SOFIA, BULGARIA – February 22, 2024  The stage is set for an epic clash
as the World Boxing Association (WBA) Heavyweight

Championship of the World unfolds at the prestigious Arena Sofia on
March 30. Reigning champion, the resilient

and inspiring Mahmoud Charr of Germany, will defend his title against
the seasoned challenger, Bulgaria’s own

Kubrat Pulev, in a showdown that has all of the ingredients to go down
in the history books as a classic heavyweight “shoot out.”

Kubrat Pulev, a veteran heavyweight with an illustrious career, has
faced boxing’s elite, including Anthony Joshua,

Wladimir Klitschko, and Derek Chisora. With the opportunity to fulfill
his and his father’s lifelong dream in front of his home crowd and
become the

first heavyweight champion EVER from Bulgaria.

Pulev is determined to seize the championship belt and etch his name in
boxing history.

Mahmoud Charr’s journey to the top has been nothing short of remarkable.
Overcoming adversities both inside and

outside the ring, Charr’s resilience is a testament to the true spirit
of a champion. Surviving multiple bullet wounds

and near-death experiences, he stands tall as the reigning heavyweight
champion, ready to face his next

formidable challenge.

The fight is presented by EPIC SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT, led by CEO Ivaylo
Gotzev, a visionary promoter

originally from Bulgaria. Gotzev, a veteran in the boxing world, has
previously produced world champions like

Samuel Peter of Nigeria and Sergey Liakhovich of Belarus. Now, he aims
to add another name to his list of

champions with his countryman, Kubrat Pulev.

“Everything is finally coming together and we are all in alignment, this
fight is promises to deliver as an old school

heavyweight barn burner, both men are ready and it’s a make or break
fight for them both, there is a lot on the

line. This fight sets up multiple angles, and we are excited about this
year’s plans, watch this space.” Ivaylo Gotzev

– EPIC SPORTS CEO

The world will witness a global broadcast of this monumental event to be
streamed worldwide, ensuring that fans around the globe can

experience the intensity of the heavyweight clash (MORE TO COME …).
The undercard is stacked with promising young heavyweights

eager to make their mark on the global stage, adding an extra layer of
excitement to an already electrifying night.

With the winner facing a multitude of options for their next move, EPIC
SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT, along with

strategic partners, are already planning a historic event. In
celebration of the 50th anniversary of the iconic

Rumble in the Jungle, there are plans to stage the next title defense on
African soil, promising a mega event that

will captivate the world.

Get ready for a night of thunderous punches and the relentless pursuit
of glory as Mahmoud Charr and Kubrat Pulev

go head-to-head for the WBA Heavyweight Championship of the World.

This is a boxing spectacle that you won’t want to miss!

_About EPIC SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT_

_EPIC SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT is a premier sports promotion company led
by CEO Ivaylo Gotzev and legendary boxing attorney and _

_President, John S. Wirt.. Together with over 60 years of combined
experience at the highest levels of boxing and with a rich history of_

_producing world champions, EPIC SPORTS is committed to delivering
thrilling and memorable events that captivate global_

Derek Chisora evened up his series with Kubrat Pulev by winning a split decision in a 12-round heavyweight bout at The O2 Arena in London.

In round five, Pulev was cut on his left eyelid. It was a sloppy yet entertaining affair that saw each guy land some big shots throughout the contest.

Chisora landed 171 of 526 punches; Pulev was 200 of 796.

Each fighter won a scorecard by a 116-112 tally. A third card was 116-114 for Chisora.

Madrimov and Soro Fight to a Technical Draw

Israil Madrimov and Michel Soro fought to a technical draw when Soro suffered a bad cut in the third round of their 12-round junior middleweight rematch.

At the start of round three, The two clashed heads, and Soro began to bleed badly over his left eye. The fight was the sequel to a December rematch that saw Madrimov score a ninth round stoppage, but the stoppage may have come after the ninth round bell had sounded.

Ali Decisions Rojas

Ramla Ali remained undefeated with an eight-round decision over Agustina Rojas in a super bantamweight fight.

Ali, 122.14 kbs of Greewich, ENG won by an 80-72 score and is now 6-0. Rojas, 122.3 lbs of Villeurbanne, ARG is 6-2.

Agyarko Decisions Maciej

Caoimhin Agyarko won a 10-round unanimous decision over Lukasz Maciej in a super middleweight bout.

Agyarko, 153.12 lbs of Belfast, NI won by scores of 100-90 twice and 99-93 and is now 12-0. Maciej, 154 lbs of Lublin. POL is 28-5-1.

Wardley Stops Healey in 2

Fabio Wardley remained undefeated by stopping Chris Healey in round two of their eight-round heavyweight bout.

In round one, Wardley opened up with a hard combination that put Healey down to the canvas. It was the same thing in round two as Warley landed a hard combination that punctuated by a right hand that put Healey down and the towel was thrown in at 40 seconds.

Wardley, 238 lbs of Ipswich, ENG is now 14-0 with 13 knockouts. Healey, 275 lbs of Stickport, ENG is 9-10.

Solomon Dacres won an eight-round decision over Kevin Nicolas Espindola in a heavyweight bout.

Dacres, 230.1 lbs of Birmingham, ENG won by an 80-72 score and is now 4-0. Espindola, 257 lbs of San Pedro, ARG is 7-5.

Yousuf Ibrahim won a decision over Francisco Rodriguez in a super bantamweight bout.

Ibrahim, 120.1 lbs of Northhampton, ENG won by a 40-36 score and is now 2-0. Rodriguez, 121.1 lbs of Alfacar, SPA is 1-7.

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:

“Good afternoon everyone. Welcome to London. Big fight feels ahead of ‘Total Carnage’ this Saturday night at the incredible O2 Arena, live on DAZN around the world. This man Derek Chisora faces off against Kubrat Pulev in a huge Heavyweight matchup with an incredible undercard ready to go for your entertainment. We’re going to talk to everybody up here on the top table and the bottom table as well as we get ready for a big night at The O2.”

Derek Chisora:

“Let’s all be honest. I don’t know how many press conferences I’ve done in the past. It’s all the same talk to be honest with you. ‘Yes I have trained hard, I’ve hit the bag harder, I’ve sparred harder and I’ve done everything harder’. How many fights have I had? 45 fights. It’s the same chat. I just want to fight. We can all sit here and say, ‘I’ve trained hard and I’ve done this and done that’, it doesn’t really matter for me. All I want to do is just put my gumshield on, put my gloves on, walk out to the ring and fight. That’s all I want to do. I’m just excited for Saturday. My whole point right now is just bringing big fights, entertaining the fans and just doing what I like to do. I’m not tired, I’m just tired of your bullsh*t basically (to Pulev). I’ll be honest with you, if you’re a boxer and you don’t have the confidence then you’re in the wrong business. Mike Tyson always says everyone has a plan until they get hit. All the fighters here have a plan. Everybody wants to win their fight. It’s all about that last edge, who wants to go to the other end. That’s it. It’s all about when the bell goes and you know what time it is. My style is ‘f**ck it’, bite on the gumshield and let’s f****ing go for it. That’s what I’m bringing. I’m bringing that. This is what I love. You know what my plan is already. You know exactly what to expect. From the get-go we are going – there’s no two ways about it. I make myself go. Whatever he wants to do he can do. I think you (Pulev) beat me because we were in Germany, let’s be honest. Don’t worry about me. Just worry about yourself.”

Kubrat Pulev:

“I’m sure in myself. I believe in myself. I don’t talk so much. I talk real and I’m honest. I just talk the truth. My team and I have had amazing preparation for this fight. We had very hard training in Bulgaria. We are ready for the rematch with Derek Chisora. I took this rematch because everybody needs a second chance. That’s why man to man I’ve given him a second chance. For the people it’s going to be a really interesting fight because there’s a lot of history behind this fight. We have old history and now we will see who is better than before. It’s very interesting. He has his style; my style is a little bit different. We’re going to see on Saturday who has changed. This is very important. My style is very precise. I like to work like a doctor or a professor. Every punch precise. This is sport, Heavyweight boxing. It’s not just billiards or something like that. Nobody can say what is going to happen. That’s why boxing is so interesting. I’m sure I am very good and very strong, and I have a lot of power and energy. Every round is going to be difficult for Derek Chisora. I’ve come here for the win. Now is a different situation because I see him, and he’s made good changes. I think he is smarter than before. He’s more balanced than before. It means he’s maybe better and I must be careful about that. He’s a stronger opponent than before. For me it’s very important and I think for him it’s also very important. That’s why we give everything and that’s why I’m sure he will give everything. It’s going to be a great fight. One of us must win. I hope the judges and the referee are honest. He says this is war but for me this is not war – I don’t hate him.”

Ivaylo Gotzev:

“Let’s get down to business Eddie. We have a man on a mission here and I second your opinion. I’ve only known him for 21 years. Right now, I’ve seen this man come to his absolute peak. He’s coming in at 100% and I’ve never seen him stronger. I’ve never seen him better. Last time we visited London it was very unfortunate that we had to perform at about 40%, so imagine 60% more to that power. He’s in a shape that I’ve never see him in before. Even last night I watched him train for the last time and I’ve got to tell you, the walls were shaking. The bags were cracking. This guy is here on a mission. You and me have some unfinished business right – there’s some titles on the line. As far as I’m concerned, all roads lead to London. You guys have all of the belts, maybe Saudi Arabia for you. First things first though we’ve got to take care of a very tough man in Derek Chisora. Much respect to him. He’s going to be a terrific challenge. Now we’ll let the two warriors speak.”

Israil Madrimov:

“Hello everyone. This is my first time in London. I like it here. I am feeling great. I am feeling good and I am ready for Saturday. Last time in Tashkan Soro was definitely hurt. The referee didn’t hear the bell and I didn’t hear the bell, so we have what we have. I’ll try to win better this time without any questions. Regarding the Charlo possibility, my aim is the same, I’m focused to become a World Champion.”

Michel Soro:

“Good afternoon everyone and thank you very much to all of you. After the controversial ending of the last fight I’m really happy for this fight to be rescheduled. I’m happy for the opportunity to fight him again. It’s a good thing for me to go through and I’ll do my best on Saturday. If there wasn’t referee issues, I think it would have been a different verdict for the fight. The referee didn’t hear the bell going so he left the fight to go on and that’s why the fight ended in the way it ended.”

Felix Cash:

“He’s a decent fighter. He’s tough. He’s been in with some big opposition. He’s been beat and few times before and he’ll be beat on Saturday night. I’m not looking past Saturday night; I’ve got to do a job on Alexander. I’ll get him out of the way on Saturday night and look good doing it. We’ll then look to get a World Title shot or something big afterwards.”

