A confident Pat Brown faced the scales and his opponent Vasil Ducar for the final time this week ahead of their Cruiserweight battle in Altrincham tomorrow night.

Manchester’s own Brown takes a big step-up against experienced Cruiserweight Ducar on Good Friday at Planet Ice, live worldwide on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN. A stacked card sees William Crolla aim to maintain his win-streak against last minute replacement Lewis Morris. Josh Blenkiron and Robbie Colman rematch for the Northern Area Lightweight Title and Alfie Middlemiss makes his debut as a Matchroom fighter.

On Before the Bell, twins Ioan and Garan Croft both plan to make statements in their first fights under the Matchroom banner and Heavyweight Jordan Thompson looks to impress in front of a home crowd.

Olympian Brown soaked up the atmosphere at today’s Weigh-In at Freight Island as he made the Cruiserweight limit for the first time as a professional: “I feel great. I’m ready to go. I’m ready to fight, get in his face and have it.”

“I’ll be sensible. I’m always controlled. I take a few but I’m always ready to go in for the kill. I’ll always go out on my shield but I’m also looking to show people I can box.”

“People are working today, so thank you all for coming. I’ll put on a show and make it all worth it tomorrow night.”

Pat Brown (199.11lbs) vs Vasil Ducar (199.2lbs)

WBA International & IBF Intercontinental Cruiserweight titles

10 x 3-minute rounds

William Crolla (155.14lbs) vs Glenn Byrne (155.8lbs)

Super Welterweight contest

10 x 3-minute rounds

Josh Blenkiron (134.13lbs) vs Robbie Colman (133.8lbs)

Northern Area Lightweight title

10 x 3-minute rounds

Alfie Middlemiss (126lbs) vs Lewis Morris (125.13lbs)

Featherweight contest

8 x 3-minute rounds

Garan Croft (155.12lbs) vs Marco Simmons (156.4lbs)

Super Welterweight Contest

8 x 3-minute rounds

Jordan Thompson (237.4lbs) vs David Spilmont (262.13lbs) 

Heavyweight Contest

8 x 3-minute rounds

Ioan Croft (161lbs) vs Novak Radulovic (161.4lbs)

Middleweight Contest

8 x 3-minute rounds

Pat Brown and Vasil Ducar faced off for the first time this week at today’s press conference ahead of their show down in a packed out Planet Ice, Altrincham on Friday night, live worldwide on DAZN.

The Sale-born Cruiserweight steps up to take on a battle-hardened Ducar in his sixth professional bout for the IBF Intercontinental and WBA International three miles down the road from his hometown. 

William Crolla faces Glenn Byrne, who steps in as a last minute replacement against the Mancunian. Josh Blenkiron and Robbie Colman go head-to-head in a rematch after a close fight in January. 

5-0 Alfie Middlemiss opens the DAZN broadcast and makes his debut as a Matchroom fighter against Lewis Morris.

Welsh twins Ioan and Garan Croft also step through the ropes for the first time as part of the Matchroom roster and Jordan Thompson returns to the ring in a Heavyweight clash.

Here are some selected quotes from Wednesday’s Press Conference – which you can watch back in full in the video player below.

For all the latest updates, follow @matchroomboxing on social media.

MATCHROOM BOXING CEO, FRANK SMITH
 
“I remember when Pat Brown came to our office and he sat down and said, ‘I just love tear-ups’. I said, ‘right, that’s a man after my own heart’. I’m not always into the tactical side of it, and Pat Brown has delivered in every fight exactly what he said he’d do. We’ve had some of our best nights, I’ve been lucky enough to be in boxing for 16, 17 year, we’ve had some of our best nights in Manchester – in the arenas up here and the venues up here.

“Pat delivers excitement inside and outside of the ring. He has a huge fanbase and can go to the top of this sport. Vasil Ducar is obviously another step up, and the right type of step he needs right now. We honestly believe Pat can become undisputed Cruiserweight Champion of the World and then do the same thing at Heavyweight. Not putting too much pressure on him, I’m sure he does it himself. The journey is only just getting started.
 
“I believe he will be fighting for World titles (in the next 12 months). For sure. He’s such a good talent. He’s proving it every time he steps in the ring. Of course, he needs to develop in the fights with the right opponents at the right times but he’s ready, he’s ready to go. He can be a superstar of this sport and trust me, he will be.”

