LONDON, UK (March 6, 2025) – Natasha Jonas and Lauren Price have both made weight ahead of their WBA, WBC, IBF, IBO and Ring Magazine World Welterweight Championship clash on Friday, March 7th at the Royal Albert Hall, presented by BOXXER, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland.

The thrilling all-British world welterweight unification showdown between Jonas and Price headlines a historic all-women’s card at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall, which takes place as the curtain-raiser to the International Women’s Day 2025 global campaign the following day.

Caroline Dubois defends her WBC World Lightweight Title against #1 contender Bo Mi Re Shin, Karriss Artingstall and Raven Chapman battle for the British Featherweight Title, Chloe Watson puts her European Flyweight Title on the line against Jasmina Zapotoczna, and Francesca Hennessy takes on Gemma Ruegg for the WBA Intercontinental Super Bantamweight strap.

Official weights from London:

10 x 2 mins – WBA, WBC, IBF IBO & Ring Magazine World Welterweight Championship

NATASHA JONAS – 10st 6lbs 5oz / 146lbs

LAUREN PRICE – 10st 5lbs / 145lbs

10 x 2 mins – WBC World Lightweight Championship

CAROLINE DUBOIS – 9st 7lbs / 133lbs

BO MI RE SHIN – 9st 7lbs / 133lbs

10 x 2 mins – British Featherweight Championship

KARRISS ARTINGSTALL – 8st 12lbs 5 oz / 124lbs

RAVEN CHAPMAN – 8st 12lbs 5 oz / 124lbs

10 x 2 mins – European Flyweight Championship

CHLOE WATSON – 7st 12oz / 98lbs

JASMINA ZAPOTOCZNA – 7st 12oz / 98lbs

8 x 2 mins – WBA Intercontinental Super Bantamweight Championship

FRANCESCA HENNESSY – 8st 8lbs 5oz / 120lbs

GEMMA RUEGG – 8st 8lbs 5oz / 120lbs

CARDIFF, UK (February 12, 2025) – Rising Welsh star Rhys Edwards has inked a long-term promotional deal with next generation promoter BOXXER.

Edwards (16-1, 4 KOs) has impressed on BOXXER cards in recent years. The 24-year-old from Penygraig scored a points victory over former British Champion Brad Foster in November 2023 before capturing the WBA Intercontinental belt with a unanimous points win over former WBA #1 Thomas Patrick Ward in front of his home fans in Cardiff in May 2024.

Stepping in at short notice, Edwards closed out 2024 by going toe-to-toe with Peter McGrail on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury II at the Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia in a fight that many felt the Welshman had done enough to win.

Having signed with BOXXER, Edwards joins a world-class stable of fighters including country women Lauren Price MBE, Chris Eubank Jr, Joshua Buatsi, Natasha Jonas, Ben Whittaker, Caroline Dubois, Chris Billam-Smith, Adam Azim, Frazer Clarke, Martin Bakole, Viddal Riley, Callum Simpson and Karriss Artingstall.

“It feels amazing to sign a long-term deal with a big promotion like BOXXER,” said Edwards. “They gave me my first chance on the big stage and have delivered me some very good fights so it’s nice to sign with them as they have been good to me.

“Getting the opportunity to fight Peter McGrail in Saudi Arabia was a surreal experience. It was a great fight, so big props to Peter as it takes two to tango. I thought I nicked it but I can’t argue either way. I learnt a lot about myself and showed my level.

“The fight against Ward in Cardiff was electric. The Welsh crowd really got behind me and I’m very grateful for that. I would love to headline a show back home by the end of 2025 or the start of 2026.

“I just want good performances and wins against good fighters and titles, and hopefully the British Featherweight Title before the end of the year.”

BOXXER Founder & CEO Ben Shalom said: “We’re delighted to have secured Rhys’ signature. He has a very bright future ahead of him. I thought he won the McGrail fight.  He landed the cleaner shots and on just three days’ notice, he showed his class. I know Rhys has big ambitions. Together with Lauren Price, I believe he can lead a resurgence in Welsh boxing and bring more big nights back to Cardiff.”

LONDON, UK (February 11, 2025) – Chloe Watson defends her European Flyweight Title against Jasmina Zapotoczna as the final fight card is now confirmed for BOXXER’s historic all-women’s event on Friday, March 7th at the Royal Albert Hall in London, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland.

Watson captured the European Flyweight crown with a unanimous points win over Justine Lallemand in December 2023. The 24-year-old was scheduled to make the first defence of her belt against Zapotoczna in September 2024, but a shoulder injury forced the fight to be postponed.

Zapotoczna earned her shot at Watson’s European title with an impressive victory over the previously unbeaten Maisey Rose Courtney. Born in Poland but based in Wakefield, the 30-year-old will be looking to upset another of Britain’s top prospects following her unanimous decision win over Courtney.

Watson, undefeated in her eight professional contests, is trained by British boxing legend Ricky Hatton. She boxes on Sky Sports for the second time having outpointed Gemma Reugg at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle in 2022.

The 24-year-old from Birkenhead is looking forward to fighting on the undercard of fellow Merseyside boxer Natasha Jonas, who inspired Watson to start boxing when visiting her school after the London 2012 Olympics.

Chloe Watson said: “I think Jasmina is a good fighter, but it’s a very dangerous time to be fighting me and I’ll be looking to put on my best performance yet come March 7th and what a platform and show to do it on.

“It’s great to be on the same card as Tasha Jonas who was a massive role model for me growing up, coming from the same area and high school, she’s always been a big inspiration to me.”

Jasmina Zapotoczna said: “I’m honored to be part of such a historic boxing event and I can’t wait to step into the ring with Chloe. Chloe is the perfect opponent for a European title fight and I know this will be an extremely competitive battle. But that’s exactly what I expect—from myself and from a true championship fight. I’m ready to give it everything and deliver a performance to remember! This is a moment to give the audience the best version of Jasmina Zapotoczna, and I’m ready to make it unforgettable!”

Francesca Hennessy completes a star-studded line up for this landmark event as the unbeaten 20-year-old returns to action having claimed the WBA Intercontinental Title with a points win over Ana Karla Vaz De Moraes last time out at the Copper Box Arena in London. Hennessy will aim to continue her impressive run in the pro ranks against Carla Camila Campos Gonzales.

Watson vs Zapotoczna and Hennessey vs Gonzales are the final additions for BOXXER’s ‘Unstoppable’ fight night – a historic all-women’s world championship event at the Royal Albert Hall taking place on Friday March 7th as the curtain-raiser to the International Women’s Day 2025 global campaign the following day.

Headlined by the WBC, IBF, WBA and Ring Magazine World Welterweight Unification clash between Natasha Jonas and Lauren Price MBE, this iconic event will also feature Caroline Dubois defending her WBC World Lightweight Title against WBC #1 contender Bo Mi Re Shin, an exciting all-British featherweight showdown between Karriss Artingstall and Raven Chapman and the professional debut of Olympic history maker Cindy Ngamba against reigning European champion Kirstie Bavington.

This event is presented in association with official partners Betfred, That Prize Guy, Riyadh Season, Car Finance 247, Village Hotels, Hell Energy and IFX Payments.

Remaining tickets are available via BOXXER.com

LONDON, UK (February 6, 2025) – Cindy Ngamba will make her professional debut against reigning European Champion Kirstie Bavington as part of BOXXER’s historic all-women’s boxing event at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Friday, March 7th, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland.

Ngamba, who joins the paid ranks having signed a multi-fight deal with BOXXER, made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics by becoming the first ever athlete to win a medal for the Refugee Team.

Having won national titles in three different weight classes and captured an Olympic Bronze medal in Paris, the 26-year-old is wasting no time as she seeks to replicate her amateur success in the professional game.

Her opponent Kirstie ‘Bavo’ Bavington is the current European Welterweight ruler. The 32-year-old from Wolverhampton travelled to France to outpoint Marine Beauchamp in October last year to begin her second reign as European champion having previously held the title in 2022.

In May 2023, Bavington faced Lauren Price MBE in the first ever female British Title fight at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham, losing a hard fought ten-round points decision to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medallist.

Ngamba’s introduction to the professional ranks against European champion Bavington will be an eight-round super welterweight contest.

BOXXER Founder & CEO Ben Shalom said: “Cindy has big ambitions in the professional ranks and wants to test herself against the best. To face a fighter like Kirstie Bavington on your professional debut highlights that ambition. Cindy is a special person and a special fighter. She has already achieved great things in her amateur career, and we believe this is going to be the start of a very exciting journey as a pro.”

Ngamba vs Bavington is the latest fight confirmed for BOXXER’s ‘Unstoppable’ fight night – a historic all-women’s world championship event at the Royal Albert Hall taking place on Friday March 7th as the curtain-raiser to the International Women’s Day 2025 global campaign the following day.

Headlined by the WBC, IBF, WBA and Ring Magazine World Welterweight Unification clash between Natasha Jonas and Lauren Price MBE, this iconic event will also feature Caroline Dubois defending her WBC World Lightweight Title against WBC #1 contender Bo Mi Re Shin and an exciting all-British featherweight showdown between Karriss Artingstall and Raven Chapman, with more fights to be announced soon.

This event is presented in association with official partners Betfred, That Prize Guy, Riyadh Season, Car Finance 247, Village Hotels, Hell Energy and IFX Payments.

Remaining tickets are available via BOXXER.com

The first promotional press conference for the welterweight unification bout between Lauren Price and Natasha Jonas was a great success. At the Royal Albert Hall in London, the same venue where the bout will take place on March 7, both fighters faced each other in a beautiful event. 

Price will put her World Boxing Association (WBA) crown on the line against Jonas, who will also defend her WBC and IBF in this great bout between two British fighters in the capital of England.

