Heavyweight Matty Harris has been buoyed by a message of support from Anthony Joshua as he sets out on the road to redemption this week.

Harris returns to the ring on Friday night, on the Wasserman Boxing show at the Telford International Centre, following a shock first defeat of his career last summer.

The 24-year-old, from Leamington Spa, was stopped by Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko in Edinburgh in July and has now teamed up with world renowned coach Peter Fury in a bid to get back in the heavyweight mix as soon as possible.

Harris – known as ‘Magic’ – takes on Belgium’s Amine Boucetta over four rounds later this week and heads into his return having sparred Francis Ngannou, UFC champion Tom Aspinall and Hughie Fury, among others.

Messages of support have also come from a number of British heavyweights, including Dereck Chisora, Frazer Clarke and the man who faces Ngannou next week – Joshua.

On messages from AJ and others, Harris said:  “A lot of people, including AJ, have reached out, exchanging some nice words, which has been nice.
“And, of course, it’s encouraging to hear these messages.  I guess if they thought I was rubbish, and couldn’t box, then they may not bother and so they reached out because it was a shock defeat.  I am now putting the work in to right those wrongs.”

On sparring Ngannou, the former UFC star who has crossed over to boxing, Harris said:
“If you let him hit you, then he has heavy hands and he is an incredibly strong individual.
“But I was surprised what he did to Tyson Fury.  I expect AJ to go straight through him on March 8.”

On sparring UFC interim heavyweight title holder, Aspinall, Harris said: “He’s a decent boxer!  And he could’ve got to a very decent level in boxing.  He has really good feet, he’s absolutely a good mover and it was Peter who taught him how to box.”

On what it’s like being trained by Peter Fury, Harris said:  “I knew it was going to be hard, it’s my medicine!
“I have to go through this to become better.  Peter has trained world champions before and so I have plenty to learn with him.  He is very old-school in terms of his mindset to the way we do things and you can’t help but appreciate it and there is no substitute for hard work.  And it doesn’t matter how I’m feeling, I just have to get in there and get the work done.”

A recharged Matty Harris starts out on the heavyweight comeback trail on Friday, March 1 in Telford as part of a huge night of European title action.

Also added to the Wasserman Boxing event at the Telford International Centre, is one of British boxing’s most exciting young stars, Dan Toward who has made a flying start to life as a professional.

The Wasserman Boxing talents are the first additions to the undercard of the EBU European Super Welterweight title showdown between Abass Baraou and Sam Eggington, which will be shown live and free-to-air on Channel 5.

Baraou’s clash with ‘The Savage’ promises to stake an early claim for Fight of the Year, as Wasserman Boxing, in association with Ladbrokes, Infinitum Entertainment and Numan, starts its 2024 schedule with a bang.

Tickets go on sale tomorrow at 10am and are expected to go fast.

Heavyweight puncher Harris, 24, returns to the ring for the first time since July’s shock defeat in Edinburgh to Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko and fights for the first time under new coach, Peter Fury.

Toward, 22, has hit the ground running in the pro ranks, clocking up two quick wins at the end of last year, and heads to Telford with a new trainer, Dave Coldwell. 

Matty Harris said: “Since losing my unbeaten record, I have taken time out to work on what went wrong last summer. 

“I’ve now got a renewed focus and I feel recharged and more than ready to get back in the ring, on March 1 in Telford. 

“I have teamed up with Peter Fury and I am really excited about this new partnership and where my career can go with this man in my corner, because he has forgotten more than most people know about the sport. 

“I’m buzzing to be back; I can’t wait to put right what went wrong and start putting myself back in the heavyweight mix.” 

Dan Toward said: “I am one of Britain’s brightest prospects and I fully intend on setting out my stall for 2024, with a big performance on March 1 in Telford.

“This time, I will have Dave Coldwell in my corner and I can’t wait to show people in the arena, and those watching on TV, what we have been working on behind-closed-doors.

