MASOUD AND MCGRAIL CLASH IN ALL-BRITISH SHOWDOWN FOR IBO SUPER-BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE – YAFAI MEETS RODRIGUEZ FOR INTERIM WBC FLYWEIGHT TITLE ON JUNE 21 IN BIRMINGHAM

British rivals Shabaz Masoud and Peter McGrail will clash for the IBO Super-Bantamweight Title at the top of a stacked card at BP Pulse LIVE in Birmingham on Saturday June 21 that also features undefeated Flyweight Galal Yafai taking on Francisco Rodriguez for the Interim WBC Flyweight World Title – live worldwide on DAZN.
 
Stoke-on-Trent’s Masoud (14-0, 4 KOs) claimed the IBO crown with an impressive decision win over Telford’s Liam Davies last time out in November – inflicting a first loss on the former British and European Champion following a heated build-up between the pair.
 
Liverpool’s McGrail (11-1, 6 KOs) outpointed Rhys Edwards over ten rounds in his last contest on the huge Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2 card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – the 28-year-old southpaw’s third straight win since suffering a shock loss to Ja’Rico O’Quinn in 2023.
 
Birmingham’s Yafai (9-0, 7 KOs) looked sensational as he stopped former IBF Flyweight king Sunny Edwards in six punishing rounds at BP Pulse LIVE in November, and the Olympic Champion puts his WBC Interim Title on the line for the first time against Mexico’s Rodriguez (39-6-1, 27 KOs). A shot at Japan’s unified WBC and WBA Flyweight World Champion Kenshiro Tereji lays in store for the winner.
 
Wolverhampton’s Conah Walker (15-3-1, 6 KOs) makes the maiden defence of his British Welterweight Title against Middleton’s Mandatory Challenger Liam Taylor (28-2-1, 14 KOs), Olympian turned Cruiserweight prospect Pat Brown (1-0, 1 KO) looks to build on his action-packed professional debut in Altrincham last month, Birmingham Super-Featherweight Ibraheem Sulaimaan (7-0, 4 KOs) returns, heavy-handed Coventry Middleweight Aaron Bowen (5-0, 3 KOs) fights for the second time in 2025 and Walsall Flyweight Hamza Uddin (4-0, 1 KO) continues his rise.
 
“I’m excited and ready to defend my IBO World Title in Birmingham on June 21,” said Masoud. “I’ve been in the gym since the last victory over Liam Davies in November. This is a another big domestic fight against Peter McGrail that I know will bring the best out of me. I’m looking forward to showing everyone what I’m about again.”

“I can’t wait for this one,” said McGrail. “I respect Shabaz Masoud –  he’s a top fighter, but the best version of Peter McGrail beats any Super-Bantamweight in the world, and that’s what you’ll get June 21 in Birmingham.”
 
“I’m excited to be fighting back in my home city of Birmingham, I can’t wait to put on a show against a top fighter,” said Yafai. “I’m looking forward to getting through this one and fighting for the World Title.”
 
“I have been waiting for this opportunity for two years to fight for the WBC 112 pound belt,” said Rodriguez. “I have been World Champion at 105 pounds and 108 pounds. Galal Yafai has never been in the ring with a fighter like me, real Mexican style! Come June 21, the WBC belt is mine and will be going back to wear it belongs – Viva Mexico!”

“This is a brilliant domestic fight between two of the best Super-Bantamweights in the world,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Shabaz Masoud looked sensational last time out against Liam Davies and the emerging star from Stoke is promising another memorable performance on June 21. Peter McGrail steps up for the biggest challenge of his professional career to date. It’s going to be an electric atmosphere. 

“It’s a huge night of boxing at BP Pulse Live as Birmingham’s own Galal Yafai takes another step to World Title glory when he puts his WBC Interim Title on the line against Mexico’s Francisco Rodriguez. Fan favourite Conah Walker defends his British Title against Liam Taylor and all-action Cruiserweight Pat Brown features on a stacked undercard alongside plenty of local talent. Watch it live and exclusive on DAZN.”
 
“This has the makings of a brilliant fight,” said Alfie Sharman, VP DAZN. “Shabaz is off the back of a career high win and Peter has been tipped by those in the know for a very long time. Birmingham will be rocking! Watch it live and exclusive only on DAZN.”

Ticket details will be announced next week. 




LIVE FIGHTS: Avanesyan v Taylor Undercard






MURATOV UNABLE TO FIGHT AFTER CONCERNS RAISED IN PRE-FIGHT MEDICALS

London, England – (October 2, 2021) – The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) having raised concerns over Anatoli Muratov’s pre-fight medicals, he is now unable to fight in tonight’s bout with Chris Eubank Jr. at the SSE Arena, Wembley.

With the health and safety of our boxers being of paramount concern and the remaining time frame allowing no possibility of finding a replacement opponent of suitable quality, the bout has been cancelled and Eubank will not be appearing on tonight’s card.

The highly anticipated European Welterweight Championship fight between David Avanesyan and Manchester’s Liam Taylor has been elevated to the top of the stacked card which includes the English Super-Middleweight title eliminator between Germaine Brown and Jamal Le Doux; the exciting return of Britain’s most exciting cruiserweight Richard Riakporhe; the pro-debut of elite amateur Ebonie Jones; the return of cruiserweight talent Mikael Lawal; dynamite-punching Joe Pigford; rising middleweight star Linus Udofia; hotly-tipped super bantamweight prospect Alireza Ghadiri and undefeated flyweight Harvey Horn.

“It is an extremely unfortunate situation for Chris. However, the health and safety of boxers is always our number one concern and at this late stage it has not been possible to find a suitable replacement,” said Kalle Sauerland, Head of Global Boxing at Wasserman.

“I know Chris was looking forward to fighting tonight at the The SSE Arena, Wembley and starring as the new face of Sky Sports Boxing. We are already in discussions regarding a new date for Chris and fans can expect to see him back in the ring very soon.”

Adam Smith, Sky Sports Head of Boxing, said, “I feel very strongly that first and foremost, the health and safety of all fighters is paramount.

“We’re hugely disappointed for Chris Eubank Jr, who has a big role to play in our new era on Sky Sports Boxing, and he will return on one of our shows in the coming weeks.

“David Avanesyan now tops tonight’s action-packed bill with his European title fight and we’ll bring you some of the most exciting talent in British boxing, with Richard Riakporhe, Ebonie Jones, and Germaine Brown all receiving their chance to shine on Sky Sports.”

“Obviously we are all disappointed that Chris Eubank Jr. can no longer compete on tonight’s card, but it is important to make the right decision in the interests of fighters’ health and safety. We’re grateful to the British Board of Boxing Control for the standards they employ to protect that,” said BOXXER’s Ben Shalom.

“My thoughts go out to Chris, who has had a very difficult time lately. He will come back stronger and remains a key figure in Sky Sports plans. Chris will be returning with a big fight in the next few weeks.

“Tonight’s card remains stacked with great fights from top to bottom, including the European Welterweight Championship bout in the main event, the English Super-Middleweight Title Eliminator bout between Germaine Brown and Jamal Ledoux and the return of top cruiserweight prospect Richard Riakporhe.”




Crocker Stops Greene in 7

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

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

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

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

Taylor Decisions Tetley

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

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

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

McGregor stops Walker in 5

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

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

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

Quinn Decisions Chapman

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

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

Cully Decisions Woodruff

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

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

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