory which would change forever the lives of himself and his expectant partner.

Today’s official weigh-in results are below in stones / pounds / ounces:Middleweight Bout (12×3)

Chris Eubank Jnr 11st 5lbs 

Liam Smith 11st 5lbs Cruiserweight Bout (12×3)

Richard Riakaporhe 14st 3lbs 5oz

Krzysztof G?owacki 14st 1lb 5ozBritish + Commonwealth Championship Bout (12×3)

Ekon Essuman 10st 6lbs

Chris Kongo 10st 6lbs 5ozHeavyweight Bout

Joseph Parker 17st7lbs 5oz

Jack Massey15st 5lbs 3ozHeavyweight Bout

Frazer Clarke 19st 6 lbs

Kevin Espindola 20st 5 lbsHeavyweight Bout

Matthew Harris 19st 2 lbs

Jiri Surmanj 17st 10 lbs 5ozCruiserweight Bout (6×3)

Scott Forrest 14st 8 lbs 

Amine Boucetta 15st Lightweight Bout (4×3)

Frankie Stringer 9st 11 lbs 

Christian Narvaez 9st 9 lbs 5oz

LIAM SMITH:

“It’s just the win that matters regardless. I’d love to make a statement and stop him, but a win at any means necessary is the aim.”

“Nobody believes him [about coming in at 50%], maybe a couple of his phone carriers and ball carriers. He doesn’t believe that himself. His coaches, Roy and Ronnie, both have told you different, so we’ll see Saturday what shape he’s in.”

CHRIS EUBANK JR

“I’ve always wanted to win this fight by knockout. The fact that Liam is being a child up here it gives me a bit of extra incentive to embarrass him.” 

“I’m cutting weight right now, so I’m at a good solid 44-45 per cent right now, but I’ll be a strong 50 per cent on the night and that will be more than enough to take the man [out]”

“I actually weighed in lighter than Liam yesterday, so I guess that argument about weights is irrelevant now. Liam’s the bigger man. I’m comfortable, happy and glad to be back in Manchester.” 

ROY JONES JR, TRAINER OF CHRIS EUBANK JR

“When you’re a complete fighter, there’s no style to be caught between. Chris is a complete fighter now, so he can fight any style. 

“Smith is a highly dangerous opponent. He’s been in the ring with the likes of Canelo and knows his way around the ring. That pushes Chris even more to get ready and get prepared. If he chooses to use 40 per cent, that’s up to him. Our goal is to get him ready and then it’s up to him.”

JOE McNALLY, TRAINER OF LIAM SMITH

“I’m expecting a bit of Roy (Jones Jr), a little bit of ferociousness. I hope he brings everything because that’s what Liam’s prepared for.” 

“I believe the early rounds will be key, If Eubank allows Smith to take the the early rounds he might be forced into trying to get a stoppage. Eubank cannot take his foot off the pedal.

BEN SHALOM, PROMOTER

“I remember when I met Liam, he said, ‘get me the Eubank fight and I’ll sign with you.’ Now It’s a bigger fight than when Liam first mentioned it to me. 

“It’s just built and built, it’s got war written all over it and I think this is what British boxing really needs right now.”

DAZN Group, the leading global sports entertainment platform, today announces that it will broadcast the all-British dust up, Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith, Saturday, January 21^st, from BOXXER in association with Wasserman Boxing, Live from AO Arena in Manchester. The event will be available to all DAZN subscribers in the US, Canada, DACH and Japan.

Chris Eubank Jr (32-2-0, 23 KOs) needs no introduction, son of legendary former world champion Chris Eubank, the 33-year-old has successfully carved out his own reputation in the sport and is seen as one of the leading middleweights in the world.

His latest fight in February 2022 saw an impressive shutout points win over Liam Williams at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff in which he showed his class by knocking down the Welshman four times.

Liam Smith (32-3-1, 19 KOs) heads into this mouth-watering clash in the form of his life following big wins over Jesse Vargas, Anthony Fowler and Roberto Garcia. The Liverpool man is determined to become a world champion for a second time and a statement win vs Eubank JR will kick off 2023 with a bang.

 ‘DAZN are always looking to deliver the best boxing schedule to our subscribers and we are proud to be showing this huge fight between two of Britain’s finest’ said Joe Markowski, CEO DAZN North America. ‘We are no strangers to Liam and Chris and know we have a potential blockbuster on our hands. In 2023, we are determined to work with as many promoters as we can in order to deliver the best fights for fight fans and with actions speaking louder than words we are excited to be working for the first time with BOXXER on this special event. Tune in live January 21^st for a memorable night of British boxing’.

BOXXER CEO & Founder, Ben Shalom said: “This is fantastic news. I am delighted that fight fans in the US, Canada, DACH and Japan will be able to watch this blockbuster event live and exclusively on DAZN. The card is stacked with massive fights from top to bottom. And the brewing animosity between bitter rivals, Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith will reach boiling point in what promises to be an unmissable main event in front of a sold-out AO Arena in Manchester.”

Wasserman’s Head of Global Boxing, Kalle Sauerland, said: “It’s fantastic that this mega fight will now have a global audience on DAZN, it’s a fight that merits a global audience and the eyeballs of the world will be on Manchester come next Saturday.”

The show features a stacked undercard with Richard Riakporhe launching his quest for a world title shot in 2023 when he battles former two-time WBO cruiserweight world champion Krzysztof G?owacki and local lad Jack Massey stepping up to face former WBO world heavyweight champion, Joseph Parker.

Joining them on this blockbuster night of boxing will be Ekow Essuman vs Chris Kongo and further bouts involving Frazer Clarke, Matty Harris, Scott Forrest and Amine ‘The Beast’ Boucetta.

The British & Commonwealth, IBF European and WBC International Silver Welterweight titles will be on the lines as Ekow Essuman and Chris Kongo go head-to-head in a scintillating addition to the undercard of Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith on Saturday, January 21 at Manchester’s AO Arena.

‘The Engine’ produced a comprehensive, unanimous points victory over BOXXER’s Samuel Antwi at the same venue last September to retain his British & Commonwealth titles and protect his flawless record (18-0, 7 KOs).

But Essuman will undoubtedly face a tough test in the form of ‘2 Slick’ Kongo in what promises to be a barnstorming title clash.

Kongo captured the vacant WBC International Silver Welterweight crown when he defeated Sebastian Formella last June in London. And he’ll be hungry to start the new year in style by putting the first dent on Essuman’s burgeoning CV and claiming two prestigious titles.

Rising heavyweight sensation Frazer Clarke is another sterling addition to the event which is broadcast live, in the UK and Republic of Ireland, on Sky Sports Box Office.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze medal hero is eager to ascend up the heavyweight rankings this year and will return to the scene of his last victory.

An opponent will be named in due course but Clarke (4-0, 3 KOs) will be keen to remind the division of his incredible power as he did last November when he outclassed Kamil Sokowlski over six rounds.

Another explosive heavyweight prospect is confirmed for January 21 too in Matty Harris.

The hard-hitting Coventry fighter (3-0, 2 KOs) burst on the scene in 2021 and last year added two impressive stoppages to his résumé, defeating Mait Metsis and Pawel Strykowski. An opponent for Harris will be named soon.

And unbeaten Scottish cruiserweight starlet Scott Forrest (3-0, 3 KOs) will be keen to showcase his talent on the night when he collides with Amine ‘The Beast’ Boucetta (7-5-0).

BOXXER Founder and CEO, Ben Shalom said: “These are four terrific additions to what is already a blockbuster card. Tickets are selling out fast with a bumper crowd all set for an incredible night of boxing in Manchester.”

The main event – in association with Wasserman Boxing – sees bitter middleweight enemies Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith face-off in what promises to be an epic domestic clash for the ages as both rivals bid to take a giant leap towards their desired world title pursuits. 

Elsewhere on the stacked pay-per-view card, Richard Riakporhe battles former two-time WBO cruiserweight world champion Krzysztof G?owacki, as local lad Jack Massey steps up to the heavyweight division to fight former world champion Joseph Parker. 

Final remaining tickets are on sale now at Boxxer.com.

This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, WOW HYDRATE and Village Hotels.

Richard Riakporhe will officially launch his quest for a world title shot in 2023 when he battles former two-time WBO cruiserweight world champion Krzysztof G?owacki on the Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith undercard at the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday, 21 January.

The undefeated Londoner (15-0, 11 KOs) has bulldozed his way into contention to challenge for a coveted crown with three knockouts in his last three fights. 

Now Riakporhe, 32, will be out to claim a major scalp in the form of Poland’s Glowacki (32-3-0, 20 KOs), whose only defeats have come against Oleksandr Usyk, Maris Briedis and Lawrence Okolie.

Riakporhe said: “I’m really pleased that he took the fight. I can test the ‘Midnight Train’ once again and everybody can see how I fare up to the test of facing a former world champion.

“He won’t be a pushover and I have to be at the top of my A game. It is going to be fireworks, believe me.”

Joining the bumper BOXXER: Unleashed undercard – live and exclusively in the UK and Republic of Ireland on Sky Sports Box Office – is Manchester’s own Jack ‘One Smack’ Massey (20-1-0, 11 KOs) who collides with former WBO world heavyweight champion, Joseph Parker (30-3-0, 21 KOs).

The 30-year-old stablemate of heavyweight king Tyson Fury returns to Manchester, scene of his Fight of the Year candidate defeat by Joe Joyce back in September, intent on getting his own world title ambitions back on track.

But Cheshire-based Massey, whose only ever defeat was inflicted by Riakporhe in 2019, will be looking to cause a monster upset against the Kiwi warrior when he steps up to the heavyweight division for the first time.

Further huge fights for this blockbuster card will be announced in due course.

BOXXER CEO & Founder, Ben Shalom said: “We’re adding two major fights – with lots more to come – to what is already a blockbuster night of boxing.

“It’s a massive test and a huge step up for Richard Riakporhe against a former two-time world champion, whose only defeats are to Usyk, Breidis, and Okolie.

“Glowacki has had a long time to prepare for this and it’s a huge cruiserweight fight that could be a headline bout. In what is a very exciting division, it’s crunch time for Richard.

“Local lad Jack Massey has been pushing for a big fight and he has jumped at this test against Joseph Parker. He has got huge support in Manchester and now he’ll be fighting one of the biggest names in boxing.

“Parker is coming back after his Fight of the Year contender with Joe Joyce and will want to show exactly what he is all about. It will be very interesting to see how Parker reacts against a hometown favourite.”

