Tag: Manchester

BOXING ONE ARMED: PARKER CLAIMS LONSDALE BELT

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

BOXING: PARKER SET FOR SHOULDER SURGERY, OPEN TO WILLIAMS REMATCH WHEN HE RETURNS

Zach Parker suffered a dislocated left shoulder and tears to his rotator cuff, labrum and subscapularis during his British title win over Darryll Williams on November 3 at The SSE Hydro in Glasgow, and will undergo surgery this week to repair the damage.

Parker sustained the injury at the end of the second round and was forced to box with one arm for the remainder of the contest as he edged out Williams in a competitive fight to claim the Lonsdale belt via split decision.

“The pain was awful,” said Parker. “I’ve never felt anything like it before, but with the guidance of my trainers Errol Johnson and Paul Mann, I grit my teeth, kept my calm and boxed smart.

“There was never any question I would quit. That’s not in my nature. Obviously, it was killing me, but I couldn’t pull out of the fight of my life. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time and I wasn’t going to give it up.

“Considering I only had one arm and I was limited to what I could throw, I was pleased with my performance. I couldn’t throw combinations like I wanted to. I had to be smart and know when to stand and fight and when to move.”

Parker’s treatment and rehabilitation will be overseen by leading UK shoulder specialist Len Funk and former Manchester City physio Jamie Murphy.

The 24 year-old is expected to be out of action until April next year, but has already stated he is happy to give Williams a rematch when he returns.

“Most definitely,” says Parker. “I told Williams after the fight we should have a rematch because it was really close. It would be another good fight for the fans and this time I would be 100 percent with two hands.”

A sentiment shared by his manager Neil Marsh, who said: “We have absolutely no issue giving Williams a rematch. Zach Parker is an elite level fighter. It was a very close fight with one hand, but with two hands, there’ll be no question.”

Promoter Nisse Sauerland has praised Parker’s bravery and says he is proud for the Derbyshire man to become Team Sauerland’s first British Champion.

“Zach showed a real warrior’s heart on Saturday in Glasgow,” said Sauerland. “To fight the way he did with only one arm was impressive. Even more so now we know the extent of the damage. I’m extremely proud of his performance and proud of him becoming Team Sauerland’s first British Champion.”

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

BURNS MEETS CARDLE ON USYK-BELLEW BILL

Post author By f/s
Post date November 3, 2018

NEWCASTLE BOXING PROMOTION, METRO ARENA, NEWCASTLE PIC;LAWRENCE LUSTIG Super-Lightweight contest RICKY BURNS v IVAN NJEGAC

Ricky Burns and Scott Cardle meet on the undercard of Tony Bellew’s undisputed Cruiserweight clash with Oleksandr Uysk at Manchester Arena on Saturday November 10, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Burns created history in Scotland in May 2016 when he defeated Michele Di Rocco in Glasgow to land the WBA World Super-Lightweight title and become the country’s first ever three-weight World Champion.

The Coatbridge star successfully defended the crown against tough mandatory Kiryl Relikh in Glasgow in October 2016 before falling short in a unification battle with IBF king Julius Indongo in April.

He won his 50^th fight as a professional in June, stopping Croat Ivan Njegac after four rounds and returns to the scene of his points loss to Anthony Crolla determined to prove he still has big ambitions at World level.

“There’s some big fights to be made in the Lightweight division and a win here in front of such a large PPV audience will put me further in the frame for next year,” said Burns. “The Manchester crowd last time out was fantastic and obviously Anthony Crolla is fighting on the bill, I’d still love that rematch down the line but first and foremost Scotty has my attention for next Saturday.

“I get on really well with Scotty and his family. They have helped me out with some sparring down the years but this is strictly business. It was a shame my gym mate Joe Cordina pulled out through injury but this is boxing. I’ll shake Scotty’s hand before and after the fight.

“Training has been going well, I’m always keeping busy in the gym waiting for the phone to ring. It doesn’t matter who I fight, I train for every fight the same so the short notice doesn’t change anything drastically in terms of our preparation. These domestic dustups get the fans excited and it’s a great show to be fighting on.”

“This is a huge fight to get me back to where I want to be,” said Cardle. “Ricky is a former three-weight World Champion and a Scottish great, a win against him would hopefully set up some even bigger fights down the line.

“This is a massive occasion for me, I’ve got the opportunity and now it’s time for me to deliver. I can’t turn fights like this down, especially at this stage of my career. The short notice isn’t ideal but I’ve trained hard for the Cordina fight and I’ll be ready next Saturday.

