LONDON, UK (July 16, 2024) – Caroline Dubois, one of the most exciting prospects in world boxing, has committed her future to BOXXER, signing a long-term promotional pact with the next generation boxing promoter.

Confirmation of the new deal comes with an announcement of world title action for the fast-rising star, who faces Maira Moneo for the IBO and WBC Interim World Lightweight Championships on Saturday, August 3rd at Oakwell Stadium in Barnsley, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

Dubois will be defending her IBO World Title, while Moneo puts her WBC Interim World Title on the line with the winner set on a collision course to face Irish boxing legend and current WBC World Lightweight Champion Katie Taylor.

Twenty-three-year-old star ‘Sweet Caroline’ Dubois (9-0, 5 KOs) has got off to the perfect start to her professional career having already been crowned Youth Olympic, World Youth and four-time European Youth champion as an amateur.

Dubois’ unbeaten run in the paid ranks includes a convincing win over Magali Rodriguez to claim the IBO World Title in September 2023 and a successful defence of the belt against Miranda Reyes in February 2024.

The Shane McGuigan trained fighter will now fight for the WBC Interim World Title title as she joins a historic night of boxing in Barnsley topped by the British and Commonwealth Super Middleweight Title fight between defending champion Zak Chelli and local star Callum Simpson.

To realise a dream fight with Katie Tylor, Dubois must first overcome Moneo (14-1, 3 KO), the former WBA Interim World Lightweight Title holder and current WBC Interim World Lightweight Champion.   

Known as ‘La Panterita’, the thirty-one-year-old Uruguayan, Moneo, has mixed with top level opposition. She holds a victory over former two-weight world ruler Erica Anabella Farias and the only blemish on her record is the result of a disqualification in a 2020 bout with Yanina del Carmen Lescano due to a clash of heads.

Caroline Dubois said: “I’m very happy to have signed a new deal with BOXXER, Ben Shalom and Sky Sports. For me, it’s the biggest platform and I’ve been impressed with the amount they’ve invested in me and in female boxing.

“I’m ready to announce myself on the big stage. I want to be world champion. I want to be fighting for world titles against the likes of Rhiannon Dixon, Beatriz Ferreira and Katie Taylor. I want to unify the division. I want to be undisputed and then I want to move up in weight.

“I want to go all the way and to do something that has never been done before. I want to transform the sport of female boxing and to change the way it’s viewed to make sure it gets the respect it deserves.

“Moneo is a fight that can propel me to the next level. She’s game, she’s tough and she believes she’s going to win. She is going to bring that South American mentality, tenacity and energy.  She has a lot of experience. She’s had a lot of fights so I don’t think she’s going to be overawed. She’s going to be aggressive and non-stop punching and I’m ready and I’m excited for that.

“Every time I step in the ring, I want to do damage. I want to excite people. I want people to say: ‘Wow, that Caroline Dubois, she’s something special!’ I want my name to be in their minds and on their lips. Whether it’s a knockout or a ten round beatdown, I want to be the standout performance of the night, and on August 3rd, I’m coming to steal the show.

“After this fight, I will be on a collision course with Katie Taylor. I will be the interim champion, her mandatory and unless she vacates, we’re fighting next!”

Maira Moneo said: “I am looking forward to coming to the UK to fight Caroline Dubois. She is a very good fighter, and deserves my respect, but she has never faced anyone like ‘La Panterita’. I will show her why I’m the interim 135 lbs champion. I promise, I will be bringing the belts back home to Uruguay and Argentina with me.”

BOXXER Founder and CEO Ben Shalom said: “Caroline Dubois is one of the future faces of world boxing. She is a special talent. We’ve worked with her from her pro debut and we’re delighted that she continues to put her faith in us to guide her career to the highest level.

“At just 23-years of age, she has already achieved so much. On August 3rd, as part of a huge night of boxing in Barnsley, she steps up to challenge Maira Moneo for the WBC Interim World Title, which can pave the way for some massive fights including a potential shot at female boxing icon Katie Taylor. It doesn’t get any bigger than that. This is an opportunity for Caroline to realise her dream and set up a fight with one of the biggest names in the sport in what can be a real ‘passing of the torch’ moment.”

Battle Lines: Chelli vs Simpson will kick-off the 2024/25 season for Barnsley F.C. with local star Callum Simpson challenging Londoner Zak Chelli for his British and Commonwealth Titles at Oakwell Stadium on Saturday, August 3rd, one week before the new season begins.

While general admission tickets for Battle Lines sold out in less than 48 hours, there is good news for any fight fans who missed out. A very limited number of production seats and returns are now available as the layout of the venue has been completed. There are less than 200 tickets up for grabs on a first come, first served basis at BOXXER.com. Limited hospitality packages are available via Barnsley Football club, enquiries via: [email protected]

This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, HELL Energy and That Prize Guy.

BARNSLEY, UK (June 25, 2024) – Ireland’s undefeated Stephen McKenna will face Joe Laws for the WBC International Silver Super Welterweight Title as part of an action-packed night of boxing on Saturday, August 3rd at Oakwell Stadium in Barnsley, presented by BOXXER live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

This mouth-watering contest is the first in a series of exciting undercard announcements to be revealed for a stacked stadium show at Oakwell, home of Barnsley F.C, topped by the British and Commonwealth Super Middleweight Title fight between defending champion Zak Chelli and local star Callum Simpson. 

McKenna returns having dispatched Yorkshire’s Darren Tetley inside six-rounds last time out at York Hall in September 2023 to continue his unbeaten run, while the ‘Benwell Bomber’ Laws is back in action following an upset win over Michael Hennessy Jr at the same venue a month later.

Fans can expect a fiery build up with McKenna and Laws having already exchanged a series of barbs online and Laws pulling no punches in his assessment of his opponent.

Stephen McKenna said: “These are the type of matchups that excite me, especially in an open-air stadium in the middle of summer. I’ve been getting world class sparring out here in the States, and I’m feeling bigger, stronger and hitting harder than ever. And I can’t wait to show this come August 3rd.

“Joe Laws is game. He’s full of energy and won’t shy away from a scrap. He’s good at running his mouth and on the night he’ll try to put up a fight, but that just raises the ante for me to do more damage. Credit to him for taking this, because when those fists start flying it won’t look too pretty for him.

“Fans can expect nothing less than pure carnage. Our styles guarantee a high-action, high-volume fight at a ferocious pace. But whether I blast him out early or drown him late on, it’ll end with my hands raised.”

Joe Laws said: “McKenna is about as well liked in boxing as Boris Johnson was during lockdown. I don’t need a reason to punch someone, but he’s got one of those faces. I’m going to spark him and bring the belt back to Benwell. And the new!”

BOXXER Founder & CEO Ben Shalom said: “Fight fans can look forward to a night of non-stop action at Oakwell on Saturday, August 3rd. McKenna vs Laws is an excellent addition to the card. Neither man will want to take a backwards step so expect fireworks when these two step into the ring.”

Battle Lines: Chelli vs Simpson will kick-off the 2024/25 season for Barnsley F.C. with local star Callum Simpson challenging Londoner Zak Chelli for his British and Commonwealth Titles at Oakwell Stadium on Saturday, August 3rd, one week before the new season begins.

Tickets are sold out. Limited hospitality packages are still available via BOXXER.com and Barnsley Football club, enquiries via: [email protected]

This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, HELL Energy and That Prize Guy.

BARNSLEY, UK (June 18, 2024) – Callum Simpson kicked off his big fight campaign with a special event for Barnsley F.C fans, family and friends in the heart of the community in Barnsley as tickets went on sale for his British and Commonwealth Super Middleweight Title challenge against Zak Chelli on Saturday, August 3rd at Oakwell Stadium, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

Hosted by Barnsley’s X Factor singer-songwriter Holly Tandy and Sky Sports’ Johnny Nelson, Callum welcomed hundreds of supporters to The Garrison pub in Barnsley to officially kick-off his challenge for the title.

They were joined by a host of special guests including BOXXER CEO & Founder Ben Shalom, Barnsley F.C CEO Jon Flatman, Barnsley Council CEO Sarah Norman, and Barnsley F.C player Luca Connell.

Barnsley favourite Simpson delivered an impassioned rallying cry to the venue packed with hundreds of wellwishers, urging them to support him in his upcoming title fight with Londoner Chelli, who makes the trip north to defend his belts.

WATCH STREAM ON BOXXER INSTAGRAM HERE

Tickets start from just £30 to see hometown hero Callum Simpson as he takes on defending champion Zak Chelli for the British and Commonwealth Super Middleweight Titles in this historic event at the home of Barnsley F.C.

Tickets are limited and are expected to sell out, with capacity strictly limited to the East Stand seats only.

Tickets for Battle Lines are on sale now exclusively to Barnsley FC season ticket holders, before the BOXXER pre-sale from 12pm tomorrow, Wednesday 19 June for everyone who signed up at BOXXER.com.

General sale begins at 12pm on Thursday, 20 June for any remaining seats.

This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, HELL Energy and That Prize Guy.

BARNSLEY, UK (June 13, 2024) – Battle lines are being drawn as Zak Chelli goes deep into enemy territory to defend his British and Commonwealth Super Middleweight Titles against his unbeaten mandatory challenger Callum Simpson on Saturday, August 3rd at Oakwell Stadium in Barnsley, presented by BOXXER live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

SIGN UP NOW FOR ACCESS TO PRE-SALE TICKETS

26-year-old Londoner Chelli (15-2-1, 7 KOs) will be making the first defence of the British and Commonwealth Titles he claimed with a unanimous points win over Jack Cullen at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool in January.

Having earned the crown as the best in Britain, the Fulham fighter will be looking to solidify his position at the top of a highly competitive domestic division when he makes the long journey north to South Yorkshire where he will take on Barnsley bruiser Simpson (14-0, 10 KOs) in the challenger’s hometown.

Undefeated in the professional ranks, 27-year-old Simpson has earned his shot at Chelli’s belts with a series of impressive performances, most recently scoring a fourth-round knockout win over Tanzania’s Dulla Mbabe at The O2 Arena in May to remain on course for his mandatory challenge.

Simpson is predicting another knockout performance when he challenges for British and Commonwealth glory in front of his fans at Oakwell Stadium, the home of his beloved Barnsley F.C.

Zak Chelli said: “Winning the British and Commonwealth Titles was the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice. This is just the beginning for me. Simpson is too scared to challenge me for my titles in London so I’ll show him what a real fighter is and fight him on his home turf. On August 3rd, my hand will be raised and the belts will remain round my waist.”

Callum Simpson said: “It’s a dream come true to fight in front of my home fans in Barnsley. I’m going to win the British and Commonwealth Titles in style. Expect a knockout. This is the fight I’ve been asking for. It’s a chance to prove myself and make my hometown proud. I need everyone in Barnsley and beyond to get behind me and really make Oakwell a fortress.”

BOXXER founder and CEO Ben Shalom said: “We’re delighted to be working with Barnsley F.C to bring an unmissable night of championship boxing to Oakwell Stadium on Saturday, August 3rd with British and Commonwealth Champion Zak Chelli defending his belts against local star Callum Simpson. From winning the Ultimate BOXXER tournament to claiming impressive wins over Germaine Brown, Anthony Sims Jr and Jack Cullen, Zak Chelli has proven himself as a top operator and will be coming to Barnsley full of confidence. Callum Simpson is the latest star to emerge from Yorkshire, which has a rich history of producing boxing champions. He will have the backing of the Barnsley faithful as he fights at his home stadium. Expect fireworks as the two fighters go toe-to-toe at Oakwell.”