The main event – in association with Wasserman Boxing – sees bitter middleweight enemies Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith face-off in what promises to be an epic domestic clash for the ages as both rivals bid to take a giant leap towards their desired world title pursuits. 

Tickets are on sale now at Boxxer.com. But hurry – less than 20% remain available. 

BOXXER proudly presents this event in association with Village Hotels. 

Liverpool, England – 3rd September 2022 – Liam ‘Beefy’ Smith got a 4th round knockout of Hassan Mwakinyou in his return to home city of Liverpool, but it was not the perfect homecoming with the fight ending in confusion and controversy.

Smith was up against the heavy-handed Mwakinyo who had come to the UK and caused upsets against the home fighter in the past. Mwakinyo piled on the pressure in the early rounds of the fight, using fast jabs and powerful right hands, but Smith was feeling out his opponent’s rhythm and finding the openings .

Mwakinyo complained of ankle problems after a slip in the 2nd round, which seemed to impair his movement for the rest of the fight, and lead to the relatively unprovoked first knockdown in the fourth round, and the eventual second knockdown and stoppage at 1:46 into that round.

The Liverpudlian legend is ranked in the top five across multiple sanctioning bodies, and now looks more determined than ever before to claim another world championship. It looks certain that more huge fights are to come in Liam Smith’s career.

Full Undercard Results:

Natasha Jonas def. Patricia Berghult – UD (99-91, 100-90, 100-90)

It was a successful unification of the WBO and WBC Super Welterweight World Championships by ‘Miss GB’ Natasha Jonas in a 10 round barnstormer of a fight against an undefeated World Champion in Patricia Berghult. Patricia Berghult had genuine success boxing at long range in the first few rounds, but Jonas showed the heart of a champion to close the distance and land concussive shots for the rest of the fight.

Jonas turned the fight into a gritty brawl at close range, which she consistently dominated. Throughout the later rounds in the fight, Jonas made Berghult miss and landed brutal hooks to the head and the body. Jonas looked close to finding the stoppage throughout the closing rounds, but Berghult wouldn’t be put down, and kept scrapping until the final bell, meaning Miss GB had to take a wide decision on the judge’s scorecards.

Natasha Jonas was a proud representative of Liverpool in this fight, and the Liverpool crowd got behind their champion. Now she goes on to represent the sport in the biggest night in the history of women’s boxing next Saturday.

Frazer Clarke def. Pencho Tsvetkov – KO Rd 1/6 1:05

Olympic Bronze Medalist and fast-rising heavyweight sensation Frazer Clarke destroyed an opponent in Pencho Tsvetkov who had a single taste of Clarke’s power and instantly realised he didn’t want to be in the ring with him. 

Clarke blasted him out in under 70 seconds and swiftly moved his thoughts on to the 4th opponent of his career, who will hopefully provide more of a contest.

Adam Azim def. Michel Cabral – KO Rd 1 (1:54)

The most electrifying young talent in world boxing Adam Azim scored his third consecutive 1st round stoppage and the 5th victory of his career in just over two minutes. Azim charged out from the first bell and claimed the centre of the ring, firing off lightning fast jabs and right hands, scoring a knockdown with a crippling hook to the body and then ending the fight with a clutch of straight right hands to Michel Cabral’s head that knocked him off his feet and rendered him unable to respond to the referee’s count to 10.

Cabral had never been stopped before in his professional career, having competed 45 rounds and taken five victories up to this point in his career. The future superstar from Slough made a massive statement with another explosive victory, showing the world that he is deadly serious when he says he plans to become the youngest World Champion in history.

Dan Azeez def. Shakan Pitters – UD (117-111, 117-112, 115,113)

British Light Heavyweight Champion Dan Azeez took a monumental unanimous decision victory over one of the best 175lb fighters in the UK in Shakan Pitters. Azeez overcame the 8-inch height difference between the pair with slick forward movement and destructive shots in a 12 round war. The fight kept a strong pace with constant action from the first bell to the final bell

The first half of the fight was highly competitive, with Pitters boxing well at range and landing with the right uppercut, while Azeez put the pressure on and landed shots from close range, as well as a set of powerful overhand rights in the 2nd round that did serious damage to Pitters. Azeez was finding more success in these rounds however, using excellent head movement while coming forward to avoid Pitters’s output and starting to build damage on Pitters with clubbing shots. 

Pitters had periods of legitimate success in the later rounds, but Azeez continued to find ways to land shots and do damage. ‘Super’ Dan dictated the pace throughout the fight, putting the pressure on when he decided, and coaxing Pitters into a fight at longer range when he felt it necessary, showing outstanding ring generalship on his way to a career-defining victory.

Azeez now can rightfully claim to sit at the very top table of British Light Heavyweight boxing, and will now look towards even bigger and better things in his currently unblemished career.

Paddy Lacey def. Seamus Devlin – PTS 60-54

Former professional footballer and now 7-0 professional boxer Paddy Lacey took a comprehensive points victory over six rounds against a fiery opponent who had clashed with Lacey at the weigh-in. Lacey controlled distance well and made sure to come out better from every exchange, not leaving any question as to who won each round for the referee scoring the bout. 

Nathan Quarless def. Toni Visic – PTS 60-53

Nathan Quarless sent his opponent tumbling to the canvas on the way to a totally dominant points victory. Visic is a highly experienced ring-veteran with over 50 professional fights and 20 victories, but Quarless made it look easy. The skillful scouse Cruiserweight landed shots throughout the fight and came close to putting Visic out for good at multiple points throughout the fight, but Visic showed grit and determination to reach the final bell. The referee’s scorecard reflects how Quarless won every second of every round.

Frankie Stringer def. Karl Sampson PTS 40-36

The first Liverpool native on the card took a composed victory against a fast-moving, elusive southpaw in Karl Sampson to take the second victory of his professional career. Stringer consistently held the centre of the ring and walked Sampson down with cannon-like jabs, but Sampson remained notably hard to pin down. 

Stringer grew into the fight as it went on, finding more success in the 3rd and 4th round when Sampson started to slow, finishing strong and claiming victory in every single round on the referee’s scorecard.

Clark Smith def. Petar Aleksandrov – PTS 40-36

A measured, intelligent debut from the ‘Manchester Mexican’ Clark Smith against an experienced opponent in Aleksandrov, throwing neat, straight shots from the southpaw stance throughout the fight. Smith used long jabs and straight left hands throughout the fight in order to hit Aleksandrov without allowing the tough Bulgarian to land anything in return. 

Smith showed some impressive punch variety in the final two rounds, working uppercuts and combinations into his output to finish the fight in serious style. This debut has put boxing on notice as to how good Clark Smith has the potential to be.

Musa Moyo def. Diego Costa – PTS 58-56

Musa Moyo managed to overcome a seriously tough, undefeated opponent in Diego Costa in a brutal, back-and-forth 6 round fight. Both men consistently landed shots throughout the fight, with Muyo being the more evasive of the pair, while Diego Costa brought formidable punch-power. Both men had success in this even fight, being reflected in the referee’s close scorecard to decide the winner. Both men will have won a lot of fans with their performances tonight.

Scott Forrest def. Dmitrij Kalinovskij – TKO Rd 3/4 (1:34)

Scott Forrest scored another devastating knockout in the first bout of the night to move his record to three wins and no defeats, with all victories coming before the final bell. He was consistently landing fast punch combinations throughout the first two rounds of the fight, with one in the third finally sending Kalinovskij to the canvas. He rose back to his feet, but an inch-perfect left hook, right uppercut combination knocked him down again and forced the referee to stop the fight.

Liverpool, England – (September 2, 2022) – Today’s BOXXER weigh-ins saw former WBO World Super-Welterweight Champion Liam Smith and Hassan Mwakinyo, plus WBO World Super-Welterweight Champion Natasha Jonas and WBC Champion Patricia Berghult come face to face before their showdowns tomorrow night.

Also weighing in on a packed card were British Light-Heavyweight Champion Dan Azeez and Former Champion Shakan Pitters, plus fast rising star Adam Azim, the WBC Youth Super-Lightweight Champion, and heavyweight hot-shot Frazer Clarke.

Here’s the official weights for the fighters taking part in tomorrow night’s BOXXER event at the M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool, live on Sky Sports.

12 x 3 mins Super-Welterweight Contest @11st 4lbs

LIAM SMITH (11st 5lb 5oz) v HASSAN MWAKINYO (11st 1lb)

10 x 2 mins WBC/WBO World Super-Welterweight Championship @ 11st 0lbs

NATASHA JONAS (10st 9lb 5oz) v PATRICIA BERGHULT (10st 9lb 5oz)

12 x 3 mins British Light Heavyweight Championship, Eliminator for Commonwealth Light Heavyweight Championship & WBC International Light-Heavyweight Championship @ 12st 7lbs

DAN AZEEZ (11st 6lb 5oz) v SHAKAN PITTERS (12st 6lb)

6 x 3 mins Heavyweight Contest

FRAZER CLARKE (19st 6lb) v PENCHO TSVETKOV (15st 6lb)

10 x 3 mins WBC Youth Super-Lightweight Championship @ 10st

ADAM AZIM (9st 13lb 5oz) v MICHEL CABRAL (10st 5lb)

6 x 3 mins Cruiserweight Contest @14st 4lbs

NATHAN QUARLESS (14st 6lb 5oz) v MICHAEL WEBSTER

6 x 3 mins Super-Middleweight Contest @12st 0lbs

DIEGO COSTA (12st) v MUSA MOYO (12st 6lb)

4/6 x 3 mins Middleweight Contest @ 11st 9lbs

PADDY LACEY (11st 11lb) v SEAMUS DEVLIN (11st 8lb 5oz)

4 x 3 mins Lightweight Contest @ 9st 11lbs

FRANKIE STRINGER (9st 10lb) v KARL SAMPSON (9st 10lb 5oz)

4 x 3 mins Cruiserweight Contest @ 14st 6lbs

SCOTT FORREST (14st 7lb 5oz) v DMITRU KALINOVSKU (13st 7lb 5oz)

4 x 3 mins Welterweight Contest @ 10st 10lbs

CLARK SMITH (10st 12lb) v PETAR ALEKSANDROV (10st 11lb 5oz)

Liverpool, England – 27th July 2022 – Liverpool’s own Liam ‘Beefy’ Smith (31-3-1, 18 KOs) will begin his campaign for a second world title shot when he headlines at the M&S Bank Arena in his home city on Saturday, 3rd September, live and exclusively on Sky Sports.

Tickets are on sale now via Boxxer.com, with prices beginning at just £40.

Making his way to Merseyside to face the hometown hero is the heavy-handed Hassan Mwakinyo (20-2, 14 KO’s), who shocked the British boxing fanbase on his 2018 visit to the UK when he demolished the infamously tough Sam Eggington in just two rounds. 

Undefeated since then and coming off three consecutive stoppage victories, the former WBF Intercontinental champion has scored 70% of his victories by KO or TKO, has stopping power in both hands and is traveling to the UK intent on upsetting the home fans once again.

Currently ranked in the top five by three of boxing’s major sanctioning bodies, Smith – who won the WBO World Light-Middleweight Championship in 2015 – has blasted his name back into the world championship contender conversation with stoppage wins in his last two fights and is now set on winning a second world title as part of the BOXXER stable.

Two of the UK’s top light-heavyweights will collide in the chief support bout when reigning British Light-Heavyweight champion ‘Super’ Dan Azeez (16-0, 11 KO’s) meets former champion Shakan Pitters (17-1, 6 KO’s) to make his first defence of the British Light-Heavyweight Championship he won by stopping the highly-accomplished Hosea Burton in November last year.

One of the hottest young talents in boxing, Adam ‘The Assassin’ Azim (5-0, 4 KO’s), will make the first defence of his WBC Youth title. Azim has ended his last four bouts inside the distance, most recently demolishing experienced European opponent Anthony Loffett in just 66 seconds. 

Amir Khan, who became world champion at just 22 years old, was ringside to witness that win in June and has lavished praise on the hard-hitting youngster, predicting that the 20-year-old may become a world champion even earlier than he did himself.

A super-middleweight firefight is on the cards when 2018 Commonwealth Games medalist John Docherty (12-1, 9 KO’s) travels down from Scotland to face Brazilian bomb-thrower Diego ‘Dynamite’ Costa (8-0, 5 KO’s).

The Manchester-based Costa is widely regarded as one of the most avoided fighters in the division but Doherty has no qualms about taking him on, setting up what is sure to be a non-stop battle between two fighters who rarely take a backwards step.

And another power-punching clash is predicted when Liverpool’s own Nathan Quarless (9-0) faces Middlesbrough man Michael Webster (7-0, 5 KO’s) in a cruiserweight contest which sees both prospects put their undefeated record on the line.

Amir Khan-managed Sikh sensation Tal Singh will also be making his professional debut at this event after swapping Liverpool for Las Vegas to train for the professional ranks.

Two more Liverpudlians appearing on the card are Paddy Lacey (6-0, 1 KO) who claimed victory in under 45 seconds in his most recent fight, and the 21-year-old Frankie Stringer (1-0), competing in his second professional bout following a successful debut in April.

Ben Shalom, BOXXER CEO and Founder, said: “We were delighted to sign Liam Smith, so there is no better place for him to make his debut with us than in his home city of Liverpool. Liam is a man on a mission. He wants to win a second world title and there are big fights coming his way. Coming off a defining stoppage win over Jessie Vargas at the iconic Madison Square Garden in April and returning to the M&S Bank Arena, where he stopped derby rival Anthony Fowler last October, Liam truly is in the best form of his life. This fight will be the perfect return to Sky against a proven dangerous puncher. Another big performance will set Liam up for a world title and potential box office fights.

“The fans on Merseyside will be in for a real treat with a highly-stacked card. Many boxing insiders are excited to see current British champion Dan Azeez and former champion Shakan Pitters collide. And the man who has captured the attention of every fight fan this year will be on show too, as Adam Azim takes to the ring. Adam has excelled in every fight thus far and he is developing into the superstar we all believe he will become. He has first-round stoppage wins in his last two fights – and I know he’ll be hungry to make it a hat-trick in his first defence of the WBC Youth World title. I can’t wait.”

Adam Smith, Head of Boxing Development at Sky Sports said, “We’re very excited to have Liam Smith back on Sky Sports and headlining a huge card in the fantastic fighting city of Liverpool as we kick off what will be an unbelievable action-packed Autumn season. A second world title is what Liam wants and having seen the hunger in him, I have no doubts he will achieve it, so I’m looking forward to seeing some big fights for Liam Smith as he makes that journey towards his second world title with BOXXER and Sky Sports.”

“There are some great fights on this Liverpool card – the British Light-Heavyweight Championship clash between Dan Azeez and Shakan Pitters will be electric, and every time I see Adam Azim fight, I feel like I’m watching the emergence of a future all-time great. This is a mammoth card for Merseyside at the start of September and I can’t wait to hear that Liverpool crowd when Liam Smith makes his walk to the ring.”

Further bouts for this massive night of boxing in Merseyside will be announced in the near future. 

Visit Boxxer.com today and register for the exclusive pre-sale to be first in line for the best seats at the best prices.

BOXXER proudly presents this event in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Village Hotels.

London, England – 1 July 2022 – Liverpool star Liam ‘Beefy’ Smith (31-3-1, 18 KOs) aims to become a two-time world champion following the signing of a multi-fight agreement with BOXXER.

The former WBO World Super Welterweight Champion has forged a formidable reputation and is now on the cusp of challenging for his second world title under the BOXXER and Sky Sports banners.