“It was incredible to experience being under the lights and in front of cameras for the first time as a pro last year, and the stage gets even bigger in Telford.

“One day soon, it will be me who is fighting for the European title but, for now, I am going to soak up the atmosphere and deliver a performance that will steal the show.”

The UK’s most fearsome heavyweight prospect Matty Harris has been added to the undercard of Lee McGregor’s huge world title homecoming.  Harris, the 6’8” destroyer looks to become the first man to stop Kostyantin Dovbyshchenko, when they collide at the Meadowbank Sports Centre, Edinburgh on Friday July 21, live and free-to-air on Channel 5.  The Wasserman Boxing event, delivered in association with Ladbrokes, Numan and Infinitum Entertainment, sees McGregor face the dangerous Mexican Erik Robles for the vacant IBO world super bantamweight title.  And the first fight confirmed for the undercard next month, is the heavyweight battle between Harris and Dovbyshchenko.  Harris has halted his last four opponents and the 23-year-old delivered a shuddering statement of intent in front of the Channel 5 cameras in March, when he took less than 30 seconds to wipe the floor with Milos Veletic.

Many expect Ukraine’s Dovbyshchenko, who took the highly touted Moses Itauma the six round distance earlier this year, to test Harris but the man known as ‘Magic’ has other ideas.  “I don’t think I will have any trouble getting him out of there,” declared the 5-0 Harris.  “I’m 19st and with these 10oz gloves on, I hit people very hard. These gloves are unforgiving, especially when you are as explosive as I am.  “If he gets past the first round, then I’m getting him in the second.”   TICKETS FOR MCGREGOR VS ROBLES ARE ON SALE NOW

Huge Heavyweight ‘Magic’ Matty Harris (3-0, 2 KOs) will face off against Czech Republic’s Jiri Surmaj (3-2, 2KOs) on the undercard of the domestic clash of the year between Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith on January 21 at the AO Arena, Manchester.   For his last scheduled bout, Harris had to withdraw due to illness as he lay bedridden during fight week. However, he has experienced two back-to-back camps preparing for fights that unfortunately did not happen, and this is something that he believes has worked to his benefit as he continues to develop in the gym. “Camp has been brilliant. I’ve been through multiple camps for fights that haven’t been able to materialise so I’m more than ready and I’m looking forward to it,” said Harris. “I’ve improved everything across the board between my last fight and now. My footwork, my boxing ability, my punch-power; I can’t wait to get out there and perform.” “It’s a pleasure to be on such a big card, and I’m going to make sure I take full advantage of the opportunity to be a part of such an event by letting people know that the rise of Matty Harris is only going to gain more momentum. People will mention my performance once the night is done.” The Big-hitting boxer is on the hunt for a third first-round KO win in a row when he takes on his powerful opponent over six rounds. Harris put Mait Metsis down twice in the opening round, before ending proceedings in the first round of the fight in Newcastle on April 2 2022. The same destructive formula worked again two months later in Liverpool when Harris produced more magic by flattening Pawel Strykowski with a trademark poleaxing punch. Standing in the way of the Coventry man’s hat-trick is Surmaj, the Czech Republican who has had an active 2022 claiming two stoppage wins and a split decision victory throughout the wins of last year. It will have to be more highlight-reel stuff from Harris as he looks to continue making statements and become the first man to stop Surmaj in the ring. “I don’t know much about my opponent, but I’m confident in what I bring and believe the best version of me beats anyone. I foresee another knockout. A big knockout,” said Harris. “I don’t care who’s next. I don’t need to call anyone out this early in my career. I’m continuing to fulfil my potential and the only way to the top is by going through anyone and everyone.” Watch ‘Next Gen’ Chris Eubank Jr. take on Liverpool’s Liam Smith in what is destined to be a ‘Fight of the Year’ contender from the AO Arena, Manchester, on Saturday January 21. The main event, in association with Wasserman Boxing, will be available to DAZN subscribers (in the US, Canada, DACH (Germany, Austria and Switzerland) and Japan). Fans in the UK and Republic of Ireland can watch BOXXER: Unleashed live and exclusively on Sky Sports Box Office.

