Tag: Manchester

FARRELL – FRIENDSHIP GOES OUT THE WINDOW ONCE THE BELL RINGS

Post author By f/s
Post date November 19, 2019

Tom Farrell v Philip Bowes, Commonwealth Super-Lightweight title fight, Liverpool. 30th March 2019 Picture By Mark Robinson.

FARRELL – FRIENDSHIP GOES OUT THE WINDOW ONCE THE BELL RINGS
‘Fazza’ primed for Liverpool vs. Birkenhead showdown

Tom Farrell insists that there will be no room for niceties when he steps in the ring with promotional stablemate and close friend Sean Dodd in a domestic Super-Lightweight battle at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool on Saturday November 23, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Farrell (17-2, 5 KOs) is looking to land another title shot after he was outpointed by Philip Bowes in a clash for the Commonwealth crown at the M&S Bank Arena back in March and believes that a win over former Commonwealth Lightweight ruler Dodd will fire him into contention in 2020.

“I think Masher was the last person that I had on my mind when I heard that I was going to be earmarked for this show,” said Farrell. “I had my eye on a decent fight to get the ball rolling and get me back in contention for 2020 but Masher didn’t really come into my mind. We’re good mates and there hasn’t been any animosity between us in the build-up but once the bell rings on Saturday our friendship goes out of the window.

“It’s a fight that we both had to take really. I had a disappointing loss last time I fought at the arena and I think this could be Masher’s last chance. You could described it as a must-win fight for the both of us. This is a fight that could steal the show, I’ve said that from the start. He’s always in good fights and so am I. It has all of the ingredients for a cracker.”

Turning pro in September 2014, ‘Fazza’s’ sole title win came against Farid Hakimi in 2016 when he outpointed the Belgian over ten rounds to earn to WBA International title. He then lost his next title opportunity against controversial Hackney man Ohara Davies the following year before his loss to Bowes earlier this year.

The popular Liverpudlian hits the big 30 on Saturday and will be hoping to celebrate the milestone in style with a career-best win against Dodd that would set him up for a more fruitful 2020.

“We know each other very well. I think I’ll have enough experience and enough quality on the night to come out and springboard myself back into contention and get my career back on a good path. The last 12 months have been a bit difficult for me and my career has stalled a little bit so this is a big chance for me to push on and get a title.

“We’ll definitely be putting on a good show for the fans. I think there will be loads of us there. I always have a good crowd behind me and the Birkenhead faithful are always there for Masher. I’m one of the most liked lads in Liverpool fighting against one of the most liked lads in the UK in Masher Dodd. It’s a huge deal up here and I’m confident it won’t disappoint.”

Farrell vs. Dodd is part of a huge night of action in Liverpool.

Main event sees Liverpool’s Callum Smith (26-0, 19 KOs) defend his WBA World, WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine Super-Middleweight titles against John Ryder (28-4, 16 KOs), Craig Glover (10-2, 8 KOs) takes on Chris Billam-Smith (9-1, 8 KOs) for the vacant Commonwealth Cruiserweight title, Anthony Fowler (10-1, 8 KOs) meets Harry Scarff (8-0, 1 KO) for the WBA International Super-Welterweight title, James Tennyson (25-3, 21 KOs) and Craig Evans (20-2-2, 3 KOs) square-off in a final eliminator for the British Lightweight title, Liverpool Light-Heavyweight talent Thomas Whittaker-Hart (3-0, 1 KO) aims to end his first year as a pro in style and Liverpool Super-Lightweight Marcus Molloy (1-0) and Skelmersdale Welterweight Tom Aitchson (1-0) both go for their second win in the pro ranks.

CW111 full fight card and broadcast details

Post author By f/s
Post date November 18, 2019

CW111 full fight card and broadcast details
Fight week is here!

Cage Warriors close the year in style with CW111, their final card of the 2019 schedule, bringing 3 world title fights to the London Indigo at the O2 this Friday night.

Reigning Middleweight Champion James Webb puts his belt on the line for a second time in a rematch with Nathias Frederick, after their highly controversial contest this summer which ended in a majority draw.

UFC vet Mads Burnell will look to hold onto his featherweight title when he takes on Steve ‘Diddy Kong’ Aimable.

And in the third title fight of the evening, London’s own Light-Heavyweight champion Modestas Bukauskas walks out for his first defence against Italy’s Riccardo ‘The Walking Dead’ Nosiglia.

The CW111 Main Card also features the return of Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett, who makes his first 2019 appearance against ‘Ultimate Fighter’ veteran Joe Giannetti.

Before that, a stacked pro prelim card will see top contender Alex Lohoré take on Joilton Santos Lutterbach, and Mike Ekundayo return to action against Luca Iovine.

CW111 will take place at the London Indigo at the O2 Arena this Friday night, the 22nd November. Cage Warriors President Graham Boylan has teased that major news regarding the promotion’s 2020 schedule will be released live during the event.

Tickets are on sale HERE, with Cage Warriors expecting a sellout later this week.

Check out how you can tune in from home below.

How to Watch

MAIN CARD (from 9PM) will be broadcast live on UFC FightPass globally and on a host of territorial broadcast partners including:

Eleven Sports Network: Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Taiwan

Viaplay: Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden

RMC Sport: France, select other Francophone territories

K+: Vietnam

C+: Myanmar

Cignal: Phillipines

D Sports: India

CYTA: Cyprus

Gol TV: Spain

SSports: Turkey

StarTimes: Sub Saharan Africa

Max Sport: Bulgaria

Mola TV: Indonesia

SportKlub: Serbia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Macedonia

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

BFBS: British Forces Overseas

FightPass exclusive territories include UK, Eire, Australia, New Zealand, Russia and the Americas.

PRO PRELIMS (from 5.30PM) will be broadcast live and free on the Cage Warriors Facebook Page.

Main Card (9PM)

James Webb vs Nathias Frederick II – Middleweight Title Fight

Mads Burnell vs Steve Aimable – Featherweight Title Fight

Modestas Bukauskas vs Riccardo Nosiglia – Light-Heavyweight Title Fight

Paddy Pimblett vs Joe Giannetti – Lightweight

Pro Prelims (5.30PM)

Alex Lohoré vs Joilton Santos Lutterbach – Welterweight

Emrah Sonmez vs Daryl Golding – Featherweight

Liam Gittins vs Adam Amarasinghe – Bantamweight

Matthew Bonner vs Warren Kee – Welterweight

Cory Tait vs Ayton De Paepe – Bantamweight

Mike Ekundayo vs Luca Iovine – Bantamweight

Josh Onwordi vs Harry Davies – Lightweight

Jordan Barton vs James Hendin – Featherweight

Kingsley Crawford vs Scott Butters – Featherweight

Read more on Giannetti vs Pimblett HERE

RIAKPORHE AND MASSEY CLASH FOR BRITISH TITLE

Post author By f/s
Post date November 13, 2019

RIAKPORHE AND MASSEY CLASH FOR BRITISH TITLE AT YORK HALL
Unbeaten Cruiserweights collide on December 19 JD NXTGEN show

Richard Riakporhe and Jack Massey will clash for the vacant British Cruiserweight title at the top of a JD NXTGEN show at the famous York Hall in East London on Thursday December 19, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Big-hitting Riakporhe (10-0, 8 KOs) went the distance for only the second time of his career in July as he outpointed undefeated and highly-rated Bournemouth prospect Chris Billam-Smith in a close battle at The O2 in London to retain his WBA Inter-Continental title.

Massey (16-0, 8 KOs) is firing on all cylinders again after an arm injury ruled him out of his July British and Commonwealth title clash with Lawrence Okolie, and ‘One Smack’ says he is ready to propel his name to the top of the domestic Cruiserweight scene in his first major title shot.

“I’m over the moon to be fighting for the British title at the top of a bill at York Hall,” said Riakporhe. “I’ve been looking forward to this opportunity for a long time and now it’s here I need to grab it with both hands.

“Jack is a decent opponent. I heard that he beat Chris Billam-Smith in the amateurs so he should have a good pedigree. He’s unbeaten in the professional ranks with a strong record so this should be a decent test for me.

“I think Jack will come to fight and he’ll go for it, but I’ll be too strong for him and I’ll have too much will and determination – I’m going to light him up like a Christmas tree. A win here could lead to even bigger opportunities and I know what I have to do.”

“I’m in the best shape of my life and I feel great,” said Massey. “I’ve had a few setbacks recently, but they’ve made me even hungrier for this opportunity. I’ve got to come away with that British title on the night and I’ll give my all for it.

“This has got the makings of a great fight, we’re both big punchers and we both know how to finish a fight. This will be my first time fighting at York Hall so it’s even more special for me. It’s a prestigious place to fight and a prestigious belt to win so there’s a lot on the line – a win would be massive for me.”

Elsewhere on the card fast-rising Ipswich Heavyweight Fabio Wardley (8-0, 7 KOs) continues his march towards a first title shot as he takes on Middlesbrough’s Simon Vallily (16-2-1, 7 KOs), Bracknell Welterweight Luther Clay (12-1, 5 KOs) defends his WBO Global Welterweight title against Freddy Kiwitt (17-2, 10 KOs) and Northampton Super-Welterweight Kieron Conway (13-1-1, 3 KOs) continues to work towards another shot at the British title.

Watford Bantamweight Shannon Courtenay (4-0, 1 KO) keeps active with her fifth outing of the year, Crowthorne Super-Featherweight Charles Frankham (2-0, 1 KO) returns, Leeds Super-Bantamweight Hopey Price (1-0) looks to build on his successful pro debut in Manchester and Billy Joe Saunders-managed Lightweight Donte Dixon looks to move 2-0.

“I’m delighted to be returning to the famous York Hall on December 19 for a Christmas cracker of a JD NXTGEN show topped by the British Cruiserweight title showdown between undefeated prospects Richard Riakporhe and Jack Massey,” said Eddie Hearn. “Riakporhe is quickly establishing himself as one of the most feared Cruiserweights on the domestic scene and secured an impressive breakout win over Chris Billam-Smith last time out. Massey has been waiting for an opportunity like this for a while and finally lands his big chance after the disappointment of his summer injury. Some of the best up-and-coming talents in the country will be looking to impress on the undercard with all of the action shown live on Sky Sports and DAZN.”

“We’re bringing you a pre-Christmas cracker as Richard Riakporhe battles Jack Massey for the British title on another exciting JD NXTGEN bill,” said Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing. “Riakporhe has emerged as an explosive contender – and next comes up against the well-schooled Massey in a high quality encounter for that coveted Lonsdale belt. Shannon Courtenay, Fabio Wardley, Charles Frankham are also back in action at York Hall as we extend our powerful schedule in 2019.”

Tickets are available via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com).

CLASH ON THE DUNES: HRGOVIC VS MOLINA

Post author By f/s
Post date November 1, 2019

HRGOVIĆ FACES FORMER WORLD TITLE CHALLENGER MOLINA ON RUIZ VS. JOSHUA 2 UNDERCARD IN SAUDI ARABIA

Filip Hrgović (9-0, 7 KOs) steps up to face former World Title challenger Eric Molina (27-5, 19 KOs) as part of a colossal night of boxing at the Diriyah Arena in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Saturday December 7 featuring the Unified Heavyweight World Title rematch between Andy Ruiz Jr and Anthony Joshua, shown live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US.

The Rio 2016 Olympic bronze medallist, who will be defending his WBC International Title, has made a blistering start to his professional career, racing to nine wins from nine fights – with seven of those wins coming by knockout – since making his pro debut at the Arena Riga in September 2017.

Ranked in the top ten in the world with the WBC, WBA and IBF, the 27-year-old already finds himself being propositioned for a World Title shot having been matched aggressively from the very start of this career, landing the WBC ranking title with a sensational knockout win over Amir Mansour.

Molina, a two-time World Title challenger from Texas USA, has mixed it at the top of the Heavyweight division throughout his twelve-year career as a pro. His first World Title attempt came against WBC king Deontay Wilder in 2015 when he took ‘The Bronze Bomber’ nine rounds before succumbing to a stoppage loss.

A year later he travelled to the UK to face IBF ruler Joshua at Manchester Arena and was stopped in three rounds in what was ‘AJ’s’ maiden World Title defence. Fights against Terrell Jamal Woods and Dominic Breazeale followed in 2017 before Molina made his return in February earlier this year, outpointing Nick Guivas in Brownsville.

“I’m very honoured to be a part of this great event,” said Hrgović. “It is a big step up for me in terms of the level of opponent and also the size of the event.

“The whole world will be watching and this is a big opportunity for me to showcase my skills. I would like to thank my team Team Sauerland, Zeljko Karajica and Eddie Hearn for making this possible.

“I’m expecting a hard fight. Eric Molina has fought two times for the World title. He rocked Deontay Wilder in their fight and almost knocked him down. He is a very dangerous fighter with a lot of experience. This will be a big step up in competition and I am expecting the hardest fight of my career.

“From the beginning, we have started with very strong competition. I have told my promoter Team Sauerland that I am ready for anyone in the world and I have always wanted to fight the best so I’m excited for the challenge.

“Everything is perfect in training. I am getting stronger and better with every camp. Pedro Diaz is a great coach and I think we are a very good team. With every camp I see more and more of his knowledge and experience. I am very happy to be here training with him and I think he is bringing out the best in me.”

“I am beyond excited to be a part of this amazing boxing event in Saudi Arabia,” said Molina. “I am grateful to finally be back in the ring and I know exactly what this fight means. Eddie Hearn has given me more than enough time to be physically, mentally and spiritually ready for Hrgović.”

Promoter Nisse Sauerland said: “Filip is the fastest rising star of the heavyweight division so it is fitting that he play a part in this massive night for heavyweight boxing. This is a huge opportunity with the whole world watching and a chance for him to further his World title claim with a win over Molina.”

Russian powerhouse Alexander Povetkin (35-2, 24 KOs) is also confirmed for the undercard as he returns from his August triumph over Hughie Fury to take on USA’s Heavyweight talent Michael Hunter (18-1, 12 KOs) in an Eliminator for the WBA World Title.

“The world will stop on December 7 to watch Ruiz vs. Joshua 2 and now they have more mouth-watering action to whet the appetite,” said Eddie Hearn. “Povetkin vs. Hunter is a brilliant match up with both men looking for a crack at the World Heavyweight Title in 2020 and unbeaten Hrgović makes his first step up against World Title challenger Eric Molina.”

Read more on Sauerland Promotions HERE

Tags London, Manchester, saudi arabia

Boxing News

CROLLA FACES URQUIAGA IN FAREWELL FIGHT

Post author By f/s
Post date October 22, 2019

April 11, 2019; Los Angeles, CA; Anthony Crolla steps on the scale to weigh-in for his bout against WBO/WBA lightweight champion Vasiliy Lomachenko at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing

CROLLA FACES URQUIAGA IN FAREWELL FIGHT
Manchester legend ready for ‘the final one’

Anthony Crolla will face Frank Urquiaga for the WBA Continental Lightweight title in his farewell fight at Manchester Arena on Saturday November 2, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Former Lightweight World Champion Crolla (34-7-3, 13 KOs) fittingly returns to the scene of his greatest triumph to call the curtains on a memorable career after challenging pound-for-pound star Vasiliy Lomachenko for the WBA and WBO Lightweight titles in Los Angeles earlier this year.

The Mancunian hero won the WBA Lightweight crown against Darleys Perez on a hugely emotional evening at Manchester Arena in November 2015 and successfully defended his title against Ismael Barroso at the same venue the following year.

‘Million Dollar’ made his professional debut at Manchester Arena – then MEN Arena – back in 2006, outpointing Abdul Rashid. In a professional career spanning over 13 years Crolla has fought at the iconic North West venue a total of 13 times, and he is ready to say an emotional goodbye to his legion of fans next week.

“This is it, the final one,” said Crolla. “I’ve had so many great nights at the arena down the years, so I’m pleased to be finishing where it all started.

“Urquiaga knows this is his golden chance, a win against me and he throws his name further into the mix. I can’t let the emotions get to me, I’ve got a job to do first and foremost – I want to bow out with a win.

“The support and atmosphere has always been special at the arena, I’m forever thankful. I’m determined to put on a show for one last time.”

“It’s a great honour to fight a warrior like Anthony Crolla in his last fight,” said Urquiaga. “Of course, it is a great opportunity for me to win and make a big step to the next level, where there are a lot of good British fighters such as Luke Campbell, Joe Cordina, Lee Selby and Ricky Burns. I’m working hard for this opportunity, I know that British fans are unbelievable, and I want to give them an unbelievable fight.”

“This is going to be a special moment for Anthony, Manchester and British Boxing,” said Eddie Hearn “Anthony has been one of the great success stories and the experiences he has given us all in that arena are ones we will never forget.

“It’s always difficult choosing the right time to walk away, especially when, as he has this camp, you are looking and feeling so good! We have had some long chats about the decision and this is it, all the effort and emotion into one last dance and one last title at his spiritual home.”

Crolla vs. Urquiaga is part of a huge night of action in Manchester.

Main event sees Irish star Katie Taylor (14-0, 6 KOs) attempt to create history by becoming a two-weight World Champion as she takes on Christina Linardatou (12-1, 6 KOs) for the WBO Super-Lightweight World title, Joshua Buatsi (12-0, 10 KOs) steps up again to take on another former World title challenger in Blake Caparello (30-3-1, 13 KOs), Felix Cash (11-0, 7 KOs) defends his Commonwealth Middleweight title against English Champion Jack Cullen (17-1, 8 KOs), Qais Ashfaq (7-0, 3 KOs) fights for his first pro title as he meets Joe Ham (16-1, 6 KOs) for the WBA Continental Super-Bantamweight crown, recent Matchroom Boxing signing Terri Harper (8-0, 5 KOs) makes the first defence of her IBO World title against Vivian Obenauf (14-5, 7 KOs) and there’s also action for Sheffield Super-Lightweight Dalton Smith (3-0, 2 KOs), Birmingham Featherweight Gamal Yafai (16-1, 9 KOs), along with the professional debut of Leeds amateur standout Hopey Price.

TERRI HARPER SIGNS WITH MATCHROOM – DEBUTS IN MANCHESTER

Post author By f/s
Post date September 24, 2019

TERRI HARPER SIGNS WITH MATCHROOM – DEBUTS IN MANCHESTER
Denaby talent defends World title on Taylor vs. Linardatou undercard

Undefeated Denaby Super-Featherweight talent Terri Harper has signed a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and will make the first defence of her IBO World title against Vivian Obenauf on the Taylor vs. Linardatou undercard at Manchester Arena on November 2, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Harper, South Yorkshire’s first female professional boxer, joined the paid code in November 2017 after a successful stint in the amateurs that saw her win three national titles and take home a silver medal for England from the European youth championships in Poland in 2012.

The 22-year-old has won all eight of her pro contests to date and picked up the WBC International Lightweight title with a sensational stoppage of Nina Bradley in March earlier this year before taking out Nozipho Bell in eight rounds to earn the IBO Super-Feather World title in July.

Obenauf (14-5, 7 KOs), a two-time World title challenger from Brazil, is no stranger to fighting on these shores. She took Irish star Taylor the distance in Manchester back in 2016 and returned to the UK a year later to challenge Chantelle Cameron for the IBO Lightweight World title in Leicester.

In her next fight she stopped Liverpool’s Natasha Jonas in four rounds to earn the WBA International Super-Featherweight title in Cardiff before challenging Maiva Hamadouche for the IBF Super-Featherweight World title in Paris.

“I was in disbelief when I found out that I’d be signing a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing,” said Harper. “I got the news shortly after I won my IBO World title in July and I was delighted. It’s crazy how much has happened in the short space of two years.

“I always expected to go quite far with my boxing but not as quickly as I have done. Everyone dreams of signing with Matchroom and I believe I’m in the perfect place to fulfil my potential. We originally planned on having around ten fights before pushing on towards titles but opportunities came up and we knew we were ready.

“Katie Taylor has paved the way for women’s boxing in recent years and to be defending my World title on her undercard on my Matchroom debut is absolutely massive and I can’t wait to get out there in front of the TV cameras again.

“I’ve been in the gym for a solid two months waiting for my fight date to be confirmed. They’re all going to be tough fights from now but that’s what I’m in this sport to do, prove myself against the best names out there.”

Stefy Bull, Manager of Terri Harper, said: “It’s a pleasure to be working with Matchroom Boxing again. I’ve had a long relationship with them through Gavin McDonnell and I believe they are the best promotional outfit out there. Terri is a special talent and I know that Eddie will deliver World title opportunities for her on the biggest stage. Terri will grab those opportunities with both hands.”

Harper vs. Obenauf is part of a huge night of action in Manchester.

Main event sees Katie Taylor (14-0, 6 KOs) attempt to become a two-weight World Champion when she meets Christina Linardatou (12-1, 6 KOs) for the WBO Super-Lightweight World title, Manchester favourite Anthony Crolla (34-7-3, 13 KOs) bids farewell at the venue he was crowned World Champion, rising Light-Heavyweight star Joshua Buatsi (12-0, 10 KOs) steps up again to take on another former World title challenger in Blake Caparello (30-3-1, 13 KOs), Felix Cash (11-0, 7 KOs) defends his Commonwealth Middleweight title against English Champion Jack Cullen (17-1, 8 KOs) and Gamal Yafai (16-1, 9 KOs) and Qais Ashfaq (7-0, 3 KOs) continue their march towards titles.

General sale tickets are available NOW via Manchester Arena (www.manchester-arena.com), StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com).