Conor Benn has warned South Africa’s Chris van Heerden that he needs to be prepared for “a whole lot of firepower” when they clash over 12 rounds for the WBA Continental Welterweight Title at the AO Arena in Manchester this Saturday April 16, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding New Zealand and Australia).

‘The Destroyer’ (20-0, 13 KOs) secured a stunning knockout win over former World Champion Chris Algieri last time out in December, taking out the American with a brutal right hand in the fourth round of their top of the bill clash at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.

Reflecting on his showreel knockout Benn said: “It was the most dramatic finish of my career for sure. It was great that I was able to put in that performance. I just went in there with such confidence. Being confident in the ring… you display it in your defence mechanisms, trust in your reflexes, trust in your power.  

“Having my dad ringside and seeing the raw emotion from him was probably the most rewarding thing out of the whole eight-week camp. Even during the fight and the feeling after the fight. Watching that video back was, me watching someone so genuinely happy for me. Nothing but happiness for his son. That for me is so warming. It made me so emotional watching it.”

The 25-year-old Essex native is yet to come up against a southpaw boxer in his 20 fights to date and is relishing the challenge of locking horns with former IBO 147lbs Champion van Heerden (28-2-1, 12 KOs) – a seasoned veteran who has only been stopped by Errol Spence Jr in 32 professional fights. 

“Every fighter I fight now moving forward is going to be more experienced, but it means nothing to me,” said Benn. “Who they’ve fought and what they’ve done in their career doesn’t matter because they haven’t fought me. I know what I can do and I know what I’m capable of. I believe in my work ethic and I believe in my team. I believe in my mindset and I believe in my physical attributes. I believe in my power and I believe in my boxing ability. Bring me whoever, I’m confident in what I can do.”

‘The Heat’ hasn’t held back with his pre-fight trash talk, labelling Benn an “emotional, angry fighter” who relies solely on his power. Benn is determined to prove his doubters wrong once again and has promised to earn van Heerden’s respect as he aims to take another step towards a World Title shot in the thriving Welterweight division.

“van Heerden is a good fighter, he’s a tricky fighter, he’s a tough fighter. He’s a come forward southpaw and a former World Champion. He’s been in there with the best. First southpaw opponent – they’re definitely hard work that’s for sure. You have to think a lot more. You have to demonstrate a lot more skill. You can’t just go in there with the same approach as you would with an orthodox fighter. 

“He’s wanted this fight for a while. He told me he needed this fight for himself, needed it for closure. We’ve made the fight happen. Hopefully he comes prepared, which I believe he will. He said he doesn’t rate my boxing ability. If you don’t respect me then I’ll make you respect me. Chris van Heerden needs to be ready for a whole lot of firepower. He needs to be ready for someone who fights like he’s got everything to lose.”

Benn vs. van Heerden tops a huge night of action in Manchester, Bournemouth’s European Cruiserweight Champion Chris Billam-Smith (14-1, 10 KOs) rematch Belfast’s former champion Tommy McCarthy (18-3, 9 KOs) following their epic back and forth battle at the Matchroom HQ last summer, WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Champion Alycia Baumgardner (11-1, 7 KOs) makes the first defence of her World Titles against Edith Matthysse (17-11-1, 1 KOs) following her shock win over Terri Harper last November, Little Lever’s Jack Cullen (20-3-1, 9 KOs) aims to bounce back from his stoppage loss to Kevin Lele Sadjo in December when he meets Vladimir Belujsky (12-3-1, 8 KOs) over eight rounds, Hyde Lightweight prospect Campbell Hatton (6-0, 2 KOs) quickly returns to action against Lee Glover (11-9, 3 KOs) over six rounds, hard hitting Cruiserweight talent Jordan Thompson (12-0, 10 KOs) clashes with Mariano Angel Gudino (14-5, 9 KOs) over eight rounds, Alnwick Welterweight Cyrus Pattinson (3-0, 1 KO) hopes to make it two wins from two fights in 2022 when he takes on Alexey Tukhtarov (5-28-6, 3 KOs) over eight rounds, Liverpool Light-Heavyweight Thomas Whittaker-Hart (6-0, 3 KOs) faces Ben Ridings (5-1) over six rounds, Salford Super-Lightweight Luke Evans (11-0, 1 KO) locks horns with Miguel Cesario Antin (19-10, 8 KOs) over six rounds while James Metcalfe warms up for his European Middleweight Title fight with a six round contest against Evgenii Vazem (9-26, 4 KOs).

Conor Benn will defend his WBA Continental Welterweight Title against South Africa’s Chris Van Heerden at the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday April 16, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding New Zealand and Australia).

‘The Destroyer’ (20-0, 13 KOs) secured a stunning knockout win over former World Champion Chris Algieri last time out in December, taking out the American with a brutal right hand in the fourth round of their top of the bill clash at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.

The 25-year-old contender from Essex holds top ten rankings with the WBA, WBO and IBF after notching three wins during a breakout 2021 – and the British star believes that 2022 will be an even bigger year for him as he works towards a World Title shot.

‘The Heat’ (28-2-1, 12 KOs), born in Johannesburg, South Africa, previously held the IBO Welterweight World Title from 2011 until 2013, beating Kaizer Mabuza, Sebastian Andres Lujan and Matthew Hatton during his Title reign.

Now residing in Santa Monica, California, USA the 34-year-old southpaw is eager to test himself against one of the fastest rising Welterweights in world boxing and should provide valuable rounds having only been stopped once by Errol Spence in 32 fights.

A huge undercard sees Bournemouth’s European Cruiserweight Champion Chris Billam-Smith (14-1, 10 KOs) rematch Belfast’s former champion Tommy McCarthy (18-3, 9 KOs) following their epic back and forth battle at the Matchroom HQ last summer.

‘The Gentleman’ withstood a late fightback from McCarthy as he edged out a narrow split points decision to add the British and European Cruiserweight Titles to his Commonwealth Title, before defending his EBU crown with a points win over Dylan Bregeon in Sheffield.

Manchester Super-Featherweight contender Zelfa Barrett (27-1, 16 KOs) looks to build on his impressive IBF World Title Eliminator win over Australia’s Bruno Tarimo on the Parker vs. Chisora 2 undercard when he challenges European Champion Faroukh Kourbanov (19-3, 3 KOs) – a former opponent of Joe Cordina.

Hard hitting Cruiserweight talent Jordan Thompson (12-0, 10 KOs) has scored two big first round knockouts since putting pen to paper on a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn last June, and the 28-year-old from Manchester will be out to impress his home fans again as he works towards his first Title shot in 2022.

Hyde Lightweight prospect Campbell Hatton (6-0, 2 KOs) quickly returns to action after earning the best win of his career over Joe Ducker last month, Little Lever’s Jack Cullen (20-3-1, 9 KOs) aims to bounce back from his stoppage loss to Kevin Lele Sadjo in December and Alnwick Welterweight Cyrus Pattinson (3-0, 1 KO) hopes to make it two wins from two fights in 2022.

“I’m excited to step into the ring with Chris Van Heerden,” said Benn. “Van Heerden is a tough operator and a southpaw who will be in there giving it his all in every round. For me and my team it’s now about fighting every style that we can face as we continue to head towards World Championship status and Van Heerden brings something different to the table than I’ve not faced before.

“With that being said this is another stepping stone for me on my journey to the top, I haven’t seen anything in Van Heerden’s previous fights that I can’t deal with, and I expect another explosive victory on April 16. If he comes to fight or he wants to box, I can deliver that smoke either way! The AO Arena has to be one of the most exciting venues to fight in. I love Manchester. I get shown a lot of love and support up in Manchester – it’s a fighting city. I bring the entertainment every time I fight and I can’t wait for April 16.”

“Sometimes it takes 10 years for that one year to come around that completely changes your life,” said Van Heerden. “This is my year. I want to thank Conor Benn for taking the fight, knowing that I’m coming to beat him in his backyard. I also want to thank Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing for taking this risk and my manager Peter Kahn for getting this fight done. I am looking forward to putting on a show in Manchester on DAZN.”

“Conor Benn is fast becoming one of the biggest stars in British Boxing and he faces by far the toughest test of his career to date when he takes on Chris Van Heerden in Manchester on April 16,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Van Heerden has mixed at the very highest level and faced fearsome Welterweight ‘Boots’ Ennis last time out before the fight was ruled a no contest due to a clash of heads – he always comes to fight, and I expect a gruelling battle for Conor. We are building an action-packed card and already announce the rematch of one of the Fight of the Year contender between Chris Billam-Smith and Tommy McCarthy and local star Zelfa Barrett challenges for the European Title. I expect another blistering statement from Conor Benn live worldwide on DAZN.”

“We are excited to welcome back one of the brightest prospects in boxing, Conor Benn, to the platform when he takes on former IBO Welterweight Champion Chris Van Heerden on April 16,” said Ed Breeze, EVP Rights at DAZN. “This is another huge test for Conor as he continues his quest to capture a World Title in 2022. We pride ourselves in having the best schedule in boxing, and with the announce of this matchup in April and early May you will see Canelo Alvarez, Ryan Garcia, GGG, Taylor vs. Serrano and Conor all fighting live on DAZN.”

Tickets are priced £40, £60, £100, £150 and £300 (VIP).

FightPass tickets will be available to purchase for Matchroom Boxing FightPass members from midday on Thursday March 10 via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)

General Sale tickets will be available to purchase from midday on Friday March 11 via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) and the AO Arena (www.ao-arena.com).