Barnsley F.C. Chief Executive Jon Flatman said: “Barnsley FC are proud to host Callum Simpson and fulfil his lifelong ambition to fight at Oakwell. The stadium has to always be at the centre of what the community wants and needs; We know the people in this town want to see Callum claim the British title at this iconic venue. We believe the ticket prices represent good value for money for 8 hours entertainment and we are excited to see the people of Barnsley turn out in force. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the council, the safety authorities and our board for their support throughout the process of making this fight a possibility. Callum has the full support of the club behind him and we know this fight will put the town, the club and the people of Barnsley firmly on the map. We are a place of possibilities and we want everyone to have the opportunity to fulfil their dreams.”

Battle Lines: Chelli vs Simpson will kick-off the 2024/25 season for Barnsley F.C. with local star Simpson challenging Londoner Chelli for his British and Commonwealth Titles at Oakwell Stadium on Saturday, August 3rd, one week before the new season begins.

With a strictly limited 7,000 seating capacity set for the event, tickets are expected to sell out fast. Sign up now for access to pre-sale tickets at BOXXER.com.

This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, HELL Energy and That Prize Guy.

HOW TO BUY TICKET FOR BATTLE LINES:

Tickets are limited and are expected to sell out, with only 7000 East stand seats available and priced from just £30!

All Hospitality sales are via Barnsley Football club, enquiries via: [email protected]

Barnsley Season Ticket Holders will get priority access.

Sign-up NOW at BOXXER.com

• 12pm, Tuesday 18 June: Barnsley FC 2024/25 Season Ticket Holders priority access
• 12pm, Wednesday 19 June: BOXXER exclusive pre-sale. Sign-up at BOXXER.com
• 12pm, Thursday, 20 June: General sale

LIVERPOOL, UK (November 14, 2023) – Two-weight world champion Natasha Jonas will defend her IBF World Welterweight Title against former unified world champion Mikaela Mayer in a landmark night for women’s boxing as two of the sport’s biggest stars meet in the centre of the ring on Saturday, January 20th at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland. 

Jonas (14-2-1, 9 KOs) will be making a first defence of the IBF crown she claimed with an emphatic stoppage win over Canadian Kandi Wyatt earlier this year,  having previously unified the WBC, WBO and IBF World Super Welterweight Titles. 

Standing in the opposite corner will be U.S. star Mayer (19-1, 5 KOs), a fellow Olympian and the former IBF and WBO World Super Featherweight Champion. The Los Angeles native was one of the stars of BOXXER’s historic women’s night last year, and after capturing the WBC interim World Lightweight Title earlier this year, Mayer will be moving up in weight once again.

Newly crowned British and Commonwealth Champion Jack Cullen also returns to action in Liverpool defending his belts against former foe Zak Chelli. Cullen (22-4-1, 10 KOs) scored a memorable third-round TKO win over Mark Heffron in September to claim the British and Commonwealth titles. ‘Little Leaver’s Meat Cleaver’ will now square off against former English Champion Chelli (14-2-1, 7 KOs) in a repeat of their all-action 2020 contest that ended in a draw.

Natasha Jonas said: “I’m so excited to be fighting back in Liverpool in my first headline show and in the biggest fight of my career so far. It’s my fifth world title fight with BOXXER, in my backyard and I’m ready for it. It’s Mikaela Mayer, she stretches above and beyond the UK shores. ‘Miss GB’ versus ‘Miss USA’ and may the best woman win!”  

Mikaela Mayer said, “These are the types of matchups boxing needs. I am feeling better than ever at my new weight and confident that 2024 is when I take it all back.”

BOXXER Founder and CEO, Ben Shalom, said: “2024 promises to be a monumental year for BOXXER and Sky Sports, and we’re thrilled to kick things off with another massive night for women’s boxing as Natasha Jonas defends her World Title against Mikaela Mayer in a matchup set to showcase the pinnacle of the sport. Natasha and Mikaela are two fantastic athletes – both former Olympians and world champions – from either side of the Atlantic, ready to put it all on the line to secure their legacy.” 

“Mikaela Mayer is beloved in the UK, and we are thrilled that she will get an opportunity to become a two-weight champion against a sensational fighter in Natasha Jonas,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “These are two of the best pound-for-pound females in boxing and a great fight to kick off the 2024 schedule.”

This event is presented in association with official partners Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Integritas Property Group.

Sign up for tickets alerts for Natasha Jonas vs Mikaela Mayer via BOXXER.com 

Manchester, England – (June 20, 2023) – Two guaranteed crowd-pleasers were today confirmed for the BOXXER: Crews-Dezurn vs Marshall card, with highly-rated Manchester area super-middleweight Mark Jeffers seizing a huge opportunity to replace the injured Mark Heffron in a Commonwealth Silver title clash with Zak Chelli and the sensational Ben Whittaker stepping up another level in Manchester’s AO Arena on Saturday July 1st, live on Sky Sports.

Heffron had been due to defend his Commonwealth Super-Middleweight Championship against Chelli (13-1-1, 6 KO’s) next weekend but was forced to withdraw last week due to an injury sustained in training. The undefeated and hotly-tipped Jeffers (15-0, 4 KO’s) saw an opportunity to step in and take a big scalp in a clash which now has the vacant Commonwealth Silver Super-Middleweight Championship on the line. 

Fighting out of the Manchester satellite town of Chorley – also home to Jack Catteral – the rising Jeffers is trained by Michael Jennings, whose own standout professional career took him all the way to the USA to lock horns with all-time great Miguel Cotto in New York’s legendary Madison Square Garden. 

Jennings has declared his Jeffers to be “twice as good as I was at the same age” and is confident of his fighter’s ability to step in on short notice and upset the surging Chelli, who carries career-best form into the bout as he comes off his dominant win over former WBA Intercontinental champion Anthony ‘The Magician’ Sims Jr in February.

Whittaker (3-0, 2 KO’s) won a silver medal for Great Britain at the 2020 Olympic Games and has won a legion of fans since entering the professional ranks last year, his supremely confident showboating style harking back to his idol ‘Prince’ Naseem Hamed and proving a huge hit with fight fans.

The Wolverhampton wonderkid has made no secret of his ambitions to fast-track himself to the bigtime: he went immediately into six-round fights after turning professional, skipping any four-round experience, and is now stepping up for an eight-round bout in what is only his fourth professional fight.

In Manchester he will take on Ireland-based light-heavyweight Vladimir Belujsky (13-6, 9 KO’s), a durable campaigner who has three times as many KO wins on his record as Whittaker has bouts. 

The heavy-handed Slovakian’s last UK visit saw him take Karol Itauma almost to the final bell of their eight-rounder, having earlier that year taken Jack Cullen eight rounds in the same Manchester arena he will now face Whittaker in. 

“Mark Jeffers is dangerous and talented. He will be stepping up to a huge opportunity to fight Zak Chelli after Mark Heffron pulled out via injury. I’m delighted to turn around such a great fight – possibly fight of the night – in a matter of days. Credit has to go to both guys for taking on such a big challenge,” said Ben Shalom, BOXXER founder and CEO.

“Zak Chelli is on a mission to prove himself the best super-middleweight in the country and he’s fearless in taking on anyone along the way. Chelli is a throwback fighter, he has that ‘anyone, anytime’ mentality and Jeffers is ready to meet him head-on, so I give full credit to both of them. They both know this is going to be a tough fight

“Ben Whittaker’s last performance got him on the radar of every sports fan in the country. He’s a once-in-a-lifetime type of talent and he’s said himself that he wants to be fighting at the top level as soon as possible. This will be his first fight over eight rounds. Vladimir Belujsky is tough, he’s tricky, but I think we’re going to see something special from Ben Whittaker once again in Manchester.”

BOXXER: Crews-Dezurn vs Marshall takes place Saturday, July 1st at the AO Arena Manchester and airs live and exclusively in the UK and Ireland on Sky Sports. 

The headline bout sees former world middleweight champion Savannah Marshall return to super-middleweight to challenge reigning champion Franchon ‘FCD’ Crews-Dezurn for the undisputed world championship in a clash which will be closely watched by FCD’s friend and Marshall’s bitter rival Claressa Shields.

This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Village Hotels.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – (May 24th, 2023) – Savannah Marshall (12-1, 10 KO’s) is on track to land a record-setting 1-2 this summer as she follows October’s sell-out of The O2 London – the UK’s largest arena – by headlining a sold-out show at the AO Arena Manchester – the UK’s second-largest arena – on Saturday, July 1st.

The undisputed World Super-Middleweight Championship will be on the line when Marshall walks out to challenge defending champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn (8-1, 2 KO’s) and becomes the first female boxer ever to headline the UK’s two largest arenas in back-to-back events.

Previously set to occupy the co-headline slot, the undisputed world championship bout now takes main event status as Liam Smith postpones his rematch with bitter rival Chris Eubank Jr to recover from a minor but nagging injury which has dogged his training camp.

The two antagonists set a pay-per-view record for their weight class when they fought in January, a bout Smith won by fourth-round stoppage, and a stellar support card was put in place for their highly-anticipated rematch, which was also set to air as a Sky Sports Box Office pay-per-view event.

With two world title fights – Liverpool’s Natasha ‘Miss GB’ Jonas (13-2-1, 8 KO’s) is set to defend her unified world light-middleweight championship at the event – plus a guaranteed-fireworks British super-middleweight title fight pitting Manchester man Mark ‘Kid Dynamite’ Heffron (29-2-1, 23 KOs) against Zak Chelli (13-1-1, 6 KOs), that stacked undercard now becomes a stacked event which will air live on the Sky Sports network.

And BOXXER has today also announced that every fan entering the AO Arena on Saturday, July 1 will be issued with a £10 or £20 food and beverage voucher (depending on value of ticket held), courtesy of BOXXER, plus priority access to tickets for the new Smith vs Eubank II date when announced and a 10% discount code to use in their priority access window. 

Also confirmed for the card is once-in-a-lifetime talent Ben ‘The Surgeon’ Whittaker (3-0, 2 KO’s), who became one of the most talked-about athletes in the country earlier this month when his outrageous showboating at BOXXER’s Birmingham event went viral online and had him trending at #1 on UK twitter for the night of May 6th.

Another prospect heavily-tipped by boxing insiders is Callum Simpson (11-0, 9 KO’s), who journeys from his native Yorkshire on July 1st to make his second BOXXER appearance following his stunning third-round stoppage in the same venue in March.

“I’m gutted and sorry to all the fans about the postponement. I’ve always said a fully fit Liam Smith beats Chris Eubank Jr every time. I tried training through because I was desperate not to let anyone down but I’ve had to withdraw from the bout in July following the latest medical assessment this week. I’ll heal up now and then be fully fit for later in the summer,” said Liam Smith. 

“I wanted BOXXER to put a big card together and they more than delivered, so I’m honestly delighted that BOXXER is keeping the card on without the pay-per-view, which doesn’t always happen. I would encourage all the fans to get behind Tasha Jonas and Savannah Marshall in their world title fights, and the other fighters in a brilliant card.”

Ben Shalom, BOXXER founder and CEO, saluted Smith’s courageous efforts to stay on the card and looks forward to another record-setting night in Manchester.

