Derek Chisora and Joseph Parker will collide in a huge Heavyweight clash on a blockbuster night of action that sees Irish star Katie Taylor defend her Undisputed Lightweight crown against former amateur rival Natasha Jonas and undefeated WBA Light-Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol put his Title on the line against Craig Richards, as well as the return of Chris Eubank Jr, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and on DAZN in all markets excluding the UK, Ireland, China, New Zealand and Samoa.

Former World Title challenger Chisora (32-10, 23 KOs) was last seen pushing Ukraine’s pound-for-pound star Oleksandr Usyk all of the way in their 12-round battle for the WBO Intercontinental Heavyweight Title at The SSE Arena, Wembley last October, and the fan favourite is chomping at the bit for his next challenge.

A meeting between the pair scheduled for October 2019 fell through at three-and-a-half weeks’ notice when Parker’s team revealed he was suffering from the aftereffects of a spider bite. Chisora, who was unconvinced with Team Parker’s reasons for pulling out in 2019, has labelled Parker a ‘chicken’ in recent weeks and says he has unfinished business with the Heavyweight contender. 

Former WBO World Champion Parker (28-2, 21 KOs) is fresh off a hard-fought 12-round decision over long-time amateur nemesis Junior Fa at Spark Arena in Auckland, New Zealand last month that settled an 11-year old rivalry with his compatriot, a win that he hopes will kickstart his route back to the top of the Heavyweight division. 

Ranked at No.3 with the WBO, New Zealand’s Parker is well known on these shores having defended his WBO Title against Hughie Fury at Manchester Arena in September 2017, before taking unified ruler Anthony Joshua the distance at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff in March 2018. His last appearance in the UK came against Dillian Whyte in a dramatic points loss in July 2018.

“We’ve been here before, in 2019 I flew to Vegas to film the ‘Face To Face’ with Parker, I called Haye as soon as I left and told him, ‘This guy isn’t going to get in the ring with me’, I could see the fear in his eyes,” said Chisora. “Now, second time around I hope he fights, I’m looking forward to the fight, I cannot wait to get back in the ring! I love fighting, it is what I love the most. Good luck to Joseph Parker and his new team, we shall see you for WAR on May 1^st!”

“I’m excited to start this new chapter in my career with a new coach and some fresh ideas,” said Parker. “I’ve settled in and Andy and I are bonding well. Chisora and I have unfinished business and inside the ring one of us will get the job done. I am well aware that a win on British soil and on world-wide television will put me in pole position whereas a loss will be catastrophic.  I am more than up for the challenge. Bring it on Del Boy.”

Taylor (17-0, 6 KOs) defeated Jonas (9-1-1, 7 KOs) in the quarter-final stages of the London 2012 Olympic Games on route to capturing Ireland’s first gold medal of the summer. The pair will meet again nearly ten years down the line with Taylor’s WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine Lightweight World Titles on the line. 

Since their first meeting in the amateurs, Taylor has gone on to cement herself as the best female fighter on the planet by winning World Titles in the Lightweight and Super-Lightweight divisions and remaining undefeated in all 17 of her professional contests. ‘KT’ was last seen outclassing her WBA Mandatory Challenger Miriam Gutierrez with a masterful display in November. 

‘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. 

“Natasha proved in her last fight that she is still performing at the highest level so it’s a great challenge for me and I’m really looking forward to it,” said Taylor. “It’s a fight that people have been asking for and those are the type of fights you want to be part of.

“People still talk about our fight in the 2012 Olympics and I think that proved to be a real eye opener for people in terms of what women’s boxing is all about. I’m expecting another tough fight on May 1^st and I’m looking forward to successfully defending my Titles.”

“I’m really excited about getting the fight, I made a lot of noise about not wanting to go down in level or class after establishing myself on the world stage in my last fight,” said Jonas. “I know Katie is a different type of animal to Terri Harper, but I believe every time I’m asked to step up, I do. I said I wanted to be a champion and anybody at 130 to 140 was in my sights, I know I’m a world class boxer and I can win a World Title. 

“From the minute Eddie signed me this fight has been on the cards. Me and Katie had a great story from the Olympics, and we have both been pioneers in our own way. I’m glad that it’s happening and it’s a great fight for women’s boxing and for British and Irish boxing.”

Russia’s Bivol (17-0, 11 KOs) is regarded as one of the best technical boxers in the sport, mixing his dazzling skills with KO power. The 30-year-old was elevated to full WBA 175lbs World Champion from interim champion ahead of his 12th pro fight with Trent Broadhurst in Monte Carlo in November 2017 and celebrated with a devasting one-punch KO in the first round.  Bivol has subsequently defended his crown five times, but has been away from the ring since October 2019 when he widely outpointed Lenin Castillo at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago.

Richards (16-1-1, 9 KOs) delivered a Fight of the Year contender last time out in December against fierce rival Shakan Pitters as he stopped the Birmingham man in nine rounds to earn the British Light-Heavyweight crown. ‘Spider’ is ranked at No.8 in the WBA world rankings and has earned his shot by remaining undefeated since sole career loss against former World Title challenger Frank Buglioni in October 2017.

“I have been out of the ring for a year and a half and I have sorely missed boxing,” said Bivol. “I can’t wait to step through the ropes for my next fight on May 1^st. I have always wanted to fight in the UK and I’m happy to tick that box. Craig Richards is a fast and technical boxer and I’m expecting a great fight as I make another defence of my World Title.”

“I feel good and I feel very confident,” said Richards. “I know that he’s renowned as one of the best fighters out there, but I just believe that I’ve got the tools to beat him and I’m very confident in my abilities. I know I’ve got power as well, and I’ve got a very good chin. We’ve been planning for everything and anything.

“We know he’s been operating at world level for a long time and can bring different things to the table. I raise the level of my performance against my better opponents. The bigger the fight the better I perform. A fight like Bivol will allow me to go through my gears to show what I’m really about.”

Having previously campaigned at Super-Middleweight, Eubank Jr (29-2, 22 KOs) returned to the Middleweight division to claim the WBA Interim Middleweight World Title for the second time with a TKO win over former World Title challenger in December 2019, while making his US debut at the Barclays Centre in New York. In what will be his first fight back in the UK in over two years, the Brighton man faces Manchester’s Marcus Morrison (23-3, 16 KOs), who is enjoying a seven-fight winning streak that stretches back to June 2018.

“This is a good fight for me,” said Eubank Jr.  “Since signing with Sauerland my camp has been firing on all cylinders, I’ve been training with Roy in Miami and focussing on improving my game. I have the absolute best people around me, I have everything I need to push on to that next level and dominate the Middleweight scene.

“People have a lot to say about me and my career. There’s talks about why fights haven’t happened previously, but all I’ve been doing is focussing on number one, training hard and making sure I’m always ready. I’m now in the best place I can be and I’m ready to take what is mine.”

“I’m well aware that this is a massive opportunity and fight for me and my career,” said Morrison. “I got into boxing at the age of 7, and these are the type of fights I’ve always wanted to be involved in. Chris is a very good fighter, and I know what he brings to the table. I honestly believe the best version of me is still to be seen, and I look forward to showing it on the night. I can’t afford to not leave everything in there on May 1.”

“This is one of the strongest shows we’ve promoted and there is still even more to come,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Chisora vs. Parker is a brilliant style match up that has been brewing for years and Taylor vs. Jonas is one of the biggest fights in women’s boxing. The Eubanks are always box office and it’s a massive chance for Marcus Morrison after his brilliant win in Italy. Craig Richards goes for World Title glory against the brilliant Russian Dmitry Bivol and there are further announcements to follow. Buckle up and enjoy this one!”

“WAR Chisora realises this is a massive opportunity to gate-crash the Heavyweight division,” said David Haye of Hayemaker Promotions. “He has come close, in his last battle against unified Cruiserweight World Champion and No.1 ranked Heavyweight Usyk, two of the judges’ score cards had it 7 rounds to 5 –  winning just one more round would have captured a draw and Derek would have retained his WBO International Title that night. Since, he has been working, living the life of a professional. Derek doesn’t simply want to beat Joseph Parker, he wants to make a statement to the world. This is his time.”

“There’s definitely unfinished business between Parker and Chisora,” said David Higgins, Founder and Director of DUCO Events. “I think the fight will be a real fan pleaser. It could be the Heavyweight Fight of the Year. You’ve got Chisora who likes to stand and trade and come forward, and then you’ve got Parker who has the speed and the pedigree. This fight has got a bit of history and it has been building for a while. It’s fantastic that it’s finally happening. This is a proper 50-50 matchup where the winner could go on to a World Title shot and the loser will go to the scrapheap. Credit to both Parker and Chisora for putting it all on the line.”

Anthony Joshua joins Natasha Jonas and Tony Bellew on the Sky Sports Box Office team for Dillian Whyte versus Alexander Povetkin and Katie Taylor-Delfine Persoon 2.

Britain’s Unified World Champion will be ringside to watch his Heavyweight rival Whyte battle Povetkin this Saturday, live on Sky Sports Box Office, and Irish star Taylor also takes on Persoon in a World Title rematch in the finale of Fight Camp.

Joshua is relishing the opportunity to watch Taylor, a fellow gold medallist at the London 2012 Olympics.

“I really respect her,” Joshua told Sky Sports. “She is phenomenal. She is someone I sit back quietly and learn from.

“She is a real-life athlete – I am more reckless. I take inspiration from her. She is a dedicated athlete.”

The Sky Sports Box Office team of experts also includes Jonas, who came within touching distance of a World Title when she battled to a thrilling draw with Terri Harper in the second week of Fight Camp.

“The girls are leading the way in Fight Camp,” said Jonas. “I’m most looking forward to the Taylor fight and I think Taylor has got a point to prove this time, so she’ll be looking to make a statement.

“Anyone around my weight class, is someone I’ve always got my eye on. You’ve got to look at them from a tactical point of view – and I’ll be looking for weaknesses.”

Bellew, who twice toppled David Haye at Heavyweight, will also supply analysis and opinion with Adam Smith, Anna Woolhouse, Johnny Nelson and Matthew Macklin.

“I can’t wait to see Whyte-Povetkin and Taylor-Persoon,” said Bellew. “A fantastic night of fights and it’s going to be exciting from start to finish.

“Povetkin doesn’t know any other way than to meet fire with fire. Whyte, he fights anyone, and gets stuck in from the word go. Whyte is a vicious counter puncher and I just expect an explosive fight from the word go.”

Adam Smith, Sky Sports Head of Boxing Development, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that Anthony Joshua is part of our team for this Saturday’s Box Office event as Dillian Whyte risks his World Title ambitions against the dangerous Alexander Povetkin and Katie Taylor takes on Delfine Persoon in an epic rematch.

“AJ knows all about Whyte and Povetkin’s strengths, having already shared the ring with them, while he has followed Taylor’s career with interest since they were both Olympians at London 2012.

“Natasha joins us, just a few weeks after her thrilling draw with Terri Harper, and it could be a scouting mission for the Liverpudlian, who is keen to force her way into Taylor’s future plans.

“Tony Bellew is back on Box Office, this time behind the mic, and he knows all about the excitement surrounding a big Heavyweight clash. It’s a terrific Box Office team that will bring you every opinion and talking point in a thrilling finale to Fight Camp!”

Terri Harper and Natasha Jonas battled to a 10-round split draw in a terrific action fight for Harper’s WBC Super Featherweight title fight at Matchroom HQ in Essex, England.

In round two Jonas was cut over her right eye. The two battled at close quarters with each taking turns seizing the upperhand. Harper came forward, but Jonas landed the more telling blows including rocking Harper on at least two different occasions. The two battled down the stretch and gave it their all in the ring. In the end, both Harper and Jonas won a card via 96-94 scores, and a 3rd card was 95-95.

Harper, 129.3 lbs of Denaby is now 10-0-1. Jonas, 129.6 lbs of Liverpool is 9-1-1.

Fowler stops Adam Harper in 7

Anthony Fowler stopped previously Adam Harper in round seven of a scheduled 10-round junior middleweight bout.

In round two, Harper was deducted a point for low blows. He was also cut under his left eye in the round. In round four, Fowler dropped Harper with a booming right to the chin.

In round six, Fowler was cut above his right eye. That did not deter Fowler as he came out in the following round and landed a hard 1-2 combination that froze Harper. A follow up flurry forced referee Ian-John Lewis to stop the bout at 1:34.

Fowler, 155.7 lbs of Liverpool is 13-1 with 10 knockouts. Harper, 156.4 lbs of Tewkesbury is 9-1-1.

IN EARLY ACTION

Hopey Price won a decision over Jonny Phillips in a six-round featherweight fight.

Price, 126.9 lbs of Leeds won by a 60-54 tally and is now 3-0. Phillips, 128.8 lbs of Sandhurst is 5-5.

Chris Billam-Smith stopped previously undefeated Nathan Thorley in round two of a scheduled 12-round cruiserweight bout.

In round one, Billiam-Smith sent Thorley to the canvas, after absorbing three lefts to the head. In round two, a barrage of punches that was concluded by two huge rights put Thorley on the deck for a 2nd time. Minutes later, Billam-Smith landed a booming right that sent Thorley to deck again. Thorley got to his feet, but the fight was stopped at 2:05.

Billam-Smith, 199.9 lbs of Bournsmouth is 11-1 with 10 knockouts. Thorley, 199.9 lbs of Cardiff, WAL is 14-1.

19:15 FIRST BELL

8 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight contest 
AQIB FIAZ 9st 7lbs 12ozv KANE BAKER 9st 5lbs 4oz                  
(Oldham)                             (Birmingham)

Followed by

12 x 3 mins Commonwealth Cruiserweight Title 
CHRIS BILLAM-SMITH 14st 3lbs 12ozv NATHAN THORLEY 14st 3lbs 12oz
(Bournemouth)                                         (Cardiff)

Followed by

6 x 3 mins Featherweight contest 
HOPEY PRICE 9st 0lbs 9ozv JONNY PHILLIPS 9st 2lbs 8oz
(Leeds)                                     (Sandhurst)

Followed by

10 x 3 mins Super-Welterweight contest
ANTHONY FOWLER 11st 1lbs 7oz v ADAM HARPER 11st 2lbs 4oz
(Liverpool)                                          (Tewkesbury)

Followed by

10 x 2 mins WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles 
TERRI HARPER 9st 3lbs 3ozv NATASHA JONAS 9st 3lbs 6oz
(Denaby)                                     (Liverpool)

Eddie Hearn:

“Welcome everyone tuning it at home on the Matchroom Boxing YouTube channel and Sky Sports as well. Wow! What a start to fight camp last week. To be honest with you it couldn’t have gone any better. We had a great time in the bubble last week. The fighters all excelled. We had drama, we had Fight of the Year contenders and this week we expect another unbelievable night in Week 2 of Fight Camp this Friday at the Matchroom Headquarters live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN across America as well.”

Terri Harper – Denaby, England – 10-0, 5 KO’s – defending her WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles against Natasha Jonas:

“I’ve been told a few times about Joe’s mind games so I switch off and don’t let it bother me. I don’t feel pressure compared to my World Title fight. I’m looking for the stoppage. Tasha has never done 10 rounds, she’s not proven that she can go the distance. If I land a good shot on Tasha? Lights out. Talking about Tasha’s knockout rate? She has fought nobodies. Who has she stepped in the ring with? Tasha has not proven herself. They will have a big shock on Friday. If I’m honest I’m just enjoying this journey. I popped up out of nowhere and here I am on the biggest stage. We’re not daft, we’ve prepared for the best Tasha.”Natasha Jonas – Liverpool, England – 9-1, 7 KOs – challenging Terri Harper for her WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles:

“I had an extra three weeks to prepare. It was seven weeks the first time and ten weeks this time. I got time to be a little kid again with my little girl, and to be a teacher. The break away was good for me mentally. When I came back I hadn’t punched anything for two months. When I walked into the gym I told Joe ‘I’m never going to complain about being here again’. And I didn’t for the whole camp! I definitely feel like the underdog in this fight judging by the bookies and a little bit of social media. I think anyone that knows about boxing knows that you can’t write a person off just on one performance. I know I’ve done everything that I could possibly do in this camp and more. I’ve given 100% in every training session. I believe I can do it. Power is something I’ve always had, I have a good knockout percentage, I know that I carry power. If I land cleanly, she will go.”

Chris Billam-Smith – Bournemouth, England – 10-1, 9 KOs – defending his Commonwealth Cruiserweight Title against Nathan Thorley:

“I’m looking forward to the fight. I’ve now had Nathan in my sights since it got announced in March. I’m looking forward to the fight on Friday. I saw the show on Saturday and I thought it was a great show. I’m looking forward to putting on a performance on Friday. It’s been a hot division for a while now. We’re all fighting each other at the moment. I boxed Riakporhe, Riakporhe’s boxed Jack Massey, I’ve boxed Craig Glover and me and Nathan are fighting as well. Everyone is willing to put it on the line to prove who is the best. Obviously Lawrence Okolie at the moment is just a few steps ahead of us.   He’s moving on to world honours so it’s sort of the best of the rest when it comes down to us all and I believe that’s me.”

Nathan Thorley – Cardiff, Wales – 14-0, 6 KOs – challenging Chris Billam-Smith for the Commonwealth Cruiserweight Title:

“It’s a massive opportunity and one I’m grabbing with both hands. I’ve given it everything in the gym since January because obviously we were meant to fight in May. I haven’t stopped training. It’s good sparring and it’s good strength and conditioning. I’m fit and ready and just can’t wait for Friday now. It’s a bit of a blessing the virus, not a blessing for others but it’s a blessing for me. I’ve been furloughed from work so I’ve been able to train full time and get myself in incredible shape. I’m ready to go. I know Chris is big and strong, but I’m big and strong myself. We’re both two big strong fellas and I think it’s going to be a good fight. I’ve got a job to do first on Friday against Chris. I’m not looking past Chris. For me, Chris is my World Title shot. Roll on Friday.”

Anthony Fowler – Liverpool, England – 12-1, 9 KOs – fighting Adam Harper in a ten round Super-Welterweight contest:

“I’m really excited. I think Harper’s style will play into my hands lovely. He is a game kid but I don’t think that will work against me. I’m going to walk him onto some hard, hurtful shots early on and hopefully show some of my new skills I’ve learnt under my coach. Counter punching, being smart, picking my shots. I’m looking forward to it. I watched Cheeseman vs. Eggington and I was that pumped up afterwards I went for a run. That Cheeseman fight would be great at the end of the year but obviously Adam is here to gatecrash the party as he put in his own words. I’ve got to make sure that I do a job on him. I’m getting the win.”

Adam Harper – Tewkesbury, England – 9-1 – fighting Anthony Fowler in a ten round Super-Welterweight contest:

“I think I’m ready Eddie. First of all, apologies to you and thanks for not getting an injunction out on me. I think I hounded you and hounded you with about 30 unread messages. You finally answered. It’s nothing personal and there’s no disrespect to Anthony. I asked for any of your big names. I want to gatecrash the party. I’m a massive underdog here if you look at the betting odds. Fowler was the Team GB kid that we all used to look up to. I was in the ABAs the same year that he boxed Troy Williamson. We all know about Fowler and we all know how good he is. There’s no real pressure on me. I looked at the betting odds last night and I’m one to six to get knocked out. Fowler really needs to knock me out. I’m coming and I’m game. I’m super fit and I’m ready for this. This is a golden opportunity for me to gatecrash the party. Hopefully you’ll be signing me up after.”

Hopey Price – Leeds, England – 2-1, 1 KO – fighting Jonny Phillips in a six round Featherweight contest:

“I’m looking forward to it. There’s a lot of similarities between this show and the one I boxed on in Saudi Arabia even though there’s no crowd. When I watched Jordan on Saturday and he walked out to the ring it was just unbelievable to look at how it was set up. Dave phoned me and said we’re having a bit of trouble getting an opponent. I prefer to fight the better level opposition. I have to raise my game up and box better. I think that’s when you’ll see the best of me. I may have only had two pro fights but I was sick of those types of opponents just coming in to try to survive. It’s hard to show all of your skills and what you’re capable of against those opponents. I think it’s going to make for a better fight and I’m going to put on a good performance on Friday night.”

Jonny Phillips – Sandhurst, England – 5-4, 2 KOs – fighting Hopey Price in a six round Featherweight contest:

“I always take any opportunity that comes up. I snap at it no matter what. Within five minutes I say yes to anything. I’m in this game for opportunities like this. I don’t see the point, like Hopey said, in going round and boxing people that are only coming to survive. I like to box the best on the biggest platforms and there’s nothing bigger than this at the moment. It’s a great opportunity. I said yes to the fight in about thirty seconds. I’m game as ever. I’ve had nine pro fights and I’ve boxed in five different weight classes. I don’t think many professional boxers have done that! I’m game as anything and I’m coming to win. I’m coming to knock him out. I was in the gym the whole time anyway and then we had a weeks’ notice for this one just to get a bit of a gameplay together. We’ve got something in the bank that we’re going to try and pull out.”

Aqib Fiaz – Oldham, England – 5-0 – fighting Kane Baker in an eight round Super-Featherweight contest:

“I boxed in March on the Jono Carroll vs. Scott Quigg card. I’m fighting again now in August and hopefully again by the end of the year. I’m spoilt to be fair. Thanks to Matchroom and thanks to Sky for the opportunity. I’ve watched him and I respect him as a fighter. He’s a good fighter. I’ve prepared really hard and I’m ready for this. I’m ready for this step-up. I believe it was my destiny to be here fighting with Sky and Matchroom. I’ve always watched these shows and I’ve always wanted to be here and nobody is taking that away from me. A fight is a fight. It doesn’t matter where it is. A real fighter will fight anywhere. I look forward to a good performance. It will be a standout performance.”

Kane Baker – Birmingham, England – 13-6 – fighting Aqib Fiaz in an eight round Super-Featherweight contest:

“It’ll be the third time you (Eddie Hearn) have watched me. Hopefully it doesn’t go as bad as it has gone. I’m just blessed to be here. I’m a hardcore boxing fan and to be here experiencing a set up like this is amazing. Last week was absolutely spectacular. I’ve improved a lot technically. I’d like to show some of my boxing skills as well. I’ve just got to stay in his face and show him what eight rounds is about. To be a part of this is amazing. I’m up for it now, I could fight today or I could fight tomorrow. When I get the win on Friday I’m going to be one of Eddie’s mates and not Aqib.”

https://www.facebook.com/MatchroomBoxing/videos/600152360691448

Terri Harper says she will “break down” Natasha Jonas when she defends her WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles against the Liverpudlian at Matchroom Fight Camp in Brentwood, Essex, on Friday August 7, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

Harper (10-0, 5 KOs)was crowned WBC World Champion after battering Eva Wahlstrom over ten rounds at the FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield to rip the famous green and gold belt from the long-reigning Finn and cement herself as a new rising star of British boxing.

The first defence of her WBC Title comes against Great Britain’s first ever female boxer to compete at an Olympic Games. Despite Jonas’ wealth of experience in the amateur ranks, ‘Belter’ remains confident that she will emerge victorious against ‘Miss GB’ on the night.

“For me, professional and amateur boxing are two completely different styles,” said Harper. “We’re not going to do anything daft. We’re not just going to be looking for a stoppage. I’m going to use my engine that for some reason Natasha thinks could be a bad thing. I’m going to work Natasha all night and break her down.

“Tasha gets caught quite a lot and I’m a big strong Super-Featherweight. When I get in the ring I’m easily a good 10 or 12 pounds heavier than what I was at the weigh-in the day before. I’ve got a bit of meat behind my punches and I strongly believe I could get a stoppage over Tasha.

“She keeps saying there’s nothing I do better than her but obviously I beat Viviane Obenauf. I’m not going to go off that fight, but I think I’ve got one up on Natasha. Every fight I’m having I’m always thinking about that next step and reaching the next level. I enjoy the risks but I feel I have great momentum and I can’t see anything stopping me at the minute.”

Harper vs. Jonas tops Week 2 of Matchroom Camp, Bournemouth’s Chris Billam-Smith (10-1, 9 KOs) defends his Commonwealth Cruiserweight Title against undefeated Cardiff man Nathan Thorley (14-0, 6 KOs), Liverpool Super-Welterweight Anthony Fowler (12-1, 9 KOs) gets his second outing of the year against Adam Harper (9-1), Oldham prospect Aqib Fiaz (5-0) steps up against Birmingham’s former Midlands Area Champion Kane Baker (13-6) and Leeds Featherweight prospect Hopey Price (2-0) takes on Jonny Phillips (5-4, 2 KOs).

Natasha Jonas is confident that Terri Harper won’t be able to deal with ‘the best version’ of her as the Super-Featherweights prepare to meet in a historic clash on Week 2 of Matchroom Fight Camp from Brentwood, Essex on Friday August 7, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Harper puts her WBC and IBO crowns on the line against former Team GB standout Jonas (9-1, 7 KOs) in a keenly-anticipated main event that will see two British female fighters compete against each other for a World Title for the first time in the sport’s history. 

Jonas, Great Britain’s first ever Olympic female boxer, bounced back from her sole pro career loss against Viviane Obenauf with three rebuilding wins over Feriche Mashauri, Bec Connolly and Bianka Majlath, and the World Amateur Bronze Medallist believes all of the pressure will be on the shoulders of the younger Harper. 

“She’s young, she’s hungry and she’s proved she can do ten rounds,” said Jonas. “She’s fit, but I also think that some of those things can be your undoing when you’re young. Sometimes you’re a bit naive, you can be a bit overeager when you’re hungry. She’s been talking about stopping the fight early so we’ll see. That’s all I can say. 

“She’s done everything asked of her. She’s beaten people I couldn’t. She’s beaten experienced girls like Eva Wahlstrom. She’s took the title, she’s got the title, and I’ve just got to take that off her. Hats off to her for everything she’s done. I’ve got nothing bad to say about her. I’m realistic. I’ve just got to bring the best version of me, and I don’t think she can deal with that. 

“I think she’s the bookies’ favourite. Judging by some social media comments I’ve seen she’s possibly edging it with the fans too. There’s no pressure on me. She put out a statement the other day saying that there is but I don’t believe there is. She’s the Champion, she’s got to keep hold of it, she’s been very vocal about how she’s going to keep hold of it. She’s got to go out and prove it.

“Every time I’ve come back into boxing there’s always been a reason, like unfinished business. To win and to hold the belt would finally sort that unfinished business. That will make me complete. I’ll be prepared, whether it’s one round or ten rounds. I’ll be prepared and I’ll keep going. There’s nothing she does better than me, and I’ll prove it on August 7^th.”

Harper vs. Jonas tops Week 2 of Matchroom Camp, Bournemouth’s Chris Billam-Smith (10-1, 9 KOs) defends his Commonwealth Title against undefeated Cardiff man Nathan Thorley (14-0, 6 KOs), Liverpool Super-Welterweight Anthony Fowler (12-1, 9 KOs) gets his second outing of the year against Adam Harper (9-1), Oldham Lightweight prospect Aqib Fiaz (5-0) steps up against Birmingham’s former Midlands Area Champion Kane Baker (13-6) and Leeds Featherweight prospect Hopey Price (2-0) fights on UK soil again following his win on the huge Andy Ruiz vs. Anthony Joshua 2 show in Saudi Arabia. 

World Title rivals Terri Harper and Natasha Jonas will come together for a special ePress conference at 7pm (BST) tonight on Matchroom Boxing’s YouTube channel.

In partnership with StubHub, Eddie Hearn hosts the third edition of our ‘Rivals’ series following the first two instalments with Lee Selby and George Kambosos Jr and Anthony Fowler and Ohara Davies. 

Harper (10-5, 5 KOs) was due to defend her WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight crowns against Liverpool’s Jonas (9-1, 7 KOs) in an all-British showdown at the Doncaster Dome on April 24 before the Coronavirus pandemic brought the sporting world to a halt. 

“I want to understand why Tasha thinks she’s better than me,” said Harper. “Obviously she had the bad fight against Obenauf, I believe Viviane came in at short notice. For me, Viviane had a full training camp, she prepared well for me, and when I look back now it was a comfortable win for me.

“Tasha gets caught quite a lot and I’m a big strong Super-Featherweight. When I get in the ring I’m easily a good 10 or 12lbs heavier than what I was at the weigh-in the day before. I’ve got a bit of meat behind my punches and I strongly believe I could get a stoppage over Tasha.

“Every fight I’m having I’m always thinking about that next step and reaching the next level. I enjoy the risks but I feel I have great momentum and I can’t see anything stopping me at the minute.”

“I respect the way she’s come through,” said Jonas. “She hasn’t come from the big amateur background and had a big TV deal from the start. She’s got herself to that point. She’s hungry but I’m hungrier. I respect her, she’s young, she’s quick and she’s got a good engine but no disrespect, I just think I’m better.”

“I can’t keep living off my amateur career. The WBC belt is one of the most prestigious belts and I don’t think from memory Joe Gallagher has had a WBC Champion yet. We want the belt, the t-shirts and everything!”

“Natasha Jonas was due to challenge for Terri’s unified World Championships in April. There’s been some fascinating conversations moving forward about when this fight might happen. This is a fight that is done, is agreed and will be happening,” added Eddie Hearn. 

Fans can tune in to Rivals at 7pm (BST) on the Matchroom Boxing YouTube channel here: Harper vs. Jonas Rivals

Following advice from the Government and the BBBoC relating to COVID-19, Matchroom Boxing have postponed all events scheduled to be taking place in March and April, including David Avanesyan vs. Josh Kelly at The O2 in London on March 28, Lewis Ritson vs. Miguel Vazquez at the Utilita Arena Newcastle on April 4 and Terri Harper vs. Natasha Jonas at the Doncaster Dome on April 24.
 
Fights scheduled to take place on the Avanesyan vs. Kelly show will be merged into future cards, with ticket refunds for March 28 available at the original point of purchase. Ritson’s clash with Vazquez has been rescheduled to Saturday June 27^th, while Harper’s all-British World Title showdown with Jonas has also been rescheduled to June, with a date to be confirmed shortly. Tickets will be valid for these rescheduled dates or refunds will be available from your point of purchase. Further events may also be subject to change.
 
The health and safety of the boxers, staff, event contractors and fans involved with our events is the top priority for Matchroom Boxing and we thank everyone for their understanding. We look forward to bringing world class boxing events back to these shores as soon as it is safe to do so.
  
Our thoughts are with everybody affected by the COVID-19 outbreak at this difficult time.

Terri Harper will make the first defence of her WBC Super-Featherweight World Title in an all-British showdown with Natasha Jonas at the Doncaster Dome in the latest instalment of the JD NXTGEN series on Friday April 24, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

Harper (10-0, 5 KOs) created history at the FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield last month as she dethroned long-reigning World Champion Eva Wahlstrom to become the first British woman to win a WBC World Title and in doing so the Denaby native announced herself as a new star of British boxing. 

Jonas (9-1, 7 KOs), Great Britain’s first ever Olympic female boxer, bounced back from her sole career loss against Viviane Obenauf in 2018 with three wins in a row over Feriche Mashauri, Bec Connolly and Bianka Majlath, and the World Amateur Bronze Medallist is out to cause an upset on away territory.

“We’re not waiting around and I’m excited to go back to the Doncaster Dome where I made my professional debut,” said Harper. “It’s going to be a bit special making the first defence of my WBC World Title in front of my hometown fans in Doncaster – I’m looking forward to the reception that I’m going to receive. 

“Natasha had the loss against Viviane Obenauf but we’re not overlooking her because one loss doesn’t define you as a boxer. She’s going to come and try and get the win so we’ve got to train really hard for this and be prepared for the best Natasha. 

“There’s a bit of pressure on me as I’ve just won the WBC belt and I don’t want to lose it on my first defence. I’m going to train like I haven’t even won it yet. I haven’t had much time to sit back and think about it all, it’s been very hectic but it’s time to get back to the serious training next week.

“Hopefully we can start looking at other World Titles after April 24, but I just want to keep on enjoying what I’m doing, getting the wins, getting the experience under my belt and pushing forwards. I want to be fighting the best girls out there and challenging myself.”

“From what I’ve seen, Terri is young, fit and hungry,” said Jonas. “She’s explosive and quick and I rate her skill-wise as a boxer. I just obviously think I’m better! 

“I’m not going to give away any game plan and I’m sure she thinks she’s seen weaknesses in me too, but I won’t really talk about her weaknesses – it’s more about my strengths. If I enforce what I’m best at then what she’s good at won’t be relevant.

“This means everything. I got back into the professional side of boxing because I think there were things I didn’t achieve as an amateur that I wanted to. I’m trying to do so as a pro so I can say I’m happy with what I did. It’ll be tough. It always is. This is a tough sport. I just think I can do it. It’ll be a dream come true.”

Elsewhere on the card, undefeated Northampton talent Chantelle Cameron (12-0, 7 KOs) continues her march towards a World Title shot after winning WBC Final Eliminators in two separate divisions last year, British Title challenger Kieron Conway (14-1-1, 3 KOs)takes on Rotherham’s Navid Mansouri (20-3-2, 6 KOs)as heaims to make his case for further title shots in 2020, Sheffield Welterweight Anthony Tomlinson (12-0, 7 KOs) returns after his British and Commonwealth Title Eliminator win, Sheffield’s rising Super-Lightweight starlet Dalton Smith (4-0, 3 KOs) stays busy, Leeds Featherweight Hopey Price (2-0, 1 KO) fights back in the UK after his appearance on this Ruiz vs. Joshua 2 undercard and popular Watford Super-Bantamweight Shannon Courtenay (5-0, 2 KOs) looks to build on her sensational KO win at York Hall in December. 

“We’re hugely excited for Terri Harper’s WBC Super-Featherweight Title clash against Natasha Jonas, a thrilling first defence for Britain’s new world champion against ‘Miss GB’,” said Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing Development.

“Terri continues her amazing success story, returning to her hometown as a World Champion after defeating Eva Wahlstrom in front of the Sky Sports cameras on an emotional evening in Sheffield.

“I watched Natasha’s enthralling encounter with Katie Taylor at the London 2012 Games, an electric atmosphere, and she will be determined to display her class in the biggest bout of her professional career. It’s another fantastic addition to our Saturday night schedule as we showcase some of Britain’s best boxing talent.”

Tickets priced £40 , £70 and £140 will be on sale at 3.00pm today via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)