6 x 3 mins International Heavyweight contest
EMMANUEL ODIASE 259.6 lbs v AMINE BOUCETTA 231 lbs
(Hamburg, Germany)                    (Ghent, Belgium)

followed by

4 x 3 mins International Lightweight contest
IBRAHEEM SULAIMAAN 135.3 lbs v JORDAN PATRICK TOMASONI 136.5 lbs
(Birmingham, England)                       (Nice, France)

followed by

4 x 3 mins Middleweight contest
JACK OLIPHANT 161.7 lbs v JENSEN IRVING 162.3 lbs
(Greenwich, England)             (Swindon, England)

followed by

19:00 LIVE ON DAZN

8 x 3 mins International Cruiserweight contest
JOHN HEDGES 199.2 lbs v ERDOGAN KADRIJA 195.4 lbs
(Takeley, England)               (Hamburg, Germany)

followed by

10 x 2 mins WBA International Super-Flyweight Title
SHANNON RYAN 114.9 lbs v JASMINA ZAPOTOCZNA 114.5 lbs
(Watford, England)                 (Wakefield, England)

followed by

10 x 3 mins Light-Heavyweight contest
CRAIG RICHARDS 176.7 lbs v BORIS CRIGHTON 176.2 lbs
(Crystal Palace, England)        (Glasgow, Scotland)

followed by

8 x 3 mins Lightweight contest
CAMERON VUONG 136.5 lbs v ISHMAEL ELLIS 135.9 lbs
(Blyth, England)                          (Birmingham, England)

followed by

12 x 3 mins British and Commonwealth Super-Featherweight Titles
LIAM DILLON 129.9 lbs v REECE BELLOTTI 129.4 lbs
(Chingford, England)       (Watford, England)  

Frank Smith, Matchroom Boxing CEO:

“This is an unbelievable fight – these two going at it for the British and Commonwealth Titles. It’s what it’s all about. They’re going to go in there at a sold-out Indigo on Saturday night. We wanted to make this fight a while ago. Obviously when it was ordered it was a fight that made a lot of sense to us. Reece coming off the back of a great win, Liam is a tremendous as well. It’s a fight we’re excited for. They’re going to go all out on Saturday night. Whoever gets the win in this fight is moving on to some big nights. I’m excited for this one. We’ve worked with Reece for so many years now – that win against Aqib Fiaz was brilliant. It just shows, he’s waited for this moment for a long time. Liam is a tremendous fighter and the two of them are going to go at it. Everyone who is inside the Indigo is going to be in for a treat. Maybe we’ll see a couple of these.”

Liam Dillon:

“It’s my boyhood dream come true. The best fights were when they unified the British and Commonwealth Titles. I’m looking forward to this and hopefully seeing what the next step is. We’ve got a big stable down at RJ’s. As Reece said the British Title is the one belt that you want to win, so going in there with the British Title and everyone looking at it was great. We’ve got a big stable now and I think there will be a few British Champions down there in the next couple of years. Reece has been around for a long time. He comes to fight. I’m looking forward to a good scrap. I see a Dillon win. I’m going to be victorious.”

Reece Bellotti:

“I was after the British Title against Walsh and he obviously beat me, he was a good fighter. Like you say, anyone who starts out in boxing, mainly they want to win the British Title. It’s the best looking belt in boxing and it’s always been a title that I’ve wanted to win. I’ve got the chance Saturday night. My confidence is high, really high. I’ve been written off. I’ve had three back-to-back wins against good fighters. I probably wasn’t expected to win those fights either. I won them in good style. Dillon’s style and my style are bound to gel well and we’ll be in for a great fight. Nobody has gone looking for me yet, so I’m probably not going to change that. Our styles will make for a fan favourite fight.”

Cameron Vuong:

“I’d give myself and eight out of ten so far. I think I’ve showed a little bit of everything. My second fight I got a little bit of a telling off in the corner from Jamie, and I showed I can adjust. I’ve had two stoppages in three fights, went the distance obviously in my second fight. I feel I’ve shown a little bit of everything. I’m taking him very seriously. I know that he’s a very tough durable fighter. He’s been in with the likes of Dalton Smith and Harlem Eubank. I know he comes to win. He’s got a winning record and he’s a very tough man so I’m taking him very seriously. I’m 100% focused on Saturday night. I want to be in real fights. I want to be able to showcase my skills and on Saturday night I’ll do just that.”

Ishmael Ellis:

“We’ll find out on Saturday night if this is a step too far for Cameron this early on in his career. Obviously I’ve got losses on my record and that but like Cameron just said near enough every loss on my record has been to a real big name – Matchroom fighters and everything. I don’t come just to get rolled over or just come to collect the money. I’m coming to fight and win. I think it’s good for Cameron to have someone like me because I’m going to come and put it on him. I’m going to fight, I’m not just going to stand in there and roll over just to make him look good.”

Craig Richards:

“First of all I just want to say hello everyone. It’s good to be back. Obviously I thank Matchroom, Frank, Eddie and everyone for getting me back which is the most important thing. I might even do my post fight interview when I get in the ring before I fight – that’s just the main thing right now. I just want to get in there and fight right now. It feels good to be back. I want to get back to that World Title mix ASAP. I had that fight with Bivol some while back now. You’ve seen him go on to do great things but I feel like there were certain things I was missing from my game back then. I grown since then, learnt since then and got more experience. I’m not looking past Boris – Boris is a good fighter. My first focus is Saturday night but I’ve got aspirations to be pushing on to big things. I knew that Shane McGuigan would be able to show me more. i didn’t know he had THAT much more to show me. I didn’t know I had that much more ceiling. He’s very good at what he does. He watches what I do and gets the best out of me. He shows me my flaws and my strengths. It’s a work in progress. I’m just taking it step by step.”

Boris Crighton:

“To be honest at this short notice there’s not much that I can do as far as this man is concerned. On the night it’s all going to come down to how much I want it. With ten days’ notice it doesn’t matter how much you prepared or how much you’re not prepared. When you get a phone call it depends how much you want it and how much you want to win. It doesn’t matter what he brings to the table, all that matters is how much I want to win. That’s what matters to me. We play it by ear. You can’t go in there reckless with the level of fighter that he is. You want to take chances but at the same time you want to be calculated with your chances. You want to go in there and fight and put on your best performance – win or lose. He’s a top level professional. It’s like riding a bike – you don’t forget how to throw a jab or forget how to be defensive because you’ve had ten months out or however long you’ve had out. His will to win isn’t going to change because he’s been out of the ring for X amount of time. He’s got everything to lose and everything to prove.”

John Hedges:

“If you’ve seen the development of me since I turned pro, it doesn’t even look like I’m the same person. I’ve developed as myself and as a person – filling out naturally. It’s inevitable that I was going to be a Cruiserweight. I’m six foot six and I’m still only 21. The development is still going to carry on, even more so now. I’ve never been so comfortable in sparring and in training. Everything is just clicking in place now. Don’t get me wrong, it has done before, but when things feel right you know yourself don’t you. It’s ten months I’ve been out of the ring now. Activity is the main thing for me. I want to get back fighting regularly. If I could fight every month I would. That’s the main thing. I want to fight as much as I can. I’ve said it from the start – end of the year I want a belt around my waist. I’m not fussed what belt it is. I want to be moving in that direction. I’ve jumped into this fight with them aspirations. I’m not taking on no fool, I’m taking on a good fighter. It puts me in the right place and the right direction. Win at all costs but there’s no pressure.”

Shannon Ryan:

“When I first got the call I was obviously disappointed but then to know that I still can fight and there’s a title on the line – Matchroom, Eddie, Frank, 258 – thank you for that opportunity because it’s my first professional title fight and I’m excited for it. What’s going through my mind is that I’m going to put on a good performance and go and get that WBA International belt. I think the 10 rounds will suit me well. When I was doing the eights previously I was cruising through them. The 2 minutes are what we have to do, it’s quite short, it’s quite short – I would like three. I think ten 2’s will suit me perfect. I’m looking forward to it. What do I believe will happen? You’re going to get a spicy performance. I’m still sharp, I’m just super strong right now. My IQ has increased, I’ve improved yet again and I just can’t wait for you all to see pure chaos in the ring.”

Jasmina Zapotoczna:

“Hello everyone. I was very excited actually. I was like, ‘yeah let’s do this’. Shannon is a good fighter. I think it’s a massive opportunity for me, for us. Yeah, let’s do this. I can’t say too much obviously. I just love boxing. It doesn’t matter to me what skills and what plusses or minuses my opponent has got. I’ve just need to do my job, get in the ring and do whatever I can to win. Let’s put on a show.”

Jack Oliphant:

“First of all, what an opportunity to start off on such a big platform. It all feels surreal at the moment. When you’re an amateur all the way through it’s all you ever think about – the first day you turn pro. I’m excited. I’ve got to do a job. I’m going to do what I usually do – I’m not putting too much pressure on myself. I’m going to enjoy myself. As much as I appreciate being here and deserve it, I’m just going to do what I usually do and that’s it.”

Ibraheem Sulaimaan:

“I appreciate the Matchroom team bringing me on these shows and I’m just making the most of it. I’m just enjoying it. I’d give myself a five out of ten if I had to grade myself so far. I’ve got so much to show. I’ve got so much in the locker. The more I turn up the more I can bring out. On Saturday I’ve got an opponent that’s coming to win. He’s got power shots and he’s aggressive. It’s going to bring out the best in me.”

Emmanuel Odiase:

“First of all I would like to say a big thank you to Eddie Hearn, Frank Smith and the Matchroom Boxing team, and to my team at 258 for giving me this opportunity. It’s a great opportunity to have my UK debut over here in London. Matchroom – one of the biggest promotions in the world. ‘AJ’ is a big inspiration – he’s my idol. It felt surreal when I had the chance to spar him in 2021. After that it kind of moved quick, we stayed in touch and stayed in contact the whole time. Now his former coach Joby Clayton is my coach. Honestly I can say I love him because he has always been there for me. He takes the time, I call him and he picks up. He’s my role model and he’s my idol. I’m looking to step in the footsteps of him and achieve big things – become a World Champion one day as well. Maybe do even more than he has done. I’m super excited. The Heavyweight division is the biggest division in boxing.”

Liam Dillon and Reece Bellotti will clash for the British and Commonwealth Super-Featherweight Titles at Indigo at The O2 in London on Saturday February 10, shown live worldwide on DAZN.

Welterweight rivals Conah Walker and Cyrus Pattinson were originally set to rematch at the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle on Saturday February 10, but an eye injury sustained by the Alnwick man has forced him to withdraw from their second meeting.

Watford’s Bellotti (17-5, 14 KOs) is enjoying a three-fight winning streak across 2022 and 2023, with the ‘Bomber’ picking up the vacant Commonwealth Super-Featherweight Title last time out at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool by stopping Aqib Fiaz in eight rounds – the Oldham fighter’s first professional loss.

Chingford’s Dillon (13-0-1, 3 KOs), a former Southern Area and English champion at 130lbs, claimed the vacant British Super-Featherweight Title via an all-action split decision win against Qais Ashfaq in Newcastle last July – dedicating the career-best win to his late sister Lauren.

