British middleweight Nathan Heaney is gearing up for another shot at WBA regional gold as he steps into the ring against France’s Sofiane Khati in a highly anticipated clash this Saturday, February 8, in Manchester, foe the Continental Europe championship.

Heaney (18-1-1) is no stranger to championship success. The Stoke native previously captured the WBA Middleweight Continental title in 2023 with a victory over Jack Flatley and successfully defended it twice before suffering a knockout loss to Brad Pauls. Now, he’s looking to reclaim his place at the top.

Khati, the reigning French middleweight champion, is eager to claim his first continental title. Since turning pro in 2018, he has put together an impressive resume, winning four of his last five bouts, with his only loss in that stretch coming via majority decision.

Adding to the significance of this fight week, Heaney was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame of his hometown, Stoke, in recognition of his contributions to the sport. Now, he’ll aim to mark the occasion with another belt around his waist.

Wildly popular Nathan Heaney and Brad Pauls fought to a 12-round split draw in a middleweight fight at The Resorts World Arena in Birmingham, England.

It was a very competitive fight that had the crowd into the fight from the beginning. Scores were 116-113 for Heaney; 115-114 for Pauls and 114-114.

Heaney, 159 lbs of Stoke-On-Trent, ENG is 18-0-1. Pauls, 159 lbs of Essex, ENG is 18-1-1.

Liam Davies stopped Erick Robles in round two of their 12-round super bantamweight fight.

In round two, Davies dropped Robles with a hard right uppercut that was followed by a left hook Robles was badly hurt and are two punches and was dropped on his back, and the fight was over at 1:17.

Davies, 121 lbs of Donnington, ENG is 16-0 with eight knockouts. Robles, 121 lbs of Ensenada, MEX is 15-2.

Former Interim world heavyweight champion Joe Joyce beat up and beat down Kash Ali and scored knockout in the waning seconds of their 10-round bout.

In round 10, Joyce landed a big uppercut that put Ali down on his back. He got up just as the referee hit the count of 10 at 2:53.

Joyce, 286 lbs of London, England won by scores of and is now 16-2 with 15 knockouts. Ali, 238 lbs of Ritherham, ENG is 21-3.

Zach Parker won a 10-round unanimous decision over former world champion Tyron Zeuge in a light heavyweight battle.

In round two, Zeuge dropped Parker with a short right hand.

Parker recovered and won most of the remaining rounds and took the cards by scores of 98-91, 97-92 and 96-94 and is now 24-1. Zeuge of Berlin, GER is 27-2-1.

Dennis McCann scored a 12-round unanimous decision over Brand Strand in a battle of undefeated welterweigts.

In round two, McCann dropped Strand with a perfect left-right combination from the southpaw stance. Stand’s face started to redden and bleed throughout the fight.

McCann, 121 lbs of Kent, ENG won by scores of 118-111, 116-111 and 116-112 and is now 15-0-1. Strand, 121 lbs of Liverpool is 11-1.

Owen Copper stopped Ethan James in round nine of a 10-round welterweight bout.

It was a good fight with guys landing good shots. Cooper took control of the fight as he started to snap the head back of James back in the later rounds. The corner of James pulled their man from the fight before round 10.

Cooper or Worcester, ENG is 10-0 with four knockouts. James of Northampton, ENG is 12-1.

(March 13, 2024) — Unbeaten middleweight contender Nathan Heaney will defend his British title against once-beaten Brad Pauls this Saturday, March 16 in the 12-round main event at Resorts World Arena in Birmingham, England. 

In the 12-round co-feature, undefeated junior featherweight Liam Davies will lock horns against Mexico’s Erik Robles Ayala.

The undercard features feature the return of Joe Joyce, a 2016 Olympic silver medalist and former Interim WBO heavyweight champion, in a scheduled 10-rounder against Kash Ali.

Promoted by Queensberry, Heaney-Pauls, Davies-Ayala, Joyce-Ali and additional fight action will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ starting at 2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT.

Heaney (18-0, 6 KOs) is a six-year pro who is coming off his best win yet, a 12-round majority decision against former world title challenger Denzel Bentley. The 34-year-old is ranked No. 4 by the WBO, so he’ll look state his case for a world title shot this year. Pauls (18-1, 10 KOs) made his pro debut in 2015 and went 16-0 before dropping a 10-round decision against Tyler Denny in February 2023. He bounced back with a points victory over Patryk Polasik last May and an eighth-round TKO versus Mitchell Frearson in September.

Davies (15-0, 7 KOs) is on the verge of a world title opportunity. The 27-year-old scored two impressive wins in 2023, a first-round TKO over countryman Jason Cunningham in July and a fifth-round stoppage of then-unbeaten Italian Vincenzo La Femina in November. Ayala (15-1, 9 KOs) upset hometown hero Lee McGregor via unanimous decision in Scotland last July and capitalized on his performance by returning home to decision the previously unbeaten Cesar Vaca Espinoza in December. 

IN OTHER STREAMING ACTION:

Zach Parker (23-1, 17 KOs) vs. Tyron Zeuge (27-1-1, 15 KOs), 10 rounds, Super Middleweights

Dennis McCann (14-0-1, 8 KOs) vs. Brad Strand (11-0, 3 KOs), 12/10 rounds,  Junior Featherweights

Eithan James (12-0) vs. Owen Cooper (9-0, 3 KOs), 10 rounds, James’ WBO European and Vacant English Welterweight Titles 

Pierce O’Leary (13-0, 7 KOs) vs. Hovhannes Martirosyan (16-0, 10 KOs), 10 rounds, O’Leary’s WBC International Junior Welterweight Title 

(Nov. 15, 2023) — Former world title challenger Denzel Bentley will defend his British middleweight title against the unbeaten Nathan Heaney this Saturday, Nov. 18 in the 12-round main event at the AO Arena in Manchester, England. 

In the 12-round co-feature, unbeaten British featherweight phenom Nick Ball steps up to face former world champion Isaac Dogboe in a WBC world title eliminator.

Promoted by Queensberry, Bentley-Heaney, Ball-Dogboe, and a loaded undercard will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ starting at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT.

