Categories
MMA & Other Fight Sports

CW101 full fight card and broadcast details

 

Cage Warriors 101 fight week has begun. This Saturday February 16th, Europe’s leading MMA promotion kick off what promises to be a massive 2019 with their first show of the year at Liverpool’s Exhibition Centre.

 

A brand new Cage Warriors venue will host ten professional fights this weekend for Liverpool fight fans, with a heavyweight clash between Tom Aspinall and Sofiane Boukichou topping the bill.

 

Aspinall is fast becoming one of the most talked-about heavyweight fighters on the North West scene, having finished every one of his professional wins within the distance. He’s a long-time training partner of UFC Welterweight contender Darren Till, and a former sparring partner of unbeaten British boxing superstar Tyson Fury.

 

 

He faces a stern test in the more experienced Frenchman Boukichou, who is currently riding a four-fight win streak and finished his last two Cage Warriors fights with both knockout and submission.

 

Also on the main card in a fight that’s sure to have the Liverpool crowd on it’s feet, two local fighters meet in a Merseyside Derby when Adam Ventre takes on Tim Barnett. Ventre has had great success in his recent bouts in the Cage Warriors Academy North West, picking up 3 back-to-back finish wins to take his record to 7-3. He’s yet another prospect fighting out of Next Generation MMA, home of former Cage Warriors champions (and now UFC stars) Molly McCann and Chris Fishgold, both of which will be meeting fans alongside UFC legend Dan Hardy and Octagon Girl Edith Labelle at the CW101 Meet and Greet from 8.20PM.

 

 

Tim Barnett, who trains out of Liverpool’s MMA Academy, has established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting strikers and is looking to get back to winning ways after a loss to Alex Lohoré at CW100.

 

Other Liverpool names on the card include former middleweight title challenger Mick Stanton and bantamweight prospect Bryan Creighton, who makes his first Cage Warriors Liverpool appearance in six years.

 

And that’s not all. Before the CW101 pro card, a seven-fight Cage Warriors Academy North West card will showcase the top amateur talent from Liverpool and across Europe from 5PM.

 

Doors at the Exhibition Centre open at 4.30PM. The last remaining CW101 tickets are available HERE.

 

 

How to watch

Main Card (from 9PM) will be broadcast live on UFC Fight Pass and a host of premium global partners including:

Eleven Sports Network: Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland,  Taiwan

ViaPlay: Scandinavia  (Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden)

K+: Vietnam

C+: Myanmar

Cignal: Phillipines

D Sports: India

CYTA: Cyprus

Gol TV: Spain

Setanta Eurasia: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Pro Prelims (from 7PM) will be LIVE and FREE on the Cage Warriors Facebook page.

Main Card (9PM)

Tom Aspinall vs Sofiane Boukichou – Heavyweight

Bryan Creighton vs Manuel Bilić – Bantamweight

Tim Barnett vs Adam Ventre – 160lbs catchweight

Matt Bonner vs Madars Fleminas – Welterweight

Mick Stanton vs Jenaid Ebanks – Middleweight

Pro Prelims (7PM)

James Sheehan vs Ian Garry – Welterweight

Andrew Lofthouse vs Gavin Kelly – Featherweight

Anthony O’Connor vs Steven Hooper – Lightweight

Mark Kinsella vs Tomasz Wojtyna – Welterweight

Adam Wilson vs Harry Ettridge – Bantamweight

CWA North West Amateur Card (5PM)

Adam Shelley vs Marcus Lewis – Lightweight

Joffe Houlton vs Carl Dilks – Light Heavyweight

Adam Caldwell vs Ben Petches-Kelly – Lightweight

Harrison Teare vs Tom Somerset – Welterweight

Oskar Stachura vs Jamie Hayes – Welterweight

Teddy Stringer vs Richie Lunt – Lightweight

Danny Dixon vs Mariusz Mikolajewski – Welterweight

 

 

 

 

 

Read more on Cage Warriors HERE

 

Categories
Fight Scene Features Sports Equipment

UA: UNDER ARMOUR

To make athletes better through passion, design and the relentless pursuit of innovation.

 

 

Under Armour is the leader in performance apparel, footwear and accessories, with a mission to make all athletes better through passion, design and the relentless pursuit of innovation.