Both spoke to the press about the expectations of the fight and made it clear that they know the difficulty of the bout, but that the reward of a victory is worth it for such a difficult challenge. 

In addition to offering statements, they had a photo session outside the arena with all the belts that will be in dispute and shared with those present. 

Both fighters have already started their training camps for the fight and will remain focused on arriving with the best preparation for this challenge. 

Price, 30 years old, has a record of 8 wins, no losses and 2 knockouts, while Jonas, 40 years old, has 16 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw and 9 knockouts.

LONDON, UK (January 21, 2024) – Olympic star Cindy Ngamba has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with BOXXER and will make her professional debut as part of a historic all-women’s boxing event at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Friday, March 7th, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

Ngamba made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics by becoming the first ever athlete to win a medal for the Refugee Team. The 26-year-old beat reigning world champion Tamara Thibeault in her opening bout before defeating French boxer Davina Michel to secure her place on the podium and in the history books.

Ngamba’s achievements in the ring have made her an inspiration to many around the world. Born in Cameroon, she moved to the UK when she was 10 years old. Ngamba started boxing aged 15 at Bolton’s Elite Boxing Gym.

As an amateur, Ngamba won national titles in three different weight classes, becoming the first boxer to do so since BOXXER stablemate Natasha Jonas.

Without a British passport, Ngamba was unable to compete for Team GB but became the first female to qualify for the Refugee Team for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the first ever athlete to medal.

Having joined forces with BOXXER, Ngamba will fight live and exclusively on Sky Sports, the UK’s leading sports broadcaster, and joins a world-class stable of fighters featuring world champions, Olympic medallists and unbeaten contenders.

Fighters under the BOXXER banner include Natasha Jonas, Lauren Price, Chris Eubank Jr, Joshua Buatsi, Ben Whittaker, Caroline Dubois, Chris Billam-Smith, Adam Azim, Frazer Clarke, Viddal Riley, Callum Simpson and Karriss Artingstall.

Ngamba will make her professional debut as part of BOXXER’s historic all-women’s world championship boxing event on Friday, 7th March at the iconic Royal Albert Hall in London.

Headlined by a thrilling all-British world welterweight title unification bout between Natasha Jonas and Lauren Price, this landmark event will be broadcast live by Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and takes place as a curtain-raiser to the International Women’s Day 2025 global campaign the following day.

Cindy Ngamba said: “I’m excited to start this new journey as a professional with BOXXER and Sky Sports. My main goal before the Olympics was to challenge myself. I feel like on this pathway I will be able to continue to challenge myself and grow as a fighter. I have shared the ring with the best of the best in the Olympics and as an amateur. I want to share the ring with the best as a professional and push myself as far as I can go. It will be an amazing night on March 7th at the Royal Albert Hall. To share the ring with legends like Natasha Jonas and Lauren Price will be a special feeling. I’m looking forward to showcasing my skills as a professional for the first time. It is time for me to show what I am capable of and to continue to represent myself, Great Britain and all the refugees around the world.”

BOXXER Founder and CEO Ben Shalom: “I am proud and excited to welcome Cindy Ngamba to the team. She is an incredible athlete. She has had a phenomenal amateur career, and I am looking forward to working with her and helping her to achieve great things in the professional ranks. She is a fantastic addition to our stable and to our landmark all-women’s boxing event on March 7th at the Royal Albert Hall.”

Also confirmed for BOXXER’s Unstoppable event on Friday, March 7th at the Royal Albert Hall is WBC World Lightweight Champion ‘Sweet’ Caroline Dubois plus a featherweight showdown between former GB teammates and amateur rivals Karriss Artingstall and Raven Chapman.

This event is presented in association with official partners Betfred, That Prize Guy, Riyadh Season, Car Finance 247, Village Hotels, Hell Energy and IFX Payments.

Remaining tickets are available via BOXXER.com

LIVERPOOL, UK (December 13, 2024) – Natasha Jonas and Ivana Habazin have both made weight ahead of their IBF and WBC World Welterweight Championship unification showdown tomorrow night at the Exhibition Centre in Liverpool, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

In a huge night for the women’s welterweight division, Olympic Gold medallist Lauren Price MBE defends her WBA, IBO and Ring Magazine World Titles against Bexcy Mateus with the winners of Saturday’s two world championship clashes set for a collision course next year.

On the undercard, Stephen McKenna puts his unbeaten record and WBC International Silver Super Welterweight Title on the line against Lee Cutler, Viddal Riley makes his long-awaited return to the ring as he targets a fight with London rival Isaac Chamberlain, and Mark Jeffers faces Ghanaian power puncher Joshua Quartey for the Commonwealth Silver Super Middleweight strap.

Official weights from Liverpool:

10 x 2 mins – IBF & WBC World Welterweight Championships

NATASHA JONAS – 10st 6lb

IVANA HABAZIN – 10st 6lb

10 x 2 mins – WBA & IBO World Welterweight Championships

LAUREN PRICE – 10st 6lb

BEXCY MATEUS – 10st 5lb 5oz

10 x 3 mins – WBC International Silver Super Welterweight Championship

STEPHEN MCKENNA – 10st 12lb 5oz

LEE CUTLER – 10st 12lb 5oz

10 x 3 mins – Commonwealth Silver Super Middleweight Championship

MARK JEFFERS – 11st 13lb

JOSHUA QUARTEY – 11st 11lb

6 x 3 mins – Cruiserweight Contest

VIDDAL RILEY – 14st 5lb 5oz

DAN GARBER – 16st 5lb

6 x 3 mins – Lightweight Contest

FRANKIE STRINGER – 9st 11lb 5oz

TATENDA MANGOMBE – 9st 12lb 5oz

6 x 3 mins – Super Flyweight Contest

MIKIE TALON – 7st 12lb 5oz

BENN NORMAN – 7st 12lb 5oz

6 x 3 mins – Super Welterweight Contest

MASON CARTWRIGHT – 11st 2lb

DZMITRY ATROKHAU – 11st 3lb 5oz

4 x 3 mins – Super Featherweight Contest

JAMIE DEVINE – 9st 5lb 5oz

JAYRO FERNANDO DURAN – 9st 7lb

This event is presented in association with official partners Betfred, HELL Energy, That Prize Guy and Riyadh Season.

Final remaining tickets available at BOXXER.com

LIVERPOOL, UK (November 19, 2024) – Lauren Price MBE will make the first defence of her world titles on Saturday, December 14th at the Exhibition Centre in Liverpool as the Welsh champion looks to set up an all-British unification clash with welterweight rival Natasha Jonas, who headlines the Collision Course fight night. 

Price defends her WBA, IBO and Ring Magazine World Welterweight Titles against unbeaten Colombian contender Bexcy Mateus on the same night Jonas attempts to unify the IBF and WBC World Titles versus Ivana Habazin as part of BOXXER’s ‘Collision Course’ fight night, available to watch live and exclusive on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW VIA BOXXER.COM

Price MBE (7-0, 1 KO) made history with a punch perfect performance to defeat former undisputed world welterweight ruler Jessica McCaskill in front of her home fans in Cardiff in May.

The first Welsh boxer to win Olympic gold, Price wrote her name in the record books again by becoming the country’s first female world champion in just her seventh professional fight. The 30-year-old from Ystrad Mynach, who is yet to lose a round as a professional, will now make the first defence of her world titles as she sets her sights on welterweight supremacy.

Mateus (7-0, 6 KOs), ranked #5 with the WBA, is undefeated in the professional ranks having won all but one of her seven fights by knockout. The 29-year-old from Bogota, fighting outside of her native Colombia for the first time, will now get her first shot at world glory and she aims to dethrone Price and position herself on top of the welterweight pile.

Lauren Price said: “I’m excited to be out defending my belts to finish what has been a big year for me. I have full respect for Mateus. I’ll prove I’m the best in the division and I won’t let anything, or anyone stand in my way of becoming undisputed.”

BOXXER Founder and CEO Ben Shalom said: “It’s a huge night for the women’s welterweight division with three world champions in action. Natasha Jonas is back in her hometown for a must-win unification fight against Ivana Habazin and Lauren Price defends her world titles against unbeaten contender Bexcy Mateus. The battle for undisputed is on. If Natasha and Lauren both win on December 14th, it will set the stage for a massive ‘Battle Of Britain’ world title unification match up next year.”

There is reason to celebrate as BOXXER delivers a Christmas cracker to end the year. Alongside world championship clashes for Natasha Jonas and Lauren Price, fight fans can look forward to a stacked undercard full of drama and entertainment.

Ireland’s undefeated Stephen McKenna (15-0, 14 KOs) will go toe-to-toe with English champion Lee Cutler (14-1, 7 KOs) in a mouth-watering super welterweight showdown for the WBC International Silver Title.

McKenna wowed fans with a three-round war against Joe Laws last time out at Oakwell Stadium in Barnsley in August. Both men hit the canvas in the first round before McKenna piled on the pressure, dropping Laws three more times to maintain his unbeaten record via third-round stoppage.

English Cruiserweight Champion Viddal Riley (11-0, 6 KOs) returns to action having recovered from a rib injury that has kept him out of the ring since a career best win over Mikael Lawal in March. Riley will be aiming to shake off the ring rust as he targets big name opponents in the new year.

Unbeaten Chorley super middleweight Mark Jeffers (18-0, 5 KOs) scored an explosive fifth-round knockout win over Darren Johnstone in May and will be looking to bring more drama to Liverpool’s Exhibition Centre as he goes in search of his nineteenth professional win.

Cheshire super welterweight Mason Cartwright (20-4-1, 8 KOs), a former two-time British Title challenger from Ellesmere Port, will be counting on local support as he gets back on the title trail.

