Deontay “Bronze Bomber” Wilder (27-0, 27 KO’s) of Tuscaloosa, Alabama will be crossing the Atlantic to take on Harlesden’s 2000 Olympic Gold Medalist Audley ‘A-Force’ Harrison (31-6, 23 KO’s) in the co-featured fight that will headline the undercard on “The Return of the King: Khan vs. Diaz” bill at Motorpoint Arena Sheffield on Saturday, April 27.
Wilder, a rising star on the American heavyweight scene, has shown his phenomenal punching prowess by blasting his way past all of his opponents. The knockout king now steps into the ring against the veteran Harrison.
The pair will clash in a 12-round heavyweight showdown with the victor propelling themselves into world title contention.
“There’s nothing like the day before, the morning of and night after you’ve claimed VICTORY,” said Wilder.
“The emotion, the excitement and adrenaline rush that I have is ready to explode out of me. I’m a starving lion that’s ready to eat. On April 27 in Sheffield, England my next meal will be served; on the menu: Audley Harrison…Bon appetite. For the many fans in England, Deontay ‘Bronze Bomber’ Wilder is coming. You’ve been waiting for this moment and now it’s here. I can’t wait to show you guys why I am the light and the way for this dark division.”
“Deontay is a fast, dangerous puncher, but he has not been tested as a pro,” said Harrison.
“I have lot of respect for him, so it’s not personal, but this is the door I must walk through. Lose and it’s over, win and I’m in the top ten for sure, eligible to challenge for the world title. Biggest risk, for the biggest reward. It can’t get any better than that.”
Also featured on the undercard will be former Unified Lightweight World Champion Nate “The Galaxxy Warrior” Campbell (36-10-1, 26 KO’s) of Jacksonville, Florida who takes on the exciting undefeated Manchester prospect Terry “Turbo” Flannigan (19-0, 5 KO’s) in a 10-round lightweight bout.
“It’s a great honor to be fighting in England,” said Campbell. “I’m in great shape and looking forward to returning to the lightweight division and this fight will serve notice as to how serious I am.”
“I’m looking forward to showcasing my talents against a former world champion in Nate Campbell,” said Flannigan. “This is the type of fight I have been waiting for and I’m ready to move up to the next level and prove that I belong there. It’s going to be tough, but come the end of the fight, I have no doubt it will be my hand that is raised.”
British fight fans will also be able to enjoy a simmering local rivalry with a Lancashire-Yorkshire battle set as former British Champion Gary “Five Star” Sykes (23-3, 5 KO’s) puts his English super-featherweight crown on the line against Jon “2 Smokes” Kays (16-2-1, 4 KO’s) in a 10-round clash.
No love has been lost between the duo and the April 27 card is all set for fireworks when they go head-to-head.
“John Kays is a good fighter so I will need to be at my best,” said Sykes.
“I know what to expect, but I’m confident and believe that my experience is going to help me. I’m coming off of a good winning streak and hope to put myself back into the mix for a British title shot by winning. I’m focused and am ready for this fight. I’m not giving up my English title to anyone.”
“I’m going into this fight ready to give it everything,” said Kays.
“This is my time and I won’t let anyone take it away from me. I’m super fit, have a good boxing brain and know I have the ability to cause him trouble. It won’t be easy, but to get that title I’m willing to do whatever it takes. It’s going to be a really exciting fight.”
