Carl Frampton tuned up for a Fall title shot with a 7th round stoppage over Darren Traynor in a lightweight bout at York Hall in London, England,

In round six, Frampton dropped Traynor with a hard left to the body. In round seven, He landed another left to the body, and Traynor waved No-Mas and the fight was over.

Frampton, 134.4 lbs of Belfast, Ireland will now fight Jamel Herring (should Herring be successful on September 5th against Jonathan Oquend) with a record of 28-2 with 16 knockouts. Traynor, 134 1/4 lbs of Scotland is 16-4.

Said Frampton, “I’m happy to get the win, obviously. Far from my best, but I suppose people talk about rounds. I don’t think it’s going to harm me doing the rounds. If I had the chance to take him out in the first round, I would’ve done that.

“It was a better opponent for Herring than the original opponent because I think he was about my height, maybe even a little bit shorter. Darren isn’t a southpaw, but the dimensions are similar. I know I need to be a lot better for Herring. It’s good to get the rounds done. My hands are fine. No issues there. Onward and upward.”

Conlan stops Takoucht in 10th

Michael Conlan remained undefeated by stopping former world title challenger Sofiane Takoucht in the 10th and final round of their featherweight bout.

In round four, Conlan was deducted a point for a low blow. In round five, he was deducted another point for a low blow.

In round 10, Conlan landed a hard combination that hurt Takoucht. Conlan drove him to the ropes and the fight was stopped.

Conlan, 126.25 lbs of Belfast is 14-0 with eight knockouts. Takoucht, 126.6 lbs of France is 35-5.

Sharp Decisions Ofori

Archie Sharp barley remained undefeated by winning a decision over Jeff Ofori in a lightweight bout.

Ofori out-landed Sharp 124-112.

Sharp, 133 lbs of Wailing win by a 96-95 score and is now 19-0. Ofori, 131.1 lbs of London is 10-3-1.

EARLY RESULTS FROM LONDON

Troy Williamson won a hard-fought 10-round unanimous decision over Harry Scarf in a junior middleweight bout.

Williams, 152.8 lbs won by scores of 97-94, 96-94 and 96-95 and is now 15-0-1. Scarf, 153.3 lbs is 8-2.

Paddy Donovan destroyed an overmatched Des Newton in the 1st round of their scheduled six-round welterweight bout

Donovan dropped Newton in the first 30 seconds with a left hand. Donovan finished thing with two massive body shots, with the latter being a left right to the gut that put Newton down and in a lot of pain and the fight was stopped.

Donovan, 146.5 lbs is 4-0 with three knockouts. Newton, 149.3 lbs is 8-16.

LONDON (August 13, 2020) — The Belfast Boys, former two-weight world champion Carl “The Jackal” Frampton and unbeaten featherweight Michael “Mick” Conlan, participated in a Zoom press conference Wednesday in advance of their co-headlining bouts Saturday on ESPNfrom London (4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT). Conlan will face recent world title challenger Sofiane Takoucht, while Frampton, who is currently campaigning at junior lightweight, will make a pit stop at lightweight against Scottish veteran Darren Traynor.

The ESPN opener features world-ranked junior lightweight contender Archie Sharp against Jeff Oforiin a 10-rounder. 

Here is what Frampton, Conlan and Top Rank chairman Bob Arum had to say.

Carl Frampton

On the late opponent switch and fighting at lightweight rather than junior lightweight

“Obviously, it was a disaster, the whole lead-up regarding opponents. I have to give MTK Global credit. They assumed there could’ve been {an issue} because of the current situation that the whole world is facing. It turned out Corona didn’t affect anything, but the issue was visa problems for {Vahram} Vardanyan, the original opponent. I think Traynor has been paid by MTK for the last four or five weeks on the chance that this fight may have come about. So, Traynor has been training for me for five weeks. I’ve been training for him for one week.”

On fighting as a lightweight for the first time

“It hasn’t really affected me, to be honest. I’ve enjoyed this fight week more than any other because I’ve been doing the weight OK.

“Although I’m short in stature, I walk around about 150, 148 anyway. {Traynor} is probably doing me a favor as well.”