Bentley (18-2-1, 15 KOs) went 13-0 before drawing against Mark Heffron in September 2020. The 28-year-old then captured the British middleweight crown before suffering a stoppage defeat to Felix Cash. Bentley bounced back with three wins, including a fourth-round TKO victory against Marcus Morrison in September 2022. Two months later, he made an unsuccessful bid for the WBO world title against Janibek Alimkhanuly. Bentley returns following a first-round knockout win versus Kieran Smith in April. Heaney (17-0, 6 KOs) is a six-year pro who is coming off two wins against Jack Flatley. The 34-year-old will look to remain unbeaten as he attempts to derail Bentley’s plans for a second title shot.

Ball (18-0, 11 KOs) debuted as a pro in June 2017 and captured his first regional title in April 2022 with a sixth-round TKO against Isaac Lowe on the Tyson Fury-Dillian Whyte undercard. He has since won three fights via stoppage, including a 12^th-round TKO against Ludumo Lamati in May. Dogboe (24-3, 15 KOs) burst onto the championship scene when he dethroned then-WBO junior featherweight king Jessie Magdaleno in April 2018. He lost the belt to Emanuel Navarrete in December of that year and, following an unsuccessful rematch, moved up to featherweight. Dogboe is coming off a decision loss to Robeisy Ramirez in April for the WBO featherweight world title.

IN OTHER STREAMING ACTION:

Liam Davies (14-0, 6 KOs) vs. Vincenzo La Femina (13-0, 7 KOs) 12 rounds, Davies’ European Union Junior Featherweight Title

Solomon Dacres (7-0, 2 KOs) vs. Michael Webster (9-0, 6 KOs), 10 rounds, Dacres’ English Heavyweight Title

Ekow Essuman (19-0, 7 KOs) vs. Harry Scatff (12-2, 3 KOs), 12 rounds, Essuman’s British, Commonwealth and IBF European Welterweight Titles

Hannah Rankin (13-6, 3 KOs) vs. Ema Kozin (23-1-1, 12 KOs), 10 rounds, Vacant WBC and WBO Junior Middleweight World Titles

Nathaniel Collins (13-0, 7 KOs) vs. Zak Miller (13-0, 3 KOs), 12 rounds, Collins’ British and Commonwealth Featherweight Titles

NATHAN HEANEY REPORTS that his dashing good looks are still intact with his facial features having survived a brush with the dome of Jack Flatley back in September.

Heaney and Flatley were approaching the midway point of a fascinating title fight at the Manchester Arena when battle was halted after Heaney was sliced open above the right eye following a heavy clash of heads.

The fight was stopped on medical advice by referee Steve Gray and Stoke favourite Heaney was judged to be leading on all three cards, therefore retaining his IBO International middleweight title.

The Stoke vs Bolton rivalry will now resume at the Telford International Centre on March 25 when the pair will rematch with the WBA Continental title on the line.

Despite the severity of the wound, Heaney reveals that the fight night doctor adopted a less is more approach when it came to sewing up the gash.

“To be fair it actually healed, superficially, in about a week,” said the 33-year-old ‘Hitman’. “It was dead weird, it was like it never happened a week later. But, I didn’t get punched on it for at least eight weeks after, when I started sparring again.

“Now it is bang-on.

“He literally put four stitches in and I thought ‘is that it?’ for like a cut of that size. So he put four in and two of them fell out two days later!

“When I saw the surgeon in Stoke, he said the doctor at the fight did great because the less stitches you have, the less tight it is in the seal. If it is too tight, basically the skin dies in the seal where the pressure is too much and it doesn’t heal as well.

“So I was buzzing with that, really,” continued Heaney, who has recently sat down to assess his abbreviated night’s work in Manchester.

“I actually watched it back the other day because I hadn’t watched it for ages. The way I felt the fight was going was I was in complete control and I was picking the pace up going into round five.

“Even the round where the commentators had him winning, if I was being very generous, I’d give it a 10-10. I still thought I was winning it when I watched it back.

“He caught me with a right hand in round three, but just because he caught me with a shot doesn’t mean he was winning it, he just did better than he did in the first two when I was jabbing him.

“The way I saw it, I was controlling all the rounds and then picking the pace up. That is why I was moving more and throwing more combinations, which is what led to the head clash coming because he lunged in while I was moving in and out.

“That is how I felt it was going,” concluded Heaney, who went on to answer whether he feels the sequel will follow a similar pattern.

“I would imagine he has to start at a fast pace, but that is a double edged sword because it is a 10-round fight. Unless he believes he can go in there and stop me within the first five rounds… I don’t think he has got the power to do that.

“That is the only way he could change it, but if he gets to round five by setting a really high pace he has got another five rounds of me sticking the jab in his face and stuff.

“In the first few rounds you are gauging each other and setting a game plan. It wasn’t a terribly exciting first five rounds first time around and the exciting part would have been in that second half.

“Now we’ve got the chance to do it again with the crowd much closer this time because my guys were in the gods last time. I don’t think he felt the atmosphere like he will at this event because ticket sales have gone amazing, as always.

“It is a much tighter arena and it will be very loud in there.”

Tickets for the Telford show headlined by Heaney vs Flatley 2 and Cain vs Baluta at Telford International Centre on Saturday, 25 March are on sale now from: ticketmaster.co.uk.

NATHAN HEANEY WILL rematch Jack Flatley with the vacant WBA Continental middleweight title at stake and Andrew Cain will defend his WBC International Silver super bantamweight title against Ionut Baluta at the Telford International Centre on Saturday March 25, live on BT Sport.

Tickets for the Telford show headlined by Heaney vs Flatley 2 and Cain vs Baluta at Telford International Centre on Saturday, 25 March are on sale now available from ticketmaster.co.uk.

NATHAN HEANEY WILL rematch Jack Flatley with the vacant WBA Continental middleweight title at stake and Andrew Cain will defend his WBC International Silver super bantamweight title against Ionut Baluta when Queensberry make a return to the Telford International Centre on Saturday March 25, live on BT Sport.

Stoke hero Heaney (16-0, 6 KOs) and Bolton man Flatley (20-3-1, 4) shared five rounds of action at the AO Arena in Manchester back in September of last year on the undercard of the Joe Joyce-Joseph Parker heavyweight collision.

