Josh Taylor escaped with a 12-round split decision over heavy underdog Jack Catterall to retain the undisputed junior welterweight title a the Hydro Arena in Glasgow, Scotland

It was a tough fight with Catterall getting through with overhand lefts. Taylor took a few rounds to get going and was able to get into the fight in the second half of the contest.

In round five, Taylor began to swell around his right eye.

In round eight, Catterall landed a left that was ruled a knockdown. In round 10, Catterall was deducted a point for hitting on the break. Taylor was deducted a point after round 11 for tapping Catterall after the bell.

Taylor landed just 73 of 302 punches; while Catterall was 120 of 525.

The judges saw the fight 114-111 and 113-112 for Taylor. Catterall won a scorecard 113-112.

Taylor, 140 lbs of Scotland is now 19-0. Catterall, 139 lbs of Chorley, ENG is 26-1.

Two-time Olympic Gold Medal winner Robeisy Ramirez stopped Eric Donovan in round three of their 10-round featherweight bout.

In round one, Ramirez dropped Donovan with a straight left. In round three, Ramirez landed a hard left that sent Donovan down and the fight was over at 1:04.

Ramirez, 126.3 lbs of Cuba is 9-1 with five knockouts. Donovan, 126.3 lbs of Ireland is 14-2.

Nick Campbell scored a 7th round stoppage over Jay McFarlane in a scheduled 10-round heavyweight brawl

In round seven, Campbell dropped McFarlane with a right uppercut. Campbell continued to batter McFarlane with hard power shots and the fight was finally stopped at 2:18.

Campbell, 254 lbs of Glasgow, SCO is 5-0 with five knockouts. McFarlane, 276 lbs of Glasgow is now 12-6.

Paddy Donovan remained undefeated with a 6th and final round stoppage over Miroslav Serban in a welterweight fight.

In round six, Serban was cut around the left ear. and the fight was stopped.

Donovan, 146 lbs of Limerick, IRE is 8-0 with six knockouts. Serban, 145 lbs of the Czech Republic is 13-9.

Ebonie Jones and Eftychia Kathopuli fought to a six-round draw in a featherweight contest.

The referee score was 57-57. Jones, 126 lbs of Portsmouth, ENG is 1-0-1. Kathopuli, 124 lbs of Scotland is 4-3-1.

John Docherty stopped Jordan Grant in round two of their eight-round super middleweight fight.

In the 2nd frame, Docherty landed a left uppercut to to the body that sent Grant down for the count at 2:49.

Docherty, 172 lbs of Scotland is 12-1 with nine knockouts. Grant, 176 lbs of Hamilton, SCO is 4-2.

Bilal Fawaz stopped Malam Varela in round three of their four-round middleweight contes.

In round one, Fawaz was credited with a knockdown and a left knocked Varela off balance. In round three, Fawaz landed a 16 punch flurry on the ropes, and the fight was stopped.

Fawaz, 158.3 lbs of London, ENG is 2-0 with two knockouts. Varela, 162 lbs of Manchester, ENG is 1-2.

Scott Forrest stopped Eric Nazaryan in the 2nd round of their four-round cruiserweight bout after Nazaryan could not continue due to a arm injury.

The time was 1:08 for Forrest, 203.3 lbs who is 1-0 with one stoppage. Nazaryan, 207 lbs is 28-26-4-2.

2021 Olympian Kurt Walker stopped Jaroslav Hiradel in the opening round of their four-round featherweight bout.

In round one, Walker dropped Hiradel with a body shots, and the fight was stopped at 2:03

Walker, 129 lbs of Northern Ireland is 1-0 with one knockout. Hiradel, 127.3 lbs of the Czech Republic is 1-3.

Kieron Molloy made a successful pro debut with a 2nd round stoppage over Damian Esquisabel in a junior middleweight bout.

The time of the stoppage was 33 seconds for Molloy, who is now 1-0. Equisabel is 4-8.

Katie Taylor retained her undisputed Lightweight world title with a 10-round unanimous decision over an overmatched Miriam Gutierrez at the SSE Arena in London.