Having signed a promotional deal with BOXXER, local star Frankie Stringer (8-0, 1 KO) can claim his third victory of 2024 when he returns in front of his home fans in Liverpool. The 23-year-old lightweight is a product of the city’s renowned Rotunda ABC and is managed by former world champion Liam Smith.

This event is presented in association with official partners Betfred, HELL Energy, That Prize Guy and Riyadh Season.

Tickets, starting from £40, are on sale now and available at BOXXER.com

LIVERPOOL, UK (November 16, 2024) -IBF World Champion Natasha Jonas will fight WBC World Title holder Ivana Habazin in a huge hometown unification showdown onSaturday, December 14th at the Exhibition Centre in Liverpool, presented by BOXXER, live and exclusive on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA. 

A win for Jonas will put her on a collision course with Lauren Price MBE, the WBA, IBO & Ring Magazine World Champion early next year.

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Jonas (15-2-1, 9 KOs) will top the bill in her hometown of Liverpool in her sixth straight world title contest under the BOXXER promotional banner. 

‘Miss GB’ Jonas edged a split decision victory in an epic back-and-forth battle with former unified world champion Mikaela Mayer last time out at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool in January. 

Undefeated in her last six fights, the 40-year-old from Toxteth will now look to cement her position at the top of the welterweight division as she bids to become a two-weight unified world champion having previously unified the WBC, WBO and IBF World Titles at super welterweight. 

Habazin (23-6, 7 KOs) is the current WBC World Champion having outpointed Kinga Magyar to capture the vacant green and gold belt in April this year. The 35-year-old from Zagreb, Croatia, who has shared the ring with some of the greatest female fighters of the modern era including Cecilia Brækhus and Claressa Shields, has previously held the IBF World Welterweight Title and is also a former IBO World Middleweight Champion. 

Natasha Jonas said: “I’m excited to be back with another big world title fight at home in Liverpool. To get the chance to win another world title and to unify the IBF and WBC World Titles is going to be special. Ivana Habazin is a great champion. She has won multiple world titles and fought some of the best in the world. I’m expecting a tough fight but I’m ready to prove that I’m the number one in the division. With the backing of my home fans, there’s no way I can lose.”

Ivana Habazin said: “It will be an honour for me to unify the WBC and IBF World Welterweight Titles. I previously held the IBF World Title and I look forward to winning the belt again. I have a lot of respect for Natasha. She has been a great champion throughout her career. She is one of the outstanding female fighters in the sport today and beating her will give me the recognition that I have long deserved. 

“I have visited Liverpool several times and it’s my favourite city in the UK, so I’m very excited to be fighting in her hometown. While it may be winter in Liverpool on December 14th, I believe Natasha and I will bring some much needed heat and Christmas cheer to those inside the arena. I just hope the judging will be fair and Santa doesn’t come to give Natasha an early Christmas present.”

BOXXER Founder and CEO Ben Shalom said: “Natasha Jonas is back in her hometown for a huge world title unification showdown. It’s champion versus champion as Natasha goes toe-to-toe with WBC World title holder Ivana Habazin. This is a must-win fight for Natasha as she looks to cement her legacy as one of the greatest female fighters of her generation. A win on December 14th can set up more career-defining fights for Natasha including a massive all-British world title unification showdown with Lauren Price early next year to determine who is number one in the welterweight division.”

Tickets, starting from £40, go on sale next week. 

• 12pm, Monday, 18 November: BOXXER exclusive pre-sale
• 12pm, Tuesday, 19 November: General sale

Sign up now for access to presale tickets and exclusive discounts at BOXXER.com. 

This event  is presented in association with official partners Betfred, HELL Energy, That Prize Guy and Riyadh Season.

LIVERPOOL, UK (January 24, 2024) – A huge television audience tuned in to watch Natasha Jonas defend her IBF World Welterweight Title against Mikaela Mayer on Saturday, January 20th live on Sky Sports.

It was described as the ‘Hagler vs Hearns’ of women’s boxing in the build-up and did not fail to deliver as Jonas edged a split decision victory (96-94, 93-97, 96-95) to retain her IBF World Title in an epic back-and-forth battle against the former IBF and WBO World Super Featherweight Champion Mayer.

The incredible contest, which has already been lauded as one of the greatest fights in women’s boxing history and has left many fans calling for a rematch, attracted a peak audience of 269,000 and an average audience of 149,000, making it one of the most watched women’s boxing events on Sky Sports.

BOXXER Founder and CEO Ben Shalom said: “Natasha Jonas and Mikaela Mayer put it all on the line to deliver one of the greatest fights I’ve had the privilege of watching from ringside. The atmosphere inside the arena was electric and I am delighted that so many people tuned in live on Sky Sports to witness their epic world title tussle.

“At BOXXER we want to be a force for good for women’s boxing. We will continue to provide a platform and opportunities for female fighters to showcase their skills on the biggest stage. From our record-breaking women’s night in 2022 to last Saturday’s world title fight, I’m proud of what we’ve achieved so far.

“The viewing figures speak for themselves. 269,000 viewers tuning in to watch Natasha defend her world title shows there’s a huge demand for women’s boxing and I look forward to many more big fight nights featuring our female stars in the future.”

The BOXXER schedule continues on Saturday, February 3rd when unbeaten world ranked #1 and #2 light heavyweights Joshua Buatsi and Dan Azeez collide in a WBA World Title Final Eliminator at the OVO Arena Wembley in London, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

In a war, and early Fight of the Year candidate Natasha Jonas won a 10-round split-decision over former 130-lb champion Mikaela Mayer to defend the IBF welterweight title in 10 exhilarating rounds at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England.

The bout saw both fighters basically exchange power punches in the center of the ring. Mayer, who fighting in her fourth weight class in as many fights could not miss with a radar right hand. Jonas, who had swelling under her right eye landed hard straight lefts and solid right hooks.

The fight was a thrilling affair that either combatant deserved to win, saw Jonas take two cards 96-95 and 96-94, while Mayer won a card 97-93.

Jonas landed 126 of 312 punches. Mayer was 149 of 493.

Jonas, 146 lbs of Liverpool is 15-2-1. Mayer, 146.5 lbs of Las Vegas is now 19-2.

Jonas said, “I had a good start. I landed harder and cleaner shots. I think toward the end she outworked me a little. I’ll give her a couple of the middle rounds. But I came on strong at the end.

“I know she is going to be absolutely devastated with the result because I’ve been there. It feels like the world is over. She is on my top two people that I’ve fought. She is very skilled. Her time will come again. She beat a lot of the champions. Please use that as motivation to become a two-weight world champion.”

Mayer said, “I thought I did enough to win. I would have given her the first round or two. But after that, I feel like I outpunched her. I landed the cleaner shots. At the end of the day, I think that this fight is worth seeing again. Like she said, it was one of the toughest fights she’s had. I didn’t have a rematch clause on my side, but I’m hoping we can get this fight done again.

“It’s definitely disappointing. But what am I going to do? I just hope that Natasha will be the standup champ that she is and give me another shot at the belt. I feel like I deserve it. I think they want to see it. I only believe that rematches should happen if they’re warranted.”

Zak Chelli squeaked by Jack Cullen by winning a 12-round unanimous decision in a super middleweight bout,

In round three, Cullen was cut around his left eye.

Chelli landed 131 of 450 punches. Cullen was 66 of 371.

Chelli, 166.5 lbs of London won by scores of 116-113, 116-112 and 115-114 and is now 15-2-1. Cullen, 167.5 lbs of Little Leaver, ENG is 22-5-1.

Kariis Artingstall remained undefeated by winning an eight-round decision over Lila Dos Santos Furtatdo in a featherweight bout.

At the end of round one, Artingstall dropped Furtatdo with a straight left at the bell.

Artingstall, 124.5 lbs of Marklesfield, ENG won by a 77-75 tally and is now 6-0. Furtatdo, 124 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA is 9-2.

Stephen Clarke made a successful pro debut by stopping Vasif Mamedov in the third round of their four-round super middleweight fight.

Clarke was never challenged and in round three landed a series of punches that had Mamedov turning his back and referee Mark Lyson stopped the bout at 1:53.

Clarke, 160 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 1-0 with one knockout. Mamedov, 166.5 lbs of Southhapmpton, ENG is 3-50-5.

Aaron McKenna remained undefeated with a sixth round stoppage over late-replacement Mickey Ellison in a scheduled eight-round super middleweight contest

Mckenna dominated te action and began to batter Ellison until referee Mark Lyson stopped the bout at 2:21

McKenna, 168 lbs of Los Angeles via Ireland is now 18-0 with nine knockouts. Ellison, 171 lbs of England is 15-7.

LIVERPOOL, UK (January 19, 2024) – Natasha Jonas and Mikaela Mayer both made weight today ahead of their IBF World Welterweight Title showdown tomorrow night at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, live and exclusive on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and ESPN+ in the USA.

Two-weight world champion Jonas makes the first defence of the IBF belt she captured last year, having previously unified the WBC, WBO and IBF World Super Welterweight Titles, while Mayer, the former IBF and WBO Unified World Super Featherweight Champion, looks to reclaim world honours as she moves up to challenge for Jonas’ welterweight crown.