Watford’s Shannon Ryan and Newark’s Emma Dolan will create history when they become the first women to contest the British Super-Flyweight Title, with Dolan’s Commonwealth Title also on the line in their 10-round showdown.

Ryan (6-0) hasn’t put a foot wrong since joining the professional ranks at Wembley Arena in March 2022, and the Anthony Joshua-managed star can take another step on her journey to becoming the latest face of women’s boxing when she contests her first titles next month.

Dolan (6-0, 1 KO) claimed the vacant Commonwealth crown in her hometown by outpointing Tanzania’s Halima Vunjabei in March 2023 before defending her belt for the first time against local rival Nicola Hopewell at the Park Community Arena in Sheffield last October.

Also featuring on the card is a fourth pro-outing for exciting 21-year-old Cameron Vuong (3-0, 2 KOs) who takes on the experienced Ishmael Ellis (14-7) over eight rounds at Lightweight, Takeley Cruiserweight John Hedges (8-0, 2 KOs) meets Germany’s Erdogan Kadrija (20-5, 12 KOs) over eight rounds, plus there’s action for Eltham Flyweight Maiseyrose Courtney (5-0) and Bolton Super-Lightweight Khaleel Majid (12-0, 4 KOs).

“I’m looking forward to defending my British Title against Reece Bellotti at the top of a big Matchroom Boxing card live around the world on DAZN,” said Dillon. “Reece’s Commonwealth Title is also on the line so that’s another big motivation for me. 2024 is going to be a big year for my career. My British Title isn’t going anywhere. See you on February 10!”

“Always stay ready!” said Bellotti. ” A brilliant opportunity has come up for me to win a title that I’ve dreamed of winning since I was a kid and I can’t wait. I plan on kicking 2024 off with a bang on February 10 and then kicking on from there. This has the potential to be a massive year for me. I’m absolutely buzzing, let’s go!”

“The British and Commonwealth Super-Featherweight Titles are on the line as Liam Dillon and Reece Bellotti clash at the top of our latest NXTGEN card on February 10,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “History will be made when Shannon Ryan and Emma Dolan contest the British Super-Flyweight Title for the very first time and it’s a quick return to action for red hot Lightweight prospect Cameron Vuong who steps up against the experienced Ishmael Ellis. Young guns John Hedges, Maiseyrose Courtney and Khaleel Majid all kick off what will be a busy year for them. Catch all of the action live worldwide on DAZN.”

Former world title challenger Jack Catterall won a 12-round unanimous decision over former three-division world champion Jorge Linares in a super lightweight bout in Liverpool, England.

Catterall landed 149 of 390 punches. Linares was 82 of 312.

Catterall, 140 lbs of Boulton, ENG won by scores of 117-111 and 116-112 twice and is now 28-1. Linares, 140 lbs of Barinas, VEN is 47-9.

In a battle of undefeated super bantamweights, Peter McGrail won a 10-round unanimous decision over Fran Mendoza.

McGrail landed 169 of 551 punches. Mendoza was 114 of 482.

McGrail, 121.4 lbs of Liverpool won by scores of 99-91 twice and 97-93 and is now 8-0. Mendoza, 119.8 lbs of San Antero, COL is 17-1.

Jack Turner remained perfect by stopping Adam Yahaya in the opening round of their four-round bantamweight contest.

In round one, Turner dropped Yahaya with heavy shots in the corner and he could not beat the count at 1:21

Turner, 117.3 lbs of Liverpool is 3-0 with three knockouts. Yahaya, 116.6 lbs of Dar-Es-Salaam, TZN is 23-11-2.

Reece Bellotti stopped previously undefeated after round eight of their 12-round super featherweight bout.

In round eight, Bellotti dropped Fiaz with a a left hook. Bellotti was all over Fiaz and the corner threw in towel at end of round eight.

Bellotti, 128.9 lbs of Watford, ENG is 17-5 with 14 knockouts. Fiaz, 130 lbs of Oldham, ENG is 12-1.

Khaleel Majid stopped Tom Farrell in round six of their eight-round super lightweight bout.

In round five, Majid dropped Farrell with a body shot. In round six, Majid dumped Farrell again with a body. Seconds later it was a right that Farrell down again and the fight was stopped at 2:33.

Majid, 141.3 lbs of Bolton, ENG is 12-0 with four knockouts. Farrell, 141.9 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 21-8.

Campbell Hatton remained undefeated with a disqualification win over Jamie Sampson in the eighth and final round of their super lightweight bout.

Sampson was deducted two points before being disqualified at 2:07 of the final round.

Hatton, 142.9 lbs of Hyde, ENG is 14-0. Samspon, 141.1 lbs of Sheffield, ENG is 9-3.

Paddy Lacey stopped Owen Kirk in the opening round of their eight-round middleweight bout

Lacey dropped Kirk with a left to the body. Kirk could not get up at

Lacey, 163.1 lbs of Chester, PA is now 9-0 with two knockouts. Kirk, 163.6 lbs of heysham, ENG is 3-2-2.

Muhammad Ali won a six-round decision over Giulio Commerso in a super bantamweight bout.

Ali, 123.9 lbs of Leicester, ENG won by a 60-54 score and is now 4-0. Commerso, 123.6 lbs of Pescara, ITA is 2-1.

William Crolla stopped Martin Shaw in the opening round of their four-round super welterweight bout.

Crolla hurt Shaw badly with a hard right hand and then finished him off with a hard flurry in the corner at 56 seconds.

Crolla, 153.9 lbs of Manchester, ENG is 2-0 with one knockout. Shaw, 153.1 lbs of Rotherham, ENG is 4-17-3.