On the Jamel Herring fight

“That’s the fight that I want. We kind of had a date agreed — June 13 was the proposed date, and I think everything was pretty much set to go and the fight was going to happen. And I supposed with it kind of falling away that he wouldn’t be as keen anymore or maybe Top Rank wouldn’t be as keen to make the fight, or the governing body. But everyone seems on board. I want the fight. Jamel wants it. Top Rank and Bob Arum want it. I think that is the plan, to have that fight next.”

On a potential third Leo Santa Cruz fight

“I don’t see that fight ever happening. I think Leo did promise that, but I think, to be honest, he’s full of sh*t. The fight could’ve happened if he wanted it to happen. It never has, and it’s a shame.”

Bob Arum

On the status of Herring vs. Frampton

“If Jamel is successful {Sept. 5 against Jonathan Oquendo}, and if Carl is successful on Saturday, I have a date picked out in November where they’ll fight for the title. That’s done. Everyone is on board. One thing I can’t control is the virus, but we’re going to do that fight in November. It may very well be another ‘Bubble’ fight.

“If both guys win these interim fights, you can count on a world title fight between Herring and Frampton in November.”

Michael Conlan

On fighting in an empty arena

“This is something I’ve wanted to do. It’s going to be a challenge, something different, something I haven’t experienced as a fighter, boxing in an arena with no one there. It’s exciting me to hear those winces and the pounding of the breath, everything about it. It’s something that’s lit a spark under me in training camp. I’ve been sparring with no music on.”

On moving down junior featherweight after Saturday’s fight

“I came out of this pandemic lighter than I’ve ever been. I think it’s just the reset button on me, myself, and I’ve kind of refocused myself. I can make 122 tomorrow if I really needed to. That’s why the decision was made.

“We’ll fight Takoucht at 126, and then after that, we’ll move down.

“I would love a {world title shot} in my next fight. I know it may not be possible the way things stand with the WBO, but 100 percent I’d be happy to challenge for the WBO title next.

“I’d be confident in facing any of {the champions now}. If that was the case, it’d be no problem. But we’ll get this one out of the way Saturday and then 122, here I come.”

On fight week during a pandemic

“If I’m being honest, it’s the most relaxed and chilled fight week I’ve had. Usually, we have the hoopla, the hyperbole, everyone around, having to go here and there to do interviews. It’s been chilled at the hotel, chilled out with the team, having fun. This time I actually brought my PlayStation and I’m playing some “Call of Duty.”

On fighting an opponent who recently fought world champion Josh Warrington and equaling what Warrington accomplished (second-round stoppage win)

“It’s different situations. Warrington was coming off three great wins against three really top-class opponents, and he faced Takoucht, who is relatively unknown, in his own backyard in front of 20,000 of his fans. I think {Takoucht} froze in front of the headlights. I would be stupid and reckless if I were to go out and try and blast this guy out like Warrington did, but I definitely will be going in to make a statement. I’ll do it in my own way. I don’t need to live up to anybody’s expectations or compare myself to Josh Warrington. I’m Michael Conlan.”

Josh Warrington thrilled his hometown fans by stopping Sofiane Takoucht in two rounds to retain the IBF Featherweight title at First District Arena in Leeds, England.

In round two, Warrington dropped Takooucht with a big right hand. Seconds later, it was another huge right to the head that sent Takoucht down for a 2nd time. Warrington then landed big combination that started Takoucht that forced a referee stoppage at 2:54.

Warrington, 125 lbs of Leeds, UK is 30-0 with seven knockouts. Takoucht, 124 lbs of France is 35-4-1.

Zelfa Barrett stopped Jordan McCorry in round nine of their scheduled 12-round super featherweight fight.

In round three, Barrett landed a thudding left hook to the body that put McCorry down.

In round eight, It was another body shot that hurt McCorry, and a follow up right to the head sent McCorry to the deck. Adding insult to McCorry, he was docked a point for landing a punch after the bell. In round nine, Barrett landed an uppercut to the head that sent McCorry to the canvas, and the bout was stopped at 1:43.

Barrett, 129 lbs of Manchester, UK is 23-1 with 14 knockouts. McCorry, 130 lbs of Scotland is 18-7-1.

George Davey made a successful pro debut with a four-round decision over Zygimantas Butkevicius in a super welterweight contest.