“Ricky is a very physical fighter, he’s got a great jab and he’s been in there with the best. He’s one of the toughest men in the sport and I’m prepared to go the distance with him. I’ll need to stay smart and use my speed on the night.

“I’m getting to a certain age now and I want to be able to look back on my career and be happy with what I’ve achieved. I want to reach World level before I call it a day and a win over a name like Burns could be the start of something big”

limited tickets are available to purchase from www.stubhub.co.uk and www.manchester-arena.com

CROLLA: THE BEST IS STILL TO COME

Post author By f/s
Post date November 3, 2018

Anthony Crolla Training session ahead of his fight against Daud Yordan on 10/11/18 at Manchester Arena. 30th October 2018 Picture By Mark Robinson.

‘Million Dollar’ determined to reclaim World title in 2019

Anthony Crolla says his best is still to come as he prepares to take on Daud Yordan in a final eliminator for the WBA Lightweight World title on the undercard of Tony Bellew’s undisputed Cruiserweight clash with Oleksandr Usyk at Manchester Arena on November 10, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US.

‘Million Dollar’ returns to his second home for the first time since his win over three-weight king Ricky Burns in 2017 and the 31-year-old is aiming to steal the show with another memorable performance in front of a packed-out arena.

A former World Champion, Crolla is eager to reclaim his WBA World title currently held by pound-for-pound star Vasiliy Lomachenko, and would welcome a huge clash with the Ukrainian in 2019, despite the prospect of heading into that fight as a huge underdog.

“Daud Jordan is a very dangerous opponent,” said Crolla. “He’s been in and around World Class operators for a number of years. He’s won 38 with a lot of knockouts and lost 3. If I’m not at my best, he’ll turn me over so I’ve got to raise my performance levels and win this which will open the door for another World title shot.

“Joe thinks this is going to be a long, hard and brutal fight so in sparring we’ve tried to be smart so I’m fresh for fight night. The styles will gel and I’m sure it’ll be a great fight.

“I can’t fight on emotions and try to be the hero. It’ll come down to pedigree but I know all in all it’s going to be tough in there. I’m confident I’ve put in the hard work in camp which will help me be victorious on the night.”

Crolla enjoyed a rollercoaster ride as WBA king at 135lbs, he finally got his first shot at the title in July 2015 against Darleys Perez in Manchester but was edged out in a controversial draw.

The pair rematched in the same venue five months later and Crolla took his second chance out of the judges’ hands with a stunning 6th round KO from a brutal body shot. Crolla delivered the same salvo against dangerous mandatory challenger Ismael Barroso in in May 2016 to halt the Venezuelan in round seven.

That win led to a keenly fought pair of unification battles with Jorge Linares that the visitor won, but Crolla insists he can still deliver on the World stage.

“I believe I graft as hard as anyone out there,” he added. “It’s in my make up to be honest, I know I’m not the most talented fighter out there, I never have been and I never will be but I know I have to make up for it with hard work.

“My motivation every morning is my little boy, family and those who pay money to come and watch me. It’s a World title final eliminator in my home town; if I can’t get up for that I’m in the wrong sport. It’s a short career, these nights don’t come around too often and when I’m out I’ll miss them dearly.

“I’m not a young man anymore but I genuinely believe the best of me is still to come. Joe thinks I’m boxing better than ever. All the numbers I hit in training are on the rise. I’m nearly 32, the body comes under stress at times but I’ve looked after myself and I’m ready to go into the trenches again next week.”

limited tickets are available to purchase from www.stubhub.co.uk and www.manchester-arena.com.

Adaptive Boxing will continue to evolve

Post author By f/s
Post date October 30, 2018

The Adapted Boxing Program, which helps people who suffered serious injuries or fight against medical conditions, plans to expand and prosper globally.

The WBC supports this program fully with ongoing activity.

Adapted boxing was established in Britain ten years ago by Colin Wood, who was diagnosed with an eye disease. Its headquarters are located in Leicester Boxing Academy, which was visited by the World Boxing Council, taking advantage of the opportunity to donate equipment and tools.

Three gyms participate in the program. Danny Higgins serves as coordinator, he is an adapted boxer, and resides in Leicester. Also participating are gyms Gary Murray Gym of Scotland and Andrew Bert Gym of Wales. Also Wayne Cox, an adapted boxer, is starting a gym in Manchester and Chris Middleton, a former soldier who lost both legs, is opening a gym in Newcastle. In addition to this, two gyms in London are also interested in supporting and participating.

So far, there have been many successful events in Britain, but there has only been one international event in the Netherlands; However, strong links have already been established with the United States, Australia and Brazil.

A solid objective is to get Adapted Boxing included in the Paralympic Games. To take this step it would be necessary for thirty-four nations to participate in the qualifying processes. Possibilities are being explored to confirm that adapted Boxing can be included in the Invictus Games for former military personnel who suffered injuries and injuries while performing their duties. WBC Cares is supporting the second Special Forces Boxing Tournament in Brighton next month, where special awards will be given.

The rules are being scrutinized carefully and meticulously, and ways are being explored to make the sport more accessible for those who use wheelchairs. We’re looking for a meeting with Stoke Manderville Hospital, one of the world’s leading centers for spinal injuries, so that you can better appreciate and understand how to make Adapted Boxing as safe as possible.

RYDER VS. SIROTKIN FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

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

John Ryder and Andrey Sirotkin final press conference ahead of their WBA Super-Middleweight World title Final Eliminator clash on saturday night at the Copper Box Arena, London. 25th October 2018 Picture By Mark Robinson.

Quotes from final John Ryder vs. Andrey Sirotkin press conference ahead of Saturday’s action at the Copper Box Arena, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

John Ryder – Islington, England – 26-4, 14 KOs – fighting Andrey Sirotkin in a final eliminator for the WBA Super-Middleweight World title:

“I’m buzzing for this fight. I’ve had two good wins and I’m looking to get another good win on Saturday to propel myself on. There’s great Champions in the Super-Middleweight division and it’s great division to be part of.

“There’s no easy fights out there. Saturday night isn’t an easy fight, I’m looking forward to it. I’ve trained hard, I’ve grafted hard with Tony Sims, we’ve left no stone unturned. I’ve been out early mornings with Ted, Felix and Martin. We’ve all been training hard and pushing each other on. It’s going to be a great night.

“It’s one of them. I don’t know how it’s going to go. I’m either going to drop him with the first shot or it’s going to be a hard-fought 12 rounder. He’s very unpredictable and he’s got a very awkward style to get hold of. It makes for an interesting night.”

Andrey Sirotkin – Nizhny Novgorod, Russia – 15-0, 4 KOs – fighting John Ryder in a final eliminator for the WBA Super-Middleweight World title:

“I feel excellent. It is a massive occasion for me. I’m ready for this. I feel great. I’ll deliver what I’m supposed to deliver on Saturday. You will see. I’ve got no problem fighting him in London, it means nothing to me.”

Ted Cheeseman – Bermondsey, England – 14-0, 9 KOs – fighting Asinia Byfield for the Vacant British Super-Welterweight title:

“You’re pathetic. You can’t even speak mate. You don’t know anything about boxing. You haven’t stated any facts about boxing the whole time, you just talk this street rubbish. You look like you’ve been nicked for shoplifting and your mum’s dressed you for court. You’re just a div.

On Saturday, I promise you you’re not going 12 rounds.

“Everyone who wants to win money, go and put your money on me getting him out of there before 12 rounds. That’s one thing I can guarantee. On Saturday you’re getting smashed. All yesterday you done your big talk, and then you come over and wanted to shake hands. Don’t shake my hand, I’m serious, you are getting smashed.

“I’m better than you in every department. Look at my opponents and then look at your opponents – I’ve had better opponents. This is a stepping stone for me to push onto the next level. This is the level that he’s going to stay at.”

Asinia Byfield – Reading, England – 14-1, 6 KOs – fighting Ted Cheeseman for the Vacant British Super-Welterweight title:

“There’s levels. A lot of people keep saying how there’s levels to boxing. He’s beaten a washed up Carson Jones. Every person you’ve beat is nothing like me. My name is Asinia ‘DGhost’. You haven’t ever met me in the ring.

“To be fair, the British title means nothing. I’m a fighter, and that’s what I do, I fight. It means nothing. I won’t even have the British, as soon as I get it I’m going to give it to my homie. I don’t even care about it. I’m just a fighter and I have to fight to live. That’s the reason why I fight. I fight because I’ve had a bad past and this is the only way I can get through my day to day life.”

Ryan Doyle – Gorton, England – 17-2-1, 9 KOs – making the first defence of his Commonwealth Featherweight title against Jordan Gill:

“I’m looking forward to the fight now. My preparation for the fight has been perfect. Everything has gone well. The British title is there on the horizon but I’m looking forward to getting this first defence of my Commonwealth belt out of the way first of all. I’ve got to beat Jordan Gill first. It’s been a long and hard road and I need to get the job done on Saturday night.”

Jordan Gill – Chatteris, England – 21-0, 5 KOs – challenging Ryan Doyle for the Commonwealth Featherweight title:

“There’s a great buzz in the gym and a really good atmosphere. Everyone really pushes each other and everyone really learns off each other. I think that’s going to hold me in good stead on Saturday night.

“I’m ready for whatever comes at me and I’ve got the experience. It’s a big step up but one that I’ve been craving for for a long time. It’s an opportunity that I’m glad to have. I’m not sure how the fight is going to go. That’s the thing about boxing, nobody knows until they get in there. Anything can happen. The trick is dealing with whatever comes at you and that’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to dictate the terms and deal with whatever comes at me.”

Felix Cash – Wokingham, England – 9-0, 6 KOs – fighting Stephen Danyo for the vacant WBC International Silver Middleweight title:

“It’s been a long time coming. It’s time now to show everyone what I’m really about. I’ve watched a couple of videos of his fights and he’s not a bad little boxer – he’s a good little mover. But there’s levels in boxing and I think I’m a couple of levels above him. I’ll go in there and do the business on Saturday night and hopefully after that we can push on for the British title.”

Stephen Danyo – Manchester, England – 14-1-3, 6 KOs – fighting Felix Cash for the vacant WBC International Silver Middleweight title:

“First of all I would like to thank Matchroom Boxing for this opportunity. My opponent’s team think that I am not ready, but we’ve been working hard and I’m here to do the business on Saturday night.”

Isaac Chamberlain – Brixton, England – 9-1, 4 KOs – fighting Luke Watkins in a 10 round Cruiserweight contest:

“We’ve worked very hard in the gym. Everything has been very consistent, even since before this fight got announced. I’m looking forward to doing my thing, showing everything that I’ve been working on in the gym. I’m just itching to go. The drive is there, the hunger is there. He won’t deal with everything that I have to offer.

“Changing trainer is going to help a lot. For most of this camp I’ve been working with Angel Fernandez. It’s been a great camp. I’ve been working on so many new things that I couldn’t wait to train the next day – that’s the type of hunger and motivation that I have.

“It’s going to be explosive, it’s going to be electrifying and exciting. I’m knocking him out.”

Luke Watkins – Swindon, England – 13-1, 9 KOs – fighting Isaac Chamberlain in a 10 round Cruiserweight contest:

“Camp has been rubbish. I’ve had sparring pullouts, injuries, illness, the same old thing. Any fighter that tells you that you don’t go through that is lying.

“Camp has gone as camp goes. Camp has been great, I’ve enjoyed it. I’ve enjoyed myself and come fight night I’m going to stick it on Isaac.

“Any names out there that want to fight, I’m happy to fight them. For me once you reach a certain level it’s not about taking backward steps and fighting opponents that people don’t know. I just want to fight on TV and I want to fight the fights that the fans want to see. I’ll move forward and I’ll continue my journey. I’ll fight the rest of the guys out there in the division. When the time is right, me and Lawrence will fight again.

“Unless you’ve turned into the ‘Hulk’ since the last time I checked, no disrespect, but you are not the biggest of punchers. I don’t look at you lightly. I think you’re talented, I do. But let’s face it, you don’t go knocking people out. You don’t ice people, so please explain why you think you’re going to ice me.”

Craig Richards – Crystal Palace, England – 12-1, 6 KOs – fighting Michael Ludwiczak in a six round Light-Heavyweight contest:

“I’m looking forward to pushing on. I was looking forward to pushing on for this title fight. We’ve been in camp for 14 weeks, I had my head down just training and working hard.

“Unfortunately I’ve been waiting for Jake Ball since he called me out in June. Unfortunately he had a little bruise on his hand and decide that he’s going to pull the plug on fight week. It’s a silly excuse. I can’t sit around.

“I’ve got to push on and move on from here. There’s a lot of good fights in the Light-Heavyweight division and a lot of title fights. I think Jake Ball needs to go and redeem his loss against JJ McDonagh because nobody has time to waste and wait for him. I’d like to fight Frank Buglioni in a rematch and avenge my loss.”

George Fox – Mill Hill, England – 1-0 – fighting Ferenc Zsalek in a four round Heavyweight contest:

“I want to display a unique set of skills for a Heavyweight. I’m a bit of a technical boxer, I’m not your typical slugger or heavy puncher right now but we’re working on the power in the gym.”