Tag: fightnight

DOUBLE TROUBLE: FLODIN AND KHATTAB SET FOR SCANDINAVIAN SHOWDOWN

Post author By f/s
Post date December 6, 2018

“Fans can expect a good performance from me. I’m hungry, and I feel stronger than ever. I believe one hundred percent that I will beat Flodin, and then I’ll be ready for a title fight in 2019. The time for fun is over, I’m serious now!”

FLODIN AND KHATTAB SET FOR SCANDINAVIAN SHOWDOWN ON THORSLUND-GRAF UNDERCARD

Double Trouble

Oliver Flodin (4-0) and Abdul Khattab (15-2-1, 4 KOs) are set for a Scandinavian showdown on the undercard of Dina Thorslund’s WBO Female World Super Bantamweight title defence against Alesia Graf on January 19 at the Struer Energi Park in Denmark.

Khattab, from Copenhagen, returns to the ring for the first time following his draw with Ronny Mittag on October 27, 2017 at the Sport and Congress Centre in Schwerin, and the 25 year-old is eager to prove he still has more to give in the professional ranks, starting with a victory over his Swedish rival Flodin.

“I’ve been keeping myself in top shape and waiting for the right opportunity,” says Khattab, who is trained by Danish boxing legend Mikkel Kessler. “That opportunity is here now, and I’m looking forward to a great fight on January 19.

“Of course, there is always something extra when a Danish fighter meets a Swede. It gives me even more motivation, and I’m sure it will make for a great atmosphere. I have no doubt that my hand will be raised after the final bell.

“I’ve seen some of Flodin’s fights. He is a good young boxer, who is just starting to make his way as a professional. He was good amateur, but professional boxing is something completely different, and I am going to show him that.

Flodin, the 22 year-old from Jonkoping, has impressed since joining the professional ranks, recording four unanimous points wins, his latest against Nikoloz Gvajava on June 2 at the Swiss Life Hall in Hannover.

The Swede can expect a significant step up at the Struer Energi Park, but says he believes this is Khattab’s ‘last chance’, and that his superior ring smarts will prove the difference in their eight-round middleweight clash.

“It’s going to be a war,” says Flodin. “This is Khattab’s last chance as a professional, but for me it’s just a great opportunity to climb the ladder.

“I have met and beat many Danes as an amateur, and it will be no different on January 19. I expect to be smarter than Khattab in the ring. I’ve watched him fight, I know he comes forward a lot, and that will suit my style perfectly.

“I have great ambitions for my boxing career, and once I’m finished with Khattab, my plan is to target a European title fight in the next two years.”

Promoter Nisse Sauerland says he is looking forward to this fascinating showdown between these two promising Scandinavian fighters.

“We are pleased to present this spectacular Scandinavian showdown on January 19 in Struer, with much at stake for both boxers,” he says.

“For Oliver it’s a big step up, and for Abdul it’s a must win. It’s a dangerous fight for both, and fans can expect a great battle between Sweden and Denmark.”

Flodin versus Khattab is the latest addition to a stacked card in Struer. Local hero Dina Thorslund defends her WBO Female World Super Bantamweight title against Germany’s Alesia Graf, while former European Champion Dennis Ceylan rematches Jesus Sanchez for the EU Featherweight crown.

Tickets are available via www.ticketmaster.dk

RISING GERMAN STAR BAUER FACES SILVA IN ZAGREB

Post author By f/s
Post date November 27, 2018

“I’m really looking forward to fighting in Zagreb. I’ll test my boxing ability in the ring and language skills out of the ring, and I hope to win over some new fans!”

RISING GERMAN STAR BAUER FACES SILVA IN ZAGREB

Rising German star Leon Bauer (14-0-1, 9 KOs) is the latest boxer confirmed for an action-packed fight night on December 8 at the KC Dražen Petrović in Zagreb.

Croatian boxing sensation Filip Hrgović tops the bill, defending his WBC International Heavyweight title against Ecuador’s Ytalo Perea, while female star Ivana Habazin provides chief support with a rematch against Eva Bajic.

Bauer has been touted as one of Germany’s top boxing talents. He made his debut in 2015 at just 16 years of age, and now, undefeated in fifteen professional contests, is the current IBF Youth Super Middleweight World Champion.

Bauer, who is currently teaching himself to speak Croatian, will be boxing outside of Germany for the second time in his career having previously fought at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, and will take on Portugal’s Jorge Silva (16-6, 7 KOs) over eight rounds.

“I speak a little bit of Croatian, maybe 30 to 40 percent of the language, but I’m still learning,” said Bauer. “It was my decision to start learning the language a year ago for some mind work. I don’t want to just sit at home when I’m not training, I want to build myself up and continue to learn new things.

“I’ve got a lot of friends who come from The Balkans, and they help me a lot. I’ve also been holidaying in Croatia every year for the last three years, and I enjoy being there a lot. It’s a great place – the food, the people, the view, the sea!

“I’m really looking forward to fighting in Zagreb. I’ll test my boxing ability in the ring and language skills out of the ring, and I hope to win over some new fans!”

The WBC International Heavyweight Championship contest between Filip Hrgović and Ytalo Perea will top an action-packed fight card at the KC Dražen Petrović on December 8 with a full undercard set to be announced.

Tickets start are available online www.eventim.hr. All the action will be broadcast live and exclusive on RTL in Croatia.

Andrea Scarpa: confident of outboxing Joe Hughes

Post author By f/s
Post date November 26, 2018

“I’ve been training for this fight for two months now. I’m in the shape of my career and I’m feeling confident in my abilities. Having mental strength is vital if you want to defeat a tough customer like Joe Hughes.”

SCARPA ON HUGHES: I’LL MAKE HIM MISS AND MAKE HIM PAY

Andrea Scarpa is confident of outboxing Joe Hughes when the pair clash for the Vacant EBU European Super-Lightweight title at the Teatro Obi Hall in Florence on November 30, live on DAZN and Sky Sports.

Scarpa (23-4, 10 KO’s) is a former Italian Champion in two weight divisions; Super-Featherweight and Super-Lightweight. The Turin fighter outpointed Lyes Chaibi for the IBF Inter-Continental Super-Lightweight crown in his home city in 2015 before stopping John Wayne Hibbert to earn the WBC Silver 140lbs title at The O2 in 2016.

He surrendered that title to Londoner Ohara Davies later that year, losing out on all three of the judge’s scorecards. But ‘Sugar Ray’ believes his ring experience against British fighters will stand him in good stead when he meets former English Super-Lightweight Champion Hughes next week.

“I’ve watched a lot of Joe Hughes’ fights and he likes to be the aggressor,” said Scarpa. “He throws a lot of punches and piles on the pressure but this will play into my hands. I will make him miss with my fast movement and hit him on the counter.

“I’ve shared the ring with British fighters on two occasions and I know the style they bring to the ring. Joe put up a good fight in his last challenge for the European title against Anthony Yigit and that shows the level that he’s at. I’ll need to be at the top of my game to beat him.

Scrapa’s clash with Hughes is part of a huge night of boxing in Florence.

Florence’s own Fabio ‘Stone Crusher’ Turchi (15-0) defends his WBC International Silver Cruiserweight title against Britain’s former Commonwealth Champion Tony ‘Conqueror’ Conquest (18-2) and Devis ‘Boom Boom’ Boschiero (46-5-2) takes on Brentwood’s former European Champion Martin J Ward (20-1-2) for the WBC International Silver Super-Featherweight title.

Super-Welterweight Orlando Fiordigiglio (29-2), undefeated Featherweight Carmine Tommasone (18-0), Welterweight prospect Mirko Natalizi (2-0) and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist John Docherty (1-0) all feature on the undercard.

Tickets are available from Ticketone.it and Boxofficetoscana.it

Read more on Turchi vs Conquest HERE

Read more on Matchroom Boxing Italy HERE

MONTE-CARLO PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Post author By f/s
Post date November 23, 2018

Denis Lebedev and Mike Wilson during the final Press Conference ahed of their WBA Cruiserweight World title Fight on saturday in Monte Carlo. 22nd November 2018. Picture By Mark Robinson.

MONTE-CARLO PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Eddie Hearn:

“Thank you to everyone for making their way here to this wonderful venue. We are so lucky to be given the opportunity to promote boxing here in Monaco and without everybody at the Monte-Carlo SBM this wouldn’t be possible.

“We’re promoting over 50 shows a year Worldwide now and all kinds of different events. 90,000 at Wembley Stadium, last week we were in Kansas, next week we’re in Florence. This event is becoming a regular fixture on our international calendar. This is the third year running we’ve been here in Monaco. The shows keep on getting stronger and stronger, the fights get better and better. The demand continues to grow, and so does the international TV distribution, this show will be shown all around the World in all territories.

“The show on Saturday is fantastic, World title fights, fights for young prospects to get on the World scene, fighters battling for their careers, Heavyweight clashes and great stories.”

Denis Lebedev – Checkhov, Russia – 31-2, 23 KO’s – fighting Mike Wilson for the WBA Cruiserweight World title:

“I am happy boxing in Monte-Carlo and I am happy boxing with team Matchroom. I couldn’t understand what my opponent was saying but it sounds like he is a very humorous guy, a very fun guy. I am trying to live the same way, I am a fun guy as well. I’m really happy that he comes with an amazing attitude for Saturday’s clash.

“Thinking that I am in a different stage of my career when the best Denis Lebedev is already gone is a mistake, I’m really glad he’s got that type of thing in his head. I’ve had many long breaks in my career and I’ve always come back as a better fighter. I am coming back as a lion and I have huge plans for my career. I feel better than ever and I’m happy to show you what the real Denis Lebedev is all about. Please don’t blink.”

Mike Wilson – Oregon, USA – 19-0, 8 KO’s – fighting Denis Lebedev for the WBA Cruiserweight World title:

“It’s a real honour to be here, it’s a beautiful place. Thanks to Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing for having me. We’ve had a great camp and we’re ready to show the World what they’ve been missing, what we can do. I truly believe that this fight has come at the perfect time for me. Denis has been a great Champion in the past but I believe that I’m getting him at the right time. His best form is behind him. This is going to be like Rocky 4. I feel good about this, I really do. I’ve come here to give all of you guys a good show and hopefully we’ll be back here.

“This is a big step up for me but I fight life every day. This is easy, the hard work is behind me, training camp is behind us and now it’s time just to put it all together and fight. A flock of pelicans couldn’t even keep me away from this fight. We were leaving Salt Lake City and we had to get escorted in by fire trucks and all that. You have to fight through adversity to get the things you want in life and we want that WBA World title. If I had to I was going to go in there and land the plane myself! I’m just glad to be here.”

Alexander Ustinov – Paustovo, Russia – 34-2, 25 KO’s – fighting Michael Hunter for the WBA International Heavyweight title:

“While I am enjoying the atmosphere here in Monaco, I have only got one thought in my head. The chances can run out, and with this chance I have to take it. I need to be fighting for the World title very soon. I’ll prove on Saturday that I am a worthy competitor.”

Michael Hunter – Las Vegas, USA – 15-1, 10 KO’s – fighting Alexander Ustinov for the WBA International Heavyweight title:

“First of all I would like to thank Matchroom Boxing, DAZN and Sky Sports for having me. If you guys don’t know me, you’ll get to know me a little bit more come Saturday. I’m usually an action-packed, exciting fighter. I’m just ready to showcase my skills and burst onto the Heavyweight scene. Come Saturday you’ll see me perform and do my best.

“We stay away from what is strong and attack what is weak. I know my strengths and I know his strengths as well. It’s going to make for an action-packed fight because of the height difference. I’m very excited. I can feel it, I’m right there and this is another great opportunity for me to showcase who I’ve always been.”

Kal Yafai – Birmingham, England – 24-0, 15 KO’s – making the fourth defence of his WBA Super-Flyweight World title:

“Thanks for having me everyone. I’m very excited to be here. On Saturday night I’m going to put on a great show for everyone. I’ve had a great training camp, I’m ready to show my skills once again, show my explosiveness. Everything that you see on Saturday night I’m sure you won’t forget.

“I’ve taken this guy very seriously. I’ve trained 12 hard weeks for this fight. I’ve had brilliant sparring, my preparation has been great. I feel like I’m improving all of the time. I’m looking to be explosive on Saturday night. I’m looking to go in there on Saturday night and impress and put out another note to all of the other Champions. Don’t blink.”

Israel Gonzalez – Los Cabos, Mexico – 23-2, 10 KO’s – challenging Kal Yafai for the WBA Super-Flyweight World title:

“Hello to everyone. I am very happy to be here, Monaco is a great place. I’m ready for Saturday night, you’re going to see a beautiful fight. He is a tough opponent and a great Champion. I know it is going to be a difficult and strong fight but I’m ready to show everyone my boxing skills.”

Fanlong Meng – Chifeng, China, 13-0, 8 KO’s – defending his IBF Inter-Continental Light-Heavyweight title against Frank Buglioni:

“It’s an honour for me to be here in Monaco, this is a great show. No matter how much you know about me, it doesn’t matter, because after this fight you’re going to remember my name, a professional boxer from China.”

Frank Buglioni – Enfield, England – 22-3-1, 16 KO’s – challenging Fanlong Meng for the IBF Inter-Continental Light-Heavyweight title:

“It’s a lovely experience to be here.What a prestigious venue, and taking it all in and enjoying the different experience. I feel very privileged to be here. I put the work in in my training camp to show how much I’m looking forward to fighting.

“I’ve come back to the form that I had when I was preparing to be the challenger against Hosea Burton. I’ve got that drive and hunger and I’ve reached that form in the gym. I’m confident and I respect Fanlong, he’s a very good fighter and he was a top class amateur, but I’ve put the work in and I’m very confident in my ability to go and get that title.”

Daniyar Yeleussinov – Berezino, Kazakhstan – 4-0, 2 KO’s – fighting Marcos Mojica in his fifth professional contest:

“I love this place. It’s my first time here and I hope it won’t be the last. I like to box in different countries in front of different people with different mentalities. Watch me on Saturday on Sky Sports!”

BBC RADIO 5 LIVE TO BROADCAST USYK VS BELLEW

Post author By f/s
Post date November 8, 2018

MATCHROOM BOXING PARTNER WITH THE BBC FOR EXCLUSIVE RADIO RIGHTS TO
HISTORIC USYK VS. BELLEW UNDISPUTED CRUISERWEIGHT CLASH

Matchroom Boxing are delighted to announce a deal with the BBC for exclusive radio rights to the highly-anticipated undisputed Cruiserweight World title showdown between Oleksandr Usyk and Tony Bellew at Manchester Arena this Saturday.

Award-winning boxing correspondent Mike Costello and his Radio 5 Live team will provide blow-by-blow commentary on an historic night in Manchester as pound-for-pound star Usyk puts his WBC, IBF, WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine belts on the line against Bellew.

Ukranian Cruiserweight king Usyk made history by outclassing Murat Gassiev to become the first Cruiserweight to hold all four recognised belts, following his sensational World Boxing Super Series win in July.

The 31-year-old won Olympic, World and European amateur golds before steamrolling his way to the top of the Cruiserweight division after only 15 fights, but former WBC World Champion Bellew believes he will become the first man to beat Usyk this Saturday.

A glittering career has seen Bellew win British, Commonwealth, European and World titles, and the Liverpudlian warrior is aiming for a fairytale ending in Manchester, hinting that this could be his final battle before he retires.

Matchroom Boxing Managing Director Eddie Hearn, said: “I’m delighted to team up with BBC Radio 5 Live for this mega fight on Saturday. This is the first ever four belt undisputed clash in British boxing history and I know the 5 Live team will bring you all the fight week build up in style along with a first-class delivery on the night encapsulating all of Saturday night’s drama.”

Ben Gallop, Head of BBC Radio Sport and Digital, said: “I’m delighted BBC Radio 5 Live will be broadcasting live radio commentary of Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tony Bellew on Saturday. We are committed to bringing our listeners the biggest fights and with exclusive coverage on BBC Radio 5 live and the BBC Sport website, boxing fans won’t miss a moment of the action.”

Read more on Matchroom Boxing Event HERE

Read more on Usyk vs Bellew HERE

Read more on Usyk vs Bellew Predictions HERE

Images by Matchroom Boxing

Tags bbc radio 5, bellew, boxer, boxing, eddie hearn, England, fightnight, Liverpool, London, Manchester, matchroom boxing, ukraine, usyk, Wales, william hill

Boxing News

MATCHROOM TO BRING WORLD-CLASS BOXING BACK TO ITALY

Post author By f/s
Post date November 7, 2018

MATCHROOM BOXING, OPI SINCE 82 AND DAZN JOIN FORCES TO BRING WORLD-CLASS BOXING BACK TO ITALY

Matchroom Boxing Italy launched to re-build boxing for a new generation of fight fans

Multi-million Euro joint venture to stage eight stacked fight nights a year for eight years

Inuagural event takes place in Florence on November 30

Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, a World leading boxing promoter, OPI Since 82, Italy’s premier boxing promoter and DAZN, the World’s first pure-sport live and on-demand streaming service have teamed up to bring top flight boxing back to fight fans in Italy.

Matchroom Boxing Italy has been created in a historic, eight-year joint venture to stage eight marque events throughout Italy per year. The stacked fight nights will be broadcast exclusively on DAZN, the revolutionary sports streaming platform currently making waves in the sport.

The first event of the brand new venture will be staged at the Teatro Obi Hall in Florence on November 30 featuring a series of Italy vs. England matchups. The main event on an action-packed evening of boxing sees Florence’s own Fabio ‘Stone Crusher’ Turchi defend his WBC International Silver Cruiserweight title against Britain’s former Commonwealth Champion Tony ‘Conqueror’ Conquest.

Torino’s Andrea ‘Sugar Ray’ Scarpa clashes with Malmesbury’s former British title challenger Joe Hughes for the vacant EBU European Super-Lightweight title and Devis ‘Boom Boom’ Boschiero takes on Brentwood’s former European Champion Martin J Ward for the WBC International Silver Super-Featherweight title.

Matchroom Boxing Managing Director Eddie Hearn, said: “This is another landmark moment for Matchroom Boxing as we continue our global expansion with over 50 shows a Year Worldwide. Italy has lots of potential and we have the ability with DAZN and OPI to make a huge difference to the sport and inspire a new generation of fighters. November 30 is a great start to our schedule in Florence with three big title fights on a stacked card ready to entertain DAZN Italy subscribers – here’s to the future..Saluti!”

Christian Cherchi of OPI Since 82, said: “This is a huge opportunity and an historic moment for the Cherchi’s family, OPI Since 82 and the sport of boxing in Italy. We have been looking for partners to rebuild Italian boxing for a while and in Matchroom Boxing and DAZN we found the perfect ones and the best in the sport. DAZN have shown their passion and commitment to the sport of boxing worldwide for which we are very grateful and we are looking forward to long and successful collaboration. The first show on November 30 in Florence will be an early Christmas present for the Italian boxing fans with 3 evenly contended titles between Italian and English boxers.”

Veronica Diquattro, Executive Vice President Italy, DAZN, said: “We are delighted with this bold new partnership that will bring great boxing back to Italy. The sport has given fans incredible emotions and historic moments over the years and will now return to screens, live and on demand. The partnership brings significant investment to rebuild boxing in our country, and at the same time enriches DAZN’s multi-sport offering for fans who can watch the best sport whenever and wherever they want.”

This partnership builds on DAZN’s impressive boxing credentials, which saw the launch of Matchroom Boxing USA. The $1 billion joint venture between Matchroom Boxing and DAZN, announced in May, includes 16 fights a year in the U.S. featuring some of the sport’s biggest stars at the best venues across America.