Sunny Edwards made the fourth defense of the IBF Flyweight title with a 12-round unanimous decisions over Andres Campos at the OVO Arena in London.

Edwards, 111.1 lbs of Croydon, ENG won by scores of 117-111 on all cards and is now 20-0. Campos, 111.6 lbs of Santiago, CHL is 15-1.

Johnny Fisher remained undefeated with an opening round stoppage over Emilio Salas in a eight-round heavyweight bout.

Fisher sent Salas down with an overhand right. Salas got to his feet as the referee reached the count of 10 at

Fisher,238.4 lbs of Romford, ENG is 9-0 with eight knockouts. Salas, 229.9 lbs of San Sebastian, PR is 7-5-1.

Ellie Scotney won the IBF Super Bantamweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Cherneka Johnson.

In round six, Johnson was cut around the right eye.

Scotney, 121.4 lbs of Catford, ENG won by scores of 98-92 twice and 97-93 and us now 7-0. Johnson, 120.8 lbs of Melbourne, AUS is 15-2.

Cheavon Clarke stopped David Jamieson in round five of their 10-round cruiserweight fight

In round four, Clarke dropped Jamieson with an uppercut. In round five, Clarke dropped Jamieson again with a hard combination to the head and the fight was stopped at 35 seconds.

Clarke, 199.2 lbs of Gravesend, ENG is 6-0 with five knockouts. Jamieson, 199.1 lbs of East Kilbride, SCO is 10-3.

Nina Hughes retained the WBA Bantamweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Katie Healy.

Hughes, 117.3 lbs of Billericay, ENG won by scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91 and is now 6-0. Healy, 117.5 lbs of Wolverhampton, ENG is 6-1.

Reece Bellotti won a 10-round unanimous decision over Youssef Khoumari in a super featherweight bout.

Bellotti, 129.4 lbs of Watford, ENG won by scores 97-93, 97-94 and 96-94 and is now 16-5. Khoumari, 129.8 lbs of Wembley, ENG is 15-2-1.

George Liddard remained undefeated with a first round stoppage of Nikolas Dzurnak in a scheduled six-round middleweight fight.

In round one, Liddard dropped Dzurnak with a body punch. A moment later, Liddard put Dzurnak down with a left hook to the head. Liddard ended things as he jumped on Zurnak and a right hand put Dzurnak down for a third and final time at 2:29.

Liddard, 162 lbs of Billericay, ENG is 3-0 with three knockouts. Dzurnak, 160.5 lbs of Vyskov, CZE is 5-4-2.

Shannon Ryan remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Martina Bernile in a super flyweight bout.

Ryan, 115 lbs of Watford, ENG won by an 80-72 score and is now 5-0. Bernile, 114.4 lbs of Milan, ITA is 5-2-1.

Muhammad Ali won a four-round decision over Bryan Castro in a super bantamweight fight.

Ali, 123.8 lb of Leicester, ENG won by a 40-36 contest and is now 2-0. Castro, 123.3 lbs of Managua, NIC is 2-6-1.

Joshua Buatsi stopped Ricards Bolotniks in round 11 of a scheduled 12-round light heavyweight bout at the Matchroom HQ in Essex, England

In round six, Buatsi dropped Bolotniks with a vicious left hook.

In round eight, Buatsi was deducted a point for a low blow. In round 11, Buatsi landed a booming right that sent Bolotniks to the deck and the fight was stopped at 2:08.

Buatsi, 174 3/4 lbs of Croydon, ENG is 15-0 with 13 knockouts. Bolotniks, 174 1/2 lbs of Riga, LAT is 18-6-1.

“Most importantly I have to thank God for the victory, different fighters have different things that work for them, I made it clear to you lot that that’s what works for me,” Buatsi told DAZN. “In my changing room I don’t need to hear anything, don’t tell me what I did in camp, tell me Josh is written in the bible. That’s what gears me up when I walk down there, what’s written in the bible.
 
“I’m grateful man, Bolotniks big credit to him he pushed me. I think he said Josh hasn’t been past seven rounds before so after seven we’ll see. I was there until 11 and landed a good shot. I worked every round, but I want to congratulate him – he’s a good champion.
 
“When I sat down, I said, ‘Buatsi who told you to empty the tank, you’ve got six left?’ but I’ve worked hard. You see in camp the sparring is hard man, big credit to my sparring partners they know who they are. I do a hard six run then a fresh one gets in so into the second half I said I’ve been here: I’ve done it before I’ve been here many times in camp.
 
“I’ve got a great team, I’ve got a promoter that believes in me, he’s been pushing for fights like this because he knows I can do it. Tonight, I went out there and showed people I can do it, we just build from here.
 
“We all make sacrifices, I don’t want to single myself out, everyone sacrifices to be where they want to be in life. For me, yeah, I sacrificed, I’m always away from my family and I truly miss them but most importantly I want to get to the top. I feel like I’m in the right team with the right people, I’ve got a great promoter who gives me the opportunities I need. I’ll keep sacrificing.”

Cordina Destroys Hernandez in 1st

Joe Cordina needed just 53 seconds to dispose of Joshua Hernandez in a scheduled 10-round lightweight bout.

Cordina landed a blistering 1-2 that sent Hernandez down for the 10-count.

Cordina, 134 lbs of Cardiff, WAL is 13-0 with eight knockouts. Hernandez, 132 3/4 lbs of Chicago, IL is 10-4.

“Chris Colbert went eight rounds with Hernandez and what I watched of it, it was quite a tough fight for him,” Cordina told Matchroom. “I watched that fight and a couple others of Hernadez and me and Tony came up with a game plan. We were going through in the changing rooms, and it came off a peach.
 
“I had to prove a point, I said in an interview earlier in the week that I don’t take criticism from people I wouldn’t go to for advice. I don’t really value many people’s opinions so yeah, it’s one of those things, you’re going to get people criticizing and it’s whether you take it onboard or not. A lot of people didn’t take into consideration that I’d been out the ring for 16 months, had an operation of my hand, we proved the point tonight and got him out of there early on.
 
“I always look to just get the win, box, if the knockout is there, I’ll take it. As soon as he threw his first jab, I knew he wasn’t going to catch me with that, my sharpness of feet and head movement would get me out of trouble. I started putting my lead hand downstairs and whipping the right hand over the top and I caught him the first time, I knew he was a little bit wobbly. I didn’t want to rush in and try and get him out of there straight away, I knew if I could catch him twice with it there’s going to be a third time and I did exactly that. We got him out of there in great fashion.
 
“I was watching Fight Camp last year and there was no crowd, but even when there wasn’t a crowd it felt like there was a massive atmosphere. When I saw the first Fight Camp week at home, I thought, ‘oh my god I’m fighting there in two weeks, it’s going to be amazing’. I’m glad that I’m able to tick it of my list now. 
 
“Eddie watched me in York Hall in 2009 and said, ‘you’re going to be a World Champion’. It’s nice to hear that but I’ve got to keep improving, keep pushing on and proving him right. I know I’ve got the ability to be a World Champion very soon, but I’ve just got to keep winning. I’ve got the ability to mix it with any of them, it’s just about taking those steps up the ladder to become a World Champion and that’s what I plan on doing. Maybe have two weeks at home, go back to the gym and see what I want to do with Tony.
 
“I know people say it but if you speak to my S&C coach and Tony this was probably one of the best camps I’ve ever had. That’s with the boxing, plus my S&C, everything just came together. Don’t get me wrong I had to be at home for my new-born son but everything’s coming together now. I’m glad I got the win tonight in great fashion and now it’s time to build on it.” 

World-Rated welterweight Michael McKinson remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Przemyslaw Runowki.

McKinson, 146 1/2 lbs of Portsmouth, ENG won by scores of 99-91 twice and 98-92 and is now 21-0. Runowski, 146 1/4 lbs of Shupsk, POL is 19-2.

“I’m happy, that was easier than I thought it would be, I didn’t really get out of first gear,” McKinson told Matchroom. “I visibly hurt him a few times, but I boxed to instructions and got the win. To be fair I didn’t think he won a round against me, but he was a tough guy. Him and his team were very confident beforehand, I liked the energy they brought all week, but I just had to show I was a level above, and I was a few levels above – I’m happy.

“They keep giving me harder opposition, they keep telling me it’s a step up and I’m making it look easier and easier. What people forget is I’m learning every day on the job as well; I’m developing and who knows where I can be in a year or twos time. I’m in a position where a lot of boxers dream of being in, all I can do it stay focused, keep learning and keep working my way to the top.

“First time on the A side you know, not many people can say they’ve boxed in Gibraltar and not many people can say they’ve boxed in Eddie’s back garden and done both this year. I can’t moan or complain, I’m really happy and blessed.

“2021 and my career has just started, 21-0 and making it look easy. I really want to keep stepping up, keep challenging myself, keep having more and more tests. I’m still learning but I’m learning quick and finding it easy now. I want opponents that will make me step through the gears, a few times I hurt him there like I can punch, I don’t need to, I boxed to instructions. I didn’t really get out of first gear.

“I believe I’m the best 147 pounder in the country. I like Conor, I get on well with him, but if he can’t get them two guys the Brooks or the Khans, I’m always here. I’ll fight whoever they give me, I’ve never turned down a fight and that’s a fact – I don’t plan on turning down fights. I really do believe in myself, and I believe in my development as well. I’m going to be going to the top I promise you.

“I’m really happy for Liam Taylor because he never really gets a fair ranking and he’s a good fighter so I’m happy he’s got that opportunity. I’m not far behind, I’d like the winner, but I’ll fight whoever makes sense and whoever my management team want to get me next – the answer is always yes. That guy there I just beat took Josh Taylor to points on short notice, he had a full camp against me, his team were so confident talking to me in the hotel.

“Like I said, I make their confidence fade round by round, they don’t call me ‘The Problem’ for no reason. I will carry on being a problem as I step through the levels as the opposition gets better, trust me.

“Josh Kelly has got a lot of ability, he’s a skilful fighter, I like Josh – even after the Avanesyan defeat I still think he’s a top fighter. Florian Marku talks a lot doesn’t he, he didn’t know who I was a few months ago on social media on an interview, he said he didn’t know who I was. At least they’re talking about me now, let him prove himself because I don’t think he’s proved himself at a decent level yet, not saying he’s not a good fighter, but he does need to prove himself as a fighter to be respected. Good luck to all of them, I wish nothing but the best for all my rivals, you know I’m here and I’ll fight anybody.

“Even when we go back to proper arenas and stuff, wait till we get hundreds and hundreds of Portsmouth fans loud and proud. I’ve got great support and it’s always growing; I know there’s a lot of people that didn’t come today but when they’re allowed everyone will see the Portsmouth fans.”

In a battle of undefeated super bantamweights, Hopey Price won a six-round decision over Claudio Grande.

In the closing seconds of the fight, Price dropped Grande with a straight left.

Price, 123 1/4 lbs of Leeds, ENG won by a 58-55 score and is now 5-0. Grande, 121 1/2 lbs of Massa, ITA is now 5-1.

“It was a good performance, considering I had six months outside the ring, which for a young prospect like me isn’t ideal,” Price told Matchroom. “You can spar as much as you want but it’s not the same feeling as when you’re under the lights. Now looking forward, I’ve got Leeds in three weeks, that’s put me in very good stead – you’ll see the best of me in three weeks’ time.

“I remember Dave [Coldwell] shouting at me finish strong, finish strong, and he was just coming in – what we’ve been working on in the gym – I felt like I was catching him with that shot all fight and he just walked onto it lovely at the end and he was gone.

“I’m not fighting these journeyman and people with losing records, that’s a proper fight, he’s 5-0, three knockouts, I’m sure he wanted to be a star over there in Italy. He was coming to win and was defeated, I put a stop to that and gave him his first loss.

“You began to see it, it’s been coming slowly but surely, now over the next year or so you’ll see the best of me.

“I feel like I’m developing more as a fighter under Dave and more as a man – big thanks to Danny Wilson at Boxing Science, he’s making me a lot stronger, and I think you saw it there in the last ten seconds. I’m not just a young kid that people can walk through.

“I want to go right to the top. I don’t want to be a World Champion; I want to be a pound-for-pound star and Dave’s the man to take me there. I’ll keep listening, learning, developing and I promise you I will get there one day.

“I think fighting in Leeds on September 4 shows the confidence and ability – and the confidence my team has in me – to take a fight like that three weeks before and coming through with flying colours, no injuries. I’m ready to go in my hometown in front of 20,00 fans, I’ll steal the show there 100%.

“I’m ready for Zahid Hussain, 100%, I was ready for it back in September and the magic man didn’t turn up. So, we’ll see this time if he comes and if he does, I promise Hopey Price will come out the victor.

“I said it from my second pro fight, I believe there are levels to boxing and my boxing brain is one of the best in Britain. I believe I’m levels above Zahid Hussain.”

Kash Farooq won a 10-round unanimous decision over Luis Gerardo Castillo in a bantamweight bout.

In round five, Farooq was cut under his right eye and Castillo had swelling under his right eye from a headbutt.

Farooq, 117 1/2 lbs of Glasgow, SCO won by scores of 100-90 twice and 100-91 and is now 16-1. Castillo, 116 1/4 lbs of Mexico is 28-3.

“I boxed to the game plan, that was it, you want to get in there and always entertain but I followed the game plan that was it,” Farooq told Matchroom. “I listened to my trainer, and he just told me to box, you couldn’t get any footage of him, so I didn’t know what he was about, I adapted on the night and did what I had to do.

“I showed tonight the other side of me that can box as well. He’s not world class but it’s a different side of my boxing that I showed, he was tough and game. We didn’t know what we were up against.

“If you let anybody hit you, they can punch, he had a bit of sting to his punches, but the name of the game is hit and don’t get hit and that’s what I did in this fight.

“He [Gerardo] can’t speak and can’t hear so it’s something different, people were saying he’s come to win, and this was going to change his life, these types of boys want to win but he was up against me so – I wanted to win as much as he did.

“These boys are coming from nothing, some of them grew up in poverty and it’s a different lifestyle in Mexico – they fight for a living to make their lives better. It’s either me or him and it wasn’t going to be me today.

“It was another learning fight for me, and I’ll progress again, it’s something I picked up – for me it’s just about developing and getting better. This is just another clinical performance by me.

“My job is just to fight, and they tell me what route they’re going to go through. If I had a choice I’d fight [McGregor] but it’s down to them and they’ll make the right decision for me.

“He wants to fight just like I do but he’s got managers telling him what the best options are like I do as well. The next few weeks my managers are going to sit down with Eddie and discuss what the best options are and what route to go down – if it’s that one next then I’m more than happy to take it.

“It is a big fight for Scotland, me and Lee can sell out the SSE Hydro, if it’s the right time and it has a good build me, we can do it. It’s just me and him boxing each other.

“For me I’ll take a few days off but it’s back to training. When I’ll really take some time off is when I call it a day and retire. Now I’ve still got levels to progress, go back to the gym and work on things, it’s a lifestyle in boxing and it a short career, you don’t know when retirement is coming. For me I’m going to put everything into boxing for the next few years of my life.”

Raymond Ford remained undefeated as he stopped Reece Bellotti in round three of a scheduled 10-round featherweight bout.

In round three, Ford landed a right hook that staggered Bellotti. Ford was all over Bellotti and landed a bout 15 unanswered shots and the fight was stopped at 39 seconds.

Ford, 126 lbs of Camden, NJ is 9-0-1 with five knockouts. Bellotti, 125 1/4 lbs of Watford, ENG is 14-5.

“In the third round I was going to start to box and slow it down because I was throwing too many fast, hard shots to hurt him early,” Ford told Matchroom. “My team told me to settle down because we had ten rounds to go and then he came on and ran into the shot. I knew if I didn’t get him out of there when I had him hurt, he was just going to be a tough guy and keep coming forward. When I hit my shot, I had to get him out of there.

“It feels great, one of my dreams that came true, the real dream and goal is to get to these World Championship titles.

“I knew that he [Bellotti] was kind of the bully and everything so I wanted to beat the bully in the fight. I heard a lot about his power, guys saying his power was up there at the top, I just wanted to show I can be a bigger bully and that’s what I did.

“I said yesterday that I was going to handle the pressure. I was just starting to warm up and settle in but the more the fight would have went, the more you would have seen me relaxed and be sharper. I was getting hit by some dumb shots but that was because I was warming up and getting a feel of everything – being back after five months.

“I love it in the UK, all week people have been showing me love so I want to come back and fight here again. I want to be one the greatest to ever do it, not just in my division, I just want to be the best and go down as a legend.