Davey, 154 lbs of York, UK won by a referee score of 40-36 and is now 1-0. Butkevicius, 156 lbs of Lithuania is 2-26.

Lyndon Arthur won a 12-round unanimous decision over Emmanuel Amim in a light heavyweight fight.

In round three, Amim was cut around the right eye. In round four, Amim was cut over his left eye. Later in the round, Arthur dropped Amim with a hard right

In round eight, Amim landed a hard flurry on the ropes that hurt Arthur, and in the process opened up a cut over Arthur’s left eye.

Arthur, 174 lbs of Manchester, UK won by scores of 117-110, 117-111 and 115-112 to raise his unbeaten mark to 16-0. Amim, 172 lbs of Accra, GHA is 14-3-1.

Reece Mould won a six-round decision over Bayardo Ramos in a featherweight bout.

In round two, Mould dropped Ramos with a right hand.

Mould, 133 lbs of Doncaster, UL won by a 60-53 score and is now 13-0. Ramos, 135 lbs of Spain is 8-15-1.

In round two, Mould dropped Ramos with a right hand.

Shabazz Masoud won a six-round decision over Yesner Talavera in a featherweight bout.

Masoud, 126 lbs of the UK won by a referee score of 60-54, and is now 6-0. Talavera, 130 lbs of Garona, SPA is 15-12-1-2.

Queensberry Promotions are proud to present the return of the ‘Leeds Warrior’ Josh Warrington as he defends his IBF World Featherweight Championship against Sofiane Takoucht. The show will be held at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, and will air live on BT Sports.

Both of the main event competitors weighed in successfully, with Josh Warrington registering a weight of 8st 13lb 7oz on the scales and Sofiane Takoucht slightly lighter at 8st 12lb 8oz

Elsewhere on the card, Zelfa Barrett (9st 3lb 5oz) defends his Commonwealth Super Featherweight Championship against the always exciting Jordan McCorry (9st 4lb) and Lyndon Arthur will contest the vacant Commonwealth Light Heavyweight Championship against the Ghanian Emmanuel Anim (12st 4lb 8oz).

Reece Mould (9st 7lb 10oz) will meet Bayardo Ramos (9st 5lb) over 6 rounds, George Davey (11st 12lb) will make his pro debut against Zygimantas Butkevicius (11st 2lb) and the much heralded Shabazz Masoud (8st 10lb 14oz) will compete against Yesner Talavera (9st 4lb 12oz)

Running Order Below:

Fight # 1 – 16:00 hrs

4 X 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Lightweight Contest

EVALDAS PETRAUSKAS                
V        
JOHNSON TELLEZ

Fight # 2

6 X 3 Minute Rounds Middleweight Contest

SHAKIEL THOMPSON                
V        
LOUIS VAN POETSCH

Fight # 3

4 X 3 Minute Rounds International Light-Heavyweight Contest

CALLUM SIMPSON                    
V        
KIRI PSONKO

Fight # 4

6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Middleweight Contest

MARK HEFFRON                    
V        
RUI MANUEL PAVANITO

Fight # 5

4 X 3 Minute Rounds Featherweight Contest

JACK DANIELS                    
V        
JAMIE SPEIGHT

Fight # 6

6 X 3 Minute Rounds Middleweight Contest

JOHN JOYCE                    
V        
JORDAN GRANNUM

Fight # 7 

TROY WILLIAMSON                
V        
TBA 

Fight # 8
6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Featherweight Contest

SHABAZZ MASOUD                
V        
YESNER TALAVERA

Fight # 9 

6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Featherweight Contest

REECE MOULD                    
V        
BAYARDO RAMOS

Fight # 10 

THE VACANT COMMONWEALTH LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

12 X 3 Minute Rounds @ 175 lbs

LYNDON ARTHUR                
V        
EMMANUEL ANIM

Fight # 11

4 X 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Welterweight Contest

GEORGE DAVEY                    
V        
ZYGIMANTAS BUTKEVICIUS

Fight # 12 

THE COMMONWEALTH SUPER-FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

12 X 3 Minute Rounds

ZELFA BARRETT                    
V        
JORDAN McCORRY

Fight # 13 

THE IBF WORLD FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

12 X 3 Minute Rounds

JOSH WARRINGTON                
V        
SOFIANE TAKOUCHT

(Oct. 10, 2019) — ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service, will stream a pair of stacked cards this weekend, including a world title bout featuring all-action IBF featherweight champion Josh Warrington.
 
The weekend extravaganza kicks off Friday at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT, as unbeaten flyweight contender Jay Harris will battle three-time Irish Olympian Paddy Barnes in a 12-rounder at Ulster Hall in Belfast.
 
Warrington will make the third defense of his title Saturday against Sofiane Takoucht at the First Direct Arena in his hometown of Leeds, England. Warrington-Takoucht and select undercard bouts will stream live on ESPN+ starting at 2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT.
 
Warrington (29-0, 6 KOs), nicknamed “The Leeds Warrior,” won the world title in his hometown last May with a well-deserved split decision victory over Lee Selby. He returned later that year and bested former two-weight world champion Carl Frampton by unanimous decision in a Fight of the Year contender. In his last outing, Warrington edged Kid Galahad via split decision. Takoucht (35-3-1, 13 KOs) has won eight consecutive bouts and is a former European and IBF International featherweight champion.
 
In other ESPN+ streaming action on the Warrington-Takoucht card:

• Zelfa Barrett (22-1, 13 KOs) will make the first defense of his Commonwealth super featherweight title in a 12-rounder against Scottish veteran Jordan McCorry (18-6-1, 4 KOs).
   
• In a 12-rounder for the vacant Commonwealth light heavyweight title, Lyndon Arthur (15-0, 12 KOs) will take on Emmanuel Anim (14-2-1, 12 KOs).
   
• Troy Williamson (11-0-1, 8 KOs) will fight France’s Fouad El Massoudi (17-11, 2 KOs) for the vacant WBO European super welterweight championship.

Harris (16-0, 8 KOs) is coming off a career-best win June 1 over former world title challenger Angel Moreno, and he is taking yet another step up against Barnes (6-2, 1 KO), who will have the crowd behind him. Barnes won a pair of Olympic bronze medals as an amateur, but in a bid for the WBC flyweight world title last August, he lost via fourth-round knockout to Cristofer Rosales. He dropped a split decision to Oscar Mojica in his comeback bout but rebounded to decision Joel Sanchez over six rounds in August.

The Harris-Barnes stream will also include the following bouts:

• Super lightweight sensation Sean McComb (8-0, 4 KOs) will fight Emiliano Dominguez Rodriguez (23-5, 9 KOs) in an eight-rounder.
   
• Former lightweight world champion Terry Flanagan (34-2, 14 KOs) will look to make it two wins in a row versus Michael Ansah (17-9-2, 11 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout.
   
• Top Rank signee Paddy “Real Deal” Donovan, from Limerick, Ireland, will make his professional debut in a six-round welterweight fight against Arturo Lopez (5-13-3, 0 KOs). Donovan is trained and managed by former middleweight world champion Andy Lee.
   
• Former Irish amateur star Pierce O’Leary will make his professional debut in a four-round super lightweight fight against Oscar Amador (10-22, 1 KO).

Use the hashtags #WarringtonTakoucht and #HarrisBarnes to join the conversation on social media.
 
For more information, visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.
 
About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the multi-sport, direct-to-consumer video service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. It reached 2 million subscribers in less than a year and offers fans thousands of live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, along with premium editorial content.
 
Programming on ESPN+ includes hundreds of MLB and NHL games, exclusive UFC, Top Rank boxing and PFL fights and events, top domestic and international soccer (Serie A, MLS, FA Cup, UEFA Nations League, EFL Championship, EFL Carabao Cup, Eredivisie, and more), thousands of college sports events (including football, basketball and other sports), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, new and exclusive series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films. Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and can cancel at any time.
 
ESPN+ is available as an integrated part of the ESPN App (on mobile and connected devices) and ESPN.com.

Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren today held the final press conference ahead of Josh Warrington’s third IBF world featherweight championship defence at First Direct Arena, Leeds on Saturday (October 12), live on BT Sport.

Warrington faces number four ranked challenger, France’s Sofiane Takoucht.

Also on the bill, Manchester’s Zelfa Barrett defends his Commonwealth super-featherweight title against Scot Jordan McCorry.

Barrett’s stablemate Lyndon Arthur meets Ghana’s Emmanuel Anim for the vacant Commonwealth light-heavyweight championship.

Here are a selection of quotes

FRANK WARREN

“Hopefully there is no banana skin and if Josh comes through we can get to Elland Road again.”

“He is the best featherweight on the planet and can go on to become one of the best fighters of his generation.”

“If people say he isn’t the best why don’t Leo Santa Cruz and Oscar Valdez want to fight him?”

“Josh is something special and we will make big fights happen, but he has to get past Takoucht.”

“Zelfa against Jordan, this is a good fight. They are both skilful fighters, competitors and I’m sure we will see something special on Saturday night. Zelfa is my fighter, but I love having Jordan on our shows. I’ve never seen a guy give so much as he does.”

“If Lyndon can come through there is a lot happening among the British light-heavyweights and he will be in the shake up.”

JOSH WARRINGTON

“We took our eyes off a few things before the last fight against Kid Galahad. We were so concentrated on unification fights and just beating him up. I think we took our eye off the ball in a few areas of training.”

“This time, I have not looked beyond Takoucht. There is talk about unifications or going back to Elland Road, but the focus is this fight and this fight only.”

“I want an A class performance after the cuddling contest against Galahad. Sofiane can go home a hero by beating me and I can’t let that happen. World champions can get complacent, but we are on a mission.

“My mentality isn’t that this is an instant win. Winning is the most important thing but I want to send a message and win in style.”

SEAN O’HAGAN

“We have left no stone unturned and we have to come back with a statement.

Other world champions have turned down the fight against Josh, but Sofiane took it without hesitation and he will come and try to rip the title away. I believe that Josh is the best featherweight on the planet, but we have to win well.”

SOFIANE TAKOUCHT

“I feel good, I have been training hard,  I am in the best condition and will show up on the night. Josh is a very good champion, but I need to make an impact in order to win. Winning will change my life and reputation in the boxing world. I believe in myself. I am ready to fight.”

ZELFA BARRETT

“Jordan is going to throw the kitchen sink at me and like Frank said he will give 150 per-cent.

We wanted this fight because Jordan will bring the best out of me. Jordan lost to Archie Sharp and Sam Bowen, but I am not them and the best in my weight division. My mindset is great and I am a different man to the boxer who lost to Ronnie Clark.

“If I want to get to world level these are the fighters I have to dismantle. I want the British champion Sam Bowen, but I am not overlooking Jordan.”

JORDAN McCORRY

“I have put everything into this camp and I am going to get a win. I respect Zelfa, he is a good boxer and looked very good against Lyon Woodstock, but I can cause problems if I stick to the game plan.”

“He showed flaws in his defence when he lost to Ronnie Clark and that is a bit of blueprint. Credit to him he went back to the gym and improved. This could be my last chance so I have got to give it everything and show what I am about.”

LYNDON ARTHUR:

“I don’t want a walkover, but there is no department where he is better than me. When I win this I am right behind these guys like Anthony Yarde and those fights can be made.

Right now, Anim is my sole thought. I am in the gym 24/7 perfecting my craft. There are lot of great Manchester fighters and I am just building my legacy.”

EMMANUEL ANIM:

“This is a great opportunity and something I have been waiting for a long time. Lyndon is a average boxer and never fought anyone like me in his life. I am going to take his title. He says I have beat nobody, but I am going to show I am somebody.”

The big night of action in Leeds is headed by local hero Josh Warrington (29-0, 6KOs) who makes the third defence of his IBF featherweight championship against France’s Sofiane Takoucht (35-3-1, 13 KOs). Zelfa Barrett (22-1,13KOs) will make the first defence of his Commonwealth super-featherweight title against exciting Scot Jordan McCorry (18-6-1, 4KOs). In a third title clash Manchester’s Lyndon Arthur (15-0, 12KOs) faces Ghanaian Emmanuel Anim (14-2-1, 12KOs) for the vacant Commonwealth light-heavyweight crown , in a battle of the big hitters.

Darlington’s Troy Williamson (11-0-1, 8KOs), Mark Heffron (23-1, 17KOs), Shakiel Thompson (4-0, 3KOs), Reece Mould (12-0, 6 KOs), Shabaz Masoud (5-0, 1KO), John Joyce, 1-0), Jack Daniels (4-0, 2 KOs), Callum Simpson (1-0), Evaldas Petrauskas (1-0 1 KO) plus exciting debutant George Davey are all in action.

Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk and firstdirectarena.com Prices: £40, £50, £75, £100, £150, £200, £350 – Inner Ring Hospitality.

JOSH WARRINGTON will be back home in Leeds when he defends his IBF world featherweight title against number four ranked Sofiane Takoucht at First Direct Arena on Saturday October 12, live on BT Sport

Warrington (29-0, 6KOs) who will be making the third defence of his championship faced off with French challenger Takoucht (35-3-1, 13KOs) at a press conference today.

Here are a selection of quotes from the media event and details of a magnificent undercard featuring some of Britain’s best young boxers.

JOSH WARRINGTON: “I hoped for a unification, but that isn’t mine, my management or Frank Warren’s fault. None of the champions seem to want it. I have to stay active so we’re back in Leeds. Some of my fans had money saved to go and watch me in America and Frank really tried. I am hoping to get through this one and it happens. All I am doing is concentrating on keeping my title, but ultimately my dream is to unify. I just want to win a unified title against one champion and I will then fight anyone until the cows come home. Takoucht has a massive opportunity and he has been given a golden ticket. Takoucht knows he has a massive opportunity in my back yard and it would be ridiculous to think this is a given. I am not there to make a statement, but show that if I step up to any of the other champions I beat them. The fire is in my belly. I want a performance and must beat people like this is style. I would be disappointed if it was a long drawn out points win. I want to get it done quickly. Michael Conlan is making big waves, but I want the other champions then I will fight the likes of him. I’m coming up to ten years as a professional. The support has just grown and grown and inspired young fighters in Leeds. The journey hasn’t finished. I would love the WBA champion Leo Santa Cruz and if Shakur Stevenson wins the WBO title I would line him up and give him 12 rounds of hell, but it’s this fight against Takoucht I’m thinking about.

SEAN O’HAGAN (Warrington’s father and trainer): “Takoucht is a very experienced fighter and the highest ranked fighter available at number four. It is a genuine fight and one where we know we have to raise our game and keep the momentum going until the super fights come. Takoucht is very capable and we are taking him serious. He has plenty of grit, is durable, can box, fight or be evasive. He has a bit of everything and it makes for a good fight. We had a bad night at the office against Galahad and still won. Anthony Joshua had a bad night and got leathered. We always enjoy fighting in Leeds and this time we have an opponent who wants to fight.”

SOFIANE TAKOUCHT: “This is a childhood dream for me since I started boxing at ten years old. Winning this would change everything and I hope it brings me recognition. Josh is a great champion and this is a wonderful opportunity. I will show myself in a good light.”

ALAIN VASTINE (Takoucht’s trainer): “Nothing is given in life so we are coming here to win, nothing else. We have an opportunity and it’s up to us to grab it and we will do everything to get it. Sofiane has courage, determination and a big heart. We know that Josh has the support, but it has been like that before in the Ukraine, but we are coming to win and will win.”

The big world championship fight will be backed up by four title fights that guarantee action and excitement.

Zelfa Barrett (22-1,13KOs) will make the first defence of his Commonwealth super-featherweight crown against exciting Scot Jordan McCorry (18-6-4, 4KOs).

Leeds idol Jack Bateson (10-0, 3KOs) challenges Preston’s Michael Ramabeletsa (17-17, 8KOs) who will be making the first defence of his English super-bantamweight belt.

Manchester’s Lyndon Arthur (15-0, 12KOs) faces Ghanian Emmanuel Anim (14-2-1, 12KOs) for the vacant Commonwealth light-heavyweight title, in a battle of the big hitters.

Darlington’s Troy Williamson (11-0-1, 8KOs) takes a step up in class when he meets Rotherham’s Nav Mansouri (20-2-2, 6KOs) for the vacant WBO Intercontinental super-welterweight belt.

Besides the FIVE title fights, also boxing on the show will be Willy Hutchinson (9-0, 6KOs), Mark Heffron (23-1, 17KOs), Shakiel Thompson (4-0, 3KOs), Shabaz Masoud (5-0, 1KO), John Joyce, 1-0) plus exciting debutants bantamweight Muhammad Ali and York super-welterweight George Davey.

A media event with the undercard boxers will take place in the near future.

Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk and firstdirectarena.com Prices: £40, £50, £75, £100, £150, £200, £350 – Inner Ring Hospitality.

JOSH WARRINGTON will make the third defence of his IBF world featherweight title against France’s Sofiane Takoucht at First Direct Arena, Leeds on Saturday October 12, live on BT Sport.

Warrington (29-0, 6 KOs) will be returning to the venue he has lit up throughout his career and where he defeated then mandatory challenger Kid Galahad in June.

The big world title fight will be backed up with a magnificent undercard featuring some of the finest young talent in British boxing – all in title action.

Zelfa Barrett (22-1,13KOs) will make the first defence of his Commonwealth super-featherweight crown against exciting Scot Jordan McCorry (18-6-4, 4KOs).

Leeds idol Jack Bateson, Barrett’s stablemate Lyndon Arthur and Troy Williamson will all challenge for their first professional championships on the bill.

Bateson (10-0, 3KOs) who sold £60,000 worth of ticket when he boxed on the Warrington-Galahad bill challenges Preston’s Michael Ramabeletsa (17-17, 8KOs) who will be making the first defence of his English super-bantamweight belt.

Manchester’s KO King, Arthur (15-0, 12KOs) who is being talked of as a future Anthony Yarde opponent faces Ghanian Emmanuel Anim (14-2-1, 12KOs) for the vacant Commonwealth light-heavyweight title, in a battle of the big hitters.

In the fifth championship clash Darlington’s Williamson (11-0-1, 8KOs) takes a step up in class when he meets Rotherham’s Nav Mansouri (20-2-2, 6KOs) for the vacant WBO Intercontinental super-welterweight belt.

Warrington’s challenger Takoucht (35-3-1, 13 KOs) is a former European champion and ranked fourth in the latest IBF rankings.

Warrington, 28, said: “From what I’ve seen, Takoucht is tough and got his IBF ranking through hard work.

“This is a massive opportunity for him. I have to stay focused and not take my eye off the ball because I am after the biggest fights in the division.”

Promoter Frank Warren explained: “We wanted to make the Oscar Valdez unification fight for Josh, but he is giving up the WBO title and moving up in weight.

“I know how much Josh wants the WBA champion, Leo Santa Cruz but he doesn’t seem keen right now.

“If you look at the IBF Ratings number one and two are vacant, and Takoucht was pretty much the next available contender.”

Warrington won his world title in an upset points win against defending champion Lee Selby in May 2018 when 25,000 fans packed into Elland Road to support him.

Last December he defied the bookies odds again when he thrashed two-weight world champion Carl Frampton on points in his maiden defence. He followed that up with the Galahad victory.

Warrington turned professional in October 2009 and before winning a world championship he captured English, British, Commonwealth, European and WBC International titles.

Takoucht is on a eight fight winning streak and won the IBF International title to earn his place among the world’s top featherweights.

Southpaw Takoucht, 33, said: “When the call came to travel to Leeds and challenge Josh I said, ‘yes’ straight away. It’s a chance to beat the best featherweight in the world.

“He beat Lee Selby when nobody thought he could win and then a great fighter, Carl Frampton. It was close against Kid Galahad, but he found a way to win.

“I am sure he will look at me and think I am easier than his last three opponents, but I won’t let this opportunity go. Get ready for a shock.”

Besides the FIVE title fights, also boxing on the show will be Willy Hutchinson (9-0, 6KOs), Mark Heffron (23-1, 17KOs), Shakiel Thompson (4-0, 3KOs), Shabaz Masoud (5-0, 1KO), John Joyce, 1-0).

Exciting prospects, bantamweight Muhammad Ali and Henry Wharton trained York super-welterweight George Davey make their professional debuts.

Tickets for the October 12 show go on sale from 2pm today (Weds August 7) and are available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk and Firstdirectarena.com. Prices: £40, £50, £75, £100, £150, £200, £350 – Inner Ring Hospitality.