 

The chosen brand of this generation of athletes… and the athletes of tomorrow. We’re about performance – in training and on game day, in blistering heat and bitter cold. Whatever the conditions, whatever the sport, Under Armour delivers the advantage athletes have come to demand.

 

Sponsored athletes include Stephen Curry, Michael Phelps, Jamie Roberts, Lindsey Vonn, Jordan Spieth and Tom Brady amongst many others. Under Armour outfits Anthony Joshua to go along with being the official kit supplier for teams including Southampton, FC St Pauli, and ASM Clermont Rugby.

 

 

Under Armour developed a diverse product assortment for men, women and youth to accommodate any season and temperature. Customers buy HeatGear® to stay cool and dry in hot weather, ColdGear® to stay warm when it’s cold, and AllSeasonGear® between the extremes. Using these technologies, the products include:

Men’s Sports– football, golf, running, rugby, training, American football, baseball, basketball
Women’s Sports– running, studio fitness, training, basketball, football, golf

 

 

UA: To make all athletes better through passion, design and the relentless pursuit of innovation.

 

View Under Armour Sportswear HERE

Read more on Matchroom Boxing HERE

Image by Matchroom boxing

 

Categories
Boxing News

JORDAN GILL HEADLINES JD NXTGEN SHOW IN PETERBOROUGH

‘Mexicans are renowned for their toughness and I can’t see him being any different. These are exactly the sort of fights I want to be involved in this year. It’s all about pushing on to the World stage now and this is the next step in that direction.”

 

 

 

JORDAN GILL HEADLINES JD NXTGEN SHOW IN PETERBOROUGH
‘The Thrill’ goes for second pro title on March 2

 

 

Jordan Gill faces Mexico’s Emmanuel Dominguez for the WBA International Featherweight crown at the East of England Arena in Peterborough on March 2, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

 

The Chatteris man headlines the next instalment of the JD NXTGEN series with his first fight in his home county for five years after he stopped Ryan Doyle to claim the Commonwealth Featherweight title in October.

 

‘The Thrill’ looked flawless against Doyle, dominating proceedings throughout before producing an impressive stoppage in round seven to win the first title of his professional career, and the Dave Coldwell-trained talent is hungry for more titles in 2019.

 

 

 

 

“I’m buzzing to have the chance to bring a big event to the area and put on a show for the fans,” said Gill. “I hope it’s a huge success and will be the first of many shows in the city. With the venue being so close to my hometown I’m confident it will be a complete sell-out.

“I haven’t seen much of Dominguez, but Mexicans are renowned for their toughness and I can’t see him being any different. These are exactly the sort of fights I want to be involved in this year. It’s all about pushing on to the World stage now and this is the next step in that direction.”

 

Richard Riakporhe produced a stunning comeback to stop Sam Hyde in the battle of the unbeaten Cruiserweights last time out in Manchester, and the Dillian Whyte-mentored Londoner makes the first defence of his WBA Inter-Continental title against Belfast’s 12-1 Tommy McCarthy next month.

 

Unbeaten Indiana Super-Middleweight contender Anthony Sims Jr fights for the second time in the UK after an explosive debut in Cardiff last summer. The 23-year-old has reached 17-0 in the paid ranks with 16 of those wins coming inside the distance and is widely tipped to reach the top of the sport.

 

Nottingham’s Leigh Wood clashes with Ghana’s Abraham Osei Bonsu for the vacant Commonwealth Featherweight crown. ‘Leigh-thal’, a former Midlands Area Champion, is unbeaten in nine since a loss to Gavin McDonnell for the British Super-Bantamweight title.

 

Heavy-handed Super-Middleweight prospect John Docherty looks to make if four knockouts from four fights after impressing again on the Garcia vs. Cheeseman undercard at The O2 and Leeds Super-Bantamweight and former Team GB amateur standout Qais Ashfaq aims to go 5-0, and there’s also action on the undercard for Wisbech Super-Welterweight Joe Steed and St Ives Super-Lightweight Bradley Smith.

 

“It’s great to bring championship boxing to a completely new area on March 2,” said Eddie Hearn. “We have already seen from Jordan’s ticket requests how popular this will be and it’s a great night of boxing. Jordan is another one of those young stars ready to step up to the next level, some have managed to do it and some haven’t – now it’s his turn.

 

“Anthony Sims Jr has become a real fan favourite in the UK and is set for a huge 2019. Richard Riakporhe against Tommy McCarthy is a great 50-50 Cruiserweight match up and exciting Nottingham star Leigh Wood challenges for his first major title. Beneath the championship fights the card is stacked with young talent and we look forward to a great crowd in Peterborough on March 2.”

 

Read more on Matchroom Boxing HERE

Images by Mark Robinson

 

 

Categories
Boxing News

RIOS AND SOTO CLASH IN MEXICAN SHOWDOWN

“I know that this fight is a ‘do or die,’ that is why I am very motivated and training really hard. We know that we have a tough opponent in Brandon Rios, a true warrior, but so am I. This will be a war and I will be ready to win!”

 

 

 

RIOS AND SOTO CLASH IN MEXICAN SHOWDOWN
Former World rulers clash in Tijuana on February 23

 

Matchroom Boxing USA will promote its first show in Mexico as Brandon Rios and Humberto Soto will clash in an all-Mexican affair at the Municipal Auditorium Fausto Gutierrez Moreno in Tijuana on Saturday February 23, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

 

Former World Lightweight king Rios (35-4-1 26KOs) returned to winning ways in style in November, stopping Ramon Alvarez in the ninth round of their high octane clash in Mulvane, near KS, pocketing a 26th win inside the distance in his 40th pro fight.

 

‘Bam Bam’ will look to further his claims for title shots in 2019, and the American-Mexican believes the love from the fans will roar him to victory and onto his goal of regaining his World title stats as he boxes in Mexico for the first time since September 2009.

 

Former two-weight World ruler Soto (68-9-2 37KOs) has other ideas though, with the Mexican hero heading into the bout on the back of two wins on his return to the ring in 2018. Soto, Los Mochis born but whom now calls Tijuana home, admits his glittering career is on the line on February 23, and that means ‘La Zorrita’ will put everything on the line against Rios.

 

“I’m grateful to Eddie Hearn for getting me on a card early in the year,” said Rios. “I want to stay active so I can get closer to my goal and becoming a Champion once again.

“Man, I’m excited to fight in Mexico, I haven’t fought there in ten years. The Mexican fanbase has supported me since day one and everything I give in the ring is for my family and my fans, who have never let me down.

“I’ve been staying busy in the gym, so I’m ready to give the fans a great fight. The fights the fans love to see!”

“I cannot wait for February 23,” said Soto. “I am so excited for this great opportunity in a city that feels like my second home.

“I know that this fight is a ‘do or die,’ that is why I am very motivated and training really hard. We know that we have a tough opponent in Brandon Rios, a true warrior, but so am I. This will be a war and I will be ready to win!”

 

There’s a stacked undercard in support of the main event, led by the rematch between Jose ‘Gallito’ Quiniro (20-2-3 9KOs) and Joel Cordoba (7-4-2 1KO). The Mexicans shared a draw in a Christmas cracker in December and will return to the same venue as that clash to find a winner this time.

 

It’s a huge night for two youngsters making their first strides in the paid ranks. Alexis Espino makes his professional debut on the card, with the 19 year old Las Vegas native and decorated amateur itching to get life in the pro game underway on a proud night for his Mexican family.

Rangy teenage sensation Diego Pacheco fights for the second time in the pros after a first round KO win on his debut in Tijuana in December. Pacheco cleaned up in the amateur ranks as an eight-time national champion and number one ranked Middleweight in both America and Mexico, and the 17 year old turned over on the back of recent stand out victories in the 2017 National Junior Golden Gloves and the 2018 USA Junior Olympic Nationals.

A trio of unbeaten Mexicans complete the current line-up in the shape of 2016 Olympian Joselito Velasquez (7-0 6KOs), Omar ‘Pollo’ Aguilar (11-0 10KOs) and Sulem Urbina (8-0 1KO), with more to action be added.

 

“I’m excited to be in Tijuana on March 23 for our first Mexican show with a real old school shoot-out between Brandon Rios and Humberto Soto,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Brandon stole the show in Kansas recently on DAZN against Ramon Alvarez and there should be real fireworks in this one.

 

“It’s a stacked card with a tasty rematch between Jose Quiniro and Joel Cordoba, unbeaten Mexicans in Olympian Joselito Velasquez, Omar Aguilar and Sulem Urbina, and the return of our 17 year old star Diego Pacheco along with Robert Garcia trained Alexis Espino who will also make his debut on the card.”

 

Rios vs. Soto is in association with Zanfer and Paco presents.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW HERE

 

 

Read more on Matchroom Boxing HERE

Images by Ed Mulholland of Matchroom Boxing

 

 

Categories
Boxing News

CHEESEMAN – I’LL NEVER SHY AWAY FROM A CHALLENGE

“I’m one of those fighters who will always look at what opportunities there are out there for me. I’d rather not just have an easy defence and try to win the belt outright. I’d rather push on and aim at what I turned pro to do, and that’s to become a World Champion.

 

 

CHEESEMAN – I’LL NEVER SHY AWAY FROM A CHALLENGE
‘The Big Cheese’ ready to conquer Europe

 

Ted Cheeseman says he is ready to announce himself on the big stage when he takes on Spain’s undefeated European Super-Welterweight Champion Sergio Garcia at The O2 in London on Saturday, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

 

The Bermondsey star, 15-0, inflicted a punishing defeat on Reading bad boy Asinia Byfield to claim the vacant British title last time out. A defence of the Lonsdale belt didn’t interest ‘The Big Cheese’, who has instead opted to continue his push towards World glory.

 

“To be honest, sometimes you sit there and think ‘cor, I could do with an easy one now’, but as a fighter you love being involved in testing fights,” said Cheeseman. “You want to get everyone talking about you and to be known as someone that is tough and will fight anyone. I think I’m starting to get a reputation as someone that won’t turn down a challenge.

 

 
“I’m one of those fighters who will always look at what opportunities there are out there for me. After the Byfield win, Charlie Sims asked me if I’d looked at any opponents to defend my British title against. There isn’t anyone else at British level other than Fowler or Fitzgerald that I’d be interested in defending it against. I’d rather not just have an easy defence and try to win the belt outright. I’d rather push on and aim at what I turned pro to do, and that’s to become a World Champion.

 

A step-up to European level has been difficult for fellow Brits such as Lewis Ritson, who suffered his first career loss to Francesco Patera at the Metro Radio Arena in October, but Cheeseman believes his ring experience will help him earn another impressive victory in London.

 

“On paper, Garcia looks exceptional,” admitted Cheeseman. “He’s 28-0, 13 knockouts. A lot of people are saying to me ‘Do you really need this fight yet? Is it a step too far?’. But I’ve got a good manager, a good coach. I’m coming on in the gym all the time. These are the fights I need. I’m pushing on and hoping to go all the way.

 

“I’m feeling much more experienced now with my timing in the ring, my ring craft, and I can’t wait to get in there and show everyone how good I am. I’ve had test after test and I’m 100% confident of getting the win. It’s not like I’ve just had one test and now I’m stepping up. I’ve done it for the last two years. I’m firing on all cylinders in the gym, feeling really good. 

 

“Since my seventh fight, I boxed Lloyd Ellett who was 20-1, I boxed Jack Sellars who was 5-0, I boxed Matt Ryan who was 14-1. These are all tough British opponents. Then I fought Carson Jones, Paul Upton and Asinia Byfield. I’ve been building steadily and I’m ready for another challenge this weekend.”

 

 

Garcia vs. Cheeseman tops a huge night of action in London. 

Light-Heavyweight rivals Jake Ball and Craig Richards finally face-off in a highly-anticipated grudge match for the WBA Continental title. 

Unbeaten British Cruiserweight Champion Lawrence Okolie returns to action as he defends his WBA Continental title against Hungary’s Tamas Lodi.

Rising Wokingham Middleweight talent Felix Cash fights for his second professional title when he takes on Nigeria’s Abolaji Rasheed for the vacant Commonwealth strap.

Preston’s Scott Fitzgerald keeps busy in a six round contest ahead of his mouth-watering domestic clash with former GB teammate Anthony Fowler in March.

Scotland’s fast-rising Super-Middleweight talent John Docherty aims to make it three KO’s from three fights, Ipswich Heavyweight Fabio Wardley looks to go 6-0, decorated amateur Charles Frankham makes his debut at Super-Featherweight and Hammersmith Light-Heavyweight Dana Zaxo takes part in his fourth professional contest.

 

Read more on Ball vs Richards HERE

Read more on Matchroom Boxing Event HERE

 

Images by Mark Robinson of Matchroom Boxing

 

Categories
Boxing News

WARDLEY: I’M READY TO BE LET OFF THE LEASH

“I’m definitely looking at titles in the next few months,” added Wardley. “I think I’ll be ready to start throwing my hat into the mix in around six months if I can keep going at the pace I’m moving at – fighting every six to eight weeks. The Southern Area and English belts are the realistic options for me. I don’t see any problems with going for them if I keep on pushing forward.

 

 

WARDLEY: I’M READY TO BE LET OFF THE LEASH
Dillian Whyte protégé hungry for titles in 2019

 

Fabio Wardley says he is raring to be let off the leash and begin his attack on the domestic Heavyweight scene after a frustrating couple of years in which he only fought five times.

 

The undefeated Ipswich talent looks to move to 6-0 when he takes on Frenchman Morgan Dessaux over six rounds on the undercard of Ted Cheeseman’s challenge for the European Super-Welterweight crown against Sergio Garcia at The O2 in London this Saturday.

 

Wardley, 24, is determined to climb the Heavyweight ladder after signing a management deal with World title contender Dillian Whyte, who also mentors Cruiserweight prospect Richard Riakporhe, and says ‘The Body Snatcher’ is the man to kick-start his career.

 

“When I signed with Dillian and the team I said that I wanted to be as active as possible and they’re sticking to their word and getting me out regularly,” said Wardley. “Right now, I’m at the building stage of my career my main focus is on learning and developing. I was straight back in the gym after Christmas preparing for my next date. Being involved in a huge event like Whyte vs. Chisora 2 at The O2 gave me a massive buzz, there was no stopping me getting back in the gym.

 

“Dillian said that I did what I needed to do to get my opponent out of there. He was a good, durable opponent and gave me some rounds which is definitely what I needed after three first round stoppages. I wasn’t tested or pushed at all, but the tougher fights will come as I progress. Dillian was happy with my performance and eager to get me out there again. I’m ready to do it all over again on Saturday. 

 

“I truly believe that I’m in safe hands with Dillian guiding my career. He’s someone that I have immense respect for and I trust his opinion completely. He’s been there and done it, been through the thick of it, and for him to be managing my career is a big advantage for me. The advice that he passes on is invaluable and the sparring isn’t bad either!”

 

Britain’s Heavyweight scene is thriving, with unified Champion Anthony Joshua OBE leading the way, and Wardley – who’s sparred with the likes of Tyson Fury and undisputed Cruiserweight king Oleksandr Usyk – believes 2019 is the year to announce himself on the big stage.

 


“I’m definitely looking at titles in the next few months,” added Wardley. “I think I’ll be ready to start throwing my hat into the mix in around six months if I can keep going at the pace I’m moving at – fighting every six to eight weeks. The Southern Area and English belts are the realistic options for me. I don’t see any problems with going for them if I keep on pushing forward. I’d go for them now, but that’s just me. I’m ready to be let off the leash but I trust my team to make the right decisions.

 

 

 

“I pay attention to what’s going on in the Heavyweight landscape but at the same time I’m focused on my own career. It’s an exciting time to be coming through in the Heavyweight division, there’s lots of options out there for me. I feel like I bring something different that other Heavyweights don’t have. I’ve got another golden opportunity to impress again on Saturday and it’s on me to deliver.”

 

Wardley vs. Dessaux is part of a huge night of action in London.

Bermondsey star Ted Cheeseman steps up again when he challenges undefeated Spaniard Sergio Garcia for the European Super-Welterweight crown.

Light-Heavyweight rivals Jake Ball and Craig Richards finally face-off in a highly-anticipated grudge match for the WBA Continental title.

Unbeaten British Cruiserweight Champion Lawrence Okolie returns to action as he defends his WBA Continental title against New York’s Shawn Miller.

Rising Wokingham Middleweight talent Felix Cash fights for his second professional title when he takes on Nigeria’s Abolaji Rasheed for the vacant Commonwealth strap.

Preston’s Scott Fitzgerald keeps busy in a six round contest ahead of his mouth-watering domestic clash with former GB teammate Anthony Fowler in March.

Scotland’s fast-rising Super-Middleweight talent John Docherty aims to make it three KO’s from three fights, decorated amateur Charles Frankham makes his debut at Super-Featherweight and Hammersmith Light-Heavyweight Dana Zaxo takes part in his fourth professional contest.

 

 

Read more on Ball vs Richards HERE

Read more on Matchroom Events HERE