Selby (28-2, 9 KOs), a former IBF Featherweight World Champion, edged out Scottish legend Ricky Burns via a majority decision at The O2 in London last October to stay in line for another World Title shot and now finds himself within touching distance of becoming a two-weight World Champion.

Kambosos Jr (18-0, 10 KOs), hailing from Sydney in Australia, defeated former World Champion Mickey Bey on away territory at Madison Square Garden in New York last time out to announce himself as a rising star of the Lightweight division and has vowed to ‘retire’ Selby in front of his home crowd.

“It’s great to be boxing back at home in Cardiff after six years boxing all over the UK and US,” said Selby.

“I’m one step away now from a shot at the IBF Lightweight World Title and my dream of becoming Wales’ first ever two-weight World Champion.

“Kambosos Jr is a hungry young fighter that I know will bring it all, but I’ve had some of my best performances against Australian boxers stopping both Corey McConnell and Joel Brunker in title fights and May 9th will be no different.”

“I’m excited and I cannot wait to fight Lee Selby in this IBF World Title Eliminator on May 9^th where the winner will become the Mandatory Challenger for the winner of Lomachenko vs. Lopez,” said Kambosos Jr.

“I defeated former World Champion Mickey Bey in his backyard at Madison Square Garden in December and I am ready to beat another former World Champion in his backyard in Cardiff, Wales.

“I’m excited for a fight of this magnitude and look forward to retiring Lee Selby in his hometown with a dominating and punishing performance in addition to gaining all of the UK supporters that will get behind me toward winning my World Title.”

Northern Irish Lightweight powerhouse James Tennyson (26-3, 22 KOs) faces Welshman Gavin Gwynne (12-1, 2 KOs) for the British Title in his very first contest as a Matchroom Boxing fighter, Bournemouth Cruiserweight talent Chris Billam-Smith (10-1, 9 KOs) defends his Commonwealth Title against undefeated Cardiff man Nathan Thorley (14-0, 6 KOs), ‘The Welsh Wizard’ Joe Cordina (11-0, 7 KOs) returns home for the first time since 2018, rising Super-Middleweight monster John Docherty (8-0, 6 KOs) continues his march towards a first title shot and there’s action for Newport Bantamweight Sean McGoldrick (9-1, 2 KOs) and Swindon Super-Middleweight Jamie Cox (25-2, 14 KOs).

“I’m delighted to be coming back to the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff for the first time in 6 years,” said Eddie Hearn.

“We’ve got a great card with a blistering main event that will be a real firecracker between Lee Selby and George Kambosos Jr with the winner being Mandatory to the winner of Lomachenko vs. Lopez.

“Joe Cordina will take another step up as he sets his sights on a World Title in the next 12 months and Belfast’s big-punching James Tennyson takes on Gavin Gwynne in a cracking fight.

“‘The Gentleman’ Chris Billam-Smith defends his Commonwealth Title against Cardiff’s’s Nathan Thorley, Super-Middleweight powerhouse John Docherty marches on and former Super-Middleweight champ Jamie cox returns to action alongside Sean McGoldrick.

“There’s plenty to be added to what will be a guaranteed sell-out in Cardiff – see you there!”

“On May 9th, George will earn his right to fight for the IBF World Title by becoming the Mandatory Challenger,” said Peter Kahn, Manager of Kambosos Jr.

“I have no doubt in my mind that George will defeat Lee Selby.

“This opportunity has been seven years in the making and George will take full advantage what’s in front of him.”

Adam Smith, Sky Sports’ Head of Boxing Development said: “Lee Selby is within touching distance of another World Title fight and we’re excited to be back in Wales for this must-win clash against George Kambosos Jr.

“Welsh boxing has given us some memorable nights down the years, with Robbie Regan, Steve Robinson, Nicky Piper, Barry Jones, Enzo Maccarinelli, Nathan Cleverly and of course Joe Calzaghe. We’ve loved covering some fabulous fights.

“Selby gave us a timely reminder of his classy skills against Ricky Burns, but his bid to become a two-weight World Champion could be ended by Kambosos Jr, who comes to Britain with big ambitions of his own.

“The local fans will really get behind Lee, on his long-awaited return to Cardiff, and he will be determined to produce a vintage display against the dangerous Kambosos Jr.”

Tickets priced £40, £60, £100 and £200 (VIP) go on General Sale on Monday March 9 at midday via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), Motorpoint Arena Cardiff (www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk) Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com).

Source: Matchroom Boxing

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Many thought it would be business as usual for Kownacki (20-1, 15 KOs), who looked to take the fight to the taller Helenius (30-3, 19 KOs) in an attempt to overwhelm him as the Polish-born Brooklyn native, had so often done in the past.

Helenius was instead able to pick the shorter man off with some good shots and had him in big trouble early. 

The 36-year-old would walk Kownacki into a shot as he was retreating to begin the fourth round which put him down but it was ruled a slip. However, the Swede knew he had hurt his man and would connect again after the action resumed to put Kownacki down for certain. 

The favourite got back up but was stumbling badly at this point and ‘The Nordic Nightmare’ would press forward with more punches until the referee stepped in to stop the fight at 1:08 of the fourth round. 

The result was absolutely unexpected since Helenius had not been a top heavyweight contender in several years, having suffered a bad knockout loss at the hands of Gerald Washington and had been comprehensively outpointed by Dillian Whyte.

Somehow the seasoned heavyweight had received a dubious #7 ranking by the WBA and a spot in this sanctioned title eliminator for an improbable shot at unified world titlist Anthony Joshua. 

In contrast, the upset win constitutes a massive setback for ‘Babyface’, the beloved Brooklyn brawler whose fan-friendly, all-action style made him a massive draw at Barclays Center.

The crowd of over 8,000 fans, mostly backing Kownacki were silenced as their heroes’ goal to become the first Polish heavyweight champion took a huge hit.

Even in defeat, Kownacki still managed to outwork his opponent and was leading through the first three rounds per CompuBox statistics that had him connecting with 84 of 224 (38%) to Helenius, who landed just 49 of 228 shots (22%).

ICYMI: Helenius was truly @AKbabyface‘s nordic nightmare tonight!!!!!!! #KownackiHelenius pic.twitter.com/V6RB11R2Wy

— PBC (@premierboxing) March 8, 2020

Kownacki did not complain after the loss and gave Helenius credit. 

“It wasn’t my night,” said Kownacki post-fight.

“It’s boxing. It’s a tough sport and things just didn’t go my way tonight.

“It was a learning experience and I’m going to go back to the drawing board and get back to work.”

Ajagba destroys Cojanu in Fox co-feature

Nigerian top prospect Efe Ajagba was just too strong for former world title challenger Razvan Cojanu as he pummelled him into submission, earning a ninth round stoppage to remain unbeaten. 

Ajagba (13-0, 11 KOs) battered Cojanu (17-7, 9 KOs) throughout every round and showed great patience whilst stalking and methodically picking his opponent apart.

Ajagba scored knockdowns in rounds eight and nine before referee Ron Lipton stepped in to stop the onslaught at 2:45 of the latter round after Cojanu took a knee.

.@AjagbaEfe forces Cojanu to take a knee with a vicious right!!! #AjagbaCojanu pic.twitter.com/9cqA2k6HaZ

— PBC (@premierboxing) March 8, 2020

Ajagba didn’t have any real problems with Cojanu, who was a huge underdog prior to the stoppage. In fact, the fight could have ended in the eighth round after the Romanian took a hard right hand and combination that forced him to take a knee.

Cojanu, who had previously fought Brits, Daniel Dubois and Nathan Gorman gamely beat the count, but Ajagba hurt him with a left hook that left him wobbling with only 20 seconds left in the round. 

The Texas transplant is just 25-years-old and already showing different dimensions of his game in every outing such as this one, where he did not rely solely on his power as in earlier pro fights. 

The performance was a far cry from Ajagba’s last bout, a thrilling war with Iago Kiladze ending in a fifth round TKO victory. However, it was also the first time that Ajagba was knocked down as a pro or amateur.

The jury is still out on how far Ajagba can ascend in the stacked heavyweight division but he is clearly one of the top rising names in the entire division. He’s trained by the highly-respected Ronnie Shields and I suspect that we shall soon have the answer to that pressing question.

Sanchez routs Dawwjko

Heavyweight sensation and Cuban amateur standout Frank Sanchez had no problem defeating Joey Dawejko in the night’s opener, easily outpointing his opponent over ten dominant rounds. 

Sanchez (15-0, 11 KOs) won comfortably on all three of the judges’ scorecards with marks of 100-90, 100-90 and 98-92 to notch his 15th pro victory.

‘The Cuban Flash’ worked behind a probing jab and would later mix it up with solid combination and hard right hands to keep Dawejko at bay.

Dawejko closes RD9 with a big right hand! #SanchezDawejko pic.twitter.com/CaNKezFcgm

— PBC (@premierboxing) March 8, 2020

Dawejko (29-8-4, 11 KOs) simply could not get on the inside to land his own heavy artillery against the longer 6-foot-4, 250-pound Sanchez and was reduced to covering up and trying to block the incoming shots.

By the fifth round, Dawejko’s face was noticeably swollen and he could only muster one punch at a time in response to Sanchez’s blistering attacks. 

The 27-year-old reflected favorably on his performance. 

“I didn’t want to fight Dawejko’s fight, and he realized that and it frustrated him,” Sanchez said.

“He might have thought he’s faced guys like me, but there’s no other heavyweight like me.”

It was undoubtedly a very frustrating evening for the Philadelphia fighter and former sparring partner for unified world heavyweight titlist Anthony Joshua.

‘Tank’ has now lost four of his last five fights and looked especially bad in this one. 

This was a good crossroads fight for both men with the WBC Continental Americas heavyweight championship on the line. Dawejko was a decent step up in competition being a veteran of over 30 fights with title fight experience. 

It was the first fight for Sanchez under new trainer Eddy Reynoso, who also trains Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez. It will be interesting to see who this fast and athletic heavyweight will be pitted against next. 

Undercard Results

Brooklyn’s Zachary Ochoa (21-1, 7 KOs) won a tough unanimous decision over a very determined Angel Sarinana (10-10-3, 4 KOs) in their action-packed eight round junior welterweight bout. 

Carlos Negron (21-3, 16 KOs) defeated Robert Alfonso (19-1-1, 9 KOs) by first round knockout in their heavyweight clash. 

Boston’s Francis Hogan won his pro debut, stopping Virginia’s Brent Oren in round four. 

The post Helenius stuns Kownacki in world title eliminator in Brooklyn – Results appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

Former Super Bantamweight World champion Quigg (35-3-2, 26 KOs) simply had to win at the Manchester Arena to keep alive any hopes he had of getting back to world title level, and although his fitness was as good as ever, his timing was alarmingly off and the Irishman took full advantage.