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.

Aaron Chalmers (1-0) and huge Heavyweight ‘Magic’Matty Harris (3-0, 2 KOs) feature alongside North-East’s rising stars on the epic card headlined by the British Super Welterweight Championship between Darlington’s Troy Williamson (19-0-1, 14KOs) and Sunderland’s Josh Kelly (12-1-1, 7 KOs) on Friday December 2 at the Utilita Arena, Newcastle, live on Channel 5.

This monumental North-East night of action includes hometown favourite Aaron Chalmers (1-0) on the bill as he makes his Newcastle boxing debut on his second professional fight. The former Geordie Shore star and MMA fighter came through his first fight against Alexander Zeledon in Liverpool on June 17, and looks to build on the experiences of that points win in front of his home crowd.

Chalmers will be one of the many talented fighters who command huge support in the North-East, as he enters the squared-circle once more. With the cobwebs dusted off, and the pressure of his debut handled with, it is an ideal opportunity for Chalmers to produce a calculated performance now he is accustomed to fight nights in professional boxing.

Standing in the way of his fairy-tale win is “Rocky” Ryan Broten (0-1). Broten was involved in an all or nothing encounter with the undefeated Paddy Lacey on his pro debut as fight-ending shots were thrown from the very beginning. Broten will now be looking to upset the home crowd as he takes on the former reality star and Geordie favourite, but Chalmers believes a more complete performance will see him do the job.

“The debut got the ball rolling with things, and to come through it with the win and no damage taken was something I’m obviously pleased with,” said Chalmers. “I kept my head and remained calm, but i know what level I can box at, and this huge Newcastle card is my chance to show my progression in the ring.”

“The fans can expect me to come into this calculated yet ready to end things when the opportunity presents itself. I’ve never been the fighter to let things go the distance, and if I can get a knockout win in Newcastle then both me and the fans will be happy people.”

“Newcastle is where i made my name, it’s the place that moulded me into who I am. I know the people, I’m one of the people, and the fans are going to blow the rough off the place.”

Big hitting Heavyweight ‘Magic’ Matty Harris is on the hunt for a third first-round KO win in a row when he takes on Jiri Surmaj over six rounds. Harris put Mait Metsis down twice in the opening round, before ending proceedings in the first round of the fight in Newcastle on April 2. The same destructive formula worked again two months later in Liverpool when Harris produced more magic by flattening Pawel Strykowski with a trademark poleaxing punch.

Standing in the way of the Coventry man’s hat-trick is Surmaj, the hard-hitting Czech Republican who has had an active year claiming two stoppage wins and a split decision victory throughout this calendar year. It will have to be more highlight-reel stuff from Harris as he looks to continue making statements and become the first man to stop Surmaj.

“Newcastle is going to be a massive night of boxing, especially for me,” said Harris. “It’s a step up in competition, but I’ve been stepping up in the gym every single time I enter it. There’s some viral knockouts on my record already, and i’m still young, so just wait and see what the future holds for me.”

Darlington’s Ben Marksby (5-0) can continue his undefeated streak at Super Lightweight when he makes it back-to-back appearances in the North-East. A rising star who continues to add numbers to his loyal following, Marksby faced off against the resilient Rustem Fatkhullin in Newcaslte on July 30 this year where he produced a flawless points win, claiming every round. Marksby has a tendency to target supremacy in each round of his fights as he is impressively yet to drop a round in his career having claimed all 22 of the rounds he has competed in.

The 23-year-old has rightfully earned the title as one of the North-East’s rising stars, and the Super Lightweight could yet add another accolade to his professional career if he claims his first professional stoppage against former African boxing champion Olaide Fijabi (16-5, 8 KOs). Fijabi is a dangerous Nigerian fighter, whose recent losses have only come in the way of talented opposition like the undefeated Jack Rafferty and the talented James Moorcroft.