At the end of round four, Taylor dropped Gutierrez with a hard right-left combination. Taylor beat up Gutierrez, who hung in the fight, only to keep eating some vicious shots from Taylor.

Taylor, 134.7 lbs Bray, IRE won by scores of 100-89, 100-90 and 99-91 and is now 17-0. Gutierrez, 134.6 lbs of Madrid, SPA is 13-1.

“I thought it was a great overall performance,” Taylor told Matchroom afterwards. “I boxed well at long distance and close. I did a bit of everything in there tonight. I threw everything but the kitchen sink at her. I just couldn’t get her out of there. She’s tough as nails so credit to her. She hung in and she was there to fight until the very end. She’s obviously big and strong and that showed tonight. 

“I thought it was important for me to stamp my authority right from the first round. She hadn’t fought outside of Spain and was out of the ring for a year. I thought it would be good to start fast. I thought I was going to get her out of there at one stage. She hung in there and she kept swinging shots. She was actually very dangerous when she was swinging shots. I had to be a bit more cautious later on in the fight. Overall it was a great performance. 

“Obviously I would have loved to get a stoppage in there tonight. I haven’t got a stoppage in a long time. It is hard to hurt these girls, they’re very strong and durable. I did everything that I could to get the stoppage but she hung in and I have to be happy with a points win. I’m going home with all of the belts and I’m still the undisputed champion. I’m still unbeaten and this is a great end to the year.

“This was absolutely huge. I think every girl on the card tonight boxed brilliantly. Three fantastic fights. It’s just an amazing showcase. As I’ve said before, Eddie has given us this platform. Women’s boxing is on fire right now because of the platform he has given us. What an amazing few years of women’s boxing. That’s what it’s all about for myself, inspiring the next generation. Hopefully there was a few young girls watching through Facebook on the livestream. It’s all about inspiring the next generation and what an amazing platform to do it on.”

Harper Stops Thanderz in 9; Retains 130 lb. Title

Terri Harper retained the WBC Super Featherweight title with a 9th round stoppage over preciously undefeated mandatory challenger Katharina Thanderz.

Harper battered Thanderz, and in round nine, she landed hard body shots that broke the spirit of Thanderz, and the fight was stopped at 1:12 after barrage of punches.

Harper, 129.5 lbs of Denaby, ENG is 11-0-1 with six knockouts. Thanderz, 127.9 lbs of Oslo, NOR is 13-1.

“I’m buzzing,” said Harper. “That’s my birthday and Christmas all in one. That’s made my year. Obviously having that tough fight with Tasha, there was doubts, and there was wrongs that I needed to put right. We came away and I’ve worked my butt off. I’ve just gone out there and breezed it.

“I hurt my hand in the fourth round, I couldn’t throw it, and when I did throw it it was painful. I stuck to my jab, kept long and just moved. I knew she got frustrated at one point. She stood in the middle of the ring. I didn’t want to look like I was running but there was nothing else that I could really do. I’m happy.

“I caught her with the head, that’s probably from me lunging in, accidental. I could see that her nose was troubling her. The sound of her breathing changed. She was getting distracted by the blood. I threw a nice left hook to the body, caught her and I heard her wince. She backed off and I just went for the kill and the ref jumped in.

“I got a few stoppage wins early on in my career so it’s nice to get another one. I’m going to say a big thank you to my S&C coach Danny Wilson, he’s given me the confidence that I can go through those gears and that I have got the strength. God knows what I’m going to be like after my next camp. I want to fight the best. I’m coming for you Mayer! Slowly but surely we’ll get there and I’ll be punching you in the face very soon.”

Ball Decisions Guanini; Wins Interim Super Bantamweight Title

Rachel Ball won the vacant Interim WBC Super Bantamweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Jorgelina Guanini.

Ball, 121.9 lbs of Aldridge, ENG won by scores of 99-91 twice and 99-92 to raise her mark to 7-1. Guanini, 125.7 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 9-2-2.

“I’m so grateful to Matchroom and BCB for continuing to support my journey,” said Ball. “I felt confident that it was mine. I was landing my shots pretty well. She was running around the ring and I feel like I used my distance a lot better. 