“It’s important to be patient but I feel like I have the skills and I was blessed with the talents I have where I can fight these top guys at a young age. I want to keep stepping up and get these tougher fights.”

Zelfa Barrett stopped Viorel Simion after round five of their scheduled eight-round lightweight bout.

In round one, Barrett dropped Simion with a body shot. Barrett continued to punish Simion and the fight was stopped after round five.

Barrett, 136 1/4 lbs of Manchester, ENG is 26-1 with 16 knockouts. Simion, 139 3/4 lbs of Romania is 22-7.

American rising star Raymond Ford believes his first ever pro title fight with Reece Bellotti on the final weekend of Matchroom Fight Camp will be the show-stealer that elevates him to the next level.

Ford (8-0-1, 4 KOs) is looking to bounce back from a draw in his last fight in Dallas in March, sharing the spoils with Aaron Perez over eight rounds. The Camden, New Jersey talent was hoping to get an immediate rematch to settle the score but says the unbeaten New Mexico fighter didn’t want to dance again, so now he makes his second trip to the UK to take on the former Commonwealth Featherweight Champion Bellotti.

The Watford man is no stranger to the Fight Camp set up having fallen to Jordan Gill in Essex last summer, but with a wealth of experience behind him and an all-action and explosive style, Ford thinks that the 30-year-old is a great foe to have as he looks to land the WBA Continental Title in style.

“I’m expecting a pressure fighter just like I faced last time out, and it’s the type of fight that I wanted,” said Ford. “We wanted the rematch with Perez but he didn’t want it, but Reece has a similar style, he’s got experience, he’s been in there with good fighters and he’s done 12 rounds before and he’s got a name in the UK too so we thought that this was a good fight for me.

“If I am in shape, I can do whatever I want – just be in shape and execute the game plan, and I will handle business. I’ve seen some of Reece’s fights, he stopped a southpaw in Jason Cunningham and the Jordan Gill fight. I’m a southpaw too but I am on a whole different level with respect to Jason.

“I can stop him, but I am not going in there to do it. In my last fight I was throwing too many big single shots to try to get him out of there, I was believing in my own hype and what commentators had been saying about my wins and my power, so I am going back to basics and doing what I do best and that’s to just box and dominate, and if the KO comes, then I am going to get it.

“It felt like a loss, I won’t lie, I cried in the locker room and when I was home, I didn’t leave the house for two weeks, the draw really hurt me. I still felt like I did enough to win the fight, but it wasn’t my best night, it wasn’t pretty at all, and I was disappointed with my performance. It’s given me the hunger though, I don’t think about it anymore, I’m not looking to the past, I just want to move forward, I would still like the rematch though so I can clean that up, but he doesn’t want it, and this is another good fight for me and when I beat Reece, I think people will forget about the draw.

“Eddie messaged me and asked how I was after the fight and I told him that I wanted the rematch and revenge, he tried to get the rematch going but it didn’t happen, but this is a good fight for me and there’s a first title for me to fight for too and ten rounds for the first time. This is a fight that can take me to the next level, it’s a breakout fight.

“Expect me to steal the show. I am going to bring a while different style; I honestly think I have the best skills of anyone on the card and I hope ours is the best fight of the night.

“I felt the love when I got here but I know tonight that the crowd will be against me as this is his home turf, but after the fight I hope I get the love from the fans again and put on a show for them. It’s always great to come to the UK and meet new people, do interviews, and experience that UK life again.

“I’ve been wanting to come back for a while, the fans had been DM-ing me asking me to come back, I was saying ‘don’t ask me, tell Eddie!’ And now I am back I hope that everyone tunes in, and I can meet the fans that are here, and we have a great night, it’s going to be great to fight in front of fans again and especially the fans in the UK.”

Ford vs. Bellotti is part of a huge night of action, Light-Heavyweight star Joshua Buatsi (14-0, 12 KOs) steps up against Ricards Bolotniks (18-5-1, 8 KOs) in a WBA World Title Eliminator, Joe Cordina (12-0, 7 KOs) returns in a ten round Lightweight clash with Joshuah Hernandez (10-3, 8 KOs), Portsmouth’s Michael McKinson (20-0, 2 KOs) defends his WBO Global Welterweight Title against Przemyslaw Runowski (19-1, 5 KOs), Hopey Price (4-0, 1 KO) meets Claudio Grande (5-0, 3 KOs) in a six round Super-Bantamweight contest, Glasgow’s Kash Farooq (15-1, 6 KOs) clashes with Luis Gerardo Castillo (28-2, 18 KOs) for the WBC International Bantamweight Title and Manchester Super-Featherweight Zelfa Barrett (25-1, 15 KOs) joins the card as a late addition.

Ted Cheeseman won an exciting 12-round unanimous decision over Sam Eggington in a thrilling super welterweight fight at the Matchroom HQ Fight Camp in Essex, England.

In round six, there was blood from the nose of Cheeseman. Cheeseman hurt Eggington several times during the fight, but Eggington stood his ground and fought back.

Cheeseman, 153.4 lbs won by scores of 116-113 twice and 115-114 and is now 16-2-1. Eggington, 153.9 lbs is 28-7.

After the fight an emotional Cheeseman said: “You can’t imagine. I see fighters lose who don’t care. I cared, I cried my eyes out, I stormed out of the ring. I’m a winner, I gave my heart to this sport and I felt that I deserved some luck last year, but I never got it.

“I lot of people doubted me, thought I would tire. When it got tough, I had a fight with Sam. It was morale – I haven’t won for nearly two years – and you need confidence.

“I was confident going into that ring. There was no pressure with no crowd. I made mistakes but I boxed really well. I could have thought: ‘It isn’t going my way’. But I gave it my all. If I lost tonight, I would have retired. I could cry my eyes out with happiness.”