16:00 GMT LIVE ON BEFORE THE BELL

4 x 3 mins International Super-Bantamweight contest
JOE MCGRAIL121lbs 4ozv FRANCISCO RODRIGUEZ 117lbs 11oz   
(Liverpool, England)             (Alfacar, Spain)

followed by

6 x 3 mins International Super-Lightweight contest
CALUM FRENCH10st 6ozv RUSTEM FATKHULLIN 10st 12oz
(Gateshead, England)            (Ufa, Russia)

followed by

8 x 3 mins International Featherweight contest
JORDAN GILL 128lbs 10ozv ALAN ISAIAS LUQUES CASTILLO 127lbs     
(Chatteris, England)               (Cordoba, Argentina)

followed by

4 x 3 mins International Super-Welterweight contest
PADDY LACEY 11st 3lbs 2ozv VASIF MAMEDOV 11st 6lbs 5oz      
(Chester, England)                     (Perm, Russia)

followed by

19:00 GMT LIVE ON DAZN

10 x 3 mins vacant WBA International Middleweight Title
CAOIMHIN AGYARKO 159lbs 5oz v NOE LARIOS JR 160lbs
(Belfast, Northern Ireland)                (California, USA)

followed by

6 x 3 mins International Super-Bantamweight contest
PETER MCGRAIL 123lbs 4oz v ENGEL GOMEZ 124lbs 12oz                
(Liverpool, England)                  (Chinandega, Nicaragua)

followed by

10 x 3 mins vacant WBA Continental Super-Featherweight Title 
JOE CORDINA 129lbs 15oz v MIKO KHATCHATRYAN 129lbs 12oz          
(Cardiff, Wales)                        (Liege, Belgium)

followed by

10 x 3 mins vacant WBA Continental Super-Lightweight Title
ROBBIE DAVIES JR 139lbs 2oz v HENRY LUNDY 141lbs 4oz             
(Liverpool, England)                      (Philadelphia, USA)

followed by

10 x 2 mins Undisputed Lightweight World Titles
KATIE TAYLOR 134lbs 11oz v FIRUZ SHARIPOVA 143lbs 4oz              
(Bray, Ireland)                           (Taraz, Kazakhstan)

followed by

12 x 3 mins WBA Continental Welterweight Title
CONOR BENN 146lbs 8oz v CHRIS ALGIERI 146lbs             
(Brentwood, England)            (New York, USA)

Rising Welterweight star Conor Benn will face former World Champion Chris Algieri at the top of a huge night of boxing at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool on Saturday December 11, live worldwide on DAZN. 

‘The Destroyer’ (19-0, 12 KOs) maintained his perfect record with a shutout points win over Mexico’s Adrian Granados on the Lara vs. Warrington 2 bill in September after he was given a deafening welcome by over 20,000 Leeds fans, and the Essex native is looking to end a huge year in style as he pushes towards more titles. 

New York’s Algieri (25-3, 9 KOs), a former WBO Super-Lightweight World Champion, represents a big step-up in class for 25-year-old Benn having shared the ring with some of the biggest names in the sport including modern legend Manny Pacquiao, former unified Super-Lightweight ruler Amir Khan and unified Welterweight World Champion Errol Spence Jr.

“To headline in a city like Liverpool you need to be in the ring against a world class operator,” said Benn. “Chris has done it all, a former World Champion and exactly the opponent I need to gain experience from. 

“We expect Algieri to bring his best, but I want him deep in the trenches with me, I want to use this opportunity to display my skills and ability against a quality fighter to prepare me and take another step closer to a World Title. A former World Champ vs. a very, very hungry contender, I can’t wait for December 11.”

“This has a big fight feel to it and I’m thrilled to be back on this type of stage,” said Algieri. “The UK has brilliant fans and I’m looking forward to performing in front of those legendary crowds. 

“December 11 with be a masterclass with me utilising my deep bag of skills and experience. Benn is hungry and tough but this is a huge step up in class for him. I’m coming to show that it’s not his time yet. I still got the goods and the world will see it once again come fight night.”

“Chris Algieri represents Conor Benn’s toughest test yet”, said Ed Breeze, EVP Rights at DAZN. ‘We believe Conor will be a superstar of the sport and we are incredibly excited to see him finish his breakout year in style, live and exclusive worldwide on DAZN.”

Full card details will be announced next week.

Tickets are priced £40, £60, £80, £100 & £300 (VIP).

Matchroom Fight Pass members will be able to purchase tickets from midday on Monday November 8. Priority ticket info will be emailed directly to eligible members.

General Sale tickets can be purchased via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) from midday on Tuesday November 9.

Rising Welterweight star Conor Benn has signed a new multi-fight deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing after maintaining his perfect record with a shutout points with over Adrian Granados in Leeds earlier this month. 

‘The Destroyer’ (19-0, 12 KOs), who has made incredible improvements under Tony Sims, is one of the hottest talents in world boxing following an impressive run of standout wins that have skyrocketed him into World Title contention in the ultra-competitive 147lbs division.  

The 24-year-old Essex native began his excellent run of form by dominating Germany’s Sebastian Formella over ten rounds last November, outfighting and outboxing the former IBO World Champion at the top of the bill at The SSE Arena, Wembley. 

Benn sent out a brutal warning to his Welterweight rivals by wiping out Samuel Vargas inside the opening round at the Copper Box Arena in April, living up to his nickname as he took just 1 minute and 20 seconds to viciously halt the durable Colombian. 

20,000 fans gave Benn a deafening welcome as he made his first ever ring walk in Leeds, and the fan favourite repaid their support by widely outpointing the elusive Mexican Granados to retain his WBA Continental Title and stay in line for a World Title shot. 

“I am extremely excited to extend my professional relationship with Matchroom Boxing,” said Benn. “Matchroom believed in me from the start, they gave me an amazing opportunity and have supported me to grow as a professional fighter, now with the backing of a global streaming platform in DAZN we have made huge plans to be involved in big fights, headlining major events across the globe and making progressive moves towards achieving my goal of being a World Champion in the near future. 

“I want to say thank you to my team, Tony Sims, Charlie Sims and Lee Emptage for their help in assisting me to getting this deal over the line, also Eddie Hearn for the continued belief in pursuing my dreams and making them a reality, lastly a thank you to the rest of the Matchroom Boxing team for the hard work that goes into the events behind the scenes and making the special nights possible.”

“I’m delighted to sign a new multi-fight promotional deal with Conor Benn,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “I’ve witnessed first hand how hard this young man has worked and he now sits as a major player in British boxing. He next fight will be in December and an announcement on this will be made soon.”

“Working with Conor and Matchroom Boxing is a pleasure, both professionally and personally,” said Tony Sims. “I have seen the talent emerge from Conor since the early stages, it has taken time and persistence to get here and I know Eddie and the Matchroom team have always backed us, produced opportunities and delivered at the highest level. Right now, in my opinion there isn’t a better team in boxing for Conor to take him all the way. With Matchroom and DAZN supporting us, Conor can progress to a level where he can be consistently headline major events, in major fights as we continue our pursuit of World Title challenges. I’m extremely happy we have a solid plan and signed a deal moving forward with Eddie and the team.”

LOS ANGELES, CA (September 16, 2021) – Prince Ranch Boxing’s undefeated welterweight, Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (14-0-1, 9 KOs), wants to give the fans a big fight and is targeting Adrien Broner (34-4-1, 24 KOs) and Conor Benn (19-0, 12 KO) as fighters he wishes to face next.

“It is time that I give the fans what they want, a great show, and I want to challenge either Adrien Broner or Conor Benn for my next fight,” said Cobbs, who is ready to face all of the biggest stars in the division. “I know I will stop Broner and I will beat Benn easily, the big question is will either of them fight me.”

“Blair is a fan-favorite and we would love to make a fight with another fighter that gets his fans excited and Broner, as well as Benn, fit that bill,” said Cobbs’ manager, Greg Hannley, CEO of Prince Ranch Boxing. “He is ready for any level of competition, and we are willing to put Blair in with anyone at any time.”

Cobbs last fought decorated amateur Brad Solomon, whom he stopped in the fifth round in a performance that had fight fans in El Paso, Texas on their feet. Cobbs now wants to take the division by storm.

“I want to show the fans my true skills, and to do that I need an opponent to bring it out of me,” said Cobbs. “I think both of these fights make sense and are realistic, and I have no issue signing a contract to fight, in fact, it is very easy. I beat Ferdinand Kerobyan in his backyard, I can do that again to another fighter as well, or we can fight in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, or honestly anywhere – I just like to fight.”

Mauricio Lara and former world champion Josh Warrington fought to a technical draw after a clash of heads opened up a cut over Lara’s left eye after two rounds at Headlingley Rugby Stadium in Leeds, England.

The fight was just starting to open up when the headbutt occurred. The fight was a rematch of a contest that saw Lara knockout Warrington in February.

Lara, 125 1/2 lbs of Mexico City is now 23-2-1. Warrington of Leeds, ENG is 30-1-1.

Taylor Decisions Han; Retains Undisputed Lightweight Title

Katie Taylor retained the undisputed Lightweight world championship with a 10-round unanimous decision over Jennifer Han.

In round eight, Taylor dropped Han with a left hook. Replays showed that it could have been a slip. Han also started to swell under her right eye in the round.

Taylor landed 93 of 340 punches; Han was 66 of 338.

Taylor, 134 3/4 lbs of Bray, IRE won by scores of 100-89 on all cards, and is now 19-0. Han, 134 1/4 lbs of El Paso, TEX is now 18-4-1-1.

Benn Decisions Granados

Conor Benn remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision in a welterweight bout.

Benn landed 152 of 460 punches; Granados was 99 of 429.

Benn, 146 1/2 lbs of Brentwood, ENG won by scores of and is now 19-0. Granados, 146 1/2 lbs of Chicago, IL is 21-9-3.