“Everything happens for a reason and perhaps she was what I needed at this time. Fair play to her, it was a really good fight. I’m glad I used my assets a bit more in this fight. When I had the opportunity I did go forwards. I went to the body a bit more which I’m pleased about.

“Look how far Terri has gone and look how far Katie has gone. I’d love to be able to be as successful as them. That would be amazing. It’s all good experience. I hope we inspire some girls out there to try boxing and do something different.”

Jack Cullen survived a knockdown early in round one to eek out a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated John Docherty in a super middleweight bout.

Docherty dropped Cullen in the opening 30 seconds with a left on the inside. In round three, Docherty was cut under his right eye.

Cullen began to grind out rounds and won by scores of 96-94 twice and 95-94.

Cullen, 167.7 lbs of Little Leaver, UK is 19-2-1. Docherty, 116.9 lbs of Montrose, SCO is 9-1.

“First round I ended up slipping on my ass,” Cullen told Matchroom afterwards. “If people thought it was a knockdown, it wasn’t. I had to work and push it. Every time I went back to the corner Michael and Dave said, ‘look, you need to get stuck in here and dig deep’. That’s what I feel like I did to win the fight. 

“That’s the first time I’d ever fought a southpaw. I was getting caught with stupid shots for the first couple of rounds. It was time to tuck up and dig deep. I feel like I was really coming on after the fourth round. I still feel like it was a big step up for him.

“I take my hat off to him for taking the fight. We were supposed to be fighting different people tonight. We’re young and we’ll fight anybody, there’s no reason not to. There’s a lot more for me to work on. They’ve only had me for between six and eight weeks which isn’t a lot of time.

“I feel like I’m going to come on bigger, stronger and better. This is my natural weight at Super-Middle. I’ve grown into it and it’s time to takeover. I’m here for a fight and I’m here to takeover and win. I’m young and I’ve got self-belief. I feel like I’m good enough.”

Kash Farooq won a 10-round unanimous decision over Angel Aviles in a bantamweight contest.

Farooq, 117 lbs of Glasgow, SCO won by scores of 100-90, 100-91 and 99-91 and is now 14-1. Aviles, 120 lbs of Altamirano, MX is 20-6-1.

“First round I ended up slipping on my ass,” Cullen told Matchroom afterwards. “If people thought it was a knockdown, it wasn’t. I had to work and push it. Every time I went back to the corner Michael and Dave said, ‘look, you need to get stuck in here and dig deep’. That’s what I feel like I did to win the fight. 

“That’s the first time I’d ever fought a southpaw. I was getting caught with stupid shots for the first couple of rounds. It was time to tuck up and dig deep. I feel like I was really coming on after the fourth round. I still feel like it was a big step up for him.

“I take my hat off to him for taking the fight. We were supposed to be fighting different people tonight. We’re young and we’ll fight anybody, there’s no reason not to. There’s a lot more for me to work on. They’ve only had me for between six and eight weeks which isn’t a lot of time.

“I feel like I’m going to come on bigger, stronger and better. This is my natural weight at Super-Middle. I’ve grown into it and it’s time to takeover. I’m here for a fight and I’m here to takeover and win. I’m young and I’ve got self-belief. I feel like I’m good enough.”

Big-punching Scot John Docherty says he will knockout Jack Cullen before the eighth round of their British Super-Middleweight Title Eliminator this Saturday November 14 at The SSE Arena, Wembley, shown live on Sky Sports and DAZN. 

Docherty’s gym mate Felix Cash stopped Cullen in eight rounds to retain his Commonwealth Middleweight crown in a Fight of the Year contender at Manchester Arena last year, but ‘The Doc’ wants to go one better than Cash to secure bragging rights at the Matchroom Elite Boxing Gym.

“On paper Jack Cullen is my biggest test to date,” said Docherty. “I’m going in there to do a proper job on him. I’ve got to put the Super-Middleweight division on notice on Saturday night and I’ll be doing that.

“I’ll definitely be looking for the knockout and I’ll be going for it early doors. My gym mate Felix cash knocked him out in the eighth round when they fought last year, and I’ll be doing it much quicker than Felix. 

“On Saturday night you’re going to see a big Super-Middleweight absolutely demolish Jack Cullen. I want to win the British Title and he’s in my way. You’re a sorry man if you’re in my way and he’s in for one hell of a night. 

“You can see the difference between Middleweights and Super-Middleweights. He still has the exact same frame as when he was a Middleweight. He hasn’t put any muscle on or anything, I don’t know what he’s playing at but he’s playing with danger against me.”

Cullen battled to a controversial split decision draw with Zak Chelli following a hard-fought encounter in Essex on the Matchroom Fight Camp finale earlier this year, but Docherty has no intention of leaving it to the judges as he looks to take a step closer to the British Title. 

“He doesn’t bring anything different to the table each time he fights. He takes too many shots and he leaves himself open. Zak Chelli made him look very basic. I knew he was basic anyway, but he looked very bad in his last fight. No way it was a draw, he got beat fair and square. 

“There won’t be any drama around the scorecards this time, I’ll be knocking him out. This isn’t going ten rounds. I’m ready to go now. I just want to get weighed in. I’ve had a good camp and I’m ready to unleash on Saturday night.”

Docherty vs. Cullen is part of a huge night of World Title action that sees Irish star KatieTaylor (16-0, 6 KOs) put her Lightweight crowns on the line once more against Mandatory Challenger MiriamGutierrez (13-0, 5 KOs), Denaby’s Terri Harper (10-0-1, 5 KOs) defends her WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight Titles against Katharina Thanderz (13-0, 2 KOs), Rachel Ball (6-1) faces Jorgelina Guanini (9-1-2, 1 KO) for the vacant WBA Bantamweight World Title, Liverpool Light-Heavyweight Thomas Whittaker-Hart (4-0, 2 KOs) looks to go 5-0 against Bradford’s Jermaine Springer (7-1, 1 KO)and Glasgow Bantamweight talent Kash Farooq (13-1, 6 KOs)makes his Matchroom debut against Angel Aviles (20-5-1, 6 KOs).

Two all-action Super-Middleweight bouts have been added to November 14’s World Title triple-header undercard, live on Sky Sports and DAZN.

Jamie Cox meets Jack Cullen whilst John Docherty steps up against Jack Arnfield, supporting Katie Taylor vs. Miriam Gutierrez, Terri Harper vs. Katharina Thanderz and Ebanie Bridges vs. Rachel Ball.

Swindon Southpaw Cox (25-2, 14 KOs) returns with a new team after two years out the ring.

“I’ve been out a while now, I’m looking forward to getting back in there. I’ve got a new set up with Tony Borg down in Wales which has given my boxing a new dimension which I’ll show in November,” said Cox.

‘Little Lever’s Meat Cleaver’ Jack Cullen (18-2-1, 9 KOs) looks to return to winning ways following a draw with Zak Chelli at Matchroom Fight Camp.

“This is a big name in Jamie Cox, I couldn’t have asked for a better opponent in the circumstances. He comes to fight and as you know I bring it as well. It’ll make for a fan friendly fight for those watching I’m sure,” said Cullen.

Big punching John Docherty (9-0, 7 KOs) has set his sights on domestic titles for 2021 but has Jack Arnfield to navigate first.

“Jack’s experienced but I’m levels above him and I’ll show that come fight night. I’ll smash him to pieces,” said Docherty.

Now campaigning at 168lbs, Arnfield (25-3, 6 KOs) believes the extra weight to play with will be telling in the next phase of his career.

“I was a tall Middleweight, the past 2/3 fights was a struggle but I’m feeling fit and healthier up a weight which will reflect in my punch power. I’m not overlooking ‘The Doc’ but I’ve set myself bigger goals,” said Arnfield.

“Two really good Super-Middleweight fights added to our World Championship triple-header on November 14,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “It’s great to see Jamie Cox back, he looks in great shape but faces a tough challenge in the always exciting Jack Cullen.