Fijabi also competed in a tremendous battle with Tom Farrell on June 17, 2022, narrowly losing on the scorecards, 58-57, at the Echo Arena in Liverpool. The dangerous African power-puncher will hope the North-East can host his second win of 2022 however, having claimed his first win by beating Temitope Agboola by unanimous decision in his home country of Nigeria.

“I can’t wait to perform on another big event like this, it just gives me the chance to continue making my name and show the boxing fans i’m a man on a mission,” said Darlington’s Marksby.

“I’m still very young for a boxer, but i know it’ll take blood, sweat and tears throughout every part of my career to reach levels i know i’m destined to reach. I’m coming to put on another display, and i can guarantee the Utilita Arena will be getting their money’s worth.”

Norway’s former world champion, Katharina Thanderz (14-1, 2 KOs) looks to put herself back into title contention with a big win against someone who has shared the ring with multiple world champions, Hungary’s Edina Kiss (15-16, 9 KOs). Thanderz had a blistering start to life as professional as she went unbeaten for over three years and across 13 fights, winning the vacant European Super-Featherweight, the WBC International Lightweight and the European female lightweight titles.

She achieved world honours on November 16, 2019, when she moved to 13-0 against Danila Ramos and won the vacant WBC Interim Super-Featherweight title. This set Thanderz up for a star-studded clash with Britain’s Terri Harper, where the WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight titles would be put on the line. The fight went all the way to the depths in a tremendous female war with Harper claiming the win in the ninth round.

Immediately bouncing back, Thanderz showed her dominance with a six-round decision win on May 13, 2022, in London, and now looks to make another statement to get a shot at reclaiming world titles once more against the heavy-hitting Edina Kiss. Kiss fights for the second time in England, and for the first time in the North-East.

The nine knockouts on the record of Kiss will keep Thanderz’s wits about her throughout the contest. Alongside her power, Kiss’s experience will be another tool in her arsenal having fought former world champion Amanda Serrano twice, as well as the likes of Maureen Shea, Sophie Alisch and Shannon O’Connell.

“I’ve never been to Newcastle before, but I always feel excited about fighting in the UK. The boxing fans are always very supportive,” said Thanderz.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting Edina Kiss in the ring, she’s a warrior that has fought with many fantastic fighters and I can’t wait to put on a great performance on December 2.”

“I want to fight for a world title again, and that means fighting the best possible opposition.”

Jordan Barker-Porter (5-1, 1 KO) returns to Newcastle as she looks to make it five-straight wins in a row. The 28-year-old Lightweight starred in her last bout at the Vertu Motors arena in Newcastle on July 30 where she stopped Bec Connelly in round five during an all-British battle. Barker-Porter steps up in competition once more as she pursues Lightweight title opportunities; Sheila Martinez (3-3, 1 KO) will look to halt any chances of that on December 3 at the Utilita Arena.

The hungry 24-year-old Spaniard could claim a statement win if she can overcome Barker-Porter in her own back yard and with an equal amount of stoppages on their professional records, Barker-Porter will have to be wary of Martinez’s energy. The Spanish lightweight will be feeling confident off the back of dominating in an eight-round fight against Eva Cantos back in July, as well as claiming her first stoppage victory in March of this year. Barker-Porter is undeterred about the task at hand and knows her skillset and support will see her over the line.  

“A victory against Martinez will make it five wins in a row for me and continues moving me closer to lightweight honours. She’s got stopping power, she’s young, and she’ll want to come and try and take my moment” said Barker-Porter.

“Newcastle is my home, I am proud to be representing the North-East. I know with the crowd behind me, I’ll have more than enough on the night to get the people off their seats and my hand raised.”

Also featuring on the card is 24-year-old Super Welterweight prospect Bobby Dalton (2-0) as he continues his promising start to professional life, and a professional debut for Super Welterweight Travis Walker as he tests himself early against the well-schooled Nicaraguan Alexander Zeledon.

Jarrow’s Ewan Mckenzie (5-0, 3 KOs) hunts down a fourth consecutive stoppage at Middleweight too, with Super Middleweight Joe Laws (12-2, 5 KOs) looking to bounce back with a big win in front of his fellow North-East people.

Williamson vs. Kelly for the British Super Welterweight Championship will top a huge night of boxing in the North-East on Friday December 2 at the Utilita Arena, Newcastle. Aaron Chalmers fights on home turf, as ‘Magic’ Matty Harris looks to continue his destructive stoppage win streak. Former world champion Katharina Thanderz (14-1, 2 KOs), local rising star Ben Marksby (5-0) and Newcastle’s Jordan Barker-Porter (5-1, 1 KO) all feature on this massive evening of action. Super Welterweight prospect Bobby Dalton (2-0), a debut for Super Welterweight Travis Walker, Jarrow’s Ewan Mckenzie (5-0, 3 KOs) and Super Middleweight Joe Laws (12-2, 5 KOs) are also added to make up a stacked card. Co-promoted by Wasserman Boxing and Probellum in association with William Hill and Infinitum Entertainment, all the action will be shown live and free on Channel 5.

Wasserman Boxing is delighted to confirm the signing of three of Britain’s most exciting boxing prospects with Harvey Horn, Chloe Watson and Matty Harris penning long-term promotional deals.

Harvey Horn (8-0, 2 KOs) has big plans for the future having signed with Wasserman Boxing. The 25-year-old from London claimed silver at the European Championships in 2015 before turning over in 2017. As a professional, Horn is unbeaten in eight, capturing the WBO European Flyweight Title in his last outing with a unanimous points win over Ijaz Ahmed.

“I’m looking at World titles,” said the slick southpaw. “The heights I’ve been to as an amateur, I’d be selling myself short if I went for anything less. I’ve chosen to sign with Wasserman Boxing to help see that goal through. Within two to three fights, I see myself ready to challenge the top names in the division.”

Former GB boxer Chloe Watson is set to take the female Flyweight division by storm as she joins the professional ranks with Wasserman Boxing. The talented 21-year-old from Birkenhead is a two-time national amateur champion and Youth Commonwealth Games gold medallist. 

“This is a dream deal for me,” said Watson, who is trained by British boxing legend Ricky Hatton. “I live and breathe the sport of boxing, and I’m always hungry for more. My team are first class, with Ricky Hatton coaching me, Mick Carney managing me, and now the Sauerland brothers and Wasserman Boxing promoting me, I couldn’t be more excited. This is day one of a new chapter!”

“She’s the complete package,” said Hatton. “Her style has served her really well in the amateurs and she’ll put a lot of it into practice as a professional. It’s exciting for a coach when he can see what a talent he has to work with, but more importantly knowing there’s still so much more we can add.”

Highly sought-after 6ft 8in Heavyweight prospect Matty Harris also begins his professional journey with Wasserman Boxing. Hailing from Leamington, the 21-year-old has already built a reputation as a fearsome puncher, and with the backing of Wasserman can now go from supermarket worker to superstar. 

“I’m really excited to sign with Wasserman Boxing,” said Harris. “Being part of the Wasserman team is being part of the most exciting venture currently in boxing. The moves they’re making, working with the Sauerland brothers and their amazing in house set up – I couldn’t ask to be in a better place. It’s amazing to think in the last six months, I’ve gone from working in Asda to being in the same stable as Filip Hrgovic and Mairis Briedis. I can’t wait to get going!”

Promoter Nisse Sauerland is thrilled to announce the latest trio of signings as Wasserman Boxing continue to target Britain’s most exciting young talent. 

“On behalf of everyone at Wasserman Boxing, I’m delighted to welcome Harvey, Chloe and Matty to the team,” said Sauerland. “We’ve set out to sign the best upcoming fighters out there. Harvey is on his way to becoming a star in the Flyweight division, while Chloe and Matty are exciting new additions to the professional game. We look forward to seeing them all in action very soon.