PAT BROWN

“All the memories come flooding back. This is where it started. I remember everyone was there cheering. If you want to be the best and you want to make it to the top, the pressure comes with it, and I believe the way I’ve started my career – he’s definitely a step up. Every fight has been a step up for me. Every single record is a positive record.

“I want to be in good fights to see what I’m about. I understand people get excited and they want to fast-track me. I’ve not gone past four rounds yet. I need to learn about being in deep waters and believe the man to my left [Vasil Ducar] will do that. It’s going to be a tough fight, and I know what I’m in for. I definitely do want the rounds because when you get to the top you need to have that experience – it’s so important. There comes a point where power can only take you so far. Everyone is going on about how I’m this wrecking ball, but I do enjoy showing the technical side of things. I don’t really feel anything until I’m walking to the ring. Something just ignites in me. The penny just drops. As soon as I let ‘em go, if I hurt them, I’m on them like a rash.”

VASIL DUCAR

“I think he [Pat] is in a great place. He’s a good fighter. He’s strong, aggressive, I must be ready from the first round. When we want to make a good fight, we need a good opponent. I think we can go together to make a good fight. Inside me there is the spirit of a warrior. I think the deep waters can be from the first round because when both sides want to go to the deep waters, we can go there from the first round. We can start from the first seconds. We will see. Everybody can have a plan until the first punch. We will see what the situation is. The best fighters react to the situations they find themselves in.”

WILLIAM CROLLA

“There’s a massive chip on my shoulder because, I’m a winner. There’s nothing worse than losing. When I got beaten, Anthony [Crolla] said it to me, you remember the feeling. People were waiting for me to lose. It spurs you on. One minute I’m being spoken about as the next prospect coming through and the next big thing, then all of a sudden, I’m fighting for my career in December in London on a Wednesday night. I wanted to thank Frank, the team and Eddie. They didn’t have to get me out in London then. I feel like I owe them an electric performance on Friday night, and that’s exactly what they’re going to get. It’s a performance I need to get people talking about me again, and to silence all the haters.

“On paper it’s a 50/50. Glenn is an Irish prospect coming up, I’m an English prospect coming up. It’s a great fight, especially made on a week’s notice. I just believe I’m a better fighter in all departments; I think that will show on Friday night. The English Title is vacant; I’d love that towards the end of the year. I just want to be in good fights. That’s all I want. A big win on Friday night opens a lot of doors for me.”

JOSH BLENKIRON

“I was a little bit gutted when my opponent pulled out. We had trained for Joe but obviously when I got told it was Robbie, I just thought it’s going to be another war. I’m ready to go, trained hard, stayed in camp and I’m ready to go again and carry it on from round 11. I just hope Robbie’s got a new gum shield – he spat it out and few times last time. No disrespect. It was a good fight. It will be wider this time. He’s going to come to win. I’m there to win. I’m just going to let my hands go and let my hands do the talking and just leave it in there. I’m ready, he says he’s ready – let’s go.”

ROBBIE COLMAN

“You don’t need to ask me twice; I was absolutely buzzing for the opportunity. I thought it would have been later in the year, but it’s come quicker. I’m ready for it. I’ve kept myself ready after the first fight. I was straight back in the gym locked in. I’ve got the opportunity so I’m here now. I just think I was over eager wanting to win too badly. Sometimes when you want to win too bad your performance goes off.

“No disrespect to Josh, he’s a good fighter. We both put a good show on. There were a few adjustments we looked back on, and we’ve picked them up in the gym. Now I’m back and we’ve got to put them right. I’m a winner and I want to win on Friday night, I cannot lose. I feel like we’re both exciting fighters. I’ll always bring work rate, I’m always fit, I’m always ready, I’m always in the gym keeping my shape right. On Friday, I’ll bring it.”

ALFIE MIDDLEMISS

“It means the world to me to sign for Matchroom. This is a massive opportunity for me and now I can build momentum through this year. The gym is thriving at the moment, some big characters in the gym, even though I get unbelievable stick off Dave Allen. I’m learning all the time and improving as a fighter. I believe you’re going to see that on Friday. It’s a good step up in opponent. As I keep stepping up those levels I’m going to show the best of my ability. I’m sparring top operators in the gym and I’m looking great. I’m feeling amazing. You’re going to see the best of me as we keep stepping up with these opponents.

“I’m excited to showcase what I can do, and I believe I’m going to get a stoppage on Friday night. I’ve got a great engine, as I keep increasing the rounds, you’re going to see the best of me. I can adapt to each fighter and I’m looking to put on a showcase performance to show the best I can do.”

GARAN CROFT

“I think once you get here, you feel real excitement. Fight week has started, and I just can’t wait to show people what I can do and what he [Ioan Croft] can do. I’m looking forward to it. It’s good to be doing it together as well. Our boxing journey started together, and we’ve been across the world together. We do spar together, not so much anymore. There’s been a few bust-ups in the kitchen back home when we were kids. It’s pretty controlled now. It’s good rounds actually. It’s good healthy competition between us, whether that’s inside the gym or running and track – any sort of training. We’re always competing against each other. I’ll definitely be going for a finish at some point. I’m not sure what round. I just want to look good doing it as well.”

JORDAN THOMPSON

“After the fight in Florida, Frank and Eddie came back and said, ‘unlucky, you did a good job, we’re going to keep you active, we’re going to get you back out and get you to a bigger fight’. Eyes locked in on our kid over there, Friday night. We’re going to go out there, do the job and we’re going to look good doing it. Then let’s see what comes after. I’m locked in and I’m excited to be back in Manchester. I don’t know if you can hear but I am from Manchester, born and bred, I am a northerner – I’ve been down south for a bit of a long time now. I’ve stopped drinking coffee and I’m back on my northern vibe, now you’re going to see a true northerner doing what I do best. Getting back in there and just putting on a show. Explosive, relentless, unapologetic. I can’t wait; it’s going to be exciting. I’m looking forward to getting some more belts. The IBF European Cruiserweight belt is collecting a bit of dust. I’m looking to add some to the collection. I’ve got the best team behind me to do that. I’m looking forward to seeing what we can pick up.
 
“It’s reassuring now being up at Heavyweight, being at my natural weight and just being able to go out there and do what I do. Not second guessing myself and just being able to go out there and express myself. It’s a nice feeling. It will be artistic, but it will be violent.”

IOAN CROFT

“Camp has been brilliant. It’s just about taking the week in. We’ve worked hard enough in the gym so there’s no reason on Friday night why both of us can’t put on the best performances of our pro careers so far. That’s what we’re looking to do. It’s been brilliant working with Anthony Crolla. We’re really enjoying it in the gym, and you’ve got William [Crolla] on here Friday night as well. There’s a great buzz in the gym between the three of us. Ant has got so much knowledge to pass on. There’s no better place for us to be. I just want to put on my best performance, and everything will follow suit.”

Dalton Smith stopped Sam O’Maison in round six of their 12-round junior welterweight bout in Sheffield, England.

In round three, Smith dropped O’Maison with a quick right hand. In round five, O’Maison was bleeding on his forehead,

In round six, It was a left that was followed by a right Smith ended things with another booming right that put O’Maison down for a third and final time and the fight was stopped at 2:52.

Smith, 139.2 lbs of Sheffield, ENG is 12-0 with 10 knockouts. O’Maison, 139.1 lbs of Sheffield, ENG is 17-4-1.

Ryan Avenges Defeat; Decisions Farias

Sandy Ryan avenged her lone professional blemish by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over Erica Farias in a super lightweight bout.

Ryan, 139.25 lbs of Derby, ENG won by scores of 98-92 and 96-94 twice and is now 4-1. Farias, 138.5 lbs of Escobar, ARG is 27-6

Fisher Takes Out Reissinger in 2

Fan-favorite Johnny Fisher remained undefeated with a second round stoppage over Michal Reissinger in round two of a scheduled six-round heavyweight bout.

In round two, Fisher landed a booming right that put Reissinger down and the fight was stopped at 39 seconds.

Fisher, 241.4 lbs of Romford, ENG is 6-0 with five knockouts. Reissinger, 249.5 lbs of Kozomin, CZE is 3-2.

Jordan Thompson Hangs on to Decision Ducar

Jordan Thompson barely remained undefeated by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over Vasil Ducar in a cruiserweight bout.

In round 10, Ducar landed a right and left that was followed by two more right hands to send Thompson to the deck. Thompson was able to get to his feet and beat the bell count and final bell.

Thompson, 198.1 lbs of Manchester, ENG won by scores of 97-92 and 96-93 twice and is now 14-0. Ducar, 197.4 lbs of Brno, CZE is now 11-6-1.

Campbell Hatton remained undefeated with an six-round decision over Michal Dufek in a lightweight fight.

Hatton, 137.4 lbs of Manchester, ENG won by a 60-54 score and is now 8-0.  Dufek, 136.1 lbs of Prague, CZE is 34-24-2.

Hopey Price remained undefeated with an eight-round decision over Alexander Mejia in a featherweight fight.

Price, 125.25 lbs of Leeds, ENG won by a 80-72 score and is now 8-0. Mejia, 124.25 lbs of Managua, NIC is 18-4.

Aqib Fiaz won a six-round decision over Jordan Ellison in a lightweight bout.

Fiaz, 137.2 lbs of Oldham, ENG won by a 59-55 score and is now 9-0.

Nico Leivars and Angel Gabriel Chavez fought to a no-contest after Chavez could not continue due to a cut over his left eye in the second round of their six-round bantamweight fight.

In round two, Chavez was cut over his left eye from a headbutt.

Leivars, 123.1 lbs of Mansfield, ENG is 2-0. Chavez, 121.25 lbs of Barcelona, SPA is 3-3.

Junaid Bostan stopped Jose Manuel Lopez Clavero in the sixth and final round of their super welterweight contest.

In round six, Bostan dropped a bloodies Clavero with a straight left on the ropes and the bout was stopped at 1:33.

Bostan, 155.4 lbs Rotherham, ENG is now 2-0 with two knockouts. Clavero, 155.2 lbs of Granada, SPA is 16-18-1.

Kieron Conway tuned up for a Las Vegas showdown with Austin Williams with a fifth round stoppage over Gregory Trenol un a scheduled eight-round super middleweight bout.

Conway dominated the action and landed a hard flurry of punches that forced a referee stoppage at 2:22 of round five.

Conway, 167.4 lbs of Northampton, ENG is now 18-2-1 with four knockouts. Tremol, 166.6 lbs of Dainville, FRA is 16-9-2.

Conway and Williams will meet on September 17th as part of the Canelo Alvarez – Gennadiy Golovkin 3 undercard.

Lawrence Okolie scored a 6th round stoppage over former world champion Krzystof Glowacki to win the WBO World Cruiserweight championship at the SSE Arena in London, England.

In round five, Glowacki started to bleed over his right eye. In round six, Okolie landed a stabbing right to the body that sent Glowacki on his back. He got up but the fight was stopped.

Okolie, 199.6 lbs of Hackney, England is now 16-0 with 13 knockouts. Glowacki, 195 lbs of Walcz, POL is 31-3.

“I don’t think it has sunk in yet,” said Okolie. “It’s nice hearing you say it. I’m happy. For me, it’s more of a relief. The potential has been there for over a year. I’m happy to get the victory. Now and forever, I’ll be a World Champion.

“I was just really focused on putting on a good performance. I’m physically very strong and punch hard. I’m very fit, so I can win on just those attributes at a certain level. I really focused on not rushing any shots because he’s very dangerous with counter shots and he’s very heavy-handed. His jabs were very solid, so I had to be very meticulous in keeping the distance. It was a good clean performance.

“All of the British former World Champions wishing me good fortune really touched me – shout out to them. From every run that I ever did, losing all of that weight, deciding to take a risk, having my parents support me financially when I couldn’t afford to get the bus down to the gym for training. To see it all pay off with a World Title is a dream come true – never give up. We can just go on from here. I need to keep pushing myself to prove myself as the best.”

Cordina Decisions Kourbanov

Joe Cordina remained undefeated by winning a 10-round majority decision over Faroukh Kourbanov in a junior lightweight bout.

Cordina, 132,4 lbs of Cardiff, Wales won by scores of 98-93, 96-95 and 96-96 and he is now 12-0. Kaourbanov, 130.5 lbs of Liege, BEL is 17-3.

“I didn’t think it was close at all,” said Cordina. “I think he nicked one or two rounds, maybe three. I was comfortable and I didn’t really get out of second gear. I let him work a couple of times throughout the rounds, maybe I shouldn’t have. I got a good valuable ten rounds out of that and it’s something to build on. I’ll put on a better performance in my next fight.

“It wasn’t about just going out there and trying to blow him out of there. We knew he was tough, that’s why we chose him. Both of his losses before me were to European Champions. He’s gone the distance a lot of times, we knew he was durable. We got the rounds under our belt and I felt I hurt him a couple of times. He was cute at times.

“I had 16 months out of the ring. He came to win and that’s what I wanted. The hand felt fine, I let it go a few times. I didn’t want to overdo it. Tony told me to let the shots flow so that’s what I did. I shouldn’t have any problems with my hand now. It’s time to build on that. If I want to be a World Champion, I have to get past people like Kourbanov. I didn’t really get out of second gear.”

Fowler Takes out Fortea in 3

Anthony Fowler stopped Jorge Fortea at in round three of a scheduled 10-round super welterweight fight.

At the end of round three, Fowler landed a booming right hand that sent Fortea to the canvas. With Fortea hurt, Fowler was able to land a hard combination that crashed Fortea down againm and the fight was stopped at 3:08.

Fowler, 153.8 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 14-1 with 11 knockouts. Fortea, 152.9 lbs of Sueca, SPA is 21-3-1.

“I surprised myself, I’m not going to lie,” said Fowler. “I thought it was going to go to points. I half play myself down. He just went 12 rounds with a Russian 18-0 killer, IBF No.1. I’m boxing at a much lower level. I’m the first one to admit that.

“I get a few trolls sometimes telling me that I’m boxing at English Title level and they’re right, it’s not my fault. I’m asking for these big fights. I haven’t been getting them. I’ve said to Eddie, ‘throw me in mate, let’s see what I’m made of’. Try and get me smashed and let’s see how I get on.

“He went down from a stiff jab which I was surprised about. I heard Shane say, ‘don’t rush it’, but I knew there was ten seconds left so I thought ‘f*ck it’. I had to throw one bomb at least, luckily enough it landed. He was actually better than I thought he was going to be.

“The first round was even and in the second round he caught me with a good shot. The jab was landing but he was quite tricky. I started throwing to his body to slow him down. The finish was nice, it was a nice straight hand. I was glad he stayed down; it could have been a long night that.

“I could have cried in that ring; it means that much to me. My coach genuinely believes in me more than me. I’ve got the power in both hands and I’ve got the ability. Me and Metcalf is an unbelievable fight. I know he wants it; I’ve heard him talking about it. The whole city would be buzzing. Put me in with Garcia and I’ll beat him too.”

Scotney Decisions Gangloff

Ellie Scotney won a six-round unanimous decision Mailys Gangloff in a featherweight bout.

Scotney, 123 lbs of Catford, ENG won by a 59-55 score and is 2-0. Gangloff, 119 lbs of France is now 4-2.

“It was definitely a learning fight for me for sure,” said Scotney. “Normally in your second fight you’re going to box someone that’s not coming to win. She wasn’t an idiot; she’d had five fights. I learnt a lot from that and there’s a lot to build on. I’m thankful for that.

“She was very angry wasn’t she. She’s as tough as they come, and I think I’m going to benefit a lot from it. It’ll give me a kick up the backside. I’ve got a lot more work to put in, which I love doing. I’ve got a long way to go.

“It was my birthday this week, I’ve just turned 23, I want to push on and I know I’ve got it in me. Now it’s time to start delivering. Women’s boxing is going from strength to strength. Hopefully I can get on the undercard of one of the big ones in May.”

Billam-Smith Decisions Ducar

Chris Billam-Smith won a 10-round unanimous decision over Vasil Ducar in a cruiserweight bout.

In round two, Billam-Smith started bleeding from the mouth. In round four, Billam-Smith hurt Ducar with a counter right and then jumped on him with solid punches for a knockdown.

In round six, Billam-Smith dropped Ducar with a body shot.

Billam-Smith, 199 lbs of Bournemouth, ENG won by sores of 99-90 twice and 97-92 and is now 12-1. Ducar, 198.8 lbs of Brno, Czech Republic is 9-4-1.

“I felt comfortable in there at all times, even when he had his little spurts,” said Smith. “It was really good for me. I thought I was going to become the first man to stop him. I had him down a couple of times, but he was a tough tough man. If I was going to rate it out of ten, I’d probably give myself a 6.5 or 7 out of ten.

“I’ve got plenty to work on in the gym and I can improve a lot. The main thing was getting the win. I got that and I’m happy. I hit him with a great body shot, I felt it really sink in, and then I dropped him to the head as well. He was dipping and I was trying to hit him just over the top of his gloves. Those Czechs are tough and all respect to him.

“Unfortunately, I didn’t get the stoppage, but the main important thing was the win. I switched off a couple of times during the fight because I felt very comfortable. I let my hands get leaky probably two or three times during the fight and he clipped me, but I wasn’t buzzed or hurt at all. I saw everything coming so you can always take something out of the shots.

“I’ve definitely got improvements to make. That was my 13^th fight and I’m always about improving every day in the ring. I’m very grateful to have such great stablemates and such a great coach. I’d love to get the Tommy McCarthy fight as soon as possible.”

Ali Decisions Connolly

Ramla Ali remained undefeated with a decision over Bec Connolly in a sex-round featherweight bout.

In round five, Ali was cut around her left eye from an elbow.

Ali, 126.6 lbs of Bethenal Green, ENG won by a 60-55 score and is now 2-0. Connolly, 126.5 lbs of Swindon, ENG is 3-9.

“Apart from the shiner on my face I’m very satisfied,” Ali told Matchroom. “Regardless of what the scales said, I gave away about half a stone. I weighed-in in like two pairs of jogging bottoms just so I could match the weight. I felt the weight difference for sure, but I tried to not let her use her weight advantage against me.

“I tried to maintain the centre of the ring as much as possible, which I did. I’m really satisfied with how I performed. She’s tough but I got it done. Jobi always says you can’t beat the feet – and he’s right! I was always moving off from the double jab. We work a lot on footwork, and I feel like I did really well with my footwork.

“She was the one calling me out saying that she wanted to fight me. Don’t then turn around and complain that you’ve had short notice. You’re a professional, if I was calling someone out, I’d be ready any time. She said she had a couple of days’ notice. I don’t know what to say about that really.

“Everyone is nervous before getting in the ring because it means so much to you. You want to prove yourself and you want to show all of your friends and family that are watching at home that you’re worthy of watching. You want to put on a good performance and have a good fight. The moment that bell went all of the nerves went and I was razor focused on getting the job done. The Olympic dream is still alive and I’m still hopeful to go, and hopeful to compete. I’m still hoping to progress in my professional career.”

Chris Billam-Smith says there is no chance of him overlookinghis “tough” replacement opponent Vasil Ducar, but the reigning Commonwealth Cruiserweight Champion will be looking to stop him inside the distance when they collideat The SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday March 20, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories.

‘The Gentleman’ (11-1, 10 KOs), who blasted out Cardiff’s Nathan Thorley in two destructive rounds in the opening bout of Fight Camp Week 2 last August, was originally slated to battle English Champion Deion Jumah for the vacant British Title but will now take on the Czech Republic’s Ducar for the vacant WBA Continental Title. 

Impressive back-to-back stoppage wins since his close points loss to Richard Riakporhe in 2019 have seen the Bournemouth powerhouse cement himself as one of the hottest properties in the UK Cruiserweight scene, and now the 30-year-old Shane McGuigan-trained fighter will look to make his mark at European level, with a showdown against Belfast’s Tommy McCarthy in his sight lines. .

“We’re in this sport to fight so when fights fall out close to the date it’s frustrating but I’m just looking forward to getting back in there and putting on a show,” said Billam-Smith. “I’m learning all the time and that’s the way I’m looking at it, I’m far from the finished article and I’m using every day in camp to make sure I’m always improving.

“Vasil Ducar was out sparring Mairis Briedis with me about a year ago and he’s very tough. He’s been in with some very good fighters who couldn’t get him out of there so I will be looking to go one better and end the fight inside the ten rounds. 

“Shane also tells me how tough he is but my response to that is, ‘let’s see!’. He’s never been stopped and can clearly punch with 8 of his 9 wins coming by knockout. This is a good challenge for me at this stage of my career.

“I would love to headline a show in Bournemouth later this year when crowds have returned. The Tommy McCarthy fight for the European Title really excites me or the rematch with Richard Riakporhe, but right now it’s all focus on Ducar, March 20.”

Billam-Smith vs. Ducar is part of a huge night of action in London, Hackney Cruiserweight Lawrence Okolie (15-0, 12 KOs) attempts to become Britain’s next World Champion in just his sixteenth fight when he clashes with Krzysztof Glowacki for the vacant WBO crown, Welsh Super-Featherweight Joe Cordina (11-0, 7 KOs) meets Belgium’s Faroukh Kourbanov (17-2, 3 KOs) over ten rounds, Liverpool Super-Welterweight Anthony Fowler (13-1, 10 KOs) returns against Spain’s Jorge Fortea (21-2-1, 7 KOs) with the WBA International Title on the line, Ramla Ali (1-0) has her second professional fight, Catford’s Ellie Scotney (1-0) meets Mailys Gangloff (4-1, 1 KO) and Stretford Middleweight Bradley Rea (9-0, 3 KOs) takes on Bournemouth’s Lee Cutler (7-0, 4 KOs).