“Nobody is more disappointed than Liam Smith, he’s the ultimate professional but he had no choice but to postpone the bout. We’re working on a new date for the fight and hope to announce that in a week or so. In the meantime we’ve got a huge night taking place in Manchester on July 1st,” he said.

“Savannah Marshall headlining the UK’s two biggest arenas in back to back fights is a first for a female fighter and shows the strength of the women’s sport today. She’s fighting for the undisputed world super-middleweight championship against the USA’s Franchon Crews-Dezurn – a fight which could headline any arena in the world. 

“Manchester’s own Mark Heffron defending his British title against Zak Chelli, Natasha Jonas laying her own world titles on the line, plus a once-in-a-generation talent like Ben Whittaker and the outstanding Callum Simpson takes on Boris Crighton – this is a card stacked with great fights and we are very excited for it.

“We understand a lot of fans will be disappointed to hear the Smith-Eubank rematch is being postponed, so we’ve arranged a free voucher for every fan in the venue to have a drink on us on fight night, plus they will receive priority access to Smith vs Eubank II tickets for the new date when it’s announced, and a discount on those tickets.”

Eubank Jr’s promoter Kalle Sauerland of Wasserman Boxing said a new date for the Smtih vs Eubank rematch will will be announced imminently. “We have been informed that Liam Smith is not fit to fight on July 1st. We are awaiting further medical reports before we announce the new date shortly.”

A new date for the rescheduled Smith vs Eubank II bout – which follows Smith’s stunning stoppage of Eubank in January – will be announced in the near future.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – Friday, April 28 – The biggest boxing event of the summer is now even bigger with 2022 British Fighter of the Year, Natasha Jonas joining a blockbuster card on Saturday, June 17 – live on Sky Sports Box Office. 

Thousands of tickets have already been snapped up by eager fans in the pre-sale window before today’s general sale release with a bumper, 18,000 capacity crowd expected to fill a sold-out AO Arena Manchester.

In the main event, in association with Wasserman Boxing, Liam Smith faces bitter rival Chris Eubank Jr in a high stakes rematch and Savannah Marshall challenges ‘The Heavy Hitting Diva’ Franchon Crews-Dezurn for the Undisputed Super-Middleweight Championship in the co-headline bout.

Now BOXXER can confirm that ‘Miss GB’ Jonas (13-2-1, 8 KOs) will be defending her WBC, WBO, IBF and Ring Magazine Super-Welterweight titles too.

The Merseyside favourite captured the gold with three memorable wins last year – two of those in Manchester – when she defeated Chris Namus, Patricia Berghult and Marie Eve Dicaire. 

Her incredible hat-trick of feats saw her named the first-ever woman to claim the coveted British Boxing Board of Control Fighter of the Year award. An opponent will be named in due course for Jonas.

And in a huge domestic battle, British Super-Middleweight champion Mark ‘Kid Dynamite’ Heffron (29-2-1, 23 KOs) will defend the prestigious Lonsdale Belt against Zak Chelli (13-1-1, 6 KOs).

Chelli delivered a stunning, career-best performance to defeat American prodigy Anthony Sims Jr back in February. And having recently been mandated for the British title, the Londoner will now be hoping to cause a mighty upset in the North West when he stands toe-to-toe with Oldham native Heffron – who is a Champs Camp stablemate of Jonas under the tutelage of two-time trainer of the year, Joe Gallagher.

A bumper night of elite championship boxing awaits with a host of huge fights still to be added.

Tickets are now on general sale and selling fast.

Head to BOXXER.com to purchase yours today and for all the latest news ahead of what promises to be a historic evening on Saturday, June 17 at AO Arena Manchester, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

This event is presented in partnership with official partners Everlast and Wow Hydrate.

London, England – 11th February 2023 –Adam Azim, the most exciting young prospect in world boxing today, dominated an experienced undefeated opponent in Santos Reyes to take a unanimous decision victory over 10 rounds.

Azim gave a mature, intelligent performance to move to 8-0 as a professional, controlling the entire fight and almost never giving Reyes the opportunity to land a single clean shot on him. Azim jabbed and moved throughout, not taking a single risk before he landed a knockdown in the second round, where he then did increase his offensive output.

The jab was the shot that everything was built on from Azim, consistently using it to hit Reyes without Reyes having a chance to respond, and building from it into his more powerful shots, with the lead left hook having notable success. 

Azim also targeted the body throughout the fight, finding and exploiting any gap in Reyes’s defense to perfection en route to a clear victory.

All three judges scored the contest 100-89, the shutout victory underlining how Azim looks utterly unstoppable at only 20 years old and destined for greatness in the coming years.

Adam Azim said to Sky Sports after the fight: “This was a tough fight, he was a really tough opponent. I thought he was finished in the second round, but those Latin Americans are tough fighters and he stuck it out.”

Ben Shalom, BOXXER CEO & Founder, stated: “For a 20-year-old to display that kind of maturity and intelligence in his first fight headlining a major British arena perfectly illustrates why Adam Azim is the brightest prospect in British boxing today and why he’s tipped for future greatness by so many insiders.”

Televised Card Results:

Adam Azim def. Santos Reyes – UD (100-89, 100-89, 100-89)

Zak Chelli def. Anthony Sims Jr – UD (98-92, 98-92, 99-92)

Viddal Riley def. Anees Taj – TKO Rd 4 (0:04)

Tyler Denny def. Brad Pauls – UD (97-93, 97-93, 98-93)

Caroline Dubois def. Feriche Mashaury – TKO Rd 3 (0:47)

Full Undercard Results

Zak Chelli def. Anthony Sims Jr – UD (98-92, 98-92, 99-92)

Former English Super Middleweight Champion Zak Chelli put on one of the best performances of his career to beat a highly regarded opponent in Anthony Sims Jr who many thought would be too much for Chelli. 

Chelli got the best of the opening rounds of the fight, although all were highly competitive. Chelli used his jab to great success to both the body and the head and timed closing the distance expertly, allowing him to land shots without taking many in return.

Sims Jr remained competitive throughout, and made Chelli miss on many occasions, but certain shots from Chelli found their mark on multiple occasions, those being a winging overhand right and a disciplined right uppercut, which both were crucial weapons for Chelli’s success.

The eighth round was a Sims Jr’s best of the fight, as Chelli started to slow down and Sims jr dominated the exchanges, forcing Chelli to back up and defend. However, Chelli showed great spirit to come back out for the ninth and confidently trade punches and win exchanges, stopping Sims Jr from building any late fight momentum and seeing out the last round to take a unanimous decision victory.

Zak Chelli said to Sky Sports after the fight: “I outboxed the boxer. A lot of people doubted me, but I never doubted myself, so I knew I could win here.I want bigger, better fights now.”

Ben Shalom, BOXXER CEO & Founder, said: “This was a really good performance. Zak Chelli stepped up another level. The belief he has, he will fight anyone, and we can go right to the top now.”

Viddal Riley def. Anees Taj – TKO Rd 4 (0:04)

Highly touted Cruiserweight Viddal Riley moved to 8-0 as a professional in a strong performance that proved the excitement around him is justified. Viddal handled a high-pressure, aggressive opponent in Anees Taj who came to fight, using strong boxing skills and deploying his power at the right moments to force the fight to be stopped from a cut.

Viddal established a cannon-like jab from the start of the fight, using it to land stiff shots on Taj in the first round without giving him a chance to respond. Taj adapted to this well in the second round, and gave Viddal a few problems as the fight went on, but Viddal did the greater damage, opening up a cut next to Taj’s eye in the third round which bled significantly and was deemed too severe to continue the fight at the start of the next round.

The sky seems to be the limit for the popular, talented Viddal, and he looks set to keep on rising for a long time.

Viddal Riley said to Sky Sports after the fight:“I want to be a dominant champion, so I need to be tested, I need to be challenged. So I’m glad to have fights like that.”

Ben Shalom, BOXXER CEO & Founder, said: “Viddal needs those fights. His skillset is seriously underestimated, he’s going to go all the way and we’re looking at fighting for titles by the end of the year.”

Tyler Denny def. Brad Pauls – UD (97-93, 97-93, 98-93)

Tyler Denny and Brad Pauls went to war for 10 rounds for the English Middleweight Championship, with Denny showing immaculate boxing skill to claim victory and retain his title against a game opponent in Brad Pauls who did everything he could to win the fight. Denny has now fought six undefeated opponents in succession and has earned the right to call himself a Champion.

The fight started tensely, with both fighters keeping discipline in the opening rounds. Pauls started to push forward more as the fight came out of the opening rounds, while Denny was counter-boxing and picking his shots highly successfully, broadly nullifying Pauls’s offense and landing some nicely timed counter-shots. 

Denny started to get the better of exchanges, and found greater confidence and success as the fight went on, despite every round being razor close. This pattern continued as the fight progressed, with Denny opening up and throwing more punches as he began to take control of the fight.

The English Middleweight Champion even came close to stopping the fight at times, clattering Pauls with hooks from both hands throughout the eighth rounds to devastating effect, but Pauls showed heart to respond to this onslaught with renewed offense of his own, seeing out the final two rounds with determination and undoubtedly gaining a lot of new fans despite the defeat.

Caroline Dubois def. Feriche Mashaury – TKO Rd 3 (0:47)

Former Tokyo 2020 Olympian Caroline Dubois showed once again why she is the most exciting prospect in women’s boxing with another stoppage victory in the sixth fight of her professional career. Dubois controlled the fight from the start, managing the distance and the pace of the fight, pushing Feriche Mashaury into the corner of the ring and peppering her with shots to the head and body.

Mashaury was a wiley opponent, using skill to survive the first two rounds, but was eventually overwhelmed by Dubois’s boxing ability and savage knockout power. 

Dubois stamped her presence in women’s boxing in 2022, waking people up to how talented she is, and 2023 looks set to be a continuation of her rapid ascent through the ranks. Nothing has slowed Caroline Dubois down yet in her quest for World Championships, and it doesn’t look like anything will soon.

Caroline Dubois said to Sky Sports after the fight: “She didn’t come to fight. It’s hard to stop someone who didn’t come in there to fight, but hopefully we can step up in future and start challenging for titles.”

Ben Shalom, BOXXER CEO & Founder, said: “Caroline is a phenomenal talent and she showed that again tonight. We’re looking to move her through the ranks fast and want her to fight five times in 2023.”

Jeamie TKV def. Harry Armstrong – PTS (77-75)

Heavyweight prospect Jeamie TKV showed grit, determination and power as he took a dominant points victory in the fourth fight of his professional career. Harry Armstrong came into this fight undefeated and didn’t give an inch, winning multiple rounds on the referee’s scorecard, but was outworked and outfought by a serious talent in Jeamie TKV. 

TKV consistently got the better of this barbaric slugging match, finding the opportunities to land clubbing hooks to Armstrong’s head and body in the clinch. This was a true heavyweight battle – the combined weight of both fighters being a staggering 519 lbs – and neither man looked interested in having the fight last the whole eight rounds. 

Neither man would give up either though, so the fight went the distance, with action from the first to the final bell as both men left everything in the ring. Jeamie TKV is yet to be in a dull fight in his career, and looks set to keep moving through the ranks, scoring knockouts and winning fans in future.

Jeamie TKV said to Sky Sports after the fight: “I’m glad I took another victory tonight but I feel I could have got a stoppage there if I’d fought smarter. I fight to get knockouts and I had him in trouble a couple of times in the fight, but we move on and keep improving.”

Jordan Reynolds def. Mohamed Benchadi – TKO Rd 6 (0:58)

Luton’s own Jordan Reynolds outclassed an experienced opponent in Mohamed Benchadi in front of a rapturous section of his fans and in only his fifth professional bout, scoring a knockdown in the second round and remorselessly wearing down Benchadi on the way to ending the fight in the sixth and final round.

Reynolds rode roughshod over his opponent, but didn’t take a single unnecessary risk on his way to the second stoppage victory of his professional career, and his greatest so far. 

Reynolds used his jab to perfection, finding his range and damaging Benchadi without letting him land anything in return. Benchadi used strong evasion to recover from his second round knockdown but was eventually overwhelmed by the skill and power of Reynolds.

Jordan Reynolds said to Sky Sports after the fight: “This is my year now, I’ve had setback after setback but now it’s my time. I put him under pressure, educated pressure, to force the end of the fight. I got complacent in the fifth round, so I had to be smart to end the fight.”

Stephen McKenna def. Brendon Denes – TKO Rd 5 (0:22)

Stephen McKenna took the 12th stoppage victory of his 13 fight professional career with a measured performance to stop a determined opponent in Brendon Denes. McKenna showed a world-class engine to box at a frenetic pace for four whole rounds that left his opponent battered and unwilling to contest the fifth round, ending the fight.

The Monaghan native used sharp footwork to manoeuvre his opponent into the corner of the ring multiple times across the fight, allowing him to unload volleys of offense that couldn’t be avoided, building damage until the end of the fight. McKenna is one of the most notable welterweight prospects in world boxing and looks set to be in huge fights in the near future.

McKenna said to Sky Sports after the fight: “I felt his power early in the fight and was confident I could end up the last man standing when we went to war. I could have boxed in that fight perfectly but I wanted to make a statement and get the stoppage victory, which I did successfully. I’m moving up in my career now and hungry to keep winning.”

Hassan Azim def. Abdallah Luanja – TKO Rd 2 (2:43)

Heavy handed older brother of one half of tonight’s main event, Hassan Azim, produced a consummate performance to dominate and destroy a veteran opponent in Abdallah Luanja. Azim pummelled his opponent from the first bell, working smartly off his jab to close the distance and fire off powerful left hooks to the head and body. 

Azim looked close to forcing the stoppage at almost every moment of the fight, but Luanja stayed standing after shots that would have knocked out lesser fighters before the referee ended the fight late in the second round.

Azim said to Sky Sports after the fight: “I just put the pressure on him because I knew if I put the pressure on him he wouldn’t last the distance. I’ve been fighting 10 or 12 rounds in the gym so I knew I could get him out of there if I wanted to.

“I want to keep progressing from here and keep fighting better opponents in future.”

Razor Ali def. Hector Lozano – TKO Rd 3 (1:26)

Undefeated young prospect Razor Ali made a serious statement on the biggest stage of his professional career so far by taking his first-ever stoppage victory against a tough opponent in Hector Lozano. 

Ali kept the pressure up from the first bell, constantly moving towards Lozano and finding gaps in his defence, and came close to stopping the fight in the very first round. Lozano held on against Ali’s barrage until half way through the third round when the referee was forced to step in.

Ali said to Sky Sports after the fight: “I was very happy to get the first stoppage of my career. I had the opportunity to show what I can do in front of my people, my supporters, and I think I did that well tonight.”

Full Card Results:

Adam Azim def. Santos Reyes – UD (100-89, 100-89, 100-89)

Zak Chelli def. Anthony Sims Jr – UD (98-92, 98-92, 99-92)

Viddal Riley def. Anees Taj – TKO Rd 4 (0:04)

Tyler Denny def. Brad Pauls – UD (97-93, 97-93, 98-93)

Caroline Dubois def. Feriche Mashaury – TKO Rd 3 (0:47)

Jeamie TKV def. Harry Armstrong – PTS (77-75)

Jordan Reynolds def. Mohamed Benchadi – TKO Rd 6 (0:58)

Stephen McKenna def. Brenden Denes – TKO Rd 5 (0:22)

Hassan Azim def. Abdallah Luanja – TKO Rd 2 (2:43)

Razor Ali def. Hector Lozano – TKO Rd 3 (1:26)

“Don’t blink!”

That’s the message from young lightweight sensation Adam ‘The Assassin’ Azim one day out from his championship showdown with the undefeated Santos Reyes in the main event of Saturday’s BOXXER Fight Night, airing live on Sky Sports Arena from 8pm.

Effortlessly making weight, the electrifying 20-year-old has a steadily growing army of fans thanks to last year’s string of stunning performances as he kicked off his professional career in style.

Azim was declared the Young Fighter of the Year 2022 by BBC Sport and now is a day away from headlining a major British arena for the first time. Reyes – undefeated and hailing from the storied boxing nation of Nicaragua – will provide his toughest test to date, but Azim has no concerns.

A war of words developed between Zak Chelli and American opponent Anthony Sims at Wednesday’s press conference and Chelli’s dislike for his Californian antagonist has only deepened in the intervening days.

“I am done talking, I just want to hurt this man. His arrogance, his persona, I just hate him,,” said Chelli after making weight.

Sims, standing close by, retorted with indignation. “Arrogance? The nerve! I guarantee you he’s going to hit the canvas. The Magician is back and I am going to make a statement baby!” 

A similarly heated note has saturated every interaction between Viddal Riley and Anees Taj in the run-up to this fight, largely stemming from Taj.

Irked by suggestions that he’s overmatched, Taj has made strong statements of intent to finish Riley inside the distance. Today though, he wore headphones to the weigh-ins and was in no mood to talk.

“Talking is done, time to work,” said Taj, only briefly uncovering one ear to respond to Sky Sports presenter Andy Scott’s request for final comments. 

When the mic passed to Riley, he voiced agreement. “Yeah he’s right, we’ve done enough talking. Tomorrow night we get to put hands on him, get him out of there and move on.”

The full card and weigh-in results are as follows:

Adam Azim (Slough) (10st 0 lbs) vs. Santos Reyes (Nicaragua) (10st 0 lbs) 

WBA International Super-Lightweight Contest @ 10st (10 x 3 Mins) 

Zak Chelli (Fulham) (11st 13 lbs) vs. Anthony Sims (USA) (11st 13 lbs)

WBA International Super-Middleweight Contest @ 12st (10 x 3 Mins)

Tyler Denny (Birmingham)  (11st 6 lbs) vs. Brad Pauls (Harlow)  (11st 5 lbs)

English Middleweight Championship @ 11st 6 lbs (10 x 3 Mins)

Viddal Riley (Tottenham) (14st 2 lbs) vs. Annes Taj (Watford) (14st 2 lbs 5oz)

8 x 3 Mins Cruiserweight Contest @ 14st 4lbs

Caroline Dubois (Romford) (9st 11 lbs) vs.Feriche Mashaury (Tanzania) (9st 12 lbs)

8 x 3 Mins Lightweight Contest @ 9st 12lbs

Jeamie TKV (Tottenham) (18st 8 lbs) vs. Harry Armstrong (Torquay) (18st 7 lbs 5 oz)

8 x 3 Mins  Heavyweight Contest 

Hassan Azim (Slough) (10st 9 lbs 5 oz) vs. Abdallah Luanja (10st 4 lbs) (Tanzania)

6 x 3 Mins  Welterweight Contest @ 10st 10lbs

Stephen McKenna (Ireland) (10st 13 lbs) vs. Brendon Denes  (10st 11 lbs) (Zimbabwe)

8 x 3 Mins  Welterweight Contest @ 10st 10lbs

Jordan Reynolds (Luton) (12st 3 lbs 5 oz) vs. Mohamed Cherif (France)  (12st 5 lbs)

6 x 3 Mins  Super-Middleweight Contest @ 12st 2lbs

Razor Ali (Maida Vale) (8st 12 lbs) vs. Hector Lozano (Mexico)  (8st 13 lbs 5 oz)

4/6 x 3 Mins  Featherweight Contest @ 9st

LONDON, ENGLAND – (February 8, 2023) -Adam Azim went head to head with undefeated Santos Reyes at today’s official pre-fight press conference ahead of this Saturday night’s BOXXER Fight Night at the OVO Wembley Arena, airing live and exclusively in the UK on Sky Sports.

Saturday is significant for young prodigy Azim, being the first time he is headlining a major British arena and the first time in his nascent professional career that he is facing an undefeated opponent. 

“I’m very heavy-handed in both hands. I’ve got speed as well. If I put the combination together I can put on a devastating performance,” he said today.

“The pressure doesn’t get to me because I’ve been training really hard. I’m very focused and very determined to put on a great performance.  He’s 12-0 so he’s no joke, he’s a very durable fighter. He’s a good fighter and it’s going to be a good one.”

The chief supporting bout on Saturday will be an intriguing clash between flashy American Anthony Sims and London’s Zak Chelli.

“I’ll catch him [with] a nice one and I’ll put him down,” Chelli said, before telling the American: “I fight tough opponents, you fight nobodies. Good dancer… I haven’t seen no aggression and that’s what I’m going to bring on Saturday.”

Sims responded, “The boxing I know is beyond you. On Saturday you’re going to find out. You’ll be my next victim.”

Another well matched contest on the bill will be Tyler Denny’s English middleweight title defence against Brad Pauls.

The respect between the two was clear at Wednesday’s press conference. “Tyler’s established at this level,” the challenger said. “It’s my time to step up, take my shot and show what I’m about.

“We can both dig deep if we have to.

“I just think the styles will gel well for a good fight.”

Victory should lead the winner to a shot at the British title. “There’s so much to gained from this fight. My toughest opponent yet but we’ll see what I’m made of,” Pauls said.

“I just think I’m better,” Denny said. “He obviously thinks he’s better than me. We’ll find out Saturday.

“I think it’s going to be fight of the night. We both come to win, we’re both hungry fighters.

“He’s an entertaining fighter, my last three fights have been entertaining fights. It’s got fireworks written all over it.”

In contrast the animosity between Viddal Riley and his opponent on Saturday Anees Taj was instantly apparent.

“I don’t think he’s my toughest opponent,” Riley said, a comment Taj reacted to at once.

“I know you’re coming to win,” Riley continued. “It’s scheduled for eight, it’s my first eight-rounder. But I don’t think I’ll do eight on Saturday.”

“Of course you won’t,” Taj interrupted again, “because you’ll get stopped within six. I know I’m in your head.”

Riley gave no indication of doubt though. “My prediction,” he insisted, “is that you don’t see round four.”

The full BOXXER card for Saturday February 11 on Sky Sports is as follows:

Adam Azim vs Santos Reyes 

10 x 3 mins International Super-Lightweight Contest

Zak Chelli vs Anthony Sims 

?10 x 3 mins International Super-Middleweight Contest

Tyler Denny vs Brad Pauls 

?10 x 3 mins English Middleweight Championship

Caroline Dubois vs Feriche Mashaury

8 x 3 mins Lightweight Contest

Viddal Riley vs Anees Taj 

?8 x 3 mins Cruiserweight Contest

?Jeamie TKV vs Harry Armstrong ?

8 x 3 mins Heavyweight Contest

Hassan Azim vs Abdallah Luanja ?

6 x 3 mins Welterweight Contest

Jordan Reynolds vs Mohamed Cherif Benchadi ?

6 x 3 mins Super-Middleweight Contest

Razor Ali vs Hector Lozano ?

4 x 3 mins Featherweight Contest

London, England (Jan 13, 2023) – Zak is back! Super-middleweight Zak Chelli will return to action on February 11 at the OVO Arena in London when he takes on the ‘Magician’ Anthony Sims Jr.

This hugely-exciting international ‘Wild Card’ contest – in association with headline event partners bet365 – joins an action-packed card in the capital, headlined by Adam Azim.

English super-middleweight champion Chelli (12-1-1, 6 KOs) celebrated a unanimous points victory over Germaine Brown on his last outing at Wembley in June 2022.

He was set to defend his title last November at Alexandra Palace before his opponent Lerrone Richards was forced to withdraw at the 11th hour.

Now Londoner Chelli, who has high aspirations of making big strides in the 168lb division this year, faces a huge step up against the tough American knockout specialist. 

Sims Jr (23-1-0, 20 KOs), stands at 6ft 1in, has stopped 20 of his 24 opponents,  won the WBA Inter-Continental super-middleweight title in 2021 and he is a cousin of the legendary Floyd Mayweather Jr.

The 27-year-old from Indiana is renowned for his destructive and devastating power with an impressive 20 KOs on his resume. And Chelli insists this is a fight fans in London will not want to miss.

Chelli said: “After the disappointment of not fighting last November, it’s great to be back at the OVO Arena in Wembley.

“This will be a really good fight for me. I’m training hard and I want to make a big impact on the division this year.

“I’m looking forward to taking on an experienced man from overseas in Sims Jr and stealing the show!”

Hassan Azim is back too – and is on a mission to underline his incredible talent this year.

Elder brother of Adam, undefeated Azim (5-0, 2 KOs) put on a brilliant performance last November when he outclassed Nestor Amukoto at Alexandra Palace with a comfortable points victory to cap a hugely successful 2022.

The popular welterweight prospect won all four of his fights last year and he’ll be keen to create his own headlines when he launches his campaign in London – live in the UK & Republic of Ireland on Sky Sports Boxing. An opponent will be named in due course.

Joining the bill is the ‘Wanderer’, Jordan Reynolds. The Luton-based super-welterweight (4-0, 1 KO) was successful on his most recent visit to Wembley’s iconic arena when he outclassed Jose Manuel Lopez Clavero in a majority points victory last October.

And Iranian featherweight prospect ‘Razor Ali’ (6-0) will be keen to showcase his sharp skills in the capital too. Ali – full name Alireza Ghadiri – is unbeaten in six previous fights and will be keen to add his first stoppage in what will be his seventh professional fight.

Adam ‘The Assassin’ Azim headlines against undefeated Santos Reyes (12-0, 3 KO’s).

With six consecutive stoppage victories – including November’s stunning two-round demolition of the highly-regarded Rylan Charlton – BBC Young Fighter of the Year, Azim has now established himself as the world’s leading lightweight prospect and considered by many as a future world champion after his breakthrough year in 2022. 

Azim’s McGuigan’s Gym stablemate ‘Sweet’ Caroline Dubois (5-0, 4 KO’s) takes a big step up on February 11 when she faces the highly-experienced Argentinian national champion Yamila Belen Abellaneda (15-5-1, 3 KO’s).

Best known to British fight fans for her WBA Intercontinental title battle with Natasha Jonas’ arch-rival Terri Harper in March last year, Abellaneda – who has successfully defended her Argentina national title four times since winning it in December 2020 – is making her second visit to the UK next month.

The English Middleweight Championship will be on the line when newly-crowned champion Tyler Denny (15-2-3) makes his first defence against undefeated Cornwall man Brad Pauls (16-0, 9 KO’s). 

Viddal Riley (7-0, 4 KOs) marked himself out as a rising threat in the stacked cruiserweight division in 2022. On February 11, he turns his attention to Anees Taj (7-2-0, 5 KOs).

London, England – 27 November 2022 – We regret to inform, at short notice, that today’s bout at BOXXER: Breakthrough ‘Super Sunday’ at Alexandra Palace between Zak Chelli and Lerrone Richards has been postponed with the latter deemed unwell to fight.

BOXXER CEO & Founder Ben Shalom said: “I am deeply disappointed for both fighters. But the welfare of fighter’s is paramount and unfortunately the contest has been postponed.”

A statement from SJam Boxing, who manage Lerrone Richards, added: “Unfortunately, Lerrone was taken unwell last night at the hotel where he temporarily passed out.

“Following medical checks and in line with protocols set by the British Boxing Board of Control, it has been decided that Lerrone is unable to compete today. It is hugely disappointing given the hard work he has put in throughout his training camp.

“He will undergo further checks and we hope to reschedule his contest with Zak Chelli at a more appropriate time.”

BOXXER proudly presents this event in association with bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE, Village Hotels and FCI Markets. 

Hard-hitting heavyweight prospect Jeamie TKV will fight in front of his north London faithful for BOXXER: Breakthrough on a ‘Super Sunday’ at Alexandra Palace on November 27th.

In what is an action-packed weekend of sport, BOXXER brings a festival feeling to the nation’s capital and a new boxing experience – and unbeaten London fighter TKV will be hoping to send his legion of followers home happy, just a stone’s throw away from his hometown in Tottenham.

Ferocious featherweights Rhys Edwards and Jimmy Lee will be in action respectively, whilst undefeated middleweight George Mitchell joins next month’s cracking card in the capital, live and exclusively in the UK and Republic of Ireland on Sky Sports.

Fight fans can look forward to an unmissable feast of activities at ‘Ally Pally’ in an afternoon jam-packed with 50:50 fights and some of the country’s future superstars.

Adam ‘The Assassin’ Azim, a generational talent and the most exciting prospect in British boxing today, faces a tough test which will draw even more attention to his ever-growing profile as he tops the bill against the wily and experienced campaigner Rylan Charlton in the main event.

Mikael Lawal and Deion Jumah collide for the British cruiserweight championship, as super middleweights Lerrone Richards and Zak Chelli go head-to-head. Sam Gilley and Sean Robinson battle for the English super-welterweight title as rising stars Shannon Ryan and Hassan Azim complete the bill.

MEDIA CAN APPLY FOR ACCREDITATION TODAY – CLICK HERE FOR NOVEMBER 27th CREDENTIALS

Meanwhile, you can also apply for accreditation for our forthcoming show at the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday, November 12th.

Natasha Jonas fights for the unified world super-welterweight championship against Canada’s Marie-Eve Dicaire, as Dalton Smith defends his British super-lightweight title against Kaisee Benjamin, and Bradley Rea challenges Tyler Denny for the English middleweight belt.

And after BOXXER’s blockbuster show concludes, the legendary Ricky Hatton returns – led by Europa Combat – for an exhibition fight with Mexican great Marco Antonio Barrera on the same night. Don’t miss out on what promises to be a memorable evening.

London, England – (October 21, 2022) – Get ready for a ‘Super Sunday’ like no other with some of the country’s brightest boxing talent set to light up one of the nation’s most iconic venues when Adam Azim headlines BOXXER: Breakthrough takes place at the Alexandra Palace, London on Sunday, November 27th.

In what is an action-packed weekend of sport, BOXXER brings a festival feeling to the nation’s capital and a new boxing experience.

And fight fans can look forward to an unmissable feast of activities at ‘Ally Pally’ in an afternoon jam-packed with 50:50 fights and some of the country’s future superstars – live and exclusively in the UK and Republic of Ireland on Sky Sports.

Adam ‘The Assassin’ Azim, a generational talent and the most exciting prospect in British boxing today, faces a tough test which will draw even more attention to his ever-growing profile as he faces the wily fan-favourite Rylan Charlton in the main event.

Amir Khan – who became world champion at 22 – has predicted the 20-year-old Azim to beat his record and win a world title even sooner. Judging by the blistering pace he has set this year – with four highlight-reel stoppage wins from four fights – the Shane McGuigan protege is on track to prove Khan correct.

In what will be his first headline fight, Azim must get through talented rival Charlton, who most recently won two fights in one night to come runner-up in April’s eight-man BOXXER Series: Lightweight tournament

And Adam’s undefeated older brother Hassan Azim will be on display too as he looks to extend his flawless unbeaten record and continue his climb in the welterweight rankings.

Fans will also be thrilled by news that top-tier super-middleweights Lerrone Richards and Zak Chelli are squaring off in what is sure to be an electrifying encounter. Richards is tipped as one of the best super-middleweights in the world and reigning English champion Zak Chelli is stepping up to face the former British, Commonwealth and IBO world champion in an exciting clash of styles.

The vacant British Cruiserweight Championship will be on the line between London rivals Mikael Lawal and Deion Jumah in what will undoubtedly be a heavy firefight for the domestic circuit’s top honour.

The English Super-Welterweight Championship will be on the line when reigning champion Sam Gilley meets Sean Robinson to make his second defence of the belt he won with a brutal body-shot finish in November 2021. He scored another stoppage win back in April and now looks for his third consecutive finish.

And the popular super-flyweight sensation Shannon ‘Chaos’ Ryan makes a quick return to the ring following her thrilling win on the undercard of last weekend’s landmark BOXXER: LEGACY event. Ryan’s fourth bout of 2022 is also her fourth professional bout, as the budding starlet looks to end her first year as a pro with a quartet of wins to her name.

BOXXER CEO and Founder, Ben Shalom, said: “This will be our first-ever ‘Super Sunday’ live on Sky Sports – and we can’t wait to do something that hasn’t been done before. 

“This event will showcase some of the very best talent this country has to offer in a new environment. Adam Azim has been sensational so far and faces his toughest test to date in what is his first headline fight. Everyone expects him to become a world champion and I expect him to use this fight as a launchpad for further success in 2023.

“We have a cracking card in store. Lerrone Richards vs Zak Chelli promises to be a real treat too, along with a brilliant British title fight between Mikael Lawal and Deion Jumah.

“Ally Pally is one of Britain’s best-loved venues and has a reputation for drawing a great atmosphere. There will be a festival feeling to compliment the incredible card in a new broadcast environment. We’re really looking forward to ‘Super Sunday’ at this iconic venue on November 27th.” 

Adam Smith, Head of Boxing Development at Sky Sports, said, “What a super Sunday afternoon of action we’ve got lined up for November 27th, with the always electrifying Adam Azim topping a card stacked with tomorrow’s stars and some of the hottest properties in British boxing today. 

“There’s something fitting in the synergy between bringing the new generation of talent to one of Britain’s most iconic venues. History has been made repeatedly at the Ally Pally and many of the boxers on the November 27 card are on track to make history themselves over the course of their careers. 

“A midday start and a 7pm finish is about as perfect a sporting Sunday as you could wish for and I just know this is going to be one of the most fun events of the year.”

Tickets for this event will go on pre-sale next week Wednesday, October 26th at 10am, with any remaining tickets then going on general sale to the public from 10am on Friday, October 28th.

Young fans can attend the live event, with entry open to ages 8 and upwards, provided that any under-18s are accompanied by someone over the age of 21. 

Registration for pre-sale tickets is open now at Boxxer.com 

BOXXER proudly presents this event in association with bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE, Village Hotels and FCI Markets.

London, England – (May 3, 2022) – Full steam ahead for ‘The Midnight Train’ Richard Riakporhe as he returns to action at the OVO Arena, Wembley on Saturday, June 11, live and exclusive on Sky Sports, to take on Italy’s Fabio Turchi in an eliminator battle which will see the winner move up the cruiserweight rankings and in prime position to challenge reigning champion Maris Breidis later this year.

With Riakporhe (14-0, 10 KO’s) coming off a stunning knockout victory over Deion Jumah in March and former IBF International Cruiserweight champion Turchi (20-1, 14 KO’s) having a 66% stoppage rate in his victories, this fight matches two proven finishers and promises action from the very start as both men look to score the knockout which will move them on to world championship opportunity.

Bermondsey’s former WBO Global Welterweight Champion Chris Kongo (13-1-0, 7 KO’s) has a route back into world title contention if he defeats the tough German contender Sebastaian Formella (23-2-0, 11 KO’s) in their International showdown.  

Kongo is raring to get back into pole position after winning his comeback fight against Kelvin Dotel in March following his close points loss to Michael McKinson last year. While Formella is looking for his own shot at the World title and his only two losses have been against Former World Champion Shawn Porter and Connor Benn, pushing both big hitters the distance.

Two of the very best young fighters in the UK, English Super-Middleweight Champion Germaine Brown (12-0, 3 KO’s) defends his title against challenger Zak Chelli (11-1-1, 6 KO’s) in an exciting trade fight.

The two Londoners will both be going into this fight totally confident of victory and certain to put on an eye-catching performance in a 50-50 fight which will delight the nation’s boxing fans and looks set to steal the show.

Also on the card, the long-awaited professional debut of Tokyo 2020 Olympic Gold Medallist Lauren Price MBE.

One of the most highly-touted amateurs in women’s boxing, Price earned the amateur sport’s supreme honour when she won gold last summer. She was subsequently awarded an MBE in recognition of this stunning success. 

She now looks destined to reach the very highest level of the professional sport in the exciting and fast-moving world of women’s boxing, with the first step towards that greatness coming on June 11.

Cruiserweight star Viddal Riley (5-0-0, 2 KO’s) fights in his home city for the first time in his pro career. The Hackney sensation made his pro-debut in November 2018 with a first round KO of Julio Manuel Gonzalez in Mexico and has since fought in Las Vegas (twice) and Dubai. 

Last time out he was on the huge Amir Khan-Kell Brook undercard in Manchester in February registering a six-round points win over Willbeforce Shihepo via a first round knockdown and aims to showcase his power and skill in front of the London fans.

“I’m ready to continue my assault on the cruiserweight division. The Midnight Train is on an unstoppable roll and Turchi is the next man tied to the tracks in front of me. He’s a good boxer and I’m expecting a tough fight but nothing I can’t handle. I’m coming out of this one with the win and stepping up into world title contention,” said Riakporhe.

“I am very happy to have this opportunity. Since I was a kid I always dreamed of fighting at the international level and in an important venue like this. I’m dedicating my body and soul to get into the best shape and have a great match against Riakporhe who I think is an excellent boxer,” said Turchi.

“Richard Riakporhe has been on an unstoppable rise to world title contention and now he’s potentially within touching distance of getting his shot at gold. Turchi is the former IBF International Champion and brings heavy firepower to the ring. This is Riakporhe’s toughest career challenge to date and a win here will make a strong statement about his potential to be world champion,” said Ben Shalom, BOXXER Founder and CEO.

“The English Super-Middleweight Title showdown between Zak Chelli and Germaine Brown is a fight which every boxing fan in the country will be glued to. It’s impressive that they are willing to fight each other at this stage and lay it all on the line. Don’t be surprised if this is a Fight Of The Year contender.

“Finally, the professional debut of Lauren Price. Olympic gold medalist, MBE – there aren’t many athletes in any sport who have those kind of credentials and we’re proud to be sharing her professional journey and being part of her rise to the top.”

Adam Smith, Head of Boxing Development at Sky Sports, said, “This is shaping up to be a fantastic card. I’m looking forward to seeing ‘The Midnight Train’ Riakporhe roll back into Wembley after that excellent win over Jumah. Another big test awaits as he faces the tough and classy Turchi. 

“The fight between Chelli and Brown is a really good match. We’ve seen some absolutely cracking fights in the English title matches, those fights just seem to deliver incredible action, and this is a 50-50 pick ’em. 

“I’m also really excited to see Lauren Price begin her professional journey. She was a standout amateur and achieved so much for the sport, everyone at Sky Sports is very proud to have her with us and we can’t wait to see her achieve equally huge things in the pro ranks.”

Tickets are on sale from 12pm midday tomorrow, Wednesday May 4 via BOXXER.com priced at £250, £150, £100, £75, £60 and £40. 

BOXXER proudly presents this event in association with bet365, Everlast, Wow Hydrate and Village Hotels.

Newcastle, England – 31 March 2022 – Undefeated Jack ‘The Cannon’ Kilgannon will now face rival Zak Chelli this Saturday night at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle in a battle of the super-middleweight prospects on the undercard of Savannah Marshall’s WBO World Middleweight title defence against Femke Herman, live on Sky Sports.

Oldham’s Kilgannon (11-0, 3 KO’s) replaces Diego Costa, who was announced yesterday but was unable to make the required weight safely at short notice, and it pits two fiercely proud, up-and-coming talents who are willing to face each other on the rise in their careers.

To his credit Former Southern Area Champion Chelli (10-1-1, 5 KO’s) is not phased by the late change and wants to get on with the job and deal with whatever is put in front of him to prove that he’s the real deal.

Fulham’s Chelli said, “I’m ready no matter what. I believe a boxer has to be prepared to face anybody at any time. I’m fit and ready and I’ll deal with whatever Kilgannon brings to me in the ring on the night. He’s unbeaten, like Costa was, Kilgannon’s ‘O’ will have to go instead.”

Former Central Area Champion Kilgannon, known as Jacky Boy, was already in training for a fight this Saturday in Wigan and jumped at the opportunity for a bigger fight

Kilgannon said, “I weighed up the risk versus the reward and this was too big an opportunity to turn down. I was in training for a fight in Wigan so I’m fit and ready to fight and then the offer came in to my manager. I’m a big and tall middleweight so super-middle is comfortable for me. It’s a huge opportunity live on Sky Sports to make my name by beating Chelli, who’s good but not outstanding. We’re coming to win.”

Newcastle, England – 30 March 2022 – Fulham’s Zak Chelli will face the undefeated Brazilian Diego ‘Dynamite’ Costa in an exciting super-middleweight showdown on the undercard of Savannah Marshall’s WBO World Middleweight Title defence against Femke Hermans this Saturday night at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle, exclusively live on Sky Sports.

Fulham’s Chelli, who works as a supply teacher in London, has finished his school week early as he heads to the North East for his big clash with the heavy-punching Manchester based Latino who is regarded as one of the most avoided fighters around the weight.

Chelli (10-1-1, 5 KO’s) and Costa (8-0, 5 KO’s) could have met in the BOXXER 7 Super-Middleweight tournament in November 2020, but the tournament was reduced to a unique four-man format and Costa didn’t feature due to illness.

However, Chelli put on a classy and powerful performance on the night to shut out Vladimir Georgiev on points in the semi-final, before dropping Mike McGoldrick three times on the way to a second round stoppage in the final.

Former Southern Area Champion Chelli’s last fight was in April last year when he travelled to Kiev and defeated Borden Harrkavyi with a third round stoppage.

KO king Costa is unbeaten eight fights with five KO’s, with four of those coming quick inside three rounds. He credits his love of salsa dancing for his quick feet and generating the power from his hips to knockout opponents.

Chelli is excited with the fight against Costa and is promising to take his unbeaten record. He said, “I was gutted that we didn’t fight on Boxxer 7, but things happen for a reason and it’s a much better fight now down the line. Costa’s unbeaten, he likes to come forward, have a fight and he can punch. I can’t wait for this Saturday in Newcastle and I’m going to take that ‘0’ off his record. The fans in Newcastle and the viewers watching on Sky Sports are going to be in for a real treat.”

Alexander Povetkin survived two knockdowns to comeback and stop Dillian Whyte to win the WBC Interim Heavyweight Title at Matchroom HQ in Essex, England.

In round four, Whyte dropped Povetkin with a left hook to the side of he head. Late in the round, Whyte sent Povetkin to the deck for a 2nd time with a left uppercut.

In round five, Povetkin landed a booming left uppercut on the jaw to sent Whyte crashing to the canvas, and the fight was stopped at 30 seconds.

Povetkin, 224 lbs of Russia is 36-2-1 with 25 knockouts. Whyte, 256.6 lbs of Brixton is 27-2.

Alexander Povetkin

On being knocked down twice: “I didn’t feel that I would finish the fight like this. I was pretty confident in the 4th round that, even though I went down twice, it was OK. It wasn’t too much damage.”

On the knockout punch: “I was watching his fights and taking into account that he was missing uppercuts from the left and from the right. During my training, I was training on putting combinations around those shots.” 

On a rematch clause: “First of all, my future plans don’t depend on me, it’s more a question for my promoter and for Eddie Hearn. So we will see what they decide. At the same time, I want to thank Andrei Ryabinski and Eddie Hearn for everything they do for me.” 

On everyone who doubted him: “I don’t have anything to respond to those people. I just want to box more. I want to thank all of the fans who believe in me.”

Whether this was the best punch of his career: “Yes, definitely.”

Dillian Whyte

Speaking to Eddie Hearn: “Can we get the rematch in December? I’m good, I’m good. It’s just one of those things where it just landed didn’t it. I was bossing it. It is what it is. Rematch. It’s cool, it’s all good. That’s what boxing is about. Cheers Eddie.”

Taylor Decisions Persoon Again; Retains Undisputed Lightweight Title

In a rematch of a terrific fight from last June 1st, Katie Taylor made it two in a row over Delfine Persoon to retain the Undisputed Lightweight Title.

In round two, Persoon’s right eye began to swell. It was a grueling fight that saw Taylor win by scores of 98-93 and 96-94 twice.

Interesting enough it was Persoon who landed 107 of 735 punches while Taylor was 95 of 308.

Taylor, 134.3 lbs of Ireland is 16-0. Persoon, 132.7 lbs of Belgium is 44-3.

Katie Taylor 

On if she thought she did enough to win: “I think so. I knew it was going to be a tough battle going into this fight. It’s never going to be an easy fight against Delfine. I knew I had to dig deep at some stage during the fight but I thought I boxed a lot better than last time. I still could’ve boxed a bit more.”

On facing a relentless opponent like Delfine Persoon: It’s always going to be tough. You can’t relax at all in there against someone like that. She’s going to come and come and come. Even though I am hitting her with clean shots, she is just on the attack all the time. That’s why it is such a tough fight against someone like Delfine. But congratulations on two fantastic fights. They were an amazing two fights for women’s boxing.” 

On if she silenced the critics of the first fight’s decision: “yeah, I think it was a lot more convincing tonight even though it was a tough fight. But as I said, it’s always going to be a tough fight against someone like that and you’re going to have to dig deep and show a lot of heart at some stage during the fight. But I think I did that well, I boxed well.”  

On a trilogy: “C’mon, give me a break!”

Delfine Persoon

On accepting the result: “Yes, this time I respect the result. For me this time, the weight was a little too much. I didn’t feel like I had enough power to hurt her this time. I tried to get my weight up but I could not hurt her this time. And if you don’t hurt her, it’s technical and she’s good at moving around. You have to hurt her otherwise she gets away. The power was not enough. I’ve got no problem with this decision and my respect she deserves. 

On a trilogy: “In the second round, I think I broke my nose so it was eight rounds boxing with my nose broken. First I must repair my nose and then I think super featherweight is better for me than lightweight. My trainer pushes me to eat, eat, eat but when you train a lot, it’s too much to gain the weight. My respect to her. She deserved to win today.

Chris Kongo remained undefeated with a 9th round stoppage over Luther Clay in a welterweight bout.

Kongo hurt Clay in round five, and then dropped him with a left hook in the 9th. Clay’s corner stopped the bout at 2:44.

Kongo, 145.5 lbs of Bermondsey is now 12-0 with seven knockouts. Clay, 145.8 lbs of Bracknell is 13-2.

“First of all I want to thank god for this victory,” said Kongo afterwards. “It has been 16 months since I last boxed. I’ve waited for the opportunity and here I am. There was no way I was leaving that ring without this belt around my waist. I was willing to die in there, I’m telling you. There was no way I was leaving that ring without the belt. 

“100%. I knew I had the speed, I had the power, I just had to go in there and pace myself. Like I said, it has been 16 months since I last got in the ring so it felt kind of new to me. In the first rounds I was trying to feel him out but then when it got into the middle rounds I hurt him. I knew before the fight ended I was going to get him out of there and that’s what I did. 

“We’e been working on a lot of things. Power was one of the attributes I have been working closely on. I’ve been working closely with my strength and conditioning coaches Nathan and Tyrone, but also when we’re in the boxing gym it is all boxing based with Jim. I want to defend the belt next. Look what I did there with 16 months out of the ring. Imagine when I’m fighting regularly what I’m going to do to these guys. I have full confidence in myself. I believe that I can be one of the best contenders in the world at Welterweight. I believe that I am the best Welterweight in the division in the UK.”

Alen Babic stopped Shawndell Wintera in round two of a scheduled eight-round heavyweight bout.

In round one, Babic dropped Winters with a left hook to the jaw. In round two, Babic kept up the onslaught by dropping Winters with a right that was follwed by a left hook that sent Winters don in the corner, and the fight was stopped at 2:20.

Babic, 205 lbs of Croatia is now 4-0 with all wins coming early. Winters, 194 lbs is 13-3.

“That was ‘The Savage’, be afraid of him,” said Babic afterwards. “That’s my alter-ego, when I go into that mental state I can do damage. I will fight these giants. Give me the biggest one you have. I knew it in the locker room. I know when I land. Every coach told me I have bombs in my hands. It is natural. This is my approach. One or two rounds. My fights won’t go past three rounds. I am different. I have a guy in mind, he’s from my country. Filip Hrgovic! He was calling me out. I don’t like him. I want to fight him.

“I’m a different breed of fighter. Old school, I don’t care about touching. I go in there and I finish people. I finished him in the second round. Parker took five rounds, I don’t need that. They say I’m small. I’m bigger than Jack Dempsey, and Jack Dempsey was a killer! Nobody can box like me. I had almost 60 knockouts in the amateurs, that’s rare. I go all in. I’m bringing something new. I’m going to go in there and I’m going to get it finished as quickly as I can.

“I just want people to love me. I don’t care about money. I was working as a doorman for nothing, for scraps. I’ve broken my hands thousands of times. Fighting on the big stage means everything to me. Hrgovic insulted me, he really insulted me. I’ll never forget that. That’s a fight I definitely want in the future and I will win.”

Zak Chelli and Jack Cullen fought to a 10-round split draw in a super middleweight fight.

In round four, Chelli had swelling under her left eye.

In round seven. Cullen was cut under the left eye.

Chelli won a card 97-93; Cullen took a card 96-95 and a 3rd judge saw the fight even at 95-95.

Cullen, 164.6 lbs of Little Lever is 18-2-1. Chelli, 164.8 lbs of Fulham is 7-1-1.

“I’m disappointed with two of the judges,” said Chelli afterwards. “The first judge said it was 97-93, that was fair, and that’s how the fight should have gone. I’m very disappointed. It was my first fight after 11 months, so I’m happy with my performance. There was a little bit of ring rust at the start but I dominated the last half of the fight and I believe I won it.

“I’m very disappointed with the draw. I definitely deserved the win. I put all of it into it but we move on. I’m 22, as I always say. Hopefully I’ll get a Title fight in my next fight. I’m not going to lie, with 11 months out of the ring I felt the ring rust at the start, but I worked through it and I ripped him to the body, got him to the head, cut him and made him bleed.

“At least the fans enjoyed the fight, I hope they did. He took the punches, he did well. I rate him for his durability but I still believe I beat him. My dad knows the truth, he knows I won that fight. I’m not going to lose hope. I’m going to keep going and train hard. I look forward to the next fight. Hopefully it won’t be another 11 month wait. There’s a lot more to come from me.”

Jack Cullen has moved up to Super-Middleweight to chase his dreams of winning British, European and World Titles – but must beat Zak Chelli at Matchroom Fight Camp this evening to prove he belongs at 168lbs.

Former English Middleweight Champion Cullen (18-2, 9 KOs) was involved in a thrilling toe-to-toe war with Fight Camp week three headliner Felix Cash at Manchester Arena in November last year, falling short in an explosive battle for the Commonwealth Title. 

Both Cullen and Chelli will be looking to impress on the big stage and kick on in a red-hot 168lbs domestic scene that contains the likes of British and Commonwealth Champion Lerrone Richards, No.2 rated WBO contender Zach Parker and heavy-handed Scot John Docherty.

Cullen had been preparing to face Jason Quigley but has had to recalibrate to tackle game Londoner Chelli and knows that the clash is must-win for his career, but that won’t mean he’ll take a backwards step, and he expects the fight to catch fire.

“I think that this is the hardest I’ve ever trained,” said Cullen. “I was really excited about the Quigley fight but I think that there was talk about him being in the running for the Canelo Alvarez fight and any fighter is going to hold out for that as that’s the dream fight. He did what’s right for him and good luck to him, I’m just glad I’m fighting, I couldn’t be on a better show and Zak is a very good test.

“I don’t feel under any pressure, I’ve got myself in great shape to fight and I just have to go out there and do what I do best. I’ve watched a lot of Zak, he’s a good tough lad who comes for a fight, and I’m the same – so it’s going to be a belter. He likes winging it in and he’ll think he’s the bigger man in the ring, but on fight night he’ll see how big I am. He’s going to have a big shock. 

“I think that the time is right to move up to Super-Middleweight. I still have to make weight, it’s not like I am putting weight on to make 168lbs, I’m like every boxer, I’ll be cutting weight and then refueling, and I’ll be more than a Super-Middleweight in that ring, and he’ll feel that.

“It’s been good for me though as I’m not just concentrating on making weight, which is what happened in the last two fights, that’s all we were doing in the gym was making weight and not working on things to get the edge in the fight. It’s been totally different for this and I’ve benefited so much.

“I think there’s more pressure on him because I don’t feel pressure. I need to win, I know that, and the way that I see myself going in my life, I have to win this fight. I want a nice steady life from being a boxer, so I want to go for the British and European Titles, and from there we will see.”

Cullen vs. Chelli kicks off a huge night of action that sees Dillian Whyte (27-1, 18 KOs) defend his Interim WBC Heavyweight World Title against Russia’s Alexander Povetkin (35-2-1, 24 KOs), with the WBC Diamond belt also up for grabs, Irish legend Katie Taylor (15-0, 6 KOs) puts her WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine Lightweight crowns on the line against Belgium’s Delfine Persoon (44-2, 18 KOs) in the biggest rematch in women’s boxing, Luther Clay (13-1, 5 KOs) defends his WBO Global Welterweight Title against Chris Kongo (11-0, 6 KOs) and Croatian Heavyweight contender Alen Babic (3-0, 3 KOs) steps up to face Shawndell Winters (13-3, 12 KOs) over eight rounds. 

Zak Chelli says he’ll provide the fireworks on the last night of Fight Camp as he aims to KO Jack Cullen, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

Chelli stepped up to Light-Heavyweight in September to tackle the hotly-touted Kody Davies at York Hall, and more than threatened to upset the Welshman after putting him on the deck on the second round with an uppercut.

The 22-year-old has no regrets stepping up in weight against Davies and believes that putting him over proves that he has power, and a punch that he’ll bring back down to 168lbs to put Cullen away in style inside the ten rounds and set up more big opportunities.

“You’re going to see fireworks – knockout fireworks,” said Chelli. “As soon as the bell goes, I can test him out inside the first ten seconds and then we’ll know what to do, if it’s going to go the full ten or if it can go early, but I am planning to take him out. I like his style because it suits mine, he likes to come for a war, and I like to hurt people and have a war too.

“He’s had 21 fights but he’s not really fought anyone. I beat Umar Sadiq and he’s fought for the British Title, Kody is a former Team GB podium boxer, and I’ve boxed a lot of other guys with winning records. So even though I’ve had less fights, I think I have the better record and I know I have had better sparring with Joshua Buatsi, George Groves and Chris Eubank Jr, and I’ve treated them more like learning fights.

“I won the Southern Area Title at just 21 and was Mandatory for the English title after that but unfortunately due to COVID that never came. This opportunity came along and I’m the type of fighter to take opportunities with both hands. It’s a great platform too appearing at Matchroom Fight Camp on Sky Sports Box Office, and one that I intend to make go well and open up even bigger chances for me.

“I think I was right to take the Davies fight. I did drop him in there but he was more of a Cruiserweight in there – I dropped a Cruiserweight in round two so imagine what I’ll do in this fight. Jack is not going to have the power of a true Super-Middleweight, and especially not one like me that can put over Cruiserweights.”

Cullen vs. Chelli kicks off a huge night of action that sees Dillian Whyte (27-1, 18 KOs) defend his Interim WBC Heavyweight World Title against Russia’s Alexander Povetkin (35-2-1, 24 KOs), with the WBC Diamond belt also up for grabs, Irish legend Katie Taylor (15-0, 6 KOs) puts her WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine Lightweight crowns on the line against Belgium’s Delfine Persoon (44-2, 18 KOs) in the biggest rematch in women’s boxing, Luther Clay (13-1, 5 KOs) defends his WBO Global Welterweight Title against Chris Kongo (11-0, 6 KOs) and Croatian Heavyweight contender Alen Babic (3-0, 3 KOs) steps up to face Shawndell Winters (13-3, 12 KOs) over eight rounds. 

Jack Cullen and Zak Chelli will meet over ten rounds in a Super-Middleweight contest on the undercard of Dillian Whyte’s defence of his Interim WBC Heavyweight World Title against Alexander Povetkin at Matchroom Fight Camp in Brentwood, Essex, on Saturday August 22.
 
Former English Middleweight Champion Cullen (18-2, 9 KOs) was involved in a thrilling toe-to-toe war with Week 3 headliner Felix Cash at Manchester Arena in November last year, falling short in an explosive battle for the Commonwealth Title. 
 
Fulham’s former Southern Area Super-Middleweight Champion Chelli (7-1, 3 KOs) outpointed Umar Sadiq in his fifth pro bout before suffering his first defeat at the hands of Welshman Kody Davies last time out up at Light-Heavyweight.
 
Both men will be looking to impress on the big stage and kick on in a red-hot 168lbs domestic scene that contains the likes of British and Commonwealth Champion Lerrone Richards, No.2 rated WBO contender Zach Parker and heavy-handed Scot John Docherty.
 
Cullen vs. Chelli lands on a huge night of action that sees Irish legend Katie Taylor (15-0, 6 KOs) put her WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine Lightweight crowns on the line against Belgium’s Delfine Persoon (44-2, 18 KOs) in the biggest rematch in women’s boxing and Luther Clay (13-1, 5 KOs) defend his WBO Global Welterweight Title against Chris Kongo (11-0, 6 KOs), with more fights to be confirmed soon. 
 

Daniel DuBois remained undefeated by stopping Richard Lartey with one right hand in round four of their scheduled 10-heavyweight fight at The Wembley Arena in London, England.

Both guys landed hard shots, but DuBois landed last and loudest as he drilled Lartey with a right to the chin that sent Lartey down in round four. Lartey got to his feet, but the fight was called off at 1:50.

DuBois will not take on fellow undefeated heavyweight Joe Joyce. DuBois is 11-0 with 10 knockouts. Lartey of Accra, Ghana is 14-2.

Sunny Edwards remained undefeated by stopping Pedro Matos in round eight of their scheduled ten-round super flyweight bout.

Edwards dominated and continued to break Matos down until the fight was stopped 20 seconds into the the eighth frame.

Edwards is now 11-0 with four knockouts. Matos is 7-2.

Lerrone Richards took a 12-round unanimous decision over Tommy Langford in a super middleweight bput.

Richards won by scores of 118-110, 118-111, 116-113 and and is now 12-0. Langford is 21-4.

World-ranked Jack Catterall in round three of their scheduled eight-round welterweight bout.

Catterall landed an uppercut that smashed the nose of Amador, who subsequently took a knee and the was halted at 1:12.

Catterall, 148 lbs is 24-0 with 13 knockouts. Amador, 147 lbs of Barcelona, SPA is 10-18.

Zak Chelli remained undefeated with a 10-round decision over Jimmy Smith in a super middleweight bout.

In round eight, Chelli dropped Smith with a body shot.

Chelli won by a score of 100-89, and is now 7-0. Smith is 7-2.

UNBEATEN super-middleweight Zak Chelli is spending time in the gym and class room preparing for his next big boxing examination.

The Fulham fighter challenges for his first professional title at SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday April 27 when he meets Slough’s Jimmy Smith (7-1) for the vacant Southern Area title.

Besides preparing for his title test, live on BT Sport, Chelli is completing a BA in Business Management and Marketing at University of Surrey.

He is adamant his boxing career isn’t suffering, explaining: “The course is flexible so I can get my training done. A lot of my lectures are online which helps.

“I am doing four hours boxing training every day and four hours studying. It has been like that since my SATs, GCSEs and A-levels.

“I don’t have social time at university. A lot of them do stuff at night but I am sleeping.”

One rival he isn’t losing sleep over is Ilford’s Umar Sadiq who he outpointed in a serious needle match last October.

Sadiq (4-1) returned to winning ways in early March and will be in action on Frank Warren’s stacked Wembley card.

He is itching for a return against his bitter rival, but Chelli scoffed: “Sadiq likes to mention my name a lot and speak rematches. He needs the rematch and I don’t.

“He has nothing to offer. If he has a title, I will go for it, but at the moment he has nothing.”

Daniel Dubois v Richard Lartey tops the bill at the SSE Arena, Wembley on April 27 on a card that also includes the Commonwealth super middleweight title fight between Lerrone Richards and Tommy Langford, as well as the Southern Area super middleweight title clash between Zak Chelli and Jimmy Smith. WBO European super flyweight champion Sunny Edwards and WBO European super featherweight champion Archie Sharp also feature.

Rangy Super Welterweight talent Hamzah Sheeraz will be back out after his impressive win over Rod Douglas Jnr. Hard hitting middleweight and Peacock gym product Denzel Bentley (9-0) and Belfast amateur middleweight star Caoimhin Agyarko will also return to action. There are Queensberry debuts for unbeaten welterweight Chris Kongo (10-0) and Sheffield middleweight Shakiel Thompson (2-0) – with Thompson being tipped by sparring partner Billy Joe Saunders as a star for the future. Ilford Super Middleweight Umar Sadiq (4-1) also returns as he looks to rebuild after his first career loss. Tunde Ajayi trained lightweight Bilal Ali (1-0) will have his second professional fight after making a successful start to his pro career, with Hoddesdon super lightweight Alfie Price set for his fifth.

Tickets will be priced as £40, £50, £75, £100 and £150 and are now ON SALE to purchase via Eventim, Ticketmaster, the SSE Arena website and AXS.com.

ZAK CHELLI has only had six professional fights, but the Fulham man is already chasing Commonwealth title glory.

Chelli (6-0, 3KOs) challenges for his first professional title at the SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday April 27 when meets Slough’s Jimmy Smith (7-1) for the vacant Southern Area super-middleweight crown.

The ambitious university student is in a hurry to be top of the boxing class and eyeing up the winner of the vacant Commonwealth title clash between Lerrone Richards and Tommy Langford which takes place on the same bill.

That would be a step up, but the 21-year-old insists: “I don’t think I am rushing.”

Chelli showed his star potential when he beat fellow hopeful Umar Sadiq last October and added: “I see Lerrone Richards is fighting Tommy Langford for the Commonwealth title.

“That is a nice belt and if it is possible I would like to fight the winner. Lerrone is a bit shorter than me and Tommy taller, but they are the type of opponents I like.

“Right now I cannot overlook Smith. Jimmy is a durable opponent and I am training for ten rounds, but I don’t believe it will go ten rounds.

“Jimmy likes to come forward, but I will show my skills. People thought I would be the brawler and fighter against Umar, but I showed him I can box.

“That fight showed I am willing to takes risks and that I am willing to take these type of fights. Now is the right time to fight for my first title.”

Daniel Dubois v Richard Lartey tops the bill at the SSE Arena, Wembley on April 27 on a card that also includes the Commonwealth super middleweight title fight between Lerrone Richards and Tommy Langford, as well as the Southern Area super middleweight title clash between Zak Chelli and Jimmy Smith. WBO European super flyweight champion Sunny Edwards and WBO European super featherweight champion Archie Sharp also feature.

Rangy Super Welterweight talent Hamzah Sheeraz will be back out after his impressive win over Rod Douglas Jnr. Hard hitting middleweight and Peacock gym product Denzel Bentley (9-0) and Belfast amateur middleweight star Caoimhin Agyarko will also return to action. There are Queensberry debuts for unbeaten welterweight Chris Kongo (10-0) and Sheffield middleweight Shakiel Thompson (2-0) – with Thompson being tipped by sparring partner Billy Joe Saunders as a star for the future. Ilford Super Middleweight Umar Sadiq (4-1) also returns as he looks to rebuild after his first career loss. Tunde Ajayi trained lightweight Bilal Ali (1-0) will have his second professional fight after making a successful start to his pro career, with Hoddesdon super lightweight Alfie Price set for his fifth.

Tickets will be priced as £40, £50, £75, £100 and £150 and are now ON SALE to purchase via Eventim, Ticketmaster, the SSE Arena website and AXS.com.

Anthony Yarde stopped Walter Sequeira in round four of their scheduled 10-round light heavyweight bout.

Yarde scored three knockdowns, and the nout was stopped at 2:14 of round four.

Yarde, 173 1/2 lbs is 17-0 with 16 knockouts. Sequieira, 174 1/4 lbs is 20-5.

Joe Mullender stopped Ben Capps in round seven of their scheduled ten-round super middleweight fight.

Mullender dropped Capps with a right hand in round seven. Moments later, it was a body shot that sent Capps down, and the fight was over at 1:36.

Mullender, 160 lbs is now 11-2 with five knockouts. Capps is 15-5-2.

Johnny Garton stopped former world title challenger Gary Corocoran in round 11 of a scheduled 12 round welterweight bout.

The fight had plenty of back and forth action throughout the bout.

In round three, Garton was cut under the right eye. The cut got worse and blood streamed down and covered the face of Garton.

In round 11, Garton landed a hard right hand that staggered Corocoan back to the ropes. Garton leveled Corocoan with hard shots, and the fight was stopped at 42 seconds.

Garton 146 lbs is now 23-1-1 with 10 knockouts. Corcoran, 146 lbs is now 18-3.

In a battle of undefeated super middlewights, Zak Chelli won a eight-round decision over Umar Sadiq

In round six, Cehlli dropped Sadiq with a hard right hand. Sadiq made a furious rally in the final round, and bloodied the nose of Chelli.

Chelli won by a score of 77-74, and is now 5-0. Sadiq is 3-1.

Nathan Gorman decisioned Kamil Sokolowski in a heavyweight bout.

Gorman, 255 lbs won by a score of 79-73 and is now 14-0. Sokolowski is 5-13-2.

Hamzah Sheerez won a four-round decision over Zygimantas Butkevicius in a super welterweight bout.

Sheerez won by a score of 40-36, and is now 5-0. Butkevicius is 1-14.

UMAR SADIQ only affords his next opponent, Zak Chelli, a puncher’s chance when the two unbeaten super middleweights come together in what should be a fascinating match-up at the Brentwood Centre next Saturday (October 20).

Sadiq suspects a heavy punch is the only weapon of note in the Chelli armoury and dealing with a puncher is something he is well equipped to withstand.

“He is very explosive and a good challenge but I had 45 amateur fights and 36 of those were at elite level,” reasoned the 30-year-old with three professional fights under his belt.

“So I am used to going in there with guys who are national champions, county champions or champions from other countries – and many of them could whack.

“So the fact that he can whack doesn’t intimidate me, especially because I am sparring cruiserweights and light heavyweights on a regular basis. I also believe I am much better than him.

“Although on paper it looks a 50-50 fight and a dangerous one, in reality I think taking away his power, it is actually just another learning fight for me.”

While each boxer will bring a completely contrasting style of fighting into the ring, live on BT Sport, Sadiq believes the clash could well provide compelling viewing.

“I don’t know, it could be awkward, but they could also gel really well. He is a brawler and I am a boxer-puncher and it can end up gelling well. Archie Sharp and Lyon Woodstock gelled really well last weekend and Archie is a boxer-puncher, while Lyon in that fight was seemingly a brawler.

“Hopefully we will get another great fight for the fans on BT Sport.

“The truth is I rate him as a puncher and that’s where it stops,” added the Ilford man, who goes along with the thought process that Chelli will stalk him with the aim of knocking his block off.

“I believe so. I saw an interview where he was saying he can box long and all that, but he could never ever try to outbox me. That is a fact and he knows that, regardless of who he is trying to fool.

“His only hope is going to try and brawl – and I am ready for that.”

Anthony Yarde will be headlining the Brentwood Centre on October 20th when he faces Argentinian Walter Gabriel Sequeira. World title challenger Gary Corcoran and ‘The Pexican’ Johnny Garton will contest the vacant British welterweight title. Zak Chelli and Umar Sadiq will both be putting their young, undefeated records on the line in a super-middleweight contest. Heavyweight Nathan Gorman will also feature on the show televised live on BT Sport.

Tickets are priced at £40, £100, £150 and are available to purchase from Ticketmaster.