What appeared to be a close run affair was aborted in the fifth round on the advice of the doctor following a head clash that left Heaney with a severe cut above his right eye. The fight went to the scorecards and Heaney was judged to have been ahead by all three judges.

Liverpool KO-artist Cain (10-0, 9) won his belt via a first-round stoppage of Pablo Ariel Gomez in Telford last April before defending at York Hall against Luis Moreno with the same outcome. A shoulder injury ruled the 26-year-old out of November action but he is set to go again against his toughest opponent to date in Baluta (15-4, 4), the Romanian based in Bushey.

A winner over Irish world champion and Olympian, TJ Doheny and David Oliver Joyce respectively, Baluta went on to fight a close run thing with Michael Conlan before winning the WBC International title by defeating Brad Foster in May of last year.

He then challenged for the vacant European title against Liam Davies in November, with the Telford man prevailing over 12 rounds.

The night that will also see the return of former European super bantamweight champion Jason Cunningham (31-7, 7) to the ring.

“I am really looking forward to it and I suppose it will be dubbed ‘unfinished business’,” said the 33-year-old Hitman Heaney. “There are questions that need answers, with them thinking they were going to beat me in the last fight and me believing the complete opposite.

“I am training hard and looking forward to being back in Telford with a great crowd,” added Heaney, who explained that his apparent unwillingness over the prospect of a rematch on social media in the days after the original fight was due to a feeling of being railroaded by Flatley’s team.

“No, that is not the case. Once people try to force my hand into doing something I immediately think I want nothing to do with them. It was his second and others popping up saying things and, for me, once that happens, I have zero interest in people.

“But, after speaking to George (Warren) it is an interesting fight and when it is on our terms rather than theirs, that is when I become interested. When people try to force it, it doesn’t interest me at all, but now I am right up for it.”

Former English super welterweight champion and European title challenger Flatley, added: “I’m made up and this fight is what I wanted after how it ended last time. I felt like I was getting into the fight, and it ended like it did, so I am buzzing it has been made again.

“Being honest, it was close, and I thought it was 50-50 when it got stopped. I’m not saying I was in front, but they had him winning every round.

“I didn’t think this fight was going to happen again and I don’t think, deep down, Nathan really wants it. He pretty much said on social media that he wasn’t going to fight me, so I am quite surprised, but made up it is happening.

“I don’t know why he has changed his mind and I feel like he might have been pushed into it, or he might have felt pressured by what’s gone on social media and stuff. I don’t know the reason, but I don’t really believe he fully wants to have the fight.

“I think there could probably be an easier option than me, although I’m not saying I’m a world-beater. I want to beat Nathan and then possibly be looking for a shot at the British title after that.”

The 33-year-old Cunningham’s winning run at the weight was ended by Zolani Tete at Wembley in July of last year and Cunningham now gets back on the title trail with a fight for the vacant WBO Intercontinental super bantamweight championship.

Cunningham was originally set to attempt to reclaim his European title from Liam Davies, but injury to the Telford man means the fight is now subject to delay.

Also on the card, Raven Chapman (5-0, 2) will make a first defence of the WBC International featherweight title she won by defeating Jorgelina Guanini in Manchester back in September. The Omen will take on the Czech Lucie Sedlackova (15-1-1, 6) in Telford.

Heavyweight star of the future Moses Itauma will have his second professional fight over four rounds, while Liverpool super bantam Brad Strand (9-0, 3) will hit double figures as a pro with an eight-round assignment.

“Settling the score with Jack Flatley is the right fight for Nathan Heaney and I think we can expect fireworks on the night,” said promoter Frank Warren. “When you have an unsatisfactory ending for both parties in an entertaining fight it is always best to do a rematch in the hope of a conclusive finish.

“Jack’s and his team will fancy the job, while Nathan needs to maintain his winning streak in order to realise his dream of fighting for a major title at Stoke City FC. This fight will deliver the goods and I am looking forward to the atmosphere created by the best crowd in boxing.

“I think we have got a humdinger of a fight in prospect when Andrew Cain takes on Ionut Baluta. Andrew comes in off two spectacular first round stoppages and if he can stop Baluta it will send shockwaves across the division. I am also excited to see Andrew’s teammate Brad Strand move towards title contention in what will be his 10th fight as a pro.

“Unfortunately, Jason Cunningham’s attempt to regain the European title is delayed due to injury to Liam Davies, but Jason gets the opportunity to put himself firmly back in the mix with a fight for the WBA Continental super bantamweight title.

“Barring any mishaps or injuries on January 28, the fans in Telford will also be treated to seeing the second professional fight of future heavyweight champion Moses Itauma.”

Midlands Area welterweight champion Owen Cooper (7-0, 2) from Worcester will be in eight-round action, Telford super lightweight Macaulay Owen (5-0, 1) will fight over six.

While Natty Ngwenya (1-0) makes his Queensberry bow in a four-rounder, Ilkeston super welterweight Jimmy Smith will make his professional debut over four rounds.

Tickets for Heaney vs Flatley and Cain vs Baluta at the Telford International Centre on Saturday March 25 go on sale at 11am on Tuesday January 31 available from Ticketmaster.co.uk.

Joe Joyce won the WBO Interim Heavyweight title with an 11th round stoppage over former WBO champion Joseph Parker at the AO Arena in Manchester, England.

In round two, Parker began to bleed from his nose. In round six, he began to bleed from around his right eye.

In round 11, Joyce landed a booming heft hook that put Parker on the canvas. Parker was badly hurt, and the fight was stopped at 1:03.

Joyce, 271 lbs of England is 15-0 with 14 knockouts. Parker, 255 lbs of South Auckland, NZ is 30-3.

Serrano becomes Undisputed Featherweight Champion

Amanda Serrano became the undisputed Featherweight champion with a 10-round unanimous decision over Sarah Mahfoud.

In round two, Mahfoud was cut on her hairline from a clash of heads.

Serrano, 124 lbs of Brooklyn, NY was the WBA/WBO/WBC champion, added Mahfoud’s IBF belt by scores of 99-92 and 97-93 twice and is now 43-2-1. Mahfoud, 124 lbs of Copenhagen, DEN is 11-1.

