London, UK (9 December 2020) Promoter Mick Hennessy is pleased to announce that all the boxers’ featuring on his event tomorrow night (Friday 11th December) at the Fly By Nite TV studio in Redditch have passed their COVID-19 tests and are cleared to fight.

The boxers’ weighed in today, with the main event Sam Eggington and Ashley Theophane both coming in under the super-welterweight 11st (154lbs) limit before they collide tomorrow night, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5 in the UK.

Eggington, who weighed 10st 13lb 2oz (153.2lb), said, “I can’t wait for it, I’m ready to go now. Tomorrow night’s it’s on the big stage, live on Channel 5 on free terrestrial TV. I’m feeling strong and I made the weight comfortably so I’m going to perform really well for the viewers. This isn’t going to the judges, I’m not letting that happen again after my last fight.”

Theophane, who came in at 10st 13lb 2oz (153.2lb) said, “I’m really looking forward to a great fight with Sam. It will be a great night of action, live on Channel 5 so tune in to see one of the fights of the year. This fight is not going to points. Theophane to win inside the distance.”

In the build up the show, promoter Mick Hennessy enforced stricter shielding measures for the boxers’ and camps featuring on the card to adhere to and minimise the risk and exposure to the cornavirus. Some of the boxers’ also feature on Hennessy’s event next Friday (18 December) and it was crucial to protect their health to ensure they could still compete on the next event.

4 x 3 Heavyweight Contest
Tommy Welsh 16st 3lb 8oz (227.8lb) vs. Matt Gordon 17st 10lb 10oz (248.10lb)

6 x 3 Light Middleweight Contest
Michael Hennessy Jr 11st 2lb 3oz (156.3lb) vs. Dale Arrowsmith 11st 2lb 3oz (156.3lb)

6 x 3 Light Middleweight Contest
Aaron McKenna 11st 4lb 4oz (156.2lb) vs. Jordan Grannum 11st 7lb 8oz (161.8lb)

4 x 3 Middleweight Contest
Idris Virgo 11st 9lb 1oz (163lb) vs. Kevin McCauley 11st 7lb 12oz (161.12lb)

6 x 3 Super Lightweight Contest
Stephen McKenna 10st 7lb 12oz (147.12lb) vs. MJ Hall 10st 7lb 9oz (147.9lb)

The Midlands Area Welterweight Championship
10 x 3 Minute Rounds at 10st 7lbs (147lbs)
Kaisee Benjamin 10st 6lb (146lb) vs. Ben Fields 10st 6lb (146lb)

10 x 3 Super Welterweight Contest
Sam Eggington 10st 13lb 2oz (153.2lb) vs. Ashley Theophane 10st 13lb 2oz (153.2lb)

Bouts are subject to change without prior notice.

Sam Eggington versus Ashley Theophane headlines the Hennessy Sports card in an International Super-Welterweight Contest. Chief-support features the Vacant Midlands Area Welterweight Title between Birmingham derby between Kaisee Benjamin and Ben Fields. The undercard includes: undefeated super-lightweight and red-hot talent Stephen McKenna from Monaghan, Ireland against Brierley Hill’s MJ Hall, in a six-round contest; his equally talented brother Aaron McKenna (appearing courtesy of Golden Boy Promotions) takes on Islington’s Jordan Grannum over six rounds at light-middleweight; Sevenoaks middleweight prospect Michael Hennessy Jr. meets Hyde’s Dale Arrowsmith; the flash, brash and exciting unbeaten Birmingham star Idris Virgo faces Stourbridge’s Kevin McCauley in a four-round middleweight contest; Brighton heavyweight Tommy Welch makes his pro debut against West Bromwich’s Matt Gordon.
For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

London, UK (9 December 2020) Sam Eggington and Ashley Theophane and their respective teams arrived today at the fight hotel in Redditch for their mandatory COVID-19 test before heading to their rooms to quarantine and await the results ahead of their super-welterweight showdown on Friday night.

Hennessy Sports appointed the world leading genetics testing and digital health testing company Prenetics to undertake the integrated testing. Prenetics have successfully provided their services to the Premier League’s ‘Project Restart’ and The England and Wales Cricket Board.

The fierce clash between Birmingham’s Eggington and London Theophane

takes place this Friday night behind closed doors at the Fly By Nite TV studio in Redditch, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5 across the UK.

Other boxers featuring on the undercard Kaiser Benjamin, Ben Fields, Stephen and Aaron McKenna, Michael Hennessy Jr., Idris Virgo and Tommy Welch and their opponents also took the mandatory test before quarantining in their hotel rooms.

Sam Eggington versus Ashley Theophane headlines the Hennessy Sports card in an International Super-Welterweight Contest. Chief-support features the Vacant Midlands Area Welterweight Title between Birmingham derby between Kaisee Benjamin and Ben Fields. The undercard includes: undefeated super-lightweight and red-hot talent Stephen McKenna from Monaghan, Ireland against Brierley Hill’s MJ Hall, in a six-round contest; his equally talented brother Aaron McKenna (appearing courtesy of Golden Boy Promotions) takes on Islington’s Jordan Grannum over six rounds at light-middleweight; Sevenoaks middleweight prospect Michael Hennessy Jr. meets Hyde’s Dale Arrowsmith; the flash, brash and exciting unbeaten Birmingham star Idris Virgo faces Stourbridge’s Kevin McCauley in a four-round middleweight contest; Brighton heavyweight Tommy Welch makes his pro debut against West Bromwich’s Matt Gordon.
For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

London, UK (9 December 2020) Eastenders bad boy Jake Wood might be preparing for life away from Albert Square, but he’s found another square to enter – the squared circle!

Whilst his character Max Branning is involved in a tense Christmas storyline in the soap, Wood found time to make his debut as the Hennessy Sports press conference host between Sam Eggington and Ashley Theophane who collide this Friday night in Redditch in their own eagerly awaited domestic dust up.

Wood, a big boxing fan and host of the hugely popular boxing podcast Pound For Pound, fronted the press conference for Seconds Out YouTube channel admirably in his debut as he pushed and probed both combatants ahead of the fight for their options and verdicts.

Albert Square has seen a few epic scraps over the years, but the Eggington-Theophane showdown is set to be more explosive than any storyline in the soap. Eggington, the tough and hungry young Birmingham warrior, is looking to bump off Theophane, the flash and experienced London veteran, and advance towards a World title shot, for the loser it will be a painful and dramatic show exit.

Watch all the big fight drama unfold this Friday night live on free-to-air Channel 5 in the UK from 10pm.

Sam Eggington versus Ashley Theophane headlines the Hennessy Sports card in an International Super-Welterweight Contest. Chief-support features the Vacant Midlands Area Welterweight Title between Birmingham derby between Kaisee Benjamin and Ben Fields. The undercard includes: undefeated super-lightweight and red-hot talent Stephen McKenna from Monaghan, Ireland against Brierley Hill’s MJ Hall, in a six-round contest; his equally talented brother Aaron McKenna (appearing courtesy of Golden Boy Promotions) takes on Islington’s Jordan Grannum over six rounds at light-middleweight; Sevenoaks middleweight prospect Michael Hennessy Jr. meets Hyde’s Dale Arrowsmith; the flash, brash and exciting unbeaten Birmingham star Idris Virgo faces Stourbridge’s Kevin McCauley in a four-round middleweight contest; Brighton heavyweight Tommy Welch makes his pro debut against West Bromwich’s Matt Gordon.
For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram

London, UK (8 December 2020) Heavyweight Tommy Welch sets out on the road to emulate his father Scott and become a British Champion when he makes his professional debut this Friday night in Redditch on the undercard of the Sam Eggington-Ashley Theophane showdown, live on free-to-air in the UK on Channel 5.

The 25-year-old from Brighton is trained by his dad and he’ll be in the corner on the momentus night when his son begins his pro career in a four-round contest against West Bromwich’s Matt Gordon.

In the amateurs, Tommy had 38 fights with 29 wins and won a plethora of titles, including four National titles, a Junior ABAs, Three Nations titles on three occasions, two NABCs and the Haringey Box Cup.

He had a period of disillusionment after leaving the amateur code, but with his head and heart now firmly set in the pro-ranks, he’s ready to make a big impact in the fight game.

“I can’t wait to finally do this on Friday,” Said Tommy. “It has been a lifetime dream to go professional and of course become a champion like my father. The first things I put on were a pair of boxing gloves before a pair of shoes so that was a sign I knew I’d follow in my dad’s footsteps into boxing.”

“Of course there are going to be comparisons between me and my dad and what he’s achieved. If I can achieve half of what he’s done then I’d be a proud man, but I’m in this sport to be the best I can be so I’m aiming for the British title and beyond and if I can go that one step further and win the world title then I’ve done great.”

Scott “The Brighton Rock” retired in 1999 after a seven-year career that saw him win the Southern Area, WBO Intercontinental, British and Commonwealth Titles and challenge for the WBO World title against Henry Akinwande.

He’s well know for his appearance in film director Guy Ritchie’s hit movie Snatch in 2000, when he played bare knuckle fighter Horace ‘Good Night’ Anderson and had a famous fight scene against Hollywood star Brad Pitt. A successful businessman, Scott also dedicates his time as the Chairman of the WBC Cares UK initiative.

Scott said, “I’m mighty proud of Tommy for getting in the ring, he needs to be his own man and do his own thing now, but I’m I’ll always be there one hundred percent for him.”

“I know how hard this sport is and I’ve given him the best advice and support to steer him, but he’ll experience this along the way for himself,”

“He’s been around the sport all his life and travelled with me and he’s met all the greats like Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield, Larry Holmes, George Foreman, who’ve all given him words of advice,”

“He’s got himself into incredible shape with the help of Ben Pringle, who’s part of our team, and I’ve never seen him so focused and determined so I can’t wait to see him get on his first step on the pro ladder,”

“He’s got all my attributes, but I believe he’ll be better. I’ve always believed he’s something special now it’s down to him to achieve.”

Sam Eggington versus Ashley Theophane headlines the Hennessy Sports card in an International Super-Welterweight Contest. Chief-support features the Vacant Midlands Area Welterweight Title between Birmingham derby between Kaisee Benjamin and Ben Fields. The undercard includes: undefeated super-lightweight and red-hot talent Stephen McKenna from Monaghan, Ireland against Brierley Hill’s MJ Hall, in a six-round contest; his equally talented brother Aaron McKenna (appearing courtesy of Golden Boy Promotions) takes on Islington’s Jordan Grannum over six rounds at light-middleweight; Sevenoaks middleweight prospect Michael Hennessy Jr. meets Hyde’s Dale Arrowsmith; the flash, brash and exciting unbeaten Birmingham star Idris Virgo faces Stourbridge’s Kevin McCauley in a four-round middleweight contest; Brighton heavyweight Tommy Welch makes his pro debut against West Bromwich’s Matt Gordon.
For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

London, UK (25 November 2020) Stourbridge warlord Sam Eggington seemed a cert to advance to world honours after claiming domestic, Commonwealth and continental welterweight Championship honours at the callow age of just 23.

However, five years on, this industrial tough, crowd pleasing, pressure fighter is still to debut on the world stage. Twice he has squandered lofty world rankings after opting to operate up at 154lbs. In September 2018, with an eliminator with Brandon Rios in the offing, ‘The Savage’ was overwhelmed in just over four minutes in his home city by Tanzania’s Hassan Mwakinyo in a huge upset.

And last time out, having redeemed himself with an audacious second round KO of 31-2 Orlando Fiordigiglio in Florence, Italy, the Smethwick-born father of three conceded his number five listing with the IBF, when narrowly nudged out by south Londoner Ted Cheeseman over 12 in a brutal Fight of the Year contender.

‘It would be very sad if I retired without fighting for a world title, having won the European so young,’ says the softly spoken 28 year old ex-Young Boxer of the Year (2017) who boasts 28 (17)-7 stats.

‘I’ve never really had a plan. I just play it by ear, If the phone rings and it’s a decent opportunity, I always say ‘Yes’.

‘I’d happily fight any of the three current champions (US Charlo twins Jermell and Jermall plus Brazil’s Patrick Teixeira), I’m not picky and half the intrigue would be travelling overseas to make a challenge. Winning abroad would just make the achievement taste even better.’

Trained and managed by Midlands fight face Jon Pegg, Eggington emphatically passed a test of temperament when levelling world rated Fiordigiglio for the full count in Tuscany 14 months ago.

He recalls: ‘Italy was a weird one. It happened in the blink of an eye; flew their Wednesday, weighed-in Thursday, fought Friday, flew back first flight Saturday morning. But had I not gambled, and upset the applecart, it’d have been a long road back.’

Warrior to the core, smasher Sam has never been one to shirk a fighting challenge so few were surprised when he gambled his IBF ranking and International belt against the ever-dangerous Cheeseman.

‘My only regret is the decision. It left a bad taste. The fight went great. I boxed well and I thought I won. I’m not one to moan. I’m always happy to concede if a better man beats me on the night,’ says Sam who joined the profession aged just 18 after being made redundant as a forklift driver.

‘People say it was a fight of two halves but I clearly won two of the first six rounds and at least four or five of the last six.

‘If Ted wins his title shot, I’d love a chance at another British title. In my mind, I’ve beat him once already and I’ll beat him even better if we do it again.’

To force that fight and edge ever closer to the elusive world title crack, the fighter renowned for his raking right hands and incessant body assaults will need to triumph in style against Paddington’s Ashley Theophane – a 40 year old who’s already made it into a world title ring – at the Fly By Nite TV production studio in Redditch on Friday 11th December, live on free-to-air Channel 5. Commendably, the time-proven pugilists are content to debate supremacy in the ring on fight night without the need for pre-fight pretence.

‘If running their mouth makes them feel better, crack on. To me, it’s water off a duck’s back. Slag me off or shake my hand beforehand, you’re still getting bashed up. It’s my job,’ explains Eggington.

‘Me and Ash is a great fight that’ll be eagerly watched on both sides of The Pond (Atlantic).

‘Covid is new to everybody. I suppose it’s a minor advantage having already fought under these conditions but Ashley’s been through the game. It really shouldn’t matter.

‘Like every opponent I face, I’ve honestly never seen Ashley fight, spar, throw a single punch. All opponents look great on the Internet so I never bother. I’ll just go off what my coaches tell me.’

Now into his 29th year, ‘The Savage’ knows there can be no more slips if he is to scale the sport’s summit. He predicts victory will be early and emphatic.

‘I’m told Theophane isn’t a super mover but boxes well – decent jab and left hook. He’s been round the block so, early on, I expect it’ll be cagey with him trying to box. But we’ll have to ‘get at it’ at some stage, and when that happens, I’ll have him out of there,’ warns Eggington who has previously halted top talents such as Johnny Garton (round two), Denton Vassell, Frankie Gavin, Paulie Malignaggi (all round eight) and Ceferino Rodriguez (round 10).

‘I badly need this win. With Ash starting out at light-welter, I expect to be naturally bigger, stronger. He’ll not last against my pressure at his age.’

Sam Eggington versus Ashley Theophane headlines the Hennessy Sports card in an International Super-Welterweight Contest. Chief-support features the Vacant Midlands Area Welterweight Title between Birmingham derby between Kaisee Benjamin and Ben Fields. The undercard includes: undefeated super-lightweight and red-hot talent Stephen McKenna from Monaghan, Ireland, in a six-round contest; his equally talented brother Aaron McKenna (appearing courtesy of Golden Boy Promotions) an unbeaten light-middleweight in a six-round contest; Sevenoaks middleweight prospect Michael Hennessy Jr. and the flash, brash and exciting unbeaten Birmingham star Idris Virgo in a four-round middleweight contest.

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

London, UK (19 November 2020) Promoter Mick Hennessy has added a fiery Birmingham derby title clash between Kaisee Benjamin and Ben Fields to his Friday 11th December fight night as chief support to the Sam Eggington-Ashley Theophane showdown, live on free-to-air Channel 5.

Chelmsley Wood’s Benjamin (10-1-1, 2 KO’s) defends his Midlands Area Welterweight title against Digbeth’s Fields (10-8-2) in a 10-round clash that has also pits their families head-to-head.

Benjamin is trained by father and son team Paul and Louie Counihan, while Fields is trained by Paul’s brother-in-law Shaun Cogan which will add even more spice to the fight.

The boxers are managed by renowned Birmingham fight figure Jon Pegg, who didn’t want to pit his two men against each other, but following some explosive and over-heated sparring sessions, both trainers then approached Pegg to make the fight.

Pegg, Hennessy Sports Matchmaker, said, “I don’t say it often, but I really believe it could be one of the Fights of the Year. I’ve seen them spar and they go at it hammer and tongs and then some more after the bell. It’s a real fierce local derby with plenty of animosity between them and bucket loads of pride and honour at stake. I manage both lads, but I won’t be cheering for either of them on 11th December. I didn’t want to make the fight, but both trainers came to me after a particularly heated session when they had to yanked apart and said they wanted it to happen. Throw in the family ties between Paul and Sean who are brothers-in-law and you’ve got a real barnstormer on your hands. I’m thrilled it’s on Mick’s show and I hope they settle it once and for all.”

Benjamin, 25, has made three defences of the Midlands title, but says he’ll deal with Fields in quick time to press his English title shot as he’s the mandatory challenger to Champion Ekow Essuman. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, Essuman has an impending British title shot, but won’t release the English title until that is confirmed.

“I’ll deal with Fields easily,” Said Benjamin. “He gives it large during sparring but lets see if he can do it for real in the ring. I’ll shut him up and then focus on bigger things like my English title which I’m long overdue a shot at. I’m not involved in the Paul and Sean situation, that’s between them. This is between me and Fields. It won’t go the distance with Fields, he’s getting taken out early.”

Fields, 31, has incredibly turned his life around through boxing. The former drug addict was down and out but found salvation in boxing at 23 and in his last fight defend the odds and won the Midlands Area Super-Lightweight title.

“I’ve dealt with harder stuff in life that Benjamin,” Said Fields. “I’ve fought my way back from rock bottom and I’m not letting anything get in my way. It’s been sparring up until now, lets see how he does for real. Remember, we spared with big gloves and headguards and now it will just be the little gloves.”

Sam Eggington versus Ashley Theophane headlines the Hennessy Sports card in an International Super-Welterweight Contest. Chief-support features the Vacant Midlands Area Welterweight Title between Birmingham derby between Kaisee Benjamin and Ben Fields. The undercard includes: undefeated super-lightweight and red-hot talent Stephen McKenna from Monaghan, Ireland, in a six-round contest; his equally talented brother Aaron McKenna (appearing courtesy of Golden Boy Promotions) an unbeaten light-middleweight in a six-round contest; Sevenoaks middleweight prospect Michael Hennessy Jr. and the flash, brash and exciting unbeaten Birmingham star Idris Virgo in a four-round middleweight contest.

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

WATCHING THE IBF International super welterweight belt change hands over the weekend made Troy Williamson even hungrier for success and the Trojan says he would be happy to dine out on both the winner and loser.

Sam Eggington and Ted Cheeseman fought out a close run fight this past Saturday, with Cheeseman getting the verdict from the judges and parting the Birmingham man from his title.

The fight received a good few plaudits from viewers but, up in Darlington, the IBF European champion was not particularly impressed with what he witnessed.

The 28-year-old former Team GB star believes he would devour both men for breakfast and midday snack.

“Watching the Eggington-Cheeseman fight made me realise I am a level above both,” said Williamson, who is set to defend his title live on BT Sport on August 15. “I would even fight them on the same day.”

“I would have the egg for breakfast and the cheese for lunch.”

Williamson suspects he is becoming an avoided man in the division but will not be deterred in his quest to conquer at 154lbs.

“There’s a reason why none of these super welterweights want to fight me. But I won’t be stopped. I will become world champion.”

Also featuring live on BT Sport on August 15 is two-weight world champion Carl Frampton, who takes on Vahram Vardanyan in a step towards a proposed WBO world title shot at super featherweight against the champion Jamel Herring. Michael Conlan takes on former world featherweight title challenger Sofiane Takoucht, while top prospects Dennis McCann (bantam) and Paddy Donovan (welter) have their seventh and fourth professional fight respectively.

By Bart Barry-

Saturday on DAZN in the main event of a card from England’s Fight Camp, and therefore blessedly broadcast early afternoon here in the United States, London’s Ted “The Big Cheese” Cheeseman decisioned Worcestershire’s Sam “The Savage” Eggington to win a 154-pound title of some sort and set himself up for a future leap from British competition to European.  The fight was entertaining.

Twas Big Cheese night at the Camp in what was a fun, competitive, and fun-for-being-competitive spectacle of evenly matched pugilists who won’t be world-class at super welter but make for decent pageantry in this absurd time.

A confession: I watched Saturday’s match – no, heavens no, not the whole card – with an eye to comedy.  I saw it a prospect for satire, anonymous Brits doing mediocre things under a light rain of hyperbolic modifiers in the Queen’s accent.  There was some of that – Brits, to their credit, try even less to hide commercial entanglements betwixt promoters and broadcasters, making few feints at objectivity – but otherwise the mainevent was a watchable thing that reminded us how very very far we remain from normal, round the world.

This was the U.S. debut of Fight Camp, a Playboy-mansion-looking venue in a place called Brentwood, 30 miles northeast of London, where fighters ply their wares outdoors in a covered ring on the spot Hef’s pool should be.  There’s pipedin rustling sounds from a crowded restaurant or modest tavern, mainly a thing for broadcasters to talk over, a stab at texture, a nod toward pizazz long since gone from American sporting events – the opiate of our masses for a blessed few decades before actual opioids won the role.

British prizefighting has long lingered in American minds like a minorleagues affair from which a few super talented lads, Carl Froch and Ricky Hatton spring to mind here though in a better world Callum Smith might too, manage to escape to the majors, wherein they inevitably get outclassed by America’s superior athletes.  Nothing happened Saturday to rewire that.  There was an unplanned moment when the broadcast acknowledged as much.  It was the geometrical middle of the 12-rounder, and one of the two commentators began a swan dive off the three-meter board without first noticing his pool was dry:

“Both (men) want this so much!  This could lead to big things!  A high ranking in the IBF could lead to . . . 

“You know . . . 

“Some sort of . . .

“Opportunity with that prominent body.”

That was beside the point, much less this critique of that, as Eggington and Cheeseman were in their own conflict bubble; whatever inconsequence their struggle represented for bored Yanks watching a DAZN broadcast hours and hours too long, these two men were taxing their talents fully.  Big Cheese had more class and little pop though seemingly more pop than Eggington, who once had pop enough to fasten a final KO-by on Paulie Malignaggi.  Eggington is a scrapper who’s not scrapped outside Europe and likely’d not stay conscious the full 36 minutes if he did.  He looks the part and wants the contact but makes one questionable and obviously questionable decision every round and never quite brings what menace his bodyart and moniker intend to convey (aficionados know fragility has no more legible billboard than post-loss tats on a prizefighter’s body, even if society at large still doesn’t).

Since promoters no longer have tickets to sell they have fewer occasions for what bold lies pepper their rote exaggerations, and that does make things more tolerable, somehow.  Realtime exaggerations by the commentary crew feel somewhat less filthy when they’re spontaneous and not restatements of whatever the promoter said at the weighin.  But a little viewer resentment lingers, apparently, for this subscriber: I already paid for my subscription, you have nothing to vend, so if you’re going to talk because you are contractually obligated to talk, at least stop selling me what I’m seeing.

Alas, commentators are not selling fights to subscribers, are they?  No, they’re selling themselves to promoters.

Another reason a subscriber should have the opportunity to opt-out a commentary track.  Since the commentators are singing for their supper, and since as a subscriber I’m not even in the house much less at that dinner table, why should I have to listen to it?  And no, I shouldn’t have to mute my television, either.  I enjoy the sound of a fight; audible punch volume is the greatest factor in determining scorecard discrepancies between those who are ringside and those who are trying to hear punches between babbling voices.  An ability to hear punches is the exact reason ringside reporters scoring fights do not care about television viewers’ dissenting cards: While I was having my eyes confirmed by my ears, you were having your eyes distracted by some meandering narrative written a month ago.

We are reimagining everything right now, or should be, and so it’s a time to make wishlists – asking questions about the inane start times for boxing broadcasts, their inexplicable lengths, the American practice of making mismatches to build local ticketsellers when there’s no more local and no more tickets, and yes, once more, a commentary-free option.

The cynic in every boxing fan assumes nothing will change for the better, and that is wisdom hardwon, admittedly, but if not now, when?  Never in the tortured history of loving our sport has there been a better chance for reform of the obvious things none of us likes.  OK, as you were.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

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.”

10 x 3 mins Featherweight contest 
JORDAN GILL 8st 13lbs 12oz v REECE BELLOTTI 8st 13lbs 4oz              
(Chatteris)                                    (Watford)

Followed by

8 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest 
DALTON SMITH 10st 0lbs 8ozv NATHAN BENNETT 10st 0lbs 0oz
(Sheffield)                                    (Liverpool)

Followed by

10 x 3 mins vacant English Heavyweight Title 
FABIO WARDLEY 16st 0lbs 0oz v SIMON VALLILY 16st 0lbs 8oz
(Ipswich)                                         (Middlesbrough)

Followed by

12 x 3 mins vacant British Lightweight Title
JAMES TENNYSON 9st 8lbs 8ozv GAVIN GWYNNE 9st 8lbs 4oz
(Belfast)                                            (Treharris)

Followed by

12 x 3 mins IBF International Super-Welterweight Title 
SAM EGGINGTON 10st 13lbs 12ozv TED CHEESEMAN 10st 13lbs 4oz
(Stourbridge)                                       (Bermondsey)

Eddie Hearn:

“Good afternoon everyone. Thank you to Chris and Darren. I’m a bit nervous actually! It’s been four or five months since I’ve done an actual live press conference. I’m used to doing them on ZOOM, but we are back! Fight Camp begins this Saturday, live on Sky Sports in the UK and live on DAZN across America as well. We’ve heard all of the puns, ‘it’s Matchroom Square Gardens, it’s Weekend at Hearnies’, whatever you want to call it. But the truth is, what an opportunity for these fighters and what an opportunity for our sport.

“I’ve seen other people come back, studios, empty casinos, great, and we credit them. We are different. We wanted to make a bang. We wanted to make an impact. We wanted to show you how great the sport of boxing is. This time you are going to hear everything. You’re going to hear pin drops around the house and the grounds of Matchroom HQ. You’re going to hear the punches land to the rib cage. You’re going to hear the fighters wincing in agony. You’re going to hear the fighters talking to each other, the referees instructions and you’re going to hear the dialogue between the corner teams when it gets really tough. 

“The world has changed in the last few months, and it may have changed forever. Maybe it has changed our sport forever. We’re back and what an opportunity for these guys. Maybe this is going to be what it’s like for the next couple of weeks, maybe it’s going to happen for the next couple of months. What I do know is Fight Camp has changed the dynamics of boxing. The pandemic has changed the dynamics of boxing because now fighters are stepping up quicker. They are realising they have to take their opportunity.

“The younger fighters coming through are realising they have to step up, particularly against British talents. Here we have two guys in Jordan Gill and Reece Bellotti who were probably due to have six round fights to come back and get their careers back on track. We spoke to both individuals and we said ‘this is a chance for Fight Camp to explode, do you want to be a part of it?’ They both grabbed the opportunity. Ten rounds in the Featherweight division. It’s two guys who I like a lot. We’ve come to a position in boxing where we’re now going to see this a lot. Putting our fighters in together in fights that we feel are going to give value for money for fans and broadcasters.”

Sam Eggington – Stourbridge, England – 28-6, 17 KO’s – defending his IBF International Super-Welterweight Title against Ted Cheeseman:

“Italy was a great adventure for me. I went over there with a chip on my shoulder thinking I had to get it done and get it done right to get me back to where I needed to be. We done that, came home and this is what’s next. I’m excited. As soon as I heard about these back garden brawls I rang Jon and said ‘we need to be a part of this’. I’m over the moon to be headlining the first one. It’s a good fight and it’s one that I believe I can win and look good in. It has all of the makings for a good night. You can lose and come back, history points to that. We’ve had big nights and we’ve had bad nights. They don’t define me. I’m still learning and I’m getting better. I’m getting bigger and stronger. I feel good, the weight has gone well and the training has gone well.”

Ted Cheeseman – Bermondsey, England – 15-2-1, 9 KOs – challenging Sam Eggington for the IBF International Super-Welterweight Title:

“If you stay determined and keep on pushing forwards you’ll be rewarded with the opportunities that you need. This is a big opportunity for me to refresh my career and push on. You look at Sam and you know what you get with him. I’m still young and I’m still a baby. I’m 24 but I’m maturing all of the time and over the past 18 months I’ve been learning a lot. I’ve had a lot of time to work on things. I’m making sure everything is perfect. Sam was a massive Welterweight but he isn’t as dominant at Light-Middle.”

James Tennyson – Belfast, Northern Ireland – 26-3, 22 KOs – fighting Gavin Gwynne for the vacant British Lightweight Title:

“You could say this is my first big tough fight up at Lightweight. Gavin Gwynne is a tough durable lad. He gave a real good account of himself against Joe Cordina. I’m expecting a tough night. The guy works hard. I’ve seen some of his interviews and he’s very confident about getting the win so I’m excited about this one. I need to be smart about my work. I need to stick to the game plan that me and my team have set out. I can’t go in there just relying on my power. Doing drastic weight cuts was killing me off. I was weak to the body and it showed. No I’ve moved up I’m a lot stronger and I’ll show that on fight night.”

Gavin Gwynne – Treharris, Wales – 12-1, 2 KOs – fighting James Tennyson for the vacant British Lightweight Title:

“It’s a life-changing opportunity for myself so I’m going to take it with both hands. He’s a massive puncher, it doesn’t matter if he’s at Lightweight or Super-Feather. He’s a massive puncher. You see the people he’s been in with and knocking over in two or three rounds. That speaks for itself so I’m definitely going to be wary of that. I’ve got to stick to the game plan during the fight. He’s been stopped before and I’m going to try and stop him again.”

Fabio Wardley – Ipswich, England – 8-0, 7 KOs – fighting Simon Vallily for the vacant English Heavyweight Title:

“On Saturday it’s the big test. Like everyone has been saying, it’s the coming out party, the announcement, the real test to get rid of some of those question marks people have about me. I expect Simon to bring the heat full force. He says this is the best shape that he’s been in and he’s been able to train properly with the lockdown. He’s fully focused on the gym and his training. Hopefully on Saturday night I get the best Simon Vallily. Hopefully I’ll then get the credit for taking on a real competitor and getting the win.”

Simon Vallily – Middlesbrough, England – 17-2-1, 7 KOs – fighting Fabio Wardley for the vacant English Heavyweight Title:

“I don’t think he’s man enough to grow a real moustache is he. It doesn’t suit him. It’s a great chance and a great opportunity. I’m in great shape for it. I’ve applied myself properly. I’m focused and I’ve trained well. I’ve train hard. I’ve trained properly and I’ve done it all right. Fabio possess some talent, I’m not going to sit here and say he doesn’t. He’s fast and he’s athletic but the best Simon Vallily beats the best Fabio Wardley. We haven’t see the best Simon Vallily, I’m sick of going on about it. I think he might be expecting the Simon Vallily from the Craig Glover fight. He’s managed by Dillian Whyte, wow. I haven’t lost no sleep over him.”

Dalton Smith – Sheffield, England – 5-0, 4 KOs – fighting Nathan Bennett in an eight round Super-Lightweight contest:

“This is my first real test and it’s one I feel very comfortable heading into. We’ve got to thank Eddie for setting this up and creating a big occasion. It’s time to get to business now and we’re here for one reason and that’s to fight. It’s my first step up and I’m very confident. This is the first time that I’ve done a full ten week professional camp. Last year is was very stop and start. I was very active last year. To have a durable opponent in Nathan Bennett drives you on in training and makes you train hard. You know you’ve got to be 100% and I know Nathan is going to be coming in 100%.”

Nathan Bennett – Liverpool, England – 9-1, 2 KOs – fighting Dalton Smith in an eight round Super-Lightweight contest:

“It’s an opportunity that I was looking for. When this lockdown came about I was meant to be fighting for the Central Area Title on the 6th of June. I’d boxed on the 14th of March and Dalton boxed on the 7th. Steve Wood phoned me and asked what I thought of Dalton Smith and I said ‘if you can make the fight, make the fight’. I believe in myself against anybody. At 140lbs I’ll give anyone a fight. Trust me on that one. On Saturday night I’m going to prove that. I can do the eight rounds on my head easy. We’ll find out on Saturday what the fight is going to start like.”

Jordan Gill – Chatteris, England – 24-1, 7 KOs – fighting Reece Bellotti in a 10 round Featherweight contest:

“It’s a huge opportunity for me and I’m glad to be a part of it. It’s part of history and it’s something we might not ever see again. Thanks for having me and I’m glad you like the barnet. It’s going to have to go at some point but we’ll see how it goes. It’s a fight that I’m looking forward to. When Dave rang and told me I was going to be fighting behind closed doors, he said my show was the first one cancelled so I had the first opportunity to come back, the name that was put to me first was Reece Bellotti and I said yes. No problem. It’s going to be a good fight and I think everyone is looking forward to it.”

Reece Bellotti – Watford, England – 14-3, 12 KOs – fighting Jordan Gill in a 10 round Featherweight contest:

“I didn’t perform to my best in Italy. It kind of is what it is. You don’t look back too much on it with excuses and things like that. It is what it is on the night. I got the offer for Jordan Gill and I thought it was a great fight for me to propel myself back up to where I want to be. Everyone has got their opinions on this fight. They say I carry power, I wouldn’t say that Jordan doesn’t punch hard just because his record doesn’t show it. It doesn’t mean he doesn’t punch hard. On his performances he definitely looks technically better than me, but on the night we could both turn up with different game plans. I’m going to leave everything in there on the night.”

Ted Cheeseman has promised to use his size and strength to bully a ‘fragile’ Sam Eggington when they clash for the Stourbridge man’s IBF International Super-Welterweight Title at the top of the bill on the opening weekend of Fight Camp on Saturday August 1, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Cheeseman (15-2-1, 9 KOs) is the naturally bigger man who has campaigned at 154lbs his whole professional career since turning over in September 2019, winning the English, WBA International and British Titles along the way. 

Eggington’s best wins have come at 147lbs where he was a beast domestically, using his size and punch power to win the Commonwealth and British Titles in 2015, he then stopped Ceferino Rodriguez in ten rounds to earn the European Title in 2017.

A move up to 154lbs saw Eggington notch back-to-back stoppage wins before he suffered a shock TKO defeat to Tanzania’s Hassan Mwakinyo in September 2018. Former World Champion Liam Smith then dominated Eggington en route to a fifth-round stoppage in Liverpool – a loss that Cheeseman has taken confidence from. 

“I respect Sam as a fighter,” said Cheeseman. “He’s a really good fighter, but I think he’s a massive Welterweight. I think he’s a fragile Light-Middleweight. When push comes to shove and I stand there and start bullying him and dominating him in the middle of the ring, he hasn’t got a Plan B but I have.

“If it goes wrong for me, I can box. If I start pushing him back and he can’t handle the strength or power, he has to try and fight back. If that isn’t working what does he do next? I know I can box, I’ve got that Plan B. I feel I’m going to be too big and too strong. 

“I feel like I’ll get Sam out of there in the later rounds. He’s going to have a go early on but as the rounds go on he’s going to keep on getting hit as his defence is his face. Once I keep hitting him the damage is going to come on top and one of the shots is going to land and he’s going to go.”

Eggington vs. Cheeseman tops Week 1 of Matchroom Fight Camp, Belfast’s big-hitting James Tennyson (26-3, 22 KOs) takes on Cardiff’s Gavin Gwynne (12-1, 2 KOs) for the vacant British Lightweight Title, Chatteris talent Jordan Gill (24-1, 7 KOs) meets Watford’s Reece Bellotti (14-3, 12 KOs) in an electric Featherweight battle, fast-rising Ipswich Heavyweight Fabio Wardley (8-0, 7 KOs) steps up to take on Middlesbrough’s Simon Vallily (17-2-1, 7 KOs) for the vacant English belt and gifted Sheffield Super-Lightweight Dalton Smith (5-0, 4 KOs) squares off with Liverpool’s Nathan Bennett (9-1, 2 KOs). 

Sam Eggington says his highly-anticipated showdown with Ted Cheeseman at the top of the opening week of Matchroom Fight Camp on Saturday August 1 is “all or nothing” for both men as he sets his sights on a World Title Eliminator at 154lbs. 

Former European Welterweight Champion Eggington (28-6, 17 KOs) has notched four straight wins since losing to Liam Smith back in March 2019, picking up the IBF International Super-Welterweight Title on away soil against Orlando Fiordigiglio in September. 

He puts that belt, along with his No.5 ranking with the IBF, on the line against Cheeseman, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US, knowing that a win could propel him towards a surprise World Title shot and a loss could undo all of his hard work over the past year. 

The stakes are equally as high for Cheeseman who finds himself in a must-win situation following two losses and one draw in his last three fights. Everything is on the line for ‘The Big Cheese’ and another loss could prove to be disastrous for his career. 

“You only have to watch Ted fight to know that he doesn’t give up when it gets hard,” said Eggington. “I have full faith in myself and if anyone can make him give up, I’ll be that guy. It’ll be a good fight while it lasts. The way we both fight, it’s going to gel for a war, but I genuinely think I’ve got enough to get the win. 

“I’m confident with this fight. Eddie gave me a list of names for potential opponents and we picked him out because it’s a good fight and one we can win. It’s not a fight that worries me like others might have. I’ll make sure I walk out with the win. Any way, shape or form, I’ll get the win. 

“I’ve never been in a position to have an argument for some sort of Eliminator and I think I am now with the IBF belt. That’s the aim once we get past Ted next month. It’s all or nothing for the both of us. That’s the way I live in general. 

“It’s in the garden and there won’t be a crowd but that doesn’t matter to me. If I’m having a fight and it’s a packed-out arena, I want to win that fight. If I’m having a fight in an empty room, I’m having a fight and I still want to win. I’m going to bite down on my gum-shield and do anything I can to win.”

Eggington vs. Cheeseman tops Week 1 of Matchroom Fight Camp, Belfast’s big-hitting James Tennyson (26-3, 22 KOs) takes on Cardiff’s Gavin Gwynne (12-1, 2 KOs) for the vacant British Lightweight Title, Chatteris talent Jordan Gill (24-1, 7 KOs) meets Watford’s Reece Bellotti (14-3, 12 KOs) in an electric Featherweight battle, fast-rising Ipswich Heavyweight Fabio Wardley (8-0, 7 KOs) steps up to take on Middlesbrough’s Simon Vallily (17-2-1, 7 KOs) for the vacant English belt and gifted Sheffield Super-Lightweight Dalton Smith (5-0, 4 KOs) squares off with Liverpool’s Nathan Bennett (9-1, 2 KOs). 

London, UK (6 February 2020) Birmingham hero Sam Eggington will be one of the featured attractions on the undercard of the big showdown between Shakan Pitters and Craig Richards for the British Light-Heavyweight Championship on Saturday 28th March at the Coventry Skydome, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5.

Eggington (28-6-0, 17 KO’s) is looking to finally secure a dream world title shot to top a celebrated seven-year and 34-fight career that has seen him win the British, Commonwealth, European and WBC International Silver Welterweight titles and more recently the IBF International Super-Welterweight title with a stunning second round KO win over Orlando Fiordigiglio in Florence.

The all-action 26-year-old from Stourbridge, known as the ‘Savage’, has carved a reputation as one of British boxing’s most exciting fighters for his thrilling blood ’n guts performances. His chilling power has overcome the likes of former British and Commonwealth Champion Frankie Gavin and Denton Vassell. One of his most high profile nights was when he ended the career of former Two-Time World Champion Paulie Malignaggi with a devastating eighth round KO in March 2017.

Although Eggington suffered a fifth round stoppage loss to rival Liam Smith last March, he has rebounded well with four solid wins, including the victory of Fiordigiglio last September, and his last fight was in November with a second round stoppage of Daniel Urbanski.

This will be the second time that Eggington has fought in Coventry with an early career visit to the city in his third pro fight resulting in a four-round points wins over Andrew Hardy at the Hilton Hotel.

On the world stage, the 154-pound division has gone through a dramatic change following Julian Williams’ shock fifth round KO loss of his WBA and IBF World titles to underdog Jeison Rosario last month and Eggington is hungry to get his opportunity.

“It’s great to be back out in action for the first time in 2020 and this is set to be my big year when I really feel I’ll get my dream world title shot,” Said Eggington.

He continued, “I’m thrilled to fight on a high profile card live on free-to-air Channel 5 and it’s a return to Coventry where I have some great fans. This will be my first fight since November and I can’t wait to make a real statement of intent and force that world title opportunity this year. Julian Williams lost his IBF and WBA world titles with a shock loss to Jelson Rosario recently. If I got the phone call to fight him I’d take it hands down and win. I’ll fight any of the other world champions Jermell Charlo (WBC) or Patrick Teixeira (WBO), I don’t care who it is, I just want the opportunity. I’ve done everything asked of me, fought my mandatories, lost some of the mandatory fights when I could have vacated the title, I’ve fought everyone asked of me. It’s now about getting the big one and that’s what I’ll be going for this year.”

Eggington’s manager Jon Pegg added, “People don’t realise he’s 26 and he’s still improving. He started his professional career when he was just 19 and he’s crammed in 34 fights. He’s still developing and believe me the best is yet to come. Nobody thought he could win the British, Commonwealth and European titles and my phone was off the hook with people saying how great he looked against Fiordigiglio. He’s worked his way up the hard way in his career and now we will push on and get his World title shot and when the opportunity comes he’ll win it.”

A top quality undercard features some great Midlands match ups that includes a feisty Coventry derby between welterweights Jordan Cooke and Michael Green over six-rounds; Birmingham’s Ishmael Ellis takes on Walsall’s Shaun Cooper over six rounds at lightweight; Coventry’s Dilly Singh against Birmingham’s Matt Sen at cruiserweight over six rounds; Coventry light-middleweight River Wilson Bent in a four-round contest; Birmingham lightweight Tom Collins in a four-round contest; Birmingham super-featherweight Lewis Coley in a four-round contest; Leamington Spa lightweight Danny Quartermine makes his pro-debut in a four-round contest.

Also on the card will be exciting middleweight prospect Michael Hennessy Jr. from Sevenoaks, Kent, in his fifth professional bout in a six round contest.

For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports and join the conversation at #PittersRichards

BritishTitle

Orlando Fiordigiglio will make the first defence of his IBF International Super-Welterweight title against Sam Eggington on a Matchroom Boxing Italy and Opi Since 82 promoted show at the Tuscany Hall in Florence on Thursday September 19, shown live on DAZN.

Arezzo’s Fiordigiglio (31-2, 13 KOs) picked up the IBF ranking title with a split decision win over Stephen Danyo in April, outpointing the former WBO European Champion over ten rounds to earn the fifth title of his pro career. 

Birmingham’s Eggington (26-6, 15 KOs), a former European Welterweight Champion, was stopped by former Super-Welterweight World Champion Liam Smith at The M&S Bank Arena Liverpool in March but has since returned to winning ways with victories over Jordan Grannum and Lewis van Poetsch. 

Correzzola’s Devis ‘Boom Boom’ Bosheiro (47-6-2, 12 KOs), a former European Super-Featherweight Champion, clashes with Barcelona’s Ivan Tomas (9-0-1, 3 KOs) for the vacant IBF International Super-Featherweight title over ten rounds.

Unbeaten Bergamo Welterweight talent Dario Morello (15-0, 2 KOs) defends his WBO Global Welterweight title for the first time against Bracknell’s Luther Clay (11-1, 5 KOs) following on from his win over Ahmed El Hamwi in Milan.

Elsewhere on the card, there’s action for Cascina Flyweight Mohammed Obbadi (19-1, 13 KOs), Avellino Featherweight World title challenger Carmine Tommasone (19-1, 5 KOs) and undefeated Roma Super-Lightweight Sebastian Mendizabal (3-0).

Ross Garritty of Matchroom Boxing Italy said: “It’s a pleasure to be returning to the venue that saw the launch of the historic joint venture between Matchroom Boxing Italy, OPI Since 82 and DAZN back in November 2018. Our first five events in Florence, Milan and Rome have been overwhelmingly successful and Florence fight fans are in store for another exciting night of title action at Tuscany Hall on September 19.”

Christian Cherchi of OPI Since 82 said: “It is always nice to return to Florence after the success of our first events in the city. We have an explosive main event in Orlando Fiordigiglio vs. Sam Eggington for the IBF International Super-Welterweight title and exciting title fights for Devis Boschiero and Dario Morello. Mohammed Obbadi is never in a dull fight, Roma Super-Lightweight prospect Sebastian Mendizabal steps up again and Carmine Tommasone returns after his WBO Featherweight World title challenge against Oscar Valdez.”

Tickets will be available from next week on ticketone.it and boxofficetoscana.it. For more information call: +39 338 7769949

The vacant WBC Silver Super-Welterweight title will be on the line when Liam Smith and Sam Eggington clash at The M&S Bank Arena Liverpool tomorrow evening, shown 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, but insists he will thrive off his underdog tag.
“I’m massively excited for my fight with Sam and I feel it’s a good fight to kick-start my 2019,” said Smith. “It’s even better now there’s a good title on the line for us. I’m just looking to put on a performance for people to think ‘he was a level above’.”

“I’m excited,” said Eggington. “It doesn’t take a genius to know that I’m the underdog in this fight. I quite like it like that. Nothing to lose, everything to win, so I’m looking forward to Saturday night. I’ve put what I can into camp for a tough, hard fight, and on Saturday night I’ll put it all out there.”

Smith vs. Eggington tops a huge night of action in Liverpool.

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

Domestic Super-Lightweight rivals Joe Hughes and Robbie Davies Jr meet with the European and British titles on the line.

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.

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 says it feels like he is making his professional debut all over again as he prepares to take on Sam Eggington in his first fight under the Matchroom Boxing banner at The M&S Bank Arena Liverpool on Saturday, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

‘Beefy’ hasn’t fought in his home city since he successfully defended the WBO Super-Welterweight World title against Predrag Radosevic in June 2016 and the rejuvenated Scouser believes he has something to prove to his new promoter in front of his home crowd as he targets another shot at World glory.
“I’ve got to prove a point to Matchroom that I was worth signing and show them that they made the right decision,” said Smith. “Everything has come for a great time for me. I’m back in Liverpool topping the bill against a decent opponent that a lot of the British public know. The buzz since the fight has been announced has been great for myself.

“I’m at a vital part of my career now. Sam is a good opponent to get started with, but I’ve got to put in a performance, so it’s bad for Sam take the fight at this moment. 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 feel like I’m turning pro all over again. This is a new lease of life for me and exactly what I needed at this stage of my career. I’ve got to do a proper job on Sam and a proper job is what I truly believe I will do. It’s my tenth fight at the arena in Liverpool and I’m 9-0 in there, so I look forward to making that 10-0.”

Smith vs. Eggington tops a huge night of action in Liverpool.

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

Domestic Super-Lightweight rivals Joe Hughes and Robbie Davies Jr meet with the European and British titles on the line.

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.

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.

Sam Eggington says a win against former World Champion Liam Smith at The M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool on March 30 would fire him straight back into the title mix at 154lbs.

Former European Welterweight champ Eggington admits that his clash with Smith, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US, is make or break after suffering a shock stoppage defeat to Tanzania’s Hassan Mwakinyo at Arena Birmingham in September, but insists he feels no pressure heading into the Merseyside showdown.

‘The Savage’ was preparing to face former World ruler Brandon Rios at Wembley Stadium when he was wiped out by the dangerous African in two rounds, but the Stourbridge man says there is no chance he will be making the same mistake again by overlooking his former sparring partner Smith, who he expects a ‘bloody battle’ with.

“I don’t feel any pressure going into this one,” said Eggington. “The bookies have me down as a huge underdog and that suits me just fine. I’m going to put the work in behind the scenes and come up on the blind side and get a big win that no-one is going to expect. I didn’t think I’d get a huge fight like this so soon after my loss, so to get Liam, a former World Champion, is a huge motivation for me.

“I do a lot of sparring with Liam and he’s a good bloke, they all are at Gallagher’s gym. I think he’d say the same about me, but there’s no room for niceties, come March 30 we’ll be knocking lumps out of each other and I’ll be fully prepared for a bloody battle with him. I’m in no position to be turning down fights like this after what happened. He’s the favourite but we’re quietly confident of getting the win.

“Our spars have always been competitive. You could have sold tickets for some of them! That’s why I’m so confident our fight can’t disappoint on March 30. We’re going to be in 10oz gloves with no head guards, it’s going to be brutal and I can’t wait. It’s guaranteed to be an exciting fight for the fans – I promise you that.”

The 25-year-old, who holds notable victories over Frankie Gavin and Paul Malignaggi, returned to winning ways with a four round decision over Sam Omidi last month. Another win on March 30 could see him return to fringe-World level and the all-action Brummie is unfazed at the prospect of fighting any contender put in front of him.

“A defeat isn’t the end, I’ve proved that myself. I’ve got a big opportunity to get things back on track later this month. They say you’re only as good as your last fight, so to beat Liam Smith would push me right back up there. That’s the drive for me in this fight. A win would open up doors to bigger fights and get people talking about me as a serious force again.

“By the end of this year I’d like to have beaten Liam and had another big fight against a top operator. There’s plenty of options out there so we’ll see where it goes. I can’t look too far ahead though – look at what happened against Mwakinyo, I was looking too eagerly ahead and I got blown right out, so I’m not going to do anything like that again.”

Smith vs. Eggington tops a huge night of action in Liverpool.

Domestic Super-Lightweight rivals Joe Hughes and Robbie Davies Jr meet with the European and British titles on the line.

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.

Eddie Hearn:

“Wow – what a turnout. I love this place. Liverpool is so unique. I don’t get as many boos here as I do in most cities! We’re delighted to be here. I never thought that I’d sit next to this man on my right (Liam Smith). We’ve wanted him for about three or four years but finally Liam is where he should be, with us at Matchroom and Sky. We’re delighted to announce a major show on March 30th at the M&S Bank Arena. I think this is one of the best cards we’ve put on in Liverpool for a long time. Three really good Championship fights on the top table. It’s going to be a great night.”

Liam Smith – Liverpool, England – 26-2-1, 14 KO’s – fighting Sam Eggington in a Super-Welterweight contest:

“I’m in a vital part of my career now. I think Sam is a good opponent to get started. I wouldn’t want a big southpaw coming for my first fight under you. I’ve got to put in a performance that makes you think you’re right in signing me at this stage.

“On that note, I feel it’s a bad part of Sam to take the fight at this moment.”

On the Canelo and Munguia defeats:

“Those two fights, proper like night and day for me. Obviously the ‘Canelo’ fight, we all know how good he is – he was one, two, three steps ahead of me, everything I tried, but I’ll stay in there and tough it out with anyone, if necessary, if I can do.

“The Munguia fight, I feel the momentum killed me. I had one fight in 10 months. He had five fights in 2018. In that fight, he was very, very green, and he wasn’t experienced.

“Things that I could try early doors were just coming off, and then obviously he kicked in and I started to fade towards the back end, he didn’t.

“That’s a fight I would definitely love again down the line with momentum. That’s a big part of signing for Matchroom. I feel they’ve got the dates, enough pull around the world to keep me busy.”

Sam Eggington – Stourbridge, England – 23-5, 15 KO’s – fighting Liam Smith in a Super-Welterweight contest:
“I’m buzzing with this fight, I didn’t expect any sort of fight like this, to get someone like Liam Smith, a former World Champion.

“Like you say, I haven’t got no pressure, I’m just going to put the work in, and come up on the blind side and get a win that no-one is going to expect.

“They’ve always been good, competitive spars. Probably could have sold tickets for a few of them on their own, so come March 30, it will be a fight not to miss.”

Joe Hughes – Malmesbury, England – 17-3-1, 7 KO’s – fighting Robbie Davies Jnr. for the British and EBU European Super-Lightweight titles:

“I’m really excited to be going into such a big fight. In the past I’ve found myself get a little bit complacent if I’m not really up for a fight, if it’s not too much of a challenge, but I know this one is going to be a very big challenge. The motivation is to not only defend my European title but to win that prestigious Lonsdale belt.

“I was on a lot of small hall shows trying to shift tickets early on in my career and I’m from a small place, it was a bit of a struggle. I’m where I feel I deserve to be right now. A win here moves me further along to a shot at World honours.”

Robbie Davies Jnr. – Liverpool, England – 17-1, 12 KO’s – fighting Joe Hughes for the British and European Super-Lightweight titles:

“Everyone close to me knows what I was going through at the time of my first loss. I was in a bad place. Since that defeat I’ve rebuilt and luckily I’ve joined up with Matchroom.

“Beating Glenn Foot for the British was a real big step in my career. I could have had an easy British title defence but I want to move to that next level. My career has stagnated in the past and I’ve stayed at the same level but now it’s time to push on.

“I made sure that I had my name in contention for this fight. I’ve always wanted to be on these big shows. It’s a massive fight for me – it’s a must win.”

Anthony Fowler – Liverpool, England – 9-0, 8 KO’s – fighting Scott Fitzgerald in a Super-Welterweight contest:

“I am a level above Scott, I know that for a fact. I always have been. As soon as I was an amateur I was better than Scott and under Dave (Coldwell) I have just gone to the next level again.
“I haven’t showed it yet because it has been too easy. We’ve been saying to Eddie Hearn we want proper fights from about a year ago, but this took a long time for it to materialise. This is better for me and worse for Scott.

“I will be ready, 11st on the dot. I’ll be fully prepared and whatever Scott does I’ve got an answer for. I am just a bigger, better, stronger fighter. Five rounds… he’s going to fall.”

Scott Fitzgerald – Preston, England – 11-0, 8 KO’s – fighting Anthony Folwer in a Super-Welterweight contest:
“It’s a fight that I’m really looking forward to. I always knew this fight was going to happen. I’m the underdog going into this fight which is fine by me.

“Every day I wake up and I’m really motivated. I’m grafting at least two or three times a day, recovering and resting right. I was after this fight as soon as it was mentioned. I broke my hand in my last fight, this fight was meant to happen at the end of last year.

“I feel like I’ve turned 27 and finally grown up. Every day I’m doing what has to be done and that’s not just in the gym, I’m coming home and eating the right things and enjoying doing it because I don’t want to lose this fight. I want to win it and I know I can win it.”

David Price – Liverpool, England – 23-6, 19 KO’s – Heavyweight contest:

“I’m looking forward to it. It’s ten years to the weekend that I turned pro and I haven’t even had 30 fights yet. I haven’t got much mileage on the clock, that’s the truth. I’ve had six stoppage defeats, two of them have been genuine knockouts. The other four, I’ve kind of beat myself.

“The older I’m getting the wiser I’m getting, more mature. I do still believe that my best years are still to come. I haven’t got many years left but I am looking after myself and living the life. Heavyweights mature later in their careers.

“There’s a lot of big names in the division who all need dance partners and there’s no reason I can’t throw my name back in the mix with a couple more wins. The opportunity is here to do it and I appreciate it greatly. I intend on delivering on March 30.”

Craig Glover – Liverpool, England – 9-1, 8 KO’s – Cruiserweight contest:

“In my last fight I showed everyone a bit more of what I’m all about. Simon Vallily underestimated me. Everyone that steps in the ring with me now will know that I’m real and they won’t underestimate me. I always believed in myself. It wasn’t really a surprise beating Vallily. It was more about showing people that I’m at that level and I think moving forward I’m ready.”

Natasha Jonas – Liverpool, England – 6-1, 5 KO’s – Super-Featherweight contest:

“I know I’ve got the skills. It’s fine doing it all in the gym but you’ve got to produce it on the night. I still don’t feel like I’ve produced my best but it’s coming. Some of my biggest achievements have come after my worst failings. I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring and carrying on.”

Tom Farrell – Liverpool, England – 16-1, 5 KO’s – Super-Lightweight contest:

“Hopefully I’ll get a title shot for this one. I think we’re looking at a shot at the Commonwealth or an international title. Them two up there (Joe Hughes and Robbie Davies Jnr) have got most of the titles at my weight at the minute though.

“Last year wasn’t a great year for me, it was a little bit frustrating but I’ve been patient and stayed in the gym. I’m already feeling fit and strong in the early part of camp. I can’t wait, it’s going to be a great show. I’m hoping to have an opponent named soon. I’m looking forward to the night and I’ll definitely have a belt wrapped around my waist at the end of it.”

Ged Carroll – Liverpool, England – 9-0 – Super-Lightweight contest:

“I’m just glad to be back on such a big show. Hopefully this will be the start of a big year for me. I’m hoping a big sponsor will come along and get behind me. I should get some more attention once the bigger fights come along. I’ve just got to do what I’ve got to do and carry on working hard.”

Tom Hart – Liverpool, England – making his professional debut at Light-Heavyweight:

“I’m just looking forward to it now. I had a great amateur career. I’m looking forward to getting the show on the road in the professionals. I’m lucky to be starting on such a big platform with Matchroom and Sky Sports. There’s a lot of good domestic Light-Heavyweights out there. My style is better suited to the pro game.”

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.