LONDON, UK (October 5, 2024) – Former World Champion Shannon Courtenay returns to the ring on Saturday, October 19th at the Copper Box Arena in London.

Courtenay captured the WBA World Bantamweight Title with a unanimous points win over Ebanie Bridges at the Copper Box Arena in April

2021. 

The 31-year-old from Watford is back in action for the first time since a points victory over Gemma Ruegg in December 2022 as she looks to revive her promising career and recapture world honours. 

Shannon Courtenay said: “It’s been a long time coming but I’m excited to finally be back and looking to make a statement to announce myself back on the big stage and get back in the mix winning more world titles.”

BOXXER Founder and CEO Ben Shalom said: “It’s great to see Shannon back in the ring and back at the Copper Box Arena where she won her WBA World Title in 2021. She is another exciting addition to a stacked card on October 19th. With the backing of Spencer Brown and Goldstar, I’m sure she’s got a big future ahead of her.”

Spencer Brown, Goldstar CEO, said: “We’re looking forward to getting Shannon back in the ring for the first of many exciting fights on her road to becoming undisputed world champion.”

Fights fans can expect a highly-charged atmosphere when British super lightweight rivals Adam Azim and Ohara Davies go toe-to-toe on Saturday, October 19th at the Copper Box Arena, presented by BOXXER, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA. 

WBO #1 ranked light heavyweight star Anthony Yarde makes his highly anticipated return to the ring, Dan Azeez faces unbeaten rival Lewis Edmondson in a crunch light heavyweight clash, Michael McKinson takes on South Africa’s Tulani Mbenge for the vacant IBO World Welterweight Title, Jeamie TKV and Franklin Ignatius reignite their amateur rivalry in a hotly anticipated heavyweight showdown, and rising bantamweight star Francesca Hennessy returns to action. 

Tickets, starting from £35, are on sale now via BOXXER.com 

This event is presented in association with official partners HELL Energy, Car Finance 247 and That Prize Guy. 

Tickets, starting from £35, are on sale now via BOXXER.com 

This event is presented in association with official partners HELL Energy, Car Finance 247 and That Prize Guy. 

Luis Alberto Lopez won the IBF Featherweight title with a majority decision over Josh Warrington at The First District Arena in Warrington’s hometown of Leeds, England.

Lopez, 124.3 lbs of Mexicali. MEX won by scores of 115-113 twice and 114-114 and is now 27-2. Warrington, 125.3 lbs of Leeds, England is now 31-2-1.

Ebanie Bridges made the first defense of the IBF Bantamweight title with a eighth round stoppage over Shannon O’Connell.

In round three, Bridges dropped O’Connell with a big counter right. In round five, the right side of O’Connell’s face began to swell up.

In round eight, Bridges continues to pound away on O’Connell and then land a flurry of flush shots before the fight was stopped at 1:45.

Bridges, 117.75 lbs of New South Wales, AUS is 9-1 with four knockouts. O’Connell, 117.35 lbs of Sacks Creek, AUS is 23-7-1.

Felix Cash remained undefeated with a eight-round decision over Celso Neves in a super middleweight bout.

Cash, 166 lbs of Workingham, ENG won by a 77-75 score and is now 16-0. Neves, 166.2 lbs of Basel, SWI us 9-3-2.

James Metcalf stopped Courtney Pennington at the end of round six of their 10-round super welterweight bout.

Metcalf, 153.6 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is now 24-2 with 15 knockouts. Pennington, 153.1 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 16-6-3.

Koby McNamara won a four-round decision over Nabil Ahmed in a super bantamweight bout.

McNamara, 120.1 lbs of Leeds, ENG won by a 40-37 score and is now 4-0. Ahmed, 120.3 lbs of Bartley, ENG is 1-12-2.

Former world champion Shannon Courtenay won an eight-round decision over Gemma Ruegg in a super bantamweight fight.

Coutenay, 124.7 lbs of Watford, ENG won by a 77-75 score and is now 8-2. ruegg, 124.8 lbs of Bournemouth, ENG is 6-6.

Cory O’Regan remained undefeated with a fourth round stoppage over Antonio Rodriguez in a six-round lightweight bout.

In round four, O’Regan drove Rodriguez to the ropes and landed 14 unanswered blows and the fight was stopped at 2:03.

O’Regan, 137.8 lbs of Heckmondwike, ENG is 9-0 with one knockout. Rodriguez, 136.7 lbs of Las Palmas, SPA is 7-28-8.

Hopey Price remained undefeated with a eight-round decision over Jonathan Santana in a super bantamweight fight.

In round three, Price dropped Santana with a straight to the body.

Price, 123.2 lbs of Leeds, ENG won by an 80-72 score and is now 9-0. Santana, 123.8 lbs of Las Palmas, SPA is 9-4-1.

Junaid Bostan stopped Athanasios Glynos in round five of their six-round super welterweight bout.

In round five, Bostan landed a left hand on the chin that put Glynos down and the fight was stopped at 46 seconds.

Bostan, 155.5 lbs of Rotherham, ENG is 4-0 with four knockouts. Gkynos, 155.5 lbs of Athens, GRE is 2-2.

Rhiannon Dixon remained undefeated with a eight-round decision over Kristine Shergold in a lightweight contest.

Dixon, 134.8 lbs of Wigam, ENG won by a 8-73 score and is now 7-0. Shergold, 134.3 lbs of Exeter, ENG is 7-7-1.

Former world title challenger Liam Smith stopped crosstown rival Anthony Fowler in round eight of their scheduled 12-round super welterweight contest in Liverpool, England.

In round one, Smith was cut around the left eye. In round four, Fower started to bleed from around his left eye, In round five, Smith dropped Fowler with a hard right to the head.

In round eight, Smith ended things with a powerful left hook that sent Fowler down again, and the fight was stopped at 2:04.

Smith, 154 lbs of Liverpool is 30-3-1 with 17 knockouts. Fowler, 153.1 lbs of Liverpool is 15-2.

Williamson Stops Cheeseman in 10

Troy Williamson stopped Ted Cheeseman in round 10 of a scheduled 12-round junior middleweight fight.

It was a back and forth brawl that saw Williams drop Cheeseman in the 10th frame with a vicious left hook to the jaw, and the bout was stopped at

Williamson, 153.1 lbs of Darlington, ENG is 17-0-1 with 13 knockouts. Cheesman, 153 lbs of Bermondsey, ENG is 17-3-1.

McGrail Wins Pro Debut with Decision over Harrison

Peter McGrail made a successful pro debut with a six-round decision over Ed Harrison in a super bantamweight fight.

McgRail, 127.1 lbs of Liverpool won by a 60-54 score and is now 1-0. Harrison, 128.5 lbs of Blackpool, ENG is 2-9.

Mitchell wins WBA Bantamweight Title with Unanimous Decision over Courtenay

Jamie Mitchell wrestled the WBA Bantamweight title with a 10-round majority decision over Shannon Courtenay

Mitchell, 117.5 lbs of California, won by scores of 97-93, 96-94 and 95-95 and now is a world champion with a record of 7-0-2. Courtenay, who lost her title before the fight was she weighed in at 120.5 lbs is now 7-2.

Conway Decisions Metcalf

Kieron Conway won a 10-round unanimous decision over James Metcalf in a super welterweight bout.

Conway, 156.1 lbs ogf Northampton, ENG won by scores of 96-94 and 96-95 twice and is now 17-2-1. Metcalf, 156 1/2 lbs of Liverpool is 21-2.

Luke Wills remained undefeatd with a 10-round majotity decision over Rylan Charlton in a lightweight fight.

Wills, 134.6 lbs of Liverpool won by scores of 95-94 twice and 95-95 and is now 11-0. Charlton, 134.6 lbs of Norwich, ENG is 6-2-1.

Solomon Dacres remained undefeated with an eight-round decision over Kamil Sokoloweski in a heavyweight bout.

Dacres, 227.6 lbs of Brirmingham, ENG win by a 78-74 score and is now 3-0. Sokolowski, 239.6 lbs of Poland is 10-23-2.

Robbie Davies Jr. stopped Jonny Phillips in round four of their scheduled six-round super lightweight fiht.

The time of the stoppage was 2:28 of round four for Davies, 143 1/2 lbs of Liverpool, who ups his record to 21-3 with 14 knockouts. Phillips, 140 lbs of Sandhurst, ENG is 5-8.

Blane Hyland won a four-round decision over Santiago San Euseebio in a super flyeright contest.

Hyland, 117 lbs of Liverpool won by a 39-37 score and is now 5-1. Eusebio, 118 1/2 lbs of Lyon, FRA is 3-2-2.

Shannon Courtenay has dreams of unifying the Bantamweight division but must first navigate a tricky maiden WBA World Title defence against undefeated American Jamie Mitchell on the undercard of Liam Smith vs. Anthony Fowlerat the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool this Saturday October 9, live worldwide on DAZN. 

‘The Baby Face Assassin’ (7-1, 3 KOs), who is set to fight in Liverpool for the first time as a professional this weekend, picked up the black and gold belt after defeating Australia’s Ebanie Bridges on points following a punishing battle at the Copper Box Arena in April.

The 28-year-old from Watford isn’t taking ‘The Miracle’ Mitchell lightly and is relishing pitting herself against the former amateur standout who trains at the famous Mayweather Gym in Las Vegas under the tutelage of former professional boxer Dewey Cooper.

“To be honest with you, after Rachel Ball pulled out we could have taken a nice easy defence,” said Courtenay. “We picked someone who was ranked number one in America. I’m not here to play games. I want good defences because I know it’s only going to get harder. Mark my words, that World Title is staying in England.

“She’s from the Mayweather Gym so she has that nice slick defensive movement about her. She’s got a lovely jab. She had a good amateur career. She’s a big name in America. Her name carries a bit of weight. She starts sharp and has good torso and head movement. Physically she has the same structure as me. It’s going to be a good fight. We both hit quite hard.

“I’m proud of what I’ve achieved, but I’d be lying if I said I was content, because I’m not content. I thought I would wake up after winning the World Title feeling content, but I didn’t. I want more now; I want more titles and I want to go on and unify the division. I’m happy and I’m proud but I’m not content – I want more!

“You’ve seen the power that I have, I can cause concussive one-punch knockouts, which not many women can do. Of course I believe I can do that to anyone in the division. And still! That belt is coming home with me. Nobody is taking it off me. I respect any fighter, especially someone that can get ranked in America. You know that they’re going to bring fire, so I’m just prepared for a good fight.”

Courtenay vs. Mitchell is part of a stacked night of action in Liverpool, former WBO Super-Welterweight Word Champion Liam Smith (29-3-1, 16 KOs) meets 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallist and Rio 2016 Olympian Anthony Fowler (15-1, 12 KOs) in a massive all-Liverpool clash for local bragging rights, Ted Cheeseman (17-2-1, 10 KOs) puts his British Super-Welterweight Title on the line against Troy Williamson (16-0-1, 12 KOs) following his brilliant stoppage win over James Metcalf in Gibraltar, Northampton’s Kieron Conway (16-2-1, 3 KOs) looks to bounce back from his loss to Souleymane Cissokho on the Canelo vs. Saunders undercard when he meets James Metcalf (21-1, 13 KOs), decorated amateur star Peter McGrail makes his highly anticipated professional debut against Ed Harrison (2-8), Tony Bellew-managed Lightweight Luke Willis (10-0, 1 KO) clashes with Norwich’s Rylan Charlton (6-1-1, 3 KOs), two-time World Title challenger Natasha Jonas (9-2-1, 7 KOs) returns after her thrilling fight with Katie Taylor in May, Birmingham Heavyweight hope Solomon Dacres (2-0, 1 KO) steps up against the experienced Kamil Sokolowski (10-22-2, 4 KOs) in just his third fight, Wigan Lightweight Rhiannon Dixon (3-0) fights for the second time this year and Blane Hyland (4-1) meets Santiago San Eusebio (3-1-2, 2 KOs) in a four round Super-Flyweight contest. 

Jamie Mitchell has vowed to make her Saturday October 9 WBA Bantamweight World Title showdown a “dark and devastating” experience for reigning champion Shannon Courtenay at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool. 

The pair were originally set to clash on the third and final instalment of Matchroom Fight Camp on August 14 before Watford’s Courtenay withdrew after sustaining an injury, but will now lock horns on the huge Liam Smith vs. Anthony Fowler card next week, live worldwide on DAZN.

Mitchell (6-0-2, 4 KOs), who is trained by former pro Dewey Cooper in Nevada, was ranked at No.1 in the USA at Super-Bantamweight in 2016 before turning professional a year later with a points win over another accomplished amateur Dalia Gomez at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton. 

‘The Miracle’ has remained undefeated in her seven fights since, picking up stoppage wins over Letrail Solomon, Claudia Vargas Ramirez, Ana Karen Compean and Noemi Bosques, and the 36-year-old heads into her first title fight brimming with confidence.

“I’m called ‘The Miracle’ because I have endured so much in my life that others would never survive,” said Mitchell. “On October 9 there is nothing that Shannon Courtney can do to me that I haven’t already experienced. I plan to take all of my anger, all of my frustration and all of my ill will out on her body.

“I go to the gym every day to train my body. I go to the gym every day because the voices in my head tell me to. I go to the gym to hurt people and I go to the gym to take out my frustration. I fully believe that my work ethic is unmatched and I have full belief that my team and the voices will guide me to victory.

“I have learnt many things in my years of boxing and I feel that my toolbox is a lot bigger than Shannon’s, and if for some unforeseen reason it’s not, I will take that toolbox and use it on her too! With my God-given talent and the voices and in my head, Shannon Courtney is going to need a miracle to escape this fight without choking on her own blood.

“I plan on making it a dark and devastating night for her. Halloween is 22 days after my fight so I’m going to make sure Shannon doesn’t need any makeup! My message to Shannon is that the voices in my head are telling me you have something I want. What I want is that shiny new black and gold WBA belt. That’s what’s going to make us happy and that’s what is going to happen on October 9. I guarantee it!”

Courtenay vs. Mitchell is part of a stacked night of action in Liverpool, former WBO Super-Welterweight Word Champion Liam Smith (29-3-1, 16 KOs) meets 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallist and Rio 2016 Olympian Anthony Fowler (15-1, 12 KOs) in a massive all-Liverpool clash for local bragging rights, Ted Cheeseman (17-2-1, 10 KOs) puts his British Super-Welterweight Title on the line against Troy Williamson (16-0-1, 12 KOs) following his brilliant stoppage win over James Metcalf in Gibraltar, Northampton’s Kieron Conway (16-2-1, 3 KOs) looks to bounce back from his loss to Souleymane Cissokho on the Canelo vs. Saunders undercard when he meets James Metcalf (21-1, 13 KOs), decorated amateur star Peter McGrail makes his highly anticipated professional debut, Tony Bellew-managed Lightweight Luke Willis (10-0, 1 KO) clashes with Norwich’s Rylan Charlton (6-1-1, 3 KOs), two-time World Title challenger Natasha Jonas (9-2-1, 7 KOs) returns after her thrilling fight with Katie Taylor in May, Birmingham Heavyweight hope Solomon Dacres (2-0, 1 KO) steps up against the experienced Kamil Sokolowski (10-22-2, 4 KOs) in just his third fight, Wigan Lightweight Rhiannon Dixon (3-0) takes on Anaelle Angerville (1-1-1) over four rounds and Blane Hyland (4-1) meets Santiago San Eusebio (3-1-2, 2 KOs) in a four round Super-Flyweight contest. 

Conor Benn Scored an impressive 1st round stoppage over Samuel Vargas in the opening round of heir scheduled 12-round welterweight bout at the Copper Box Arena in London England.

Vargas landed a hard right that was followed by a uppercut that hurt Vargas. Benn jumped all over Vargas and landed vicious flurry and the fight was stopped at 1:20.

Benn, 146.6 lbs of Essex, ENG is 18-0 with 12 knockouts. Vargas, 146.6 lbs of Bogota, COL is 31-7.

“I train hard for it,” said Benn. “Again, you’re talking levels. It shows the level I’m at. Errol Spence, Danny Garcia, Vergil Ortiz, Amir Khan – nobody banged him out like that. First round, first round! He came and he was game. He took my belt off me in the week and I had a little stare down with him.

“He was telling me he was ready to fight, and he was talking a good game. He said I had no power. It’s irrelevant because a lot of people can talk. My shots were landing flush. You could tell they were hurting him. When I first hit him it landed swiftly and I thought, ‘right, this is going to be a much quicker night than I thought’.

“I’ve been working on my power with my strength and conditioning coach Dan Lawrence. We’ve been working with Tony, endless hours. First to arrive last to leave. He’s always pushing me. I told you lot I’d knock him out in the first round. I was cool, calm and collected. I work so hard. 

“Give me Amir Khan. I know he’s too busy on reality TV. If he wants it, he can have it. I can deal with pressure. I can cope with it. I can live with it, no problem. I’m ready for the top dogs – Shawn Porter, Adrien Broner? Forget the word prospect, I ain’t a prospect no more.”

Marshall stops Lindberg in 3; Retains Middleweight Title

Savannah Marshall remained undefeated and retained her WBO Middleweight title with a 3rd round stoppage over late-replacement Maria Lindberg

In round two, Marshall dropped Lindberg with a right hand. In round three, it was a left hook that put Lindberg on the deck, and she was counted out at 1:11.

Marshall, 159.9 lbs of Hartlepool, ENG is 10-0 with eight knockouts. Lindberg, 154 lbs of Malmo, SWE is 19-7-2.

“To be honest, I really didn’t think it would pan out like that,” said Marshall. “Maria is one tough woman. She keeps herself in shape all year round. She’d never been stopped in 27-fights. I thought I was in for a bit of a tough night’s work.

“Once I started finding my range with the jab then the backhand just found its way home and I don’t think she could handle the power. She just said there she’s never been dropped in 23 years! I’m quite proud of that.

“On Sunday, I didn’t even think I was going to fight, and then they brought Maria in. It kind of rocked the boat a bit. A quick change of tactics and we got the job done. She’s been in with some good girls, Christina Hammer, she’s boxed for numerous World Titles. She wanted mine, but she’s not getting it. I’m truly grateful to Maria for stepping up. Big thanks to her.

“I’ve heard whispers we’re going back to Newcastle in July, hopefully with crowds. I’d love to box for the IBF Title which is vacant. I feel good at this weight, I’m a big Middleweight. Me against Shields is the only fight at the bigger weights. It has to happen really. There’s nowhere else for her to go. She needs me just as much as I need her.”

Courtenay Decisions Bridges in war; Wins Bantamweight Title

Shannon Courtenay won the WBA Bantamweight with a unanimous decision over Ebanie Bridges in a toe-to-toe slugfest

In round two, both Bridges and Courtenay were cut from a headbutt. Bridges on her forehead, and Courtenay around her right ear. In round five, the left eye of Bridges started to swell.

Bridges continued to push the pace and even hurt Courtenay in round seven. Courtenay had a strong final few rounds, and won y scores of 98-92 twice and 97-94.

Courtenay, 117.1 lbs of Watford, ENG is 7-1. Bridges, 117 lbs of New South Wales, AUS is 5-1.

“Amazing. I don’t want to cry. Amazing,” said Courtenay. “I feel like my jab won me the fight to be honest. My conditioning, my attrition, all of the hard work. My two coaches Charlie and H kill me on a daily basis. They kill me in the gym. I hate them for it, but it bloody paid off. My nice jab, my fitness and my conditioning won me that fight.

“I have to give credit to her because that was a bloody good fight. She was tougher than I thought she’d be. I knew if I stuck to my boxing I’d win. I had to keep listening to Charlie – he kept saying, ‘box, box, box’. When I was getting into a war it was stupid of me. The jab won me the fight.

“There was respect before I got in the ring because anybody that gets in the ring deserves respect. I now have more respect for her. When it was a shootout that was my own stupidity. I’ve come a long way. I’ve said it all week. Tonight is proof that anyone can turn their life around.

“I’m a different person to who I was back then. I’m a World Champion baby! I’m wearing this belt everywhere. This is such a proud moment for me. This is such a good example to young girls that you can turn your life around. I can’t put it into words.”

Farooq Decisions Espinoza

Kash Farooq win a 10-round unanimous decision over Alexander Espinoza in a bantamweight bout.

It was an action packed fight that saw both fighters scrap from in close. In round seven, Farooq was cut around his right eye, The blood was caused by a head clash.

Farooq, 117 lbs of Glasgow, SCO won by scores of 97-93, 97-94 and 97-95 and is now 15-1. Espinoza, 117.8 lbs of Managua, NIC is 20-3-2.

“I’m over the moon with the performance,” Farooq told Sky Sports. “I knew it was going to be a tough fight. I came as an underdog, he was the champion. He took some really heavy shots and he kept coming and coming. 

“When you’re a champion you don’t want to give your belt up. He just wanted to win. That’s why he came here. I wasn’t going to be denied. It’s a lot of hard work in the gym. Practice, practice and practice. It’s second nature because I’ve been working on this for such a long time. I can see the punches coming.”

Campbell Takes Out Frohlich in 2

Nick Campbell made a successful pro debut with a 2nd round stoppage over Petr Frohlich in a scheduled six-round heavyweight bout.

Campbell dropped Frohlich in the 2nd frame with a right. He finished off the fight with a flurry that forced a referee stoppage at 41 seconds.

Campbell, 248.8 lbs of Glasgow, SCO is 1-0 with one knockout. Frohlich, 226.6 lbs of Most, CZE is 2-31-1.

“I like to try and stay humble, I expected to get rid of that guy to be honest with you,” said Campbell. “I know he’s not been knocked out many times in his losses and he’s tough. He took some shots there. I’m pleased with how it went. I put him down once and then the referee jumped in and stopped it.

“In my opinion it was the dream debut. Making my debut on a stage like that after everything that happened in the past year is something that I’d have never of dreamed of. I’m just buzzing to be here and to be talking to you. I’m happy with my performance. I went in there and I had a high work rate. I was just trying to display the things we’d been working on in the gym.

“I can’t thank my team enough for all of the hard work they’ve put into me. They’re the best team around in my opinion. All of the people that have been singing my praises, that was for you, so thank you. I’m a bit older than most people that make their debut, but I feel young. Every fight that I have is a step further than people thought I could go. I’m just here to prove people wrong and work hard.”

NEW YORK (April 9, 2021)-Tomorrow at the Copper Box Arena in London, undefeated Ebanie Bridges takes on Shannon Courtenay for the WBA Bantamweight title.

Bridges of New South Wales, Australia is managed by Split-T Management under Brian Cohen.

Bridges has a record of 5-0 with two knockouts, just competed four-weeks ago as she won an eight-round unanimous decision over Carol Earl in Australia. Within hours of her victory over Earl, Ebanie hopped on a plane, and trained for the championship opportunity in Philadelphia.

Bridges, 34, has been at odds with Courtenay for the past several weeks. Tomorrow night they will do battle over 10-rounds to become world champion. The fight will take place under the Conor Benn – Samuel Vargas main event, and will be streamed LIVE on DAZN (2 PM ET / 11 AM PT)

At Friday’s weigh-in, Bridges weighed in at 117 lbs. Courtenay, who comes in with a record of 6-1 with three knockouts, checked in at 117.875 pounds

EBANIE BRIDGES PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

“This same way I’ve got noticed is the same way I’m getting this fight noticed. I feel like women’s boxing needs more eyes on the sport, we need to do whatever we can. I truly believe that the reason this fight has got so much talk about it is because of me, because of the different approach. I think that’s what’s helping getting eyes on the sport, getting talk on the sport and building it.

“What does matter is what happens in the ring, that’s all that matters. If we can get as many people as possible to watch the fight, then Shannon and I can show to more diverse number of viewers that women can fight. That’s my goal, get the views and once the people are watching Shannon and I are going to put on a show.

“I’ve been fighting and into martial arts since I was five, I haven’t been a boxing fan for just five or six years, I was boxing fan well before I started in the sport. For me, the boxing part is very important to me, but I feel like we need to get more views on women’s boxing and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get that.

“I think me winning this World Title will show people you don’t have to be like everybody else to achieve these goals. That’s what I’m going for.

“I’m savage, I want to go in there and f**k this shit up. I’m not here to play around, I’m here to get the job done. I don’t play around in boxing, when I fight, I’m there to hurt you. I might look the way I look, but I can’t wait to get in the ring and show people how I fight. The more people I can get to tune in to watch the Bomber, I couldn’t have asked for a better platform, I’m going to do whatever I can.

“We both have the power to knock people out, so a knockout or stoppage is very possible. It’ll come down to our conditioning and heart to see if it goes the ten rounds. If it does go the ten rounds, it’ll be a very exciting ten rounds.

“I truly believe if I win this fight on Saturday night, I’ll become a superstar. If Shannon wins it she’s still Shannon, she still has to beat Rachel Ball. She’s a World Champion but I just think it’s different. I’m very excited to be that person and to be a new face and character in women’s boxing.”

FACE OFF: Shannon Courtenay vs Ebanie Bridges (Full & Uncut)

Shannon Courtenay says that she won’t let Ebanie Bridges “mind games” get to her as their clash for the vacant WBA Bantamweight World Title on Saturday April 10 draws closer, with all of the action shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories.

‘The Baby Face Assassin’ (6-1, 3 KOs) has refused to be drawn into a social media spat with ‘The Blonde Bomber’, despite the 5-0 Australian’s best attempts, and has even gone as far as blocking her on Twitter ahead of their huge showdown on the Conor Benn vs. Samuel Vargas undercard. 

Watford’s Courtenay suffered her one and only defeat at the hands of Rachell Ball at Matchroom Fight Camp last summer, a loss that the 27-year-old believes has made her a better person inside and outside of the ring as she prepares to win world honours in just her eighth pro fight. 

“There was no hesitation from me when they offered me the fight,” said Courtenay. “It’s a fight that has been brewing for a while. It’s a fight that the fans want to see. Stylistically it makes for a great fight as well. The fact that it’s for a World Title too makes it an even bigger fight. 

“She’s a good fighter. She’s come forward and aggressive. Stylistically it’s going to be a very good fight. I’m going to win. I’m not going to say how I’m going to do it. I’m confident in myself and I’m confident in my ability. It’s evident that I can dig hard. She looks like she can dig hard as well. 

“She likes to stand and trade and I like to stand and trade. I just want to fight. I just want to punch her in the face. If she wants to burn her energy and time on social media, then let her do that. If she wants to put polls out about underwear and wear a tiara on weigh-in day then crack on. Fill your boots. I don’t care. I’m there to fight. 

“I’ve learnt and adapted lots from my loss. It’s made me a better person inside and outside of the ring. Mentally I’m a hell of a lot stronger now. I was gutted to hear Rachel had pulled out but safety comes first so I wish her a speedy recovery. All that’s changed is the opponent, the outcome is still the same

“This is the fight game. It’s not a fashion show or a catwalk. I’m too long in the tooth to let mind games get to me. She can attempt to push my buttons all she likes. She won’t be fazing me in the slightest. I’m in a very good mind space. I’m content, happy and excited. I won’t be denied on April 10. I’ll do my talking with my fists.”

Courtenay vs. Bridges is part of a big night of action on April 10, rising Welterweight star Conor Benn (17-0, 11 KOs) defends his WBA Continental Title against Samuel Vargas (31-6-2, 14 KOs) in the main event, Hartlepool’s Savannah Marshall (9-0, 7 KOs) makes the first defence of her WBO Middleweight World Title against European Champion Femke Hermans (11-3, 4 KOs), Glasgow Bantamweight Kash Farooq (14-1, 6 KOs) returns after his masterclass win over Angel Aviles, Takeley Super-Middleweight John ‘The Gentleman’ Hedges (1-0) looks to build on his pro debut win last October and Glasgow Heavyweight Nick Campbell makes his professional debut. 

Ebanie Bridges says she will go down as a ‘folk hero’ in the UK if she beats Watford’s Shannon Courtenay when they clash for the vacant WBA Bantamweight World Title on Saturday April 10, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories.

Bridges celebrated her return to the ring after more than a year out with a convincing points win over Carol Earl in Sydney earlier this month. The maths teacher from New South Wales won the judges’ favour and secured a unanimous decision victory to extend her unbeaten run to five fights, including two knockouts.

‘The Blonde Bomber’ meets ‘The Baby Face Assassin’ on the undercard of Conor Benn vs. Samuel Vargas, and in doing so becomes the first Australian female fighter to feature on a Matchroom show, and the 34-year-old is promising to mark the occasion by landing her first World Title. 

“I’m definitely being underestimated but that’s great,” said Bridges. “I’m all about shock value. Everything that I do makes headlines, that’s just me. I’m naturally like that, it just happens. When I get in there and throw the first punch of the fight, people are going to sit there and they’re going to be shocked because they have no idea what I’m capable of. I’m not just a Barbie Boxercise fighter. 

“I feel like if I beat Shannon Courtenay I’ll go down as a f***ing folk hero in the UK because everyone is DM’ing me asking me to knock her out. They’re all like, ‘hey I’m British and I just want you to shut her up and knock her out because she’s so arrogant’. It’s crazy how many messages I get. I feel like there’s so much pressure on me to f**k her up. Nobody seems to like her over there. If I win, I’m going to be a hero. 

“I’m not getting ahead of myself though because I know Shannon is a great boxer. She’s not going to be easy. I’m not going in there thinking this is going to be a walkover. I don’t think that about anyone. Losing is not an option, I’ll find a way. Is she going to be handle what I’m brining? We’re both skilled, both of us have styles that are pleasing to the eye.

“If she doesn’t end up getting knocked out, then by the end of the fight her face is going to end up looking like a smashed crab on a rock. It’s going to be messed up. She won’t be looking the same when this is finished. She’s in for a shock if she thinks I’m only worried about looking good on the scales. When I win that belt, the world is my oyster. It will open up opportunities everywhere.”

Courtenay vs. Bridges is part of a big night of action on April 10, rising Welterweight star Conor Benn (17-0, 11 KOs) defends his WBA Continental Title against Samuel Vargas (31-6-2, 14 KOs) in the main event, Hartlepool’s Savannah Marshall (9-0, 7 KOs) makes the first defence of her WBO Middleweight World Title against European Champion Femke Hermans (11-3, 4 KOs), Glasgow Bantamweight Kash Farooq (14-1, 6 KOs) returns after his masterclass win over Angel Aviles and Takeley Super-Middleweight John ‘The Gentleman’ Hedges (1-0) looks to build on his pro debut win last October.

Shannon Courtenay will face Ebanie Bridges for the vacant WBA Bantamweight World Title at a venue to be confirmed on Saturday April 10, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories.

Courtenay (6-1, 3 KOs), who stopped Dorota Norek in seven rounds on the Saunders vs. Murray undercard last time out in December, was originally slated to rematch Rachel Ball for the WBA crown, but her Fight Camp nemesis is still recovering from the effects of COVID-19. 

Australia’s Bridges (5-0, 2 KOs) celebrated her return to the ring after more than a year out with a convincing points win over Carol Earl in Sydney. ‘The Blonde Bomber’ won the judges’ favour and secured a unanimous decision victory in Bankstown to extend her unbeaten run to five fights, including two knockouts.

“I was gutted to hear Rachel had pulled out but safety comes first so I wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to when we do have that rematch down the line,” said Courtenay.

“All that’s changed is the opponent, the outcome is still the same and on April 10 I will be crowned World Champion. 

“We‘ll put on a great, non-stop action fight for the fans but I’m more determined and focused than ever and that World Title is staying in the UK.”

“I’m very excited to be the first female from Australia fighting on a Matchroom card,” said Bridges. “When Eddie contacted me, it was really unexpected but I’m not going to say no to this chance. 

“I was gutted for Rachel as she’s a friend and I wish her well in recovery but opportunity knocks. This is a fight that fans have spoke about for a while now since I moved onto the British scene. I respect Shannon as a boxer, I think we’ll put on a great show but I’ll be the one leaving with the gold.

“This is a huge platform to showcase my skills and who I am, ‘The Blonde Bomber’, to the world. I’ll bring the fight to Shannon – I’m coming to win that World Title, buckle up!”

Courtenay vs. Bridges is part of a big night of action on April 10, rising Welterweight star Conor Benn (17-0, 11 KOs) defends his WBA Continental Title against Samuel Vargas (31-6-2, 14 KOs) in the main event, Hartlepool’s Savannah Marshall (9-0, 7 KOs) makes the first defence of her WBO Middleweight World Title after her emphatic win over Hannah Rankin in October, Glasgow Bantamweight Kash Farooq (14-1, 6 KOs) returns after his masterclass win over Angel Aviles and Takeley Super-Middleweight John ‘The Gentleman’ Hedges (1-0) looks to build on his pro debut win last October, with more fights to be added soon.

Billy Joe Saunders defended his WBO Super Middleweight title with a comfortable 12-round unanimous decision over Martin Murray at t he SSE Arena Webley in London, England.

It was a non-descript fight that saw Saunders do whatever pleased from the outside. Murray tried at points, but was never able to amount any serious threats against the jabbing and uppercuts from Saunders. Saunders was also able to land some fast three and four punch combinations that had him win every round on the 15rounds.com card (120-109).

Saunders landed 178 of 598 punches; Murray was 85 of 303.

Saunders, 167.5 lbs of Hatfield, ENG won by scores of 120-109 twice and 118-110 to raise his record to 30-0. Murray, 167.6 lbs of St. Helens, ENG is now 39-6-1. Five of those losses have come in world title bouts.

“I wasn’t really happy with that performance,” Saunders told Matchroom. “I’m not taking anything away from Martin, he came with a good game plan. He got through it. He tucked up and survived well. I can only be a bit critical of myself because I had a bit of ring rust. My jab was there but there was just that bit of snap missing. I was trying to look for stuff when naturally it’s there. 

“When you’re in a training camp getting ready for Canelo Alvarez and you’re in the biggest fight of your life, you’ve got that fear factor and everything there, and then the pandemic came and I can only be thankful to be out this year. But then you’re back in camp and it’s a defence against Martin Murray, I was pencilled in to fight him twice in 2018. It was sort of like a hard kick in the teeth. But look, I’ve got to be thank my management team MTK that I’m even out this year. 

“It is what it is, and we move on. I’m 30-0 and still unbeaten and still World Champion. I’ve been World Champion now since 2015. People can run my performance down but let’s make the big fights, because it’s certainly not me turning them away. Eddie knows that I’m always there to sign. I had the Canelo fight signed and it fell through, that’s nobody’s fault. 

“A big well done to my lads who boxed on the show tonight. Lewie Edmondson and Donte Dixon did well. Martin was a cunning old fox, he knew what he was doing and he had the ref on his side, he had the ref eating out of his hand. Fair play to him. I learnt a lot from him to be honest. Perhaps everything happens for a reason and I learnt a hell of a lot from the fight. 

“Fair play to Callum Smith and I really do wish him all of the success in that fight. I think he’s got the tools to do the job. Canelo would have been training since May for this fight. He would have had Smith in his eyesight from day one. It’s been sprung on him at five or six weeks. They’re very clever in the way they work. If Smith has done his homework and prepared well then I give him a good chance of winning the fight. We are pushing for big fights constantly. After the Canelo fight I want to know my next date. I’m not getting any younger and I want to show my full potential.”

Tennyson Stops O’Reilly in 1!

ames Tennyson stopped previously undefeated Josh O’Reilly in round of their scheduled 12-round lightweight bout.

In round one, Tennyson landed a huge uppercut that rocked O’Reilly. Tennyson landed more power shots that sent O’Reilly to the deck. Tennyson landed a left hook that put O’Reilly down for a 2nd time in the round. Tennyson then landed a hard right that forced the stoppage at 2:14.

Tennyson, 135 lbs of Belfast, NI is now 28-3 with 24 knockouts. O’Reilly, 134.5 lbs of Hamilton, CAN is 16-1.

“It was great to get the win on another great show,” said Tennyson. “I went out and it was sort of nip and tuck, and then I think I caught him with a left hook. I saw him go a wee bit so I thought, ‘you know what’, and just put it on him and it paid off. We came out and there wasn’t too much to see between the two of us until I clipped him with that one shot. I got the win and an early night.

“I’m feeling like I’m going to go all of the way here at Lightweight. I’m feeling a heck of a lot stronger and sharper. Eddie just mentioned about Jorge Linares at The SSE in Belfast and the thought of nights like that make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Those are the sort of fights that I’m in boxing for. Given the opportunity, I can put my name right up there and mix it with the top names. The Lightweight division is red-hot. There’s Teofimo Lopez, Gervonta Davis and Devin Haney. I’m here and I’m going to start making some noise.”

Shannon Courtenay stopped Dorota Norek in round seven of their scheduled eight-round bantamweight fight.

In round seven, Courtenay landed a booming right that dropped Norek hard to the canvas. Norek got to her feet, and the bout was stopped 1:35.

Courtenay, 120 lbs of Watford, ENG is 6-1 with three knockouts. Norek, 116 lbs of Poozman, POL is 6-2.

“This was needed,” said Courtenay. “I felt like I was back at home. I felt like myself but better. I just needed this to finish the year on a high. I can go into the next fight, whether it’s the rematch or not, with good momentum behind me. She was so rough and coming in with her head, I just thought, ‘you’ve got to be patient’. Like I said before the fight in many of my interviews, timing was going to be key. I had to be patient and wait to let my hands go. I was countering with the left hook when she had me up against the ropes. I wasn’t losing my head and making it scrappy. I knew that if I paced myself, and didn’t rush in, I’d catch her with a right hand because she was open for it. I knew that if I was patient it would come and it did. 

“She had a really high groin guard so the body shots weren’t really having an affect. I was going to try and slow her down to the body but it was such a high groin guard I knew that wasn’t going to work. I knew I had to catch her flush to end it so that’s what I did. 118lbs is the lightest I’ve ever been, amateur and pro career. I want the rematch with Rachel Ball. If she genuinely believes that she won the fight, which many people don’t think she did, why wouldn’t she want to prove people wrong. It’s a fight that everyone wants and it makes sense.”

Donte Dixon won a six-round Angelo Dragone in a featherweight bout.

Dixon, 127.1 lbs of Sheffield, England won by a 58-56 score and is now 5-0. Dragone, 128 lbs of Carmarthen, WAL is 5-2.

“I thought I boxed good. At some points in the fight I was standing there a bit too long and not covering up the best I can. We’ll learn from it and come back better. I’m alright with it. I noticed that I’m up there when it comes to the levels. Levels-wise and skills-wise, I was better than him. He kept coming and made it difficult at times but I feel like I passed with flying colours.

“Billy is managing me so it was nice to look good on his undercard. Billy is helping us a lot getting on these big shows, this is my third time on a Matchroom show. These are the best shows. Today I got to fight on Sky, I’ve always wanted to fight on Sky. Big thanks to Billy Joe, MTK and Adam Etches. 

“I got some very important rounds under my belt. He was a tough guy and kept on coming. I thought I nearly got him out of there in the last round when he was holding on. He was looking at the ref but it didn’t happen. It was a good learning fight. Whoever they put in front of me I’ve just got to keep on beating and then we’ll move on from there. Big thanks to my mum, it’s her birthday tomorrow. Happy Birthday mum.”

Lerrone Richards remained perfect as he won a eight-round decision over Timo Laine in a super middleweight bout.

Richards, 172 lbs of New Malden, ENG won by a score of 80-72, and is 14-0. Laine, 171.9 lbs of Helsinki, FIN is 28-15-1.

“I’m pleased with it, we got the rounds under our belt,” said Richards. “We move forwards now towards European honours. He tried to do something in the opening round and I put him in his box, he didn’t want to come out. It was frustrating at times so I stuck behind my jab and got the victory. I’m very pleased, it was my first fight under Dave Coldwell as well and it was good that I could get the ring rust out for the new year. 

When asked about fighting behind closed: “To be honest it didn’t feel any different. I just get on with it, it’s my job. I think I started to enjoy it a little bit more later on in the rounds. In round eight I started to talk a bit and have a little fun. I’m happy with my performance overall. We all bounce off each other in the gym and we’re always learning. Like I said, Dave Coldwell is a teacher, he’s not just a coach. We’re all improving every day.

“It’s some story and it has been quite hard really the last few years, I’ve been funding myself, nobody really knows that. I’ve not had many sponsors backing me but I believe in myself and I believe that I can go to the top. That’s what we plan on doing. I’m going to auction off my shorts and all of the money will go to the NHS. The NHS has done a great thing for our country in supporting everyone. 

“This is a marathon, not a sprint. I know I’m going to get there in the end. When I get there I’m going to stay there. European, and then we’ll talk about world honours after. I’ll tell you and this is a fact, I’ve had more promotion in the last two weeks than I’d had in my whole career and I’m grateful for that. The future is bright.” 

NOTE…The Zach Parker – Cesar Nunez Super Middleweight contest was canceled as the cutman for Parker tested positive for Covid-10

Felix Cash remained undefeated by stopping former world title challenger Jason Welborn in round five of a scheduled 12-round middleweight bout in Essex, England

In round five, Cash dropped Welborn with a right to the head. About 45 seconds later, Cash ended things when he landed another right to the head that put Welborn down again, and the fight was stopped at 2:48.

Cash, 160 lbs of Wokingham is 13-0 with nine knockouts. Welborn, 159 lbs of Tividale is 24-9.

“It was a good performance,” said Cash. “It took me a round or a round and a half to get my distance on him and see where he was at and see his reactions. I went to work on him. It was a decent enough performance. He wanted me to stand there and start trading with him, but then you’re giving him a chance aren’t you. I took him on the jab, broke him down, down to the body and up to the head.

“I broke him down nice and slowly. Round by round he was getting weaker and getting tired. I knew it was just a matter of time before I got him out of there. He’s a tough lad. There was no point in rushing it and trying to get him out of there early. What a stage to be on. It was unbelievable. The week has been unbelievable. I’ve really enjoyed it. Overall it was a good week. I’m 27 and I’m in the prime of my life. I’m ready for the step ups now. The ring walk was something else! Topping the bill was a bit of history for me.”

Barrett Stops Donovan in 8!

Zelfa Barrett stopped previously undefeated Eric Donovan in round eight of their scheduled 10-round super featherweight bout.

In round seven, Barrett dropped Donovan with a huge left hook to the chin.. Later in the round, Barrett dropped Donovan again after absorbing a hard left-right-left combination. In round eight, Barrett landed another booming left hook hat put Donovan on his back, and the fight was stopped at 1:35.

Barrett, 129.9 lbs of Manchester is now 24-1 with 15 knockouts. Donovan, 129.9 lbs of Altay is 12-1.

“He was catching me with some big shots,” said Barrett. “I was just trying to get my rhythm at first. He was pinging me and catching me with some good quality shots and then I could hear my Uncle Pat say, ‘change up the game plan and put it on him now’. Block, throw and look where the openings are. I pulled it out of the bag. This is what champions do, they find something and pull it out of the bag.

“I had to find it in the bag because he was hitting me with some good shots and I thought, ‘you know what, I’m not letting this guy beat me’. It was just war mode. I timed it perfectly and I couldn’t have asked for anything else. I caught him. Credit to Eric Donovan. I’ve just defeated an undefeated fighter. As soon as I put him down I thought, ‘that’s it, I’m getting you out of here’. He’s a good fighter but I’m going to pull myself together, go back to the drawing board and do what I’ve got to do.

“I knew I was going to catch him, it was just a matter of time. I didn’t want it to be round nine because that would have been too late. I done what I had to do. In myself as a fighter I’m a bit disappointed with my performance. He was catching me a lot but I done what I had to do. I’ve just shown character. I’ve shown I’m a fighter.”

Rachel Ball won a eight-round decision over previously undefeated Shannon Courtnay in a super bantamweight bout.

Ball dropped Courtney with a left hook to the chin in the opening round.

Ball had some swelling under her left eye in round seven, but she was able to hold on for the victory by a 77-75 score.

Ball, 123.8 lbs of Aldridge is 6-1. Courtenay, 126.9 lbs of Watford is 5-1.

“I’m just so happy,” an emotional Ball told Sky Sports. “This means everything to me. It was a closer fight than I would have wanted it to be, but I got the win and I want to move on to big things. I want Eddie to sign me up and put me in front of whoever. I want to be at the top and I want to be at the World Title level and get a World Title. That’s where I want to be more than anything.

“To be honest, when I was in the corner and I threw the shot, she dazed me a bit so I didn’t know what had hit her. I thought, ‘fantastic, this fight isn’t going to last’. She does hit hard. There is a reason why she has been knocking these girls out. I’m happy I got through the fight.

“I’m pleased with myself. I knew I landed the shots because I can feel it in my knuckles. I was just glad to get through it. I don’t think I used all of my technical ability to be honest, but it’s all progress isn’t it. I’ve just got to get back to the gym and progress even further now.”

Kieron Conway won a 10-round unanimus decision over Navid Mansouri in a super welterweight bout.

Conway had Mansouri hurt several times during the bout, and was close to getting the stoppage in round seven.

Conway, 153.9 lbs of Northampton won by scores of 99-92 and 98-92 twice and is now 15-1-1. Mansouri, 153.4 lbs of Ritherham is 20-4-2.

“I loved it,” Conway told Matchroom Boxing afterwards. “Apart from having no crowd, I think the whole setup is how all boxing shows should be. The week has been really nice. It’s been really good to be around. Everything just ran so smoothly. Out there it’s unbelievable. Even without thousands of fans, it’s wicked out there. I knew that he would come out fast and I knew that after a few rounds my size and my strength would come out on top. I’m a big lad now. I’m refuelled and everything. I’m big for the weight. It drains people.

“I planned to have a slower first few rounds. The whole fight went exactly how I’d planned, except it went ten rounds. He did really well to get through it to be fair. I was landing a lot of shots with a lot of spite behind them. It was good. I didn’t expect the flicky jab, I expected him to come for me a bit more and really try and stick it on me a bit more. After a few rounds I knew he’d starting messing, trying to smother me because I am stronger than I look.

“As soon as people realise I’m not going anywhere, they start holding. He’s highly-rated and he’s had a few title fights. He had the English title for a long time. Hopefully it pushed me a littler more up there. For my style, I think my size really helps. Over the years a lot of people have said I’m behind them, and then all of a sudden they’re behind me. I’m 24-years-old. Whether it’s now or later, I’m coming.”

John Docherty remained undefeated by stopping Anthony Fox in round seven of a scheduled eight-round super middleweight bout.

In round three, Docherty dropped Fox with a short right hook.

In round seven, Docherty hurt Fox badly with a hard three punch combination. Docherty followed that up with a flurry if punches and referee Howard Foster rescued Fox from further damage at 1:32.

Docherty, 1669.9 lbs of Montrose is 9-0 with seven knockouts. Fox, 166.4 lbs of Westbury is 8-13-4.

“I’m over the moon to have forced the stoppage,” said Docherty afterwards. “I started off a bit slow and I was throwing up my chin in the air, but I got there in the end. I felt him tiring in there in the third and fourth rounds with my body shots, and his power started to go. He was a lot stronger than I thought, and a lot more heavy-handed, but I got the job done.

“I thought he was going to come at me and have a go as he did in his last fight. I think he felt the power quite early on and then he was on the back foot. He was a lot better than I expected. I want titles now. The journeymen, I’m passed them already and my team knows that. Any title next. A British Title Eliminator or a Intercontinental Title, anything. I’d probably give myself an eight out of ten tonight.”

Rachel Ball is preparing to give fight fans the “shock of their lives” when she takes on popular Watford prospect Shannon Courtenay over eight rounds on Week 3 of Matchroom Fight Camp in Brentwood, Essex on Friday August 14.

The three-time kickboxing World Champion racked up four wins on the bounce after switching to professional boxing in 2017, including a points win over Eftychia Kathopouli in an all-out war at the Banks’s Stadium that saw both fighters touch the canvas.

Her first loss came against current Interim WBC Super-Featherweight World Champion Katherina Thanderz last year when she travelled to Norway at short notice to take on the former European Champion over eight rounds in Arendal. 

Despite Thanderz stepping in heavy on the scales, the fight went ahead and Ball pushed ‘Katy’ all the way in a close points loss. Having proved she can mix it with world level fighters, Ball has questioned how the relatively untested Courtenay will cope in her first real step up.

“Fans are going to have the shock of their lives,” said Ball. “They’re going to see a tall skinny ginger girl from Walsall coming in and smashing it up in Eddie’s back garden. I can’t wait and I think everyone is going to enjoy it. It’s going to be a brilliant fight.

“People say keep it long and I’m sure I will, but if it comes down to it I don’t mind having a good tear up. I’d love that. That’s not a problem. How will she cope with someone who throws back at her? How will she cope with the pressure?”

Ball, the only woman to win the BBBofC Midlands Area Fight of the Year Award, heads into her showdown with Courtenay as the underdog with the bookies, a tag that she happily owns as she looks to announce herself on the big stage live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

“A lot of people have me down as the underdog. I’m only the underdog because people don’t know me. It’s not a reflection of my skills or my ability to fight. I’m sure they’ll see that come fight night. The underdog tag spurs me on because I want to prove to people how good a fighter I am.

“As soon as the fight was announced and it was out with the bookies I had people putting money on me. People back at home have been betting on me. If I win, I’m going to be really popular on August 14^th! Hopefully it will be a good pay day for everyone watching at home.” 

Courtenay vs. Ball lands on Week 3 of Matchroom Fight Camp, Felix Cash (12-0, 8 KOs) puts his Commonwealth Middleweight Title on the line for the second time against former World Title challenger Jason Welborn (24-8, 7 KOs) at the top of the bill, recent Matchroom signing Zelfa Barrett (23-1, 14 KOs) meets Ireland’s undefeated Eric Donovan (12-0, 7 KOs), Northampton Super-Welterweight Kieron Conway (14-1-1, 3 KOs) takes on Rotherham’s Navid Mansouri (20-3-2, 6 KOs) and hard-hitting Super-Middleweight menace John Docherty (8-0, 6 KOs) takes on the tough and durable Anthony Fox (8-12-4).

Shannon Courtenay is ready to announce herself in the professional ranks after calling time on a stellar amateur career that saw her win gold at the 2015 Haringey Box Cup and pick up the Southern Area Featherweight title in 2016.

The Watford Bantamweight makes her long-awaited pro debut at London’s Copper Box Arena on March 23, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US, and believes now is the perfect time to begin life in the paid code as she sets out on her journey to become a World Champion.

“Now is the perfect time to turn pro, 100 per cent,” said Courtenay. “Katie Taylor is leading the way over here at the moment and you’ve got Claressa Shields and Christina Hammer fighting soon. Women’s boxing has completely changed over the past few years and it’s getting bigger and bigger, that’s why I’m turning professional now. It’s only right that I strike while the iron is hot.

“I have a pro style and I’m confident that I’ll adjust to the pro game quickly. I’m ready to put my own name out there, not just in women’s professional boxing but all of professional boxing. I want to make a big name for myself and it all starts at the Copper Box Arena on March 23.

“I’m training with Adam Booth and Charlie Beatt now and they’re both incredible coaches. Adam’s got a fantastic track record of numerous World Champions like David Haye and George Groves. He’s trained the best and hopefully I can follow in their footsteps.

With men’s WBA Super, IBF, WBO and IBO World Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua OBE coming from just around the corner in Watford, Courtenay has seen the levels of support he has received from his hometown fans and hopes they will get behind her in the same way.

“I’ve known Joshua for quite a few years now and it definitely makes you feel like anything’s possible. The great thing about it is you see how much Watford has got behind him. I really hope they can do the same with me. If I can get even half the support he’s got it will only propel me to bigger things.”

Courtenay makes her pro debut on a huge night of boxing at the Copper Box Arena.

Main event sees Charlie Edwards make the first defence of his WBC Flyweight World title against Spain’s Angel Moreno.

Rising Light-Heavyweight star Joshua Buatsi takes on Liam Conroy for the vacant British title in his tenth fight.

London Cruiserweight rivals Lawrence Okolie and Wadi Camacho collide with the British and Cruiserweight titles on the line.

Lewis Ritson makes his eagerly-anticipated return to the ring after suffering a first career loss to Francesco Patera last October and Newport Bantamweight talent Sean McGoldrick fights for the first time under new trainer Jamie Moore.