Nathan Heaney won a technical unanimous decision over Jack Flatley when a headbutt caused a bad gash over the right eye of Heaney in round five.

Heaney won by scores of 50-45 and 49-46 twice and is now 16-0. Flatley is 19-3-1.

Anthony Cacace won a 12-round split-decision over Mark Magnesi in a super featherweight bout.

In round five, Cacace was cut over the left eye.

Cacace, 129 lbs of Belfast, NI won by scores of 117-111, 116-112 and Magnesi took a card 116-112.

Cacace is 20-1. Magnesi, 129 lbs of Italy is 21-1.

Ekow Essuman won a 12-round unanimous decision over Samuel Antwi.

Essuman won by scores of 117-112, 116-113 and 115-113 and is now 18-0. Antwi is 14-2.

Mark Heffron destroyed Martin Balucio in the opening round of their super middleweight bout,

In the opening round, Heffron landed a hard right that was followed by a crunching left hook and then a right to the chin the froze Balucio and the bout was stopped at

Heffron is now 30-2-1 with 23 knockouts. Balucio of Argentina is 10-7.

Raven Chapman won a eight-round unanimous decision over Jorgelina Guanini

THE HONEYMOON IS on hold for newlywed Nathan Heaney due to a big night beckoning at the AO Arena, Manchester, where he takes on a domestic battle with Jack Flatley on September 24.

Heaney recently tied the knot with Louise, his sweetheart of 11 years, but he knew plans for a sunshine break to mark the occasion would have to be put to one side because a spot on the blockbuster Joyce-Parker card had been earmarked for him and his army of supporters.

Heaney, 33 and 15-0, comes into the Flatley fight off three impressive and hard-fought victories over international opposition, with two stoppages over Konstantin Aleksandrov and Sladan Janjanin before he recovered from a first round knockdown to comfortably outpoint Diego Ramirez.

Now he is set for a Stoke v Bolton collision against Flatley with his IBO International middleweight belt on the line.

He hopes skipping the post-wedding sunshine will be a sacrifice worth making.

“The only thing is having to hold off on the honeymoon because of fighting on the Joyce card, which is a bit of a nightmare, but, but, if everything goes well and I’m sure it will do, it will all be worth it.

“I need to keep the paypackets going now!”

Heaney missed out on a night’s pay when injury ruled him out of the July show at the SSE Arena, Wembley – a night also headlined by Joyce – and he was denied the opportunity of leading his troops into London.

“It was really disappointing, mostly for the fact I would have been fighting in the capital and a new place for my guys to go to. I went down to the show to support and watch it and I thought to myself that the place would have been full of Stokies.

“Over 650 bought tickets off me and, as we got closer, there would have been another 50 or so and it would have been really, really good just to show Frank and everyone where my guys will travel to.

“It obviously didn’t happen and it would have been very silly of me to fight with an injury,” added Heaney, who reports that all is now well on the fitness front.

“I basically sprained a ligament in the back of my shoulder and I had an MRI to check whether it was torn or not. If it was, it would have been really, really bad and I would have had to have surgery, but my injury was more a degeneration of the whole shoulder, which was why I was getting a lot of pain.

“Since I have had treatment it has been really good. I have been boxing for 23 years and it is essentially just wear and tear.”

Tickets for ‘Nowhere to Run’ – the heavyweight clash between Joe Joyce and Joe Parker on 24 September at the AO Arena, Manchester being shown exclusively live on BT Sport Box Office – are priced from £40 and are on sale now exclusively from Ticketmaster.co.uk.

As well as the huge Joyce vs Parker clash, ‘Nowhere To Run’ will see Amanda Serrano bidding to win four world title belts at featherweight when the Puerto Rican superstar makes her UK debut against the unbeaten Dane, Sarah Mahfoud.

Queensberry fighters Anthony Cacace, Ekow Essuman, Raven Chapman and Mark Heffron all feature in the supporting cast of the 24 September ‘Nowhere to Run’ blockbuster at the AO Arena, Manchester, a fight night not-to-be-missed.

Tickets for ‘Nowhere to Run’ – the heavyweight clash between Joe Joyce and Joe Parker on 24 September at the AO Arena, Manchester being shown exclusively live on BT Sport Box Office – are priced from £40 and are on sale now exclusively from Ticketmaster.co.uk.

ANTHONY CACACE, EKOW Essuman, Nathan Heaney, Raven Chapman and Mark Heffron all feature in the supporting cast of the September 24 Joyce-Parker ‘Nowhere to Run’ blockbuster at the AO Arena, Manchester being shown exclusively live on BT Sport Box Office. Joyce vs Parker is promoted by Frank Warren for Queensberry Promotions in association with BOXXER.

The main event heavyweights Joe Joyce and Joseph Parker will, of course, be fighting for the right to take on the winner of the rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua, along with the WBO International, Intercontinental and WBC Silver heavyweight championships. Plus, Amanda Serrano will be bidding to win four world title belts at featherweight when the Puerto Rican superstar battles the unbeaten Dane Sarah Mahfoud.

Cacace (19-1, 7 KOs), 33, will challenge for the IBO world super featherweight title against the unbeaten Italian champion Michael Magnesi (21-0, 13). The 27-year-old from Lazio won the title by defeating Dennis Contreras in April and the British champion from Belfast is his first defence.

Nottingham’s British, IBF European and Commonwealth welterweight champion Essuman (17-0, 7) will be making a third defence of his belts against former English champion Samuel Antwi (14-1, 6) from Stockwell in London.

Essuman, 33, last defended in April at Wembley Stadium with a points verdict over Darren Tetley, having won his British and Commonwealth titles by defeating Chris Jenkins via stoppage in July of last year. Antwi won the vacant English title against Tetley in February 2021 and made a successful defence in February of this year with a unanimous decision win over Conah Walker.

Stoke middleweight Heaney (15-0, 6) will make a second defence of his IBO International title against Bolton’s Jack Flatley (19-2, 4), a recent European title challenger at super welterweight.

Heaney, 33, who is striving towards a major title challenge at the home of his beloved Stoke City, won his IBO belt with a seventh-round stoppage of the experienced Sladan Janjanin in November 2021 and returned to action in April in Telford and survived a first-round scare to ultimately overcome the dangerous Diego Ramirez by a significant margin over 10 rounds.

Former English champion Flatley, known as ‘Quiet Storm’, will come into the fight off two straight victories following his EBU title defeat to Kerman Lejarraga in December of last year. Flatley has a draw on his record against the current British super welterweight champion Troy Williamson.

The Queen of Queensberry, Raven Chapman (3-0, 2), moves quickly into title business with a challenge for the vacant WBC International featherweight championship against Argentina’s Jorgelina Guanini (10-4-2, 1).

The 28-year-old Chapman, known as ‘The Omen’, made her Queensberry debut in May in explosive fashion when she stopped Gabriella Mezei in less than a minute.

She will be stepping up in levels against Guanini, a former IBF world champion at super flyweight, who recently defeated the then unbeaten Brit Stevi Levy in Barcelona. The 30-year-old has previously lost on points to British opposition in Rachel Ball and Ellie Scotney.

The new British super middleweight champion Mark Heffron (28-2-1, 22) from Oldham will also feature on the card in an eight-round contest.

Liverpudlian James Heneghan (7-0) is back out in a six-rounder, while the card is finished off with up-and-coming Queensberry fighters Amaar Akbar (3-0) and Tommy Fletcher (1-0) both in four-round action.

“It is certainly going to be an all-action on BT Sport Box Office in the lead-up to the big heavyweight showdown at the top of the bill in Manchester,” said promoter Frank Warren. “I am thrilled to deliver a major fight for Anthony Cacace after his obvious disappointment over missing out at Wembley Stadium in April and winning this title against an unbeaten champion will put him in such a strong position in the super featherweight division.

“Ekow Essuman will be able to call the British title belt his own if he overcomes a strong challenger from Samuel Antwi in what is his mandatory defence of the belt. The impressive Ekow will quickly be able to move on to European and world honours if he can do the business at the AO Arena.

“It will be exciting to see Nathan Heaney in a good domestic scrap against the tough and very capable Jack Flatley. Nathan has developed and improved enormously in three tricky assignments against overseas opposition, and I am sure his army of fans will be looking forward to this one.

“Our current First Lady, Raven Chapman, really looked the part on her Queensberry debut in May when her opponent was blitzed in just 58 seconds. It showed us that Raven is ready for a step up and former world champion Jorgelina Guanini will provide a stern test of her credentials, with a WBC title on the line.

“Mark Heffron, fresh from his brutal stoppage of Lennox Clarke in July, is fully deserving of a fight closer to home and it will be good to see him really building some momentum as he heads into significant title action later this year.

“Add these four title fights to the four belts being on the line between Amanda Serrano and Sarah Mahfoud, plus the high-stakes heavyweight collision between Joe Joyce and Joseph Parker at the top of the bill and we should be in for a thrilling night of top-class action on September 24 that is not to be missed.”

Tickets for ‘Nowhere to Run’ – the heavyweight clash between Joe Joyce and Joe Parker on 24 September at the AO Arena, Manchester being shown exclusively live on BT Sport Box Office – are priced from £40 and are on sale now exclusively from Ticketmaster.co.uk.

JOE JOYCE WILL battle the experienced German Christian Hammer at the OVO Arena, Wembley on July 2, as part of a huge fight night also featuring Jason Cunningham v Zolani Tete, Callum Johnson and Nathan Heaney, live on BT Sport.

After being out of the ring since his defeat of Carlos Takam in July of last year and suffering a broken wrist that kept him out of action in the first half of this year, Joyce takes his place on the Wembley bill against the 34-year-old German Hammer.

“The most important thing is to get Joe active and confident again after injury,” said promoter Frank Warren. “Christian Hammer is an experienced campaigner who will provide a decent test and give him a good fight, but obviously we expect Joe to come through it successfully and then start preparing for a bigger showdown later this year.

“It was well documented that it was our intention to match Big Joe with Joseph Parker in September, but Parker has now opted to sign a promotional agreement elsewhere. Joe’s route to a world title shot does not revolve around Parker and we have plans in place for a major fight for him in the autumn.”

“I’ve known about Christian Hammer for a while now,” said Joyce from his training base in Las Vegas. “He has fought everybody, it is going to be a good fight, he comes forward and it will be exciting. It is one to get me ready for the next fights coming up.

“I’ve been out of the ring for a whole year now so it will be good to dust off the gloves and shake off the cobwebs. It is going to be a big year, this year and next, with some great fights and I just need to be in the right place.

“I have taken myself out to the right place with this training camp here to bring out the best in me.”

The Hamburg resident, Hammer, has taken on all comers across his near 14-year career, with names such as Tyson Fury, Erkan Teper, David Price, Alexander Povetkin, Luis Ortiz, Tony Yoka, Hughie Fury all featuring on his record. He most recently went the distance with WBO number three ranked Frank Sanchez.

His most recent title success came in 2018 when he defeated Michael Wallisch to win the WBO European championship belt, a title he also won in 2016 with victory over countryman Teper and subsequently made successful defences against David Price and Zine Eddine Benmakhlouf.

The July 2 card at the OVO Arena also includes the highly anticipated super bantamweight collision between European champion Jason Cunningham and two-weight world champion Zolani Tete. Callum Johnson fights Igor Mikhalkin for the WBC Silver light heavyweight title and Stoke favourite Nathan Heaney will make a defence of his IBO International middleweight championship.

Due to a hand injury, Sam Noakes will no longer be defending his WBC International Silver lightweight title on the night against Marc Videl, so the Spaniard will now face an equally formidable foe from the Queensberry ranks in Mark Chamberlain, with the IBF European title on the line. This represents a first title tilt for the 10-0 Chamberlain and his first fight over 10 rounds.

Super featherweight newcomer Royston Barney-Smith has also suffered a hand injury and he is replaced on the card by the 6-0 welterweight Micky Burke jr.

Wycombe super lightweight Henry Turner is fighting over six rounds and Thetford cruiserweight Tommy Fletcher will make his professional debut in a four-round fight having recently signed to Frank Warren and Queensberry.

Tickets for High Stakes at OVO Arena, Wembley on Saturday 2 July are on sale now from £55 available from AXS.com and Ticketmaster.co.uk.

All the offical High Stakes graphics can be downloaded here.

NATHAN HEANEY COULD hardly disguise his delight over his signing of a two-year extension to continue fighting under the promotional banner of Frank Warren and Queensberry.

The 14-0 middleweight from Stoke-on-Trent has been performing in Queensberry colours for his last four fights, resulting in four wins with three via stoppage.

The popular 32-year-old, with his trademark ring entrance, has become one of the best known and charismatic 160-pounders in the country.

Now, with a new deal safely tucked away in his locker, Heaney intends to continue his winning streak while working towards his ultimate goal of taking part in a marquee fight at the home of his beloved Stoke City.

“It was a massive day for me with getting the new deal sorted,” said Heaney, who completed the formalities with a visit to Queensberry HQ in Hertford. “Obviously when I got signed two years ago it was during the lockdown and it was a bit weird. It felt a bit disconnected really doing everything over email.

“It didn’t have that same feeling of going down to the offices and seeing Frank.

“This one was mint, I am so happy with everything and Frank was bloody brilliant. He knows I am never going to take the mick and he also knows I do my best to put on good shows and stuff.

“He was just brilliant, to be honest, and has been so great with me.”

Heaney now confirms that Project Potteries is underway in earnest with the plan being to showcase him on home soil.

“One million per cent. There has already been some discussion with Stoke City and some dates have been proposed but I don’t know if they might be too early in the year and Stoke are having some renovations done.

“That was the main objective of what we were speaking about really. We’ve got the two years and six fights in place so, in between that, we’d like to get the Bet365 Stadium in there.

“I’d love to fight around here anyway but the issue in Stoke is there are no venues. The only one I would want to fight in is the Kings Hall, but it is a 1,300 capacity and Frank knows I can sell pretty much double that.”

Before any glorious homecoming, Heaney will be back in action soon and he reports that a number of competitive names have been put forward.

“We have talked about some names who I would like to fight and there are some really good lads in there, but also winnable fights and hugely competitive.

“It is about building my profile as we go along because what we have in Stoke is unique and there are not many cases where a proper city just gets behind you.

“This is a story where you have got a lad from the small scene followed by 60 people to being one of the main people on Queensberry. It is a crazy tale, especially at the age of 32 as well.”

Images are free to use, please credit: Queensberry Promotions

London, UK (20 July 2021) Big-punching Coventry ace River Wilson-Bent believes that Stoke-on-Trent rival Nathan Heaney doesn’t want to face him for the Vacant English Middleweight title now that purse bids have been called by the BBBofC.

Midlands Area Champion Bent, 27, is gagging for the showdown and senses that Heaney has gone cold after seeing Bent knockout his last three opponents back-to-back in devastating style.

His last fight in May was a thriller against George Farrell when he halted the Derby man in the seventh round and is now looking to take the next step up on his pursuit of the Lonsdale belt.

In an interview with Ali Drew for Hennessy Sports’ YouTube Channel, Bent said, “We’ve shared a couple of rounds, we’ve done a few rounds with each other sparring. Yeah, it will be a great fight, especially for the Midlands area. He’s a Stoke lad and I’m Coventry. The amount of tickets that we’ll both sell, the roof will be lifted. I think the fight should happen. On my behalf and my team’s behalf the fight will happen. The only reason it won’t happen is obviously him. I’d fight him in Stoke in front of all of his fans and I’d walk out first. That doesn’t bother me I want this fight it’s a massive fight. Let’s see what he says,”

Bent continued, “I don’t think he’s up for it to be fair. I hope he proves me wrong but I don’t think he wants the fight. I didn’t see him share it [news of the English title purse bids] when it first came out, I messaged him saying, ‘this is cracking, let’s have it’. He looked at it, seen it, didn’t write anything for a while then he messaged me back saying ‘it would be a cracking fight’. Then I messaged him back saying ‘Are you up for it then?’ Are we going to do it?’ and he didn’t even reply. So he’s looked at it and not replied that indicates to me that he’s had second thoughts or he hasn’t thought about it and I sense he doesn’t want the fight.”

Hammer-fisted Bent, who holds down a full-time job as a roofer, has been compared to a young Ricky Hatton with a similar exciting, hard-hitting, all-action style and can sell a huge amount of tickets due to his popular down-to-earth, man of the people, personality.

He said, “Ricky Hatton’s a legend. If I can pull it off and get the same legacy as he has it it will be a dream,”

Hailing from Exhall, Bent aims to rejuvenate Coventry’s boxing scene that has a rich history with British and Commonwealth Champions champions including Dean Pithie, Neil Simpson, Richard Evatt, Steve Bendall and Andy Halder and he aims to go even further and become the city’s first World Champion.

He added, “Yeah definitely, I want to win the British title, I think there’s been two British champions from Coventry. If I can go on to European and World title. If I win the English next, if I do fight Heaney for it, then it’s the next on the ladder. I’ll keep going up and up. Yeah, bringing boxing back to Coventry will be mad.”

For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

BRAD FOSTER will face Jason Cunningham for the British, Commonwealth and European Super-Bantamweight titles at Utlilita Arena, Birmingham on Saturday August 28, live on BT Sport.

Their eagerly awaited triple title showdown heads a stunning night of action that includes two further British championship contests.

Other big names on the blockbuster bill includes Anthony Yarde and boxing’s biggest ticket seller Nathan Heaney.

British and Commonwealth champion Foster’s promoters Queensberry wiped out their rivals when purse bids were ordered for the showdown against European title holder Cunningham (29-6, 6KOs).

Foster (14-0-2, 5 KOs) lives close to the venue in Lichfield and promoter Frank Warren is backing his legion of fans to roar him on.

Warren said: “It is one of the most evenly matched fights anywhere this year, but we want to give Brad every advantage.

“The bill is outstanding and a big local crowd could be the difference come fight night. What a fight it will be.

“I expected Brad to be facing Gamal Yafai, but Jason was exceptional when he beat him. Brad has been in fantastic form since he signed with Queensberry and it’s hard to believe he’s only 23.”

Doncaster southpaw Cunningham caused a huge upset when he snatched the European crown from Yafai in May.

Foster last fought in March when he scored a shut out points win against Alvaro Rodriguez to pick up the vacant IBF International belt.

Former World Light-Heavyweight title challenger Yarde (20-2, 19 KOs) has a warm-up ahead of his likely rematch against Commonwealth champion Lyndon Arthur, who controversially outpointed him last December.

Akeem Ennis-Brown (14-0, 1 KO) will risk his British and Commonwealth Super-Lightweight championships against Liverpool’s former amateur superstar Sam Maxwell (15-0, 11 KOs).

The Gloucester man hasn’t boxed since winning his title in a points win against Philip Bowes last September.

He had been due to face Maxwell in March, but was injured and his challenger had to be content with a points win against late sub Ben Fields.

Belfast’s Anthony Cacace (18-1, 7 KOs) will finally get to defend his British Super-Featherweight crown against Lyon Woodstock (12-2, 5 KOs).

Injuries and illness has prevented the fight taking place since it was first scheduled last August, and it promises to be a cracking 12 rounder.

In a fourth title fight Telford’s Liam Davies (9-0, 4 KOs) will make his first defence of the English Bantamweight title he won so impressively against Sean Cairns last November.

Warren added: “Ennis-Brown v Maxwell and Cacace v Woodstock fights promise and will deliver excitement for those lucky enough to be there and BT Sport viewers.

“This is a card that no one can have any complaints about.”

Stoke Middleweight Heaney(12-0, 4 KOs) will have his raucous army behind him when he boxes a ten rounder in his third fight under the Queensberry banner.

Warren hopes that next summer, Heaney will be fighting on an open air show at the bet365 Stadium, home of his beloved Stoke City.

Northampton Super-Lightweight  Eithan James (5-0) will box a six rounder on the bill.

Dublin’s Willo Hayden a training partner of Conor McGregor makes his professional debut in a four round Super-Lightweight contest.

Also in four round action is Nottingham Light-Heavyweight Ezra Taylor (1-0, 1 KO) and Telford debutant Super-Lightweight Macauley Owen.

NATHAN HEANEY says he could have sold 2000 tickets for his next fight, with added interest coming once Stoke’s female contingent got wind of Tommy Fury’s involvement.

Stoke-on-Trent’s massive ticket seller is back at Telford International Centre on Saturday June 5 when he meets Bulgarian Iliyan Markov (6-14-2, 3 KOs), live on BT Sport.

COVID restrictions have limited Heaney’s promoters Queensberry on the number of fans allowed into the venue, and just 1000 can attend.

Heaney (11-0, 3 KOs) grabbed 600 tickets and was besieged by supporters who wanted to be at his first fight in front of fans for 15 months.

They will make the 30 mile trip in a convoy of coaches that are leaving from Stoke City’s stadium.

Heaney, 32, who outpointed Ryan Oliver behind closed doors in February revealed “I have sold 600 tickets. I could easily have shifted 1500 tickets and perhaps 2000.

“About 400 women wanted to go when they discovered Tommy Fury was on the bill, but they missed out this time.

“I gave first option to everyone who went to my last fight where fans were allowed. I privately messaged everyone who went to my contest against Christian Schembri last year.

“I let them know a few days before the fight was announced and they put their names down first. The allocation was gone in an instant and I now have a waiting list of 500 people.

“I want to get on Frank Warren’s big shows. I love representing my city and I want to give my Stoke lot some great nights on BT Sport shows.

“On June 5, Frank will see the atmosphere I can bring. I am not even the main feature. Daniel Dubois is the headliner. Tommy Fury will be the main feature. I am a side act.

“Make no mistake on the night you will think I am the headliner. That isn’t my doing, it is those who support me. It is scary how loyal they are.”

When Heaney turned professional in 2017 he immediately adopted Stoke City anthem ‘Delilah’, as his walk out music and admits he wasn’t quite Tom Jones.

But as the ticket sales mushroomed the singing improved and the reception has got more raucous from his fellow Stoke City fans.

Heaney who never misses a home match at the Bet365 stadium said: “This all kicked off from my third fight when I boxed on a Channel 5 card.

“My fight wasn’t screened but during the broadcast all you could hear was my fans singing the Stoke City anthem, Delilah.

“Nobody watching knew the reason why. At the next Stoke City home game a few lads said they wanted to come to the next fight and it has taken off.

“I have always done that walk out even in an empty Kings Hall, but one day knew it could look really, really good and full of Stoke lads

“It has really captured the imagination and it’s the guys that follow me who created it, not me.

“Once there was only about 60 people there and I hadn’t finessed the walk, but I still walked into the hall singing Delilah at the top of my voice.

“By the time I beat Tom Stokes for the Midlands title in my seventh fight it was really taking off and since then it has snowballed.”

Fury v Grant is on a bill that is headlined by Daniel Dubois (15-1, 14 KOs) who challenges Bogdan Dinu (20-2, 16 KOs) for the vacant WBA interim Heavyweight title.

Belfast’s Middleweight Caoimhin Agyarko (8-0, 5 KOs) is back and will be aiming for his fifth successive inside the distance win when he boxes Mexican Ernesto Olvera (11-6-1, 3 KOs)

Stoke-on-Trent’s hugely popular Middleweight Nathan Heaney (11-0, 3 KOs) has his second fight under the Queensberry banner when he meets Bulgarian Iliyan Markov (6-14-2, 3 KOs).

 Unbeaten English Bantamweight champion Liam Davies (8-0, 3 KOs) faces Bulgaria’s Stefan Slavchev (11-38-2, 4 KOs).

 Featherweight Adan Mohamed (1-0) boxes a four rounder against Luke Fash (2-59-2).

 Also on the show is 18-year-old decorated amateur George Bance who makes his professional debut after signing with Queensberry.

NATHAN HEANEY insists fighting at Stoke City’s Bet365 Stadium next summer for the British Middleweight title is more than a dream.

The biggest ticket seller in British boxing believes that signing with Frank Warren makes it a realistic target.

The Stoke-on-Trent hero is back in action at Telford International Centre on Saturday June 5 when he faces Bulgarian Iliyan Markov (6-14-2, 3 KOs), live on BT Sport.

COVID regulations allow just 1000 fans at the show, but Heaney’s allocation of 600 tickets was sold in minutes.

Heaney (11-0, 3 KOs) who lives on the same road as his beloved football team’s ground said: “All the way through my career people have asked me about boxing at the Bet365.

“I didn’t have a major promoter then although I had a great one in BCB, most of their shows are small hall.

“Now I have Frank Warren behind me, people have asked would you have to fight for a World or European title to get a fight there?

“I think there is something special going on in our city and I really believe that if Frank put me in a British title fight it could happen.

“You would need the Queensberry superstars on there to make it a real event, but I really do think the city is going crazy for my fights.

“I want to push for Frank and Queensberry to put on a show at the Bet365 Stadium. I do think it is possible in the Summer of 2022.

“The location is fantastic for getting to and from Liverpool and Manchester. London is only 90 minutes on a train and the atmosphere it could create will be the best boxing atmosphere ever in a football stadium.

“I have to keep winning, moving up the rankings and hopefully get that British title shot.”

Heaney is under no illusions that he must progress and show Warren that he can deliver on a gigantic stage.

As well as his performances adding to his fan base, clips of his walk out to Stoke City anthem Delilah have gone viral.

Nathan, 32, added: “I am realistic and know the score. Felix Cash’s British title winning performance against Denzel Bentley was dangerous.

“If any British Middleweight looked at that and thought; ‘I’m having him next week,’ they’re lying.

“That is why I say next summer for the British title because I can have some good step up fights between now and then. I could have three or even four fights in that time.

“More than anything in the world that is what I want. To be British champion would be amazing.

“I have visions in my head of what the walk out would be. It would be one of the greatest things ever, but I need to speak with Frank about this sort of stuff.

“We will get together soon and see what the plans are.”

Daniel Dubois (15-1, 14KOs) returns to the ring on Saturday June 5 when he takes on Bogdan Dinu (20-2, 16KOs) for the WBA Interim heavyweight title. Light heavyweight favourite Tommy Fury is also in action in his sixth fight as a professional.

WBO ranked number four featherweight, Archie Sharp (19-0, 9 KOs) returns in his first fight under new trainer Alan Smith, while Belfast Middleweight Caoimhin Agyarko (8-0, 5 KOs) will be aiming for his fifth successive inside the distance win. Stoke-on-Trent’s huge popular middleweight Nathan Heaney (11-0, 3 KOs) has his second fight under the Queensberry banner when he meets Bulgarian Iliyan Markov (6-14-2, 3 KOs).

Also on the show are unbeaten English bantamweight champion Liam Davies (8-0, 3 KOs), featherweight Adan Mohamed (1-0)  and 18-year-old decorated amateur George Bance, who makes his professional debut after signing with Queensberry. 

HUGELY POPULAR STOKE middleweight Nathan Heaney has signed a promotional agreement with Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions.

Known as ‘Hitman’, the 10-0 Heaney fought on a Queensberry show – and delivered an impressive performance – back in November at Arena, Birmingham where he overcame Nelson Altamirano via a fifth round stoppage.

His most recent encounter, shortly before lockdown in mid-March, saw him defeat Christian Schembri to claim the vacant IBO Continental super middleweight title on his home patch of the Kings Hall in Stoke.

In June 2019, the now 31-year-old won the vacant Midlands Area belt on points after edging Tom Stokes over 10 rounds.

Heaney’s public profile has been notably increased in recent months by the social media release of his ring entrances in front of his passionate Stoke fans bellowing out the Tom Jones 1968 hit ‘Delilah’.

The ring walk and raucous atmosphere has captured the imagination and Heaney hopes his exploits result in major TV shows finding their way to his home town now he is under the promotional navigation of Frank Warren.

“It is like a childhood or young adult’s dream for me,” said the lifelong Stoke City supporter. “When I was a young amateur years ago and you had the dream of winning an ABA title and that sort of stuff, the whole idea behind it was so you could get signed by Frank Warren in the end.

“That was my goal all the way through. So it is like a dream come true for me to be signed by Frank Warren. He has always been the top dog and there is no-one else like him, so this is a dream for me.

“It is a strange one because I know Frank normally signs young fighters but, while I am 31, I am a young 31 and was a late developer as well growing up. I think that is why the seniors were always tough for me in the early part of my amateur days, just because I didn’t have that man-strength.

“I genuinely now feel like I am a 24-year-old and have, one hundred per cent, got some good years left in me,” he added, before suggesting his social media stardom can only help in propelling him to the next level.

“The video that went viral of me recently means people across the country recognise my name a little bit more, but I have also been performing well and I won the Midlands Area title against a good kid, while being matched really well.

“So while I’ve got the entrance and all my supporters, luckily I can fight as well. It would be horrible to have all this support and not be able to back it up in the ring.

“I think they can really do something with my crowd because I believe the occasions to be amongst the most exciting in the UK. They don’t stop singing all the way through, they are loyal as anything and I really believe Frank Warren and Queensberry can build something around my support – I really do.

“I will wait to see what the plans for me are in terms of what titles to go for and who they want me fighting. Be it Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool – I know I will take a lot of people with me.”

While plans are, indeed, being drawn up down promotional corridors, Heaney himself has recently become something of a target for fellow 160-pounders with several call-outs coming via social media channels.

“It’s funny because at first I thought they were just calling for me because they thought they could beat me, but then I realised. There is a lad down south – I don’t want to mention his name – who keeps mentioning me and I know why he’s doing it.

“When you mention the Stoke lad they know they will sell loads more tickets. It is like using my name and my supporters to basically jump start their careers, whereas I had to put the graft in and build up my following.

“They are just trying to jump on the train. If they had half a football backing and their supporters knew they were fighting a lad from Stoke, they would sell hundreds more tickets.

“I replied saying ‘pay your dues to the professional game, win some ranking points and then I will happily sort you out. Until then stop talking about me because my missus is getting jealous!'”

“I’ve got a few fighters wanting to fight me now so I won’t be short of opponents when we get going again.”