Hughes Decisions Straffon

Maxi Hughes pounded out a 12-round unanimous decision over Jovanni Straffon in a lightweight bout.

Hughes hurt Straffon on several occasions including almost having him out in round four.

Hughes, 134 1/4 lbs of Rossington, ENG won by scores of 120-107 twice and 119-109 and is now 24-5-2. Straffon, 134 1/4 lbs of Mexico City, MEX is 24-4-1.

Bridges Decisions Gangloff

Ebanie Bridges won an eight-round decision over Mailys Gangloff in a bantamweight fight.

Bridges, 118 lbs of New South wales, AUS fought through a welled right eye and injured right hand but still won by a 77-76 score and is now 7-1. Gangloff, 116 lbs of Aix-les-Bains, FRA is 5-3.

Hope Price remained undefeated with a 2nd round stoppage of Zahid Hussain in a scheduled 10-round super bantamweight fight.

Just as the bell rang to end round one, Price landed a perfect right hook that clipped the jaw and sent Hussain on his backside. Fortunately for Hussain, he got to his feet to end the round. In round two, it was a combination that put Hussain down for a 2nd time. Price finished the fight with a barrage of punches that forced a referee stoppage at 2:33.

Price, 121 3/4 lbs of Leeds, ENG is 6-0 with two knockouts. Hussain, 121 lbs of Leeds, ENG is 16-2.

Jack Bateson survived a knockdown to win a six-round decision over Felix Garcia in a super bantamweight bout.

In round three, Garcia dropped Bateson with a looping right hand to the chest. Bateson was about to steady himself and win the rest of the fight.

Bateson, 124 lbs of Leeds, ENG won by a 58-56 score and is now 14-0. Garica, 123 lbs of Juigalpa, NIC is now 7-3-1.

Brandon Stansfield won a four-round decision over MJ Hall in a super welterweight bout.

Stansfield, 149 1/2 lbs of Leeds, ENG won by a 40-36 score and is now 2-0. Hall, 148 1/2 lbs of Brierley Hill, ENG is 2-62-2.

In round one, Hall began to bleed from his nose.

Mali Wright made a successful pro debut with a stoppage of Antony Woolery after round two of their scheduled four-round light heavyweight bout.

Wright, 180 bs of Chapeltown, England is 1-0 with one knockout. Woolery, 181 3/4 lbs of Wolverhampton, England is 2-7.

London, UK (4 September 2021) As a professional, world ranked welter Conor Benn can boast more fights (18) than Stevie McKenna has had rounds (15) so far, but that doesn’t dissuade the smoking Smithsborough, County Monaghan ‘Hitman’ from actively staking a shootout with the son of Hall of Fame legend Nigel Benn.

‘I want to get to Conor Benn before somebody else does,’ fired the super confident 24-year-old ex- Irish amateur standout ahead of Benn’s fight tonight in Leeds.

’I’m sure it’s a fight the fans would love to see, probably next year. My style, my physicality, would prove far too much. I’m 6ft 1 (in), huge at 147 (lbs) where he’s very small for the weight. He might have 18 pro fights on his record but he’s not been fighting high calibre and, unlike me, Benn has nominal amateur pedigree.

‘He’ll never have come across anything as hard-hitting as me. He’s wild, easy to hit and he’ll be feeling it whenever I connect. His dad’s career was finished by a man from the south of Ireland (Steve Collins) so they’ll no doubt be coming for revenge. I’ll happily oblige.’

Since debuting at super-lightweight in April 2019, monstrous punching McKenna has flattened all eight victims long before the cards were called. Five faltered in the opening session and, with six succumbing to the full 10 count, the evidence suggests savage Stevie carries a real kayo kick rather than profiting from overly cautious matchmaking.

‘The power is very real,’ warns a man who has done copious sparring rounds with world grade talents such as Josh Taylor, Jose Ramirez, Vasyl Lomachenko and Ryan Garcia

‘It’s down to years of hard work plus my natural leverage. It’s a combination of precision, timing, speed and accuracy. Plus mindset. You obviously hope everyone goes home safely to their family but, it’s the hurt business and, whenever I step inside that ring, my aim is to throw every punch with bad intent. If I stun them, I look to take their head off.’

With 179 amateur contests on his CV, many in the international singlet, the former Commonwealth Youth champion and European Youth finalist is not unduly concerned by the lack of rounds on his pro ledger.

‘It’d be good to go some rounds but I’ll not be dragging fights unnecessarily,’ states McKenna, who made his pro debut in a bull fighting arena in Pico Rivera, California.

‘Every fight, I train as if I need to go the 10 or 12 round distance. There’ll always be one who could take my shots – though I doubt for 12 rounds – and you could always get cut and have a No Contest or a loss. If I clip my opponent, I’m not messing around. Eventually, I’ll get to all of them.’

The possibility of being placed into an involuntary siesta means that the queue to fight McKenna is exceedingly short.

He claims: ‘There’s already guys looking to avoid me but hopefully some will accept the challenge of trying to take me the distance, even beat me. I’ll likely have to force my way into a mandatory position to get the title shots.’

Despite the global pandemic, this most focussed of fighting men insists he’ll be perfectly primed for when he resumes his rampage against Frenchman Moussa Gary on his promoter Mick Hennessy’s Channel 5 screened blockbuster show at Coventry Skydome Arena on September 10th.

‘In truth, every camp is like lockdown anyway,’ says McKenna.

‘I’ve had a tremendous camp, working with my dad Fergal (his coach) and my younger brother, Aaron (an 11-0, super-welter), who provides great spars. We work on technique, bring each other on. I’ve also done some quality sparring with Robbie Davies Jr, a really top guy, at the McGuigan gym on the mainland.

‘I’m really happy to get back and hope Mick can keep the fights rolling. He and Channel Five have big, big plans for me. By the end of the year, I’d like to fighting 10 rounds for a World Youth title. That’s the plan.’

Supremely confident, Stevie warns the fraternity to tune in on time, concluding:

‘I’m there to entertain. You’ll not want to blink!’

Tickets are available to purchase now from only £40* from the Coventry Skydome Arena website https://iceaccount.co.uk/championship-boxing

ITV Central feature | Michelin starred chef Glynn Purnell gives a masterclass in cooking with Sam Eggington, Shakan Pitters, Kaisee Benjamin and River Wilson-Bent
Sam Eggington’s WBC Silver Middleweight title defence against unbeaten French star Bilel Jkitou headlines an action packed card Hennessy All-Stars featuring some of the stars from the promoter’s stable including big-hitting Brixton star Isaac Chamberlain; Irish KO king Stevie McKenna faces France’s Moussa Gary over six rounds ; Birmingham’s Former British Light-Heavyweight Champion Shakan Pitters tackles Holland’s Farouk Daku over eight rounds; Coventry’s dynamite-punching middleweight sensation River Wilson-Bent takes on Bosnian hardman Sladjan Janjanin in a 10-round international contest, Birmingham welterweight ace Kaisee Benjamin battles Finland’s Jarkko Putkonen over ten rounds; Birmingham’s flash and brash Love Island and super-middleweight star Idris Virgo takes on the Czech Republic’s Michal Ryba over six rounds; red-hot Irish super-welterweight talent Brett McGinty faces Lithuania’s Lukas Ulys over four rounds; Brighton heavyweight destroyer Tommy Welch squares up against Spain’s Alvaro Terrero over four rounds and completing the card is the silky skilled Sevenoaks prospect Michael Hennessy Jr. against Latvian Maksims Dembovskis.

Adrian Granados is determined to prove that he is still a major threat on the world scene by becoming the first man to defeat rising Welterweight star Conor Benn when they collide on the undercard of Mauricio Lara vs. Josh Warrington 2 at Emerald Headingley Stadium in Leeds this Saturday September 4, shown live worldwide on DAZN.

‘El Tigre’, a 33-fight veteran who is no stranger to boxing’s biggest platforms, will finally lock horns with ‘The Destroyer’ in front of 20,000 fans at the home of Leeds Rhinos this weekend after their Fight Camp meeting was quashed by a positive COVID-19 test, and the 32-year-old Mexican American believes he is on another level to the opponents Benn has faced up to this point in his career. 

Granados (21-8-3, 15 KOs) is the vastly more experienced fighter having gone the distance with former two-time Welterweight World Champion Shawn Porter and former multi-division World Champion Adrien Broner in losing efforts. Despite having 8 losses on his record, some of which he feels are controversial, the Chicago fighter believes that he still has a World Title shot in him.

“I’ve been chomping at the bit for this fight,” said Granados. “It was frustrating at the time because we were ready to go. I was already in the zone and just ready to fight Conor, but it happened, this is the day and age we live in now where this can happen. I’m still crossing my fingers because we’re not there yet, when the bell goes, I’ll feel a little calmer. It worked out, I got a couple of days off and then flew home. We didn’t even stay for the fights. We flew right home and got back to work.

“It’s fight week, so I think he reignited the flame again, but he’s been pretty quiet the past few weeks. Leading up to the last fight he was very vocal and brash. I think somebody hit him with some peace of mind and he’s tried to go the humble route this time. We all know how Conor Benn is and we know the type of character he is, and it’s starting to come back.

“I’m excited. I accept all challenges. If he thinks that he’s better than me on his worst day, I want his best. Don’t give me your worst, I want the best of Conor Benn so I can beat him straight out. I think I’m better than him. It’s not so much humbling him, it’s more teaching him a lesson. My career has been so up and down, and I’ve been in and out of so many different controversial things. I’m on a mission to prove my point that I’m still one of the best fighters in the world.