“A huge step up in class for John Docherty against two-time British Title challenger Jack Arnfield. Two 50-50 fights confirmed for what will be a great night of action live on Sky Sports and DAZN.”

Cox vs. Cullen and Docherty vs. Arnfield helps shape a huge night of World Title action with further undercard additions announced shortly; Irish star Taylor (16-0, 6 KOs) puts her Lightweight World Titles on the line once more against Mandatory Challenger Gutierrez (13-0, 5 KOs), Denaby’s Harper (10-0-1, 5 KOs) faces her first WBC Mandatory challenger in Spanish-Norwegian Thanderz (13-0, 2 KOs) and Walsall’s Ball (6-1) takes on undefeated Australian Bridges (4-0, 2 KOs) for the vacant WBA Bantamweight crown. 

Felix Cash remained undefeated by stopping former world title challenger Jason Welborn in round five of a scheduled 12-round middleweight bout in Essex, England

In round five, Cash dropped Welborn with a right to the head. About 45 seconds later, Cash ended things when he landed another right to the head that put Welborn down again, and the fight was stopped at 2:48.

Cash, 160 lbs of Wokingham is 13-0 with nine knockouts. Welborn, 159 lbs of Tividale is 24-9.

“It was a good performance,” said Cash. “It took me a round or a round and a half to get my distance on him and see where he was at and see his reactions. I went to work on him. It was a decent enough performance. He wanted me to stand there and start trading with him, but then you’re giving him a chance aren’t you. I took him on the jab, broke him down, down to the body and up to the head.

“I broke him down nice and slowly. Round by round he was getting weaker and getting tired. I knew it was just a matter of time before I got him out of there. He’s a tough lad. There was no point in rushing it and trying to get him out of there early. What a stage to be on. It was unbelievable. The week has been unbelievable. I’ve really enjoyed it. Overall it was a good week. I’m 27 and I’m in the prime of my life. I’m ready for the step ups now. The ring walk was something else! Topping the bill was a bit of history for me.”

Barrett Stops Donovan in 8!

Zelfa Barrett stopped previously undefeated Eric Donovan in round eight of their scheduled 10-round super featherweight bout.

In round seven, Barrett dropped Donovan with a huge left hook to the chin.. Later in the round, Barrett dropped Donovan again after absorbing a hard left-right-left combination. In round eight, Barrett landed another booming left hook hat put Donovan on his back, and the fight was stopped at 1:35.

Barrett, 129.9 lbs of Manchester is now 24-1 with 15 knockouts. Donovan, 129.9 lbs of Altay is 12-1.

“He was catching me with some big shots,” said Barrett. “I was just trying to get my rhythm at first. He was pinging me and catching me with some good quality shots and then I could hear my Uncle Pat say, ‘change up the game plan and put it on him now’. Block, throw and look where the openings are. I pulled it out of the bag. This is what champions do, they find something and pull it out of the bag.

“I had to find it in the bag because he was hitting me with some good shots and I thought, ‘you know what, I’m not letting this guy beat me’. It was just war mode. I timed it perfectly and I couldn’t have asked for anything else. I caught him. Credit to Eric Donovan. I’ve just defeated an undefeated fighter. As soon as I put him down I thought, ‘that’s it, I’m getting you out of here’. He’s a good fighter but I’m going to pull myself together, go back to the drawing board and do what I’ve got to do.

“I knew I was going to catch him, it was just a matter of time. I didn’t want it to be round nine because that would have been too late. I done what I had to do. In myself as a fighter I’m a bit disappointed with my performance. He was catching me a lot but I done what I had to do. I’ve just shown character. I’ve shown I’m a fighter.”

Rachel Ball won a eight-round decision over previously undefeated Shannon Courtnay in a super bantamweight bout.

Ball dropped Courtney with a left hook to the chin in the opening round.

Ball had some swelling under her left eye in round seven, but she was able to hold on for the victory by a 77-75 score.

Ball, 123.8 lbs of Aldridge is 6-1. Courtenay, 126.9 lbs of Watford is 5-1.

“I’m just so happy,” an emotional Ball told Sky Sports. “This means everything to me. It was a closer fight than I would have wanted it to be, but I got the win and I want to move on to big things. I want Eddie to sign me up and put me in front of whoever. I want to be at the top and I want to be at the World Title level and get a World Title. That’s where I want to be more than anything.

“To be honest, when I was in the corner and I threw the shot, she dazed me a bit so I didn’t know what had hit her. I thought, ‘fantastic, this fight isn’t going to last’. She does hit hard. There is a reason why she has been knocking these girls out. I’m happy I got through the fight.

“I’m pleased with myself. I knew I landed the shots because I can feel it in my knuckles. I was just glad to get through it. I don’t think I used all of my technical ability to be honest, but it’s all progress isn’t it. I’ve just got to get back to the gym and progress even further now.”

Kieron Conway won a 10-round unanimus decision over Navid Mansouri in a super welterweight bout.

Conway had Mansouri hurt several times during the bout, and was close to getting the stoppage in round seven.

Conway, 153.9 lbs of Northampton won by scores of 99-92 and 98-92 twice and is now 15-1-1. Mansouri, 153.4 lbs of Ritherham is 20-4-2.

“I loved it,” Conway told Matchroom Boxing afterwards. “Apart from having no crowd, I think the whole setup is how all boxing shows should be. The week has been really nice. It’s been really good to be around. Everything just ran so smoothly. Out there it’s unbelievable. Even without thousands of fans, it’s wicked out there. I knew that he would come out fast and I knew that after a few rounds my size and my strength would come out on top. I’m a big lad now. I’m refuelled and everything. I’m big for the weight. It drains people.

“I planned to have a slower first few rounds. The whole fight went exactly how I’d planned, except it went ten rounds. He did really well to get through it to be fair. I was landing a lot of shots with a lot of spite behind them. It was good. I didn’t expect the flicky jab, I expected him to come for me a bit more and really try and stick it on me a bit more. After a few rounds I knew he’d starting messing, trying to smother me because I am stronger than I look.

“As soon as people realise I’m not going anywhere, they start holding. He’s highly-rated and he’s had a few title fights. He had the English title for a long time. Hopefully it pushed me a littler more up there. For my style, I think my size really helps. Over the years a lot of people have said I’m behind them, and then all of a sudden they’re behind me. I’m 24-years-old. Whether it’s now or later, I’m coming.”

John Docherty remained undefeated by stopping Anthony Fox in round seven of a scheduled eight-round super middleweight bout.

In round three, Docherty dropped Fox with a short right hook.

In round seven, Docherty hurt Fox badly with a hard three punch combination. Docherty followed that up with a flurry if punches and referee Howard Foster rescued Fox from further damage at 1:32.

Docherty, 1669.9 lbs of Montrose is 9-0 with seven knockouts. Fox, 166.4 lbs of Westbury is 8-13-4.

“I’m over the moon to have forced the stoppage,” said Docherty afterwards. “I started off a bit slow and I was throwing up my chin in the air, but I got there in the end. I felt him tiring in there in the third and fourth rounds with my body shots, and his power started to go. He was a lot stronger than I thought, and a lot more heavy-handed, but I got the job done.

“I thought he was going to come at me and have a go as he did in his last fight. I think he felt the power quite early on and then he was on the back foot. He was a lot better than I expected. I want titles now. The journeymen, I’m passed them already and my team knows that. Any title next. A British Title Eliminator or a Intercontinental Title, anything. I’d probably give myself an eight out of ten tonight.”

John Docherty wants to make it four knockouts in a row when he clashes with Manchester’s Yailton Neves at the East of England Arena in Peterborough tomorrow, live on Sky Sports Facebook.

The fast-rising Scottish Super-Middleweight talent has demolished all three of his opponents inside the distance since turning over from a successful amateur career in which he won bronze at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia.

‘The Doc’, 21, blitzed Jordan Latimer in just 8 seconds on his debut in Newcastle in October before halting Angel Castillo Florence, Italy a month later, and then made short work of Przemyslaw Binienda at The O2, flooring the Pol in two rounds.

