Chloe Watson aims to cement her reputation as one of the fastest rising stars in women’s boxing when she defends the EBU European flyweight title on September 27 against Jasmina Zapotoczna.

Watson puts her belt on the line against the in-form and dangerous Zapotoczna at the world-famous York Hall in London, as part of the undercard to Charlie Edwards’ bantamweight barnstormer with Thomas Essomba.

Edwards’ brother, Sunny, manages Essomba meaning an already exciting European bantamweight title scrap also has a simmering family feud running through it.

The addition of Watson vs Zapotoczna, delivered in association with Matchroom Boxing, means it’s a night of double European title action on the latest Wasserman Boxing event, brought to you with Ladbrokes, Numan and Infinitum.

The Ricky Hatton-coached Watson had been eyeing on an all-British showdown with Maisey-Rose Courtney for her first title defence, but earlier this month Zapotoczna scored a major upset, convincingly defeating the Londoner on points, to earn her shot at the champ.

And bolstering the card further is one of British boxing’s most exciting prospects, the crowd-pleasing Tom Welland.

Welland has impressed in his opening five contests as a pro and the Essex puncher will be backed by a noisy crowd on September 27.

Chloe Watson said: “Everyone was convinced I would be making my first defence against Maisey-Rose, but Zapotoczna had other ideas and deservedly earned her shot at my European title.

“But trust me when I say, I won’t be making the same mistakes that Maisey-Rose made.  Zapotoczna is a very good fighter, that was clear for everyone to see in the way she won earlier this month, but I’m a completely different proposition.

“I’ve only had eight pro fights; I’m already European champion and I’ve only just scratched the surface on my potential.  Jasmina has never fought anyone like me.  I just hope she comes ready.”

Jasmina Zapotoczna said: “I’ve upset the odds once already this year, and I plan to do it again on September 27.

“Nobody gave me a chance against Maisey-Rose Courtney, I was written off, but I showed everyone just how good I am.

“I now have the chance to become European flyweight champion and I cannot wait.”

Tom Welland will make his highly anticipated professional debut in Brighton on Friday, November 10.

The 19-year-old, a three times national amateur champion, will box over four rounds at the Brighton Centre next month, on a show headlined by Harlem Eubank vs Timo Schwarzkopf.

Also on the Brighton undercard are: 

• Kazak KO artist Sultan Zaurbek
• Mikkel Kessler-trained Oliver Zaren
• Tommy Welch, the son of British heavyweight icon Scott Welch
• The unbeaten Devon destroyer Ben Andrews
• JP O’Meara, the former Team GB star 
• The pro debut of local hero Harvey Dykes
• Unbeaten featherweight Ebonie Jones
• Northern Ireland’s big punching Tiernan Bradley

Further big names will be added to the return of big time boxing in Brighton, in due course.

Wasserman Boxing is incredibly excited to announce the signing of amateur star Tom Welland on a long-term promotional contract. 

Welland, who celebrates his 19th birthday today, moves into the professional ranks with a huge buzz around him after an amateur career decorated with national and international titles. 

And the super bantamweight also starts life in the paid ranks in the unique position of already having the support of two boxing hotbeds – England and the Philippines. 

Essex-born Welland has a Filipino mother and having boxed for his homeland, but wanting more opportunities, the teenager joined the Philippines’ Olympic squad earlier this year, gaining national exposure in the process. 

But eager to press ahead with his career, Welland – who is coached by Will Jones at the Edge Gym in East London – decided to leave the Olympic Games pathway and turn over, with his highly anticipated pro debut under the Wasserman Boxing banner scheduled for later this year.  

Tom Welland said: “Wasserman Boxing can make me a star and a household name. 

“They can provide me with a great platform for that to happen and given their experience in promoting huge fights, like those in the World Boxing Super Series, I couldn’t ask for anything more. 

“Boxing fans can expect me to bring fire to the ring. 

“I’m known for having heavy fists and for my body punching, so expect me to take the fight to my opponents every time I step through the ropes. 

“I expect to rise quickly and this time next year I will be looking for fights with those big names domestically.” 

Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing at Wasserman Boxing, said: “Tom Welland has all the potential to be a truly international star. 

“Because not only does he have an excellent amateur pedigree and the tools to make a real statement in this sport, but he has the backing of not just one country – but two! 

“We are delighted to add this young man to our brilliant stable of fighters at Wasserman Boxing, and we can’t wait to share details about his professional debut, because it’s one you will not want to miss.”