Vaughn Alexander:

“I’m grateful and thankful to be here. Yeah, I’m ready. Felix Cash is a great fighter. At this point, at 160lbs – I don’t think there’s anybody… all of the losses that I’ve had were at 168lbs. I’m an animal at 160lbs. Felix Cash is a good fighter but he’s going to have to be hitting like Chisora to beat me. I’m just where I need to be at 160lbs. The only reason that I was trying to be at 168lbs is because a lot of people at 160lbs didn’t want to fight me. I had to take risks and fights at 168lbs. I’m staying right here at 160lbs and I know I’m a problem here. A lot of people know that I did eleven and a half years in prison. I turned pro when I was 18. I was doing my thing, but I couldn’t leave the streets alone. I did eleven and a half years, but I trained extra hard when I was in prison. I didn’t lose focus. When I got out, I got right back to it and you know, I’m grateful to be here right now. I got some good wins and most definitely I’m going to be victorious on Saturday.”

Fabio Wardley:

“Everyone is talking about me next up for the British Title but that’s not going to happen if I don’t get through Saturday night. That’s the 100% focus right now – Kingsley on Saturday night. He’s a good, tough, durable and awkward opponent. Uncomfortable to fight, not always pretty. There’s going to be a few tricky situations that I’m going to have to figure out. I’m more than happy to do so. Once that’s done and dusted then we can start getting serious about me looking for the British Title. You can do it in sparring, and you can do it in training, on the bags and you can put yourself through 10/12/15 rounds going hard, but nothing compares to doing it on the fight night with your opponent in front of you. You need to know what your body feels like in those moments. I want to answer those questions as quickly as possible against the more kind of medium level opponents. I need to get those things ticked off as early as possible. An early night’s work is always good but I’m trying to get a few rounds in this time.”

Caoimhin Agyarko:

“It’s a big moment for me on Saturday. I feel like I’ve got the right opponent in front of me to showcase my skills and showcase how good I am. I didn’t really think it would be as easy making the weight as it has been. I was 3lbs over this morning and 3lbs over after having lunch. I’m happy. I expect a tough fight on Saturday and look to make my mark in the 154lbs division. I’m thankful for the opportunities Eddie has given me. It’s going to be my second title fight in three fights. I’ll look to go and put a big performance in on Saturday night and then I’ll be knocking on Eddie’s door to make Belfast happen next year. I think a punch perfect performance, showing certain aspects of my style that I haven’t shown yet is the aim. I feel like this performance will come forward and allow me to box more and show the good footwork and fast hands. I’ll be able to show angles. I expect a tough ten rounds but I’m someone that finishes my dinner and if I have him hurt then I’ll close the show.”

Ramla Ali:

“I wanted to gain that experience in the US. I’ve always said that there’s some amazing talent out there. So testing myself against some of these talents in US was an amazing opportunity and allowed me to develop and progress not only my skills, but boxing in general. I’m really excited for what everyone is calling the homecoming, to box on Saturday in front of a huge London crowd. I sold quite a few tickets, so I’ve got a lot of support coming for me on Saturday and I know they’re going to fill the arena up with noise, and I’m really excited for that. Plenty of flags, plenty of drums, plenty of chanting. Expect all of that. I feel like that sort of atmosphere will not only hype me up, but it will also hype up my opponent. It will allow for a better fight.”

Augustina Rojas:

“Thank you very much. Hello everyone. I am ready to put in a very good performance this Saturday. I’m ready to show that Argentina is here and I am prepared for this fight.”

Solomon Dacres:

“I had a little shoulder injury – something that I was boxing through. Now I’ve got that fixed and I should be coming back a lot stronger. My last performance was good against Sokolowski, a lot of people have come unstuck against him. Now I just want to get active and get my name out there. I’ve gone a little bit under the radar. I’ve got the amateur pedigree – Team GB, one of the top amateurs. Now I’ve got to get active and put myself on the big stage. I don’t want to be held back or wait around. I know I’ve got the ability to do ten rounders in the next couple of fights and then go on to British Title fights maybe next year. I believe in myself and I want to build some big shows in Birmingham.”

Yousef Ibrahim:

“I just want to say thank you to Derek, Matchroom and DAZN for giving me this opportunity. There’s going to be fireworks on Saturday, I’m going to bring it.”

New York, NY (May 12, 2022) – On Saturday, May 14, heavyweight contender Jerry “Slugger” Forrest (26-4-2, 20 KOs), of Newport News, VA, collides with two-time world title challenger Kubrat “The Cobra” Pulev (28-2, 14 KOs), of Sofia, Bulgaria, in a 10-round contest. The exciting bout will serve as the co-feature to Triller Fight Club’s “TrillerVerz 5: Lineage of Greatness” pay-per-view event, live from the Forum in Inglewood, CA, on FITE.TV and TrillerFightClub.com, priced at $29.99.

“Training camp went great. I never really stopped training following my last fight. I stayed sharp, working on technique and fundamentals. I’m coming into this fight knowing I deserved victories in my last two fights. Against Zhang, I got off the canvas three times and came back to dominate and nearly stop him. I made some mistakes, but it was a learning experience. Against Hunter, I beat a world-rated guy who gave Oleksandr Usyk a tough fight, and I proved that I belong with the top contenders. I controlled the tempo and landed the bigger shots. When you’re the B-side and you get a draw, that usually means you won. I left it in the hands of the judges when I should have knocked him out,” said Forrest. “I’m looking forward to this fight against Pulev. He is a very skilled fighter who has shared the ring with Joshua, Klitschko, and so many others, but I am faster and stronger than he is. He won’t be able to withstand what I bring for 10 rounds.”

“Jerry Forrest should be a top-ten world-ranked contender. In his last few fights, he has proven himself against touted, undefeated contenders, but was unjustly denied victories against Jermaine Franklin, Zhilei Zhang and in his rematch against Michael Hunter,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Facing an experienced fighter like Kubrat Pulev, who has only lost to the very best, Forrest has another opportunity to show the world that he belongs among the top echelon of the heavyweight division.”

Forrest is coming off of back-to-back slugfests that ended in controversial draws last year. On February 27, in Miami, FL, Forrest battled undefeated six-foot-six Chinese southpaw Zhilei Zhang, rising from three early knockdowns to control the remainder of their bout and nearly stop his adversary. In his last fight, on December 2, 2021, headlining TrillerVerz 4, at New York City’s Hammerstein Ballroom, Forrest fought a rematch against Michael Hunter and was the aggressor throughout their bout, tagging him often with his straight left and wearing him down. Most observers felt that Forrest deserved to win both bouts.

Forrest, whose father is a master chief petty officer in the US Navy aboard the USS Nimitz, was employed as a nuclear electrician for 10 years, working on submarines and aircraft carriers at the outset of his boxing career.

Los Angeles, CA (April 4, 2022) Triller Fight Club has announced that heavyweight contender Jerry ‘The Slugger’ Forrest, (26-4-2, 20 KOs), of Newport News, VA will now face two-time world title challenger Kubrat ‘The Cobra’ Pulev (28-2 14 KOs), over ten rounds at the ‘Lineage of Greatness’ event set for Saturday, May 14 at the Forum in Los Angeles. The hard-throwing southpaw, Forrest, replaces Andrey Fedesov who was previously scheduled to face Pulev.

Forrest returns to battle following a hotly contested split-decision draw against top-rated heavyweight contender Michael Hunter on December 2, 2021 at the Hammerstein Ballroom

in New York City headlining TrillerVerz IV. Earlier last year, Forrest battled to a majority draw against undefeated contender Zhilei Zhang, the fight taking place in Miami, FL at the Hard Rock Stadium on the undercard of the Canelo Alvarez / Avril Yildirim Super Middleweight World Title Fight.

                                                            ——————————————

The Trillerverz 5 ‘Lineage of Greatness’  includes legendary boxing families and a once-in-a-lifetime VERZUZ battle between Cypress Hill and Onyx. This event at the Forum is the perfect night for sports and entertainment, whether you are in the arena or in the comfort of your home streaming it with family and friends.

Tickets starting at $31.00 are now on-sale through TrillerFightClub.com, TheLAForum.com, and Ticketmaster.com at http://www.ticketmaster.com/trillerverz5

The full TrillerVerz V boxing card includes:

                SERGEY KOVALEV VS. TERVEL PULEV (10 Rounds / Cruiserweight)

Sergey Kovalev last fought evenly with the current #1 Pound-for-Pound Fighter in the World, ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, before getting stopped in the 11th round. His illustrious career includes victories over Bernard Hopkins, Eleider Alvarez (twice), Jean-Pascal (twice), and Isaac Chilemba. He also holds two highly controversial losses to Andre Ward. 

The heavy-handed Tervel Pulev, the 2012 Bronze Medalist at the Olympic  Games, the younger brother of two-time heavyweight world title challenger Kubrat Pulev, returns to the ring following a knockout victory of Vikapita Meroro on July 29, 2021. He is currently the holder of the WBA International Cruiserweight Title. 

                KUBRAT PULEV VS. JERRY FORREST (10 Rounds / Heavyweight)

Kubrat ‘The Cobra’ Pulev (28-2, 14 KOs) will clash with Andrey Fedosov (32-3, 26 KOs) over ten scheduled heavyweight rounds. Pulev is returning to action after a first-round knockout of Frank Mir on November 27, 2021, at the first-ever Triad Combat event in Arlington, TX. Pulev has defeated numerous heavyweight boxing contenders, including Samuel Peter, Hughie Fury, Dereck Chisora, Tony Thompson, Alexsandr Ustinov, and Alexander Dimitrenko. His only losses have come to Heavyweight World Champions Wladimir Klitschko and Anthony Joshua. 

Two outstanding, evenly fought battles against top contenders Michael Hunter and Zhilei Zhang in 2021 have prepared Jerry ‘Slugger’ Forrest, (26-4-2 20 KOs) for the biggest fight of his career against Kubrat Pulev.

                            SON OF A LEGEND EVAN HOLYFIELD VS. MAURICE WILLIAMS 

Also featured on the undercard, Son of a Legend, Evan ‘Yung Holy’ Holyfield (9-0, 6 KOs), will compete in a scheduled six-rounder in the junior middleweight division. He is the son of Three-Time Heavyweight World Champion Evander ‘The Real Deal’ Holyfield. He will face Maurice Williams, 7-2-0 (3 KOs).

FERNANDO ‘EL FEROZ’ VARGAS JR., AMADO ‘EL MALVADO’ VARGAS,  AND THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED PRO DEBUT OF EMILIANO VARGAS

Rounding out the card, The Fernando Vargas Dynasty continues with the highly anticipated professional debut of Seven-Time Amateur Champion, lightweight Emiliano ‘El General’ Vargas. He will be joining his highly regarded and undefeated brothers on the card at the star-making venue, junior middleweight Fernando ‘El Feroz’ Vargas, Jr. (5-0, 5 KOs) and Amado ‘El Malvado’ Vargas (3-0, 2 KOs), competing in the featherweight division. They are the sons of three-time junior middleweight world champion Fernando ‘El Feroz’ Vargas. All three bouts will take place over four rounds. 

Launched less than two years ago, Triller Fight Club has already sold over 3,000,000 Pay-Per-Views in the past year, making it one of the top-selling combat sports/entertainment platforms. TrillerVerz’s widely acclaimed monthly series, including world-class professional boxing and musical Verzuz battles, has consistently been at the top of watched broadcasts averaging over 6,000,000 views. 