“You just have to roll with the punches,” said Eggington. “Ted got the decision today. Of course I would like the rematch. I’m sure people would like to see it again.”

Former world title challenger James Tennyson stopped Gavin Gwynne in round six of a scheduled 12-round lightweight bout.

In round five, Tennyson began to bleed from the nose. In round six, Tennyson dropped Gwynne with a right to the temple. Tennyson followed up with a ferocious flurry that included uppercuts left hooks and rights to the body until the fight was stopped at 2:30.

Tennyson, 134.8 lbs of Belfast, NI is 27-3 with 23 knockouts. Gwynne, 134.4 lbs is 12-2.

“It means everything,” said Tennyson after the fight. “I stuck to the plan. I was told to be patient, move around, stick to my shots.”

Tennyson’s promoter Eddie Hearn said: “Hats off to Gwynne, massive respect. This is what we want at Fight Camp, thrilling fights. Tennyson always has the equaliser – he has dynamite in his hands especially at 135lbs. 

“He is so exciting. I want to see him move faster. He’s done at British level. A great fight would be Patera for the European title. I love the Jorge Linares fight. What an entertainer, what a fighter, non-stop action.”

Fabio Wardley remained undefeated with a 3rd round stoppage over Simon Vallily in a heavyweight bout.

In round three, Wardley landed a left hook to the head that rocked Vallily across the ring. Wardley was all over Vallily and landed nine unanswered blows, and the bout was stopped at 1:01.

Wardley, 224 lbs of Ipswich is 9-0 with eight knockouts. Vallily, 224 lbs of Middlesbrough is 17-3-1.

“I started boxing just for a bit of a fun,” Wardley told Sky Sports. “I’m massively humbled and grateful. Near on punch perfect, I think I did pretty well. Round three, that was it, it was over.”

Dalton Smith remained undefeated with a emphatic 5th round stoppage over Nathan Bennett in an right-round junior welterweight bout.

Smith Rocked Bennett several times during the fight. In round five, Smith landed a booming right that sent Bennett down and out at 2:56.

Smith, 140.8 of Sheffield is 609 with five knockouts. Bennett, 140 lbs of Liverpool is 9-2.

After the fight Smith said: “I think I boxed to instructions, did what my dad said. He caught me with a shot in the first round – and I knew I had to be switched on.”

Jordan Gill won a 10-round unanimous decision over Reece Bellotti in a featherweight bout.

In round six, Bellotti was cut over his right eye. In round eight, Gill started to swell under his left eye.

Gill, 125.9 lbs of Chatteris won by scores of 97-93 twice and 96-95, and is now 25-1. Bellotti, 125.4 lbs of Wattford is 14-4.

“I thought it was a great fight,” said Gill. “All credit to Reece, he came and brought his A-Game. That’s probably the best Reece Bellotti we’ve seen. He’s taken a lot of experience from his losses and put it into a really good performance. I think he can come back and win titles. 

“I expected a better performance from myself, but a win is a win, and I got rid of a lot of demons in there tonight. I boxed to orders, controlling the fight with my left hand.

“I didn’t really let my right hand go. I busted my hand mid-rounds, but no excuses, a great fight, and I’m pleased to come away with the win.”

Ryan Walsh defends his British Featherweight title against Reece Bellotti at The O2 in London on December 22, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US.

The Cromer star won the Lord Lonsdale belt outright when he stopped Belfast’s Marco McCullough at the Copper Box Arena in May 2017 before drawing with Manchester’s Isaac Lowe in his next defence of the title on the George Groves vs. Chris Eubank Jr. undercard earlier this year.

Bellotti, a former Commonwealth and WBC International Silver Featherweight Champion, is hot on the comeback trail after his shock defeat to Ryan Doyle at York Hall in June and hopes a British title win will signal the beginning of a new chapter in his career.

“Bellotti is a young, fresh prospect and I rate him highly,” said Walsh. “He’s got a lot about him and he’s very dangerous, not just because he can punch but because he’s lost. He’ll want to prove himself to everyone.

“I was trying to get the Bellotti fight when he was the Commonwealth Champion. He was on the up and he was a Champion, ideally I would have got him then and won the Commonwealth but I’m glad we’re getting in on now.

“Bellotti will be another Commonwealth Champion that I’ve fought. Lowe was a Commonwealth Champion and so was McCullough. James Tennyson got a win over McCullough and went on to fight for a World title so you never know what will happen in this sport.”

“The British title has always been the title that I’ve wanted to get my hands on,” said Bellotti. “Every kid starting out in boxing wants to win it eventually. Obviously the main goal is to win a World title but the Lonsdale belt is a very prestigious title.

“I’ve got my chance now and I’m looking forward to it. This will be the toughest fight of my career by a million miles. I’ve watched Walsh for years, I was at the Copper Box Arena when he won the belt outright against McCullough.

“He’s a tough, well-rounded professional and I’m expecting a really good fight. I’ve learnt massive lessons from my loss against Ryan Doyle and hopefully winning this title will signal the start of a new chapter of my career.”

Walsh vs. Bellotti is part of a huge night of boxing in the capital.

Main event sees fierce Heavyweight rivals Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora rematch after their Fight of the Year contender in December 2016.

Charlie Edwards gets a second shot at a World title when he challenges Cristofer Rosales for the WBC Flyweight World title, with further exciting fights to be announced soon.

Tickets for Whyte vs. Chisora 2 are priced £40, £60, £80, £100, £150, £200, £300 and £600 (Inner Ring VIP)

General Sale tickets are available to purchase from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), The O2 (www.theo2.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing