Liverpool, England – 27th July 2022 – Liverpool’s own Liam ‘Beefy’ Smith (31-3-1, 18 KOs) will begin his campaign for a second world title shot when he headlines at the M&S Bank Arena in his home city on Saturday, 3rd September, live and exclusively on Sky Sports.

Tickets are on sale now via Boxxer.com, with prices beginning at just £40.

Making his way to Merseyside to face the hometown hero is the heavy-handed Hassan Mwakinyo (20-2, 14 KO’s), who shocked the British boxing fanbase on his 2018 visit to the UK when he demolished the infamously tough Sam Eggington in just two rounds. 

Undefeated since then and coming off three consecutive stoppage victories, the former WBF Intercontinental champion has scored 70% of his victories by KO or TKO, has stopping power in both hands and is traveling to the UK intent on upsetting the home fans once again.

Currently ranked in the top five by three of boxing’s major sanctioning bodies, Smith – who won the WBO World Light-Middleweight Championship in 2015 – has blasted his name back into the world championship contender conversation with stoppage wins in his last two fights and is now set on winning a second world title as part of the BOXXER stable.

Two of the UK’s top light-heavyweights will collide in the chief support bout when reigning British Light-Heavyweight champion ‘Super’ Dan Azeez (16-0, 11 KO’s) meets former champion Shakan Pitters (17-1, 6 KO’s) to make his first defence of the British Light-Heavyweight Championship he won by stopping the highly-accomplished Hosea Burton in November last year.

One of the hottest young talents in boxing, Adam ‘The Assassin’ Azim (5-0, 4 KO’s), will make the first defence of his WBC Youth title. Azim has ended his last four bouts inside the distance, most recently demolishing experienced European opponent Anthony Loffett in just 66 seconds. 

Amir Khan, who became world champion at just 22 years old, was ringside to witness that win in June and has lavished praise on the hard-hitting youngster, predicting that the 20-year-old may become a world champion even earlier than he did himself.

A super-middleweight firefight is on the cards when 2018 Commonwealth Games medalist John Docherty (12-1, 9 KO’s) travels down from Scotland to face Brazilian bomb-thrower Diego ‘Dynamite’ Costa (8-0, 5 KO’s).

The Manchester-based Costa is widely regarded as one of the most avoided fighters in the division but Doherty has no qualms about taking him on, setting up what is sure to be a non-stop battle between two fighters who rarely take a backwards step.

And another power-punching clash is predicted when Liverpool’s own Nathan Quarless (9-0) faces Middlesbrough man Michael Webster (7-0, 5 KO’s) in a cruiserweight contest which sees both prospects put their undefeated record on the line.

Amir Khan-managed Sikh sensation Tal Singh will also be making his professional debut at this event after swapping Liverpool for Las Vegas to train for the professional ranks.

Two more Liverpudlians appearing on the card are Paddy Lacey (6-0, 1 KO) who claimed victory in under 45 seconds in his most recent fight, and the 21-year-old Frankie Stringer (1-0), competing in his second professional bout following a successful debut in April.

Ben Shalom, BOXXER CEO and Founder, said: “We were delighted to sign Liam Smith, so there is no better place for him to make his debut with us than in his home city of Liverpool. Liam is a man on a mission. He wants to win a second world title and there are big fights coming his way. Coming off a defining stoppage win over Jessie Vargas at the iconic Madison Square Garden in April and returning to the M&S Bank Arena, where he stopped derby rival Anthony Fowler last October, Liam truly is in the best form of his life. This fight will be the perfect return to Sky against a proven dangerous puncher. Another big performance will set Liam up for a world title and potential box office fights.

“The fans on Merseyside will be in for a real treat with a highly-stacked card. Many boxing insiders are excited to see current British champion Dan Azeez and former champion Shakan Pitters collide. And the man who has captured the attention of every fight fan this year will be on show too, as Adam Azim takes to the ring. Adam has excelled in every fight thus far and he is developing into the superstar we all believe he will become. He has first-round stoppage wins in his last two fights – and I know he’ll be hungry to make it a hat-trick in his first defence of the WBC Youth World title. I can’t wait.”

Adam Smith, Head of Boxing Development at Sky Sports said, “We’re very excited to have Liam Smith back on Sky Sports and headlining a huge card in the fantastic fighting city of Liverpool as we kick off what will be an unbelievable action-packed Autumn season. A second world title is what Liam wants and having seen the hunger in him, I have no doubts he will achieve it, so I’m looking forward to seeing some big fights for Liam Smith as he makes that journey towards his second world title with BOXXER and Sky Sports.”

“There are some great fights on this Liverpool card – the British Light-Heavyweight Championship clash between Dan Azeez and Shakan Pitters will be electric, and every time I see Adam Azim fight, I feel like I’m watching the emergence of a future all-time great. This is a mammoth card for Merseyside at the start of September and I can’t wait to hear that Liverpool crowd when Liam Smith makes his walk to the ring.”

Further bouts for this massive night of boxing in Merseyside will be announced in the near future. 

Visit Boxxer.com today and register for the exclusive pre-sale to be first in line for the best seats at the best prices.

BOXXER proudly presents this event in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Village Hotels.

Coventry, UK (3 November 2021) Hard-hitting Reece Cartwright says even if Shakan Pitters can run as fast as sprint legend Usain Bolt, he will still stop him in his tracks and knock him out.

The Leeds banger takes on ‘Big Shak’ at the title packed show at the Coventry Skydome Arena on November 13, for the Vacant WBC International Light-Heavyweight title, live and free on Channel 5.

Pitters, the former British and Commonwealth champion, might have joked about being able to beat Bolt over 800m running backwards, but has seriously riled up his latest foe, by predicting he will take him out early.

Dangerman Cartwright has won 14 out of 23 fights by KO – with his last three fights ending in back-to-back KOs – and has only lost once so wants to show off his power and make the confident Birmingham man eat his words.

“I’ve seen some interviews with him saying he will just get in there and stop me quickly,” said the Yorkshireman.

“Well, my record speaks for itself and anyone who has been in the ring with me and said they were going to stop me, have been knocked out. All of them.

“Pitters can say what he likes, but it is a very different story when you’re getting punched in the face all night. I am going to be on his chest and in his face all night. He can’t hide behind that long jab all night. I will out-jab him, then smash him.

“And he’ll need to be able to run faster than Usain Bolt once he’s in the ring with me. He’ll realise that he will have nowhere to go. He’s not fast enough to escape.

“He’ll probably end up running backwards just to try and get away.”

Cartwright believed Pitters and the rest of British boxing are making a mistake and are overlooking his chances of becoming the WBC International Light-Heavyweight champion.

The 27-year-old has had one warm-up fight following almost three years out of the ring, in which he had to contend and conquer mental illness and indeed, fell out of love with boxing.

But back under the guidance of respected Manchester trainer Joe Pennington, the former English Middleweight champion is rejuvenated and in a good place again, and is delighted he is being billed as the underdog.

“The biggest factor on Saturday night might well be that he [Pitters] is just underestimating me,” he said.

“Maybe it’s because all my biggest fights have been at middleweight, and they think I am just going up to light-heavy for the money. I think he thinks I am just a fat middleweight, but he is wrong.

“He knows I can bang. I’ve got the power, the strength, the speed. All of it.

“I’ve been around the block when I was younger, so I’ve got my fighting style, but I’ve been back working with Joe and have been tweaking it.

“We’ve been working and changing things, adding things. I am just a completely different fighter. If worse comes to worse and I have to go to Plan B, then I go to Plan B, rush him and smash him up.”

Shakan Pitters v Reece Cartwright for the Vacant WBC International Light-Heavyweight Championship headlines the triple-title card that includes a fiery midlands derby between Coventry hot-shot River Wilson-Bent against Rowley Regis rival Tyler Denny for the Vacant English Middleweight Championship. Red hot Irish middleweight sensation Aaron ‘The Silencer’ McKenna will challenge for his first championship title. Aaron’s joins older brother Stevie ‘The Hitman’ McKenna who is lighting up the welterweight division with his dynamic and KO performances. The rest of the Hennessy All Stars team will be out in full force starting with welterweight ace Kaisee Benjamin, Birmingham super-middleweight Idris Virgo; Sevenoaks highly talented super-welterweight Michael Hennessy Jr.; undefeated County Donegal middleweight starlet Brett McGinty; unbeaten Brighton heavyweight destroyer Tommy Welch; Leamington Spa lightweight Danny Quartermaine and Chelmsley Wood lightweight Scott Melvin, both in separate four round contests.

Presented by Hennessy Sports in association with William Hill, Infinitum, Numan and Everlast, tickets are priced at £45, £55, £90 and £120 and are available from https://iceaccount.co.uk/wbc-championship-boxing-info

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

Coventry, UK (2 November 2021) Birmingham star Shakan Pitters will be walked into the ring by none other than Grime sensation Jaykae, next Saturday.

Pitters headlines the Hennessy Sports multi-title show at the Coventry Skydome Arena on November 13, when he faces Leeds puncher Reece Cartwright, for the Vacant WBC International Light-Heavyweight title, live and free on Channel 5.

Also in title action will be Coventry sensation River Wilson-Bent’s when he challenges for the Vacant English Middleweight title against Rowley Regis rival Tyler Denny in a fiery Midlands derby and undefeated Irish Middleweight ace Aaron McKenna challenging for his first title.

‘Big Shak’ knows a win will smash him into the top 15 in the world and with the renowned Jaykae recently collaborating with Ed Sheeran, the long-time Birmingham friends are ready to put on another special show.

“We grew up in more or less the same area, Small Heath, so we’ve basically seen each other grow up,” said Pitters, the former British and Commonwealth champion.

“He’s doing his music, I’m doing my boxing and it’s obviously brought us even closer together. It was always going to happen, it was just getting the timing right. This is it.

“Jaykae is a massive star that represents Birmingham. Everyone knows who he is and just how good he is. The ring walk and my fight are going to be great for all the fans, not just those in the Skydome, but everyone watching it live on Channel 5.

“He will get them going and electrify the crowd, then it will be over to me to put on an electric performance. It will be explosive.

“Jaykae will drop a banger, then I will drop and bang out Reece Cartwright.”

Jaykae, whose real name is Janum Khan, has been blowing up the scene for a while now and has played at all the country’s leading festivals like Glastonbury, Reading and Creamfields, and has appeared on stage with Drake and supported Stormzy and Skepta.

He is about to team up again with Mick Skinner and The Streets, the ground-breaking hip-hop group from Birmingham and was one of the local stars that performed alongside the likes of AJ Tracey, Lady Leshurr and Aitch at the BBC 1Xtra show at the Arena Birmingham in 2019.

Pitters was in the crowd that night and not only hopes to have Jaykae walk him into the ring again once he has taken care of Cartwright next Saturday but would love to see more grime stars from the second city get involved.

“I hope this is the start of something,” he said.

“I like to support my city and behind the scenes I do a lot with the schools in Birmingham and a few charities as well, so I would love to work more with the brilliant music stars we’ve got.

“I’d love to do it again with Jaykae, maybe Mista, maybe M1llionz… There are so many. The best artists in Birmingham walking in with me would be brilliant.”

Pitters is never short of a few words in the build-up to his fights but has confirmed he will not be joining Jaykae on the mic.

They are “still discussing” which one of the star’s biggest songs will see him in, but the big punching light-heavyweight is happy to let his friend get the Skydome rocking.

“I’ve tried a bit of freestyle rapping when I’ve been on holiday with my mates, but I am not really about that,” he said.

“Jaykae always sends out a positive message for Birmingham so I will leave the words to him. I’ll just let my fists do the talking.”

Shakan Pitters v Reece Cartwright for the Vacant WBC International Light-Heavyweight Championship headlines the triple-title card that includes a fiery midlands derby between Coventry hot-shot River Wilson-Bent against Rowley Regis rival Tyler Denny for the Vacant English Middleweight Championship. Red hot Irish middleweight sensation Aaron ‘The Silencer’ McKenna will challenge for his first championship title. Aaron’s joins older brother Stevie ‘The Hitman’ McKenna who is lighting up the welterweight division with his dynamic and KO performances. The rest of the Hennessy All Stars team will be out in full force starting with welterweight ace Kaisee Benjamin, Birmingham super-middleweight Idris Virgo; Sevenoaks highly talented super-welterweight Michael Hennessy Jr.; undefeated County Donegal middleweight starlet Brett McGinty; unbeaten Brighton heavyweight destroyer Tommy Welch and two new additions to the card, Leamington Spa lightweight Danny Quarter and Chelmsley Wood lightweight Scott Melvin, both in separate four round contests.

Presented by Hennessy Sports in association with William Hill, Infinitum, Numan and Everlast, tickets are priced at £45, £55, £90 and £120 and are available from https://iceaccount.co.uk/wbc-championship-boxing-info

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

Coventry, UK (22 October 2021) Former British Light-Heavyweight Champion Shakan Pitters reckons he could beat Usain Bolt running backwards… over 800m!

The Birmingham star headlines at the Coventry Skydome Arena on Saturday, November 13, when he takes on the Leeds puncher Reece Cartwright, for the Vacant WBC International Light-Heavyweight Championship, live and free on Channel 5.

Slick-hitter Pitters can’t wait to run rings round Cartwright with a victory putting him back on course towards World title contention.

Pitters’ mother was born and raised in Trelawny, Jamaica, close to Sherwood Content where the legendary Bolt grew up, and he still has relatives there.

Highly talented ‘Big Shak’, who was also a football apprentice at West Bromwich Albion, also showed some early promise on the athletics track when he held the 800m record at his secondary school and believes he would have given Bolt a run for his money.

The 6ft 6in Pitters said: “I had the record at my secondary school (George Dixon International School, Birmingham) for the 800m for a while. I was quite fast when I was younger, but was definitely more middle-distance.”

“I certainly wasn’t Usain Bolt when it came to short distances, but over 800m I’d have given him a good go. It would have to running backwards though!”

“I get all that explosive speed but with me, when people put their bodies through all that pain, I love it. It’s crazy but I love to push through it.

“That is why I was a middle-distance runner as a kid because I just knew how to adapt and stay calm under pressure. Would Usain be able to catch me over 800m? With my daddy long legs? No chance!”

“My promoter Mick Hennessy does a great job promoting fights maybe he could promote a race? I am all up for that if it makes sense and we are making good money. Bolt probably doesn’t need the money, so we’ll settle for 60%. He can get 40!”

In the ring, Pitters would be delighted to follow in Bolt’s global footsteps. Beating Cartwright will move him into the WBC top 15 world rankings, putting him back in the mix alongside the likes of British rivals Callum Smith, Josh Buatsi, Anthony Yarde and Lyndon Arthur on the light-heavyweight blocks.

And forget his 800m exploits when that opening bell sounds. Pitters doesn’t plan on letting Cartwright go the distance.

He said: “I will be going in there to take him out. There’s no great gameplan, it’s just plain and simple, I want to get him out of there. That’s just how I fight.”

Shakan Pitters v Reece Cartwright for the Vacant WBC International Light-Heavyweight Championship headlines the triple-title card that includes a fiery midlands derby between Coventry hot-shot River Wilson-Bent against Rowley Regis rival Tyler Denny for the Vacant English Middleweight Championship. Red hot Irish middleweight sensation Aaron ‘The Silencer’ McKenna will challenge for his first championship title. Aaron’s joins older brother Stevie ‘The Hitman’ McKenna who is lighting up the welterweight division with his dynamic and KO performances. The rest of the Hennessy All Stars team will be out in full force starting with Brixton cruiserweight ace Isaac Chamberlain, welterweight ace Kaisee Benjamin, Birmingham super-middleweight Idris Virgo; Sevenoaks highly talented super-welterweight Michael Hennessy Jr.; undefeated County Donegal middleweight starlet Brett McGinty and unbeaten Brighton heavyweight destroyer Tommy Welch.

Presented by Hennessy Sports in association with William Hill, Infinitum, Numan and Everlast, tickets are priced at £45, £55, £90 and £120 and are available from https://iceaccount.co.uk/wbc-championship-boxing-info

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

London, UK (31 August 2021) Concession of his cherished British title late last year has convinced Birmingham light-heavy ace Shakan Pitters to transform from a tidy technician into a terminator ahead of his return to the Coventry Skydome Arena, live and free on Channel 5.

Though felled in round four, the 6ft 6in skyscraper believes he had clawed his way ahead after eight rounds of his maiden defence against Craig ‘Spider’ Richards, only to be dropped and stopped (whilst back upright), late in round nine. The complacency of cruising is something he now intends to curtail.

‘Previously, I’ve been too content to box to victory. Maybe I got too comfy. It’s changed my mentality. Now I won’t fight to decisions even though I’ve got the technical ability to dominate distance fights,’ claims the 32 year old ex logistics worker who claimed his crown four months earlier with a comprehensive 12 round decision over Chad Sugden.

True to his word, the high-rise Brummie bounced back with a brutal fifth round butchering of Bradford’s useful Jermaine Springer at Coventry’s Skydome last May.

Pitters’ presence certainly enriches promoter Mick Hennessy’s stellar show – headlined by Sam Eggington’s WBC Silver Middleweight title against unbeaten French rival Bilel Jkitou – when he takes Amsterdam’s experienced Farouk Daku over eights rounds.

‘Now my mindset is to win in dramatic fashion. I know what power I possess when I hold my feet. Jermaine was a strong kid but I felt I had to make a statement,’ says Pitters who can boast three clean knockouts in his five stoppage wins.

Formerly an Ultimate Boxxer, English and British champion, the Richards’ reverse represents the only stain on Shak’s 16 fight pro slate

‘I was boxing well, winning the fight but, up at this weight, all the best boys can hit and ‘Spider’ got a punch off,’ recalls the ex-West Bromwich Albion trainee.

‘It’s not as though it was a one-sided beating. The ref did his job but there were only about 15 seconds left in the round, in a title fight, and I was up. I can’t control the critics.

‘I trained to win as always but the better man won on the night. You just have to learn and move on. I learnt a lot, there’s improvements to be made. It’s part of my journey. You have to be graceful in defeat as well as victory and try to move forward. If we did it again, I’m sure I’d get the win, 100%. I’m a better boxer and I’ll never be beaten on heart. But I can’t become pre-occupied with chasing one fight.’

Alas, with Covid rampant, the finest night of Pitter’ four year fighting career, his coronation against Midland rival Sugden, transpired at an empty production studio in Redditch.

‘It was a bit of an anti-climax,’ concedes the string bean sharpshooter.

‘I’d have loved to have shared the night with my family and friends, snapping photos of me live rather than snapping their TV screens at home but I know they were all with me in spirit. Now they can return, I intend to give them their monies worth and win in dramatic fashion.’

So what of the future? The ex-champ, who is managed by Jon Pegg and coached by father-son duet Paul and Louis Counihan at the city’s thriving Eastside gym, was already 28 when committing to the profession in March 2017 and time is no longer a friend.

‘I may be 32 but I’m low mileage. I believe my fitness and power are as good as they’ve ever been,’ insists Pitters whose father Colin and uncle Rob were both respected pros.

‘With the likes of Joshua Buatsi, Callum Johnson, ‘Spider’, Lyndon Arthur, Anthony Yarde, the division is thriving and the fans need to get behind it. If I had a choice, a rematch with Spider would be top but I’d fight any of them. I’m scared of nobody and I’m confident of beating all of them. I bring a lot of advantages and I know what I’m capable of. You’ll notice there’s nobody calling me out.

‘I leave it to my team to navigate. One step at a time. If it made sense to fight for the British again, of course, I’d do it. I’d also love to fight for the European.

‘I’ve now been through the worst bit and never want to feel like that again. Look, there are other ways to make good money but my motivation has always been my little five year old daughter. She’s my pride, always utmost in my heart. Boxing has always been more of a passion in my family and I want to be the one who took it the furthest.’ finished the Brummie.

Tickets are available to purchase now from only £40* from the Coventry Skydome Arena website https://iceaccount.co.uk/championship-boxing

ITV Central feature | Michelin starred chef Glynn Purnell gives a masterclass in cooking with Sam Eggington, Shakan Pitters, Kaisee Benjamin and River Wilson-Bent
Sam Eggington’s WBC Silver Middleweight title defence against unbeaten French star Bilel Jkitou headlines an action packed card Hennessy All-Stars featuring some of the stars from the promoter’s stable including big-hitting Brixton star Isaac Chamberlain; Irish KO king Stevie McKenna faces France’s Moussa Gary over six rounds ; Birmingham’s Former British Light-Heavyweight Champion Shakan Pitters tackles Holland’s Farouk Daku over eight rounds; Coventry’s dynamite-punching middleweight sensation River Wilson-Bent takes on Bosnian hardman Sladjan Janjanin in a 10-round international contest, Birmingham welterweight ace Kaisee Benjamin battles Finland’s Jarkko Putkonen over ten rounds; Birmingham’s flash and brash Love Island and super-middleweight star Idris Virgo takes on the Czech Republic’s Michal Ryba over six rounds; red-hot Irish super-welterweight talent Brett McGinty faces Lithuania’s Lukas Ulys over four rounds; Brighton heavyweight destroyer Tommy Welch squares up against Spain’s Alvaro Terrero over four rounds and completing the card is the silky skilled Sevenoaks prospect Michael Hennessy Jr.

MEDIA ACCREDITATION

To apply for media accreditation to attend the Coventry Skydome Area show on Friday 10th September please CLICK HERE
For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

London, UK (9 August 2021) Tickets from just £40* are on sale now for promoter Mick Hennessy’s show Hennessy All-Stars featuring some of the best in British and Irish boxing talents on one huge night of boxing at the Coventry Skydome Arena on Friday 10th September.

All-action Birmingham warrior Sam Eggington headlines the show in a big championship contest to be announced shortly, supported by the return of big-hitting Brixton star Isaac Chamberlain; Irish KO king Stevie McKenna; Birmingham’s Former British Light-Heavyweight Champion Shakan Pitters; Coventry’s dynamite-punching middleweight sensation River Wilson-Bent, Birmingham welterweight ace Kaisee Benjamin; Birmingham’s flash and brash Love Island and super-middleweight star Idris Virgo; red-hot Irish super-welterweight talent Brett McGinty; Brighton heavyweight destroyer Tommy Welch and the silky skilled Sevenoaks prospect Michael Hennessy Jr.

Tickets are available to purchase now from only £40* from the Coventry Skydome Arena website https://iceaccount.co.uk/championship-boxing

Attendance will be subject to following government guidelines that can be viewed here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do?priority-taxon=774cee22-d896-44c1-a611-e3109cce8eae

Terms and Conditions can be viewed here:

Code of conduct https://iceaccount.co.uk/legal/coventry/code-of-conduct

Plan your visit https://iceaccount.co.uk/legal/coventry/plan-your-visit

For further information please visit www.planet-ice.co.uk and Hennessy Sports social media platforms.

*Subject to booking fee

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

London, UK (30 July 2021) Promoter Mick Hennessy will showcase the brightest boxing talents of his quality packed stable in one mega night of boxing at the Coventry Skydome Arena on Friday 10th September, live and free in the UK and Ireland on Channel 5.

Hennessy’s biggest stars, champions and prospects will get to show off their skills and dynamite punching in front of a live crowd and viewing TV audience as they aim to become British boxing’s next big thing.

Presented by Hennessy Sports in association with William Hill, Infinitum, Numan and Everlast, tickets will start at £40 and go on sale on general sale shortly.

The action packed line up features:

Sam Eggington: Multi-tilted, all-action Eggington won the WBC Silver Middleweight title in a thrilling battle with Carlos Molina in May and picked up a World ranking as he closes in fast on a World title.

Isaac Chamberlain: The Brixton banger makes his highly anticipated return to the ring following career enhancing shoulder surgery which will make him better than ever and is now ready to rock and is back to his big-punching best again.

Stevie McKenna: The Irish dynamo has TNT packed in his fists with all eight out of eight of his opponents KO’d within five rounds. The County Monaghan welterweight terror is gunning for a showdown with English rival Conor Benn next year as he continues leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.

Shakan Pitters: The charismatic Birmingham giant signalled his explosive return to the ring earlier this year with a KO of Jermaine Springer and now looks to regain his mantle as British Light-Heavyweight Champion.

River Wilson Bent: The fast-rising Coventry middleweight hot shot has been hailed as the new Ricky Hatton with his exhilarating knockout style and lifted the roof off the Planet Ice Arena with his KO of George Farrell last time out.

Kaisee Benjamin: Thrilled in his last fight when he floored rival Martin Harkin with a searing body shot in the sixth round and Harkin didn’t come out for the next round. Super skilled Benjamin is shaping up to be a serious threat in the welterweight division.

Idris Virgo: The Love Island star is proving to be the real deal as he continues on the road to his first title fight. With a physique carved out of rock, the flash and brash Birmingham super- middleweight ace has backed everything up so far.

Brett McGinty: The sensational Ricky Hatton trained, Donegal super-welterweight, and former amateur standout talent is unbeaten in two fights and is showing signs of becoming a force to be reckoned with as he developes.

Tommy Welch: The Brighton heavyweight star and former amateur sensation brings hell every time he fights and he doesn’t hang about with all three of his fights ending by KO inside two rounds.

Michael Hennessy Jr.: A former top amateur with a wealth of experience, the stylish Sevenoaks super-welterweight is looking better and better each time with some eye-catching combinations to head and body as looks to stamp his mark in the pro game.

Hennessy was the first boxing promoter to open the doors to the public in May at the Coventry Skydome Arena and the allocated tickets – put on sale just five days before the show – sold out within minutes and the action starved fight fans were given to a fistic treat.

This time the Coventry Skydome Arena will be open to full capacity on Friday 10th September and Hennessy is promising a night of entertainment that they won’t forget.

He said, “This is a real boxing bonanza of a card for the fight fans. After a very tough time that everyone has had, this is a show for the fans where they can come out and enjoy the fights, see the Hennessy Sports stable of champions from Sam, Kaisee, River, the return of Isaac, Shakan on his comeback, and our exciting future of young talents like Stevie, Idris, Brett, Tommy and Michael all showcasing their skills. The breadth of talent across the weight divisions is just incredible and shows the strength of British and Irish boxing as they look to shine on this massive night. There will be real entertaining, fifty-fifty, fights throughout the card to savour so don’t miss this one.”

The full card will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets will go on sale shortly and are expected to sell out fast so keep a close eye on Hennessy Sports social media accounts for more announcements.

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

London, UK (30 April 2021) Former British Light-Heavyweight Champion Shakan Pitters will be backing old foe Craig Richards in his WBA World title challenge against Dmitry Bivol tomorrow night.

Pitters lost his British title to Richards last December when ahead on the judges’ scorecards he was stopped in the ninth round by the hard-hitting Londoner, but he wants to see his rival win the title which could set up future rematch between the pair.

‘Big Shak’ begins his comeback on Saturday 22nd May at the Coventry Skydome Arena, exclusively live and free on Channel 5, when he takes on Bradford’s Jermaine Springer in an eight-rounder on the undercard of the big showdown between Sam Eggington and Carlos Molina for the WBC Silver Middleweight Championship.

He said, “Anything can happen in boxing and he’s got a good chance tomorrow night. He’s stepped up to face Bivol who’s unbeaten and won the world title in just his seventh fight and he can punch. I’ve spoken to Richards since our fight and we’re cool, I wished him all the best and it’s great for British boxing if he wins.”

The 31-year-old from Birmingham is hungry to return to the ring and do a good job on Springer and then push his case for a championship title opportunity.

He added, “I’d like the rematch with Richards, but I’m not going to chase it, I’m going to focus on my own career and keep winning and get the belts coming in and then in time I’m sure we’ll meet again.”

“I’ve been working hard in the gym since the Richards fight with my trainer Jon Pegg and we’ve been focusing on ring generalship and aggression so you’ll be seeing a more attacking Shakan Pitters on his return,”

“I’m looking for a more clinical performance and do what I do best and show the skills and make a real statement.”

Presented by Hennessy Sports in association with William Hill, Infinitum, Numan, Everlast and King Carlos Promotions, Eggington v Molina will headline the exciting nine-fight card exclusively live and free-to-air across the UK and Ireland on Channel 5.

Main event features Birmingham warrior Sam Eggington (29-7-0, 17 KO’s) against Mexico’s hard-as-nails Carlos Molina (37-11-2, 12 KO’s) for the Vacant WBC Silver Middleweight Championship. Chief support features a cracking showdown between Birmingham’s Kaisee Benjamin (11-1-1, 2 KO’s) and Dumbarton’s Martin Harkin (13-1-0, 5 KO’s) in an Eliminator for the British Welterweight Championship (Subject to BBBofC approval).

Also on the card, Coventry sensation River Wilson-Bent (8-0-0, 4 KO’s) makes the first defence of his Midlands Area Middleweight title against Derby’s George Farrell (5-0-0, 1 KO). Former British Light-Heavyweight Champion Shakan Pitters (14-1-0, 4 KO’s) has his first back against Bradford’s Jermaine Springer (7-2-0, 1 KO) in an eight-rounder since losing his title to Craig Richards last December. County Monaghan super-lightweight dynamo Stephen ‘The Hitman’ McKenna (7-0-0, 7 KO’s) features in a six-rounder, but the undefeated red-hot 24-year-old prospect has not needed to go the distance yet with all his fights ending inside. Birmingham middleweight bombshell Idris ‘The Bodybreaker’ Virgo (9-0-1, 1 KO) goes in over six-rounds. Sevenoaks all-action super-welterweight Michael Hennessy Jr. (5-1-1) is in a six-rounder against Warminster’s Paul Cummings. Irish super-welterweight ace Brett McGinty (1-0) follows up his thrilling pro debut last December when he features in a four-rounder against Birmingham’s Josh Hodgins. Brighton heavyweight talent Tommy Welch (1-0-0, 1 KO), son of the former British, Commonwealth and World Heavyweight title challenger Scott, follow’s up his explosive debut last December when he stopped Matt Gordon in the second round and features in a four-round contest.

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

Redditch, UK (19 December 2020) Promoter Mick Hennessy closed the year last night with an exciting all-action show full of drama and knockouts from the Fly By Night TV studio in Redditch, Worcestershire, to viewers live on Channel 5 in the UK and via a live stream available around the world.

6 x 3 Rounds Middleweight Contest
Brett McGinty WPTS6 (59-56) Jan Ardon
Hennessy’s new signing Brett McGinty made a successful start to his pro career with a points win over the tough Czech born and Manchester based Jan Ardon. The Monaghan talent went in over six rounds instead of the usual four for a pro-debutant. Ardon was a late replacement and a heavier opponent and a big test for someones debut, but McGinty worked well to the head and body and showed his class. He was caught in the fourth and momentarily stunned but got through it and had to fight hard in the last two rounds to get a great win on is debut.

6 x 3 Rounds Middleweight Contest
Idris Virgo WPTS6 (60-54) Kearon Thomas
Unbeaten Birmingham middleweight maintained his unbeaten record with a 60-54 points victory over Walsall’s Kearon Thomas. Virgo hurt Thomas with a good body shot in the second round but Thomas managed to recover and get through it with Virgo looking to finish him off. In the fifth Virgo landed a low blow that had Thomas take some time to recover from. Virgo kept up the attack until the end to get his hand raised and his did his customary bow to the cameras.

6 x 3 Rounds Super Super-Lightweight Contest
Stephen McKenna WTKO3 (Time: 0:36) Des Newton
Irish super-lightweight ace Stephen McKenna ended his year with a knockout performance, flattening Bere Alston’s experienced Des Newton in the third round. McKenna started fast and hard throwing big bombs to head and body as he looked to get the tough Newton out early until he landed a big right hand in the third round. The undefeated Monahan Hitman took his record to a perfect 7-0 with 7 knockouts and now looks ahead to a big year in 2021 with the world’s eyes on the young talent as he progresses.

6 x 3 Rounds Super-Flyweight Contest
Sammy Cantwell LTKO6 (Time: 0:49) Stephen Jackson
In an entertaining hard fought contest, super-flyweight Sammy Cantwell, son of the popular 90s British Flyweight Champion and four-time World Title Challenger, Mickey, was stopped in the final round by Manchester’s pro-debutant Stephen Jackson. Cantwell was due to fight Ricky Little for the Southern Area title, but Little withdrew earlier in the week due to medical reasons (non-COVID) with Jackson coming in at late notice. Cantwell fought well considering he had been out of the ring for two years and at times he hurt Jackson. It was a gutsy and gritty performance from Cantwell, with Jackson also landing eye catching punches and hard combinations. In the sixth Jackson landed a big right hand and hurt Cantwell with more shots before the referee halted the action.

10 x 3 Rounds Midlands Area Middleweight Title
River Wilson Bent WKO3 (Time: 1:42) Troy Coleman
In the most explosive knockout of the night and certainly a contender for KO of the year, Coventry’s River Wilson Bent landed a huge right hand in the third round that had Burntwood’s Coleman out before he hit the canvas. Coleman tried bravely to get to his feet, but the referee waved it off at the count of ten. Unbeaten Bent claimed the Midlands Area Middleweight title and marked himself out as a big-hitting contender in the division.

12 x 3 British Light Heavyweight Title
Shakan Pitters LTKO9 (Time: 2:42) Craig Richards
In the main event, fierce light-heavyweight rival Shakan Pitters and Craig Richards delivered an exciting fight to end the year. Pitters, making the first defence of his British title that he won against Chad Sugden in August, was stopped in the ninth round in a real humdinger of a battle that was swinging in momentum. Pitters started the fight well, controlling with his long jab and keeping Crystal Palace’s Richards at a distance, but in the fourth round Richards landed a big right that rocked Pitters and followed that with a right hook that floored the Birmingham man. Getting up at three, Pitters went on the move with Richards moving in to try and find a shot to finish him off, but he survived the round. Re-establishing himself, Pitters then got back to work in the fifth and landed a good right hand at the end of the sixth. In the seventh and eighth, both landed good shots on each other with the fight very tight on points, but in the ninth Richards stepped it up and landed a big right hook to drop Pitters on the ropes. With Pitters hurt, Richards landed a left hook that floored him heavily, bravely up at the count of seven he was still on shaky legs and the referee Victor Loughlin called it off. Pitters will now take time to recover over the Christmas period and plot his route back next year.

*Sevenoaks middleweight Michael Hennessy Jr. had to withdraw from his fight against Kevin McCauley just before the contest during the warm up after damaging his left hand on the pads. Hennessy hurt it in his fight last week against Dale Arrowsmith and had been receiving physiotherapy treatment during the week which left him feeling good to fight. but when he started hitting the pads heavily the hand injured again. His team felt it would be in his best interest to withdraw.

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

Redditch, UK (18 December 2020) Promoter Mick Hennessy has outlined the methods boxing fans in the UK, Ireland and around the world can view tonight’s big fight card.

For the UK & Ireland use: https://youtu.be/5TgV31H0Hj8

For around the world use the undercard link: https://youtu.be/5TgV31H0Hj8

For main event Pitters v Richards use link: https://youtu.be/oJCceNImvro
The British Light-Heavyweight title showdown between Birmingham’s Shakan Pitters against Crystal Palace’s Craig Richards headlines the Hennessy Sports fight night. Chief support features the Midlands Area Middleweight Title between Coventry’s River Bent and Burntwood’s Troy Coleman. The undercard features unbeaten Irish super-lightweight sensation Stephen McKenna who takes on Plymouth’s Des Newton; Birmingham middleweight Idris Virgo takes on Walsall Kearon Thomas; Sevenoaks super-welterweight Michael Hennessy Jr. faces Stourbridge’s Kevin McCauley; Bexleyheath super flyweight Sammy Cantwell takes on Manchester’s Stephen Jackson* and red hot Irish prospect Brett McGinty from County Donegal makes his long awaited professional debut against Jan Ardon.

*Stephen Jackson replaces Ricky Little who withdrew due to medial reasons (non-Covid) with the fight now a six-round contest, not for the Southern Area Super-Flyweight title.
For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

Redditch, UK (17 December 2020) Promoter Mick Hennessy is delighted to confirm that all the boxers’ featuring on his final event of the year tomorrow night (Friday 18 December) at the Fly By Nite TV studio in Redditch have all passed their COVID-19 tests and are cleared to fight.

Since the recommencement of boxing shows behind closed doors in August, Hennessy will now have successfully staged four TV studio shows and due to the strict shielding policies enforced in the build up, is proud that none of the boxers featuring on any of his shows have tested positive COVID-19.

The boxers’ weighed in today, with the main event, the British Light-Heavyweight Championship between Champion Shakan Pitters and Challenger Craig Richards, both coming in just under the 12st 7lb (175lbs) limit before they collide tomorrow night, exclusively LIVE and FREE on Channel 5 in the UK.

Pitters, who weighed 12st 6lb 2oz (174lb 2oz), said, “I’m ready to rock and roll. I hit the weight easy and feel good and strong. Now it’s just ticking down until tomorrow and Richards will find out he’s out of his depth for all the rubbish he’s been talking.”

Richards, who came in at 12st 6lb 4oz (174lb 4oz), said, “That’s done and I’m ready to go. Tomorrow can’t come soon enough. This isn’t going the distance.”

All the weights from today’s weigh-in at the Holiday Inn, Redditch

6 x 3 Rounds Middleweight Contest
Idris Virgo 11st 9lb 12oz (163lb 12oz)
vs.
Kearon Thomas 11st 11lb 3oz (165lb 3oz)

6 x 3 Rounds Super Lightweight Contest
Stephen McKenna 10st 9lb 8oz (149lb 8oz)
vs.
Des Newton 10st 10lb 4oz (150lb 4oz)

6 x 3 Rounds Light Middleweight Contest
Michael Hennessy Jr 11st 2lb 10oz (156lb 10oz)
vs.
Kevin McCauley 11st 7lb 12oz (161lb 12oz)

Vacant Midlands Area Middleweight Championship
10 x 3 Rounds Contest at 11st 6lb (160lb)
River Bent 11st 5lb 4oz (159lb 4oz)
vs.
Troy Coleman 11st 5lb 12oz (159lb 12oz)

British Light Heavyweight Championship
12 x 3 Rounds at 12st 7lb (175lb)
Shakan Pitters 12st 6lb 2oz (174lb 2oz)
vs.
Craig Richards 12st 6lb 4oz (174lb 4oz)

Weighing in tomorrow:

6 x 3 Rounds Middleweight Contest
Brett McGinty vs Jan Ardon

6 x 3 Rounds Super-Flyweight Contest
Sammy Cantwell vs Stephen Jackson

The British Light-Heavyweight title showdown between Birmingham’s Shakan Pitters against Crystal Palace’s Craig Richards headlines the Hennessy Sports fight night, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5. Chief support features the Midlands Area Middleweight Title between Coventry’s River Bent and Burntwood’s Troy Coleman. The undercard features unbeaten Irish super-lightweight sensation Stephen McKenna who takes on Plymouth’s Des Newton; Sevenoaks super-welterweight Michael Hennessy Jr.; Birmingham middleweight Idris Virgo takes on Walsall Kearon Thomas; Bexleyheath super-flyweight Sammy Cantwell and red hot Irish prospect Brett McGinty from County Donegal makes his long awaited professional debut.

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

London, UK (16 December 2020) British Light-Heavyweight title challenger Craig Richards aims to close the final domestic boxing show of the year with a knockout of Champion Shakan Pitters and claim the Lonsdale belt.

Richards and Pitters collide this Friday night at the Fly By Nite TV studio in Redditch, exclusively LIVE and FREE in the UK on Channel 5.

With the recent shock defeats of heavyweight Daniel Dubois and light-heavyweight Anthony Yarde to Joe Joyce and Lyndon Arthur, respectively, the Crystal Palace hotshot says it will not be an upset when he defeats the unbeaten Birmingham stylist.“I don’t believe it will be an upset when I beat Pitters. I’m a better fighter than him, I’ve boxed at a higher level and I’m just going out to get the job done,” Said Richards.

“I’ve had the right preparation and I’m ready to get the job done. I just to go out and show my abilities and what I’m capable of,”

“I’ve found sparring partner similar to his stature and attributes so I’ve been quite fortunate. I’ve had loads of differing sparring partners like Lawrence Okolie and Mark Williams, cruiserweights to tall light-heavyweights.”

“First thing I’m thinking about is December 18, before I think of anything else, so that’s my main focus. I’ve been thriving on this and looking forward to it for a long time,”

“It’s the fight I’ve been waiting for to really get the performance out of myself and it will be a win by KO or just the win.”

The British Light-Heavyweight title showdown between Birmingham’s Shakan Pitters against Crystal Palace’s Craig Richards headlines the Hennessy Sports fight night, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5. Chief support features the Midlands Area Middleweight Title between Coventry’s River Bent and Burntwood’s Troy Coleman, plus the Southern Area Super-Flyweight Title between Bexleyheath’s Sammy Cantwell and Southampton’s Ricky Little. The undercard features unbeaten Irish super-lightweight sensation Stephen McKenna who takes on Plymouth’s Des Newton; Sevenoaks super-welterweight Michael Hennessy Jr. and Birmingham middleweight Idris Virgo takes on Walsall Kearon Thomas.

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

London, UK (16 December 2020) British Light-Heavyweight Champion Shakan Pitters and challenger Craig Richards checked into their fight hotel in Redditch today with their respective training teams to undertake the mandatory COVID-19 test.

Birmingham’s Pitters put his title on the line in his first defence against London rival Richards this Friday (18 December) at the Fly By Nite TV studio, exclusively LIVE and FREE on Channel 5 in the UK.

After taking the COVID-19 test, both fighters and teams headed to their rooms to quarantine and await the vital all-clear results.

Hennessy Sports has again 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.

Other boxers featuring on the undercard are River Bent, Troy Coleman, Sammy Cantwell, Ricky Little, Stephen McKenna, Michael Hennessy Jr., Idris Virgo and their opponents also took the mandatory test before quarantining in their hotel rooms.

Promoter Mick Hennessy applied stricter shielding measures for his boxers’ featuring on the event last Friday (11 December) to minimised their exposure to the coronavirus to ensure the boxers’ would be able to feature on this Friday’s show.

The British Light-Heavyweight title showdown between Birmingham’s Shakan Pitters against Crystal Palace’s Craig Richards headlines the Hennessy Sports fight night, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5. Chief support features the Midlands Area Middleweight Title between Coventry’s River Bent and Burntwood’s Troy Coleman, plus the Southern Area Super-Flyweight Title between Bexleyheath’s Sammy Cantwell and Southampton’s Ricky Little. The undercard features unbeaten Irish super-lightweight sensation Stephen McKenna who takes on Birmingham’s Des Newton; Sevenoaks super-welterweight Michael Hennessy Jr. and Birmingham middleweight Idris Virgo takes on Walsall Kearon Thomas.

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

London, UK (15 December 2020) British Light-Heavyweight Champion Shakan Pitters hasn’t taken challenger Craig Richards for granted after seeing recent high profile defeats involving Anthony Yarde and Daniel Dubois.

Undefeated Pitters makes the first defence of the Lonsdale belt against Londoner Richards this Friday (18 December) at the Fly By Nite TV Studio in Redditch, live and free in the UK on Channel 5.

Earlier this month Yarde was turned over by Lyndon Arthur to win the Commonwealth and WBO Intercontinental 175lb titles and heavyweight Dubois lost to bookies’ underdog Joe Joyce in their British, Commonwealth and European title scrap.

The Birmingham ace won the British title in a tough twelve round battle against Chad Sugden and isn’t prepared to let the titles go without a fight and realises the threat Richards presents.

“Those results show how tough this sport is to hold onto the titles and to take nothing for granted,” Said Pitters.

“Richards is a dangerous challenger and I’ve not looked beyond this fight against him. Everything has been focused on this fight only and retaining my title in my first defence,”

“Whilst they were upsets, I wasn’t completely surprised by the Yarde and Dubois loses. Arthur is a top quality fighter and vastly underrated, whilst Joyce was a class former Olympian and I couldn’t understand why he was installed as the underdog by the bookmakers,”

“Knowing that Richards wants to rip the title from me, take away my career, future earnings and being able to feed my family is all the motivation in the World I need to win and keep hold of this title.”

The Pitters-Richard showdown has been a long time coming. They were due to meet for the British title in March this year after promoter Mick Hennessy won the purse bid, but Richards withdrew with a viral infection and Sugden stepped in to replace him – with Hennessy giving Richards the first shot at the winner.

Pitters v Sugden was then postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak and the ensuing national lockdown, but then with the recommencement of sport behind closed doors they finally clashed in August and Pitters won widely on the scorecards with a superb boxing display.

Hennessy then delivered on his word and gave Richards his chance with the bout set for November 14, but then Pitters suffered an injury in training and the fight was rescheduled for this Friday.

Despite the turbulent year, Pitters aims to end they year on a high by beating Richards and move into a positive 2021.

He added, “This time last year nobody could have predicted the way this year has turned out. Coronavirus has turned the World upside down and caused so much disruption and pain to everything we took for granted in our everyday lives,”

“I think one of the biggest factors in fighting the pandemic is the human fighting spirit, not giving in and coming together to battle the disease and we are starting to turn the war more in our favour with the vaccine roll out,”

“Through it all, I’ve kept the faith, kept me and family safe and just believed that things would eventually start get back to normal. Whilst we’ve still got a long way to go, I’m a positive believer and things will change next year,”

“I’ve not let the coronavirus derail me and I certainly won’t let Craig Richards on Friday night.”

The British Light-Heavyweight title showdown between Birmingham’s Shakan Pitters against Crystal Palace’s Craig Richards headlines the Hennessy Sports fight night, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5. Chief support features the Midlands Area Middleweight Title between Coventry’s River Bent and Burntwood’s Troy Coleman, plus the Southern Area Super-Flyweight Title between Bexleyheath’s Sammy Cantwell and Southampton’s Ricky Little. The undercard features unbeaten Irish super-lightweight sensation Stephen McKenna who takes on Birmingham’s Des Newton; Sevenoaks super-welterweight Michael Hennessy Jr. and Birmingham middleweight Idris Virgo takes on Walsall Kearon Thomas.

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

London, UK (2 December 2020) Love Island star Nathan Massey is backing friend and personal trainer Sammy Cantwell to win the Southern Area Super Flyweight title fight against Ricky Little on Saturday 18th December on the undercard of the Shakan Pitters-Craig Richards British Light-Heavyweight title showdown.

Cantwell puts Massey, winner of the hit reality show in 2016, through brutal training session at the Cantwell Boxing Gym in Eltham so he’s in good shape to the delight of his near 1 million followers on Instagram.

Massey, a former amateur boxer, said, “I’m a massive boxing fan and love the sport. It’s the best training out there to get fit, toned and for mental health and Sammy has done a great job working on me,”

“I know what he puts me through in training is only a quarter of what he does himself everyday ahead of his title fight and his focus, commitment and determination is really unbelievable to see, I know he can win on the night.”

With a raft of former Love Island stars in pro boxing with the likes of Jack Fincham, Tommy Fury and Idris Virgo – who features on the Cantwell-Little undercard – Massey has no desire to follow in their pro footsteps.

“I did a little amateur boxing when I was younger and had a charity fight a couple of years ago, but there’s no way I’d want to get into that pro ring,”

“Well, if a promoter offered me an extremely obscene amount of money to turn pro then I’d have to give it some serious thought , but with that unlikely, I’m very happy to leave it to Sammy and the others to get on with it!”

Cantwell challenges for his first title and aims to emulate father Mickey, the popular 90s British Flyweight Champion and four-time World Title Challenger, with a victory over Little.

He said, “I’d like to give Love Island a go, I’ve still got the boy looks and the bod, but my fiancé wouldn’t be too impressed with that!”

“Nathan and the rest of them have lived the life in that sunny villa, compared to me getting punched and battered in a sweaty old gym every day,”

“It’s the glory and pride to lift my first title that makes the sacrifice all worthwhile though. I saw my dad go through it and it’s motivating me to beat Little.”

The British Light-Heavyweight title showdown between Birmingham’s Shakan Pitters against Crystal Palace’s Craig Richards headlines the Hennessy Sports fight night, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5. Chief support features the Midlands Area Middleweight Title between Coventry’s River Bent and Burntwood’s Troy Coleman, plus the Southern Area Super-Flyweight Title between Bexleyheath’s Sammy Cantwell and Southampton’s Ricky Little. The undercard features unbeaten Irish super-lightweight sensation Stephen McKenna; Sevenoaks super-welterweight Michael Hennessy Jr. and Birmingham middleweight Idris Virgo.

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

London, UK (26 November 2020) It’s fair to say that leading light-heavyweights Craig ‘Spider’ Richards and Shakan Pitters don’t like each other, don’t rate each other!

Since first paired to punch it out for the British title earlier this year, the bitter rivals have been sniping at each other like a couple of famished pit bulls during a fiery build-up to their Channel 5 televised collision at the Fly By Nite Rehearsal Studios, Redditch, on Friday 18th December.

Latterly, 6ft 6in Midland man Pitters, undefeated in 14 starts, has publicly slaughtered his south London nemesis as a deluded, puffed up super-middle who is easily frustrated and crumbles under pressure when cast in the spotlight.

The ‘Spider’ man – thus named after a vanquished victim commented that he appeared to possess more than two arms! – unsurprisingly begs to differ.

‘I’d known Shakan for a while and everything was always cool. Then, from nowhere, as we both progressed, Shak started bad mouthing me on social, saying weird stuff that I was scared, ducking him….please!’ mocks the 30 year old Richards whose only reverse in 17 was a short-notice 12 round points loss to then British champ Frank Buglioni on an Anthony Joshua undercard at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium in October 2017.

‘Shakan’s a clown. I saw him dropped by a real journeyman (Czech Jiri Svacina) earlier in his career. And he’s not dangerous, ain’t stopped anyone who wasn’t stopped about 20 times previously.

‘I don’t really care about him. Listen, in the past, they’ve all called me out. They all say a lot of things before the bell rings. Jake Ball was taller. He’d been at Team GB. No way could I outbox him. He had quicker hands, quicker feet……he was smashed in three!’

‘After I expose Pitters, he’ll have to go back to the drawing board just like all the others did. Afterwards, they all say: ‘I didn’t realise you were so strong, didn’t know you hit so hard.’ Shak’s in for a serious reality check.

‘Look, he’s ‘half’ decent. Half. He relies on his height and keeps running but there’s a lot of flaws. Everything he does is simple, basic, nothing I’ve not seen or faced before. There’s nothing unique about him. I’ve tall sparring partners who are exactly the same.

‘Him coming down from cruiser and me coming up from super-middle will work against him. I’m the more NATURAL light-heavy. I’ll have more energy. Besides, I mostly spar decent cruisers and always walk them down.’

To compensate for conceding physical advantages and home court, cruncher Craig (eight stoppage wins), holds a sizeable sway in ring experience over the reigning champion who acquired his crown with clear win over Newark’s Chad Sugden in August.

Though Richards’ CV lists just three extra fights, he has 24 more pro rounds on his slate. While Pitters has passed round six just twice, rugged Richards has the security of having completed the 12 round championship trip against both Buglioni and New Cross nugget Andre Sterling (dumped and decisioned in an eliminator), plus a further 10 in an early career Southern Area 12st win over Alan Higgins.

‘Shakan was hurt several times during his English title win with Dec Spelman. Unlike Pitters, I’ve been an underdog. I’ve been out of my depth. There’s a lot he’s still not been through. I know how to handle a crisis. He doesn’t,’ warns Richards.

‘I seriously don’t like six or eight round fights. Tens and 12s suit me more cos I can systematically break a fight down, control and maintain a pace that others can’t match. I finish stronger than I start, both in the gym and on fight night.’

And Richards openly scoffs at the suggestion that he caved under the weight of expectation, firstly against Buglioni, then again when held to an eight-round tie by Sugden in his title tune-up last December.

‘Look, I’ve been the co-main event before 10,000 at the O2 and won. I’ve boxed on AJ undercards, Golovkin undercards. Big fights, real pressure. Been there, done it,’ states Richards.

When judgement day arrives, the ‘Spider’ man predicts Pitters will suffer a severe case of arachnophobia; tangled in his web, then ruthlessly devoured.

‘There’s multiple factors as to why I beat him,’ he concludes.

‘I’ll not chase a stoppage but if the opportunity presents, I’ll get him out of there. I definitely have the artillery. I’m different calibre altogether!’

The British Light-Heavyweight title showdown between Birmingham’s Shakan Pitters against Crystal Palace’s Craig Richards headlines the Hennessy Sports fight night. Chief support features the Midlands Area Middleweight Title between Coventry’s River Bent and Burntwood’s Troy Coleman, plus the Southern Area Super-Flyweight Title between Bexleyheath’s Sammy Cantwell and Southampton’s Ricky Little. The undercard features unbeaten Irish super-lightweight sensation Stephen McKenna; Sevenoaks super-welterweight Michael Hennessy Jr. and Birmingham middleweight Idris Virgo.

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

London, UK (23 November 2020) British Light-Heavyweight title contender Craig Richards styles himself as the ‘Spider’ but champion Shakan Pitters is threatening to snare him in his web then flush him down the pan when the fierce rivals collide for the title, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5, on Friday 18th December.

‘I’ve watched Richards many times and he’s so deluded, talks like he’s better than he is, and I’m looking forward to setting the record straight,’ says the 6ft 6in Brummie who is now unbeaten in 14 after collecting his crown with a comprehensive 12 round decision over Newark’s Chad Sugden in August.

‘I’ve already sparred plenty better than him. It may sound horrible but I’m really not impressed. I don’t rate his game at all. ‘Spider’s’ not a force in this division.

‘He gets frustrated very easily. He’s certainly not going to be able to outbox me and, if he tries to walk me down, he’ll get his head panned. I bring excitement and I’ll be letting my hands go, bringing the heat.’

During the pre-fight battle of minds, south Londoner Richards, 15-1-1, has been quick to highlight that he holds a sizeable edge in experience (three more paid starts) and has tested his skills against significantly stiffer competition than the champion who has ventured beyond round six only twice.

And the once world rated ‘Spider’ man – who made an unsuccessful domestic title challenge to Frank Buglioni (LPTS12) on the undercard of the Joshua-Takem world heavyweight title blockbuster at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium in 2017 – also casts dispersions on how Pitters could cope under the elevated spotlight of Channel 5 at the Fly By Nite studio in Redditch.

However, skyscraper Shak, 31, scoffs at these perceived shortcomings.

He stresses: ‘Sparring is the closest thing to actually fighting and I’ve had loads of experience of that with heavyweights and cruiserweights plus some real good spars with (2016 Olympic medallist and departing domestic champ) Joshua Buatsi. I do ten rounds comfortable in the gym so it really ain’t gonna be an issue.

“Besides, Dec Spelman (beaten for the English title in September 2019) questioned whether I’d be able to do 10 rounds. Dec’s very game and came determined to avenge his previous loss to me. The pace was very high but I knew my boxing would prevail.”

“I headlined the night I won the title and showed I’ve got the temperament. It’s Craig who can’t deal with pressure. He froze against Buglioni in Cardiff and, when he fluffed his way to a draw against Chad Sugden last time, he claims it was because he was focussing on fighting me. Embarrassing! He seems to have an excuse for everything.”

“He’ll soon discover I’m a naturally bigger man. I’m coming down from cruiser, he’s coming up from super-middle. I’m in the ring at about 13.5 and I see me hurting him, winning by stoppage or, at worse, by a massive margin on points. It ain’t gonna be close. He’s got very limited skills and I intend to spank him all over the ring. He’s getting shown up.”

Whoever prevails can contemplate future bonanza paydays against the likes of Anthony Yarde, Joshua Buatsi and Callum Johnson in what could blossom into a Golden Age for British light-heavies.

But sensible Shakan refuses to get ahead of himself, stating: “All I’ve got in my head is Craig Richards, 18th December, Redditch. I’ll not comment on anyone else until after that.”

“I’ll just focus on myself, what I can bring. Stuff Richards. I’ve had plenty of notice and I’ll push my body to the absolutely limit as I always do.”

“Mick Hennessy has obviously seen something in me to give me this chance and it’s good to be on board. I’m thrilled about the exposure that boxing on Channel Five will bring.”

“I’m very hard to beat. Trust me, Richards won’t ever have met anyone similar before. His spar mates won’t be able to mimic me.

‘I’ve got the heart, the grit and the skills. It’ll take something very special to beat me and Craig Richards certainly ain’t nothing special!”

The British Light-Heavyweight title showdown between Birmingham’s Shakan Pitters against Crystal Palace’s Craig Richards headlines the Hennessy Sports fight night. Chief support features the Midlands Area Middleweight Title between Coventry’s River Bent and Burntwood’s Troy Coleman, plus the Southern Area Super-Flyweight Title between Bexleyheath’s Sammy Cantwell and Southampton’s Ricky Little. The undercard features unbeaten Irish super-lightweight sensation Stephen McKenna; Sevenoaks super-welterweight Michael Hennessy Jr. and Birmingham middleweight Idris Virgo.

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

London, UK (31 October 2020) Following an injury sustained in training and on medical advice, British Light-Heavyweight Champion Shakan Pitters has had to withdraw from his title defence against Craig Richards on Saturday 14th November.

Promoter Mick Hennessy has managed to reschedule the highly-anticipated showdown for Friday 18th December to be broadcast live and exclusive on free-to-air Channel 5 in the UK.

Further details will be announced in due course with the full supporting undercard.

Remember the mega-fight between Gervonta Davis vs. Leo Santa Cruz is live on Channel 5 this Sunday morning at 2am GMT. The fight will also be made available on Channel 5’s streaming service My5 from 9am Sunday morning, as well as on ViacomCBS-owned Pluto TV in the UK.

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

London, UK (11 September 2020) It’s on! Shakan Pitters will defend his British Light-Heavyweight title against Craig Richards on November 14, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5.

The British Boxing Board of Control today confirmed that the fight has been confirmed and approved with the release of the latest Championship Circular with only the venue to be announced. Richards and his manager/trainer Peter Sims have also accepted the terms and agreed to the fight.

Newly crowned Pitters, who claimed the title with a decision over Chad Sugden last month, makes the first defence of his Lonsdale belt against his fierce London rival in a clash of styles that could be another potential fight of the year.

Promoter Mick Hennessy’s last two shows featuring Alex Dilmaghani against Samir Ziani just last week and Francisco Fonseca last November, both live on Channel 5, have been fight of the Year candidates.

Hennessy said, “I’m delighted to announce that Pitters versus Richards is finally on and will be free to watch live on Channel 5. This is a great fight that the public really want to see and I believe we could be in for a real treat with these two proud warriors. Shakan isn’t taking an easy first defence and he said that he would put the title on the line against him first if he defeated Sugden and he’s done that. I know that Craig will be really up for the fight, he was devastated to pull out of the first fight and will now be desperate to get his hands on the British title. After the last two shows on Channel 5 with the barnstormers between Dilmaghani and Ziani and Fonseca, I have a feeling Pitters v Richards could match them.”

Birmingham’s ’Big Shak’ is cleaning up the domestic division after defeating Dec Spelman to win the English 175lb title in September 2019 and now has similar intents to make the Lonsdale belt his own property with three defences, starting with Richards. Standing at 6ft 6in, the towering Pitters, 31, has amassed a perfect 14-0 record with four knockouts since making his pro-debut in March 2017.

From Crystal Palace, Richards, 30, was originally due to face Pitters for the British title in March but withdrew due to a viral infection and Sugden stepped in. Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing lockdown, the Pitters-Sugden bout went ahead in August with Hennessy ensuring the winner faced Richards for the first defence.

A former Southern Area and WBA Continental Light-Heavyweight Champion, this will be Richards’ second attempt at the British title after he pushed then Champion Frank Buglioni the distance in October 2017 – and rocked Buglioni in the third round – when he took the fight at just five days’ notice.

Hennessy will release further details on the show next week with quotes from both camps.

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

London, UK (9 September 2020) British Light-Heavyweight Champion Shakan Pitters is set to defend his title on November 14 on Channel 5 as he looks to get the first notch on his prized Lonsdale Belt.

Pitters claimed the title with a clear points victory over tough rival Chad Sugden just over two weeks ago and was back in front of Channel 5 cameras last weekend as a special guest presenter on the thrilling Samir Ziani-Alex Dilmaghani European title fight.

Promoter Mick Hennessy has lodged the date with the British Boxing Board of Control and has proposed Craig Richards as the intended challenger for the title. Hennessy won the original purse bid to stage Pitters v Richards back in December with a substantial bid, but Richards withdrew from the contest after suffering from a viral infection.

However, Hennessy kept to his word that Richards would get the first shot at the winner and he has made a very good offer to Richards’ team that reflects the original purse bid. He is currently awaiting confirmation if they intend to accept the fight as the Board are meeting today to formerly sanction the bout. If Richards declines, then Hennessy has a number of options to move forward with.

Also set to feature on the card will be the return of cruiserweight hot-shot Isaac Chamberlain who has racked up two sensational quick fire KO wins in two weeks’ and is firmly on his comeback into championship contention.

Birmingham ace and former Love Island star Idris Virgo, who has also had two wins in the last two weeks’, including a sensational first round body shot KO win, will return to action.

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

London, UK (23 August 2020) Shakan Pitters is the new British Light-Heavyweight Champion after defeating Chad Sugden by unanimous points decision in Redditch last night.

The fight was originally scheduled for March 28 but was delayed when the COVID-19 pandemic struck and the lockdown ensued.

Shakan used his long reach and spearing jab to keep the aggressive Sugden at bay and in the second round he split Sugden’s lip with a big uppercut that required a check from the ringside doctor but was allowed to carry on.

Big Shak chose his punches well with scything left hooks and slicing right hands as he picked up the points lead.

He was also impressive in controlling the ring space and the centre of the ring.

Newark warrior Sugden had some success landing on Shak with right hands and left hooks, but rarely troubled the 6ft 6in Birmingham fighter.

All three judges’ had it for Pitters with wide scores of 118-111 (twice) and 119-110 which reflected his dominance.

British boxing legend John Conteh earlier backed Pitters to win his old British title and believes he could become a great champion,

Pitters said, “Chad was very game and I take my hat off to him. I kept it long and punished him as he came in. He was a very tough opponent but he didn’t trouble me. I wanted to keep things basic and it worked. I’m always learning and this was my first twelve-rounder. I’d give that performance a six or seven out of ten. It was a decent performance but I’m always improving.”

8 x 3 Minute Rounds Cruiserweight Contest
Isaac Chamberlain WTKO3 (1:27) Antony Woolery

Brixton cruiserweight Isaac Chamberlain sizzled in his return to the ring after a two year lay off to blow away Antony Woolery inside three rounds.

IC got to work with his sharp jabs in the early round and showed composure as he moved around the ring.

In the second round towards the end Chamberlain landed a good right that made Woolery come out swinging.

Chamberlain upped the tempo in the third round as he started landing left hooks and unsettling Woolery. He started working to the body more and got Woolery to the ropes and then landed a hard left hand to the body that folded the Wolverhampton former soldier.

“It’s been a tough two years, but I’m happy to be finally over that and get out tonight and showcase my skills. The left hook is my money punch and mixed with my strength and conditioning it was a real potent weapon. I just took my time, I knew he’d rush me. My corner told me to relax and get into my flow and boom I took him out.”

Chamberlain will get little rest, he will now return to action in two weeks’ time in another eight-round contest.

6 x 3 Minute Rounds Welterweight Contest
Conah Walker WPTS6 (60-54) Nathan Bendon

Conah Walker should have been up against Kaisee Benjamin for the Midlands Area Welterweight title, but Benjamin withdrew earlier in the week from a stomach viral infection.

Sutton Coldfield’s Nathan Bendon stepped in at the last minute and it was a rematch of their encounter in May last year that Walker won on points over six-rounds.

Walker was on top from the start, moving into range using a stiff jab and strong right hand before landing a hard body shot, then moving or swaying out of the way.

Walker kept working well to head and body and Bendon had some success with his right hand at points.

It was Walkers better work rate and cleaner punches that got him the decision again.

6 x 3 Minute Rounds Middleweight Contest
Michael Hennessy Jr WPTS6 (58-57) Tom Brennan

Undefeated middleweight Michael Hennessy Jr saw off the spirited challenge of Tom Brennan with a six-round points victory.

Burford’s Brennan called out for the fight during the lockdown and Hennessy accepted the challenge coming in fit and ready.

Hennessy was working with a new corner team of Junior Saba and John Pegg and he looked more composed and balanced as he pumped out a stiff left jab.

The Sevenoaks talent landed with some good clean body shots in the opening rounds and connected with a good right hand in the second.

In the fourth he showed some good combinations punching and landing with more clean body shots.

Although the score should have been wider than scored by the referee, Hennessy Jr. was happy to get a win after nine months out of the ring.

He said, “He was tough customer and I felt in control in there. It was good to get the ring rust off and I can’t wait to fight in two weeks’ time again. I think I showed new things in there tonight that I’d been working on and there is still plenty of improvements to come.”

The Sevenoaks talent takes his record to 4-0-1 and will be out in action again on September 5th in Wakefield.

4 x 3 Minute Rounds Super Welterweight Contest
Idris Virgo WKO1 (Time: 1:44) Josh Hodgins

In a Birmingham derby Idris Virgo didn’t even break into a sweat as he dispatched of Josh Hodgins inside one round with a sickening left hook to the body that had Hodgins scream out in pain.

The encounter was expected to be a fiery one after Friday’s ‘water fight’ during a video interview when Virgo squeezed a bottle of water into Hodgins’ face and the pair ended up squirting each other.

Virgo, the former Love Island contest, said, “They call me the Body Breaker, as soon as I hit the body they go. I’ll destroy any opponent put in front of me. Step in my way and you’re gone. I might have been in Love Island but I ain’t showing no love in the ring. I’m serious and I mean business, I’m here to show people I can fight.”

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

London, UK (22 August 2020) One of Britain’s greatest ever fighters John Conteh MBE has given Shakan Pitters a massive boost hours before his showdown with Chad Sugden for the British Light-Heavyweight Title, exclusively LIVE on Channel 5 from 10pm tonight.

The fight legend, who memorably won the WBC World Light-Heavyweight title against Jorge Victor Ahumada in 1974 at the Empire Pool, Wembley, transcended the sport in the 70s and become a household name through appearing on the iconic TV show Superstars.

Conteh held the prestigious Lonsdale belt – that Pitters challenges for tonight – over 47 years ago when he defeated rival Chris Finnegan with a hard fought points decision and believes Pitters could become a great champion in his own right.

“I think he has the potential to be not only a champion but a great fighter and his record proves that at the moment with thirteen fights and thirteen wins and four inside the distance. He has some punching power there to win the British title,” Said Conteh.

“He’s certainly got the ability to do it, he’s got the desire. I’m sure he’s won those fights because of his dedication, you have to be fully committed to fulfil your potential,”

“Give everything you’ve got, know what you’re going into. My trainer George Francis said ‘It’s won or lost on the training ground’ so you’ve got to give it 100 percent, always. That’s what Shakan’s doing at the moment, he’s unbeaten in thirteen, so there’s no slacking,”

“The domestic light-heavyweight division looks great at the moment with plenty of talents coming through so it’s good to see it in such fantastic shape. Forty-six years after I won the British title against Chris Finnegan, it would be great to see Shakan holding it,”

With boxing’s big return to free-to-air TV tonight on Channel 5, Pitters is looking to put on a big show with a potentially massive viewing audience that will further raise his profile and Conteh well knows the importance of a free TV platform as his fights were broadcast on the BBC.

He added, “For a boxer to build his profile it’s essential to get in front of the public and with free TV on Channel 5 he’ll get through to millions of people like I did on BBC. You have to leave it in the hands of the promoter who is guiding you to get the best exposure, which they’re doing. But Shakan has to focus on his job and he needs to concentrate on winning the British title tonight.”

PITTERS V SUGDEN IN THE MEDIA

Daily Star
Shakan Pitters aiming to put lockdown quiz defeats behind him on boxing return

BBC Sport Online
Shakan Pitters on West Brom rejection, new goals and a British title shot

Boxingscene
Shakan Pitters Reflects on The Long Road as Sugden Bout Looms

Seconds Out
Shakan Pitters vs Chad Sugden weights, TV channel & undercard

Daily Star Sunday
Saucy Shak To Go On The Attack

World Boxing News
Chad Sugden raring to go ahead of Shakan Pitters test on UK TV
British Boxing News
Pitters and Sugden get heated in interview

Shakan Pitters v Chad Sugden is exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5 this Saturday at 10pm
In association with Ladbrokes and Infinitum, Hennessy Sports will present the exciting five-fight card headlined with the highly-anticipated Shakan Pitters v Chad Sugden British Light-Heavyweight title clash, plus the comeback of Brixton cruiserweight title contender Isaac Chamberlain in an eight-round contest against Wolverhampton’s Antony Woolery; Birmingham super-welterweight and Love Island star Idris Virgo faces Birmingham’s Josh Hodgins over four rounds; Wolverhampton’s Conah Walker faces Nathan Bendon in a six round welterweight contest, and fast-rising Sevenoaks middleweight prospect Michael Hennessy Jr takes on Burford’s Tom Brennan over six rounds.
For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

London, UK (22 August 2020) Tonight at a purpose built TV production studio in Redditch, the 26-year-old one-time world kick-boxing champion challenges 6ft 6in Birmingham tower Shakan Pitters in an East v West Midlands derby that has got the diehards drooling.

‘Fighting for the British title live on Channel 5, it doesn’t get any better. The Lonsdale is the best belt and I want to earn the right to have a photo with it wrapped round my waist,’ chirped the Nottingham-born ‘2Slick’ who cemented his worth by upsetting ex Commonwealth 12st king Luke Blackledge, then holding world rated Craig Richards to an eight round draw in the second half of last year.

‘The opportunity may have come sooner than expected but it’s definitely not too soon. Win this and I’m on my way.

‘We got an inkling (original co-challenger Craig) Richards might pull out so I was put on stand-by anyway. But I’ve been preparing for this since I was five years old, not just eight weeks.

‘Though I’ve not had a 10 rounder yet, I think the Board considered the calibre of my recent opponents and determined I was more than able.

‘I always keep myself in shape but I’ve trained as hard as I ever have. This has given me an extra buzz. Besides, I enjoy challenging myself. I’m really excited to test my skills against another good fighter. I like being the underdog, proving people wrong.’

Strongman Sugden, who hails from one of the nation’s most formidable fighting families, suggests that his substitution actually enhances the clash for the vacant crown.

‘This is a far more exciting fight for the fans than Pitters v Richards would have been. At some stage, it’s gonna light up!’ claims the former K1 star whose younger brother Regis is an undefeated pro welter.

Unbeaten co-challenger Pitters, the sky-scraping English champion, will present the sternest examination of Sugden’s formidable fighting credentials but John Costello, the Brummie who coaches Chad in tandem with his ex-world kick-boxing champion dad Dean Sugden, is confident that he is piloting the better machine.

‘Shakan’s a nice lad, a gentleman, who uses his physical attributes well. He’s very long behind his front hand then walks you on to his right,’ assesses Costello who steered Swindon’s Jamie Cox to a world super-middle title challenge.

‘But Shak came to boxing late whereas Chad’s from a pedigree fighting family. Fighting’s not in Shak’s soul, like it’s in Chad’s soul. This is totally the wrong fight for Pitters. Chad’s done very well against tall lads before in the kick-boxing and has a huge advantage physically in this fight. Chad’s unpredictable with a great sense of distance and good positioning. Shak won’t have dealt with anyone like Chad before, trust me.’

Qualified personal trainer Chad knows that he’ll have to deliver a career best effort if he is to get his hand raised.

‘Look, Shak’s a top fighter. He does plenty right,’ concedes Sugden.

‘But I fight different to most. Others attacked him in straight lines, I’ll be coming in at angles. Let’s see how he deals with that. And let’s see how mentally strong he is. I came through against Richards after breaking my nose in round two. I’ve been knocked down in the kick-boxing and prevailed. I’ve dealt with adversity. I’m war tested. Is Shakan? He’s not been the places in the ring that I have yet. I’ll take him there tonight.

‘Shak’s a freak at the weight but I’ve sparred with (6ft 4in ex British champion) Hosea Burton four times for this fight and he’s probably better than Pitters. Shak’s shoulders are big but he’s pretty slight, certainly not as thick as I am. I gain in other areas; strength, movement, timing. Though Shak’s a good bit older, he started far later than me. I’ve been boxing, since I’ve been walking.

‘Obviously, I’ll be trying to close the distance, Shak will be trying to maintain it. He’ll try to capitalise on his height, use the jab a lot, then load up with the back hand and those big right uppercuts. If I have to be clever, I can. He’ll get a shock when I land my jab on him. He’ll be hard to hit to the head early on so we’ll attack the body.

‘Now I just want to get in there. I’ll give it all I’ve got, push the pace all the way through. I’m coming to win every round.

‘I win because my ability is better and my boxing IQ is higher. Shak’s a tough lad but I will break him mentally, then physically. I expect to stop him.’

Shakan Pitters v Chad Sugden is exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5 this Saturday at 10pm
In association with Ladbrokes and Infinitum, Hennessy Sports will present the exciting five-fight card headlined with the highly-anticipated Shakan Pitters v Chad Sugden British Light-Heavyweight title clash, plus the comeback of Brixton cruiserweight title contender Isaac Chamberlain in an eight-round contest against Wolverhampton’s Antony Woolery; Birmingham super-welterweight and Love Island star Idris Virgo faces Birmingham’s Josh Hodgins over four rounds; Wolverhampton’s Conah Walker faces Nathan Bendon in a six round welterweight contest, and fast-rising Sevenoaks middleweight prospect Michael Hennessy Jr takes on Burford’s Tom Brennan over six rounds.
For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

London, UK (21 August 2020) Boxing makes it’s long awaited return to free-to-air TV tomorrow night when Channel 5 broadcast exclusively LIVE the big showdown between Shakan Pitters and Chad Sugden for the British Light-Heavyweight Championship and the boxers featuring on the undercard have been given a massive boost.

The five-fight card presented from a purpose built TV studio in Redditch features stars from the Hennessy Sports stable including cruiserweight contender Isaac Chamberlain and hot middleweight prospect Michael Hennessy Jr, plus welterweight and Love Island star Idris Virgo and welterweight Conah Walker*.

Pitters and Sugden will be televised live, but promoter Mick Hennessy has confirmed that Channel 5 will show all the other fights on the card in some capacity during the two-hour broadcast starting at 10pm, ensuring the boxers receive maximum free-to-air exposure on primetime across the UK.

Hennessy said, “Boxing has been absent from free-to-air TV screens for what seems like an eternity, but I’m thrilled that tomorrow tonight it finally returns to Channel 5 and we’re all really looking forward to finally seeing Shakan and Chad battle it out for the British Light-Heavyweight Title. We will also get to see the talents of Isaac as he returns to the ring and aims to get back on course towards title contention. What I’m really happy with is that the whole card will also get crucial terrestrial coverage on Channel 5, so Michael, Idris and Conah will see their profile and stock rise considerably. We have been receiving messages this week from eager fans’ asking how they can see the undercard and I’m delighted that their needs are now catered for and they will get to see it all for free on Channel 5.”

*Wolverhampton’s Conah Walker (7-0-1, 2 KO’s) was scheduled to face Birmingham’s Kaisee Benjamin for the Vacant Midlands Area Championship on the card. Due to suffering from a stomach viral condition and upon medical advice, Benjamin has been withdrawn. Walker will remain on the show and will instead face Sutton Coldfield’s Nathan Bendon (3-2-1, 1 KO) in a six-round contest. This will be a rematch for the pair after Walker defeated Bendon by two points in a six-rounder last year in very competitive and close fight.

Shakan Pitters v Chad Sugden is exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5 this Saturday at 10pm
In association with Ladbrokes and Infinitum, Hennessy Sports will present the exciting five-fight card headlined with the highly-anticipated Shakan Pitters v Chad Sugden British Light-Heavyweight title clash, plus the comeback of Brixton cruiserweight title contender Isaac Chamberlain in an eight-round contest against Wolverhampton’s Antony Woolery; Birmingham super-welterweight and Love Island star Idris Virgo faces Birmingham’s Josh Hodgins over four rounds; Wolverhampton’s Conah Walker faces Nathan Bendon in a six round welterweight contest, and fast-rising Sevenoaks middleweight prospect Michael Hennessy Jr takes on Burford’s Tom Brennan over six rounds.
For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

London, UK (20 August 2020) British Light-Heavyweight title challengers Shakan Pitters and Chad Sugden 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 their results.

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 Midlands clash between Birmingham’s Pitters and Newark’s Sugden takes place this Saturday night behind closed doors at a TV production facility in Redditch, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5 across the UK.

Other boxers featuring on the card including Isaac Chamberlain, Michael Hennessy Jr., Idris Virgo and Conah Walker also took the mandatory test before quarantining in their hotel rooms.

Shakan Pitters v Chad Sugden is exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5 this Saturday at 10pm
In association with Ladbrokes and Infinitum, Hennessy Sports will present the exciting five-fight card headlined with the highly-anticipated Shakan Pitters v Chad Sugden British Light-Heavyweight title clash, plus the comeback of Brixton cruiserweight title contender Isaac Chamberlain in an eight-round contest against Wolverhampton’s Antony Woolery; Birmingham super-welterweight and Love Island star Idris Virgo faces Birmingham’s Josh Hodgins over four rounds; a fiery Midlands derby for the Vacant Midlands Area Welterweight title between Birmingham’s Kaisee Benjamin and Wolverhampton’s Conah Walker, and fast-rising Sevenoaks middleweight prospect Michael Hennessy Jr takes on Burford’s Tom Brennan over six rounds.
For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

London, UK (19 August 2020) British Light-Heavyweight Title contenders Shakan Pitters and Chad Sugden came ‘head-to-head’ and the sparks began to fly as the clock ticks towards their big showdown this Saturday night, exclusively live on free-to-air in the UK on Channel 5 from 10pm.

The bitter Midlands rivals were due to clash over five months ago, but following the postponement of the original March 28 date due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing lockdown, both fighters have been sniping at each other whilst waiting for the new date.

With the tension ratcheting up this week, tempers flared on the epress conference yesterday with a fiery exchange between the pair as Seconds Out host Danny Flexen – for the latest Boxing Unlocked special – attempted to get in between them and even he couldn’t separate the feuding pair.

Whilst starting off cordially and both predicting a hard fight and hoped that each other had prepared hard, it soon descended into a war of words as both attempted to out-do the other.

Shakan Pitters: He’s had plenty of black eyes.

Chad Sugden: Are you following me or something? I thought you didn’t do any research into what I do?

SP: I saw you in the first press conference and you had a black eye. Why are you getting black eyes Bro?

CS: So what? Just because I’m having hard sparring mate. Look when we get in there…it doesn’t matter. I had a black eye in my last fight and had a draw, it means nothing.

SP: You mean your draw with Craig? (smiling)

CS: Did you not see my face in that one, I had a broken nose in my one before that one. You’re laughing mate, you say you’re going to end my career, I’m 26, you’re 31-years-of-age, this is your last chance.

SP: You think?

CS: You’re done mate!

SP: Listen bro, this ain’t kickboxing. Man, this is boxing and like I said on Saturday I’m going to punch your face in. On Saturday I’m going to punch your face in, defo. You’ve shown up with countless black eyes. I can hit hard and I’m accurate with my shots. I just can’t wait to be landing on you.

Watch the full epress conference between Pitters and Sugden HERE and also the ‘head-to-head’ between Kaisee Benjamin and Conah Walker for the Vacant Midlands Area Welterweight Championship, plus Isaac Chamberlain, Idris Virgo and Michael Hennessy Jr.

London, UK (17 August 2020) Newark’s Chad Sugden recently suggested in an interview that the adversity he’d encountered and overcome inside boxing and kick-boxing rings plus the MMA octogen, accorded him a significant psychological edge over his Brummie co-challenger.

‘Chad says I’ve had everything my own way but that’s because I MAKE everything my own way,’ fired back the 6ft 6in high rise Pitters who remains relatively untested while racking up a perfect 13-0 slate.

‘Look, big talk is easy. I hope Mr Sugden keeps it up and I look forward to providing my response in the ring on the night. Let’s see what he’s saying after he feels my power. He ain’t ‘breaking nobody mentally’. Boxing is a completely different to kick-boxing. He’s so easy to hit.’

The 31 year old Jon Pegg managed father of one cemented this British title shot with a career-best 10 round unanimous decision over Scunthorpe strongman Dec Spelman to land the English crown last September. Alas, Covid-19 has been his only opponent over the ensuing 11 months.

‘All the stop-start was frustrating. Ideally, I’d have had my British title shot around last December,’ disclosed Shak, who was initially pitched to face Craig ‘Spider’ Richards in March.

‘But the gap won’t hinder me. I was given a boxing bag to train at my mum’s (house) so I had everything I needed bar the initial sparring.

‘I’ve recently caught up with some good rounds with (Olympic medallist and former British champion) Josh Buatsi and (15-1-1 Birmingham pro) Steed Woodall. I’ve sparred cruisers and heavies plus lighter weights and all styles. It doesn’t matter that Chad brings a different style to ‘Spider’. A true fighter can adapt to any opponent in the ring. I’m ready for every eventuality.’

While the athletic former West Bromwich Albion trainee would have entered as a marginal underdog against the world-rated Richards – only for the Crystal Palace man to withdraw – Shak shall start a prohibitive favourite over Sugden, in his quest to secure the domestic 175lb crown previously worn by the likes of Harvey, Mills, Turpin, Finnegan, Conteh, Andries, Woods, Cleverly and Bellew.

‘To be honest, I never look at the bookies odds. In my own mind, I’d have been a strong favourite over ‘Spider’ anyway,’ states Pitters who is coached by Paul ‘Soggy’ Counihan.

‘But fair play to Chad for stepping in. Like me, Chad’s from a fighting background, a fighting family. So we’ve similar stories. The respect’s there. He’s been given a big opportunity to step up but I’m confident in my ability to deal with anyone in the division.

‘I studied Chad’s draw with ‘Spider’. He did what he had to do but he’ll find Craig and me are completely different animals. Sure, Chad seems tough and strong but, at just six foot, he’d be a lot stronger down at super-middleweight. I’m coming down from cruiser, remember. I’m just too big and I bring too much. I believe I hold the advantage over Sugden in every single area.’

And with a seven-figure nationwide TV audience expected, the one-time Ultimate Boxxer winner knows the stage is set for him to sizzle to stardom.

‘Though I’ve prepared thoroughly for 12 hard solid rounds I expect to be too big, too strong,’ concludes Pitters.

‘If I perform to my full ability, I stop him. Whether the ref steps in, his dad slings in the towel or he’s flat on his back, he’ll not see the finish.’

Shakan Pitters v Chad Sugden is exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5 this Saturday at 10pm

In association with Ladbrokes and Infinitum, Hennessy Sports will present the exciting five-fight card headlined with the highly-anticipated Shakan Pitters v Chad Sugden British Light-Heavyweight title clash, plus the comeback of Brixton cruiserweight title contender Isaac Chamberlain; Birmingham super-welterweight and Love Island star Idris Virgo; a fiery Midlands derby for the Vacant Midlands Area Welterweight title between Birmingham’s Kaisee Benjamin and Wolverhampton’s Conah Walker, and fast-rising Sevenoaks middleweight prospect Michael Hennessy Jr.
For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports