Diego Pacheco remained undefeated by stopping Jack Cullen in round four of their 10-round super middleweight bout in Liverpool, England

In round four, Pacheco landed a perfect left hook to the body that put Cullen on the canvas. Pacheco landed a big right that hurt Cullen badly and the fight was stopped as Cullen was going down at 47 seconds.

Pacheco, 166.10 lbs of Los Angeles is 18-0 with 15 knockouts. Cullen, 167.8 lbs of Little Leaver, ENG is 21-4-1.

Darragh Foley stopped Robbie Davies Jr. in round three of their 10-round super lightweight contest.

In round two, Foley dropped Davies with a right hook just before the bell sounded to end the round. Early in round three, Foley landed another right hook that put Davies down again. Davies appeared to snap his right foot and he could not continue and the fight was stopped at 26 seconds.

Foley, 139.6 lbs of Bondi, AUS is 22-4-1 with 10 seconds. Davies, 139.12 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 23-4.

Johnny Fisher stopped Alfonso Damiani in round four of their scheduled eight-round heavyweight bout.

In round four, Fisher landed a big body shot that set off a big flurry that was ended by a booming right in the corner that hurt Damaiani, and the bout was called at 2:05.

Fisher, 240.12 lbs of Romford, ENG is 8-0 with seven knockouts. Damiani, 233,13 lbs of Subiaco, ITA is 6-3.

Peter McGrail won a 10-round unanimous decision over Nicolas Nahuel Botelli in a super bantamweight fight.

In round eight, Botelli was bleeding from his nose.

McGrail, 123.8 lbs of Liverpool, ENG won by scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 7-0. Botelli, 123.12 lbs of Salta, ARG is 14-8.

Rhiannon Dixon stopped Vicky Wilkinson in round six of their scheduled 10-round lightweight bout.

In round six, Dixon dropped Wilkinson with a body shot. Seconds later Dixon dropped Wilkinson with a right hand and the referee stopped the fight at 1:06.

Dixon, 134.12 lbs of Warrington, ENG is 8-0 with one knockout. Wilkinson, 132.1 lbs of Wombourne, ENG is 5-1-1.

Aqib Fiaz stopped Dean Dodge in the eighth and final round of their super featherweight bout.

Fiaz hurt Dodge with a right hand in round eight. Fiaz landed a hard flurry of punches on the ropes, and the bout was stopped at 2:20.

Fiaz, 134.7 lbs of Oldham, ENG is 11-0 with one knockout. Dodge, 132.15 lbs of Yeovil, ENG is 9-3-1.

In a battle of Liverpool based middleweights, Paddy Lacey won a six-round decision over James McCarthy.

Lacey, 162.14 lbs won by a 60-54 score and is now 8-0. McCarthy, 160.15 lbs is 2-5-1.

Campbell Hatton remained undefeated with a six-round decision over Michael Gonxhe in a super lightweight bout.

Hatton, 140.5 lbs of Hyde, ENG won by a 59-55 tally and is now 10-0. Gonxhe, 136.14 lbs of Frankfurt, GER is 4-3-1.

George Liddard stopped Daniel Przwieslik in round three of a scheduled four-round middleweight contest.

Liddard hurt Przwieslik with a hard right and continued to batter his opponent and the fight was stopped at 2:32.

Liddard, 162.1 lbs of Billericay. ENG is 2-0 with two knockouts.

An injury has forced Callum Smith out of his Light-Heavyweight clash with Pawel Stepien at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool on Saturday March 11.
 
The event will go ahead, shown live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia and New Zealand), with Diego Pacheco’s WBO International Super-Middleweight Title showdown with Jack Cullen and Robbie Davies Jr’s Super-Lightweight fight with Darragh Foley now co-headlining.
 
Pacheco (17-0, 14 KOs), one of the hottest prospects in American boxing, looks to impress on his first appearance in the UK, stepping-up against Little Lever’s Cullen (21-3-1, 9 KOs) in what promises to be an all-action battle.
 
Davies Jr (23-3, 15 KOs) was set to square off with Australia’s Liam Paro but will now face late stand-in opponent Foley (21-4-1, 9 KOs) over ten rounds, and the Australia-based Irishman arrives in Liverpool brimming with confidence following four straight wins.
 
Romford Heavyweight sensation Johnny Fisher (7-0, 6 KOs) takes ‘The Romford Bull’ Army to Liverpool for the first time as he faces Italy’s Alfonso Damiani (6-2, 2 KOs) over eight rounds and decorated amateur star turned Super-Bantamweight prospect Peter McGrail (6-0, 5 KOs) makes his highly anticipated Matchroom debut.
 
Warrington Lightweight talent Rhiannon Dixon (7-0) squares off with Wombourne’s Vicky Wilkinson (5-0-1) for the Commonwealth Title, Oldham’s Aqib Fiaz (10-0) takes on Yeovil’s Dean Dodge (9-2-1, 3 KOs) over eight rounds at Super-Featherweight, plus there’s for Hyde’s Campbell Hatton (9-0, 3 KOs), Chester Middleweight Paddy Lacey (7-0, 1 KO) and Billericay Middleweight George Liddard (1-0, 1 KO).
 
Refunds for tickets purchased for the March 11 event are available from the original point of purchase.

Callum Smith fights in Liverpool for the first time since 2019 when he faces undefeated world-ranked Pole Pawel Stepien at the top of a stacked card at the M&S Bank Arena on Saturday March 11 that features Liam Paro vs. Robbie Davies Jr and Diego Pacheco vs. Jack Cullen, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia and New Zealand). 

The WBC’s No.1 ranked Light-Heavyweight Smith (29-1, 21 KOs) returns home for a must-win clash with the IBF’s No.7 ranked 175-pounder Stepien (18-0-1, 12KOs) as he looks to secure a mouth-watering showdown with unified WBC, WBO and IBF ruler Artur Beterbiev later in the year.

Former WBA and Ring Magazine Super-Middleweight World Champion ‘Mundo’ has won both of his fights at Light-Heavyweight in brutal fashion following a move up in weight after his points loss to pound-for-pound superstar Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez at the Almodome in San Antonio, USA back in December 2020.

The 32-year-old Liverpudlian destroyed Lenin Castillo with a sickening second round KO to return to winning ways on the undercard of the first meeting between Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua at the home of Tottenham Hotspur in September 2021 before taking out France’s Mathieu Bauderlique in four rounds just under a year later in Saudi Arabia. 

Szczecin’s Stepien remains unbeaten since joining the professional ranks in December 2015, with the only blemish on his 19-fight career being a draw with Marek Matyja in 2019, and the 32-year-old is ranked in the world’s top 15 with the WBO, IBF and WBA – picking up the Polish and IBF Intercontinental Light-Heavyweight Titles in 2019 and 2021 respectively. 

A stacked undercard sees Australia’s WBO Global Super-Lightweight Champion Liam Paro (23-0, 14 KOs) put his title on the line against local favourite Robbie Davies Jr (23-3, 15 KOs) following his sensational first-round KO win over fellow Aussie Brock Jarvis at the South Bank Piazza in South Brisbane last October.

One of the hottest prospects in American boxing Diego Pacheco (17-0, 14 KOs) looks to impress on his first appearance in the UK, stepping-up against Little Lever’s Jack Cullen (21-3-1, 9 KOs) in what promises to be an all-action battle for the WBO International Super-Middleweight Title. 

Romford Heavyweight sensation Johnny Fisher (7-0, 6 KOs) takes ‘The Romford Bull’ Army to Liverpool for the first time as he faces Italy’s Alfonso Damiani (6-2, 2 KOs) over eight rounds and local Light-Heavyweight Thomas Whittaker-Hart (7-1, 3 KOs) aims to avenge his first loss against Darewn’s Mickey Ellison (14-4, 5 KOs) in a rematch for the Central Area Title. 

Warrington Lightweight talent Rhiannon Dixon (7-0) squares off with Wombourne’s Vicky Wilkinson (5-0-1) for the Commonwealth Title and Oldham’s Aqib Fiaz (10-0) takes on Yeovil’s Dean Dodge (9-2-1, 3 KOs) over eight rounds at Super-Featherweight, plus there’s action for Hyde’s Campbell Hatton (9-0, 3 KOs), Chester Middleweight Paddy Lacey (7-0, 1 KO) and Billericay Middleweight George Liddard (1-0, 1 KO).

“Pawel Stepien is just what I need going into the Artur Beterbiev fight,” said Smith. “He hasn’t ever tasted defeat and he’s ranked in the top 15 by 3 governing bodies. He is certainly no walkover and I know I can’t afford to make any mistakes. The prize waiting for me should I win means you’ll be seeing the best from me on March 11.”

“We always love returning to Liverpool for one of the best atmospheres in the UK, and we’ve got a stacked card from top to bottom for you all on March 11, said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Callum Smith can’t afford any slip-ups against Pawel Stepien – he’s next in line to face unified World Champion Artur Beterbiev and that’s a fight I really fancy him in if he gets past the unbeaten Pole. 

“We’re spoilt for choice with this cracking undercard, Liam Paro looked sensational last time out and Robbie Davies Jr finally gets the big fight he’s been craving. Diego Pacheco against Jack Cullen can only be fireworks and ‘The Romford Bull’ Army are going to be bringing all the noise for Johnny Fisher! Thomas Whittaker-Hart can’t afford another loss this early in his career and there’s so much more on offer. Watch it all live around the world on DAZN.”

Tickets for Smith vs. Stepien are priced £40, £60, £100, £150 and £300 (VIP).

Matchroom Fight Pass members will be able to purchase tickets from midday on Tuesday February 7. Priority ticket info will be emailed directly to eligible members ahead of the on-sale time. 

General Sale tickets can be purchased via Stage Front and the M&S Bank Arena from midday on Wednesday February 8.

Joshua Buatsi remained undefeated with a 12-round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Craig Richards at The O2 Arena in London.

Buatsi, 174.75 lbs of Croydon, ENG won by scores of 116-112 and 115-113 twice and is now 16-0. Richards, 174.25 lbs of Crystal Palace, ENG is 17-3-1.

Cameron Decisions Bustos; Retains Unified 140 lb. Titles

Chantelle Cameron defended the WBC/IBG Super Lightweight titles with a 10-round unanimous decision over former world champion Victoria Bustos.

Cameron, 140 lbs of Northamptonm ENG won by scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 16-0. Bustos, 137.3 lbs of Rosario, ARG is now 23-.

Babic Decisions Balski

Alen Babic went the distance for the first time and won a 10-round unanimous decision over Adam Balski in a bridgerweight fight.

In round one, Balski dropped Babic with a left hook to the top of the head.

Balski was deducted a point for clocking and hurting Babic after hitting after the ninth round bell.

Babic, 208.4 lbs of Zagreb, CRO won by scores of 97-91 twice and 95-93 and is now 11-0. Balski, 210.2 lbs of Warsaw, POL is 16-2.

Scotney Decisions Roman

Ellie Scotney won a 10-round unanimous decision over former world champion Cecilla Roman in a super bantamweight bout.

Scotney, 121.7 lbs of Catford, ENG won by scores of 100-90 and 99-91 twice and is now 5-0. Roman, 121.7 lbs of San Juan, ARG is 16-7-1.

Davies Jr. Decisions Javier Molina

Robbie Davies Jr. won a 10-round split-decision over former United States Olympian Javier Molina in a super lightweight fight.

Davies Jr., 139.75 lbs of Liverpool, ENG won by scores of 96-94 twice while Molina took a card 97-94.

Davies Jr. is 23-3. Molina, 139.75 lbs of Norwalk, CA is 22-5.

Cheavon Clarke remained undefeated with a third round stoppage over Paweil Martyniuk in a scheduled six-round cruiserweight bout.

In round three, Clarke dropped Martyniuk with a body shot. Seconds later, it was another body shot that put Martyniyuk down and the fight was stopped at 1:10.

Clarke, 199 lbs of Gravesend, ENG is 2-0 with two knockouts.

Cyrus Pattinson remained undefeated with a third-round stoppage over Dimitri Trenel in a scheduled eight-round welterweight bout.

In round three, Pattinson dropped Trenel with a left to the body. Seconds later, a flurry of shots that were mostly to the body had the corner throw in the towel at 2:21

Pattinson, 150 lbs of Alnwick, ENG is 4-0 with two knockouts. Trenel, 149.9 lbs of Dainville, FRA is 8-1.

John Hedges stopped Robert Baltrau in round three of a six-round light heavyweight contest.

In round three, Hedges landed a perfect left that sent Baltaru to the canvas. Baltaru got to his feet but the fight was stopped at 2:24.

Hedges, 182.7 lbs of Talkaley, ENG is now 6-0 with two knockouts. Baltaru, 181.2 lbs of Braga, PR is 2-1-1.

Shiloh DeFreitas remained undefeated with a six-round decision over Iliyan Markov in a super lightweight contest.

In round three, Markov began to bleed from his mouth. In round six, DeFreitas with a right to the body.

DeFreitas, 146.75 lbs of London won by a score of 60-54 and is now 4-0. Markov, 146 lbs of Sofia, Bulgaria is 6-20-2.

Former world title challenger Liam Smith stopped crosstown rival Anthony Fowler in round eight of their scheduled 12-round super welterweight contest in Liverpool, England.

In round one, Smith was cut around the left eye. In round four, Fower started to bleed from around his left eye, In round five, Smith dropped Fowler with a hard right to the head.

In round eight, Smith ended things with a powerful left hook that sent Fowler down again, and the fight was stopped at 2:04.

Smith, 154 lbs of Liverpool is 30-3-1 with 17 knockouts. Fowler, 153.1 lbs of Liverpool is 15-2.

Williamson Stops Cheeseman in 10

Troy Williamson stopped Ted Cheeseman in round 10 of a scheduled 12-round junior middleweight fight.

It was a back and forth brawl that saw Williams drop Cheeseman in the 10th frame with a vicious left hook to the jaw, and the bout was stopped at

Williamson, 153.1 lbs of Darlington, ENG is 17-0-1 with 13 knockouts. Cheesman, 153 lbs of Bermondsey, ENG is 17-3-1.

McGrail Wins Pro Debut with Decision over Harrison

Peter McGrail made a successful pro debut with a six-round decision over Ed Harrison in a super bantamweight fight.

McgRail, 127.1 lbs of Liverpool won by a 60-54 score and is now 1-0. Harrison, 128.5 lbs of Blackpool, ENG is 2-9.

Mitchell wins WBA Bantamweight Title with Unanimous Decision over Courtenay

Jamie Mitchell wrestled the WBA Bantamweight title with a 10-round majority decision over Shannon Courtenay

Mitchell, 117.5 lbs of California, won by scores of 97-93, 96-94 and 95-95 and now is a world champion with a record of 7-0-2. Courtenay, who lost her title before the fight was she weighed in at 120.5 lbs is now 7-2.

Conway Decisions Metcalf

Kieron Conway won a 10-round unanimous decision over James Metcalf in a super welterweight bout.

Conway, 156.1 lbs ogf Northampton, ENG won by scores of 96-94 and 96-95 twice and is now 17-2-1. Metcalf, 156 1/2 lbs of Liverpool is 21-2.

Luke Wills remained undefeatd with a 10-round majotity decision over Rylan Charlton in a lightweight fight.

Wills, 134.6 lbs of Liverpool won by scores of 95-94 twice and 95-95 and is now 11-0. Charlton, 134.6 lbs of Norwich, ENG is 6-2-1.

Solomon Dacres remained undefeated with an eight-round decision over Kamil Sokoloweski in a heavyweight bout.

Dacres, 227.6 lbs of Brirmingham, ENG win by a 78-74 score and is now 3-0. Sokolowski, 239.6 lbs of Poland is 10-23-2.

Robbie Davies Jr. stopped Jonny Phillips in round four of their scheduled six-round super lightweight fiht.

The time of the stoppage was 2:28 of round four for Davies, 143 1/2 lbs of Liverpool, who ups his record to 21-3 with 14 knockouts. Phillips, 140 lbs of Sandhurst, ENG is 5-8.

Blane Hyland won a four-round decision over Santiago San Euseebio in a super flyeright contest.

Hyland, 117 lbs of Liverpool won by a 39-37 score and is now 5-1. Eusebio, 118 1/2 lbs of Lyon, FRA is 3-2-2.

David Avanesyan stopped Josh Kelly in round six of their scheduled 12-round welterweight clash at the SSE Wembley Arena in London, England.

Avanesyan started to break Kelly down, and in round six he hurt Kelly and dropped him with a hard left-right combination. With Kelly bleeding over his left eye, Avanesyan rocked Kelly again and buckled him with a left hook. One more left look sent Kelly to he ground as the towel was being thrown in at 2:15.

Avanesyan, 146.6 lbs of Tabynskoe, RUS is 27-3-1 with 15 knockouts. Kelly, 146 lbs of Sunderland, ENG is 10-1-1.

“I feel very very good,” Avanesyan told Sky Sports afterwards. “I waited a long time for this fight. I put a lot of hard work into this fight. I came to join my coach and my manager from another country. I’ve had long spells away from my children. I miss them. I haven’t seen my children, my parents and my friends for a long time. 

“Thank you to my team and to the English fans for giving me this opportunity. Thank you to Matchroom, they put on the number one best show. I’ve had many big nights against the likes of Shane Mosley and Lamont Peterson, but this one with Matchroom is number one. 

“I am very happy. Thank you to god for my win today. Thank you to my manager and my coach. Carl sacrificed a lot of time with his family for my training. He has been my friend, my driver and my coach. I don’t like to speak too much. This is business. I know Josh is fast. I am fast too. Boxing is difficult. When you lose, many people think you are finished. This is boxing, you go down. This is life. I will wake up tomorrow morning a champion.”

Trainer Carl Greaves said: “I told everybody this would happen and they all thought I was a crazy coach who knows nothing. I knew exactly how it was going to go. I’ve spent over five years with David now. I’ve seen so much. I’ve seen all of these talented kids keeping him off for a certain amount of time, 30 seconds to a minute, but he finds a way every time. I was so confident in this fight. I knew it was going to go like that. I’m a bit gutted because I had £500 on round seven!”

Marku Stops Charlton in Eight

Florian Marku got off the deck to comeback and stop Rylan Charlton in round eight of a scheduled 10-round bout of undefeated welterweights

In round six, Charlton dropped Marku with a left to the head.

In round eight, Marku landed a big body shot that hurt Chalrton. That gave Marku an opportunity to open up and rock Charlton, and the towel at 2:18.

Marku, 146.8 lbs of Lushnje, ALB is 8-0-1 with six knockouts. Charlton, 144.6 lbs of Norwich, ENG is 6-1-1.

“I am really happy,” said Marku. “A lot of people thought that he would humiliate me and knock me out, but I showed that I can box. I will learn a lot from this fight. Three weeks before the fight, I dislocated a finger in my left hand. My team and all of the staff know that I was injured but I was never going to pull out of the fight. I came here to fight.

“After the fifth round I started feeling my hand. It was not a problem. I am happy about the performance. Rylan took so many good hits in the head. He took a lot of punishment. I was beating him and I was talking to him. I told him I was going to beat him and talk to him. I was telling him I’m not Joe Laws. I take the win and we go forward.

“His face was swollen and it was a good decision from his corner. He took a lot of punishment. I love to fight, this is my life. Thanks to the UK fans that believe in me. They like to see me fight. I love pressure. I’ll fight whoever my team S-JAM boxing decide next. Sam Jones and Adam Morallee got me into this position. I have the best team around me.”

Valenzuela decisions Davies Jr.

Gabriel Valenzuela won a 10-round majority decision over Robbie Davies Jr. in a junior welterweight bout.

In round three, Valenzuela decked Davies with a solid right hand to the chin the wobbled Davies, and another right put Davies on the canvas. In round four, Valenzuela was deducted a point for hitting on the break.

In round seven, Valenzuela was cut over the left eye. In round nine, he had a deepercut under his right eye.

Valenzuela, 138.8 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX won by scores of 96-95 twice and 94-94, and is now 23-2-1/ Davies Jr., 138.2 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 20-3.

Jordan Gill won a 10-round unanimous decision over former two-time title challenger Jordan Gill in a featherweight fight.

Gill, 125.5 lbs of Chatteris, ENG won ny scores of 98-92, 98-93 and 96-94 to raise his record to 26-1. Juarez, 125.2 lbs of Mexico City. MEX is 25-10.

Johnny Fisher made a successful pro debut with a beatdown of Matt Gordon inside of the 1st round heavyweight bout.

In the opening round Fisher was all over Gordan and was able to drop him twice. Upon the 2nd knockdown, Gordan was in no condition to continue and the fight was stopped at 2:29.

Fisher, 237 lbs of Romford, ENG is 1-0 with one knockout. Gordon, 241 lbs of West Bromwich, ENG is 2-6-1.

“It’s unbelievable,” said Fisher. “I know I’ve had a massive build-up; I’ve had Lennox Lewis sending me messages and Tyson Fury sending me messages. I had a lot of pressure on me, but I’ve shown that I can handle that pressure.

“All credit to Matt Gordon, but I bowled him over in one round. Normally Heavyweights are doing it in two, three or four rounds, so I’ve done a good job. Nobody needs to get unnecessarily hurt. I knew that I had him hurt when I first got him down. It was only a matter of time, so the ref did the right thing.

“I felt right and I felt comfortable, more comfortable than any of my amateur fights. I belong here, and I’ve got to prove that I belong here every time I fight. I’ve got a very long way to go, I know I’m only just beginning. Let’s just see how far we can go. I live and breathe boxing. I love training. I’d do it every single day of the week if I was allowed. I’ve got great people around me. There’s things I need to work on but I’ve showed my power tonight.”

Gabriel Valenzuela has been inspired to follow in the footsteps of his countryman Mauricio Lara by knocking out Robbie Davies Jr when the pair meet for the vacant IBF Intercontinental Super-Lightweight Title at The SSE Arena, Wembley this Saturday February 20, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories.

‘Nini’ (22-2-1, 13 KOs) arrives in London in what is his second fight outside of his native Mexico, boxing to what he labels as a ‘controversial draw’ in Canada back in 2018. Based on his previous experience on away soil,  the 26-year-old from Guadalajara is determined not to leave the fight in the judges’ hands. 

“The fight between Mauricio Lara and Josh Warrington was amazing,” said Valenzuela. “It was a great night. We were all watching back in Mexico. I want to get the stoppage in this fight like Mauricio did!

“I’ve watched videos of Robbie Davies Jr, I know he’s strong and fast but I have been preparing hard for this and I am here to win. We are aware of some of the questionable decisions from the judges in the UK recently. I don’t want to let this fight go to the judges, I’m coming for the knockout.

“I like to counter-punch and feint which encourages my opponent to throw, I can then land my big shots. I have the chance here to surprise the British public, they don’t really know who they are getting but they will after Saturday.

“A win will mean everything to me. I’m here on a mission which will be the beginning of even greater things in my career. I would like to reserve any predictions but you can certainly expect an excellent fight.”

Davies Jr vs. Valenzuela is part of a big night of action, Russia’s European Welterweight Champion David Avanesyan (26-3-1, 14 KOs) makes his long-awaited Title defence against Josh Kelly (10-0-1, 6 KOs) at the top of the bill, undefeated Welterweights Florian Marku (7-0-1, 5 KOs) and Rylan Charlton (6-0-1, 3 KOs) meet in what promises to be an explosive ten-round battle, Jordan Gill (25-1, 7 KOs) meets Mexico’s Cesar Juarez for the vacant WBA International Featherweight Title and Romford Heavyweight Johnny Fisher makes his professional debut against Matt Gordan (2-5-1).

Liverpool’s Robbie Davies Jr is plotting a big 2021, starting with victory over Gabriel Valenzuela at The SSE Arena, Wembley this Saturday February 20, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories, which would see him pick up the vacant IBF Intercontinental Title and a top 15 ranking. 

Former British, Commonwealth and European ruler Davies Jr (20-2, 13 KOs) has boxed just once since his thrilling 12-round war with rival Lewis Ritson in Newcastle, securing a shut-out points victory over Damian Yapur in March last year in his first fight under renowned trainer Dominic Ingle. 

“I’m so excited to be back, it’s been almost a year so I am raring to go,” said Davies Jr. “I’m in some of the best shape of my life. The gym is buzzing at the moment and everyone is working hard. I was feeling like the opportunity wouldn’t come but now I feel ready to showcase everything I’ve been working on.”

Valenzuela (22-2-1, 13 KOs) has only fought outside of his native Mexico on one occasion, but Davies Jr insists there is no chance of him overlooking ‘Nine’, especially after watching his Matchroom stablemate Josh Warrington suffer a shock defeat to Mexico City’s Mauricio Lara over the weekend. 

“I’m expecting Valenzuela to bring his A-game,” added Davies Jr. “I’m expecting a hard fight but I want to move as quickly as possible this year. I want to get a big fight in the summer and another big name at the end of the year. I want this year to really push me on.

“My manager Neil Marsh and my trainer Dom Ingle have got this fight together against Valenzuela and it’s for a belt as well. When I win the IBF Intercontinental Title it will be great to get myself back into the top 15 rankings. The plan is just to win this fight and then push on to a big year.

“In my life in general I’ve always been chasing more, and worrying about things I need in life. Since having my little girl, I’ve realised I have everything I want and more. Real happiness. The motivation to provide and better her little life growing up is a burning fuel inside me.”

Davies Jr vs. Valenzuela is part of a big night of action, Russia’s European Welterweight Champion David Avanesyan (26-3-1, 14 KOs) makes his long-awaited Title defence against Josh Kelly (10-0-1, 6 KOs) at the top of the bill, undefeated Welterweights Florian Marku (7-0-1, 5 KOs) and Rylan Charlton (6-0-1, 3 KOs) meet in what promises to be an explosive ten-round battle, Jordan Gill (25-1, 7 KOs) meets Mexico’s Cesar Juarez for the vacant WBA International Featherweight Title and Romford Heavyweight Johnny Fisher makes his professional debut against Matt Gordan (2-5-1).

4 x 3 mins Light-Heavyweight contest 
THOMAS WHITTAKER-HART 12st 11lbs 12oz v DARRYL SHARPE 12st 7lbs 2oz
(Liverpool)                                                               (Middleton)

4 x 2 mins Welterweight contest
APRIL HUNTER 10st 8lbs 10oz v BORISLAVA GORANOVA 10st 9lbs 14oz
(Newcastle)                                    (Bulgaria)

4 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest
TERRY WILKINSON 10st 2lbs v DARYL PEARCE 10st 1lbs 10oz
(Newcastle)                                  (Birmingham)

6 x 3 mins Super-Middleweight contest
JOHN DOCHERTY  v LEWIS VAN POETSCH (weigh-in on the day)
(Montrose)                (Gloucestershire)

18:00 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS FACEBOOK

8 x 3 mins Super-Welterweight contest
KIERON CONWAY 11st 2lbs 4oz v KONRAD STEMPKOWSKI 11st 2lbs 6oz
(Northampton)                                 (Reading)

19:00 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS

8 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest
MARTIN BAKOLE 18st 12lbs 10oz v KEVIN JOHNSON 18st 4lbs 7oz
(Congo)                                                (USA)

10 x 3 mins Eliminator for British Light-Heavyweight Title
LAWRENCE OSUEKE 12st 5lbs 10oz v RICKY SUMMERS 12st 5lbs 14oz
(Newcastle)                                              (Sandwell)

10 x 2 mins Super-Middleweight contest
SAVANNAH MARSHALL 11st 11lbs 14oz v ASHLEIGH CURRY 12st 3lbs 2oz
(Hartlepool)                                                    (Texas)

12 x 3 mins British Super-Welterweight Title
TED CHEESEMAN 10st 13lbs 4oz? v SCOTT FITZGERALD 10st 13lbs 2oz?
(London)                                             (Preston)

12 x 3 mins Eliminator for WBA Super-Lightweight World Title
ROBBIES DAVIES JR 9st 13lbs 8oz? v LEWIS RITSON 9st 13lbs 10oz?
(Liverpool)                                             (Newcastle)

FLOAT

4 x 3 mins Welterweight contest
JOE LAWS 10st 7lbs 14oz v JUSTICE ADDY 10st 5lbs 2oz?
(Benwell)                                (Ghana)

4 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest 
DARREN REAY 10st 1lbs 14oz v EDUARDO VALVERDE 10st 2oz
(Bedlington)         (Spain)

Eddie Hearn:

“We are so pleased to be back here in Newcastle, this is a massive card and an official Eliminator for the WBA  Super-Lightweight World title between Robbie Davies Jr and Lewis Ritson. This is a massive opportunity for both men.  “Robbie Davies Jr has climbed his way up the World rankings with the WBA, winning the British and European titles and now wants that shot at the World Championship at 140lbs. “Lewis Ritson dominated for a long time domestically at Lightweight, now up at Light-Welter he is looking very strong and I think this is going to be one of the fights of the year. “The fights on this card are exactly the types of fights we want to be making. Robbie is ranked top ten in the world, he’s from Liverpool and the gauntlet was laid down for him to come to Newcastle to face Lewis Ritson in his back yard and he took it, because he fancies it. “Dave Allen and Savannah Marshall are also on the card with plenty more to be announced soon.” Dave Allen – Coinsbrough, England – 17-5-2, 14 KOs – taking part in a Heavyweight contest:

“I’ve had some good nights, I’ve had some bad nights but the night last year at the Arena was my favourite night.

“I beat Samir Nebo and who’s Samir Nebo? No one really knows, so it was the people that made it and that’s why I want to come back so bad and I’ll be there now in seven weeks.

“It was hard to swallow but I like David Price and I’ve seen him after the fight and I shook his hand and he was the better man.

“But really when I lost to David Price I thought ‘really it’s not that bad’ because I’ll get to come back and win again, another chapter in the book, another 20 minutes in the film.

“So now I’m going to have come back and win, do it all again and I’m really excited. I’m really excited to be down there again because I’ve got to work my way up and I actually quite enjoy that.” Scott Fitzgerald – Preston, England – 13-0, 9 KOs – challenging Ted Cheeseman for the British Super-Welterweight title:

“I’m injury free now and just happy to be here, it’s starting to feel real. Ted is British Champion for a reason and that will get me working hard in the gym everyday. It is my first 12 round fight and he’s had a few, I’ll make sure there will be no stone unturned and will be ready if it goes the full 12 rounds.  “I’ve been trying to keep calmer ahead of this fight and to get fitter, I believe I can win inside the distance. He’s a tough man and it could go 12, I do think if I land I can get rid of him. I’m prepared for 12 and will take either to win and get that British title which I have always wanted.” Ted Cheeseman – Bermondsey, England – 15-1-1, 9 KOs – defending his British Super-Welterweight title against Scott Fitzgerald:

“I have been in good fights for the last two and a half years at this level and at twelve rounds. I can fight at a high pace and I’m very tough.

“Scott is a great fighter and had a great win in his last fight and everyone is betting against me now because of my last two fights. After I beat Byfield people would have had me as favourite but I have had a couple of hiccups and it hasn’t gone right this year.

“It is how you finish the year not start it and I’m looking forward to putting the pace on him early and getting the win. However I win I will be happy, I’m just making sure I get that win on October 19. “When you box your first 12 rounder you’re always second guessing yourself because you don’t know if you can do it. I’ve been there and have that experience. I am tough and haven’t maybe shown my boxing ability but I can box as well. I am fully focused and tunnel visioned to get this win on October 19. “I don’t care how I win. I’m just going to make sure that I am super fit and that the pace will be fast from the first bell to the last. If I get him out before that then I do but I am just going to make sure that I win.” Lewis Ritson – Newcaslte, England – 19-1, 12 KOs – fighting Robbie Davies Jr in an Eliminator for the WBA Super-Lightweight World title:

“This is a massive opportunity back in my home city, Newcastle. The atmosphere has been amazing here and it will be again on October 19 – there’s 1000 tickets gone already. We will be ready on the night and we will see what Robbie brings. “The bad blood doesn’t change things at all, I was just stating facts. He was writing a few things on social media. It wasn’t me who backed out the two fights it was him, he said he wasn’t ready. He’s only here because he’s getting a career-best pay-day and he can’t sell-out in Liverpool.  “I have to turn up on the night, I’m not daft and I know that it is going to be a tough fight. I think it should be for the European title as well but we won’t go into that. This is an important fight for both of us and we will see on the night, we both think we’re going to win and are both putting it on the line. Let’s get it on. Robbie Davies Jr – Liverpool, England – 19-1, 13 KOs – fighting Lewis Ritson in an Eliminator for the WBA Super-Lightweight World title:

“Last time I fought a Sunderland lad in Newcastle and now I’m fighting a Newcastle lad in Newcastle so it is a big occasion. This spat started on Twitter, when the fight got put to me I was European and British Champion at the time and I thought why am I going to Newcastle, tell them we will have it in Liverpool.  “I only knocked back the original fight because I would have only had six or seven weeks to train. I was like a Middleweight and never would have made the weight in time. If I didn’t want the fight in Liverpool then why would I agree to come to Newcastle? “The only reason that I am no longer European Champion is because I have taken this fight. I am not one for confrontation but when people are spilling lies it annoys me. I will take a fight with anyone who is put in front of me, it doesn’t matter where it is. It is just a fight once we are both in there. “In the past when he was at Lightweight he blew through the division but his opponents weren’t in the best shape and took fights on late notice. That’s no fault of Lewis who just got in there and did what he needed to do and blew them away. When he fought Patera who was a big solid, experienced Lightweight that was his first fight where there was back and forth exchanges and he fell short. He says he moved up a weight because he wasn’t at his best not because Patera was better than him.  “He still hasn’t fought any legitimate ten-stone-men. I just feel that my experience on the night having been in there with the bigger and stronger men will tell and in the later rounds I will be too strong. I may walk into that arena in Newcastle getting booed but I will be applauded out because I will win the respect of the crowd.  “There hasn’t been many rivalries in British boxing recently and this fight has captured the imagination of fight fans. I am 100% confident of winning this fight, I wouldn’t take a fight in someone’s back yard if I wasn’t confident. I expect Lewis to bring his A-game and throw bombs in the early rounds but I will ride the storm. I am the bigger man and I will be on the night.”

Ted Cheeseman will defend his British Super-Welterweight title against Scott Fitzgerald at the Utilita Arena Newcastle on Saturday October 19 in support of Robbie Davies Jr vs. Lewis Ritson, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

Fitzgerald (13-0, 9 KOs) is coming off a career-best win as he dealt Anthony Fowler his first defeat at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena in March, and now plans to assert his dominance on the domestic scene with a victory over Bermondsey’s Cheeseman later this year.

British Champion Cheeseman (15-1-1, 9 KOs) fell short against Spain’s Sergio Garcia in a bid for the European title in February, and was forced to settle for a hotly disputed draw with Northampton’s Kieron Conway in the first defence of his title in June.

“I’m really excited for this fight,” said Cheeseman. “I had a bad start to the year but I overcame all of my demons. I thought I performed well against Conway in June but I didn’t get the win, but I’m still the champion and it’s my belt to lose.

“I’m in a much better position both mentally and physically now. It’s not about how you start the year, it’s about how you end it. When I win this fight I’ll be back at the top of the domestic Super-Welterweight scene. 

“The experience is going to be what counts in this fight. Scott is a good fighter and you can’t take anything away from him but I’ve had a lot of experience. Scott has only fought in ten rounders and he’s only had one tough fight. I’ve been in tough fights since my seventh fight really.

“Everyone is going to be intrigued by this fight. I’ll be the underdog in this one coming off a loss and a draw. It’s going to be an explosive fight. A win over Scott will shut everyone up and put me back at the top of the pile.”

“I’m feeling good, training is going well and I’m just where I need to be,” said Fitzgerald. “I’m working hard to make sure that the best version of me turns up and I win that British title on October 19.

“It’s neutral ground but I can still probably do a few tickets up there so I’m happy with the venue. I’ve never boxed in Newcastle before so it’s all good for me.

“I thought Cheeseman beat Conway but after that performance I’m confident I can beat him. I’m just working my hardest so I’m prepared for the best version of Ted Cheeseman possible to turn up.

“I’ve been in the gym since my win over Fowler. I’ve not had a big break out of the gym so I’m still where I need to be. I’ve been getting some good spars in and I’ll be ready to go. I’m expecting it to be a good fight and an exciting contest to watch. I’ll have a plan in place ready to get the win.”

Full card details including ticket information will be announced soon. 

Robbie Davies Jr has described his Super-Lightweight showdown with Joe Hughes at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool as a “must-win” fight as he looks to explode onto the World scene at 140lbs.

The pair clash on March 30, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US, with the British and European titles on the line, and Davies Jr believes a win on home soil will propel his name towards potential fights with the likes of WBO ruler and Matchroom stablemate Maurice Hooker.

“I knew that I wanted the winner of Joe Hughes vs. Andrea Scarpa straight away,” said Davies Jr. “I didn’t mention any other names. When I watched the fight, I knew I wouldn’t be the only Light-Welterweight in the country after the winner so I made sure I put my name out there as soon as I could. Eddie has delivered this opportunity for me on a plate and it’s exactly what I wanted.

“I thought Scarpa was looking for one big shot all night and when he landed it it didn’t effect Joe anyway. I felt that Joe was more compact and the much better boxer. He jabbed the Italian’s head off throughout the fight and deserved to pick up the belt. It was a good away performance so he won’t be fazed coming to Liverpool.

“There won’t be any bad blood, it’s just business. He’s got that European belt and that’s what I need to push on to World level. I’ve never sparred him or anything like that but he was always considered one of the top kids during our amateur days. He’s a nice lad and everyone gets on with him but I’ve got a job to do.

“Every fight is a must-win at this stage of my career. They offered me one fight to get the British and Commonwealth and now they’ve offered me another one for the European. I felt like a couple of years ago my career kind of stagnated and froze a little bit. These are the fights that I need to push on and progress to the next level.”

Davies Jr got the better of Sunderland’s Glenn Foot after a bruising and bloody battle for the British and Commonwealth titles in Newcastle last time out in October, but the popular Scouser was unhappy with his performance after an early cut scuppered his plans to take the fight to Foot.

“The cut has healed really well. We’ve got no concerns about it heading into the fight with Joe. Our tactics for the Foot fight completely changed because the cut happened so early on. There was blood everywhere and a heavy blow could have opened it up and forced the stoppage so we had to be careful. I had to get on my bike for pretty much the whole fight when we were planning on coming on strong in the later rounds.

“It was a massive platform to showcase my skills on but I don’t think I performed anywhere near my best. It was a blood bath so I did what I needed to do to get the win. I’ve got plenty more gears to go through and levels to rise to. Joe has proved that he’s European level at least and I think he’ll bring the best out in me on March 30.”

Hughes vs. Davies Jr tops a huge night of action in Liverpool.

Main event sees former WBO Super-Welterweight World Champion Liam Smith take on all-action Brummie Sam Eggington.

Former Great Britain teammates Anthony Fowler and Scott Fitzgerald look to settle their longstanding feud in a dynamite Super-Welterweight clash.

Popular Heavyweight David Price takes on the unbeaten Kash Ali in his first fight in Liverpool for nearly there years as he looks to make a fresh charge on the Heavyweight division following his win over Tom Little at The O2.

Liverpool’s Tom Farrell challenges Leytonstone’s Philip Bowes for the Commonwealth Super-Lightweight crown.

There’s also action for rising Liverpool Cruiserweight talent Craig Glover, ‘Miss GB’ Natasha Jonas and undefeated Super-Lightweight Ged ‘G-Man’ Carroll.

Liam Smith will make his long-awaited Liverpool homecoming on March 30 when he takes on Sam Eggington at the M&S Bank Arena, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Smith became Liverpool’s first World Champion in over 20 years when he stopped American John Thompson to claim the WBO Super-Welterweight crown at the Merseyside arena in 2015 before making a second successful defence of the title against Predrag Radosevic at the same venue in 2016.

‘Beefy’ hasn’t fought in his home city since and is itching to get back under the lights as he sets about winning back a version of the World title he bravely lost against pound-for-pound star Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in Texas in 2016, and in doing so becoming the city’s first two-time World Champion.

Former European Welterweight Champion Eggington knows he is fighting for his career after suffering a shock stoppage defeat to Tanzania’s Hassan Mwakinyo at Arena Birmingham in September.

‘The Savage’ was preparing to face former World ruler Brandon Rios at Wembley Stadium when he was wiped out by the dangerous African, but the Stourbridge man believes a win against Smith would put his name back in the mix for title action at 154lbs.

“It’s a very good fight for me,” said Smith. “I’ve done a lot – and I mean a lot – of sparring with Sam. You know what you are going to get with him. He comes to fight. You aren’t sitting on the edge of your seat wondering what he’s going to bring. You know exactly what he’s bringing.

“It’s the same with me and you know this is going to gel into a good fight. We will meet in the middle. It’s what we both do. I do feel, though, I do everything better than him and beyond. I feel if I ‘turn up’, you will all see what I mean.

“I am a big way back into boxing for him. And as we’ve sparred a lot, whatever confidence he can draw, he will try and draw some from that.

“I’ve got to do a proper job on Sam and a proper job is what I truly believe I will do. Having those little gloves on are so different to sparring and with those 10oz gloves on, I am massively confident I will find those gaps. Everything I throw will hit Sam and I just feel I have too good a variety for him to carry on going.”

Super-Welterweight rivals Anthony Fowler and Scott Fitzgerald put their unbeaten records on the line when they meet in one of the most eagerly-anticipated domestic clashes of the year. Preston’s Fitzgerald says he is a “different level” to Fowler’s previous opponents but ‘The Machine’ has vowed to “go through” his former teammate to set-up a mouth-watering clash with British Champion Ted Cheeseman.

Also on the bill, newly-crowned European Super-Lightweight Champion Joe Hughes clashes with Liverpool’s British Champion Robbie Davies Jnr in another tasty domestic showdown.

Malmesbury’s Hughes will be looking to build on a career-best win after he finally got his hands on the European title at the second time of asking after dominating Andrea Scarpa in Italy. Davies Jnr is looking to take another step up after claiming the British and Commonwealth titles in a bloody and bruising war with Glenn Foot at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle last October.

Popular Heavyweight David Price fights in Liverpool for the first time in nearly three years as he looks to make a fresh charge on the Heavyweight division following his recent win over Tom Little at The O2.

There’s also action for rising Liverpool Cruiserweight talent Craig Glover and ‘Miss GB’ Natasha Jonas, with Liverpool Super-Lightweight Tom ‘Fazza’ Farrell aiming to impress in front of his home crowd and undefeated Super-Lightweight Ged ‘G-Man’ Carroll looking to improve to 10-0.

“I can’t wait to be back in Liverpool on March 30, I love it there!” said Eddie Hearn. “This is one of the best all domestic cards we have put on in the city – Liam Smith returns from his World title defeat to face the all action Sam Eggington in what will be an absolute war and Anthony Fowler faces off against ex GB teammate Scott Fitzgerald in another crunch 154lb clash.

“The British and European Super-Lightweight titles are on the line for Liverpool’s Robbie Davies Jnr and Joe Hughes and big David Price fights in Liverpool for the first time in nearly 3 years as he looks to make a charge in the Heavyweight division after his recent win at The O2. There’s plenty more action with rising Cruiserweight Craig Glover, Tom Farrell and Natasha Jonas – it’s going to be a busy night and a great event on March 30.”

Tickets for Smith vs. Eggington priced at £40, £60, £100 and £200 (Inner Ring VIP) are available to Fight Pass members via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) at midday on Tuesday January 22.

General Sale tickets are available to purchase via the M&S Bank Arena (www.mandsbankarena.com), Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com) and StubHub at midday on Wednesday January 23.