Carroll (18-1-1, 4 KOs) showed his intent from the opening bell, as he started off brightly, sending Quigg stumbling backwards and bloodying his nose in the first round.

Quigg was struggling with the speed and body movement of his foe, but did have small pockets of success in the third, although this was short lived as “King Kong” kept up his break neck pace to leave the Bury man struggling to keep up.

The pattern had long been set, and a flat footed Quigg simply couldn’t get out of the way, with Carroll landing a big right hand in the eighth.

Rounds nine and ten were more one way traffic, and in the eleventh round, a hook and a body shot sent Quigg towards the ropes.

With Carroll looking for the finish, Quigg’s trainer Joe Gallagher threw the towel in to end the contest.

Quigg admitted he was second best post-fight.

“He was the better man, and I was second best,” said Quigg.

“I’m a realist and I don’t kid anyone, this was a must win fight. At my best I would have won tonight. On this performance, I don’t know what’s left”.

“If this is it, thank you”.

It’s hard to see anything but retirement for Quigg, while Carroll will hope for another world title shot after coming up short against Tevin Farmer in a bid for the IBF belt last year.

Thank you 4 all the support
Congrats @jono_carroll
Been some journey with this man @scottquigg .
From leaving school early 2 being crowned World Champion Scott invested & believed in himself to fulfill his dream. Been a real pleasure Enjoy Next Chapter #TeamQuigg pic.twitter.com/jq8hJAXBma

— Joe Gallagher (@JoeG) March 8, 2020

On a sparse undercard, Hughie Fury (24-3, 14 KOs) eased back in after a lacklustre showing against Alexander Povetkin last time out with a third round stoppage win against the limited Pavel Sour, (11-3, 6 KOs) who’s corner threw in the towel as the referee was about to stop the contest.

Fury let his hands go and regularly switched stances in a new look. An over hand right wobbled the Czech in the second and the 25-year-old dropped his man with a backhand shortly after.

Fury raced out of the blocks for the third and floored Sour again with a right hand. As the 37-year-old rose, the referee and his corner called a halt to the action.

Zach Parker (19-0, 13 KOs) moved a step closer to a world title shot as he stopped Rowan Murdock (24-2, 17 KOs) in a final eliminator for the WBO Super Middleweight title.

The Australian came to win and roughed up Derbyshire-based Parker in the opening half of the fight and made it an uncomfortable contest for the early parts.

From the eighth round though, the visitor started to tire, increasing the work rate and working his jab to good effect in the ninth, and teeing off in the tenth as Murdock faded.

The end came in the penultimate round, with a looping left hand landing flush on Murdock’s chin, dropping him to the canvas, with referee Phil Edwards waving the fight off.

Anthony Fowler (12-1, 9 KOs) continued on his path to a rematch with Scott Fitzgerald with a one round win over late-notice substitute Theophilus Tetteh (19-8-2, 12 KOs).

Tetteh was filling in for Jack Flatley, who withdrew earlier in the week due to injury, but the Ghanaian was little more than cannon fodder for Fowler.

Coming for you Scotty boy #fitzgeraldFowler2 pic.twitter.com/CFIWsmp5UM

— Anthony Fowler (@afowler06) March 7, 2020

Tetteh’s main problem came in the form of his boots, as the lack of grip saw him slip multiple times. Fowler dropped his opponent three times, before the referee stopped the fight.

Elsewhere, Robbie Davies Jr (20-2, 13 KOs) returned after his defeat to Lewis Ritson, and had his first fight under new trainer Dominic Ingle, in a shutout eight round points win over Damian Leonardo Yapur (16-17-3).

Jack Cullen (18-2, 9 KOs) registered a second round stoppage over Tomas Andres Reynoso (13-6-1, 3 KOs) and Super Lightweight prospect Dalton Smith (5-0, 4 KOs) stopped Benson Nyilawila (10-4, 6 KOs) in four one sided rounds.

Elsewhere, Jamie Moore-trained Aqib Fiaz (5-0) registered a fifth straight victory over Dean Jones, Ricky Hatton’s charge Ibrahim Nadim moved to 2-0 with a points success, whilst there were wins for Blane Hyland (3-0) and Bradley Rea (9-0, 3 KOs).

The post Carroll halts Quigg in stunning stoppage in Manchester – Results appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

At the top of the bill, Danny Dignum kept hold of his WBO European Middleweight belt with an impressive ninth round stoppage of Alfredo Meli, who gave it everything in a valiant defeat.

It was Dignum’s second consecutive victory over an Irish opponent after stopping Conrad Cummings last time out and he dropped the brave Meli three times, with body shots proving ‘Fredo’s’ undoing.

Sam Gilley came of age and claimed the vacant Southern Area Welterweight title in a thriller against Curtis Felix Junior.

Gilley scored a knockdown on the way to a 96-93 win.

Birmingham’s Kaisee Benjamin upset Shaquille Day, and took the former Southern Area champion’s unbeaten record with a deserved 97-94 win for referee Lee Cook.

Steven Connolly warmed up for his mouthwatering clash with Troy Williamson with an appearance on the card. The former Ultimate Boxxer winner stopped Pavel Albrecht in three rounds.

James Hawley came out on top in the battle of unbeatens, as he outscored Josh Adewale 58-56 over six entertaining rounds.

Mitchell Frearson was also in the winners’ enclosure, as he chalked up a 58-56 win on the referee’s scorecard against Angel Elimov.

The post Ruthless Dignum stops Meli in Brentwood – Results appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

Two-weight World Champion Taylor can strengthen her status as one of the sport’s finest fighters against Serrano on the same night as Dillian Whyte risks his World Title ambitions in a huge Heavyweight encounter with the fearsome Alexander Povetkin.

Taylor (15-0, 6 KOs) sealed a dominant points win over Christina Linardatou to claim the WBO Super-Lightweight title at the same venue in November as she stepped up a division after becoming the Undisputed Lightweight ruler against Delfine Persoon in New York.

Serrano (38-1-1, 28 KOs) enhanced her reputation for thrilling fights with an action-packed points win over Heather Hardy at Madison Square Garden in September, while she sharpened her skills for Taylor in a stoppage win over Simone Aparacida Da Silva in Miami in January.

“It’s a fight that seems to have been talked about for years so I’m just glad it’s finally on,” said Taylor.

“It’s a massive fight and one that I have been looking forward to for a long, long time.

“I’ve been working hard in training camp in the US since the start of the year so it’s great have a date to focus on now and I can’t wait for May 2nd.”

“I’m happy we finally got this big fight made because both myself & Katie deserve to be in this position,” said Serrano.

“While our fight could have been a main event, I’m still grateful it’s happening.

“I’m not going to talk down to Katie, as I know she won’t to me, so I’ll leave it at this: one thing that’s for sure is that we’ll both leave it all in the ring.

“Thanks to my Promoter Lou DiBella, Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Boxing, DAZN & Katie Taylor for this great opportunity. See you in Manchester!”

“Katie Taylor versus Amanda Serrano for the Undisputed Lightweight Championship of the World – this is the biggest women’s fight of all time,” said Eddie Hearn.

“The whole of Ireland and Puerto Rico are going to be watching this absolute war between the Undisputed champion and the seven weight division champion – it doesn’t get any bigger!”

“I’m proud to co-promote this historic fight with Matchroom, and to have it featured on a massive card in Manchester,” said Lou DiBella.

“Two of the best female fighters in the world, two of the best of all time, will square up for boxing supremacy.

“Amanda didn’t shy away from moving back up in weight or from the fight being in the UK; she embraced the idea of winning on the road and cementing international stardom.

“Taylor vs. Serrano isn’t only the best of women’s boxing, it’s the best of what boxing is supposed to be.”

Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing Development, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to add Katie Taylor’s sensational showdown with Amanda Serrano to the Whyte-Povetkin bill.

“With Sky Sports increasing its commitment to women’s sport, we’ll be showcasing the biggest fight of Taylor’s professional career after following every step of her epic journey.

“We’ve witnessed Serrano’s all-action style, having covered her breathless battle with Heather Hardy.

“A magnificent multi-weight champion, Serrano now takes on Taylor, Ireland’s dazzling star, as two elite competitors collide in Manchester.

“Whyte also rolls the dice in a high-risk Heavyweight battle with Povetkin. Two explosive encounters that can only supply fireworks for fight fans.”

Tickets for Taylor vs. Serrano are priced £40, £60, £80, £100, £150, £200 and £400 (VIP).

Tickets are on sale to Fight Pass members NOW via StubHb (www.stubhub.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com).

General Sale tickets are available to purchase from 10.00am on Friday March 6 via Manchester Arena (www.manchester-arena.com), StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com).

Source: Matchroom Boxing

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Tale of the Tape

Kownacki (20-0, 15 KOs) enters this fight having stopped five of his last seven opponents. In his most recent bout, he triumphed over another veteran in Chris Arreola, back in August. Their exciting slugfest broke CompuBox records for the most combined punches thrown (2,172) and landed (667) in a heavyweight fight. 

It was a tough 12 rounds where neither man hit the canvas or was seriously hurt but judges ruled unanimously in favor of Kownacki on account of his superior activity. Arreola famously promised that he would retire with a loss but has not yet acted on that proclamation. 

‘Babyface’ Kownacki stopped Gerald Washington in January 2019, who owns a stoppage win over Helenius. Previous wins over Charles Martin (UD) and Artur Szpilka (TKO 4) round up Kownacki’s other noteworthy fights, but a world title shot has eluded him.

Kownacki was rumored to be in negotiation to face former world title challenger Dominic Breazeale with Christian Hammer being another option but PBC ultimately went with Helenius, yet a future clash with former unified world champion Andy Ruiz Jr has been touted with victory on Saturday night.

Known for his relentless and aggressive style, the Brooklyn transplant is vying to become the first Polish heavyweight champion. Kownacki has made it clear that he wants to face Tyson Fury who stopped Deontay Wilder in the 7th round to add the WBC version of the heavyweight title to his lineal claim to the title on February 22. 

The entertaining heavyweight needs a win over a name fighter to really put him in a title eliminator to challenge for a world title shot and the Helenius matchup doesn’t quite fit the bill but should be interesting for as long as it lasts.

Bombs from ‘Babyface’

Adam Kownacki needed just two rounds to destroy Gerald Washington in January 2019 #KownackiHelenius pic.twitter.com/eXODGejpHJ

— BoxNation (@boxnationtv) March 4, 2020

The Sweden-born Helenius (29-3, 18 KOs) was once regarded as one of the division’s fastest rising contenders a few years ago. During that period, he defeated Dereck Chisora along with former titleholders Samuel Peter and Sergey Liakhovich, while building his undefeated record.

Fast forward to present day and you have a very different picture. In the past four years, ‘The Nordic Nightmare’ has lost three times to John Duhaupas, Gerald Washington and Dillian Whyte.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Preparing for war! Thank you Nathan

A post shared by Robert Helenius (Official) (@heleniusrobert) on Feb 18, 2020 at 4:09am PST

The defeats to Duhaupas and Washington were both by highlight reel knockout and has pushed the 36-year-old towards retirement. 

Helenius is coming off of a 2nd round knockout over Mateus Osorio on November 30 but it appears that his time as a top contender are over.

The only lucrative fights for Helenius are all against the division’s top fighters like Brooklyn’s favorite Kownacki, who’s ranked #3 IBF, #3 WBO, #4 WBA and #8 WBC. 

Prediction

Kownacki is the heavy betting favorite in this showdown and will be fighting for the tenth time at his hometown arena. He is also the younger man with less wear and tear on him.

Helenius has the edge in experience but has been on a downward slide for the past several years given his string of recent losses.

The Pole just doesn’t give up and has an impressive engine despite his large stature [think Andy Ruiz]. It’s a high stakes match with the winner receiving a WBA eliminator status to eventually fight for a world title. Look for Kownacki to eventually grind the towering Swede down and get the stoppage in the 7th round. 

Ajagba vs. Cojanu 

The night of heavyweight boxing begins at 8 p.m. with a lineup headed by the co-feature that will see top heavyweight prospect Efe Ajagba in action. Ajaba (12-0, 10 KOs), a 2016 Nigerian Olympian fighting out of Stafford, Texas, will face replacement Razvan Cojanu (17-6, 9 KOs).

He was supposed to battle Ruann Visser (18-2, 17 KOs) but the South African pulled out before the fight was officially announced. 

Ajagba gained widespread notoriety in August 2018 when his opponent, Curtis Harper walked out of the ring after touching gloves to start the first round over a salary dispute.

Harper was subsequently disqualified and Ajagba was awarded the win without throwing a single punch.

The undefeated heavyweight sensation has since increased his opposition by beating fellow 2016 Olympian Ali Eren Demirezen in July and most recently getting off the canvas to stop Iago Kiladze in December. 

The sense going into this fight, is that the 32-year-old Cojanu is not much of a step up from Ajagba’s last win. However, the Romanian did serve as a last minute replacement for then WBO titleholder Joseph Parker in 2017, losing by a wide unanimous decision.

Cojanu is coming off an October win over club fighter Tamaz Zadishvili back in October. He’s gone 1-3 since the loss to Parker, losing three straight to Luis Ortiz, Nathan Gorman and Daniel Dubois. Both Ortiz and Dubois put him away while Gorman shut him out over 12 rounds. 

Prediction

Ajagba will be making his 2020 debut and third career ring appearance at Barclays Center. Cojanu is a ‘safety fight’ for Ajagba after the Kiladze match showed that he can be caught and hurt. That said, Ajagba still showed tremendous heart and that will be invaluable in future fights. Ajagba should prevail by 4th round knockout. 

Non-Televised Undercard

The opening attraction on the non-televised undercard will feature rising heavyweight Frank Sanchez (14-0, 11 KOs) against Philadelphia’s Joey Dawejko (29-7-4, 11 KOs) in a 10-round contest. 

Cuba’s Sanchez remains unbeaten since turning pro in 2017. He scored knockouts in his first six bouts, and added nine more victories in 2018 alone. Last time out, he bested Jack Mulowayi by unanimous decision in October. 

Philadelphia’s Dawejko is battle-tested, having faced stiff competition since 2009. The 29-year-old was last seen in action last July when he defeated Rodney Hernandez.

The Philadelphian can punch, despite his deceptive record. He boasts a draw with Jarrell Miller but has losses to Bryant Jennings, Andrey Fedosov and Sergey Kuzmin. He’s also been stopped by ex-Joshua foe Charles Martin. 

Dawejko is perhaps best known for allegedly knocking out world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in a sparring session before the first Ruiz fight. However, that report has been widely disputed. 

Prediction 

Franks Sanchez is a bit of a monster and boasts a strong heritage as a Cuban national champion whilst compiling an impressive 214-6 record. He also regularly trains with fellow Cuban like big-punching Luis Ortiz. He has solid fundamentals and good overall punching power. This fight will not go the distance and I see Sanchez winning by TKO in the 5th round. 

In addition, exciting Brooklyn native Zachary “Zungry” Ochoa (20-1, 7 KOs) will face Angel Sarinana (10-9-3, 4 KOs) in an 8-round super lightweight fight. 

Cuban heavyweight Robert Alfonso (19-0-1, 9 KOs) battles Puerto Rico’s Carlos Negron (20-3, 16 KOs). 

Rounding out the action will be heavyweight prospect Steven Torres (2-0, 2 KOs) in a 4-round bout against Alex Ajabor (2-0, 1 KO) while Boston’s Francis Hogan makes his pro debut.

The post Kownacki vs Helenius: Big Fight Preview & Predictions appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

Astley VIP Boxing gym is a star-studded gym housing former champions, champions in waiting and what owner and former British, Commonwealth and European titlist Jamie Moore will be hoping it produces many more gems for the future.

Lightweight prospect Aqib Fiaz is one of many plying his trade in the Manchester gym and on Saturday night, he will fulfill a life-long dream in fighting at the Manchester Arena on the undercard of Scott Quigg’s Super-Featherweight showdown with Jono Carroll.

“I can’t wait to fight at the Arena where I’ve been going to years,” an ecstatic Fiaz explained.

“It’s a dream of mine to fight there so early on in my career, I’m blessed to be in that position.”

Almost 12 months on from his professional debut, Fiaz switches from the Oldham Leisure Centre, where he made his first bow to the bright lights of Manchester’s primary venue, in his first fight of the year after racking up four victories last year, all by decision.

The 20-year-old will have hopes of an equally busy, if not more arduous schedule this year, but unlike most faces the hurdle of managing his professional life with his stringent university studies.

You’d be hard placed to find a handful of other pros combining these two strikingly different worlds and the Manchester University second year student regularly turns downs the lures of young student life to hone his craft, however such is his intent on achieving his goals in the sport, the Oldham man appears content to make the sacrifices required.

“I struggle sometimes, but sometimes I have to make sacrifices other young students don’t have to make, but I enjoy it so it’s well worth it.”

After Saturday night, Fiaz who by his own admission is rarely seen on campus during the lead up to fights, will return to his sports science course and although his focus is distracted somewhat by his ambitions inside the ring, the Lightweight cites the many benefits of his degree in helping him profit in his professional journey.

Asked whether his university course is beneficial towards boxing, Fiaz responded: “Yeah, learning how to look after yourself properly with all the mobility, it’s just about keeping yourself injury free mainly and its going well so far.

“Touch wood I don’t get any injuries and that’s what were working towards, our goal and injuries along the way don’t really help, so its a massive part.”

Fiaz, a nine-time area champion, first walked into Astley VIP as a sparring partner for two-weight world champion Carl Frampton, however it would soon lead him on a path to being a fully fledged member of the thriving set-up which also houses WBO Super-Lightweight mandatory Jack Catterall, WBC Light-Welterweight mandatory Chantelle Cameron, four-time world title challenger Martin Murray and until recently, the former Commonwealth Lightweight champion, Tommy Coyle.

And the prospect is grateful for the faith Moore has showed in him, as plots his path to success under his tutelage.

“I was first called in here as a sparring partner for Carl Frampton for the Josh Warrington fight, I was his main sparring partner for it.

“Then I asked Jamie (Moore) if he’d train me and I’m just thankful to be in a place like this.

 

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Sunday morning sparring session, both getting ready for August 3rd and 10th#vipgym #oldham #frampton #philly @jamiemoore777

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“As a young fighter sometimes I come in the gym, do my session and sometimes I just sit down and watch all the experienced lads train and see what they do, you just pick up so much from the other lads.”

A bright future awaits the young 140lbs fighter, especially if he negates his first major hurdle at the Manchester Arena this Saturday and his co-trainer Nigel Travis says his young charge is a “dream” to guide.

“The kid’s got bags of potential, he’s a pleasure to work with,“ Travis explained.

“(Aqib) gives you 100% every session, will do whatever you ask of him and it’s a dream to coach someone like that.

“He’s very talented, I knew him as an amateur, he beat Connor Tudsbury and you see the size of him”

“Very excited about him, but its the work ethic he’s got is second to none so we expect him to do very well”

The exciting prospect will be entering the ring his hero Ricky Hatton graced 15 times in a career which will linger in the memories of fight fans across the country and Fiaz will hoping to announce himself to the public in similar fashion on his first show live on Sky Sports, as well as on DAZN in the USA.

Hatton will be present in the venue and city he is so adored, in the corner of former ABA champion, Ibrahim Nadim in his second outing following a successful debut at York Hall in December.

The 20-year-old continued: “Ricky Hatton was probably one of my favourites.

“He was a big body puncher, going forward, aggressive fighter, big following. I loved Ricky Hatton when I was a young kid watching him.

“Then growing up going to the arena to watch him and seeing him now as a trainer coming in and out the gym, I was starstruck at first”

“I’m not really bothered,” the former Team GB member exclaimed when questioned if he was looking for titles this year.

“My job is to fight and win whoever they put in front of me.

“My manager Steve (Wood) and Jamie (Moore) put whoever they want in front of me, whether thats with a title on the line or not, it doesn’t really matter to me, I’ve got to beat the person in front of me and that’s that”

Fiaz will face durable journeyman Dean Jones (1-26) on Saturday as he aims to maintain his unbeaten streak and he remains happy to bide his time rather than chase titles, which is perhaps understandable at such an embryonic stage of his professional career.

It remains to be seen how his professional career will unfold, but Fiaz certainly has everything in front of him and behind the scenes to suggest he can forge a successful journey, with a graduate degree to sit on the mantelpiece back in Oldham.

The post One To Watch: Aqib Fiaz appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

After a spell training with Freddie Roach, Quigg (35-2-2, KO26) has returned to where he spent his most formative years, alongside trainer Joe Gallagher and will look to kick start his career once again with victory in his home city.

The Bury man made six successful defences of his belt from 2013 to 2015, but then came unstuck in a unification grudge match with then IBF champion, Carl Frampton in February 2016.

In a fight that sadly didn’t live up to the pre-fight hype, Quigg fought through the pain of a broken jaw, but rallied too late in a split decision defeat. He won three on the spin up at Featherweight on his comeback, which lead to a challenge for the WBO title against the feared Oscar Valdez.

Quigg, 31, though weighed in heavy, and lost his opportunity for the belt and then has his nose broken in a points defeat to the Mexican. His last appearance came in Boston in October of the same year, stopping Mario Briones in two rounds.

Carroll (17-1-1, KO3) is much fresher than Quigg and will come to Manchester full of confidence.

A former Prizefighter champion, the Dubliner built his way up to the number one spot with the IBF, but came close to undoing his good work when Guillaume Frenois held him to a draw in Sheffield in December 2018.

The 27-year-old still got his shot though, but found then IBF Super Featherweight champion Tevin Farmer too good in their March 2019 meeting, with the Philadelphian claiming a wide points win.

“King Kong” Carroll has rebounded out in Mexico since, with a ten round points win against the limited Eleazar Valenzuela in August last year.

Prediction: Time is running out for Quigg to re-scale the mountain at World level, and he will no there is no room for error. Providing there is no wear and tear and longer lasting damage from his punishing battle with Valdez, I think Quigg can keep the relentless Carroll at bay, for a tight points victory.

Derby’s Zach Parker (18-0, KO12) gets a chance to shine as he moves closer to a World title shot at Super Middleweight.

The 25-year-old, who is ranked number two by the WBO meets the number one contender, Rohan Murdock (24-1, KO17) over ten rounds for the vacant WBO Intercontinental strap.

After an early career majority decision defeat over four rounds, Queenslander Murdock is unbeaten in his last 22 outings.

His most notable win is a November 2014 sixth round retirement of the faded former WBA champion, Manny Siaca and his last few fights have been against limited opponents.

He has built his ranking on reigns as WBO Asia Pacific champion and is the current WBO Oriental champion, winning the belt for a second time last time out in a shutout win over Rolando Wenceslao Mansilla.

Parker has gained a wider reputation for himself with appearances on several World Boxing Super Series cards and travelled to the SSE Hydro in Glasgow in November 2018 to win the British title with a split decision win against Darryll Williams.

He was last in action in May on another big WBSS night, stopping Steven Crambert in four rounds.

PARKER-MURDOCK FACE OFF IN HIGH STAKES CLASH

@zachparkerboxer & Rohan Murdock came face-to-face ahead of their crucial Super Middleweight bout on Saturday night, with the winner securing WBO top spot!

Who is winning this? #Boxing #ParkerMurdock #QuiggCarroll pic.twitter.com/vmaXx0sWOS

— ProBoxingFans (@ProBoxingFans) March 4, 2020

Prediction: Parker is on a roll, and a win could well bring him a World title shot next time out. Murdock will come to win, but Parker should break his spirit down the stretch for a late stoppage win.

Hughie Fury (23-3, KO13) pulled out of his scheduled meeting with Pavel Sour (11-2, KO6) at the last minute late last year through illness, but the contest goes ahead over ten at Heavyweight this weekend.

Although, only 25-years-old, Fury has failed to deliver when moving up to world level and has suffered points defeats to Joseph Parker, Kubrat Pulev and Alexander Povetkin. The manner of defeat against Povetkin was disappointing to say the least and Fury will look to make a statement against the limited 37-year-old Czech.

Prediction: Sour was knocked out in a round by Filip Hrgovic in October 2017, so Fury needs to really make a similar sort of statement. I can see the visitor withdrawing from battle around the fourth round.

Sadly, a fight that fell by the wayside during fight week was Anthony Fowler’s scheduled bout with Jack Flatley, who was forced to withdraw at short notice due to a metatarsal injury sustained in training.

The Liverpudlian will still defend his WBA International Super Welterweight title, over ten rounds against late replacement, Theophilus Tetteh (19-7-2, KO12).

 

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FOWLER APPOINTS MCGUIGAN AS COACH . @afowler06 has confirmed @shanemcguigan as his new trainer after splitting with @davidcoldwell earlier this month . How much of a difference will Shane make to Anthony’s career? . #Boxing

A post shared by PROBOXING-FANS (@proboxingfans) on Jan 23, 2020 at 10:03am PST

Fowler (11-1, KO8) has rebuilt since a grudge match, split decision defeat to Scott Fitzgerald in March last year and has outscored Brian Rose and Harry Scarff over ten rounds since and has since changed trainers to Shane McGuigan, with the pair fighting for the first time together on Saturday.

Tetteh shouldn’t provide too much of a stern test for Fowler, with the Ghanaian most familiar on these shores for a five round stoppage defeat to John Ryder back in 2014. He has only fought three times since, all in his native country with all three finishing inside the distance against less than average opposition.

Prediction: Fowler is hell bent on a return match with Fitzgerald, and will need to keep winning for that to happen. I don’t see Tetteh coming to Manchester with much ambition other than to get money in the bank, and after a few rounds where he mostly covers up, Fowler should be able to unlock the door for a stoppage win around halfway.

There are also outings on the bill for Robbie Davies Jr, under new trainer Dominic Ingle, Middleweight Jack Cullen, Super Lightweight prospect Dalton Smith, Ricky Hatton-trained Ibrahim Nadim, as well as unbeaten quartet Aqib Fiaz, Reshat Mati, Blane Hyland and Bradley Rea.

The post Quigg vs Carroll: Big Fight Preview & Predictions appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

Top of the bill is the talented 27-year-old, Danny Dignum (12-0, KO6) and the Essex-based Middleweight defends his WBO European title for the first time.

It’s a dangerous assignment though, as fellow unbeaten, Alfredo Meli (17-0-1,KO5) will be in the opposite corner.

Both Dignum and Meli share a common opponent in Conrad Cummings, with the Belfast man held to a ten round split draw in November 2015 and in Dignum’s last ring appearance, he stopped Cummings in five rounds at York Hall in November.

The draw with Cummings is Meli’s only career blemish and he’s recorded six straight wins since. He last appeared on the big Falls Park bill in August 2019, scraping by the unheralded Ariak Marutjan by a single point over eight.

Dignum, a decorated amateur, having been an ABA champion and member of the GB squad is ranked #10 by in the WBO rankings and could be on course for a title eliminator with victory.

Prediction: This is a well made match, and MTK are fast gaining a reputation for matching their fighters tough, which is only a good thing. Dignum impressed last time out, while Meli had to survive a scare. I think Dignum’s amateur qualities can shine through here, and I favour him to take a points win.

25-year-old Walthamstow-based Sam Gilley (10-0, KO5) makes the step up from journeyman level opposition to title level, when he challenges for the vacant Southern Area Welterweight belt. Milton Keynes’ Curtis Felix Jr (10-1, KO1) steps down from English title level to tackle Gilley.

Felix Jr, 30, was last seen in an unsuccessful challenge to Ekow Essuman’s English belt, when stopped in eight rounds at York Hall in November last year.

 

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3 days away … a dream becomes reality class promo from @mtkglobal @unknown_boxers #MagicMan #AndTheNew

A post shared by Sam Gilley (@samgilley) on Mar 4, 2020 at 4:55am PST

This was his first career defeat, however he has previously been the ten round distance. Gilley goes past scheduled six for the first time, having only been that distance twice in his fledgling career.

Prediction: Although defeated, Felix gained valuable experience last time out, and this should count against a green opponent in Gilley. The tentative pick is for Felix to come through a close one on the cards.

The man that vacated the Southern Area Welterweight belt is Shaquille Day (13-0, KO2), and he takes part in a ten round English title eliminator at 147lbs against Kaisee Benjamin (9-1-1, KO2).

‘The Black Mexican’ knocked Louis Adolphe down twice, and outscored him over ten to claim the belt back in July 2019. Birmingham’s Benjamin has only one career blemish, in the quarter finals of Ultimate Boxxer against Sam Evans in April 2018. He is also the current Midlands Area champion.

Prediction: Day looks like he could be going places, but with Benjamin, we cant take too much from his sole defeat. I think Day’s Area title experience can carry him to a win on the scorecards.

Another battle of unbeatens sees James Hawley (5-0, KO0) and Josh Adewale (3-0, KO0) go head to head over six at Middleweight.

Steven Donnelly also has a six rounder at Middle, against an opponent yet to be announced.

Mitchell Frearson, Liam Wells, Martin McDonagh and Jack Martin all get run outs on the card.

The post Dignum vs Meli: Big Fight Preview & Predictions appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

“The vibe has been amazing and Dorticos has been in camp with newly crowned two-time world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux, two-time world champion Rances Barthelemy and two-time world champion Erislandy Lara. He has been training hard and is in superb shape.”

You came in before the Tabiti semi-final and helped Yuniel become world champion again and qualify for the Muhammad Ali Trophy. How do you see

his chances of going all the way?

“Dorticos has progressed and learned a whole lot from his last fights and the new version of the champion will showcase his ring IQ boxing skills from the Cuban school and of course his extraordinary power.”

Briedis has told that they are focusing on Yuniel’s punching power and avoiding his big punches. What are you looking at in Briedis’ boxing for your fighter to avoid?

“We don’t look at anything other than Briedis’ dirty tactics in which the whole world has seen in previous fights.

“Dorticos is a clean fighter and every time he gets into the ring he wants to put up a show and give boxing fans around the world the best of him.

“His boxing skills are on a different level and he can box or bang if need to so don’t blink come fight night because the lights might be off.”

How do you see the fight going? Yuniel has mentioned a KO, but could there be another scenario for a winning game plan?

“When the bell rings we are ready to fight 1 round or 12 rounds.

“The champion has mentioned a KO and that might just happen anytime.

“And if a knockout happens it will be a brutal one just like his last one or even better.”

You are a highly decorated trainer with Olympic gold medalists and world champions under your wings. Where would you put winning the Muhammad Ali Trophy among your triumphs?

“It will be the first time in history a Cuban trainer wins the Ali Trophy with his fighter.

“It will be an honour when our champion Dorticos picks up the Muhammad Ali Trophy and lifts it up in the air and no other Cuban trainer in the history of Cuban boxing has accomplished that.”

And where would you put Yuniel among Cuban greats if he takes the trophy to Miami?

“I will put him right next to Muhammad Ali because when he wins it will be in the memory and legacy of the all-time greatest.

“Ali’s spirit is with us and we are blessed to have him watching over our champion, his team and his family.”

You have been there and seen it all in a five-decade career, but how excited are you to be part of this final?

“I am humbled to be part of this historic moment in boxing history and the excitement is like never before in my boxing career. I can’t wait for fight night and the bell to ring!”

Tickets for the incredible Mairis Briedis vs Yuniel Dorticos Ali Trophy showdown on March 21 are on sale from €29 via bilesuserviss.lv.

The final will be broadcast live on DAZN in the U.S. Fans can visit DAZN.com or download the DAZN app to their preferred connected device.

The road to Riga:
Mairis Briedis and Yuniel Dorticos took parallel routes to the cruiserweight final of the WBSS. Briedis beat Noel Mikaelian on points in his quarter-final in Chicago and stopped Krzysztof Glowacki in Riga via TKO in the third round of a dramatic semi-final. Dorticos claimed a points victory over Mateusz Masternak in Chicago and a 10th round knockout of Andrew Tabiti in Riga – a KO that earned the ‘KO Doctor’ the ‘Knockout of the Year’ prize across multiple media.

Source: World Boxing Super Series

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