Today, Queensberry Promotions were informed that Billy Joe Saunders’ mandatory challenger Avtandil Khurtsidze was yesterday arrested in New York, indicted under the RICO Act.
 
As such, his contest with WBO World Middleweight Champion Billy Joe Saunders scheduled for Saturday 8^th July at the Copper Box Arena, cannot take place on that date as his promoter Lou DiBella has confirmed he will be unable to travel.
 
The event at the Copper Box Arena on July 8^th, televised on BT Sport and BoxNation, will still take place and feature fantastic fights including the WBO European Light-Heavyweight Championship contest between Richard Baranyi and Anthony Yarde, the return of teenage Heavyweight sensation Daniel Dubois and the eagerly-anticipated rematch between Darryll Williams and Jahmaine Smyle for the English Super-Middleweight title; with further additions to the card to follow in due course.
 
We are currently planning to postpone the fight to a later date. However, due to the obvious seriousness of this matter, Queensberry Promotions are given no choice but to wait for more details to emerge before anything can be confirmed.
 
Further information, including additions to the show, ticketing and refund options, will follow in due course. 

‘King Arthur’, a former two-weight World ruler, will have the opportunity to claim World honors for a fourth time following reigns at 160 and 168 pounds.

Although fighting for the first time on UK soil, the German veteran is no stranger to British boxers having previously shared the ring with Carl Froch, Paul Smith and Martin Murray in a series of memorable World title fights.

Eubank Jr, the son of the legendary British fighter Chris Eubank, will be making the first defence of the IBO super middleweight strap he claimed with a tenth-round technical knockout victory over Australia’s Renold Quinlan in February.

Speaking at a press conference today in London, Abraham said: ‘’I’m very happy to have the opportunity to fight here in England. The UK boxing fans are amongst the best in the World, and I look forward to putting on a great show on July 15.

‘’I will train hard with my coach Ulli Wegner. I will make sure I’m in top shape and ready to secure a great victory. I know Chris Eubank Jr is a good fighter, like his father. I’m expecting a tough fight, but I’m confident I will beat him!’’

‘’Arthur Abraham has my respect,’’ said Eubank Jr. ‘’He has done what he’s done in his career, but now it’s my time. I have been preparing my whole life to fight the best, and now, I have the opportunity to fight one of the top super middleweights in the World, and to really make my mark on the division.

‘’Abraham is a strong, come forward fighter, but he’s one-dimensional. He’s very good in that one dimension, but a one-dimensional fighter cannot beat me. I see a lot of holes in his game and I’m going to exploit those holes ruthlessly.’’

Eubank Jr was joined by his father Chris Eubank, the former two-weight WBO World Champion, who said: ‘’Arthur Abraham is a great warrior and I’m sure the boxing fraternity will say it’s a tough fight, but I don’t think so. I think he’s in danger like all of Jr’s previous opponents, but talk is cheap so I’ll step back now and let him do what he does in the ring.’’

Abraham and Eubank Jr will come face-to-face again at a second press conference tomorrow at the Titanic Hotel in Berlin ahead of their IBO World title clash.

The undefeated knockout king challenges WBO European Champion Richard Baranyi at the Copper Box Arena on July 8, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

Yarde, 25, in unfazed by his Hungarian opponent’s superior 18-1 record and is planning on making a statement in front of his home crowd.

“I believe every fight from now should be a step-up,” said 11-0 Yarde. “My opponent has had more knockout wins than I’ve had fights! I don’t believe in rushing but I’m massively motivated to get another belt around my waist.

“Baranyi is the Champion and he is coming to my back yard to defend his belt. I respect him for that but this is a golden opportunity to add another belt to my collection and send a message to the rest of the division. I’m developing at the perfect rate.”

The hype continues to grown around ‘The Beast’ after he knocked down Chris Hobbs six times on his way to picking up the Southern Area title last month.

“There will be a lot of eyes on me and it’s an added pressure that I thrive off. It’s just another fight and I’m 100% confident that I’ll win. A lot of people will be tuning in to watch the manner in which I win and how impressive I look.”

Main event on the card sees undefeated WBO Middleweight World Champion Billy Joe Saunders take on mandatory challenger Avtandil Khurtsidze in his second defence; Gary Corcoran faces Larry Ekundayo in an intriguing battle for the Vacant WBO Intercontinental Welterweight strap; Darryll Williams and Jahmaine Smylerematch of the English Super-Middleweight belt after their Fight of the Year contender in April; Sam McNess gets his first pro title shot against Southern Area Super-Welterweight Champion Asinia Byfield and teenage Heavyweight sensation Daniel Dubois looks to move to 4-0.

Tickets for Baranyi v Yarde priced £40, £50, £100, £150 and £250 are available from:

www.eventim.co.uk

www.seetickets.com

www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Haskins puts his crown on the line for the third time at the SSE Arena Belfast, live on Sky Sports, and the Bristolian knows he’s in for a hostile reception as he tries to hand Burnett his first pro defeat in front of the passionate Belfast fans.

‘Playboy’ says that the hometown support won’t be a problem as it’s nothing he hasn’t experienced before – but knows the fight will be far from plain sailing against the unbeaten hometown star.

“I’m not the greatest on planes so we chose to get the ferry over,” said Haskins. “My family and I decided to go a bit earlier and make more of a trip about it.

“It’s not too far so it gives me and the kids a bit of time to catch-up and it’s something different, rather than just jumping off a plane straight into the hotel. Now we get to have a little detour and have a little adventure.

“It’s going to be a hostile crowd but truthfully it doesn’t bother me. I’ve boxed away time and time again so I know what’s coming. I’ve boxed in Monaco, Belgium and Morocco and in plenty of backyards in the UK. It doesn’t bother me, a ring is a ring.

“I hope the Belfast fans don’t give me too much of a hard time! I’m really looking forward to fighting in front of such a knowledgeable crowd and of course to my own fans, I’m always grateful for your continued backing.

“I am very excited – I’m more excited for this one than I have been for a long, long time. I’m happy and content going into this fight and I’m looking forward to visiting Belfast.”

Haskins’ clash with Burnett is part of a huge night of action in Belfast where Paul Hyland Jr faces Adam Dingsdale for his first pro title with the IBF European Lightweight strap on the line.

James Tennyson tackles Ryan Doyle for the WBA International Super-Featherweight belt, Ian Tims and Luke Watkins meet for the Irish Cruiserweight title, there’s the Cruiserweight debut of Mike Perez, and local favourites Paddy Gallagher, Matthew Wilton, Feargal McCrory and Tyrone McCullagh.

Tickets are on general sale priced at £30, £40, £60 and £100 from the SSE Arena Belfast at http://www.ssearenabelfast.com/belfast-boy-burnett-v haskins

VIP tickets priced at £150 are exclusively available from http://www.matchroomboxing.com/

Face value tickets for June 10 are also be available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

Buatsi picked up bronze in Rio last summer in the Light Heavyweight division and has joined Brazil teammates Lawrence Okolie, Joe Cordina, Josh Kelly and Anthony Fowler in teaming up with Hearn. The Croydon ace, who also picked up bronze in the 2015 European Championships, will be managed by Anthony Joshua’s management team AJ Boxing.

The 24 year old went back to St. Mary’s University after returning from Rio to complete his degree in Business Management and Sports Science, and now turns his attentions to the paid ranks and cannot wait to get his pro journey underway.

“It’s been a long time coming,” said Buatsi. “I got the medal ten months ago but I didn’t just disappear. After coming back from Rio I needed to finish my degree and the get back into the gym. I’ve been in the gym for a few months now, my head is clear, I know what is next. I’ve made the right decision to team up with Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Boxing and Sky Sports and I’m so excited for the journey.

“My Mum and Dad wanted me to finish my education, I came back from Rio and had a year left, I didn’t want to turn my back on university. Boxing has always been my plan A and university wasn’t a plan, it was something that I was able to do while boxing – but everything about me is boxing.

“It seems a long time ago that I was an amateur. This is the next stage and there’s competition out there, everyone wants to be number one, we’re all hungry. The pro game is so different from the amateurs, you have to entertain, and it’s not a bed of roses. It’s a brutal sport but I’ve prepared myself physically and mentally for it.

“It’s more of a fight in the pros. Two men fighting with smaller gloves and I think it will suit me, let your hands go, keep your hands up and don’t blink. I know I only have to concentrate on one guy in the pros, not the guy the following day – six rounds to get rid of someone and I know that I will get to them in that time.

“There’s a lot for me to learn but I’m eager and hungry to do just that. I feel I have to prove myself and go and grab everything with both hands, that’s my mentality so let the show begin.”
Hearn plans to box Buatsi all over Britain with eight fights pencilled in for his first year as a pro, and the promoter was delighted to add Buatsi to his stacked roster of Britain’s biggest boxing talents.

“I’m delighted to be promoting Joshua,” said Hearn. “Three and a half years ago we were in the same room on the start of Anthony Joshua’s journey and I feel that we’re at the start of the road for another outstanding talent in Joshua Buatsi. Everyone in boxing knows the talent and ability he has and now it’s time to show that to a wider audience.”

Buatsi’s debut is part of a big night of boxing at The O2, topped by Frank Buglioni defending his British Light-Heavyweight title against Ricky Summers.

A packed bill includes Ted Cheeseman challenging Matthew Ryan for the English Super-Welterweight title in an eliminator for the British title, Reece Bellotti looks to build on his impressive British Featherweight title
eliminator win over Dai Davies in March, Team GB Rio Olympian Lawrence Okolie on the hunt for a fourth straight first round KO in the paid ranks and features on the bill with his potential Cruiserweight local rival Isaac Chamberlain.

Conor Benn makes a welcome return from injury and there’s action for Southern Area Super-Middleweight champion Craig ‘Spider’ Richards, Super-Middleweight Danny Dignum and Light-Heavyweight Jake Ball.

Tickets are on sale now priced £40 – £100 via www.theo2.co.uk. £150 VIP tickets are available exclusively from www.matchroomboxing.com

Face value tickets for July 1 are also be available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

CANELO AND GOLOVKIN TO SQUARE OFF IN BATTLE FOR MIDDLEWEIGHT AND POUND-FOR-POUND “SUPREMACY”

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 PRESENTED LIVE BY HBO PAY-PER-VIEW®

LOS ANGELES (June 5, 2025) The biggest fight in boxing today will come to T-Mobile Arena  in Las Vegas on Saturday, Sept. 16 when two-division world champion Canelo Alvarez (49-1-1, 34 KOs) squares off against IBF/WBA/WBC Middleweight World Champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (37-0, 33 KOs) over 12 rounds during Mexican Independence Day weekend. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View.

“I am thrilled to return to T-Mobile Arena, and to give the fans the best fight that can be made in our sport today,” Canelo said. “I have repeatedly said that I fear no man, and I am now going to prove it by stepping into the ring against GGG. When the final bell rings, everyone will know that this is indeed the Canelo era, and that I am the best fighter in all of boxing.”

“This is the type of fight I have dreamed of since I became a professional boxer,”

Golovkin said. “This fight will be at a true championship level and we will give the fans an exciting fight.”

The fight, to be contested at a maximum of 160 pounds will feature two of the most explosive, heavy-handed fighters in any division in the sport today. In their combined 88 fights, 67 have ended before the final bell.

“For the best fight on the best date in boxing, there is no better venue than the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Fans won’t only be treated to a classic battle between the two best boxers in the sport, they will also be able to enjoy an incredible week of activities marking Mexican Independence Day. This will be a can’t-miss event for hardcore and casual fans, alike.”

“This is the result of many years of hard work for Gennady, travelling around the world fighting world champions and top contenders to become an undefeated unified middleweight world champion,” said Tom Loeffler of K2 Promotions. “Gennady’s reward, and the fans’ reward, will be battling in the biggest and best match-up in the sport of boxing.  Gennady is ready for his date with destiny.”

“On September 16 there will be fireworks in Las Vegas when the biggest fight in boxing decides the middleweight championship of the world,” said Tony Walker, Vice President HBO Pay-Per-View. “We are thrilled to be producing and distributing this power-house event from the bright lights of Las Vegas.”

The last time Canelo stepped into the ring at T-Mobile Arena, he and Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. drew the largest number of fans – more than 20,000 – to ever attend an indoor boxing event in Las Vegas.

Richard Sturm, President of Sports and Entertainment for MGM Resorts International, said, “There is no doubt this will be one of the biggest fights in boxing history. T-Mobile Arena has quickly become one of the leading venues to host championship boxing of this magnitude. We look forward to celebrating Mexican Independence Day Weekend in Las Vegas with our event partners and boxing fans worldwide.”

A press tour for the fight and on-sale ticket release will be announced in the coming days.

Canelo vs. Golovkin is a 12-round fight for the middleweight championship of the world presented by Golden Boy Promotions and GGG Promotions and sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD, Hennessy, Never Stop, Never Settle and O’Reilly Auto Parts. The event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 16 at T-Mobile Arena and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.hbo.com/boxing; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing,  @canelo, @gggboxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @hboboxing and @TomLoeffler1; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, https://www.Facebook.com/gggboxing/and www.Facebook.com/HBOboxing; follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @canelo, @gggboxing, @HBOboxing and @OscarDeLaHoya; and follow the conversation using #CaneloGGG.

Andre Ward (31-0, 15KOs) will defend his unified Light Heavyweight championship against Sergey ‘Krusher’ Kovalev on the June the 17^th at the Mandalay bay in Las Vegas.

Ward continued his unbeaten streak (hasn’t lost since he was 13) by winning a unanimous points victory over the terrifying Russian last November at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Kovalev was unbeaten up until that point (31-1, 26KOs) but in only his third fight at the 175lbs division, Andre ‘SOG’ Ward dethroned the reigning champion.

Krusher scored a knock down in the second round with a shot right to Wards face which seen the Olympic gold medallist get knocked down for only the second time in his career.

However this only seemed to make Ward better, because from the third round onwards Ward started to have his way increasingly more.

The first fight was certainly a fight of two halves. The first 5 or 6 rounds favoured Kovalev, but from round 6 onwards Ward seemed to get the edge.

As Kovalev began to tire in the later part of the fight, Andre became stronger. Gaining in confidence he started to show boat at one point, he even bloodied Kovalev’s nose and it seemed towards the end that Kovalev just couldn’t hit Ward.

Although the first fights outcome divided many, the elite level of boxing displayed was never up for debate.

Personally I feel Ward won the fight and showed tremendous strength of character when he got up from a knock-down in the 2^nd round, and then going on to impose himself on the bigger man throughout the fight was an awesome performance.

So what will the rematch consist of? I feel both men will start faster and be more aggressive from round one. In my opinion Krusher must cut the ring off much more than last time to effectively corner Ward. He may also want to try and improve his stamina for the almost certain to come championship rounds.

Previously didn’t seem to know how to deal with the tenacity of Ward mentally, as the majority of Kovalev’s opponents wilt physically and psychologically under the pressure he brings.

For Ward on the other hand I would like to see him throw more combinations instead of just single jabs and the one-two.

If he starts faster and “bullies the bully” from the off set, (easier said than done) it’s going to be a long and uncomfortable night for Krusher, who may find that he is the one who gets Krushed.

I feel landing more significant combinations will help Andre beat Kovalev more convincingly, as is his stated intention.

Whether this is an accurate prediction or not I do know we will see improvements from both men.

I feel Ward may have the upper hand having tested Kovalev’s power which is what many thought would be the deciding factor in the first fight.

“He’s not some monster everyone says.” Ward told Sky Sports.

There is also the prospect of an exciting third instalment in this rivalry according to Ward’s trainer Virgil Hunter. Mr Hunter told Fighthype.com that there is a rematch clause which could mean that we get an epic trilogy.

Trilogy or not there is a lot on the line with this fight, not only is there the chance to be crowned the unified Light-Heavyweight champion, but for many this fight will determine who the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet is once and for all as combined both men have soundly beat the best in and around their weight division.

And although Kovalev has an impressive resume, Andre Ward has beat more fighters on the top pound-for-pound list than any other active fighter today.

SOG has handed beatings to no less than 4 fighters from that list, a remarkable achievement for any athlete. So with that being said I would have to give the edge in the rematch to Ward.

Whatever happens on the June the 17^th we are sure to see an absolute master-class in the sweet science from two of the very best around. So grab some beers and get ready to witness history and what many are calling Rocky vs Drago.

By Louis McGee. You can follow him on Twitter on @whatachampion87

In the co-headline fight of the evening, and one for the local fans, Joe Mullender defeated Lee Markham in a hugely anticipated rematch at the Brentwood Centre, taking his English Middleweight title.

In the rematch which has taken twelve months to organise due to injury, Mullender got his revenge on 29-year-old Markham, who came off victorious in the first clash back in May 2016 at The O2.

The former gym mates went hell for leather across ten rounds, with the Brentwood boy itching to reverse the loss and win the belt in his hometown. Starting strong in the first round, Markham defended well in the first round unleashing a hard-left hook when pressured back. Throughout the fight it looked as though Mullender was in control however, with Markham backed up for much of the fight and unable to free himself.

In the third round Markham came out slightly stronger working the body and left hook. It didn’t take long though and Mullender landed a great left hook which puts Markham back in the corner.

As the fight continued it becomes clear that Lee Markham needs to step up if he wants to keep his belts and Mullender continues to constantly have him backed up against the ropes. The Brentwood fighter continued the stalk Markham, much to the Brentwood fans delight and towards the end of round five, referee Bob Williams is watching very closely.

Markham finds his way out of trouble but looked badly marked up on his face with both eyes and left cheek looking bruised. Mullender continues his attack and chases him around the ring. Markham is starting to look slightly like he is running.

In six and seven Mullender is definitely looking for the finish and throws a number of fantastic combinations as the referee continues to look on closely. Markham seems to be throwing just enough to keep him in the game, but definitely not enough to win it.

As the fight enters its final rounds, both fighters start to look tired but both are swinging furiously. Mullender is definitely still the man in control and although both celebrate on the bell, it looks clear, from this side at least that the hometown boy has taken the belt.

A split decision brings hometown glory for Joe Mullender a Markham suffers a defeat where he just did not do enough to hold on to it.

Mullender – SD

94-97 Mullender

97-95 Markham

93-97 Mullender

Bradley Skeete v Shayne Singleton – British Welterweight Title (12 x 3)

After a heated weigh-in where tempers flared, Bradley ‘Superman’ Skeete showed he was a class above Manchester’s Shayne Singleton, winning with a knock down in the thirteenth second of the fifth round.

Skeete (26-1-0) over powered the 27-year-old mandatory challenger in his second defence of his British Welterweight title and as promised this week at the press conference, beat him with ‘style and panache’.

The world ranked boxer from Penge is hoping to step up to world level before the year is out, and proved that this is definitely a possible option with an impressive performance tonight. The only loss on his record is back in 2014 against Frankie Gavin whereas the Mancunian (23-2-1) has previously only lost once to Sam Eggington back in 2015, who Skeete has also beaten. He was supposed to face Skeete back in November last year but withdrew due to injury and was replaced by Scotsman John Thain who lost unanimously to the ‘Superman’ from South London.

In the first round, Singleton ‘The Pain’ did seem to be just that, coming out very fast from the starting bell, but Skeete’s jab kept him at bay while the two scoped each other out.

Round two again started fast with quick hands from both fighters and some hard-hitting combinations landed by both sides. Singleton landed some great shots when Skeete allowed him to get too close but overall this round is almost too tight to score.

The pace somehow ramped up another gear in round 3 and blows are traded left right and centre. Towards the end of the round Singleton’s right eye looks marked up from some point in the slug-fest but it is difficult to tell exactly when, with so many punches thrown, and landed, on both sides. In the last five seconds, Skeete seems to make a well-deserved breakthrough in this closely traded contest and knocks Singleton to the canvas, celebrating as he retires to his corner.

The Mancunian came out of his corner slightly late on the bell for the fourth, perhaps still feeling the effects of the knock down. The intense exchange continues but Bradley Skeete seemed to be showing slightly more power with some fantastic left hooks which give him the edge and it seems that he is working out his opponent and finding holes in his defence more easily in the mid rounds. A heavy right hook towards the end of the round sent Singleton to the canvas and it looks as though the fight is over. However, he gets back up and furiously returns with a flurry of jabs, but Skeete just kept coming back at him, and as Singleton is backed up once again it is only the bell that saves him. One second longer and the referee might have stopped it.

As the fifth round chimes, Skeete senses his dominance and flies at Singleton sending him down to the canvas once more in thirteen seconds of the fifth, leading the referee to stop the fight and Skeete jumps on the ropes and celebrates in a fight where he has kept his belts and put on one of his best performances to date. A definite sign he is one step closer to a world level opponent.

TKO Round 5 -13 seconds

Skeete win

Boy Jones Jr v Andisi Didzus (6 x 3)

It was an early night for Chingford’s Boy Jones Jr tonight with an easy round one win against Andisi Didzus (3-5-0) from Latvia. The 20 year old lightweight (13-1-0) dominated the fight and was just too powerful for the Latvian, who was knocked down four times in the first round before referee, Jeff Hinds stopped the fight at 1 minute 52 with Didzus not able to continue.

Lewis Pettitt v Simas Volosinas (6 x 3)

Lewis Pettitt, made it two wins for two brothers this evening, joining his brother Jake by beating Volosinas in every round of the six-round featherweight contest. Pettitt made sure his opponent was backed up against the ropes for much of the fight with a number of strong combinations that meant he dominated each round and won 60-54.

60-54

Pettit PTS

Harley Benn v Paul Cummings (4x 3)

Harley Benn proved talent really can be within a family, despite distancing himself from Connor and Nigel Benn earlier this week on Twitter. The 20-year-old from Hornchurch gained his second win of his career at super middle weight against 31-year-old Paul Cummings from Wiltshire (0-7). Benn maintained the fight on the front foot, starting strongly, and controlling the centre of the ring.

Cummings refuse to quit despite the pressure and landed a few good counters of his own against the youngster, but Benn knocked him down with a devastating hook that seemed to affect him and demonstrated the 20 year olds pure punch power and exciting future prospects.

In the third round Benn seemed to be picking his shots more carefully and the speed of the fight slowed. Cummings took this as his chance to come back, but Benn over powered him once again with a straight left followed by a huge right hook. A great combination left Cummings against the ropes again in the final ten seconds of the round but to his credit, Cummings who has never won a fight, did not seem to be deterred.

Both fighters moved quickly in the final round but Benn landed an enormous right hook which clearly took the steam out of Cummings. He returned the fire with limited success, bar another hard hitting right hook, which hit Benn hard, and some light body work.

In the last ten seconds blood pours from Cummings nose and Benn inches it with a 38-37 win.

38-37

Benn PTS

DP Carr v Michael Mooney (6×3)

DP ‘The Cannon’ Carr from Sidcup continued his winning streak making it 8-0 in an exciting points win against Michael Mooney. Mooney the ‘mad man’ from Worcester, made a good opponent in the fast paced six round fight but Carr dominated the opening rounds and displayed a strong right hook. Mooney was fast with his counters throughout and really came into his own in the mid rounds of the fight, especially with a notable hard-hitting uppercut in the third. He started to look weary in the final two rounds however but managed to connect with a huge left hook causing a large cut to Carr’s cheekbone. Carr nevertheless `remained the quicker man, who landed more convincing shots earning him the win 60-56.

60-56

Carr PTS

Charlie Duffield v Matty Parr (4×3)

Essex boy Charlie Duffield avenged his first and only loss by coming back with a first round knockout of Matty Parr from St Ives in two minutes and 37 seconds. Clearly the stronger man, Duffield from Rainham dominated the fight with a number of damaging combos and hard hitting jabs which led to the referee calling off the fight with the Cambridgeshire man unfit to continue.

TKO Round 1 -2 mins 37 secs

Duffield win

Naylor Ball v Mladen Manev (4×3)

Undefeated Heavyweight, Ball, came back to win against Bulgaria’s Manev after a shaky start, being knocked down (and nearly through the ropes) at the end of the first round. The Pinewood man threw a multitude of hard hitting shots especially in the final round, but Manev proved a difficult man to unsettle and a more worthy opponent than his all losses record suggested, despite being the lighter man at 15st 7lbs.

38-36

Ball PTS

Jake Pettitt v Anwar Alfadi (4×3)

Jake Pettitt wowed the crowds on the same card as his brother Lewis, in his professional debut at super bantam weight this evening beating Anwar Alfadi in every round. This included impressive knock downs in both the first and the fourth round, despite sustaining a nasty cut to the forehead mid-way through the fight.

40-34

Jake Pettit PTS

Charlie Driscoll v Ibrar Riyaz (4×3)

Unbeaten ‘Champagne’ Charlie Driscoll from Essex continued his winning streak making it 5-0 this evening, dominating against Reading’s Ibrar Riyaz (5-120-4) in the four-round contest.

40-36

Charlie Driscoll PTS

By Charlotte Prior. You can follow her on Twitter on @CharlotteLily89

Quest for Muhammad Ali Trophy begins as three Cruiserweight stars sign up for World Boxing Super Series

The first three star names have signed up for the inaugural season of the World Boxing Super Series. IBF World Champion Murat Gassiev (24-0, 17 KOs), WBC World Champion Mairis Briedis (22-0, 18 KOs) as well as former IBF & WBC champion & IBF top-ranked challenger Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (53-3-1, 37 KOs) will all participate in the revolutionary global knock-out tournament, with five more elite fighters to be confirmed shortly. The winner will receive the GREATEST prize in boxing, the Muhammad Ali Trophy.

Boasting a combined record of 99 wins and 3 losses along with 72 KOs, Gassiev, Briedis and Wlodarczyk can´t wait to get in on and write history.

“It is an honor to be in the World Boxing Super Series,“ said Gassiev, who holds the IBF title. “This is the best fighting the best. I have never lost a fight, I am the IBF champion and I look forward to winning the other belts as well to cement my position as the best fighter in the division!“

WBC Champion Briedis is also thrilled to participate. “This is the Champions League of boxing and I am going to prove that I am the world´s best cruiserweight,” he said. “The competition will be tough, but to be the best, you have to beat the best.”

Wlodarczyk, the former IBF & WBC Champion who now occupies the number one spot in the IBF rankings, is equally confident of success. “I will stamp my authority on the division by beating the best cruiserweights out there and winning the World Boxing Super Series,” he stated. “There is a reason the winner gets the Muhammad Ali Trophy. He was the Greatest of all time, and the winner of this tournament has the right to call himself the greatest cruiserweight of our time.”

Saturday will mark the first anniversary of Muhammad Ali´s death. Roberto Dalmiglio, Comosa´s Head of Management Board, paid tribute to the GREATEST of all time. “Nobody will ever forget what Ali has achieved,” he said. “He was the GREATEST of all time because he defeated the best opponents out there. The World Boxing Super Series is all about the best fighting the best, and that is why we named the trophy after him.”

With three high-profile signings confirmed and many more to come, the stage is set for an exciting tournament. “The quest for the Muhammad Ali Trophy has officially begun and we are thrilled to welcome two unbeaten world champions and a top-ranked challenger, who is a former champion, to the World Boxing Super Series,” Dalmiglio said. “They have accepted the ultimate challenge to determine the best cruiserweight in the world.”

Season 1 of the World Boxing Super Series will feature the cruiserweights and super-middleweight divisions. In each weight class, eight top fighters will battle out a bracket-style elimination tournament. There will be four quarter-finals (September / October 2025), two semi-finals (early 2018) and one final (May 2018), which makes for a total of 14 high-class fights. “We have received a massive amount of applications for both divisions,” said Kalle Sauerland, Comosa`s Chief Boxing Officer. “The best fighters are lining up to be in the tournament. Just like the fans, they love the format and the fact that there will only be one man standing at the end.”

Richard Schaefer, Comosa`s Chairman of the Americas, added: “We promised you the biggest names and champions in the divisions and here we are delivering. More names will follow shortly. We simply can’t wait to get the action started!”

The quarter-final pairings will be determined during the Draft Gala in Monaco in early July. In each weight class, the four top-seeded boxers (which will be determined by the Comosa Board) will select their quarter-final opponents from the four unseeded boxers. Once the pairings are set, the exact fight dates and venues will be announced. Details about the participants in the super-middleweight division will be revealed shortly.

EverybodyFights, which was founded by George Foreman III, son of the two-time Heavyweight Champion George Foreman Sr., combines the grit of traditional boxing gyms with the luxury amenities and aesthetics of today’s hottest studio concepts. Ward is regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world. The undefeated two-division World Champion has not lost since the age of 13 and has fought the best in the sport since entering the professional ranks in 2004. He is the last American man to win Olympic gold and was named Fighter of the Year in 2011 by the Boxing Writers Association.

“Andre is a future hall of famer and pound-for-pound one of the most talented fighters of all time,” says George Foreman III. “He’s more than just a boxer, he’s simply one of the greatest men to ever box. Andre is a perfect fit for EverybodyFights because he remains a humble student of the game. Andre being on our Board of Advisors is a real asset because of his expertise in boxing and business.”

EverybodyFights, which currently includes three company-owned locations and has recently launched franchising opportunities, provides a fitness program modeled after a fighter’s training camp. All of this programming is designed personally by Foreman III, who went undefeated as a professional boxer himself and was named the best fitness guru in Boston for 2016.

“I’m excited to partner with George and the EverybodyFights team,” Ward says. “Boxing training appeals to a mainstream audience and EverybodyFights is poised to be the industry leader in boxing fitness. Their facilities provide everything a professional fighter would ever want in terms of equipment, classes and coaching but also caters to a wide community of everyday people. I believe that together we can restore the love of boxing and extend the EverybodyFights lifestyle globally.”

To stay up-to-date and learn more about EverybodyFights, visit everybodyfights.com.

To learn more about Andre “S.O.G.” Ward, visit andresogward.com.