A Christmas cracker is coming to London as one of the UK’s hottest prospects Giorgio Visoli headlines a card stacked with the next generation of British boxing superstars on Wednesday, December 17, at Indigo, at The O2 – live worldwide on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN.

The festive Fight Night sees the unbeaten 9-0 (6 KOs) Lightweight return to the UK, fresh from his impressive US debut in Philadelphia earlier this month when he defeated James Wilkins.

Now he faces a tough test in an eliminator for the English title against the 14-1 (4 KOs) ‘Wigan Warrior’ Joe Howarth – managed by popular Heavyweight star, Dave Allen.

Visioli said:“I want to say a massive thanks to Eddie Hearn and Frank Smith at Matchroom Boxing for giving me the opportunity to headline at such a young age — it shows the belief they have in me. I’m buzzing to be doing it so close to home and I can’t wait to put on a show.

“Respect to Joe Howarth for taking the fight, but he’s just a man in my way. I’m going to beat him, look good doing it, and then move on to winning titles. I don’t believe Joe is on my level — and on fight night, the levels will be shown. He’s a good fighter, but he’s not ready for someone like me.

“I can’t wait to keep showing my class to the boxing world and make my mark on the 135-pound division.”

Howarth is confident he can upset Visioli and underline why he is a top prospect to watch in 2026.

“Finally, this is my chance to show how good I am,”said Howarth. 

“It’s good for me to box someone as talented as Visioli. In everyone’s eyes he’s a future World Champion, but I believe I’m every bit as good as him. I want to prove I’m a world class prospect.”

In the co-main event, the English Cruiserweight Title is on the line as ’The Gentleman’ John Hedges collides with Ellis Zorro.

Zorro, a former WBO European and British title challenger, stepped up to face the ‘King of the Cruiserweights’, Jai Opetaia, in December 2023 and was spectacularly stopped in the first round.

The Bromley fighter fell to Chev Clarke a year ago in Leeds too and will be looking to bounce back to winning ways after falling on points to Aloys Junior in Bournemouth back in July.

Former Southern Area holder Hedges is determined to add the huge domestic scalp of Zorro to his CV, and notably stage a winning performance in honour of his late trainer, Ricky Hatton.

Hedges said:“Winning the English Title puts my name in with the best. Zorro has been in with some top contenders and beating him style puts eyes on me. This one is for Ricky!”

Zorro believes he has a chance to restart his career and has vowed he will not let this opportunity pass by.

He sad:“This is the part two of my career, a chance to win the English title, resurrect myself and move forward to where I feel I belong”.

Promising Super Bantamweight sensation Conor Mitchell – the son of cult British boxing favourite, Kevin Mitchell – makes his professional debut for Matchroom Boxing in his home city of London, with a bumper crowd expected to cheer on the two-time amateur National Champion.

Mitchell said:“I’m buzzing to be making my Matchroom debut. It’s a massive platform and the perfect stage to show everyone what I’m about. I’ve been working hard in the gym and I’m ready to put on a statement performance for the fans.”

Tiah-Mai Ayton – the teenage wonderkid dubbed by the legendary Katie Taylor as the future greatest of all time – returns to action in what is the Bristol fighter’s fourth professional contest of the year. 

And after a successive first outing to the capital earlier this month, Ayton is ready to light up The Indigo at The O2 and kickstart her push to claim championships next year.

Ayton said:“I had a week off last week but now it’s straight back in the gym again for December 17th. I can’t wait to get back to London again and make it 4 and 0 as a pro and then in 2026 I want to start chasing titles.”

Fellow exciting prospects Leli Buttigieg, Taylor Bevan and Adam Maca are also on the exciting card – with the trio plotting to make respective statements to close out the year.

Buttigieg said: “I can’t wait to be back out again just before Christmas, ready to finish the year in style. Expect a big turn out and win from myself.”

Bevan added:“I’m very grateful to Matchroom for keeping me so busy since turning professional. This will be my 7th fight in just over a year so it’s been very busy but I’ve loved every minute of it so far. It’s great to be back out so soon again and I’m looking forward to another great night on December 17 and ending the year with another good win.”

And Maca said: “Having back to back fights in London is really exciting. I’m grateful to Matchroom for keeping me active, I think that is key. I’m looking forward to once again showcasing my skills and continuing to bring everyone watching along on my journey.”

Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn says British fight fans are in for a real treat before Christmas with a glimpse into the future of the sport.

Hearn said: “If you want to see some of the future stars of British Boxing, then look no further. This festive fight night has got it all. It’s a great test for Giorgio Visioli in London, in what I am sure will be the first of many events in which he headlines. This is a Christmas cracker!”

Tickets – priced at £40, £60, and £120 – go on general sale next Tuesday. For more information visit: matchroomboxing.com

The future is bright for Matchroom Boxing. And young Leo Atang has got everyone talking. 

Atang received the ultimate seal of approval from Anthony Joshua before he was the subject of a text to Eddie Hearn sent by His Excellency Turki Alalshikh proclaiming what a talent the 18-year-old Heavyweight sensation is when he announced himself to the world back in July.

After just two minutes and 29 seconds of his professional debut, Atang flattened Milen Paunov with a devastating, succession of shots to leave everyone purring at what lies ahead for the talented teenager.

In the build-up to his bow at Manchester’s AO Arena, Atang rubbed shoulders with British Heavyweight royalty in two-time World Champion AJ and the legendary, former World Champion, Frank Bruno at Matchroom Boxing’s exclusive rebrand launch in London.

It was a ‘pinch me’ moment for Atang, who dreams of one day realising his boyhood dream of emulating his heroes Joshua and Bruno. But he is smart enough to acknowledge that there is a long road ahead yet – continuing this Saturday when he steps inside the ropes for a second time, in front of a sold-out Sunderland Live – streamed live on DAZN.

“I’ve got a lot of work and maturing to do,” said Atang, speaking to John Evans at The Ring.

“It’ll come eventually but we’re in this game for a long time, we’re just going to enjoy every step, learn and progress as much as possible.”

Atang’s upcoming opponent is Cristian Uwaka – and he expects things to be more competitive this time.

“He’s a tough guy,” added Atang. 

“I think he’s been stopped once. He goes the rounds and he’s had a little draw upset with a debutant. It’ll be good to get in there with him. 

“I can’t just rely on blowing him out of there with a big flurry straight away. I’ve got to work on him and break him down.”

Things will be more settling for Atang this time round too. In Sunderland he is joined on the card by some of his best friends in the sport in fellow wonderkids, Adam Maca and Tiah-Mai Ayton – along with his Legions Gym stablemate from York, Brad Casey who makes his professional debut.

Maca – also contesting what will be his second fight in the pro ranks – takes on Spain’s Francisco Rodriguez.

The 18–year-old Brighton Super Bantamweight, who has a proud Albanian heritage, was nothing short of sublime when he made his impressive introduction just two weeks before Atang at The Theatre of New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden, when he made light work of Rafael Castillo, defeating the Bronx veteran inside two rounds.

And Maca wants to make another show-stealing statement this weekend as he too plots his future path to a legendary status in the sport.

“I’ve got a large crowd coming a long way from home,” said Maca.

“I can’t wait to get in and put on a great performance for all of the travelling support.”

Bristol’s Tiah-Mai Ayton was another summer debutant for Matchroom Boxing – where she duly underlined her promise as one of Britain’s best female fighters when she knocked out Sara Orszagi in a dazzling performance in Birmingham last June.

Bantamweight Ayton, 19, faces Lydie Bialic on Saturday and she is determined to show why many in the sport believe she too is destined for greatness.

“I can’t wait to get in there for my second pro fight,” said Ayton. 

“I enjoyed every minute of my debut and hopefully this won’t be any different. 

“I’ve worked so hard in the gym over the last couple of months so I’m excited to show everyone what I’ve been working on and make it 2 and 0 on Saturday.”

Hear more from all three later today as they take part in the final Press Conference ahead of Saturday’s show. Stayed tuned to Matchroom Boxing’s social media channels for the very latest – including from the likes of Sandy Ryan, Cameron Vuong, Mark Dickinson and headliner, Pat McCormack.

Teenage amateur sensation Tiah-Mai Ayton will turn professional with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing after the 18-year-old put pen to paper on a long-term promotional deal.
 
The Super-Bantamweight from Bristol is set to make her pro debut this summer following the conclusion of a glittering career in the amateurs in which she amassed an impressive unblemished 21-0 record.
 
Ayton, trained by Dean Lewis out of the Weston Warriors ABC and managed by Brian Peters, won the Haringey Box Cup in June 2024 at the 60kg Lightweight limit, stopping her opponents in the semi-final and final.
 
She went on to claim gold in the 57kg weight category at the World Championships in Colorado, USA in November, defeating India’s Anjali Singh via a unanimous decision in the final.
 
A five-time National Champion, Ayton was brought into Skye Nicolson’s camp as a sparring partner ahead of the Australian’s WBC Featherweight World Title clash with Tiara Brown in Sydney.
 
As well as an outstanding career in amateur boxing, Ayton also excelled in several other combat sports, becoming a World Champion in kickboxing and Muay Thai at the age of just ten.
 
“I’ve always wanted to turn pro with Eddie Hearn since I was a little girl,” said Ayton. “I think he’s got a message from me from like three or four years ago where I asked, ‘one day can you sign me?’ Today is the day I’m signed with him.
 
“I did get offered a Team GB contract, but I turned it down because I don’t suit the amateur style. I thought I may as well turn pro. I want those belts. I’ve had over 300 fights and I’m undefeated in amateur boxing. I think it’s time to step into the pros now.
 
“I’ve always had a professional style in the amateurs. I believe I’m destined for greatness in the pro game. Why not start now while I’m young? I sit on my shots and I’m powerful. I don’t jump around a lot and I’m not tippy tappy.
 
“I think the young fighters coming through the ranks just keep getting better and better every year. It’s our time to shine. I hope to make my professional debut in June or July. Hopefully you’ll see me then. I plan to make a statement.
 
“Fans will like watching me because I’ll knock people out and I’ll keep it entertaining for you lot. I think I can become an undisputed World Champion, winning a few World Titles in different categories.”
 
“Tiah-Mai Ayton is destined to become the next superstar of women’s boxing,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Her amateur record across multiple combat sports, not just boxing, is astounding, and she is hungry to get her professional boxing career underway as soon as possible.
 
“Tiah could have waited for the Olympic Games, but she believes she will become a multi-weight World Champion so there was no point in delaying. This is going to be an incredibly exciting journey, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for her.”
 
You can follow Ayton’s journey on Instagram: tiahayton