In a career spanning almost 14-years, Smith – who hails from a famed fighting family – cleaned up the 154lb division winning British, Commonwealth, WBA Continental and WBO Intercontinental titles before capturing the WBO World title in 2015 with a seventh round stoppage of Apollo Thompson and making two defences of the crown.

He then faced pound-for-pound great Saúl ‘Canelo’ Álvarez in September 2016 and despite a brave and valiant performance that saw him get up from knockdowns in the seventh and eighth rounds he was ultimately overcome with a big body shot in the ninth.

The comeback trail saw him defeat hard Welsh rival Liam Williams in back-to-back fights to earn a shot at Jamie Munguia for the WBO 154 belt again and he became the first to take the hard-hitting Mexican the full twelve-round distance, just losing out on the scorecards.

On his return he battered renowned Midlands warrior Sam Eggington into submission in five rounds in March 2019 to win the WBC Silver belt. Although he suffered a setback in May last year in Russia against Magomed Kurbanov in a challenge for the WBO International title with a points loss.

However, this has inspired Smith to since put on two of his best career displays to show that he’s firmly back on the World title hunt. First he made a statement of intent with a brutal eighth round stoppage of Liverpool rival Anthony Fowler in their derby blockbuster last October to win the WBA International title.

He then travelled to the iconic Madison Square Garden in April this year to dominate Two-Time World Champion Jessie Vargas over twelve rounds with a powerful performance to claim the WBO Intercontinental title and show that he’s ready to face the best again.

Currently ranked in the top five in the world by the WBC, WBO and WBA, he is perfectly positioned to face one of the World Champions and is primed and ready for the opportunity.

Smith said, “I’m delighted to put pen to paper with Boxxer. I had a lot of offers but I’m glad to finally get this across the line and be back on Sky Sports. Boxxer are doing great things in the sport and making big waves and I’m happy to be part of that.

“Some of the big fights and names have excited me and I’m really looking forward to the next twelve months with my next fight to be announced shortly. I can’t wait to get back out there and challenge for a world title at 154 pounds and get everyone talking about me again.”

BOXXER CEO and Founder Ben Shalom said, “I’ve always held Liam in the highest regard in terms of his talent, boxing IQ and also resilience to keep coming back and I believe he’s now very close to realising his ambition of challenging for another world title. He’s an icon in his home city of Liverpool where he has a great following and we’re really excited to have Liam join the BOXXER stable where we have big plans for him.”

Adam Smith, Head of Boxing Development for Sky Sports, said, “Liam Smith is a great fighter, a great guy and a great signing for Boxxer and Sky Sports! We are all delighted to be working with Liam who is coming off that thrilling win over Jessie Vargas and has really big fights ahead.

“Mega matches, more world title fights and crackling action are expected for one of our most talented and experienced champions – and one of our biggest personalities! I have a soft spot for all the Smith brothers as we have virtually grown up with them. It’s brilliant having Liam and his super family support back on Sky!”

In a fight that exceeded huge expectations Katie Taylor won a 10-round split decision in front of a raucous and sold-out 19, 187 at Madison Square Garden.

The bout was billed as the best female fight of all-time, it delivered and then some. The two came out on even terms, with Taylor boxing just a hair better to take a slight early lead.

Serrano hurt Taylor badly in both rounds five and six with hard combinations. Taylor wanted to stand toe-to-toe with Serrano and paid dearly for it. Taylor seemed wobbly and unsettled as she stood in her corner between rounds five and six. Taylor was able stem the tide and start scoring from distance with quick combinations. Several times down the stretch, the two best female fighters on the world electrified The Garden Crowd by exchanging in the midst of furious flurries. The two did that until the very bell in this sure-fire Fight of the Year contender.

Taylor landed 147 of 575 punches; Serrano was 175 of 624.

Taylor of Bray, IRE took two cards by scores of 97-93 and 96-93. Serrano of Brooklyn, NY won a card by 96-94.

Taylor is now 21-0. Serrano is 42-2-1.

“What a fighter Amanda Serrano is – I think we are both great fighters,” said Taylor. “Look what we have just done, selling out Madison Square Garden, the biggest venue in boxing history. 
 
“Both of us have broken so many barriers in her careers. It feels great to be in this position really! Amazing fight. What a night!
 
“I knew exactly how deep I had to dig in this fight. I knew going into it that I was going to be in the trenches at some stage. She’s a phenomenal fighter and a great, great person. 
 
“I was listening to my trainer and I’m so grateful for Ross. Thank you for everything. You’re such a humble guy but you’re the best in the world.”

Smith Batters, Stops Vargas in 10

In a battle of former world champions, Liam Smith stopped Jessie Vargas in round 10 of their 12-round junior middleweight clash.

The fight was close through four rounds, with several even exchanges occurring between the two fighters. The naturally bigger Smith began to take over and started beating up Vargas. With each successive round, Vargas looked more tired, which opened for more powerful shots to land by Smith. Finally in round 10, Smith landed a big left hook that set off an unanswered flurry that forced referee Steve Willis to stop the bout at 41 seconds.

Smith of Liverpool, UK is 31-3-1 with 18 knockouts. Vargas of Las Vegas falls to 29-4-2.

Crews-Dezurn Decisions Cederroos to win Undisputed Super Middleweight Crown

Franchon Crews-Dezurn won the Undisputed Super Middleweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Elin Cederroos.

It was an action packed fight that saw Crews-Dezurn land a lot of overhand shots that forced the nose of Cederroos to bleed as early as round four.

Crews-Dezurn landed 171 of 439 punches; Cederroos was 108 of 511.

Crews-Dezurn of Baltimore, MD won by scores of 99-91 and 97-93 and is now 8-1. Cederroos of Sweden is 8-1.

Yafai Stops Cartagena After 2

2021 Olympic Gold Medal winner, Galal Yafai stopped Miguel Cartagena after round two of their scheduled 10-round flyweight bout.

Yafai dominated Cartagena all over the ring for both rounds until the fight was stopped.

Yafai of Birmingham, ENG is 2-0 with two knockouts. Cartagena of Philadelphia i 17-7-1.

NEW YORK–Austin Williams destroyed Chordale Booker in the opening round of the 10-round middleweight bout.

Williams hurt Booker and the pounded away on him with Booker sitting on the ropes for a scored knockdown. Booker was deemed unable to continue at 2:25.

Williams of Houston, TX is 11-0 with nine knockouts. Booker of Stamford, CT is 17-1.

Reshat Mati remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Joe Eli Hernandez in a super lightweight bout.

Mati, 143.8 lbs of Staten Island, NY won by scores of 80-72 on all cards, and is now 12-0. Hernandez, Matarnoros, MEX is 12-2.

Australian Olympian Skye Nicolson remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Shanecqua Paisley Davis in a featherweight bout.

In round six, Nicolson capped off the victory by dropping Davis with a straight left.

Nicolson, 125.6 lbs of Yatala, AUS won by scores of 60-53 on all cards and is now 3-0. Davis, 125.2 lbs of Houston is 3-2.

Khalil Coe remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over William Langston in a light heavyweight bout.

Coe, 174. lbs of Jersey City, NJ won by scores of 60-54, 59-55 and 58-56 and is now 3-0-1. Langston, 173 lbs of Kenosha, WI is 6-3.

Jessie Vargas and Liam Smith collide in a must-win Super-Welterweight clash at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday April 30, live worldwide on DAZN, leading the undercard for the historic clash between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, brought to you by Matchroom Boxing and Most Valuable Promotions. 
TO SIGN UP TO THE EXCLUSIVE PRESALE, VISIT MSG.COM/TAYLORSERRANO

Presale begins at 12noon ET on Thursday February 3, with tickets on general sale at 12noon ET on Friday February 4 – tickets start at $56 (plus fees)
Vargas (29-3-2 11 KOs) returns to the ring for the first time since his narrow reversal at the hands of Mikey Garcia in Texas in February 2020. The former two-weight World champion is hungry to become a three-time ruler, and the 32 year old is training for the Smith clash while running his political campaign to represent Nevada’s 4th Congressional District.

Smith (30-3-1 17 KOs) will defend the WBA International strap he won in his last outing, where he stopped local rival Anthony Fowler in eight rounds in October at the M&S Arena in Liverpool, bouncing back in style from a slender loss in Russia to Magomed Kurbanov in May. The 33 year old held the WBO World title in 2015-16, and now sits at #4 in the WBA rankings and eyeing two-time World champion status.

Vargas and Smith were due to meet this weekend in Phoenix, but COVID ruled the former out of the clash and Saturday’s bill will now be topped by Carlos Cuadras and Jesse Rodriguez battling for the vacant WBC World Super-Flyweight title live worldwide on DAZN. Vargas and Smith will come to the Big Apple all guns blazing, and both men believe they will end the career of the other on April 30.

“Thankfully I’m now through COVID,” said Vargas. “I want to show everyone I’m better than before, I’ve been working on things in the gym, so it’s not like I’ve had a two year lay-off.

“Liam is talking a lot, the fire is burning inside me. You don’t trash talk me, I’m coming in a different person. This will be an action-packed fight. I’ll exploit all of his weaknesses and take him out – My goal is to knock him out and retire him!

“It’s going to be an amazing night. Amanda and Katie are trailblazers for the sport, and I’m honored to be a part of an historic event in New York.”

“I’m buzzing and proud to be fighting at Madison Square Garden,” said Smith. “It’s one I can tick off my bucket list now along with Las Vegas; MSG is the pinnacle of boxing and everything happens for a reason so I am happy to be heading to New York on April 30. The main event is fantastic, Katie is always in exciting fights, and I am sure there will be lots of British and Irish fans there that will be backing me too.

“This fight is an itch that has needed scratching for a long time now and I want to beat Jessie and beat him well and move on. I hope that he turns up fit and healthy this time as I am aiming to retire him and send him into politics. He wants to move into politics, and I will give him a reason to concentrate on that 100 per cent.

“Jessie stopping me? I find that highly unlikely when only one person has done that and Jessie is no Canelo Alvarez. I fully intend on stopping him, being the first man to do it and adding my name to the names that have beaten him.”

Years in the making, the biggest fight ever in women’s boxing between the pound-for-pound #1 and #2 fighters of the world is one that will not only make boxing history, but women’s sports history. MSG has hosted thousands of fights through its illustrious years, beginning more than a century ago on July 17, 1882; now, 140 years later, this matchup finally marks the very first time two female fighters are headlining a combat sports event at ‘The World’s Most Famous Arena’. #ForHistory

More additions to the card will be announced later today.

Former world title challenger Liam Smith stopped crosstown rival Anthony Fowler in round eight of their scheduled 12-round super welterweight contest in Liverpool, England.

In round one, Smith was cut around the left eye. In round four, Fower started to bleed from around his left eye, In round five, Smith dropped Fowler with a hard right to the head.

In round eight, Smith ended things with a powerful left hook that sent Fowler down again, and the fight was stopped at 2:04.

Smith, 154 lbs of Liverpool is 30-3-1 with 17 knockouts. Fowler, 153.1 lbs of Liverpool is 15-2.

Williamson Stops Cheeseman in 10

Troy Williamson stopped Ted Cheeseman in round 10 of a scheduled 12-round junior middleweight fight.

It was a back and forth brawl that saw Williams drop Cheeseman in the 10th frame with a vicious left hook to the jaw, and the bout was stopped at

Williamson, 153.1 lbs of Darlington, ENG is 17-0-1 with 13 knockouts. Cheesman, 153 lbs of Bermondsey, ENG is 17-3-1.

McGrail Wins Pro Debut with Decision over Harrison

Peter McGrail made a successful pro debut with a six-round decision over Ed Harrison in a super bantamweight fight.

McgRail, 127.1 lbs of Liverpool won by a 60-54 score and is now 1-0. Harrison, 128.5 lbs of Blackpool, ENG is 2-9.

Mitchell wins WBA Bantamweight Title with Unanimous Decision over Courtenay

Jamie Mitchell wrestled the WBA Bantamweight title with a 10-round majority decision over Shannon Courtenay

Mitchell, 117.5 lbs of California, won by scores of 97-93, 96-94 and 95-95 and now is a world champion with a record of 7-0-2. Courtenay, who lost her title before the fight was she weighed in at 120.5 lbs is now 7-2.

Conway Decisions Metcalf

Kieron Conway won a 10-round unanimous decision over James Metcalf in a super welterweight bout.

Conway, 156.1 lbs ogf Northampton, ENG won by scores of 96-94 and 96-95 twice and is now 17-2-1. Metcalf, 156 1/2 lbs of Liverpool is 21-2.

Luke Wills remained undefeatd with a 10-round majotity decision over Rylan Charlton in a lightweight fight.

Wills, 134.6 lbs of Liverpool won by scores of 95-94 twice and 95-95 and is now 11-0. Charlton, 134.6 lbs of Norwich, ENG is 6-2-1.

Solomon Dacres remained undefeated with an eight-round decision over Kamil Sokoloweski in a heavyweight bout.

Dacres, 227.6 lbs of Brirmingham, ENG win by a 78-74 score and is now 3-0. Sokolowski, 239.6 lbs of Poland is 10-23-2.

Robbie Davies Jr. stopped Jonny Phillips in round four of their scheduled six-round super lightweight fiht.

The time of the stoppage was 2:28 of round four for Davies, 143 1/2 lbs of Liverpool, who ups his record to 21-3 with 14 knockouts. Phillips, 140 lbs of Sandhurst, ENG is 5-8.

Blane Hyland won a four-round decision over Santiago San Euseebio in a super flyeright contest.

Hyland, 117 lbs of Liverpool won by a 39-37 score and is now 5-1. Eusebio, 118 1/2 lbs of Lyon, FRA is 3-2-2.

16:30 BST LIVE ON BEFORE THE BELL

4 x 3 mins Super-Flyweight contest
BLANE HYLAND 117lbs v SANTIAGO SAN EUSEBIO 116lbs 6oz
(Liverpool, England)            (Lyon, France)

followed by

6 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest
ROBBIE DAVIES JR 143.5lbs v JONNY PHILLIPS 140lbs
(Liverpool, England)                  (Sandhurst, England)

followed by

8 x 3 mins International Heavyweight contest
SOLOMON DACRES 227lbs 8oz v KAMIL SOKOLOWSKI 239lbs 8oz
(Birmingham, England)                  (Czestochowa,Poland)

followed by

10 x 3 mins Lightweight contest
LUKE WILLIS 134lbs 8oz v RYLAN CHARLTON 134lbs 8oz
(Liverpool, England)          (Norwich, England)

19:00 BST LIVE ON DAZN

followed by

10 x 3 mins Super-Welterweight contest
KIERON CONWAY 156lbs 2oz v JAMES METCALF 156lbs 8oz
(Northampton, England)              (Liverpool, England)

followed by

10 x 2 mins WBA Bantamweight World Title 
SHANNON COURTENAY 120lbs 8oz v JAMIE MITCHELL 117lbs 8oz
(Watford, England)                                 (California, USA)

followed by

6 x 3 mins Super-Bantamweight contest
PETER MCGRAIL 127lbs 2oz v ED HARRISON 128lbs 8oz
(Liverpool, England)                  (Blackpool, England)

followed by

12 x 3 mins British Super-Welterweight Title
TED CHEESEMAN 153lbs v TROY WILLIAMSON 153lbs 2oz
(Bermondsey, England)     (Darlington, England)

followed by

12 x 3 mins WBA International Super-Welterweight Title
LIAM SMITH 154lbs v ANTHONY FOWLER 153lbs 2oz                  
(Liverpool, England)      (Liverpool, England)