“A lot of people are underestimating me. The odds are crazy right now. The way it looks they’re already making plans for him in December against Adrian Broner – somebody who I believe I beat as well. If I beat Conor then I’ll be like, ‘let me get that Broner fight’. Let me get my rematch. If he’s looking past me then let me look past him. If you guys have got future plans for him then I’m going to start making my own plans.

“I don’t have the prettiest record in boxing and usually people are quick to attack me with that. The real diehards hit me with the fact that I’ve been robbed so many times. All three of my draws were clear wins and my losses – I count maybe half of them or three of them. I can’t accept all of those losses that I have. It’s just unfortunate. That’s why I feel boxing is actually killing itself. It turns people off the sport. I’m hoping for a fair shake and that justice is served, and that the best man wins. 

“We’re both hot heads – I think him a lot more than I. I’ve got it in me. I’ve got that Mexican style. I’m that type if you hit me, I want to hit you back. It’s going to make for exciting fireworks. I’m excited for this fight, he’s excited for this fight and everyone is excited for this fight. We’re both planning on putting on a show. I just turned 32, I’m a young veteran. I’m a savvy vet and I’ve got a lot of tools in my toolbox. I think I’ve got a lot more to offer in a fight than Conor Benn.”

Benn vs. Granados is part of a huge night of action in Leeds, Mauricio Lara (23-2, 16 KOs) and Josh Warrington (30-1, 7 KOs) face each other again in a huge rematch for the Featherweight division, Undisputed Lightweight ruler Katie Taylor (18-0, 6 KOs) defends her WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine crowns against her latest Mandatory Challenger Jennifer Han (18-3-1, 1 KOs), Mexico’s Jovanni Straffon (24-3-1, 17 KOs) makes the first defence of his IBO Lightweight World Title against the in-form Maxi Hughes (23-5-2, 5 KOs), Australia’s Ebanie Bridges (6-1, 3 KOs) looks to build on her impressive KO win over Bec Connolly at Fight Camp earlier this month when she meets Mailys Gangloff (5-2, 2 KOs), Super-Bantamweight prospect Hopey Price (5-0, 1 KO) steps up against Zahid Hussain (16-1, 2 KOs) in an all-Leeds clash, undefeated Super-Bantamweight talent Jack Bateson (13-0, 3 KOs) clashes with Felix Garcia (7-2-1, 3 KOs) over six rounds, 1-0 Super-Welterweight Brandon Stansfield takes on MJ Hall (2-61-2) and Light-Heavyweight Mali Wright makes his pro debut against Antony Woolery (2-6).

Limited remaining tickets are available from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk).

Conor Benn has put his Fight Camp disappointment behind him and is now fully focused on stealing the show when he defends his WBA Continental Welterweight Title against Adrian Granados at Emerald Headingley Stadium in Leeds this Saturday September 4, shown live worldwide on DAZN.

‘The Destroyer’ was set to headline the first Matchroom Fight Camp event last month before a positive COVID-19 test forced the Essex native to pull out of his clash with Mexican-American Granados on the Thursday of fight week. 

Benn, a face of the British boxing future, upped his stock in a major way after a first-round destruction of Samuel Vargas in April to improve to 18-0 with 12 knockouts, and the surging 24-year-old knows that another standout victory will push him a step closer to a World Title shot in the 147lbs division. 

“I was devastated,” admitted Benn. “I went home half not believing it. We did around eight tests. I was absolutely devastated. I worked extremely hard and had a blinding camp. It honestly pained me so much – I even shed a few tears. I’m going to go through adversity again. It’s just how you react to it. What’s for me won’t pass me, so come September 4 in front of 20,000 I’ll put on a show.

“I was quite worried about long Covid. A few people messaged me saying not to train too hard too soon. When I broke my jaw, and I had my first sparring session back, people were saying, ‘you’re going to be a bit hesitant’, and I thought, ‘no I’m not’. If it goes it goes. If my jaw goes it goes. I’m not going to have that at the back of my head.

“That was my mindset with training. When I was doing my sprints on the steps down at Leigh-on-Sea, how am I hitting my PB after Covid? How am I hitting my PB for a 5 miler? I’m not going to say it’s all been heaven because a lot of people have been affected by COVID, but I’m blessed to have made a full recovery in time for this huge show. 

“I don’t have a message for Granados. I don’t. There is nothing to say. I let my fists do the talking. Everything that has been said from both parties has been said now. At the end of the day the promo is done. All that’s left to do now is fight, and come September 4 he is in for one hell of a fight. I know he’s going to bring it – but that gets me going. Let’s have it!

“He’s a tough durable guy, the only person to stop him is Danny Garcia. He won the fight against Adrian Broner. He gave hell to Shawn Porter. He fought Robert Easter Jr. He’s been in with the top boys, but he’s in with another top boy. I just want to fight now. I just want to get in there now. 

“Vargas he’s going, ‘well yeah, you’re not Khan, you’re not Vergil Ortiz, you’re not Errol Spence, you’re not Danny Garcia’, nah I’m Conor Benn mate. That’s my approach – if they don’t want to put respect on my name then I’ll make them put respect on my name. At the end of the day I’m up for a hard fight, but I’ve got his number on my worst day.”

Benn vs. Granados is part of a huge night of action in Leeds, Mauricio Lara (23-2, 16 KOs) and Josh Warrington (30-1, 7 KOs) face each other again in a huge rematch for the Featherweight division, Undisputed Lightweight ruler Katie Taylor (18-0, 6 KOs) defends her WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine crowns against her latest Mandatory Challenger Jennifer Han (18-3-1, 1 KOs), Mexico’s Jovanni Straffon (24-3-1, 17 KOs) makes the first defence of his IBO Lightweight World Title against the in-form Maxi Hughes (23-5-2, 5 KOs), Australia’s Ebanie Bridges (6-1, 3 KOs) looks to build on her impressive KO win over Bec Connolly at Fight Camp earlier this month when she meets Mailys Gangloff (5-2, 2 KOs), Super-Bantamweight prospect Hopey Price (5-0, 1 KO) steps up against Zahid Hussain (16-1, 2 KOs) in an all-Leeds clash, undefeated Super-Bantamweight talent Jack Bateson (13-0, 3 KOs) clashes with Felix Garcia (7-2-1, 3 KOs) over six rounds, 1-0 Super-Welterweight Brandon Stansfield takes on MJ Hall (2-61-2) and Light-Heavyweight Mali Wright makes his pro debut against Anthony Woolery (2-6).

Limited remaining tickets are available from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk).

Adrian Granados says he will “humble” Conor Benn when they collide for the WBA Continental Welterweight Title at the top of Fight Camp Week 1 in Brentwood, Essex on Saturday July 31, live worldwide on DAZN.

‘Tigre’, a 33-fight veteran who is no stranger to boxing’s biggest platforms, has gone the distance with former two-time Welterweight World Champion Shawn Porter and former multi-division World Champion Adrien Broner in losing efforts – and the 31-year-old believes he is on another level to the opponents Benn has faced.

Benn produced dominant performances in his last two outings against Sebastian Formella and Samuel Vargas – leading to many in the sport labelling him as one of the new stars of the thriving 147lbs division – and Granados says that he will need to stop the 24-year-old Essex native if he is to come away with a victory. 

“I want to beat Conor Benn and get closer towards a World Title shot of my own,” said Granados. “I’m not worried about whatever Conor Benn is saying. He’s saying he’s going to stop me. He’s saying he’s going to do this and do that. You know what? I don’t talk, I just show up, and that’s what I’m going to do. 

“Confidence is good. That’s what we all have. I’m a confident fighter. I’m confident in my abilities. I just don’t talk the way he does. Some of the things he said about me, it’s like, ‘alright boy you’re going to find out now’. Don’t be talking all that mess because you’re going to get humbled real quick. 

“I’m not anybody else you ever fought. He’s making it seem like he’s going to dismantle me, he’s going to destroy me. It’s like bro, you ain’t nobody. I didn’t even know who he was until recently. I’ve got respect for the Benn name. I respect him because he’s a Benn. It’s from his dad and what his dad has done. 

“I’m going to have to stop him because I’m fighting England’s new golden boy in England. I’ve got to stop him. I know everyone was impressed with his fight with Samuel Vargas but he just kind of jumped on Sammy and Sammy wasn’t expecting all that. It was a great win for him, but I’m not Samuel Vargas. 

“I kind of see myself as a loveable loser because I just can’t get a decision. I can’t get a win at the big stage. I give hell to whoever I fight. Have they looked at my losses and think I’m the right fight to take? My career could look so much different if the right decisions were made in my fights. I know that I’m going to show the heart that I’ve got and the balls that I’ve got.

“I’ve asked questions of much better fighters than Conor Benn and I’m not coming to the U.K. to make up the numbers. This is a big opportunity for me against a fighter I know they’re hyping to be the next big thing. They’ve made a mistake in picking me. This is a big moment for me and I’m taking it.” Benn vs. Granados tops a huge night of action as Fight Camp returns with a bang, WBA Featherweight World Champion Xu Can (18-2, 3 KOs) puts his Title on the line against Nottingham’s Leigh Wood (24-2, 14 KOs), Tommy McCarthy (18-2, 9 KOs) and Chris Billam-Smith (12-1, 10 KOs) collide in a massive showdown for the European, British and Commonwealth Cruiserweight Titles, former World Title challenger Avni Yildirim (21-3, 12 KOs) aims to bounce back from his loss to pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez when he takes on ‘Little Lever’s Meat Cleaver’ Jack Cullen (19-2-1, 9 KOs), Liverpool Super-Welterweight Anthony Fowler (14-1, 11 KOs) promises to build on his huge third-round knockout win over Jorge Fortea, Manchester Lightweight Campbell Hatton (2-0) continues his young journey in the pro ranks against Jakub Laskowski (4-4-1, 2 KOs) and former amateur star Sandy Ryan makes her highly-anticipated professional debut at Super-Lightweight against Kirstie Bavington (3-1-2, 2 KOs).

Conor Benn is aiming to take another step towards a World Title shot when he puts his WBA Continental Welterweight Title on the line against Adrian Granados at the top of the first week of Matchroom Fight Camp in Brentwood, Essex on Saturday July 31, live worldwide on DAZN.

‘The Destroyer’ lived up to his name last time out in April when he took just 1 minute and 20 seconds to wipe out Samuel Vargas inside the opening round and improve his unblemished record to 18-0 with twelve knockouts, sending out a brutal warning to his Welterweight rivals. 

The rapidly improving 24-year-old has promised more fireworks when he meets Mexico’s Granados – a 33-fight veteran who is no stranger to boxing’s biggest platforms having gone the distance with former two-time Welterweight World Champion Shawn Porter and former multi-division World Champion Adrien Broner in losing efforts.

“Last time out – big statement,” said Benn. “Would I have liked to get more rounds in? Of course, but I’m not going to complain about knocking him out in one round! I was straight off to have my Ruby Murray. I’m looking for world honours. I’m knocking on the door for World Titles. For me to be headlining the first Fight Camp show, live on DAZN, is a blessing. Entertainment is what you’ll get from me. Value for money. Expect fireworks every single time I fight. I don’t care who you are, nobody wants to watch a boring fight. I’m here for a good time, not a long time. 

“I’m interested to see how much further we can go. Do I believe I can win a World Title? 100%. There will always be critics. There will always be naysayers. It’s impossible for them because that’s their mindset. That’s why they sit on social media projecting their faults. I don’t think anything is impossible. If I wanted to switch and do whatever it is – it could be absolutely anything – I’ll make it successful. It’s not just boxing. It’s my mindset, it’s what I do. 

“I’ve had a target on my back ever since I turned pro because my dad is Nigel Benn. It’s as simple as that. ‘The Dark Destroyer’, the legend. People like to call me silver spoon, but I’ve chosen the hardest sport in the world. I don’t have to be here. I have everything to lose. I’m a winner – all round. Of course I want the big fights. I want to be the best fighter in Britain – which I believe I am. The rankings don’t lie and I’m number one. 

“We’ve seen all of the Mexicans come over around derail some of the Brits. It’s about time I set the score straight. Granados presents a different struggle. He’s saying he wants to box and all of that. Alright then mate – try me. He can prepare for King Kong, he can prepare for whoever he wants, it doesn’t bother me. Do what you’ve got to do. Do what you want. Prepare how you want. It isn’t going to make any difference come fight night. I’m up for it – more than ever. I’m hungrier now more than ever, and if he thinks I’m going to let him get in the way of me getting my World Title he’s got another thing coming that’s for sure.”

Benn vs. Granados tops a huge night of action as Fight Camp returns with a bang, WBA Featherweight World Champion Xu Can (18-2, 3 KOs) puts his Title on the line against Nottingham’s Leigh Wood (24-2, 14 KOs), Tommy McCarthy (18-2, 9 KOs) and Chris Billam-Smith (12-1, 10 KOs) collide in a massive showdown for the European, British and Commonwealth Cruiserweight Titles, former World Title challenger Avni Yildrim (21-3, 12 KOs) aims to bounce back from his loss to pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez when he takes on ‘Little Lever’s Meat Cleaver’ Jack Cullen (19-2-1, 9 KOs), Liverpool Super-Welterweight Anthony Fowler (14-1, 11 KOs) promises to build on his huge third-round knockout win over Jorge Fortea when he takes on Roberto Garcia (44-5, 27 KOs), Manchester Lightweight Campbell Hatton (2-0) continues his young journey in the pro ranks against Jakub Laskowski (4-4-1, 2 KOs) and former amateur star Sandy Ryan makes her highly-anticipated professional debut at Super-Lightweight against Kirstie Bavington (3-1-2, 2 KOs).

London, UK (15 July 2021) Towering at 6ft 1in and undefeated in eight fights all by KO, Irish welterweight Hitman Stevie McKenna has warned rival Conor Benn that he’ll be too big and strong for the “wee” Brit if and when they fight.

Speaking to Ali Drew for an exclusive interview on Hennessy Sports’ YouTube Channel, McKenna says that he’d be major threat to Benn who knows that the County Monaghan terror is too powerful and does not fancy the fight as he would lose his title, record and pride if he lost.

Unbeaten McKenna has caused a stir since his pro debut in the super-lightweight division with eight stunning stoppages, five have been wiped out in the opening round and only one has made it into the fifth, but now that the 24-year-old has moved up to the 147-pound ranks, he believes he will be an even more devastating force.

McKenna said, “I’m building into a big strong 147, I’m six foot one, I’ll fill into a massive 147. I was big for 140 so coming up for 147 I feel a lot stronger and working on my power punching. It’s going to be exciting at 147, there’s a lot of names out there that I’d be after. As you know Conor Benn’s one of them, I’d love to get him into the ring, if he’ll get into the ring with me. I don’t think he’d want it.”

“He knows, he knows I’m too big too and strong for him. I’d have no problem taking Conor Benn out of there. I’d fight him in the morning. Conor Benn’s really only a wee small super-lightweight. He’s not a 147, he’s very small, I’m too strong and big for him,”

“The 147 is a strong division at the moment and in the next two years I want to be up there winning a world title and be up there with them names. Hopefully next year we’ll get big fights and get Connor Benn next summer. It’s a fight that the fans in the UK and Ireland would love to see and it would be a big fight. We need big fights back in Ireland as well and it could happen there and in the UK the fans would love to see it,”

In the wide-ranging interview, McKenna talks about his recent sparring trip to England with Robbie Davies Jr.; sparring with brother Aaron and becoming joint World Champions; aiming to become Irish boxing’s next big star; his increased popularity since fighting live on Channel 5; fighting the best in the 147-pound division; the winner of the super-fight between Manny Pacquiao and Errol Spence and his new found love of horse riding and much more. To watch the interview CLICK HERE.

For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

General Sale tickets for the three Fight Camp events taking place at the Matchroom HQ in Brentwood, Essex headlined by Conor Benn vs. Adrian Granados on Saturday July 31, Kid Galahad vs. Jazza Dickens on Saturday August 7 and Joshua Buatsi vs. Richard Bolotniks on Saturday August 14 will be available to purchase at 10am on Friday July 2. 

Fans can purchase General Sale tickets via StubHub(www.stubhub.co.uk)

Matchroom Fight Pass members will be able to purchase tickets via Matchroom Boxing  (www.matchroomboxing.com) from 10am on Thursday July 1.

All tickets are priced at £750 per show (plus booking fee) and include transportation to and from the venue (shuttle service from the Brentwood Centre) and festival style hospitality (complimentary food and beverages) throughout the night. Full event information can be found at your point of purchase. 

Fight Camp returns with a bang on Saturday July 31 as rising Welterweight star Benn (18-0, 12 KOs) puts his WBA Continental Title on the line against Mexico’s Grandos (21-8-3, 15 KOs) following his sensational first round KO win over Samuel Vargas, newly-crowned WBA Bantamweight World Champion Shannon Courtenay (7-1, 3 KOs) puts her World Title on the line for the first time, Tommy McCarthy (18-2, 9 KOs) and Chris Billam-Smith (12-1, 10 KOs) collide in a huge showdown for the European, British and Commonwealth Cruiserweight Titles, former World Title challenger Avni Yildrim (21-3, 12 KOs) aims to bounce back from his loss to pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez when he takes on ‘Little Lever’s Meat Cleaver’ Jack Cullen (19-2-1, 9 KOs), Liverpool Super-Welterweight Anthony Fowler (14-1, 11 KOs) promises to build on his huge third-round knockout win over Jorge Fortea when he takes on Roberto Garcia (44-5, 27 KOs), Manchester Lightweight Campbell Hatton (2-0) continues his young journey in the pro ranks and former amateur star Sandy Ryan makes her highly-anticipated professional debut at Super-Lightweight.

Sheffield’s Galahad (27-1, 16 KOs) and Liverpool’s Dickens (30-3, 11 KOs) meet in an all-British clash for the vacant IBF Featherweight World Title at the top of Week 2 on Saturday August 7, Ipswich Heavyweight knockout artist Fabio Wardley (11-0, 10 KOs) steps up again after stopping Eric Molina in five rounds, the ‘Albanian King’ Florian Marku (8-0-1, 6 KOs) fights Maxim Prodan (19-0-1, 15 KOs) for the IBF International Welterweight Title, ‘The Savage’ Alen Babic (7-0, 7 KOs) looks to extend his KO streak against Mark Bennett (7-1, 1 KO), popular Australian Ebanie Bridges (5-1, 2 KOs) went to war with Shannon Courtenay last time out and returns to the UK to face Bec Connolly (3-9) over eight rounds, gifted Catford talent Ellie Scotney (2-0) looks to impress again, Romford Heavyweight Johnny Fisher (2-0, 2 KOs) goes for another knockout against Josh Sandland (5-3-1) and Oldham prospect Aqib Fiaz (6-0) fights for the first time in 2021. 

Fight Camp concludes with an action-packed night of boxing on Saturday August 14 that sees Buatsi (14-0, 12 KOs) defend his WBA International Light-Heavyweight Title against the winner of the MTK Global Golden Contract winner Bolotniks (18-5-1, 8 KOs), Hartlepool’s Savannah Marshall (10-0, 8 KOs) makes the second defence of her WBO Middleweight World Title as she pushes for unification fights, undefeated New Jersey Featherweight Raymond Ford (8-0-1, 4 KOs) fights in the UK for the second time against Reece Bellotti (14-4, 12 KOs), Portsmouth’s Michael McKinson (20-0, 2 KOs) puts his WBO Global Welterweight Title on the line against Poland’s Przemyslaw Runowski (19-1, 5 KOs) following his breakout win over Chris Kongo in Gibraltar, Wokingham’s Felix Cash (14-0, 10 KOs) blitzed Denzel Bentley in three rounds last time out and puts his Commonwealth belt up for grabs again in the Matchroom garden, Glasgow Bantamweight slickster Kash Farooq (15-1, 6 KOs) makes the first defence of his WBC International Silver Title, two-time World Title challenger Tasha Jonas (9-2-1, 7 KOs) returns to the scene of her epic Fight of the Year contender with Terri Harper and Leeds Featherweight talent Hopey Price looks to go 5-0. 

*Ticket holders can only arrive at the venue via Matchroom transport.

EKOW ESSUMAN has declared he is “gunning for” domestic rivals Conor Benn and Michael MicKinson.

Essuman has been frustrated after an injury to double champion Chris Jenkins delayed their fight especially after seeing rivals Benn and McKinson win recently.

The Nottingham boxer explained “When I saw the competition winning it got me itching to show people what I have been working on and how much I’ve improved.

“While I’ve been waiting for the fight to be rescheduled Conor Benn and Michael McKinson have had good wins.

“After I take the  British and Commonwealth title from Jenkins there are a lot of tasty fights out there.

“They are the fights I have to aim for, but as soon as I win those titles they will be coming for the jugular.

“Conor’s matchmaker has been spectacular. They have picked the right opponents to help him build his confidence in what he does.

“No disrespect to his opponents, but a lot of the things they did complimented what Conor does as opposed to putting him in there with a good mover.

“Take Benn v McKinson. Despite Benn’s strengths McKinson would win all day. He is awkward and wouldn’t play up to Conor’s strengths

“I will meet them both. I am gunning for them. It’s just when and where.”

Essuman (14-0, 5 KOs) believes that he will finally face Swansea’s Jenkins (22-3-3, 8 KOs) on a Queensberry card next month.

Normally mild mannered Essuman is even doubting whether Jenkins suffered a perforated ear drum before their scheduled clash in March.

“I have had perforated ear drums before and they clear up in two weeks. When I heard he needed longer I asked myself, ‘Is this guy playing games?’, he added

“I did a lot of rounds with David Avanesyan before he fought Josh Kelly and I remember sitting down with him. I asked him how he coped mentally with the all the postponements over two years.

“He said that it had been a long time, but he was able to work on things that he needed to. That sat with me.

“I have taken that on board and I just have longer to cement the things I need to do against Jenkins.

“By the time I get to fight Jenkins things will be instilled in me and I will do them without even thinking.

“I see myself winning in good fashion. I don’t want to give too much away, but it won’t reach the final bell.”

Coventry, UK (20 May 2021) Undefeated Irish ‘Hitman’ Stephen McKenna is lining up British rival Conor Benn in his sights for a mouthwatering England v Ireland showdown.

The welterweight ace from County Monaghan has dispatched of all seven of his opponents with cold and clinical efficiency and goes for his eighth target this Saturday (22 May) at the Coventry Skydome Arena.

McKenna features on the undercard of Sam Eggington and Carlos Molina’s clash for the Vacant WBC Silver Middleweight Championship against Poland’s Damian Haus and such is the growing reputation of the fast-rising young talent, he will open the show on the Channel 5 live broadcast.

The 24-year-old has the unbeaten Essex ‘Destroyer’ at the top of his hit list and predicts a fight with the current WBA Continental Champion next year in a potential thriller.

And McKenna says it doesn’t bode well for Benn Jr. fighting the best young talent from the Emerald Isle with his father, fight legend Nigel, beaten twice and retired by the Irish fight great Steve Collins.

“It’s the fight I’m looking for and I’d love to get Conor Benn into the ring,” Stated McKenna.

“It would be a dangerous fight for him and I think that Eddie Hearn would know that. It would be too dangerous for him as Benn hasn’t come up against a puncher yet and he wouldn’t make it past four, five or six rounds against me. I’d get him out of there really quick.”

“I’ve been watching him and seeing a lot of flaws and once he comes up against a guy like me he’s going to end up on his back. I’m still progressing and after a couple more fights we could make it happen, maybe next year. It would be a great fight that would capture the attention of the English and Irish fans.”

“I’m still 7-0 and he’s 18-0, I know that if I fought him now I’d beat him, but after some more fights then next year I’d love to get the fight.”

“Wherever he’d want to do it, in England or in Ireland, he’ll end up like his dad and getting beat by another Irishman. I’d just love to get him into the ring. You can see he leads with his emotions and he’s crying before fights and he’s very emotional. The minute he gets in the ring with me he’ll know what he’s in for.”

Stevie McKenna: “You haven’t yet seen the best of me”
Presented by Hennessy Sports in association with William Hill, Infinitum, Numan, Everlast and King Carlos Promotions, Eggington v Molina will headline the exciting nine-fight card exclusively live and free-to-air across the UK and Ireland on Channel 5.
Main event features Birmingham warrior Sam Eggington (29-7-0, 17 KO’s) against Mexico’s hard-as-nails Carlos Molina (37-11-2, 12 KO’s) for the Vacant WBC Silver Middleweight Championship. Chief support features a cracking showdown between Birmingham’s Kaisee Benjamin (11-1-1, 2 KO’s) and Dumbarton’s Martin Harkin (13-1-0, 5 KO’s) in an Eliminator for the British Welterweight Championship.
Also on the card, Coventry sensation River Wilson-Bent (8-0-0, 4 KO’s) makes the first defence of his Midlands Area Middleweight title against Derby’s George Farrell (5-0-0, 1 KO). Former British Light-Heavyweight Champion Shakan Pitters (14-1-0, 4 KO’s) has his first back against Bradford’s Jermaine Springer (7-2-0, 1 KO) in an eight-rounder since losing his title to Craig Richards last December. County Monaghan super-lightweight dynamo Stephen ‘The Hitman’ McKenna (7-0-0, 7 KO’s) features in a six-rounder against Poland’s Damian Haus, but the undefeated red-hot 24-year-old prospect has not needed to go the distance yet with all his fights ending inside. Birmingham middleweight bombshell Idris ‘The Bodybreaker’ Virgo (9-0-1, 1 KO) goes in over six-rounds against Lydney’s Lewis van Poetsch. Sevenoaks all-action super-welterweight Michael Hennessy Jr. (5-1-1) is in a six-rounder against Warminster’s Paul Cummings. Irish super-welterweight ace Brett McGinty (1-0) follows up his thrilling pro debut last December when he features in a four-rounder against Oldbury’s Dwain Grant. Brighton heavyweight talent Tommy Welch (1-0-0, 1 KO), son of the former British, Commonwealth and World Heavyweight title challenger Scott, follow’s up his explosive debut last December when he stopped Matt Gordon in the second round and features in a four-round contest against Lithuanian Dmitrij Kalinovskij.
For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

Conor Benn Scored an impressive 1st round stoppage over Samuel Vargas in the opening round of heir scheduled 12-round welterweight bout at the Copper Box Arena in London England.

Vargas landed a hard right that was followed by a uppercut that hurt Vargas. Benn jumped all over Vargas and landed vicious flurry and the fight was stopped at 1:20.

Benn, 146.6 lbs of Essex, ENG is 18-0 with 12 knockouts. Vargas, 146.6 lbs of Bogota, COL is 31-7.

“I train hard for it,” said Benn. “Again, you’re talking levels. It shows the level I’m at. Errol Spence, Danny Garcia, Vergil Ortiz, Amir Khan – nobody banged him out like that. First round, first round! He came and he was game. He took my belt off me in the week and I had a little stare down with him.

“He was telling me he was ready to fight, and he was talking a good game. He said I had no power. It’s irrelevant because a lot of people can talk. My shots were landing flush. You could tell they were hurting him. When I first hit him it landed swiftly and I thought, ‘right, this is going to be a much quicker night than I thought’.

“I’ve been working on my power with my strength and conditioning coach Dan Lawrence. We’ve been working with Tony, endless hours. First to arrive last to leave. He’s always pushing me. I told you lot I’d knock him out in the first round. I was cool, calm and collected. I work so hard. 

“Give me Amir Khan. I know he’s too busy on reality TV. If he wants it, he can have it. I can deal with pressure. I can cope with it. I can live with it, no problem. I’m ready for the top dogs – Shawn Porter, Adrien Broner? Forget the word prospect, I ain’t a prospect no more.”

Marshall stops Lindberg in 3; Retains Middleweight Title

Savannah Marshall remained undefeated and retained her WBO Middleweight title with a 3rd round stoppage over late-replacement Maria Lindberg

In round two, Marshall dropped Lindberg with a right hand. In round three, it was a left hook that put Lindberg on the deck, and she was counted out at 1:11.

Marshall, 159.9 lbs of Hartlepool, ENG is 10-0 with eight knockouts. Lindberg, 154 lbs of Malmo, SWE is 19-7-2.

“To be honest, I really didn’t think it would pan out like that,” said Marshall. “Maria is one tough woman. She keeps herself in shape all year round. She’d never been stopped in 27-fights. I thought I was in for a bit of a tough night’s work.

“Once I started finding my range with the jab then the backhand just found its way home and I don’t think she could handle the power. She just said there she’s never been dropped in 23 years! I’m quite proud of that.

“On Sunday, I didn’t even think I was going to fight, and then they brought Maria in. It kind of rocked the boat a bit. A quick change of tactics and we got the job done. She’s been in with some good girls, Christina Hammer, she’s boxed for numerous World Titles. She wanted mine, but she’s not getting it. I’m truly grateful to Maria for stepping up. Big thanks to her.

“I’ve heard whispers we’re going back to Newcastle in July, hopefully with crowds. I’d love to box for the IBF Title which is vacant. I feel good at this weight, I’m a big Middleweight. Me against Shields is the only fight at the bigger weights. It has to happen really. There’s nowhere else for her to go. She needs me just as much as I need her.”

Courtenay Decisions Bridges in war; Wins Bantamweight Title

Shannon Courtenay won the WBA Bantamweight with a unanimous decision over Ebanie Bridges in a toe-to-toe slugfest

In round two, both Bridges and Courtenay were cut from a headbutt. Bridges on her forehead, and Courtenay around her right ear. In round five, the left eye of Bridges started to swell.

Bridges continued to push the pace and even hurt Courtenay in round seven. Courtenay had a strong final few rounds, and won y scores of 98-92 twice and 97-94.

Courtenay, 117.1 lbs of Watford, ENG is 7-1. Bridges, 117 lbs of New South Wales, AUS is 5-1.

“Amazing. I don’t want to cry. Amazing,” said Courtenay. “I feel like my jab won me the fight to be honest. My conditioning, my attrition, all of the hard work. My two coaches Charlie and H kill me on a daily basis. They kill me in the gym. I hate them for it, but it bloody paid off. My nice jab, my fitness and my conditioning won me that fight.

“I have to give credit to her because that was a bloody good fight. She was tougher than I thought she’d be. I knew if I stuck to my boxing I’d win. I had to keep listening to Charlie – he kept saying, ‘box, box, box’. When I was getting into a war it was stupid of me. The jab won me the fight.

“There was respect before I got in the ring because anybody that gets in the ring deserves respect. I now have more respect for her. When it was a shootout that was my own stupidity. I’ve come a long way. I’ve said it all week. Tonight is proof that anyone can turn their life around.

“I’m a different person to who I was back then. I’m a World Champion baby! I’m wearing this belt everywhere. This is such a proud moment for me. This is such a good example to young girls that you can turn your life around. I can’t put it into words.”

Farooq Decisions Espinoza

Kash Farooq win a 10-round unanimous decision over Alexander Espinoza in a bantamweight bout.

It was an action packed fight that saw both fighters scrap from in close. In round seven, Farooq was cut around his right eye, The blood was caused by a head clash.

Farooq, 117 lbs of Glasgow, SCO won by scores of 97-93, 97-94 and 97-95 and is now 15-1. Espinoza, 117.8 lbs of Managua, NIC is 20-3-2.

“I’m over the moon with the performance,” Farooq told Sky Sports. “I knew it was going to be a tough fight. I came as an underdog, he was the champion. He took some really heavy shots and he kept coming and coming. 

“When you’re a champion you don’t want to give your belt up. He just wanted to win. That’s why he came here. I wasn’t going to be denied. It’s a lot of hard work in the gym. Practice, practice and practice. It’s second nature because I’ve been working on this for such a long time. I can see the punches coming.”

Campbell Takes Out Frohlich in 2

Nick Campbell made a successful pro debut with a 2nd round stoppage over Petr Frohlich in a scheduled six-round heavyweight bout.

Campbell dropped Frohlich in the 2nd frame with a right. He finished off the fight with a flurry that forced a referee stoppage at 41 seconds.

Campbell, 248.8 lbs of Glasgow, SCO is 1-0 with one knockout. Frohlich, 226.6 lbs of Most, CZE is 2-31-1.

“I like to try and stay humble, I expected to get rid of that guy to be honest with you,” said Campbell. “I know he’s not been knocked out many times in his losses and he’s tough. He took some shots there. I’m pleased with how it went. I put him down once and then the referee jumped in and stopped it.

“In my opinion it was the dream debut. Making my debut on a stage like that after everything that happened in the past year is something that I’d have never of dreamed of. I’m just buzzing to be here and to be talking to you. I’m happy with my performance. I went in there and I had a high work rate. I was just trying to display the things we’d been working on in the gym.

“I can’t thank my team enough for all of the hard work they’ve put into me. They’re the best team around in my opinion. All of the people that have been singing my praises, that was for you, so thank you. I’m a bit older than most people that make their debut, but I feel young. Every fight that I have is a step further than people thought I could go. I’m just here to prove people wrong and work hard.”

18:20 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS FACEBOOK

4 x 3 mins International Light-Heavyweight contest
JOHN HEDGES 12st 9lbs 2oz v STANKO JERMELIC 12st 6lbs 6oz
(Takeley, England)                      (Split, Croatia)
 
followed by

19:00 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS & DAZN

6 x 3 mins International Heavyweight contest
NICK CAMPBELL 17st 10lbs 13oz v PETR FROHLICH 16st 2lbs 10oz
(Glasgow, Scotland)                           (Most, Czech Republic)

followed by

10 x 3 mins WBC International Silver Bantamweight Title
ALEXANDER ESPINOZA 8st 5lbs 8oz v KASH FAROOQ 8st 5lbs 0oz
(Managua, Nicaragua)                             (Glasgow, Scotland)

followed by

10 x 2 mins vacant WBA Bantamweight World Title 
SHANNON COURTENAY 8st 5lbs 14oz v EBANIE BRIDGES 8st 5lbs 0oz
(Watford, England)                                     (New South Wales, Australia)

followed by

10 x 2 mins WBO Middleweight World Title
SAVANNAH MARSHALL 11st 5lbs 10oz v MARIA LINDBERG 11st 0lbs 2oz
(Hartlepool, England)                                  (Malmo, Sweden)

followed by

12 x 3 mins WBA Continental Welterweight Title
CONOR BENN 10st 6lbs 12oz v SAMUEL VARGAS 10st 6lbs 10oz
(Essex, England)                         (Bogota, Colombia)

Eddie Hearn:

“We’re here back in London after a whirlwind global tour that continues. Two weeks ago we were in sunny Gibraltar for an incredible event with Dillian Whyte against Alexander Povetkin. Last weekend in Uzbekistan for a thrilling night with over 10,000 people in attendance for the homecoming heroes.

“Back in London now for a huge card live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN around the world. Conor Benn returns against the fantastic Samuel Vargas in what should be a thrilling fight. Two women’s World Title fights on the card as well, Savannah Marshall against Maria Lindberg and of course Shannon Courtenay against Ebanie Bridges for the vacant WBA Bantamweight World Title.

“Next week we have the WBO Middleweight World Championship in Miami between Demetrius Andrade and Liam Williams. Then we’re in Barcelona, two Brits going for the European Championships and then the huge card on May 1^st of course – Chisora vs. Parker and Katie Taylor vs. Tasha Jonas, Chris Eubank Jr against Marcus Morrison, Dmitry Bivol against Craig Richards, Scott Fitzgerald and Campbell Hatton on the card.

“Then there’s the small matter of 70,000 people at the fantastic Dallas Cowboys Stadium for Canelo against Billy Joe Saunders. Then we’re back in the UK for a May 15^th show that will be announced next week. Just a little few things coming up for you.”

Conor Benn – Essex, England – 17-0, 11 KOs – defending his WBA Continental Welterweight Title against Samuel Vargas:

“This is definitely one for the fans. I’m chomping at the bit; this is a fight I’ve been calling for a long time now and this is another fight where I can show my levels and experience.

“You can judge me on my last performance, or the performance before that, but I’m always evolving and learning from previous fights and the mistakes I’ve made. This is the sort of fight where I really do show what I’m capable of.

“We don’t know the ceiling to my career, we don’t know where the limit is because I came into the game raw and naive. I’m learning and I plan on displaying all of that come Saturday night.

“If you watch Vargas’ fights he comes in and he brings it but so do I. Of course, he’s tested at a higher level and got more experience than me, but everyone I fight moving forward is going to have experience on me, I’ll always go into the fight the less experienced fighter because of my lack of amateur background, because I’m only 24.

“People will question that, it’s my job to prove them wrong, it’s my job to get in there and do a number on him Saturday night. It’s going to be my hardest nights work, I know what he brings, he’s a tough South American who loves to fight and fights with his heart on his sleeve. You’ve got to give him credit where it’s deserved.

“I keep getting asked now about other fights, I made the mistake once in my career looking past opponents and look what happened – I hit the deck twice and it turned out to be my hardest nights work in my career. I’m fully focused on Vargas; I know what he brings and he’s in there to win and show me how it’s done.

“I’ve been training hard for this fight; I’ve been working hard and visualising this fight and I’m ready to go. Whatever he brings, I’ll match it – it’s going to be a shootout at some stage of this fight.

“Every time we’ve said it’s a test I’ve passed with flying colours. With Koivula people were writing me off again, saying he’s too experienced, and then what happened. I stepped up again against Sebastian Formella and what happened. I rise to the occasion and I will rise to the occasion, I will make sure I match it.

“Tony’s trained me harder than ever for this camp. He’s really pushed me; I don’t often say I need a break, but I needed a few this camp. When you’re talking about sacrifices try four years, not being with family – that’s really hard.

“My little son now, we only had a few days off when he was born to spend time with him, so your mind and emotions are still on the fight. Even when I’m holding him, I’m thinking about the fight. Twitching in my sleep about the fight. It’s going to be nice after this to sit down and emotionally relax with my new family.” 

Samuel Vargas – Bogota, Colombia – 31-6-2, 14 KOs – challenging Conor Benn for his WBA Continental Welterweight Title:

“I’m blessed, I’m happy and had a good training camp. I feel like everything has fallen into place for me to have a great show Saturday night. I’ve put my heart and soul into this training camp, working with Bones Adams. I’ve lots of rounds in the gym and I’m really excited to be here. The moment is here, it’s time.

“I don’t really compare, I was 24 once, I was young once upon a time and when I look at myself then and now, I just laugh. I just think I bring too much into the ring for him.

“It’s kind of sad we don’t have fans in the venue, I was looking forward to having a lot of fans there because it would’ve beee a great energy, you need that. The fans in London have a lot of love and support which I’m thankful for.

“This is a fan friendly fight, he fights, I fight my ass off. I fight for my family, for everything I have, for the desire to win and become better at life and boxing, there’s so many motives I have to fight for.

“I never make no excuses, even in my loses, I always work my ass off in training camp. This fight in particular, I haven’t seen my family or Lee in two months. Everybody keeps telling me how focused and driven I am because it’s all I’ve done, there’s nothing else to do but box, study, know my enemy and do my job.” 

Savannah Marshall – Hartlepool, England – 9-0, 7 KOs – defending her WBO Middleweight World Title against Maria Lindberg:

“If anything, this is a tougher fight than the original fight we had. Maria is very experienced, tough and been in with some of the best in the world – Christian Hammer twice. I’m expecting a tough fight come Saturday.

“I’ve had a twelve-week camp, so I’ve prepared for everything. Whatever Maria brings I’m more than confident I’ve got the answer for.

“I think it’s every boxers dream of being the Undisputed Champion and I do believe that is the biggest fight in female boxing, but I can’t look past Maria at the moment.” 

Maria Lindberg – Malmo, Sweden – 19-6-2, 10 KOs – challenging Savannah Marshall for her WBO Middleweight World Title:

“Unfortunately, this was so sudden, and I didn’t have much time but I’m more or less always in training. I’m prepared, this is a new experience for me as I’ve never taken a fight like this with such short notice. There’s a first time for everything, I’m excited and looking forward to Saturday.

“I’m more experienced as a professional, I think I have three times more fights than Savannah and many Title fights. I’ve fought some really good fights, so the experience is definitely on my side. I have my style and I know how I’m fighting, that’s the way I’m going to make it hard for her on Saturday.”

Shannon Courtenay – Watford, England – 6-1, 3 KOs – fighting Ebanie Bridges for the vacant WBA Bantamweight World Title:

“This is more than just a fight, this is an opportunity for me to change my entire life, my family’s life. This is the reason I got into boxing and I’m excited to achieve my dream Saturday night.

“We have very different opinions when it comes to fighting. She talks more about the weigh-in, all I care about is the fight – I’m a fight fan. This to me is a World Title, why are we not talking about the fact this is a world title fight. This is a fantastic fight.

“She’s an exciting fighter, she’s aggressive and comes forward, I’m aggressive and I come forward. Our styles are going to mix, so let’s talk about the fight, there’s nothing else to discuss.

“I’m just excited to fight. I can understand why she’s saying she wants to get more eyes on the sport, but I want to get more viewers for the correct reasons. Katie Taylor didn’t work her backside off to pave the way for women like Ebanie and I to talk about underwear.

“I’ve got a 14-year-old sister, my coaches have daughters, my god-daughter, I want to be a good role model and show them hard work and motivation gets you here. Not flaunting your body.

“I’ve got a cool, calm and collected head. We’ve had a game plan since day one of this fight, I’ve got the best team behind me keeping me nice and calm. My game plan is my game plan, we’ve stuck to it in sparring, and it’s worked beautifully – it’ll work even better on Saturday.

“This fight isn’t my Everest; this is just the start for me. Win the World Title, join the likes of Savannah Marshall, Katie Taylor, Terri Harper and another British woman to hold a World Title. I want to bring another World Title to Britain; we saw it with Lawrence Okolie a few weeks ago and I want to be the next one.” 

Ebanie Bridges – New South Wales, Australia – 6-0, 2 KOs – fighting Shannon Courtenay for the vacant WBA Bantamweight World Title:

“This same way I’ve got noticed is the same way I’m getting this fight noticed. I feel like women’s boxing needs more eyes on the sport, we need to do whatever we can. I truly believe that the reason this fight has got so much talk about it is because of me, because of the different approach. I think that’s what’s helping getting eyes on the sport, getting talk on the sport and building it.

“What does matter is what happens in the ring, that’s all that matters. If we can get as many people as possible to watch the fight, then Shannon and I can show to more diverse number of viewers that women can fight. That’s my goal, get the views and once the people are watching Shannon and I are going to put on a show.

“I’ve been fighting and into martial arts since I was five, I haven’t been a boxing fan for just five or six years, I was boxing fan well before I started in the sport. For me, the boxing part is very important to me, but I feel like we need to get more views on women’s boxing and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get that.

“I think me winning this World Title will show people you don’t have to be like everybody else to achieve these goals. That’s what I’m going for.

“I’m savage, I want to go in there and f**k this shit up. I’m not here to play around, I’m here to get the job done. I don’t play around in boxing, when I fight, I’m there to hurt you. I might look the way I look, but I can’t wait to get in the ring and show people how I fight. The more people I can get to tune in to watch the Bomber, I couldn’t have asked for a better platform, I’m going to do whatever I can.

“We both have the power to knock people out, so a knockout or stoppage is very possible. It’ll come down to our conditioning and heart to see if it goes the ten rounds. If it does go the ten rounds, it’ll be a very exciting ten rounds.

“I truly believe if I win this fight on Saturday night, I’ll become a superstar. If Shannon wins it she’s still Shannon, she still has to beat Rachel Ball. She’s a World Champion but I just think it’s different. I’m very excited to be that person and to be a new face and character in women’s boxing.” 

Alexander Espinoza – Managua, Nicaragua – 20-2-2, 8 KOs– defending his WBC International Silver Bantamweight Title against Kash Farooq:

“We know there are some great champions from Nicaragua, and you’ll see another one Saturday night.

“I believe very much in myself and I’m looking forward to retaining my International crown. I believe I can beat anyone at world level and go on to win a World Title myself.” 

Kash Farooq – Glasgow, Scotland – 14-1, 6 KOs – challenging Alexander Espinoza for his WBC International Silver Bantamweight Title:

“I’m been preparing for this fight; I know what to expect on the night and I’m really confident I’ll put in a good performance and get the win. He’s going to bring it.

“I was pleased but there’s always room for improvement. I went back, took a couple of days off and went right back to the gym. I trained right through Christmas, New Year and my birthday. It was a good performance, but I want to improve every fight, I want to get better, and this is another fight where I’m going to showcase my skills and look good.

“I think he [Alexander] will be there all night, but that’s going to make me look even better. It’s going to give me opportunities I didn’t get last fight. Expect a good performance off me but never say never he may surprise me.”  

John Hedges – Takeley, England – 1-0 – fighting Stanko Jermelic in a four-round International Light-Heavyweight contest:

“It was a hard debut but looking back on it now and I couldn’t have asked for a better one. It’s prepared me for what’s to come in the future. Taking a southpaw one a couple days’ notice was probably something I shouldn’t have done, but I’m glad I did, we got the win, and we push on now for my second fight and I’m looking to shine.

“I’ve trained hard, I’ve had some class sparring and sparred some great names – British Champions all at Light-Heavyweight. I’ve trained hard, been around some good boys and putting everything in, Mark’s been away but I had a few weeks with him.

“Me, Steven Andrews, Mark Tibbs, Jimmy Tibbs and Ian have all been down there doing the job, putting the work in and making sure I can have a good performance this time.

“It’s a proper Essex gym, we’re having it down there – it’s lively. I can’t knock it, it’s a proper gym and I’m enjoying it down there. I’m enjoying being in good company and training hard.

“I’m trying to take the pressure off myself, I don’t want to swallow on it. I’m ready to go, I’ve put the work in, and this is the fun part. I want to prove to people what I know I can be and what I’ve done before – I’m ready to go now.

Stanko Jermelic – Split, Croatia – 0-5 – fighting John Hedges in a four-round International Light-Heavyweight contest:

“I’ve had good training camp; I feel like I’m ready to face John. I’ve watched John’s previous fight and I’m ready to fight on Saturday.” 

Nick Campbell – Glasgow, Scotland – Professional Debut – fighting Petr Frohlich in a six-round International Heavyweight contest:

“I suppose you do need to be mad to get into boxing, but I love it. I’ve loved the sport since a young age, so it just felt like the right thing for me to do at the time – give up rugby and go to boxing.

“Here we are, no better stage to make your debut and I’m buzzing for it I can’t wait.

“Scotland is famous for their lighter weights; we’ve got Josh Taylor and Kash Farooq who is fighting with me on this card at the weekend but there’s never really been a good Heavyweight. There’s a void there, one that I want to fill.

“My rugby background is going to help me with this, with the pressure. I’m taking it in my stride, using the pressure to perform, put on a show Saturday night and show that I’m here to make a statement.

“I got into this four years ago, I went through the amateur set up and been down Sheffield sparring guys in the GB squad. I’ve been over the world the Scotland, always testing myself and see how I went.

“As far as I’m concerned, the only way is up and anybody who doubts me is just more fuel to my fire.

Petr Frohlich – Most, Czech Republic – 2-30-1, 1 KO – fighting Nick Campbell in a six-round International Heavyweight contest:

“I’m so pleased and grateful for this opportunity to fight here in London, particularly given the current climate. I’m going to give my best and show what a quality boxer I am.”