Promoter Eddie Hearn has been impressed with what he’s seen so far and is keen to keep the Montrose man as busy as possible, with title shot at the end of the year a possibilty if the KO train continues to rumble on.

“The Doc is going on the hunt for another knockout in Peterborough,” said Docherty. “I’m feeling fit, strong and ready for another explosive performance. I’ve had my best camp yet, sparring the likes of John Ryder to get me in the best shape possible. Everyone has seen the power I carry and on Saturday I’m going to unleash it once again.

“I’ve got a decent journeyman in front of me, he’s very slick and has only been stopped three times in 17 fights so getting him out of there would be a good statement for me. I feel like I’m riding on a wave of momentum and you’ll see my best performance yet in Peterborough.

“It’s still very early days for me in my pro career but I’m confident in my abilities and I’ve got a great team around me, I couldn’t be in a better place. I think I could target an area title or a ranking title by the end of the year, why not? I’d fight anyone put in front of me without hesitation. My team have my best interests at heart and will let me know when it’s time to be let off the leash.”

Docherty vs. Neves is part of a huge night in Peterborough.

Jordan Gill takes on Mexico’s Emmanual Dominguez for the WBA International Featherweight crown in the main event.

Undefeated Richard Riakporhe makes the first defence of his WBA Inter-Continental Cruiserweight title against Belfast’s Tommy McCarthy.

Unbeaten Indiana Super-Middleweight contender Anthony Sims Jr fights for the second time in the UK after an explosive debut in Cardiff last summer.

Kazakh sensation Sultan Zaurbek fights for the first time as a pro in the UK in a 6 round Lightweight contest.

Nottingham’s Leigh Wood clashes with Ghana’s Abraham Osei Bonsu for the vacant Commonwealth Featherweight crown.

Heavy-handed Super-Middleweight prospect John Docherty looks to make if four knockouts from four fights after impressing again on the Garcia vs. Cheeseman undercard at The O2 and Leeds Super-Bantamweight and former Team GB amateur standout Qais Ashfaq aims to go 5-0, and there’s also action on the undercard for Northampton Super-Welterweight Kieron Conway, Wisbech Super-Welterweight Joe Steed and St Ives Super-Lightweight Bradley Smith.

Sergio Garcia won a 12-round unanimous decision over Ted Cheesman to retain the European Super Welterweight title at the O2 Arena in London

It was a high contact fight with Garcia getting much better of the exchanges. His worked showed as Cheesman was bleeding from his nose throughout the fight.

Garcia, 153.4 lbs of Spain won by scores of 119-109 twice and 115-114. Cheesman, 153.3 lbs of England is 15-1.

Craig Richards stopped Jake Ball in round three of a scheduled 10-round light heabyweight bout.

In round one, Richards sent Ball to the canvas with a right hand. In round two, it was a right to the body that sent Ball to a knee. In round three, it was a hook to the head that sent Ball down for a 3rd time. Ball was still hurt, and Richards jumped on him by landing several more hard blows before the fight was stopped at 2:27.

Richards, 174.8 lbs of 14-1 with eight knockouts. Richards, 174.5 lbs of Lightwater is 12-2.

Lawrecnce Okolie remained undefeated with a 2nd round stoppage over Tamas Lodi in a cruiserweight fight.

In round two, Okolie dropped Lodi with a perfect left hook.. At the end of the round, Okolie landed a flush right hand that put Lodi down for a second time. In the opening seconds of round three, Okolie sent Lodi down again with a right hand. Lodi went down for a fourth and final time with a short right to the chin, and the fight was stopped at 1:13.

Okolie, 199.8 lbs of Hackney, and is now 11-0 with eight knockouts. Lodi, 199.5 lbs of Hungary is 20-12-2.

It was announced after the fight that Okolie would fight Wadi Camacho on March 23rd.

Felix Cash demolished Rasheed Abolaji in round one of a scheduled 12-round middleweight bout.

In round one, Cash dropped Abolaji with a hard jab. Moments later, Cash dropped Abolaji with a perfect overhand right that sent him on his stomach. Abolaji got to his feet, but stumbled back, and the bout was stopped at 2:45.

Cash, 159.6 lbs of Workingham is 11-0 with seven knockouts. Abolaji, 157.8 lbs of Nigeria is 11-5-1.

Fabio Wardley destroyed Morgan Dessaux in the 1st round of their scheduled six-round heavyweight tilt.

Wardley landed a booming right uppercut that was followed up with a short left that dropped Dessaux, and the fight was stopped at 1:43.

Wardley, 229 lbs of Ipswich is 6-0 with five knockouts. Dessaux, 215 lbs of France is 5-5

Scott Fitzgerald remained undefeated by stopping Radoslav Mitev in round two of their scheduled six-round middleweight bout.

In round one, Fitzgerald dropped Miev with a right to the head. In round two, Fitzgerald had an all-out assault until he dropped Mitev with an uppercut. The fight was stopped upon a bloodied Mitev getting to his fight at 1:27.

Fiztgerald, 159.9 lbs of Preston is 12-0 with nine knockouts. Mitev, 156.9 lbs of Bulgaria is 12-46-2.

John Docherty stopped Przemyslaw Binienda in the 1st round of their scheduled four-round light heavyweight bout.

In round one, Binienda began to bleed from his nose. Docherty landed a hard combination that was punctuated by a straight left that plummeted Binienda into the ropes and the bout was stopped at 1:59.

Docherty, 170.4 lbs of Montrose is 3-0 with three knockouts. Binienda, 173.4 lbs of Poland is 2-23.

John Docherty is determined to emulate gym mate and compatriot Ricky Burns by winning a World title of his own one day.

The Commonwealth Games bronze medallist trains alongside Scottish legend Burns at Tony Sims’ gym in Essex, where he is currently preparing for his third professional outing at The O2 in London on February 2.

Burns created history by becoming Scotland’s firs three-weight World Champion in May 2016 when he added Super-Lightweight glory to his Super-Featherweight and Lightweight titles by stopping Michele Di Rocco for the WBA title in Glasgow, and in doing so inspired a wave of new talent.

“Ricky is a legend in Scotland and someone that I’ve always looked up to,” said Docherty. “It’s an honour to train alongside him every day, I’ve already learnt so much from him. He’s one of the most dedicated fighters out there, never misses a session and always puts 100% effort in.

“His attitude is infectious, it’s great to be around people like him. He’s always sharing his knowledge and advice with me – I couldn’t be in a better place. He really is an inspiration to younger fighters like myself and I intend on taking full advantage of his wealth of experience.

“His dedication has taken him to the very top of the sport. It’s one thing having the talent and ability, but it’s his complete devotion to the sport that has got him to where he is today. I want to follow in his footsteps and bring a World title back to Scotland. I’m aiming high, but what’s the point being in this game if you don’t want to be the best?”

Docherty, 21, has made a perfect start to life in the paid ranks, blitzing Jordan Latimer in 8 seconds on his debut in Newcastle in October before halting Angel Castillo in Florence, Italy a month later, and the Former Team GB member is hoping to carry his explosive form into 2019.

“Everything has gone great so far,” added Docherty. “I just need to keep on doing what I’m doing in the gym and listening to Tony. I’m improving every day and I’ve got a great team around me.

“I’ve been getting some great rounds in with Craig Richards, Ted Cheeseman and Felix Cash. I’m feeling stronger than ever and I want another knockout on February 2nd.”

Docherty features on a huge night of action in London.

Bermondsey star Ted Cheeseman steps up again when he challenges undefeated Spaniard Sergio Garcia for the European Super-Welterweight crown.

Undefeated British Cruiserweight Champion Lawrence Okolie returns to action after his win over Matty Askin at Wembley Stadium in September.

Light-Heavyweight rivals Jake Ball and Craig Richards finally face-off in a highly-anticipated grudge match for the WBA Continental title.

Rising Wokingham Middleweight talent Felix Cash fights for his second professional title when he takes on Nigeria’s Abolaji Rasheed for the vacant Commonwealth strap, with more fights to be announced soon.

Tickets for February 2 priced at £30, £50, £80 and £150 are (VIP) available to purchase from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), The O2 (www.theo2.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)