TrillerVerz 5 signals Triller’s continued commitment to its legacy of innovation by recognizing the ‘Lineage of Greatness,’ a one-time, iconic, cultural experience that showcases world-class fighters and global hip hop legends in an epic Verzuz rap battle. TrillerVerz 5 carries its legacy into this unique event, streamed globally for fans of a new form of entertainment. TrillerVerz 5 opens doors and answers questions for those in the ring, on the stage, in the arena, and everyone watching worldwide on their TVs and devices. Fans of what’s new, now and next, make sure you get your tickets to attend or order the PPV now to make sure you don’t miss a second of this amazing collision of entertainment and action.

In December 2021, Triller entered into a definitive merger agreement with SeaChange International, Inc. (NASDAQ: SEAC), in a transaction that would result in the combined company being named TrillerVerz Corp., and its common stock will be listed on Nasdaq, subject to completion of the conditions listed in the S4, which was filed recently by SeaChange (NASD: SEAC).

This Triller Fight Club PPV event, priced at $29.99, will be carried in North America across all traditional PPV TV platforms, including cable, satellite & telco TV PPV providers, including Xfinity, Spectrum, Contour, Fios, and Optimum (U.S.), among others, as well as leading operators in Canada. It will also be offered to commercial outlets via Joe Hand Promotions and globally via digital streaming to all major outlets as listed below.

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**HOW TO WATCH THE May 14^th event via Worldwide Streaming **

Digitally broadcast via FITE and all FITE mobile, Smart TV, IPTV, game controller, and OTT apps as well as the event microsite hub: TrillerFightClub.com

Commercial outlets can order through Joe Hand Promotions at 1-800-557-4263 or through their website at orders.joehandpromotions.com. 

Follow Triller Fight Club on social media: 

Instagram: @Triller, @TrillerFightClub
Twitter: @Triller, @TrillerFight

Facebook: @TrillerFightClub

Houston, TX (January 6, 2022) Triller Fight Club and entertainment icon, Nick Cannon, today announced the return to the state of Texas for the combat sports and rock concert mega-event, “Triad Combat II: Kubrat Pulev vs. Junior Dos Santos” emanating from the world renowned Toyota Center in Downtown Houston on Saturday, February 26, 2022, and streaming live on FITE  and TrillerFightClub.com.  The highly anticipated event can be ordered now through a TrillerVerz subscription for just $2.99 per month or $29.99 per year by clicking  HERE.  Pre-order the event via the TrillerVerz subscription by Feb. 11 and get a 14-day FREE trial!

Cannon, who served as host of the first-ever Triad Combat event on November 27, 2021, featuring the legendary, hard rock band Metallica, is reprising his role for Triad Combat II, along with coaches; Two-Time Heavyweight Boxing World Champion Shannon ‘Let’s GO Champ’, Briggs (Boxing) and former UFC Light Heavyweight World Champion Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson (MMA). An International Superstar Musical Act and Ticket Information for the event will be announced shortly.

Said ‘Rampage’ Jackson after the first event, “Triad Combat is here to stay, I think UFC and Bellator should be worried, honestly.”

Included among the accolades received from the international sports media for the first Triad Combat was a Top Ten Combat Sports Event Award in 2021 from the acclaimed, UK based TalkSport.com outlet. The event was also lauded from numerous media platforms as a true game changer in the sports and entertainment industry.

Triad Combat is a revolutionary, new combat team sport which incorporates boxing and MMA rules in an aggressive, fast-paced manner with the fighters competing in a specially designed triangular ring over two-minute rounds featuring professional boxers competing against professional mixed martial arts fighters. The specific motto of leveling the playing field between the two sports utilizing crossover gloves and with holding allowed is meant to offer boxing and MMA fighters an even battleground where neither opponent has a greater advantage.

Triad Combat II will once again be produced by the award-winning Nigel Lythgoe, the Triller Fight Club visionary in addition to the producer and creative force behind ‘American Idol’ and ‘So You Think You Can Dance’.

Triad Combat II is headlined by the previously announced nine-round epic heavyweight clash between Triad Combat I victor Kubrat ‘The Cobra’ Pulev of Sofia, Bulgaria and former UFC Heavyweight World Champion Junior Dos Santos of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.

Additionally, previously announced for Triad Combat II is a seven-round cruiserweight fight between former Light Heavyweight Boxing World Champion ‘Bad’ Chad Dawson of New Haven, CT and former UFC Light Heavyweight World Champion Vitor ‘The Phenom’ Belfort of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Four exciting undercard bouts have also been announced for Triad Combat II.

Among the bouts on the undercard, the all-action and always, aggressive professional boxer Armin ‘The Bosnian Prince’, Mrkanovic, (10-3, 5 KOs), of Queens, NY clashes with Joe ‘Stitch Em Up’ Schilling, of Los Angeles, CA in a sure-fire bomb away fight over seven rounds in the light heavyweight division. Mrkanovic makes his long-awaited return to battle, last competing on March 31, 2019, stopping Wilmer Mejia in the third round in the Dominican Republic. A veteran of Bellator and Bellator Kickboxing, ‘blood and guts’ warrior, Schilling had won six fights in a row prior to a loss at Bellator 229 to Tony Johnson.   

Competing in the featherweight division in a scheduled seven round bout at Triad Combat II, heavy-handed boxer and USBA Junior Welterweight Champion, Samuel ‘The Tsunami’ Teah, (18-4-1, 8 KOs), of Philadelphia, PA faces MMA veteran, Jimmie ‘EL Terror’ Rivera, (23-5), of New Jersey. Teah is returning to action following a devastating first round knockout of Larry Fryers on September 17, 2021. Undefeated over a five-year span in the UFC, Bellator, CFFC and WSOF, Rivera looks to bounce back into the win column after a hard-fought loss to Pedro Munhoz on February 27, 2021 at UFC Fight Night.

Also fighting in the featherweight division over seven rounds, veteran boxer and former Toughman World Champion Dakota Linger, (12-5-3, 8 KOs), of Buckhannon, WV, faces MMA fighter Sam Sicilia, (17-11), of Spokane, WA. Fighting at Madison Square Garden on October 31, 2021, Linger battled to a hotly contested draw against heralded and undefeated prospect Mathew Gonzalez over six rounds. Sicilia fights in Triad Combat for the first time following a third-round knockout of Talon Hoffman on August 26, 2021 at the Conquest of the Cage event in his hometown.

Battling in a women’s five-round bantamweight fight, Stephanie Han, (1-0) of El Paso, TX faces Claudia Zamora, (3-2), fighting out of Miami, FL.  Han makes her Triad Combat debut in her home state following her pro boxing debut victory on October 30, 2021, a four round unanimous decision over Isabel Garcia in Las Cruces, NM. Previously riding a three-fight winning streak, MMA fighter Zamora heads into battle following a hard-fought clash with Marina Mokhnatkina on August 19, 2021.

Home of the NBA’s Houston Rockets, the Toyota Center is located in Downtown Houston at 1510 Polk Street. Further information can be found on their website at www.ToyotaCenter.com.

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By Bart Barry-

Saturday at Wembley Arena, in its cafeteria or lobby, British heavyweight titlist Anthony “AJ” Joshua went through in nine rounds a limited old Bulgarian named Kubrat “The Cobra” Pulev in four or so rounds longer than Wlad Klitschko did in 2014.  Saturday in San Antonio, Mexican middleweight champion and light heavyweight titlist Saul “Canelo” Alvarez will challenge British super middleweight champion Callum “Mundo” Smith.  DAZN brought and brings us both.

AJ won the first match of his AR (After Ruiz) career by convincing stoppage that made some new fan, someone who discovered boxing Saturday, there must be one, think AJ is an indestructible force other heavyweight champions’d be wise to avoid.  What that means is a fresh round of socialmedia negotiations commences.  They’re all hypothetical at this point, exactly as most contemporary prizefighters and their followers prefer them.

Until a Covid vaccine is widely distributed round the world and its effect widely proven round the world all plans for heavyweight superfights are noise.  Here in the U.S. we know all about cacophony (and handling a pandemic catastrophically badly).  Bob Arum and Tyson Fury will do their part to ensure failed negotiations for AJ-Gypsy King get blamed on someone else – they’ve already begun that campaign.  Fury has been lucid for a couple years now, blessedly so, but Arum and others know tomorrow is promised to no promoter and waiting for things to marinate “until we can have fans in the seats again” mightn’t be perspicacity’s own path.

Joshua knows to wait favors him.  So long as the AR charade holds up with Eastern Bloc guys – a Pulev to Usyk to Povetkin run has to be the preferred course – there’s no need to go the riskier route of a Fury fight or, God save AJ’s chin, a match with Deontay Wilder.  Saturday AJ proved against a smaller, older, lighter-hitting, less-athletic version of himself he is a monster.

Even still the sheen is off.  There’s no longer an inevitability to AJ.  One no longer thinks of the kid who dethroned Wlad Klitschko but the man who went wobbly woebegone against a fat little guy who could punch in combination.  That AJ, though, had something like pride and initiative – he was trying to finish Ruiz, remember, when his career comically unwound.  Better for AJ that we remember that bemused countenance and refusal to step forward till he good and felt like it, not the way he ran from the Snickers spokesman six months later.

Tentative as he got after Corrie Sanders denuded him Wlad never had athleticism enough to run like AJ did in Saudi Arabia; Wlad had the heart for it but not the coordination.  Pulev wasn’t much of a matchmaking risk for AJ’s braintrust.  He was a mandatory of some sort, a proven victim, and at age 39 near to immobile as a credible challenger could be.  He also wasn’t much of a finisher.  If AJ chose to plant and punch and his righthand arrived in second place, it was essential he’d have time to settle things before he had to punch or defend again.  Pulev was not a man to rush forward.  

Actually, who cares?  Until AJ fights Fury or Wilder he’ll not be considered credible by aficionados, so why shoehorn anything more into Saturday’s match?

Especially when we can be treating Canelo’s upcoming fight with Callum Smith.  Saturday at Alamodome in a city whose daily new Covid cases are now about the worst they’ve been and eight times or so worse than they were in October, there is a misery of an undercard followed by a properly compelling mainevent, for those dumb enough to put themselves in an indoor arena.

After his excellent win at World Boxing Super Series, Smith has been in hiding.  He fought well 18 months ago and badly five months after that.  He is the Ring champion at super middleweight and deservedly so.  Canelo is the Ring’s pound-for-pound champion, having fought at too many different weights recently to be considered anything other than one of the world’s best fighters, regardless of weightclass or belt.

If Canelo is not the world’s very best fighter it is not for reluctance.  He has made a fight with everyone aficionados have asked him to, especially those men aficionados suspected would make him look bad.  He hasn’t given Gennadiy Golovkin a rubbermatch because he doesn’t believe Golovkin deserves one – an assertion Golovkin is doing his damndest to prove by fighting a 31-year-old Pole with a 24-percent knockout ratio, this Friday.

Yes, the world’s most-feared man, one willing to fight anyone, even career welterweights, between 154 pounds and 168, though not at 154 pounds or 168, will, to his credit, be matching himself against his third career middleweight in a row when he makes a good boy out of the Ring’s number-six-rated middleweight, Kamil Szeremeta, in yet another worst-opponent-the-broadcaster-would-approve showcase for GGG.

Golovkin and his enablers consider his rivalry with Canelo unfinished.  Canelo doesn’t even recognize Golovkin as a rival.  Canelo’s right.  After icing a former light heavyweight champion in his last fight Canelo is about to fight the undisputed super middleweight champion of the world.  Golovkin, 0-1-1 (0 KOs) in career superfights, meanwhile, has returned to making war on mediocre middleweights – though, noticeably, without foundering HBO to overestimate wildly his achievements as he does.  Better put: Did you even know GGG was fighting this week?

Canelo-Smith should be excellent.  Smith has all the tools, and talent aplenty too, but not a fraction Canelo’s experience.  Neither suffers a want of selfbelief.  Had Smith kept improving or challenging himself after WBSS he’d be a favorite Saturday.  Unfortunately he hasn’t.

I’ll take Canelo, UD-12.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

Anthony Joshua retained the IBF/WBA?WBC Heavyweight titles with an emphatic 9th round knockout over mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev in front of 1,000 fans at the SSE Arena Webley in London, England.

After two rounds of boxing from distance, Joshua landed a huge right in round three that hurt Pulev. Joshua jumped on Pulev and landed a couple of bug uppercuts that sent Pulev into the corner. Pulev turned his back and the referee ruled a knockdown. Joshua seeked the knockout and landed a huge uppercut that sent Pulev down for a 2nd time.

Joshua continued to beat Pulev down, and in round nine, Joshua landed a huge uppercut down for a 3rd time. Joshua finished things up seconds later, and he landed a laser right hand to the end that sent Pulev down for the count of 10 at 2:58.

Joshua, 241 lbs of Walford, ENG is now 24-1 with 22 knockouts. Pulev, 239 lbs of Sofia, BUL is 28-2.

Joshua told Sky Sports afterwards: “I started this game in 2013. I’ve been chasing all the belts. I’ve been dealing with mandatories.

“Of course I want the challenge. It’s not about the opponent, it’s about the legacy and the belt. Whoever has got the belt, I would love to compete with them. If that is Tyson Fury, let it be Tyson Fury. It’s no big deal.

“It’s one fight at a time, picking them off one by one. That’s all it’s about for me. I’ve got to stay focused.”

Okolie destroys Jezewski in 2

Lawrence Okolie destroyed Nikodem Jezewski in round two of their scheduled 10-round cruiserweight bout.

Okolie dropped Jezewski twice in the opening round, first with a body shot and then a with a right hand as Jezewski was wobbling all over the ring.

Okolie ended things in the next round as he sent Jezewski down again and the fight was stopped at 1:45.

Okolie, 200 lbs of Hackney, ENG is 15-0 with 12 knockouts. Jezewski, 200 lbs of Poland is 19-1.

Speaking to Matchroom afterwards Okolie said: “I’m really happy. I was in the back room thinking I’m really calm and chilled. I just went out there to try and execute what I do every day in the gym. I really came out of the cage. I’m happy to get the win. I’ll have to watch it back, but from the reaction ringside, it seems like it was good. It’s what we’ve been working on. I do it every day in training. It’s about taking it from training to the fight. If I’m able to do what I’m doing in training in my next fight, I’ll be a World Champion. I’m excited. 

“He was undefeated and he was in shape preparing to fight. It was a risk, he had the world at this feet. It felt like a normal show, even with everyone spread out. It felt good. I’m really excited to watch it all back. That’s five stoppages on the trot. I’m feeling good and I want to keep the KO run going. It was good to shake out and make the weight. I had a good training camp and we’ll just build off that for the next one.”

Fury Decisions Wach

In a battle of former world title challengers, Hughie Fury won a 10-round unanimous decision over Mariusz Wach in a heavyweight bour.

In round four, Fury was cut over his right eye from a clash of heads.

Fury was able to dominate the 2nd half of the fight with jabs and body shots, and won by scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91.

Fury, 247.5 lbs of Manchester, ENG is 25-3. Wach, 274.6 lbs of Krakow, POL is 36-7.

“Everything is moving in the right direction,” Fury told Matchroom afterwards. “I did rush my work a little bit. I was hurting Wach with the right hand. I was getting to him. As I threw the right hand in the fourth there was a clash of the heads as he came in. I couldn’t see out of the eye at all. I went back into the corner and my dad told me to get back to my boxing. Wach is a tough man. We just relaxed and flowed back into it, and picked him off. 

“I don’t have any doubt in Kerry Kayes. He’s a guardian angel. As soon as I got back to my corner he got to work. He deserves all of the credit in the world. I’ve been in with everyone, and to be honest with you, I was like a boy against men. Now I’m a man people can see a big difference, and I’m coming. This is just the start. People will see a lot more to come from me.”

Bakole Decisions Kuzmin

Martin Bakole won a 10-round unanimous decision over Sergey Kuzmin in a heavyweight bout.

Bakole, 251.6 lbs of Kananga, CON won by scores of 98-92, 97-93 and 96-94 and is now 16-1. Kuzmin, 258.7 lbs of Saint Petersburg, RUS is 15-2.

“I want to thank god for this big victory,” Bakole told Matchroom. “To be honest, I’m not happy. I didn’t work the way I was supposed to work. I did three weeks in the gym. We kept that a secret. I was not 100% fit. I won the belt and I’m now WBC International Champion. It was a tough fight. if you look at round 2, I was close to knocking him. He survived because he’s a big guy. I needed to win this belt for my baby. I’m ready now. I’m in the top 10. I’m ready to face anybody. I’m going to see my family and then come back quickly to get in the gym to prepare for next year. 

“I want anyone. I’m ready to face anyone. I’m not in this business to play around. I’m in this business to win and I have a belt now. I told Michael Hunter to watch this fight. My next one is going to be him! Michael Hunter, look at my eyes; let’s do it again. This time I will beat him, believe me. I made a mistake, and now I’ve fixed my mistakes. I’m improving, and he can see that himself. Anthony Joshua is going to beat Kubrat Pulev, believe me!”

Conway Decisions McGowan

Kieron Conway won a 10-round unanimous decision over Macaulay McGowan in a super welterweight contest.

In round eight, Conway dropped McGowan with a left hook to the jaw.

Conway, 160 lbs of Northampton, ENG won by scores of 100-90, 100-89 twice and is now 16-1-1. McGowan, 158.7 lbs of Longton, ENG is 14-2-1.

“I’m content with the performance to be fair,” Conway told Matchroom afterwards. “I just did what I had to do. He was tough as anything. I hit him with everything that I possibly could have. I thank him a lot for stepping in at such short notice. He gave it everything and made it a good fight. As soon as these sharp, accurate and hard punches land, people go on the defensive. It make it a hell of a hard night for them. They just don’t want to keep taking them all night. I was really frustrated about the Cissokho fight, but I’m happy I still got to fight in the end on such a big stage. Job done now and we move on.

“I’m very grateful to get out twice this year. I feel like I’m one of the privileged ones. Especially this kind of opportunity on the big stage. Hopefully there was a good bit of exposure there for me. It was actually quite refreshing having people there shouting. It was nice to have them back. I’m very confident. People underestimate me. As soon as they take one or two stiff shots they just want to make it a hard night and survive. Hopefully I get the winner of Ted Cheeseman vs. James Metcalf. We’re all shouting for that though. I guess we’ll all have to wait our turn. I’m coming, and I’m not going anywhere. I want anyone who wants it. I’m not ducking or avoiding anyone.”

Marku and Stewart to very controversial draw

In a battle of undefeated welterweights Florian Marku and Jamie Stewart fought to a very controversial draw

Marku dropped Stewart with a left to the body, and dominated the fight yet somehow referee Marcus McDonnell ruled the fight 76-76.

Marku, 147 lbs of Lushnje, ALB is now 7-0-1. Stewart, 146 lbs of Longton, ENG is 2-0-1.

A disappointed Marku told Matchroom: “This is my life. They give a draw on my record. I didn’t deserve it. I was beating this guy every round. Congratulations to him, he accepted the fight on four days’ notice. He had a tough head. This wasn’t a draw. I put him down in the second or third round. I was outboxing him. He was running sometimes and he was making the jab. What else did he do? He punched me in my guard, nothing else.

“He can take many punches. He is a tough opponent. This is a shame, a shame for the referee that gave me this draw. I don’t know what I can say. It’s a shame for the sport. They are trying to ruin my career. I feel so disappointed with this decision. The referee doesn’t like me. That is the only justification for this. Maybe because I am from Albania and my opponent was from England? This is my life. He couldn’t handle the pressure and he took many shots to the head. This wasn’t my best performance. I wasn’t as powerful as usual but I was beating him.”

Follow all the action as Anthony Joshua defends the IBF/WBA/WBO Heavyweight Titles against Mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev.  The action begins at 1 PM ET / 10 AM PT /6 PM in England  and 8 PM in Bulgaria.  Undercard fights will feature Lawrence Okolie, Hughie Fury and Martin Bakole

NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED.  THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY

Round 1: Jab from Joshua…

Round 2 Jab from Joshua…Combination…Long Jab…

Round 3 Long right from Joshua…Joshua boxing from Distance..Huge counter right from Joshua, Hurts Pulev..2 big uppercuts…PULEV TURNS HIS BACK AND RULED A KNOCKDOWN….Right and left from Joshua…UPPERCUT AND DOWN GOES PULEV..Uppercut on the inside

Round 4  Sharp jab and right hand from Joshua…Pulev lands a jab and right hand

Round 5 Jab and hard right from Joshua…Right from Pulev..

Round 6 Good jab from Pulev..2 jabs from Joshua..Good jab from Joshua..

Round 7 3 Uppercuts in a row from Joshua..Uppercut from Pulev…Joshua Jabbing to the body..Nice right from Pulev

Round 8 Good right from Pulev

Round 9 Stiff jab from Joshua…4 uppercuts land..2 big uppercuts AN DOWN GOES PULEV…Pulev wobbling…HUGE RIGHT AND DOWN GOES PULEV…PULEV DOES NOT BEAT THE COUNT…FIGHT OVER

Round 1 RIGHT TO THE BODY AND DOWN GOES JEZEWSKI…JEZEWSKI IS WOBBLING AND GOES DOWN AGAIN

Round 2  Left hook from Jezewski…BODY SHOT AND DOWN GEZ JEZEWSKI…FIGHT STOPPED

Round 1: Body shot from Wach..Fury lands a right..Jab and right..Right…body combination from Fury
Round 2 Right from Fury…Good uppercut from Wach…Fury pressuring Wach…Good right from Wach
Round 3 Right from Fury
Round 4 Big right from Fury..Right..Fury cut over his right eye (clash of heads)
Round 5 Wach lands a hook and right…Left from Fury…Right at the bell from Wach
Round 6 Ringside doctor looks at the cut…Good right from Fury…
Round 7 Jab from Fury…
Round 8 2 Jabs from Fury..Right
Round 9 Body shot from Fury…Nice Jab
Round 10 Good right from Fury…Jab..Clubbing Right

100-90 twice and 99-91 for FURY

Round 1 Good right from Bakole..Jab…Body and head shots…2 jabs from Juzmin..right
Round 2 Good hard right from Kuzmin..Good uppercut…Good uppercut from Bakole…Right and exchanging of good hook…Good right from Bakole..Uppercut..Right from Kuzmin..Jab snaps Bakole’s head back..Right from Kuzmin
Round 3 Long jab from Bakole to body and head..Double jab…
Round 4 1-2 from Kuzmin…
Round 5 Hard hook from Kuzmin…Combinatiom…Good right and another..Hook to the head…Combunation and jab from Bakole
Round 6 Jab from Bakole..Hook from Kuzmin
Round 7 Good jab from Bakole…Body shot
Round 8 Kuzmin lands a hook…Good uppercut…Body shot from Bakole..Good work on the inside from Bakole
Round 9 Good hook from Kuzmin
Round 10  Nice snapping right hand from Kuzmin…Combination…

98-92, 97-93, 96-94 BAKOLE

Round 1: Right from Conway
Round 2 Conway landing a jab…Good right..Jab..
Round 3 Sharp jab from Conway…Sharp right…Hook to the body
Round 4 1-2 From Cinway..Uppercut..Good body work from McGowan..Right from Conwat,,Hard right
Round 5 Good work from Conway…Right to the head..3 punch combination..Good body shots from McGowan,..Hard jab from Conway
Round 6 Jab from Conway..Good combination..Body shot from McGowan..Counter right from Conway…
Round 7 Hook and jab from Conway
Round 8 LEFT HOOK AND DOWN GOES MCGOWAN..Conway landing body shots…Snapping right hand..Body shot..Right to body and head..Nice Combination
Round 9 Good uppercut from Conway…Jab..McGowan face is bleeding..Hook from McGowan..jab and right hand from Conway..Body and head combination McGowan
Round 10 Double uppercut from Conway..Bosy work..Jab…Combination

100-89; 99-90 TWICE FOR CONWAY

Round 1 Hook to body from Marku…Combination..Hard left and left to body
Round 2 Jab from Stewart..Body shots from Marku..Nice Uppercut…Uppercut and hook from Southpaw stance..LEFT TO THE BODY AND DOWN GOES STEWART…
Round 3
Round 4 Good Body shot from Stewart…Left to body from Marku..Combination..Right to the body…Uppercut..Stewart lands a body shot…Jab…
Round 5 Nice body shot to head and body from Stewart…Body shot from Marku..Leaping left hook…
Round 6 Left from Marku…Right hand lands..
Round 7 Marku landing on the ropes…Combination from Stewart..Good body shot
Round 8 Good body work from Marku..Stiff left..Stewart fighting out of the corner..Right knockouts out Stewart’s mouthpiece

SCORE WAS RULED 76-76 …TERRIBLE DECISION

17:10 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS FACEBOOK

8 x 3 mins Super-Bantamweight contest
QAIS ASHFAQ 8st 12lbs 4ozv ASHLEY LANE 8st 10lbs 6oz
(Leeds, England)                      (Bristol, England)

followed by

18:00 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS BOX OFFICE

8 x 3 mins International Welterweight contest
FLORIAN MARKU 10st 6lbs 15ozv JAMIE STEWART 10st 5lbs 14oz
(Lushnje, Albania)                            (Longton, England)

followed by

10 x 3 mins Super-Welterweight contest
KIERON CONWAY 11st 5lbs 10ozv MACAULAY MCGOWAN 11st 4lbs 7oz
(Northampton, England)                  (Wythenshawe, England)

followed by

10 x 3 mins vacant WBC International Heavyweight Title
MARTIN BAKOLE 17st 13lbs 6ozv SERGEY KUZMIN 18st 6lbs 7oz
(Kananga, Congo)                            (Saint Petersburg, Russia)

followed by

10 x 3 mins International Heavyweight contest 
HUGHIE FURY 17st 9lbs 5ozv MARIUSZ WACH 19st 8lbs 6oz
(Manchester, England)            (Krakow, Poland)

followed by

12 x 3 mins vacant WBO International Cruiserweight Title 
LAWRENCE OKOLIE 14st 3lbs 13ozv NIKODEM JEZEWSKI 14st 3lbs 11oz
(Hackney, England)                              (Koscierzyna, Poland)

followed by

12 x 3 mins IBF, WBA, WBO & IBO Heavyweight World Titles
ANTHONY JOSHUA 17st 2lbs 13ozv KUBRAT PULEV 17st 1lbs 11oz
(Watford, England)                             (Sofia, Bulgaria)

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Managing Director:

“This is the curtain closer for a difficult 2020, but it doesn’t get any bigger. The unified World Heavyweight Championship between Anthony Joshua and his Mandatory Challenger Kubrat Pulev.”

Bob Arum, Top Rank Chairman:

“Kubrat Pulev is a really rugged fighter. Pulev went into very serious training in Bulgaria, he’s in the best condition of his career. I look for him to not only beat AJ but to knock him out.

“Tyson Fury agrees with me that there’s a great chance that Pulev is going to upset the apple cart and beat Anthony Joshua. That’s why they do the fights, to see what happens in the ring. Without question, whatever way the fight goes it’s going to be very entertaining.”

John Wirt, President of Epic Sports and Entertainment:

“We’re finally here, two days away, it’s exciting and we’re really happy to be here. For Kubrat, this fight is about father and country. Kubrat descends from an ancient people the Thracians. Those people prided themselves on the prowess of their warriors, and that’s what Kubrat is – a real warrior.

“Kubrat is here to do what his father dreamt for him. His father wanted two sons that would become boxers and eventually become World Champions.

“He’s in incredible condition, he’s lean and he’s man on a mission. I believe on Saturday the referee will be raising his hand, I believe that Kubrat will knock Anthony Joshua out.”

Anthony Joshua:

“The pressure that I went through last year was tough, but it made me mentally stronger. I grew a thicker skin. I’ve always been tough and wanted to fight the best, that’s never been an issue.

“What have I got to lose? I’ve got everything to gain. I want to be successful in boxing and the only way to be successful is take on big challenges. This is just another one I’m looking forward to competing with.

“I want to promote boxing; I don’t yearn for that credit. I’m very motivated, I’m hungry, that’s why I put myself forward for any opportunity. I’ve got a family to feed, friends I want to do business with, the worlds my oyster. At the end of the day, I can’t expect anyone to love me if I don’t love myself, so I respect myself, and that’s why I put in work every single day.

“I’ve been fighting at a top level ever since I walked into the gym. I had a three-year amateur career, going from walking into the gym to competing at the European Championships, World Championships and the Olympics.

“I’ve been punched by the strongest people many times but I’m still here today. That never changed me, just because I took a loss from Ruiz I don’t think that’s enough to change someone. Every fighter trains hard, but it’s character that separates us, and I’ve got a lot of character.

“I’m going to go into the fight, I’m definitely going to get hit and he’s going to get hit, it’s going to be last man standing.

“It’ll be good for the fans, but my focus will be just on Pulev. No disrespect to the fans coming in but I’ve got a serious job I need to complete. God willing I’m confident I’ll enjoy the victory after.

“I’ve known Kubrat Pulev for many years. I was in the training camp when his brother was sparring Warren Baister. I was in Klitschko’s camp when he prepared for Pulev. I understand some of tactics that need to go in to beating him.

“I’m prepared for the fight to go to the final bell, I feel like I’m a 15 round fighter not a 12-round fighter. If it needs to go 12 rounds, I’ll be more than capable to carry my stamina, my boxing IQ, concentration and strength until the final bell.”

Robert McCracken MBE, trainer of Anthony Joshua:

“He’s had a great camp, he really enjoys boxing – we’ve been doing more boxing sessions, two a day in some cases so he’s been really enjoying that.

“He’s sparring great, his athleticism is brilliant, and his physical strength is phenomenal. That’s what people don’t realise when they get in the ring with him, how he can move and how strong he is.

“He’s worked long and hard on the discipline, doesn’t underestimate anybody and takes everyone seriously. He’s not unified champion for no reason, he’s a fantastic fighter and he’ll only get better. This is a good fight for him and one we look forward to.

“Anthony fights the very best fighters out there, that’s why he’s achieved what he has achieved and why he’s got the name he’s got – he doesn’t duck anybody. Kubrat Pulev is one of the best out there, he’s a really good fighter, but I believe Anthony’s a better fighter that’s why he’s the champ and we believe he’ll prove that Saturday night.

“I think he’s gone through a learning experience; he’s wasn’t 100% going into the first Ruiz fight. We took the rematch and he won it comfortably, we always thought he would. Ruiz is a very good fighter, a very strong underestimated boxer.

“Anthony’s Olympic Champion, Unified Champion, he’s going from strength to strength. He’s enjoyed the camp, he’s been disciplined, on point and Saturday night can’t come soon enough.”

Kubrat Pulev:

“I’m ready to fight, we waited a long time for this fight. In 2017 I had a problem and that’s why I said to my trainer we must go for the win, not to fight now but fight a couple of years later. I knew the fight would come one day.

“I’m here now, ready to fight and win – I believe Saturday night I will take the win.

“In 2017 I was younger, but I also had a problem with the sparring, and I couldn’t fight. Now I’m healthy, I’m ready and happy the fight – with the pandemic around the world it’s not easy. I’m ready to get the win.

“I think I have everything, I’m ready. Respect to Anthony, Olympic and World Champion, and a good fighter. I’m ready and I have everything to be Champion.”

Ibn Cason:

“Of course, he’s ready, this is what he’s trained for his entire life. This is a big opportunity. It’s a trying time in the world right now and he [Kubrat] has a chance to take people’s minds of it and take the victory.

“He can entertain the world so they can see his journey, what he’s done on the road to become Heavyweight Champion of the World. It’s good for Kubrat to help the world on its way to normality. We’re ready.

“Kubrat is mentally strong and I think we’ll cause on upset on Saturday night.

“Of course, you need somebody like Anthony Joshua to make the victory that much sweeter. If I thought Anthony wasn’t the one to bring that diversity, then it wouldn’t be a good fight. I think he’s very well prepared, he’s in his home country, he’s got a lot to prove and he’s going to come out guns blazing.”

Lawrence Okolie:

“For me, the most important thing is fighting. The Titles will come in due course, I thought it was my time this Saturday, but I’ll just have to keep the training going and beat a good undefeated fighter.

“I feel like if anything this is a positive, I’d won the British Commonwealth European Title and the World Title shot has just come. However, this feels like a final eliminator and it’s added a bit of spice to Saturday for me. He’s got the world at his feet if he manages to win so I’ll have to make sure I go and do my thing.

“This is a great opportunity to put on a mature performance. Shane said he’s not going to happy with me if I don’t do certain things in this fight, so I’m going to make sure they get done.

“It’s one thing doing it in the gym, it’s about executing it on fight day. There are certain things I do in the gym I don’t do in the ring; it’s about translating that. I’m happy to win, but there’s more that I’m capable of doing that I need to bring into the fights if I’m going to be World Champion.” 

Nikodem Jezewski:

“This is a big chance for me, and I’ll take it. I have big respect for Laurence because he’s an Olympian medallist, but this is a big chance for me, and I’ll do everything I can to win.

“I’ve had only five days’ notice, but I’ll give it everything I’ve got.” 

Hughie Fury:

“I believe I’m ready for all these fights and people are going to see a major difference. I’m very confident, I work hard, and people are going to see this on Saturday.

“Mariusz Wach is a tough fighter, he’s been whacked a lot and he’s still standing. It’s going to be a good fight, but Mariusz hasn’t fought a fighter like me so I’m looking forward to it.

“I can box, I can knock him out – see what I bring to the table. I believe in myself, the main this is to get the win. I’m looking forward to putting a show on and Mariusz hasn’t faced anyone like me before.

“I believe I belong in this division, especially at world level, and I’m going to take over – mark my words.”

Mariusz Wach:

“43 other fighters were saying similar things like my opponent [Hughie]. I hope that this energy he has now will be there on Saturday’s fight. I’m certain I’m in some of the best form of my career and I want to win Saturdays bout.”

“It will be a very difficult fight for both of us, my opponent is much younger and wants to fight his way up to the title, but I want to stop. I also want to win this fight.”

Martin Bakole:

“I’m looking forward to this fight, I always call people out and want to fight the best. Saturday night I have one of the best opponents and I’m looking forward to it.

“In boxing if you don’t take the risk, you’re not a professional. I’ve been training with AJ and some top guys out in the UK. This is a man’s fights, so on Saturday we’ll see what he brings to the table.

“I am a big puncher and I can get punched, that’s the problem for him [Sergey]. He’s in big trouble because I’ll get him, we’ll see who’s the best on Saturday night. We’ve both had 1 loss each, this means a lot and both of our careers are on the line.” 

Sergey Kuzmin:

“For me, every fight is very important no matter who the opponent. As always, I come to the UK, so this is just a new goal for me facing Martin Bakole.

“In the Heavyweight division anything can happen, one punch can change everything. It depends how me or Martin will follow our plans for the fight. It can also go the distance, nobody knows.

Florian Marku:

“I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time. I’ve been training really hard; this is my moment. I don’t care who is in front of me, I don’t see opponents. I only see only someone who is trying to stop me from reaching my dreams and making my families lives better.

“I’m not new in this game, I have been fighting since I was 12 years old. I have 170 kickboxing fights, I was four-time World Champion. This is not new for me.

“My Albanian fans make the difference. They fill stadiums wherever I’ve been, and I appreciate that. Now I will win with my performance and character with the UK fans.

“I want to whoever thinks that they are the best fight in my division. Bring the best guys with the best records and you’ll see what I’ll do to them. When they are in the ring with me, they change, when they are in front of me everything changes. When they see my speed and power, they will change.”

Jamie Stewart:

“I’m been ready since September, since my last outing with Hennessey Jr at Light-Middleweight. I did what I had to do to get the fight. Sometimes a boxer might not fight because of someone pulling out, so I thought I could grab this opportunity so get back out there and for people to see who I am.

“I feel like there’s more to come for me. I took that fight on a two-week notice, I wasn’t really training for the fight. Since after that fight I’ve been in the gym every day, non-stop, lowering my weight.

“I feel ready and comfortable. I know he’s dangerous, I’ve been saying for months I don’t want to fight journeyman anymore. I need a test and a challenge, and I know he’s a big puncher – that’s something I want to risk.”  

“I’ve got a lot of people following me back home, so I’ve got to put on a good show. I want to be there fighting decent fighters, I want to show that I’m tough and ready.”

Kieron Conway:

“I’m massively focused, I always look at what’s in front of me and I’m not looking past it at all. I’m here to do a job.

“I was gutted when Souleymane Cissokho pulled out but fair play to Macaulay for stepping in at such short notice. I’ve stepped in at short notice and I respect it. I’m here to do a job and I’ll fight fire with fire if I have to.

“I took those short notice fights because I stay in shape. I’m huge for the weight, I’m big and I’m coming in with the presence. It’s going to overwhelm him.

“A statement probably is needed but this is the perfect place to do it. There’s going to be loads of people watching this, hopefully they’re going to remember my name and a win will really cement it.

“I think he [Macaulay] is quite delusional, knocking me about, I don’t know where that’s come from. I don’t think anyone’s come close to that yet.

“After my last fight I took one week off; I always stay ready. I was ready to take any sort of opportunity that came up, I wanted another fight before Christmas. That was the mentality I had coming into this.”

Macaulay McGowan:

“I took a bit of beating in my last fight, but life’s about being resilient and I’m bouncing back. I know a lot of people are thinking I can’t win on a week’s notice. I don’t care what anyone thinks, I’m coming for the win.

“I’m coming for a fight, that’s all I’m coming for, it’s going to be a fight. An absolute war.

“I’m here to entertain, have a good read and riot and go home to see my family. I stepped in on a week’s notice. I got a pasting in my last fight, I need to make statement, I need to go out there and do what I do best. Not think about it, go and do what I do best and have a good fight.

“I wouldn’t have taken the fight if I didn’t think I could make a statement and win the fight.”

Qais Ashfaq:

“You can always learn something from a defeat. You learn more than you do from a win, because sometimes things that go wrong, if you win you might brush them under the carpet.

“That defeat will keep me in good stead down the line. Ashley Lane is no mug; he’s only lost once in his last eight fights. Within those last eight fights he was a Commonwealth Champion at my weight.

“I’m ready to take on all the step ups, I take on all the fights – I’m not one to shy away from any fights. That’s the way I mean to go on.

“I definitely want to make a statement, but the pressure doesn’t bother me. Pressure makes diamonds. I’m one of those people that has been to the highest mountains in the amateurs. It didn’t bother me then; it doesn’t bother me now.” 

Ashley Lane:

“Ashfaq is going to be feeling a bit down after that loss to Mark Leech but I’m expecting him to bring a good performance and we’ll bring a good performance. It’ll be a great fight and god willing I’ll have my hand raised.

“I retired in September, COVID and the lockdown came, and I got a new job, boxing was behind me I was moving on. As I said that, Jamie and Chris rang me and said we’ve got you a fight on the AJ show. It’s an opportunity you can’t turn down.

“I see this fight as a bonus for me. I walked away from boxing three months ago and I wasn’t going to come back. Now I’m here at one of the biggest shows of the year, this is a bonus so no matter what happens on the night I’ve already won.

“One loss doesn’t dictate whether you go on to win titles or not, so whatever happens Saturday, Ashfaq has got a future and I’ve got a few more years in boxing. God willing I’ll win, and I can’t retire now.”

Kieron Conway is out to stamp his mark on the red-hot domestic 154lbs division – starting with an eye-catching win over late stand-in Macaulay McGowan on the blockbuster Anthony Joshua vs. Kubrat Pulev card this Saturday at The SSE Arena, Wembley. 

‘Too Class’ (15-1-1, 3 KOs), who was originally slated to fight Souleymane Cissokho this weekend before the Frenchman was forced to pullout, sealed a wide points win to claim the WBA Intercontinental Super-Welterweight Title against Nav Mansouri last time out. 

After picking up the first Title of his professional career, the Northampton contender, who is trained by his father James, has a hunger for more belts, and already has Matchroom stablemates Scott Fitzgerald, Ted Cheeseman and Anthony Fowler in his sights for 2021. 

“I’m really pleased that Matchroom and MTK found an opponent and a good fighter coming to take an opportunity,” said Conway. “When I found out Cissokho had pulled out I was very frustrated. The whole build-up was frustrating. I’m still up for taking the opportunity against Cissokho if it comes, I have no reason to avoid anyone. 

“I hadn’t seen too much about Macaulay before the fight was made so I will be using my time wisely and finding the inevitable patterns in his work and do what I must to get the win. In all honesty you couldn’t take much from his last fight as Kulakhmet is a great fighter and would make most look bad.

“If McGowan over commits – which will happen, I will land hard accurate punches which absolutely could end the night early. Being on this show is huge. There’s going to be massive viewing figures and I’m excited to still be part of the whole thing. After this fight I want more big fights.”

Conway vs. McGowan is part of a huge night of action in London, Anthony Joshua (23-1, 21 KOs) defends his IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO Heavyweight World Titles against Mandatory Challenger KubratPulev (28-1, 14 KOs), Hackney Cruiserweight star Lawrence Okolie (14-0, 11 KOs) takes on Poland’s undefeated Nikodem Jezewski (19-0-1, 9 KOs), Manchester Heavyweight contender Hughie Fury (24-3, 14 KOs) returns against Poland’s Mariusz Wach (36-6, 19 KOs), Martin Bakole (15-1, 12 KOs) and Sergey Kuzmin (15-1, 11 KOs) fight for the vacant WBC International Heavyweight Title, London-based Albanian Welterweight sensation Florian Marku (7-0, 5 KOs) makes his keenly anticipated Matchroom debut in an eight round contest with Derby’s Alex Fearon (9-2) and Leeds Super-Bantamweight Qais Ashfaq (8-1, 3 KOs) looks to return to winning ways against Ashley Lane (14-9-2, 1 KO).

All of the action will be shown live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and Ireland and on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories on its just-launched Global platform.

Kubrat Pulev is supremely confident of derailing plans for the biggest fight in boxing – an all-British Undisputed Heavyweight World Title showdown between IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO ruler Anthony Joshua and undefeated WBC king Tyson Fury. 

The former World Title challenger (28-1, 14 KOs) arrived in London over the weekend ahead of his second shot at world honours at The SSE Arena, Wembley this Saturday, shown live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and Ireland and on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories on its just-launched Global platform.

Bulgaria’s Pulev says he can see himself exposing the flaws of Joshua in the same manner as Andy Ruiz, who famously dropped the superstar four times on route to a shock seventh round stoppage win at Madison Square Garden in June 2019.

“We see a lot of mistakes from Anthony,” said Pulev. “A lot of bad sides to him. I think these mistakes, and the bad sides, stay. The most important thing is how I perform on Saturday night. When I am good, I beat him well. Right now I feel very good, strong and powerful. I am very strong heading into this fight.

“We will see how Joshua performs. I don’t know what to expect from him. It doesn’t matter to me. For me it’s only important what I do in the ring and how I prepare. How is my strategy? How is my boxing? This is what is important. I will perform very differently because I have a lot of experience from the Klitschko fight. I will be a new Kubrat Pulev.

“This fight is not only for me. This fight isn’t just for boxing. It is for all of Bulgaria. Nobody from my country has ever been Heavyweight Champion of the World. That’s why it will be so good for my country and my people. Bulgarian fans will be really happy.

“This was my late father’s dream. That is why me and my brother are here. His project was to have sons, and for them to become boxing champions. And we are now real, this is now fact. He looks down from above and I’m sure he’s happy. He wants to win on Saturday night with me. 

“I feel healthy and happy. I have a lot of energy. After the fight and after the win, I will be really happy. I think after this fight I’m going to fight with Tyson Fury. It will be good. I don’t believe that the Joshua vs. Fury fight is going to happen because I will win on Saturday night. I think the world needs a new World Champion like me. I am the new World Champion. I am coming.”

Joshua vs. Pulev tops a huge night of action in London, Hackney Cruiserweight star Lawrence Okolie (14-0, 11 KOs) takes on Poland’s undefeated Nikodem Jezewski (19-0-1, 9 KOs), Manchester Heavyweight contender Hughie Fury (24-3, 14 KOs) returns against Poland’s Mariusz Wach (36-6, 19 KOs), Martin Bakole (15-1, 12 KOs) and Sergey Kuzmin (15-1, 11 KOs) fight for the vacant WBC International Heavyweight Title, Northampton Super-Welterweight Kieron Conway (15-1-1, 3 KOs) clashes with Wythenshawe’s Macaulay McGowen (14-1-1, 3 KOs) over ten rounds, London-based Albanian Welterweight sensation Florian Marku (7-0, 5 KOs) makes his keenly anticipated Matchroom debut in an eight round contest with Derby’s Alex Fearon (9-2) and Leeds Super-Bantamweight Qais Ashfaq (8-1, 3 KOs) looks to return to winning ways against Ashley Lane (14-9-2, 1 KO).

Macaulay McGowan has promised to go to war with MTK Global stablemate Kieron Conway when the Super-Welterweights meet over ten rounds on the undercard of Anthony Joshua vs. Kubrat Pulev at The SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday December 12, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and Ireland and on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories on its just-launched Global platform.

McGowan (14-1-1, 3 KOs) suffered the first loss of his professional career last month when he was outpointed by rising Kazakh star Tursynbay Kulakhmet for the vacant WBC International Title in South Kirby, Yorkshire. 

Undeterred by his first taste of defeat, the 26-year-old Mancunian, who is trained by Gary Booth, jumped at the chance to face Northampton’s Conway (15-1-1, 3 KOs), after his original opponent Souleymane Cissokho was forced to pull out of their fight.

“I’m absolutely buzzing,” said McGowan. “I want to be involved in good fights, so to be in a good fight on probably the biggest show of the year is great.

“I got punched from pillar to post in my last fight with Kulakhmet. It wasn’t my night. It is what it is. Boxing and life is about being resilient. There’s no time to moan about it, I was straight back training and now it’s time to bounce back and get a good win.

“One thing I learned from going into that Kulakhmet fight and how it all played out was that I was thinking about it too much and what the opponent was going to do. I don’t care about what Conway is coming with, I just worry about me. I’m going to war, that is that.

“I had all these ideas of how the fight was going to go and he came out totally different and better to how I expected him to. He didn’t do what I thought he’d do. Boxing is all about learning and I’m coming back stronger and hungrier than ever.

“A busy fighter is a happy fighter. My career has always been stop-start, so to be fighting straight away, and having a tough tough ten rounds in the bank will only help bring out the best in me. I will never shy away from competition. I’m coming for war and war only!”

Conway vs. McGowan is part of a huge night of action in London, Anthony Joshua (23-1, 21 KOs) defends his IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO Heavyweight World Titles against Mandatory Challenger KubratPulev (28-1, 14 KOs), Hackney Cruiserweight star Lawrence Okolie (14-0, 11 KOs) takes on Poland’s undefeated Nikodem Jezewski (19-0-1, 9 KOs), Martin Bakole (15-1, 12 KOs) and Sergey Kuzmin (15-1, 11 KOs) fight for the vacant WBC International Heavyweight Title, London-based Albanian Welterweight sensation Florian Marku (7-0, 5 KOs) makes his keenly anticipated Matchroom debut in an eight round contest with Derby’s Alex Fearon (9-2) and Leeds Super-Bantamweight Qais Ashfaq (8-1, 3 KOs) looks to return to winning ways against Ashley Lane (14-9-2, 1 KO).

The full undercard to Anthony Joshua’s long-awaited return to UK soil against Kubrat Pulev at The SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday December 12, has now been confirmed. All of the action will be shown live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and Ireland and on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories on its just-launched Global platform.

Following Krzysztof Glowacki’s positive COVID-19 test last week, Hackney Cruiserweight star Lawrence Okolie (14-0, 11 KOs) will now take on Poland’s undefeated Nikodem Jezewski (19-0-1, 9 KOs).

London-based Albanian Welterweight sensation Florian Marku (7-0, 5 KOs) makes his keenly anticipated Matchroom debut in an eight round contest with Derby’s Alex Fearon (9-2) just over a week on from signing promotional terms with Eddie Hearn. Northampton Super-Welterweight contender Kieron Conway (15-1-1, 3 KOs), who was originally slated to fight Frenchman Souleymane Cissokho, will now clash with Wythenshawe’s Macaulay McGowen (14-1-1, 3 KOs) over ten rounds. 

Ramla Ali’s (1-0) second professional fight against Vansea Caballero (3-9-3) has been removed from the show after the Somali-British fighter, who made a winning start to life in the paid ranks in October, returned a positive COVID-19 test.

Anthony Joshua (23-1, 21 KOs) defends his IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO Heavyweight World Titles against Mandatory Challenger KubratPulev (28-1, 14 KOs), Manchester Heavyweight Hughie Fury (24-3, 14 KOs) returns against Poland’s Mariusz Wach (36-6, 19 KOs), Martin Bakole (15-1, 12 KOs) and Sergey Kuzmin (15-1, 11 KOs) fight for the vacant WBC International Heavyweight Title and Leeds Super-Bantamweight Qais Ashfaq (8-1, 3 KOs) looks to return to winning ways against Ashley Lane (14-9-2, 1 KO).

Hughie Fury wants to show that he belongs at world level by “doing a job” on Mariusz Wach when he collides with the former World Title challenger on the undercard of Anthony Joshua vs. Kubrat Pulev at The SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday December 12, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories on its just-launched Global platform.

The only defeats on Fury’s 27 fight slate came at world level – a majority 12 round decision dropped in a close and controversial WBO World Title challenge to New Zealand’s Joseph Parker in 2017, a gallant and gory 12 round points loss to Pulev in an IBF Final Eliminator in Sofia and a points loss to Alexander Povetkin last summer.

At just 26, Fury believes that his best years are ahead of him, and the Manchester contender is confident that there’s still plenty of time left to mount a fresh assault at world honours. Polish veteran Wach took Dillian Whyte the distance in Saudi Arabia a year ago, and Fury knows the former World Title challenger still has plenty to offer. 

“He’s a tough man Mariusz Wach,” said Fury. “He’s been in with some great fighters, pretty much everyone, including a World Title challenge. I’m looking forward to doing a job on him. This is definitely one not to miss. It’s been a while and I’m ready to show what I’m all about. 

“Wach brings power and size, you can’t switch off for a second. I want these kind of fights as these fights will help me achieve what I need in boxing. I’m expecting a tough fight with Wach. I’ve seen a few of his fights and we’ve done our studying, training and sparring. 

“I’m ready for all the serious fights out there, I’ve had vast experience and I belong on the world level. I expect to be knocking on the door for another shot at world honours again very soon. I’ve been living in the gym, working on a lot of different aspects of my game, perfecting what I needed to do. 

“Everything happens for a reason. You’ve just got to stay patient and fight whoever they put in front of you. Boxing is about learning and taking fights. If you believe that you are the best, then you will take on anyone and everyone.”

Fury vs. Wach is part of a huge night of action in London, Anthony Joshua (23-1, 21 KOs) defends his IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO Heavyweight World Titles against Mandatory Challenger KubratPulev (28-1, 14 KOs), Martin Bakole (15-1, 12 KOs) and Sergey Kuzmin (15-1, 11 KOs) fight for the vacant WBC International Heavyweight Title, Hackney Cruiserweight Lawrence Okolie (14-0, 11 KOs) returns to action and Leeds Super-Bantamweight Qais Ashfaq (8-1, 3 KOs) looks to return to winning ways against Ashley Lane (14-9-2, 1 KO), with more fights confirmed tomorrow. 

Eddie Hearn:

“We’re back in the bubble for a big night of boxing this Friday, the World Super-Middleweight Championship between Billy Joe Saunders and Martin Murray, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN around the world. It’s great to be here. We’ve been lifted by the news that fans will return for the Anthony Joshua versus Kubrat Pulev fight on December 12. 1,000 allowed into The SSE Arena, Wembley for that, so this effectively, touch wood, will be our last ever show, we hope, behind closed doors. We’re ready to make the most of it, and ready for a great night of boxing.”

Billy Joe Saunders – Hatfield, England – 29-0, 14 KOs – defending his WBO Super-Middleweight World Title against Martin Murray:

“First of all I’ve got to thank yourself and Sky for even getting us out this year. I didn’t think I was going to get out. All of the big fights were tied up, out of the fights that were left out there Martin Murray’s name was screaming out. We were supposed to fight twice before, it didn’t happen. He’s boxed for the World Title four times, he should have been a two-time World Champion, he was on the wrong end of two decisions. 

“People are looking at this fight as a walk in the park for me and think I should win easily. If you look at Martin, he’s never took damage. He’s never been beaten up in a fight. Golovkin was what it was, he got him in his prime. I promised him his shot and it’s here. I believe that it’s my time to shine now. I’m doing this fight for my uncle Tom who passed away who was like a dad to me. 

“I want the Jacobs fights and the Canelo fights and the Andrade fights now, but sadly everyone was tied up this year. The only one really worthy of taking the fight which was available was Martin Murray. He’s a four-time World Title challenger. In my opinion, two-time World Champion, so it’s not a bad pick out of the bunch.”I know Martin is coming to fight. I haven’t been beaten on the UK soil since I’ve been 12-years-old. I’ve got a good track record, and I’m going to keep it that way. He’s going to bring a good game, but afterwards he can go back to St Helens, take his cash back and have a good Christmas and retire with the family, because that’s what I’m planning on doing, retiring him.”

Martin Murray – St Helens, England – 39-5-1, 17 KOs – challenging Billy Joe Saunders for the WBO Super-Middleweight World Title:

“This is my fifth one now. I know how hard a fight it’s going to be. I really rate Billy Joe. We’ve got unfinished business. Everything happens for a reason. I firmly believe, and truly believe that the pull outs years ago, all of the little set backs that I’ve had, have all brought me to this point and like I said, I’m fit, focused and ready. 

“I get it, I get why he pulled out to be honest with you. We all want those bigger fights. It makes sense. There was a little bit of frustration at the time but I left that where it was and I’ve got nothing against Billy. We shook hands when I got beat in my fight against N’Dam, he was on the card with me. He’s here now and he’s honoured his word. He’s going to be in top condition himself and we’re going to lay it all on the line. It’s going to be a good fight.

“No one has ever done it in five times in the UK. I believe Groves four, Frank Bruno four, and I truly believe that there’s been a reason why I’ve picked myself up off the couch when times have been low and I’ve not wanted to go to the gym, but I’ve forced myself to get there. There’s been a reason for it and it’s for Friday. For me to achieve what no-one else has done in the UK.”

James Tennyson – Belfast, Northern Ireland – 27-3, 23 KOs – fighting Josh O’Reilly in an Eliminator for the WBA Lightweight World Title:

“It’s good to hear people saying things like that, it means I’m doing something right. I’m really looking forward to the fight night now. I’m going to put on a masterclass performance in another fan-pleasing fight. I come out every time and I give the fans what they want. I do what I need to do to get the win as well as that. I’m just going to go out and be me, box hard and box smart.”

Josh O’Reilly – Hamilton, Canada – 16-0, 6 KOs – fighting James Tennyson in an Eliminator for the WBA Lightweight World Title:

“I’m super excited. I’ve never been on a stage like this. It’s awesome to get this opportunity. I’m happy to be sharing the ring with James, I think it’s going to be a great fight and I’m looking forward to it. I started boxing when I was 14, I didn’t really do much as an amateur but I got to travel enough with a few teams. I got over to Ireland when I was younger and I have a bunch of people supporting me out in Cavan, I got to train there for a bit. I had a really good time and I trained there for a few months when I was younger. I expect nothing less. I’m a fan, I like watching the kid. I’ve seen him enough and I think there’s a lot of stuff I can do in there to negate a lot of the stuff he does. I’ve got my own plan on what’s going to happen, it’s just about executing it.”

Shannon Courtenay – Watford, England – 5-1, 2 KOs – fighting Dorata Norek in an eight round Super-Bantamweight contest:

“I think there’s nerves with every fight, and coming off a loss I’ve got to prove myself now. Pressure is a privilege. If there’s no pressure then nobody believes in you, so I’m taking it in my stride. I’ve made the choice to move, so I’m now living in a hotel next to my camp. I’ve made a lot of sacrifices but it’s paid off because I’m at 118 for the first time. It’s time to make a statement. 

“I think it would be easy for me to sit here now and say, ‘oh it’s fine’. I’ll be honest. I felt like the floor underneath me had been taken. I felt like my world was over. You’ve got to hit rock bottom to come up again. Now I’ve had that bitter taste of what a loss is like, I’m never going to taste it again. It’s made me more determined. Mentally and physically I’m a lot stronger.”

Dorota Norek – Watford, England – 6-1, 1 KO – fighting Shannon Courtenay in an eight round Super-Bantamweight contest:

“Thank you Eddie, I am very grateful for the opportunity to be here and to participate in such a big event. I love to fight. I’m a fan of Shannon’s. I’ve watched a lot of her fights and I know this will deliver for the fans. I come from the MMA background as you mentioned, so I’m not scared of big boxing gloves. I promise to show my full potential and my aggressive style. I’m here to win.”

Zach Parker – Derby, England – 19-0, 13 KOs – fighting Cesar Nunez for the WBO International Super-Middleweight Title:

“I’ve got to focus on Friday night. He’s going to be a tough opponent. I can’t look too far ahead with this mandatory spot. My full focus is on Friday night and Cesar Nunez. You’ve got to make noise with every fight. That’s why people want to watch you, for the knockouts and the showbiz. Hopefully I can give a good performance and make a big fight next year with Billy Joe or any of the other World Champions. I think Saunders vs. Murray is going to be a good fight. It’s last chance saloon for Martin Murray so we’ll just have to see what version of him turns up. I’m picking Billy Joe on points.”

Cesar Nunez – Pamplona, Spain – 17-2-1, 0 KOs – fighting Zach Parker for the WBO International Super-Middleweight Title:

“First and foremost I would like to thank Matchroom and Sauerland for the opportunity. I’m coming to take this chance and win on Friday night.”

Lerrone Richards – New Malden, England – 13-0, 3 KOs – fighting Timo Laine in an eight round Super-Middleweight contest:

“I’m very happy and excited. Let’s go! There’s no pressure, I just need to do Lerrone Richards. Like I always say, it’s all about the skills. On Friday night you’re going to see that. Timo is a tough competitor. I’m taking him very seriously and I’m going to do a job on Friday night.”

Timo Laine – Helsinki, Finland – 28-14, 12 KOs – fighting Lerrone Richards in an eight round Super-Middleweight contest:

“It’s going to be a hard challenge for me. I’ve seen a couple of Lerrone’s fights and he looks really skilful. I want to say thanks for this opportunity. When the fight starts I have to get going straight away. It’s eight rounds and I have to be fast.”

Lewis Edmondson – Southampton, England – 3-0 – fighting John Telford in a six round Super-Middleweight contest:

“Firstly I’d like to say thank you to Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren. I’m contracted to Frank Warren, I don’t know if anyone knows, but they’ve come together for this one and let me get on the bill, so I’d like to thank them for that. I feel like I’m ready to move forward. I feel like I done well as an amateur, I won National Titles and boxed for England. I feel like that’s helped me. I’ve got great fighters training alongside me like Billy Joe Saunders and a great team around me. I’m looking to move forwards fast. I’ve seen a little bit of John. I’m 25 and I don’t want to wait around too long, I want to get in the mix.”

John Telford – Manchester, England – 11-2-1, 2 KOs – fighting Lewis Edmondson in a six round Super-Middleweight contest:

“It’s a big opportunity for myself. We only got a week’s notice but we were already training to box three weeks ago on the Ultimate Boxxer show. That fell through because of my opponent testing positive for COVID. We had a couple of days off then had a call that very weekend asking if we’d be interested on boxing on a Matchroom show. I jumped at the chance. I’ve had a quick look at Lewis, he seems good at what he does. There’s not a lot to look at in his professional career. We’ve seen what he did as an amateur, let’s see how it stands him on the night. Good on him for jumping straight up, there needs to be a lot more of that in the sport now.”

Donte Dixon – Sheffield, England – 4-0, 3 KOs – fighting Angelo Dragone in a six round Featherweight contest:

“I’m looking forward to it and I’m ready to go. All through training everything has gone well. All of my road work has been done and all of my work in the gym has been done. I just can’t wait to fight now. Billy always gets on to you about me and that’s good, I kind of like it because he wants me to get out there so he gives me these opportunities. He knows I can perform. I look forward to putting on a good performance on Friday.

“This is another tough opponent for me but the better they are, the better I’m going to perform. I like that it’s going to be a tough one. I’m happy with my progress right now. I’ve sparred a lot of these guys and I hold my own against them. Right now I’m on the right track. When we get those fights in the future, I’ll do good against them guys.”

Angelo Dragone – Carmarthen, Wales – 5-1 – fighting Donte Dixon in a six round Featherweight contest:

“100% I’m ready for this. I’ve trained really hard, we had a six-week training camp and I’ve trained twice a day every day. I’d just like to thank Matchroom for the opportunity. We’ve seen some upsets over the last few weeks and there’s going to be another upset on Friday night. I’m ready to go. I’m a 30-year-old man, he’s younger, a 20-year-old. All of the hype is around him. I’m an experienced man, I’ve been involved in Title fights on live TV. I’ve been there and I’ve done it. Let’s see if he can beat the stallion. I’ll be on him from the first round to the sixth round. I’m going to set a fast pace, I’m always in battles. I’m going to give 100% to get the win.”

Matchroom Boxing are delighted to announce that 1,000 fans will be in attendance for Anthony Joshua OBE’s defence of his IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO Heavyweight World Titles against Mandatory Challenger Kubrat Pulev at The SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday December 12, following approval for a crowd from local authorities. 

Fight fans will have the opportunity to watch unified king Joshua fight on home soil for the first time in over two years, with tickets priced at £100, £200, £300, £500 and £1,000 (VIP) available to purchase via AXS (www.axs.com) and StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) on Friday December 4 at 10.00am, as spectators are welcomed back to live boxing for the first time since March.

Strict safety measures and guidelines will be in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• The lead booker can only attend with members of their own household (ID including address will be required on entry).
• Matchroom Boxing are participating in the NHS Test and Trace scheme. Lead booker details will be collected and shared for this in line with legal guidelines, and NHS Track & Trace check-in codes will be in place for fans to scan at entrances.
• You must not attend an event if you have tested positive for Covid-19, are required to self-isolate or have suffered from Covid-19 symptoms within 14 days of the event.
• You must wear a face covering at all times during your visit to The SSE Arena, Wembley (if you’re medically able to do so and aged 11+). They can be safely removed when you’re seated to eat or drink.
•  Tickets must not be resold. 
•  No refund policy 

Joshua (23-1, 21 KOs) vs. Pulev (28-1, 14 KOs) tops a huge night of action in London promoted by Matchroom Boxing in association with Top Rank and Epic Sports and Entertainment, with all of the action shown live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories on its just-launched Global platform, as Lawrence Okolie (14-0, 11 KOs) takes on Krzysztof Glowacki (31-2, 19 KOs) for the vacant WBO Cruiserweight World Title, Manchester Heavyweight Hughie Fury (24-3, 14 KOs) returns against Poland’s Mariusz Wach (36-6, 19 KOs), Martin Bakole (15-1, 12 KOs) and Sergey Kuzmin (15-1, 11 KOs) fight for the vacant WBC International Heavyweight Title, Souleymane Cissoko (11-0, 7 KOs) takes on Kieron Conway (15-1-1, 3 KOs) in a ten round Super-Welterweight clash, Ramla Ali (1-0) faces VanesaCaballero (3-9-3)in her second professional fight and Leeds Super-Bantamweight Qais Ashfaq (8-1, 3 KOs) looks to return to winning ways against Ashley Lane (14-9-2, 1 KO).

“I can’t tell you how happy I am to see fans returning to our live boxing events,” said Eddie Hearn, Managing Director of Matchroom Sport. “Whilst the team have done an incredible job over the last 10 months we live and breathe through the energy and atmosphere that a live crowd generates.

“It’s so fitting that they can return for an AJ fight, when through the last few years he has broken all kinds of attendance records in the U.K. and beyond. This is such a positive move for boxing and all sport. Welcome back!”

John Drury, VP & General Manager of The SSE Arena, Wembley, said: “The SSE Arena, Wembley is delighted to have our customers back for its reopening event, and it does not get any better than the return of fans to see Anthony Joshua in action.  

“The SSE Arena, Wembley will open its doors with best-in-class procedures from ASM Global’s VenueShield programme.  VenueShield is a comprehensive, industry-leading programme deployed at more than 325 ASM Global facilities around the world, providing the highest levels of enhanced cleanliness and safety.  

“As a response to the coronavirus pandemic, ASM Global has partnered with medical professionals, industry leaders, and public health officials to create a welcoming, secure environment while providing the most advanced hygienic safeguards for anyone visiting the building.  

“We are following all government and local authority health guidelines in order to reopen, and look forward to bringing fans and events back in a Covid-secure way.”

The fight which was originally planned for The O2 arena, has been moved to The SSE Arena, Wembley due to promoter logistics.