Official weights from Liverpool:

10×2 mins – IBF World Welterweight Championship

Natasha Jonas – 10st 6lbs

Mikaela Mayer – 10st 6lbs 5oz

12×3 mins – British & Commonwealth Super Middleweight Championship

Jack Cullen – 11st 13lbs 5oz

Zak Chelli – 11st 12lbs 5oz

8×2 mins – Featherweight Contest

Karriss Artingstall – 8st 12lbs 5oz

Lila Dos Santos Furtado – 8st 12lbs

8×3 mins – Super Middleweight Contest

Aaron McKenna – 12st

Micky Ellison – 12st 3lbs

10×3 mins – English & Commonwealth Silver Super Middleweight Championship

Mark Jeffers – 11st 13lbs

Germaine Brown – 11st 13lbs

6×3 mins – Cruiserweight Contest

Jack Massey – 14st 8lbs

Steve Eloundou Ntere – 14st 5lbs

4×3 mins – Flyweight Contest

Mikie Tallon – 7st 13lbs

Adamu Yahaya – 8st 1lbs

4×3 mins Super Middleweight Contest

Ste Clarke – 11st 6lbs

Vasif Mamedov – 11st 12lbs 5oz

Watch Jonas vs Mayer live on Sky Sports Arena at 7pm and Sky Sports Main Event at 8pm with undercard fights available to watch live on Sky Sports Boxing’s YouTube channel from 5pm.

This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Integritas Property Group.

Limited tickets are available via BOXXER.com

LIVERPOOL, England (Jan. 18, 2024) —Two-division world champion Natasha Jonas (14-2-1, 9 KOs) will defend her IBF welterweight world title against former unified junior lightweight world champion Mikaela Mayer (19-1, 5 KOs)this Saturday, Jan. 20 at M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England.

In the co-feature, Jack Cullen (22-4-1, 10 KOs) will put his British and Commonwealth titles on the line against Zak Chelli (14-2-1, 7 KOs) in a 12-round rematch of their all-action 2020 slugfest that ended in a draw.

Jonas-Mayer and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ beginning at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT.

At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the main event fighters had to say.

Natasha Jonas

“This is a big statement. We’ve seen so many times that the best don’t fight the best for whatever reason. But I believe that for me to classify myself as one of the best of this era, I have to fight the best. I look at some of the boxers on list, the Katie Taylors and Chantelle Camerons, and they’ve beaten people in the top 10 pound-for-pound list. For me to be able to solidify a legacy for myself, I believe I have to do the same, and Mikaela is on that list.”

“Doors shut quickly in boxing when the results don’t go your way. And we’ve both experienced that now. And none of us want that to happen again. So, to keep those doors open, to keep those opportunities open, and to keep those bigger dreams beyond this alive, I’ve got to focus on what happens on Saturday and make that dream come true.”

“It’s going to be a good fight. We’ve both got the I.Q. and the ability to box. We’ve both got the skill and the strength to fight if we need to. That being said, I think our styles will make a great fight. I’m not going to be a reactive fighter and wait to see what she pulls out the bag. I’m going to be putting on my best foot forward and making her worry about me from the get-go.”

Mikaela Mayer

“It’s not just about the belt. It’s not just about becoming a world champion again. It’s about challenging myself against the best, having those names on my resume and knowing that I did my absolute best to challenge myself against the other great girls in the sport so that I can truly say I’m a top pound-for-pound fighter of this era. That’s important for my legacy and for my fans because I know that these are the types of fights that they want to see.”

“Natasha has a ton of experience. She has that amateur pedigree. She’s gone up against plenty of different styles. And she’s had to learn how to adjust to those styles. Same with me. That’s why having that pedigree is such an advantage. We both have that.”

“It’s going to be a really strategic fight because she’s a southpaw and I’m orthodox. Obviously, I have a technician in my corner who is big on strategy and big on technique and he has a game plan specifically for that, which I absolutely have to follow if I don’t want to get in trouble after the fight.”

Saturday, January 20

ESPN+ (2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT)
 

Natasha Jonas vs. Mikaela Mayer, 10 rounds, Jonas’ IBF Welterweight World Title 

Jack Cullen vs. Zak Chelli, 12 rounds, Cullen’s British and Commonwealth Super Middleweight Titles

Aaron McKenna vs. Linus Udofia, 10 rounds, middleweight

Karriss Artingstall vs. Lila dos Santos Furtado, 8 rounds, featherweight

Jan 17, 2024

Top Rank Presents IBF World Welterweight Championship:

Natasha Jonas vs. Mikaela Mayer

Saturday, January 20, 2:00 p.m. ET/ 11:00 a.m. PT

Live and Exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+

Image

ESPN+ Available on ESPN.com and ESPN App on Mobile and Connected TV Devices

To Subscribe Visit ESPNPlus.com/Top Rank

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN presented by AutoZone: Jonas vs. Mayer will be presented live on Saturday, January 20, at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT, exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+. The event takes place at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England.

In the main event, two-weight world champion Natasha Jonas will defend her IBF welterweight world title against former unified world champion Mikaela Mayer.

Having previously unified the WBC, WBO and IBF junior middleweight world titles, Jonas (14-2-1, 9 KOs) will be making the first defense of her welterweight crown, which she claimed after scoring an emphatic stoppage win over Canadian Kandi Wyatt last year.

Mayer (19-1, 5 KOs), a fellow Olympian and former IBF, WBO, and Ring Magazine junior lightweight world champion, moves up in weight once again as she attempts to become a two-division world champ.

In other streaming action on ESPN+, Jack Cullen (22-4-1, 10 KOs) returns to defend his British and Commonwealth super middleweight titles against former foe Zak Chelli (14-2-1, 7 KOs).

Calling the Action will be Hall of Famer Timothy Bradley, Jr. and Bernardo Osuna.

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Jonas vs. Mayer (All Times ET)

Date
Time
Event
Fights
Title
Platform
Sat., Jan 20
2:00 p.m.
Main
Natasha Jonas (C) vs. Mikaela Mayer
IBF Welterweight

ESPN+

Co-Feature
Jack Cullen vs. Zak Chelli

Undercard
Karriss Artingstall vs. Lila Dos Santos Furtado
Undercard
Aaron McKenna vs. Linus Udofia
About ESPN

About ESPN+

LIVERPOOL, UK (January 8, 2023) – Aaron McKenna versus Linus Udofia is the latest mouth-watering contest confirmed for an action-packed fight card on Saturday, January 20th at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and ESPN+ in the USA. 

The middleweight rivals meet in a special bet365 Wildcard contest for McKenna’s WBC International Title on the undercard of Natasha Jonas’ IBF World Welterweight Title defence against former unified world champion Mikaela Mayer. 

McKenna claimed the WBC International strap with a unanimous points victory over Uisma Lima on June 16th at London’s York Hall. Now 17-0, the 24-year-old is considered one of the division’s most exciting young talents. To continue his upward career trajectory, the ‘Silencer’ must now overcome his toughest test as he takes on former English Champion and British Title challenger Udofia.

With victories over Tyler Denny and John Harding Jr, and a hard-fought split decision loss to Denzel Bentley for the British Middleweight Title, Udofia has established himself as one of the fighters at the top of a stacked domestic division. The 30-year-old from Luton returns to title action following a defeat to Kieron Conway for the WBA Intercontinental Title knowing a victory over the undefeated McKenna can reignite his career and set the stage for a successful 2024. 

“A huge night of boxing in Liverpool just got even bigger,” said BOXXER founder and CEO Ben Shalom. “McKenna vs Udofia is an excellent addition to an already stacked card. It’s a fascinating contest. McKenna has answered every question asked of him so far in his undefeated career. Udofia has tasted defeat but operated at a higher level and will look to use that experience to his advantage in what promises to be a real pick ‘em fight.”

Newly crowned British and Commonwealth Champion Jack Cullen returns to action in Liverpool defending his belts against former foe Zak Chelli. Cullen scored a memorable third-round TKO win over Mark Heffron in September to claim the British and Commonwealth Titles and will square off against former English Champion Chelli in a repeat of their all-action 2020 contest that ended in a draw.

Karriss Artingstall is back in business following a destructive second-round KO win over Vanessa Bradford on October 21st at York Hall. The 2020 Olympic medallist takes on Lila dos Santos Furtado as she looks to continue her climb up the featherweight ranks. 

Mark Jeffers defends his English and Commonwealth Silver Super Middleweight Titles against Germaine Brown. Jeffers claimed the English and Commonwealth Silver Titles with points win over Zak Chelli after accepting a short notice fight last year. The undefeated Chorley boxer makes his first defence against Brown, who will be aiming to recapture the English Title he held in 2022.

Former IBO World Cruiserweight Champion Jack Massey, who took Joseph Parker the distance in a ten-round heavyweight contest in Manchester last year, returns to the ring and the 200lbs limit as he looks to start the New Year with a victory in Liverpool. 

The event is presented in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Integritas Property Group.

Tickets are available via BOXXER.com

LIVERPOOL, UK (November 30, 2023) – Karriss Artingstall will face Lila dos Santos Furtado on the undercard of the IBF World Welterweight Title clash between Natasha Jonas and Mikaela Mayer on January 20th at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and on ESPN+ in the USA.

Artingstall (5-0, 1 KO) is back in business following a destructive second-round KO win over Vanessa Bradford on October 21st at York Hall. The former WBA World Super Featherweight Title challenger had never been stopped before sharing a ring with Artingstall, who made light work of the Canadian, who had previously gone the distance with Alycia Baumgardner and Hyun Mi Choi.

“Of course, I was happy with my performance. I did something no one else managed to do,” said Artingstall. “I always come to hurt my opponents, to get the win is the most important thing, but to hurt my opponent and to make them quit, there’s no better feeling.”

The 2020 Olympic bronze medallist will be aiming to continue the successful start to her professional career by securing a statement win against the Brazilian dos Santos Furtado (9-1, 1 KO), who returns to the UK following a WBC International Title fight with Raven Chapman earlier this year.

“I think I’ve had a good start to my journey as a professional fighter,” said Artingstall. “I mean, it could be better as I’d like a belt to my name which is definitely the focus for 2024. Next year, I’d like to cement my place at the top of the division and challenge for those world titles.”

Amanda Serrano currently holds all the belts at 126 lbs, and while Artingstall is focused on working her way into title contention, the 29-year-old has also been linked to fights with domestic rival Raven Chapman and Australia’s Skye Nicolson, who Artingstall beat in the 2020 Olympic quarterfinals to claim bronze.

“I’ve mentioned previously who I’d like to fight as I believe it would be great for the fans,” said the 29-year-old southpaw. “But for now, I’m just interested in fighting whoever is going to improve my world ranking.”

Two-weight world champion Natasha Jonas defends her IBF World Welterweight Title against former unified world champion Mikaela Mayer in a landmark night for women’s boxing as two of the sport’s biggest stars meet in the centre of the ring on Saturday, January 20th at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and ESPN+ in the USA.

Fans can also look forward to the British and Commonwealth Super Middleweight Title showdown between Jack Cullen and Zak Chelli, who meet in a repeat of their all-action 2020 contest that ended in a draw.

The event is presented in association with official partners Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Integritas Property Group.

Tickets are available via BOXXER.com

LIVERPOOL, UK (November 14, 2023) – Two-weight world champion Natasha Jonas will defend her IBF World Welterweight Title against former unified world champion Mikaela Mayer in a landmark night for women’s boxing as two of the sport’s biggest stars meet in the centre of the ring on Saturday, January 20th at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland. 

Jonas (14-2-1, 9 KOs) will be making a first defence of the IBF crown she claimed with an emphatic stoppage win over Canadian Kandi Wyatt earlier this year,  having previously unified the WBC, WBO and IBF World Super Welterweight Titles. 

Standing in the opposite corner will be U.S. star Mayer (19-1, 5 KOs), a fellow Olympian and the former IBF and WBO World Super Featherweight Champion. The Los Angeles native was one of the stars of BOXXER’s historic women’s night last year, and after capturing the WBC interim World Lightweight Title earlier this year, Mayer will be moving up in weight once again.

Newly crowned British and Commonwealth Champion Jack Cullen also returns to action in Liverpool defending his belts against former foe Zak Chelli. Cullen (22-4-1, 10 KOs) scored a memorable third-round TKO win over Mark Heffron in September to claim the British and Commonwealth titles. ‘Little Leaver’s Meat Cleaver’ will now square off against former English Champion Chelli (14-2-1, 7 KOs) in a repeat of their all-action 2020 contest that ended in a draw.

Natasha Jonas said: “I’m so excited to be fighting back in Liverpool in my first headline show and in the biggest fight of my career so far. It’s my fifth world title fight with BOXXER, in my backyard and I’m ready for it. It’s Mikaela Mayer, she stretches above and beyond the UK shores. ‘Miss GB’ versus ‘Miss USA’ and may the best woman win!”  

Mikaela Mayer said, “These are the types of matchups boxing needs. I am feeling better than ever at my new weight and confident that 2024 is when I take it all back.”

BOXXER Founder and CEO, Ben Shalom, said: “2024 promises to be a monumental year for BOXXER and Sky Sports, and we’re thrilled to kick things off with another massive night for women’s boxing as Natasha Jonas defends her World Title against Mikaela Mayer in a matchup set to showcase the pinnacle of the sport. Natasha and Mikaela are two fantastic athletes – both former Olympians and world champions – from either side of the Atlantic, ready to put it all on the line to secure their legacy.” 

“Mikaela Mayer is beloved in the UK, and we are thrilled that she will get an opportunity to become a two-weight champion against a sensational fighter in Natasha Jonas,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “These are two of the best pound-for-pound females in boxing and a great fight to kick off the 2024 schedule.”

This event is presented in association with official partners Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Integritas Property Group.

Sign up for tickets alerts for Natasha Jonas vs Mikaela Mayer via BOXXER.com 

NEW YORK (July 1, 2023) – Three Split-T Management fighters will be in action in their native Ohio as Tiger Johnson, Dante Benjamin Jr. and DeAndre Ware will fight at the Huntington Center on ESPN+.

Earlier in the day, Kandi Wyatt will make her third attempt at a world title as she takes on Natasha Jonas for the IBF Welterweight title in Manchester, England (ESPN+).

Johnson will take Jonathan Montrel in an eight-round welterweight bout.

Johnson, the 24 Year-old, 2020 United States Olympian is 8-0 with five knockouts is starting to appear on some top prospect lists. Johnson already has wins over Xaver Madrid (3-0), Esteban Garcia (15-1), Mike Ohan Jr. (16-1) and his last bout when he defeated Alfonso Olvera on April 1st in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Montrel of New Orleans is 15-1 with 10 knockouts. The 33 year-old Montrel has won two in a row, which includes a fourth round stoppage over Aristides Perez on January 14th in Cartagena, Colombia on January 14th.

Johnson was 141.2 lbs. Montrel weighed 140.6

Dante Benjamin Jr. will square off with Mirady Zola in a six-round heavyweight bout.

Benjamin, 21 years-old of Cleveland already has four wins over undefeated opponents in Henron Rendon (2-0), Kevin Johnson (2-0), Corey Thompson (4-0) and Emanuel Austin (6-0). Benjamin stopped Jasper McCargo in two rounds on April 1st in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Zola of Canal Winchester, Ohio is 4-2 with one knockout. Zola is capable as he has already defeated undefeated foes James Quiter (4-0-1) as well as Shaman Baxter (1-0) on January 21st in Newark, Ohio.

Benjamin checked in at 173.3 lbs. Zola was 173.9.

The Toledo-based Ware will fight veteran DeCarlo Perez in a six-round super middleweight bout.

Ware is 15-4-2 with nine knockouts. The 35 year-old has never backed down from a challenge and has had his hand raised over Derrick Adkins (5-1-1), Enrique Collazo (11-0-1) and Ronald Ellis (16-0-2). Ware is coming off a loss to Christian Mbilli on September 9, 2022 in Montreal.

Perez of Atlantic City, New Jersey is 19-8-1 with six knockouts. The 32 year-old Perez has wins over Shamone Alvarez (21-5), Donte Moore (8-0-2), Jamar Freeman (9-1-2), Marcus Willis (13-3-2), Tyrone Brunson (22-2-1), Jessie Nicklow (24-5-3), Jose Ubaldo Cabrera (23-0) and Lanell Bellows (16-1-1). Perez is coming off a loss to Frederic Julan on February 23rd in New York.

Ware weighed in at 167.9 lbs. Perez was 167.5.

Johnson and Benjamin are promoted by Top Rank. The three fights will be streamed on ESPN+ at 6:15 PM ET.

Johnson and Benjamin photos by Mikey Williams / Top Rank via Getty Images.

In Manchester, England, Kandi Wyatt will make her third attempt at a world title when she takes on Natasha Jonas for the IBF Welterweight title.

Wyatt of Calgary, Canada is 11-4 with three knockouts. Wyatt has a win over undefeated Dallia Velazquez (5-0) and her last bout when she defeated Kirstie Bevington on March 10th in Wolverhampton, England. Wyatt lost to Kali Reis and Jessica McCaskill in her two previous attempts at world titles.

Jonas of Liverpool, England is 13-2-1 with eight knockouts. The 2016 Olympian won the WBO Super Welterweight title with a second round stoppage over Chris Namus (25-6). Jonas added the WBC belt with a unanimous decision over Patricia Benghult (15-0). In her last bout, Jonas added the the IBF title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Marie Eve DiCaire (18-1) on November 12, 2022 in Manchester, England.

Wyatt weighed 146 lbs. Jonas was 146.5 lbs.

The fight will be streamed live on ESPN+ at 2 PM ET

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – (July 19th, 2023) – Natasha Jonas (13-2-1, 8 KO’s) has the chance to become a two-weight world champion on Saturday, July 1st as she faces three-time world title challenger Kandi Wyatt (11-4, 3 KOs) for the IBF World Welterweight Championship on the BOXXER: Crews-Dezurn vs Marshall card taking place at the AO Arena Manchester and airing live and exclusively on Sky Sports.

For Jonas – the first woman to box for Great Britain at an Olympic Games – it’s another chance to make history and follows a blistering 2022 run which saw her capture three world titles in an unprecedented nine months to become unified world super-welterweight champion, a feat which led to her being declared the 2022 Fighter Of The Year by the British Boxing Board of Control.

Wyatt is a three-time welterweight world title challenger and the current WBA Intercontinental champion. She won that title on a visit to the UK in March this year and is confident of carrying that same championship-winning form into her clash with Jonas next month.

The Canadian is no stranger to big challenges: in December 2021 she made a spirited attempt to seize the four world title belts held by undisputed welterweight champion Jessica McCaskill, and the drop in weight places Jonas on a potential collision course with the American.

“Every time I think I’ve done enough in the sport, another opportunity presents itself to step things up. If there’s one thing that I always try and impress upon my daughter and on young people in general it’s to keep going, work hard and try your best,” said Jonas.

“Every camp I am improving, I’m evolving, I’m learning new skills and reaching new levels, so to me it would be foolish to stop now. The best-ever version of Natasha Jonas will be stepping into that ring on July 1.”

Ben Shalom, BOXXER’s founder and CEO, said, “I’m very excited to see Natasha Jonas compete at the top of the welterweight division, closer to her natural weight. When you look at what she’s achieved in the last year alone – three world titles and the Fighter Of The Year 2022 award from the British Boxing Board of Control – you know you’re looking at an extra-special fighter. 

“Becoming a two-weight world champion, holding belts in two weight classes at the same time, is an incredibly difficult thing to accomplish, but it’s exactly the kind of challenge which brings out the best in Natasha Jonas. She’s inspired a lot of Britain’s female boxers – not least her fellow Olympian and BOXXER welterweight Lauren Price – and I’m looking forward to watching her write another chapter of her incredible story in Manchester on July 1st.”

BOXXER: Crews-Dezurn vs Marshall takes place Saturday, July 1st at the AO Arena Manchester and airs live and exclusively in the UK and Ireland on Sky Sports. 

The headline bout sees former world middleweight champion Savannah Marshall return to super-middleweight to challenge reigning champion Franchon ‘FCD’ Crews-Dezurn for the undisputed world championship in a clash which will be closely watched by FCD’s friend and Marshall’s bitter rival Claressa Shields.

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

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 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.

Manchester, England – (September 28, 2022) – Natasha Jonas, Dalton Smith, Frazer Clarke and many more will light up a blockbuster night of boxing on Saturday, 12th November.

The unified world WBC, WBO, IBF and Ring Magazine super-welterweight titles will all be on the line at the AO Arena in Manchester, England when Natasha ‘Miss GB’ Jonas faces defending Marie-Eve Dicaire.

Jonas (12-2-1, 8 KOs) conquered Patricia Berghult for the WBC belt earlier this month in her home city of Liverpool. The coveted green strap joined her pink WBO belt in her trophy cabinet – and now the former Olympian wants to add Dicaire’s IBF belt and Ring Magazine titles to her collection and write herself another glorious chapter in boxing’s history books.

Her quest for global domination takes Jonas into a clash with Canada’s two-time world champion Dicaire (18-1-0, 1 KO) in what promises to be a momentous world championship encounter with all three titles on the line.

Coming just weeks after a historic night of celebration for women’s boxing takes place on October 15th at The O2 in London – when Savannah Marshall faces Claressa Shields for the undisputed middleweight world titles – the contest further highlights the strength of the women’s sport in what has been a gala year for female boxing.

Southpaw Dicaire suffered her only professional defeat to date to Shields back in March 2021 following a unanimous decision. But she reclaimed her then vacant IBF title when she produced a stunning stoppage win over Cynthia Lozano last December in Montreal.

The main event between Jonas and Diclaire in Manchester tops the bill in what promises to be an unmissable BOXXER bill screened live and exclusively in the UK and Republic of Ireland on Sky Sports Boxing.

It includes a tantalising domestic co-main event between two of the country’s hottest super-lightweight prospects as champion Dalton ‘Thunder’ Smith (12-0, 10 KO’s) defends his British title against challenger Kaisee Benjamin (16-1-1, 6 KOs).

BOXXER earned the right to promote the mandated British championship bout between the two rivals when it won the purse bid earlier this month.

Former Team GB sensation Smith scored an impressive sixth-round stoppage win when he headlined in Sheffield last month – his third consecutive win inside the distance – to win the vacant title and take his number of professional stoppage wins to ten, including a 2021 TKO of BOXXER Series tournament semi-finalist Lee Appleyard.

Benjamin, from Birmingham, has 16 wins from 17 professional appearances and is undefeated in his last 13 fights. In June, he celebrated a unanimous decision win over Serge Ambomo at the Coventry Skydome to maintain his status as Smith’s mandatory opponent.

And Frazer ‘Big Fraze’ Clarke (3-0, 3 KO’s) will bid to continue his impressive and rapid rise up the heavyweight rankings as he takes on his toughest professional challenge to date in the form of experienced veteran Kamil Sokolowski (11-26-3, 4 KOs).

Clarke has won all three of his professional bouts thus far with three devastating knockouts – and the Tokyo 2020 Team GB Olympic bronze medalist will be hungry to add another stoppage to his burgeoning highlight reel in front of a packed crowd at the AO Arena – just a stone’s throw away from the home of his beloved football club, Manchester United.

Earlier in the evening, Manchester’s own Bradley ‘The Sting’ Rea (14-0, 6 KO’s) will put his unbeaten record on the line when he takes on English middleweight champion Tyler Denny (14-2-3). Rea has developed a reputation for an all-action style and will look to make this another crowd-pleasing contest for his hometown fans.

BOXXER CEO & Founder Ben Shalom, said: “This will be a massive night of boxing in Manchester.

“Tasha Jonas can etch her name in the history books by winning the WBC, WBO, IBF and Ring Magazine titles if she beats Marie-Eve Dicaire. I think this is Tash’s toughest test to date and it promises to be a spectacular women’s fight, just weeks after the iconic all-female card in London, on 15th October.

“In the co-main, Dalton Smith will be hoping to win the British super-lightweight title outright in what is a very, very tough challenge against Kaisee Benjamin. It’s a big fight and it will have huge consequences for the winner.

“Dalton is one of the finest young fighters in the country. We saw recently in Sheffield how his popularity continues to grow. Kaisee is a brilliant talent too and he’ll be hungry to pull off a major upset

“Frazer Clarke will go right to the top of this very exciting heavyweight division. He has a huge personality and the talent and commitment to go all the way. This fight against Kamil Sokolowski will offer a sterner test against experienced competition that fans will look forward to seeing

“Bradley Rea against Tyler Denny is a great fight. I saw Tyler in one of the fights of the year when he won the English title against River Wilson-Bent. This will be a huge test for Brad early on in his career. It is a compelling fight and possibly it could be the fight of the night. Brad has the chance to make a real statement in front of his home crowd on the big stage.”

Adam Smith, Sky Sports Head of Boxing Development, added: “Remember, remember the 12th of November, because this Fight Night will deliver more fireworks just a week after Bonfire Night.

“This truly is a great card, taking place in the iconic big fight city of Manchester, and it will be a night which promises to be a historic occasion with Tasha fighting for the unified world titles, just weeks after our iconic evening of women’s boxing at The O2 in London.

“And we’ll have a real spectacle in store with Kaisee Benjamin challenging Dalton Smith for the British title. Both men are hot prospects, who have huge futures ahead of them. This fight has all the makings of a domestic classic.

“Plus, after the controversy of his last outing in Liverpool, I’m delighted to see Frazer Clarke stepping it up against Kamil Sokolowski. A big man for a big night of boxing, live on Sky Sports – including the legendary Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton versus Mexican great Marco Antonio Barrera, which takes place in an unmissable separate show by Europa Combat on the same evening, following the BOXXER card.”

To register for pre-sale tickets for 12th November, go to Boxxer.com.

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

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON VENUE-SHARE WITH RICKY HATTON vs MARCO ANTONIO BARRERA & DAN HARDY vs DIEGO SANCHEZ EXHIBITION MATCHES, PROMOTED EXCLUSIVELY BY EUROPA COMBAT ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12th

BOXXER ticket holders

Ticket holders for the Sky Sports BOXXER event will be able to access the AO Arena from 16:45pm.

These tickets will also grant free access to the Hatton v Barrera exhibition match, promoted by Europa Combat, which is expected to begin around 10:30pm after the BOXXER main event and show has concluded.

Europa Combat ticket holders:

Tickets for the Hatton v Barrera & Hardy v Sanchez show will also enable free access to the Sky Sports BOXXER event taking place in the AO Arena from 16:45pm to around 10pm on 12th November. The Hatton v Barrera show will take place after the BOXXER event finishes.

FAQs

1. If I’ve got a ticket to the Hatton v Barrera & Hardy v Sanchez show, can I also attend the Sky Sport BOXXER event?

Absolutely, your ticket gives you free access to the BOXXER event and you can arrive at any time from 4:45pm onwards.

2. If I leave the AO Arena, will I be able to come back in?

Apologies but you will not be allowed to leave the venue and come back in. This is standard venue policy.

3. Can I transfer my ticket to a friend or family, so I can watch the BOXXER event and then they can watch the Hatton v Barrera & Hardy v Sanchez show?

We are sorry but all tickets are non-transferrable.

4. Why are there two separate events?

They are two separate events, which have been organised by two separate promoters, with Europa Combat taking over the venue when the BOXXER event has concluded. But purchasing a single ticket for either event will give access to both events.

5. Do I sit in the same seat for both events?

Yes, your seat will be the same for both events.

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 – 5th August 2022 – WBO super-welterweight champion Natasha Jonas (11-2-1, 8 KOs) kicks off a monumental month for women’s boxing when she looks to add the WBC crown to her collection in a blockbuster unification fight at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.

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

Fighting in her beloved home city of Liverpool, Jonas – who was the first-ever British female boxer to compete at an Olympic Games a decade ago – faces Sweden’s unbeaten defending WBC world champion Patricia Berghult (15-0, 3 KOs).

It will be the first time Jonas has fought on Merseyside since she dispatched Bianka Majlath three years ago, as the Sky Sports commentator joins fellow hometown hero Liam Smith on an action-packed card.

But in Berghult, Jonas faces arguably the toughest test of her career when she collides with one of the most formidable stars in female boxing today.

Ben Shalom, BOXXER CEO and Founder, said: “Tasha is one of British boxing’s trailblazers. She was our first world champion signing at BOXXER and she fully deserves this great opportunity on home soil. And it is a great fight against the WBC champion Berghult, who is unbeaten and will be looking to upset the home fans.

“Tasha is a hugely popular figure on Merseyside and she will be backed by thousands on the night. The atmosphere at the M&S Bank Arena will be electric – and just what Tasha needs as she bids to become the unified world champion.”

With this huge BOXXER fight night screened live and exclusively on Sky Sports, Adam Smith, Head of Boxing Development at Sky Sports, added: “We are delighted to have Natasha back in action on Sky Sports in beloved home city of Liverpool, fighting for the unified world titles.

“She has been a magnificent and refreshing addition to the Sky Sports commentary team under the BOXXER banner. Now it is time for her to get back to what she loves doing best – and hopefully capturing the famous WBC title in the process.”

On what is an action-packed card, fight fans can also look forward to seeing Liverpool’s own Liam ‘Beefy’ Smith make his homecoming, along with the likes of Dan Azeez and Adam Azim on display.

Visit Boxxer.com today 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.

For all media interviews and accreditation enquiries, please contact Matty Lawless, Head of PR, and the Boxxer PR team.

In a much awaited grudge match, former world champion Kell Brook stopped Amir Khan in round six of their 12-round bout at the AO Arena in Manchester, England.

In round one, Brook wobbled Khan on two occasions. The first was from a hard jab. The second was from a hard right hand. In round six, Brook hurt Khan again with a jab. Brook began to pour on the offense until the fight was stopped at 51 seconds.

Brook, 148.3 lbs of Sheffield, ENG is 40-3 with 28 knockouts. Khan, 147.3 lbs of Bolton, ENG is 34-6.

Natasha Jonas won the vacant WBO Super Welterweight title with a 2nd round stoppage of Chris Namus.

In round one, Jonas dropped Namus with a right hook. In round two, it was a straight left off of a furious exchange that sent Namus down again. Namus got to her feet, but the fight was waved off at 28 seconds.

Jonas, 149.3 lbs is 11-2-1 with eight knockouts. Namus, 147.3 lbs of Uraguay is 25-7-1.

2021 Olympic Bronze Medal winner Frazer Clarke made a successful pro debut with a 1st round stoppage over Jake Darnell in a heavyweight fight.

In round one, Darnell began bleeding from his nose. Shortly after, Clarke landed a big combination that was set off by a body shot that was followed by several head shots that forced the corner of Darnell to throw in the towel at 2:06.

Clarke, 256 lbs is 1-0 with one knockout. Darnell, 248.3 lbs of Blackpool, ENG is 0-1.

Hasan Azim won a four-round decision over MJ Hall in a welterweight bout.

Azim, 148 lbs won by a 40-36 score and is 2-0. Hall is now 2-74-2.

Adam Azim stopped Jordan Ellison in round three of their six-round junior welterweight bout.

In round one, Azim dropped Ellison with a right to the body. In round three, Azim landed a hard left hook to the head that dropped Ellison down and out at 2:09.

Azim, 138.4 lbs is 3-0 with two knockouts. Ellison, 138.4 lbs is 13-36-2.

Brad Rea scored a vicious opening round stoppage over Craig McCarthy in a middleweight fight.

Rea landed a ripping undercard that sent McCarthy down on his back, and the fight was stopped before the 10-count could be completed at 1:53.

Rea, 160.3 lbs of Sweatburg, ENG is 12-0 with five knockouts. McCarthy, 161.3 lbs of Waterford, IRE is 8-1-1.

Viddal Riley won a six-round decision over Will Shihepo in a cruiserweight bout.

In round one, Riley dropped Shihepo with a right uppercut.

Riley, 197 lbs of London, ENG won by a 60-53 score and is now 5-0. Shihepo, 196.3 lbs of Namibia is 25-14.

Germaine Brown won a 10-round unanimous decision over Charlie Schofield in a super middleweight fight.

Brown, 168 lbs of London, UK won by scores of 99-92 and 98-92 twice and is now 12-0. Schofield, 168 lbs of Manchester, UK is 17-2.

Former Heavyweight champion Joseph Parker survived a opening seconds knockdown to comeback and win s 12-round split decision over Derek Chisora at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England.

Chisora floored Parker in the opening 10 seconds when he landed an overhand right to the top of the head. The fight had some good back and forth moments and some sloppy moments, but it was an entertaining scrap that saw each have some good moments throughout the fight.

Chisora landed 245 of 613 punches; Parker was 181 of 593.

Parker, 241,2 lbs of Auckland, NZ won by scores of 116-111 and 115-113. Chisora took a card 115-113.

Parker is 29-2. Chisora, 250.8 lbs of Finchley, ENG is 32-11.

“I am feeling it,” Parker told Matchroom. “Derek landed a lot of shots on me. I’ll probably feel it more tomorrow. The plan was to come out and box smartly and stay focused. I got caught right at the beginning. I think it was round the back of the head, I didn’t see it.

“The plan was to box and move and be smart. With the guidance of Andy I was able to box. We didn’t have the longest time together. I know I needed a lot of work. I need to keep learning from Andy and practicing the things we work on in the gym. 

“It was a tough fight and I got caught right at the beginning. I just had to dig deep and stay focused and follow the plan that we had in place. Swayed off a bit, but Derek is a very tough opponent. He came forward, put pressure on me from the beginning. Threw big bombs and landed a lot. 

“The boxing skills won me some rounds towards the end. It was a very close fight. I thought it could go either way, and I’m very thankful and blessed to get the win today. He brought the smoke. If you want to feel it, jump in the ring with him. 

“It’s very achievable [World Title fight]. I just have to get back to the training. There’s a lot of things I have to work on. I had a good plan in place. There’s still a lot I can show, I just have to keep working with Andy, and more camps ahead. We could do it next fight.”

Taylor wins narrow decision over Jonas; Retains Undisputed Lightweight Title

.Katie Taylor retained her undisputed lightweight world titles with a close unanimous decision over Natasha Jonas in a battle of Olympians.

Taylor, 134.8 lbs of Bray, IRE won by scores of 96-94 and 96-95 twice and is now 18-0. Jonas, 134.7 lbs of Liverpool, UK is 9-2.

“Again, it was probably a bit too exciting for my liking,” Taylor told Matchroom. “It was definitely a toe to toe battle in there. I thought I was a bit flat early on, but I dug deep to win the championship rounds. I definitely showed the heart of a champion in there and that’s what won me the fight in the end.

“She showed everything it takes to win a World Title in her last two performances. Tonight was a brilliant showcase for women’s boxing and boxing overall. Every time we fought as amateurs it was that type of fight as well. I’d prepared for a hard ten-round battle tonight and that’s exactly what it was.

“Eddie was saying that fight would have brought the PPV sales up a small bit. That’s obviously a great start. I feel sorry for the main event coming out after that fight. It was a thrilling fight. I’m just delighted to come out of it with the belts and still undefeated. 18-0, onwards and upwards. This is what I’m in the sport for, I want to be involved in the biggest fights. There’s plenty of those fights out there for me.”

Eubank Jr. Decisions Morrison

Chris Eubank Jr. won a 10-round unanimous decision over Marcus Morrison in a middleweight bout.

Eubank, 161.9 lbs of Brighton, ENG won by scores of 98-92 on all cards, and is now 30-2. Morrison, 161.8 lbs of Hattersley, ENG is 23-4.

“My last fight lasted two rounds, so really it’s been two years since I had a twelve-round fight,” Eubank Jr told Matchroom. “There was definitely some ring rust, and there was definitely some getting back into the swing of things. I had him hurt bad in the second round. I backed off. I wanted him to recover so that I could be seen again. 

“I’m back on TV, I’m back fighting, this is my home. This is my life; this is what I do. I wanted to go the distance and get those rounds in. I’m happy with the performance. I followed instruction; he was telling me to do things in the corner and I went out there and did it. That’s kind of alien to me. Usually most of my career has been dependent on what I want to do, my instincts and my reaction. But now we have a head coach in Roy Jones Jr and I full trust him. I’m happy to be paired with him.

“This is the beginning of a long and great journey for me. I want to be very active this year, I want to fight at least twice more. This is a good start. Full credit to Marcus. I’ve hit guys with shots like that and they’ve gone. He kept coming. A lot of respect for Marcus. There’s a lot of World Champions in the Middleweight division. There’s a lot of big names out there for me to go and fight. Golovkin is the end goal, and anyone with a World Title. I’m coming, they’re all on the radar.”

Bivol Defends Light Heavyweight Title with Decision over Richards

Dmitry Bivol defended the WBA Light Heavyweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Craig Rchards.

Bivol was 234 of 609 punches; Richards was just 76 of 756 punches.

Bivol, 174.2 lbs of Saint Petersburg, RUS won by score of 118-110, 115-114 and 115-113 and is now 18-0. Richards, 174.6 lbs of Crystal Palace, ENG is 16-2-1.

“I’m not happy but I’m okay,” Bivol told Matchroom. “It was a long rest for me and I went into the ring after one and a half years. It’s fine. My opponent was a good fighter, really good. He’s smart and he thinks. He was thinking for the whole fight.

“It’s okay. I was feeling that I’d won. I gave him a couple of rounds for recovery. I landed more clean punches. I respect him and I respected him before the fight. I think he can make problems for all fighters because of his style.

“He moved a lot. Fighters who move a lot and have good speed are really hard. He is a good fighter, but I have more weapons in my arsenal. I’m glad I have had another defence. Of course, I want unification fights. I still want them. I haven’t had a chance to fight for another belt, this is why I defend my belt.

“I’d like to fight for another belt, it would be a good challenge for me. I believe I can become the Undisputed World Champion one day, this is why I train, that’s why I have a good team. I believe one day I will be if I train hard. Thanks to everyone who supports me and watched this fight.”

Straffon stops Tennyson in 1st

Jovanni Straffon stopped James Tennyson in round one of a scheduled 12-round lightweight battle.

Straffon landed a booming right that put Tennyson on the canvas. Tennyson got to his feet but he was butchered against the ropes, and the fight was stopped at 2:10.

Straffon, 133.2 lbs of Mexico City is now 24-3 with 17 knockouts. Tennyson, ,134.7 lbs of Belfast, NI is 28-4.

“I dreamed about this several years ago,” Straffon told Matchroom. “I know I was up against everything. I knew he was a very strong fighter. He called himself ‘The Assassin’, but he was assassinated. He punches hard, but nothing punches harder than life.

“It has been a very good year for Mexican boxing. There has been lots of surprises and upsets. I’m not really surprised about what happened. I have been well prepared for a year. I knew I was the big underdog but now I’m the winner.

“I would really like the opportunity to work with Eddie Hearn. I would like to thank my manager and promoter. I hope some really good things are coming my way. I believe I just won an opportunity to get some of the tough and big names out there. Don’t give up on anything, always keep on dreaming because dreams do come true.”

Scott Fitzgerald stopped Gregory Trenel in round three of their scheduled eight-round super middleweight bout.

In round three, Fitzgerald landed a barrage of punches on the ropes, and the fight was stopped by referee Steve Gray at 2:43

Fitzgerald, 169.4 lbs of Preston, ENG is 15-0 with 10 knockouts.  Trenel, 166.2 lbs of Dainville, FRA is 13-7-2.

Johnny Fisher stopped Phil Williams in round three of a scheduled four-round heavyweight bout.

Fisher dominated and the fight was stopped at 1:40 of round three.

Fisher, 254.7 lbs of Romford, ENG is 2-o with two knockouts. Williams, 268.7

“I thought it was brilliant to get out on such short notice,” Fisher told Matchroom. “Credit to Sam Jones and Eddie Hearn for getting the fight there for me. Phil Williams is an awkward and tough opponent; he’s only been stopped four or five times in 30 bouts. Awkward fight, but I got him out of there and I showed I could go three rounds and keep a high pace.

“I’m trying to find the balance between having that killer instinct and sitting behind my boxing. Sometimes in there you probably get caught between the two. As I progress, I’ll be able to use that killer instinct more effectively. It was an awkward fight, but I showed that I’ve got the strength and the power to stop people. I stopped him in the third round. We’ll go against for the next one as soon as we can. 

“If you stay ready, you’ll get opportunities, especially at Matchroom and with S-JAM Boxing. I showed I can turn up and get the job done. I’m very grounded. I played rugby for a long time. That teaches you a lot of discipline. I’ve got family and a support network who believe in me. They always tell me the truth as well, and I’ll always be truthful about my own performances.

“It’s all systems go, ready for the next one. I’ve got to get that jab off, because in the gym it’s coming off lovely. When you get under them lights, you can have a bit of eagerness. I’ve only had four amateur senior fights and I’ve got a long way to go in the professional ranks.”

Campbell Hatton won a four-round decision Levi Dunn in a lightweight fight..

Hatton, 135.9 lbs of Manchester, ENG won by a 40-36 score and is now 2-0. Dunn, 134.5 lbs of Prestwich, ENG is 0-5.

“I could tell during the whole build up that I’d be a lot better in this fight,” Hatton told Matchroom. “I’ve just been so much more relaxed. It’s night and day. I’ve not watched it back yet, but I think I did show a lot smarter boxing and a bit more composure. 

“There’s still room for improvement but I’m buzzing with it. I’ve not had probably 10% of what I had to do last time. I’m grateful for it. I think I was hurting him a bit more this time. In a spar, it isn’t about taking them out is it. He was doing a lot of holding. He’s a tough kid and he’s done the job that he was here to do. I think I would have got him out of there if there was a bit less holding.

“My heroes have boxed here, so it’s a box ticked for me. It was weird walking down the ramp with no crowd. I can’t wait to do it again here when it’s packed. It’s not new to me now, I’ve got a bit more used to it. I’ll be straight back in the gym ready to go again. It’s all learning, and by keeping busy, I think I’ll be flying soon.”

Tasha Jonas says she has “unfinished business” with former amateur foe Katie Taylor and has promised to settle the score when she faces the Irish star for the Undisputed Lightweight World Titles at the AO Arena, Manchester on Saturday May 1, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and on DAZN in all markets excluding the UK, Ireland, China, New Zealand and Samoa.

‘Miss GB’ came agonisingly close to winning her first World Title at the age of 36 last summer when she battled to a thrilling draw with WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight Champion Terri Harper at Matchroom Fight Camp. It was the first time that two British women had competed against each other for a Word Title, and the all-action fight more than lived up to the occasion. 

The Liverpudlian met Taylor in the quarter-final stages of the London 2012 Olympic Games, losing out on points to the eventual winner of the tournament. The pair meet again nearly ten years down the line this weekend, and Jonas is confident of avenging her loss and handing a first defeat to the icon of women’s boxing. 

“I’ve finally established myself at world level which is where I always wanted to be,” said Jonas. “I think I was a bit unlucky that night. I’ve always said I’m not going to keep banging on the door of Terri Harper. I’ve put myself in mandatory positions and I’ll make the fight have to happen again, but I’m not going to wait around and I haven’t done that. Other opportunities have come forward and they’re the ones that I have taken. 

“Ever since I turned pro that’s always been the fight that everybody has wanted to see. There was 12,000 people in the arena at the time and we got the loudest crowd participation – that was the Irish and the Scousers going at it! It was brilliant. My amateur coach had been all around watching boxing, some of the biggest fights, and he said he’d never heard an atmosphere like it. It’s a little bit sad that fans won’t be there this time, but it was a spectacle and that’s what we hope to do again. 

“All eyes will be on us again and I think both of us will step up to the plate. I know I have to be better than I was last time. Without disrespecting anyone, she’s in a different league to any other opponents before. I’ve fought her before, and I’ll be ready. I’ve always wanted to be a World Champion, one fight could give me that, and everything else. It’s a huge moment for me and my career. I have to be better than I was before, which I’m prepared to do. 

“People say you have these turning points in life. As successful as my amateur career was, I didn’t achieve things that I wanted to. That was the whole point of me coming back and being a pro. There was unfinished business. Katie Taylor has been the unfinished business since 2012. To come back and not only beat her and win her Titles, to become Undisputed – what more could you ask for as a professional boxer? That’s everything. You’ve done it all within one fight. 

“Even throughout her amateur career she’s always set the bar really high and we’ve always had to catch her up. She presents herself well. She’s very positive. She’s been a great role model. That’s carried on into the professionals. When we step into the ring on fight night, she’s going to have to earn that respect. I’ve got all of the admiration and respect for her outside of the ring, but in the ring, you have to earn it. That’s what I’ll do.

“I don’t visualise anything if I’m honest. I prepare myself for every eventuality. That’s what I did with Terri and that’s probably the only time we’ve done that. That’s probably what I’ll do this time. Whatever Terri came with, I had an answer for. I think I’ll do the same with Katie. I’ll prepare for every best version of Katie. Any way that she can come at me, I’ll have an answer for it. The best version of me is a tough fight for anyone, Katie included.”

Taylor vs. Jonas is part of an unmissable night of action in Manchester, Derek Chisora (32-10, 23 KOs) and Joseph Parker (28-2, 21 KOs) collide in a huge Heavyweight clash, undefeated WBA Light-Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol (17-0, 11 KOs) puts his Title on the line against Craig Richards (16-1-1, 9 KOs), Chris Eubank Jr (29-2, 22 KOs) returns against Marcus Morrison (23-3, 16 KOs), Belfast’s James Tennyson (28-3, 24 KOs) faces Mexico’s JovanniStraffon (23-3-1, 16 KOs) for the IBO Lightweight World Title, Preston Super-Welterweight Scott Fitzgerald (14-0, 9 KOs) makes his long awaited return and Lightweight prospect Campbell Hatton (1-0) fights in his home city for the first time as a pro. 

BBC Radio 5 Live will broadcast three huge fight nights live on the radio, kicking off this weekend with Demetrius Andrade defending his WBO World Middleweight title against Liam Williams in Florida on Saturday night, then from Manchester on May 1 with the stacked card led by the Heavyweight clash between Derek Chisora and Joseph Parker and Katie Taylor’s undisputed Lightweight defence against Natasha Jonas, and the blockbuster World Super-Middleweight unification clash between Canelo Alvarez and Billy Joe Saunders from Texas on May 8.

Andrade (29-0 18 KOs) puts his title on the line for the fourth time against Welsh mandatory challenger Williams (23-2-1 18 KOs) and fight fans in the UK will be able to tune into the crunch battle from 11pm GMT on the BBC on Saturday night.

On May 1, it’s a huge night of action in Manchester as Heavyweight favourite Chisora (32-10 3 KOs) faces former World ruler Parker (28-2 21 KOs), undisputed World Lightweight champion Taylor (17-0 6 KOs) defends her titles against Jonas (9-1-1 7 KOs) in a rematch of their 2012 Olympic scrap and WBA World Light-Heavyweight king Dmitry Bivol (17-0 11 KOs) defends his crown against Londoner Crag Richards (16-1-1 9 KOs).

One week later, the biggest fight of the year so far takes place at the home of the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas as pound-for-pound king Alvarez (55-1-2 37 KOs) battles unbeaten Briton Saunders (30-0 14 KOs) for the WBC, WBA Super, WBO and Ring Magazine straps at 168lbs.

Louise Sutton, 5 Live Sport Editor, said: “BBC Radio 5 Live Boxing has provided superb live coverage of some colossal fights over this past year, with many more to come.
This deal with Matchroom confirms another three thrilling nights of action for fans to enjoy, including some of the most anticipated fights of the year. We’re delighted to be providing UK boxing fans with live free-to-air coverage of each head-to-head, alongside expert analysis, opinion and some special guests.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn said: “I am delighted that BBC Radio 5Live will be covering these three massive nights of action. Andrade vs. Williams is a great fight in Florida on Saturday, as Demetrius aims to make a statement and Liam can become Wales’ 13th World champion.

“The May 1 show is a monster. It’s topped by the Heavyweight showdown between Chisora and Parker which is sure to set fire early and leads a stacked bill with two great World title fights in Taylor vs. Jonas and Bivol vs. Richards.

“Completing the trio is the biggest fight of the year so far, as the pound-for-pound boss Canelo Alvarez taking on the UK’s finest in Billy Joe Saunders in front of over 70,000 fans on Cinco De Mayo weekend in Dallas on May 8 – that is going to be an unforgettable occasion and a mammoth fight.”