London, UK (5 August 2020) Idris Virgo, the 5ft 10in powerhouse from Birmingham with the Colgate smile and marble-carved physique, first courted the nation’s attention when he crashed on to the ITV hit show Love Island in 2018. Installed as a ‘bombshell’, the 27 year old bombed out of the idyllic Mallorca villa without meeting his match, after four episodes.

But the Handsworth-born hunk left quite an impression before he left the island and extensive coverage in the national ‘red tops’ saw his profile soar. He now intends to capitalise by knocking down contestants rather than ‘coupling up’ with them. Although I’m a Celebrity…, Celebs Go Dating and MTV’s The Challenge could be in the offing in the future.

Middleweight Virgo (5-0-1) will next feature on Hennessy Sports’ big show on Saturday 22nd August at a purpose built TV studio in Redditch, behind-closed-doors, headlined with the mouthwatering showdown between Shakan Pitters and Chad Sugden for the Vacant British Light-Heavyweight Championship, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5 in the UK.

‘I’m very handsome, a fittie, and I know I’m destined to be a superstar. Boxing will now be my platform,’ says Virgo, who already claims 171,000 Instagram followers.

‘Love Island opened doors and seriously changed my life. With regard to boxing, it’s helped massively with regard to increasing my profile and selling tickets.’

The middle of seven children, Idris’ fighting career, like so many, commenced on the school yard.

‘I was the hardest at my school, quite ‘The Chap’. I was actually a prefect and it does take a bit to get me going,’ he disclosed.

‘But I began boxing at 15,16, long before Love Island. This ain’t no gimmick. I had eight White Collar (bouts), losing just two, plus a dozen amateur which I mostly won. The reason I left the amateurs, aged 25, was the judges robbed me in the Midland Senior ABAs.’

Since sacrificing his vest, the Anthony Hull coached Virgo has conceded just two of the 22 rounds that constitute his unbeaten six fight pro career. While he is yet to register a stoppage win, the muscular middleweight warns us to expect an immediate change.

He says: ‘I’m known as ‘The Body Breaker’. In previous fights, I was content to take my time but now I intend putting opponents to sleep. I’ll set them up then chop ‘em down with body shots.’

Renowned Midlands fight figure Jon Pegg, who manages Virgo, concurs that he certainly has a future between the ropes, provided he can commit the gym hours.

‘Idris is a natural athlete who’d instantly be good at pretty much any sport he embraces. He’s got a very impressive build and puts his shots together well,’ says the likeable Brummie ‘fight face’ who also manages top-of-the-bill Shakan Pitters.

‘Because of that reality TV exposure, Iddy can shift tickets. Though he was cast as the bad guy in Love Island he’s actually a nice kid. He’s very busy doing his videos and stuff but, provided he hits the gym every day, there’s definitely belts in his future.’

Perhaps the only thing bigger than Virgo’s ego, is his ambition.

‘I’m not in this to mess about. I intend winning English, British, European and world middleweight titles,’ states Idris.

‘My appearance should certainly boost the ratings. The ladies love to lust over my sweaty body! Some jealous types will no doubt tune in, in the hope of seeing me get laid out but I guarantee I’ll disappoint them.

‘Because of my profile, every opponent has been desperate to make their name by taking me down but they never come through, Once I clout ‘em, their game plans disappear out the window.

‘When I come through in August, I’ll have another two six rounders before the end of this year against progressively better opponents. I’m targeting a British title shot by the end of next year.’

In association with Ladbrokes and Infinitum, Hennessy Sports will present the exciting five-fight card headlined with the highly-anticipated Pitters v Sugden 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

London, UK (3 August 2020) 26-year-old east Midlander, Chad Sugden, takes his first step up the championship ladder when he confronts the unbeaten and towering Birmingham Shakan Pitters in a spicy looking showdown for the vacant British title at a purpose built production studio in Redditch on Saturday 22nd August, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5.

‘2Slick’ Sugden is a fighting man to the core and hails from one of the nation’s most renowned combat families and is intent on becoming the first man to beat Pitters and claim the Lonsdale belt.

‘My Dad Dean was a world kick boxing champion and I was taking classes in both kick-boxing and boxing from the age of five. My brother Regis is an unbeaten pro welter and another younger brother Bailey is heavily involved in K1, competes in ‘Glory’. We’re a proper fighting family. Don’t mess!’ warns the solid 6ft Sugden who earned his opportunity after just 65 pro rounds and 13 fights (one draw, one loss).

‘I started competing in light contact martial arts at eight or nine, had my first amateur boxing bout at just 11 and pursued both sports alongside each other during my teens. But I always loved boxing more. That’s what I watched on the tele and my idols were boxers as opposed to martial artists. Most of my wins in kick-boxing were down to my hands. I always sparred pro boxers, to keep my hands sharp.’

‘I had 20 odd amateur fights, got beat in a national junior final and won the Senior Midland ABAs. At 17, I didn’t think I was quite ready to box professionally but accepted a pro kick-boxing contract. When the ABA got wind that I was fighting for money they revoked my amateur boxing card.’

Combining fists and feet, chiller Chad scooped an ISKA world title, starred in the US, Middle East, Asia and all over Europe and scored five figure purses.

‘I got used to doing all the press conferences and fighting away from home as an underdog, before huge, fanatical audiences – all experiences that transfer over,’ he states.

‘But I always knew professional boxing was where I wanted to go. The exposure was that much greater. I’d been struggling for a bit with a stress fracture at the bottom of my spine and all the kicking wasn’t helping it. At 21, I finally took the plunge.

‘With boxing, there’s less weapons to worry about, two less limbs to avoid and the martial fights were shorter, five rounds maximum. Though the kick-boxing is a bit jumpy, darting in and out of range, you had to plant your feet for K1 or you get wiped out.’

After converting to conventional pugilism four years ago, Sugden acclimatized with 10 fights against predominantly imported journeymen but has sizzled since stepping up in competition over the past eight months.

Darwen’s ex-Commonwealth super-middle czar Luke Blackledge was comprehensively upset over eight rounds at Nottingham’s Harvey Hadden Centre last July while Dutch-based Ugandan southpaw Farouk Daku was shutout over eight at the same venue three months after.

However, it was Sugden’s spirited eight round draw against world rated ex British title challenger Craig Richards at the York Hall last December – Sugden’s first fight outside the Midland small halls – that alerted the cognoscenti of his championship credentials.

‘Billy Joe Saunders had broken my nose with a big uppercut in sparring but I couldn’t turn Craig Richards down,’ claims Chad

‘The nose went again in round two and, after that, I just had to focus on nicking rounds. While I can still see and my arms are still working, I’ll fight, man. Craig says he was robbed but no one else was saying that. Though I thought it was close on the night, when I watched it back I thought I edged it by a round.’

Co-coach John Costello, who steered Jamie Cox to a world title challenge, works with Sugden twice weekly at his Birmingham gym and is astonished by the Newark warrior’s innate ruggedness.

He claims: ‘I believe Chad’s the youngest Brit ever to secure a K1 contract and often he’d be required to fight three times a day.

‘He’s very strong physically and ridiculously tough; very resilient and absorbent. Jamie used Chad as his main sparring partner for his fight with George Groves. Jay dropped all the others but just couldn’t catch Chad clean.

‘Then Chad came into the Craig Richards fight on two weeks’ notice without any sparring because of his broken nose. When it went again in round two, he couldn’t breathe through his nose. Lasting the course was a victory in itself.’

Largely unknown before he was pitched with Pitters for the coveted Lord Lonsdale belt, strongman Sugden intends to announce himself spectacularly to the live national Channel Five audience.

‘I’m an old school, all round operator; a slick, aggressive counter puncher who moves well. I fight every fight differently,’ he disclosed.

‘I bring a presence to the ring. I’m very strong. I’m not the biggest knockout puncher but I’ve stopped a few with body shots.

‘I definitely want to defend the belt three times then move on. I’ve aspirations of European and world titles. The British light-heavyweight scene is so strong at the minute. If you’re a player here, you’re a player at world level.’

In association with Ladbrokes and Infinitum, Hennessy Sports will present the exciting five-fight card headlined with the highly-anticipated Pitters v Sugden 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

London, UK (28 July 2020) Undefeated British Light-Heavyweight title contender Shakan Pitters has signed a long-term promotional agreement with renowned promoter Mick Hennessy as he advances to the next level of his career.

The Birmingham hot shot has won all 13 of his fights since turning professional in March 2017 and first came to public attention when he breezed through the Ultimate Boxxer 2 tournament in November 2018, winning three fights in one night to claim the top prize.

He captured his first professional title when he defeated Dec Spelman in a thrilling 10-round war to lift the English crown and close a successful 2019.  All set for a big 2020 with a challenge for the British title against Chad Sugden scheduled for March 28, Pitters then saw the fight cancelled just a week prior due to the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, Hennessy this week delivered the exciting and long-awaited news that boxing’s big return to free-to-air TV screens will be the Pitters versus Sugden British title showdown which headlines a thrilling five-fight card, exclusively live and free on Channel 5.   

Also on the summer sizzler of a card will be the comeback of Brixton cruiserweight title contender Isaac Chamberlain; Birmingham super-welterweight and Love Island star Idris Virgo;fast-rising Sevenoaks middleweight prospect Michael Hennessy Jr and a further Area Championship title fight to be confirmed that completes a real quality packed show.

At a towering 6’ 6”, ‘Big Shak’ stands, literally, head and shoulders above his 175lb rivals and combined with his long reach, it comes as no surprise that his idol is the legendary seven-time and five-weight World Champion Thomas ‘The Hitman’ Hearns who he shares physical similarities with.  

The all-action box-puncher possesses a solid and accurate left jab, knockout power in both hands and fast footwork, combined with his fighting heart and pride and a relentless desire to become a World Champion.   Mixed with his undoubted charisma, mega watt smile and persona, Hennessy believes he has all the tools and qualities to become a star in the sport and essentially a World Champion. 

Pitters’ natural athleticism was evident at an early age when he competed to a high level boxing in the juniors, but he was also a youth trainee footballer at West Bromwich Albion during his teenage years until he was released and then returned to boxing and pursued a career with his fists in the pros which has proved to be a dynamite choice.

Boxing also runs in the family blood with his father Colin, a professional middleweight in the early 1990s who once fought future WBC World Champion Richie Woodhall and top pros Steve Foster, Neville Brown and Adrian Dodson, plus his uncle Rob was also a top light-middleweight prospect.

Currently Pitters trains at Birmingham’s renowned factory of champions, the Eastside Gym in Bordesley Green, alongside IBF International Welterweight Champion Sam Eggington, and is managed by Jon Pegg and trained by Paul “Soggy’ Counihan.

Pitters joins the ever expanding and talented Hennessy Sports stable that includes recent top cruiserweight signing Isaac Chamberlain, European super-featherweight title contender Alex Dilmaghani and rising middleweight prospect Michael Hennessy Jr., alongside Hennessy managed fighters Hughie Fury and Savannah Marshall.

With his new promotional deal in place with Hennessy, who developed Carl Froch and Tyson Fury into mainstream stars and took them to World Championship honours and his future fights to be broadcast on free-to-air Channel 5, Pitters is ecstatic and can’t wait to get started on August 22nd.

“I’m absolutely delighted to sign with Mick Hennessy and join the Hennessy Sports stable,” enthused Pitters.  “My career is at the next stage and I believe that Mick is the man to take me where I want to go.  His track record of spotting and developing talent into champions is second-to-none and I’m sure I can repay his faith in me by delivering Championship titles.  I’m super excited to be fighting regularly on Channel 5 in front of an audience of million upon millions of viewers and with my fighting style and personality, I have got a fantastic platform to become a household name.  The next leg of my journey begins on Saturday 22nd August when I challenge for the British title against Sugden.  I’m not looking ahead of this fight, everything we’ve worked towards so far is on the line here and it means everything to me.” 

A delighted Hennessy said, “We welcome Shakan to the Hennessy Sports team and look forward to working with Jon as we take his career to the next level and beyond.  I’ve followed Shakan since he started his career and have always been impressed with him and how he handles himself inside and outside of the ring and it’s fantastic to now be guiding his career.  He’s a physical specimen blessed with great boxing skills, he can box, he can fight, he has a real aura and charisma that will crossover to the mainstream, but importantly his attitude and desire to go to the top and win a World title.  I really believe that he has something special and with my guidance and his exposure on free-to-air Channel 5, he can become a real star in the sport. The 175lb division is really heating up and Shakan can be in the heat of the action, but first and foremost he mustn’t overlook Chad who is a serious challenger for the British title and will be a big hurdle to get over first.”

London, UK (24 July 2020) Promoter Mick Hennessy oversees the long-awaited return of Championship Boxing to UK free-to-view TV screens exclusively LIVE on Channel 5 on Saturday 22nd August and has added a further title fight to the show.

The five-fight card, presented by Hennessy Sports in association with Ladbrokes, Infinitum and Numan, will be staged behind-closed doors at a purpose built production studio and is headlined with the long-awaited battle for the Vacant British Light-Heavyweight title between Shakan Pitters and Chad Sugden.

Hennessy is delighted to bolster the big fight-night with a sizzling Midlands derby that pits Birmingham’s Kaicee Benjamin and Wolverhampton’s Conah Walker in a fiery clash for the Vacant Midlands Area Welterweight Title with plenty of pride and honour at stake.

All-action Benjamin (10-0-1, 2 KO’s), the former Midlands Area Champion, is in fine recent form having made two defences of the title and seen off three unbeaten fighters (Shaquille Day, Levi Ferguson and Alex Fearon) in his last four fights.

Rival Walker (7-0-1, 2 KO’s) will be looking to cause an upset and beat the favourite Benjamin to prove that he is the real deal. The former standout amateur took the unbeaten record of Nathan Bendon and then forced then unbeaten Ohio Kain Iremiren to a draw and is pumped up for the challenge against Benjamin.

In addition to the Pitters-Sugden and Benjamin-Walker showdowns, an action-packed card also features the highly anticipated return of Brixton cruiserweight title contender Isaac Chamberlain (10-1-0, 4 KO’s) as he targets titles on his comeback, Birmingham super-welterweight talent and Love Island star Idris Virgo (5-0-1) and fast-rising Sevenoaks middleweight prospect Michael Hennessy Jr (3-0-1).

Hennessy said, “It’s fast building momentum towards an exciting and long-awaited return for British boxing on the free-to-air TV platform Channel 5 on August 22nd. We’ve got a fantastic main-event in place with the British Light-Heavyweight title showdown between Shakan and Chad and that is now complimented with a Midlands Area title clash between Kaicee and Conah. Not only that, but we have the exciting return of cruiserweight star Isaac who’s on the road back towards challenging for titles, plus reality TV star Idris and young prospect Michael complete the card. This is a statement that our sport is finally back and where it belongs on the big-stage on free-to-air Channel 5 for everyone to watch without having to pay.”

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

London, UK (1 July 2020) Hennessy Sports is thrilled to announce that big-time championship boxing will return live and on free-to-air television on Saturday 22nd August when fierce rivals Shakan Pitters and Chad Sugden collide for the Vacant British Light-Heavyweight title on Channel 5.

In association with Ladbrokes and Infinitum, Hennessy Sports will present the exciting five-fight card headlined with the highly-anticipated Pitters v Sugden clash, plus the comeback of Brixton cruiserweight title contender Isaac Chamberlain; Birmingham super-welterweight and Love Island star Idris Virgo; fast-rising Sevenoaks middleweight prospect Michael Hennessy Jr and a further Area Championship title fight to be confirmed.

The event will be staged in a state of the art, arena sized and purpose built production studio, behind-closed-doors, with no public in attendance. In addition, strict medical protocols laid out by the BBBofC will be followed to ensure the health and safety of the boxers, trainers, staff, officials, medics and broadcast team working on the night.

Whilst it will be an unusual experience to not have the energy and atmosphere of fans’ at the event, the Channel 5 production team will use innovative ideas and techniques to fully enhance the presentation for the viewer.

Pitters and Sugden collide in a mouthwatering dust up that was originally scheduled for March 28 in Coventry, but had to be postponed one week prior to the event when the country went into lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

After three months of self-training in isolation at their homes and only recently beginning to train and spar in controlled conditions in their gyms after the British Boxing Board of Control eased restrictions, Pitters and Sugden are now powering on in their respective training camps to prepare for boxing’s big return on terrestrial TV.

Undefeated Pitters from Birmingham said, “This has been a long time coming and every day that’s gone by in lockdown I’ve been getting more and more hungry, determined and focused on beating Sugden and claiming the British title,”

“It was very frustrating when the show was cancelled just one week before, but I understood the bigger picture as the pandemic is a global crisis and the lives that had been lost in the UK alone was frightening and I commend the front line workers who kept working throughout,”

“I just had to be patient and keep training in the background and thanks to Mick and Channel 5 the big fight is now back on,”

“Whilst my loyal supporters can’t be there, the fight is live and free for everyone to watch on Channel 5, so tune in and watch me beat Sugden and become the new British champion.”

Newark battler Sugden said, “This was the news I had been waiting for for a long time and I just can’t wait now until August 22nd and to get in the ring and win that beautiful British title.”

“I’ve certainly missed my live sport on TV but now things are returning gradually with football and boxing and I’m thrilled that my fight will be broadcast live on Channel 5 and it’s free for anyone to watch,”

“This is going to be a great fight, I’m certainly not seeing this as an easy one. Pitters wants it bad and so do I. It’s down to who wants it more and who’s prepared to go that extra mile,”

“I’m gutted that my loyal fans won’t be there to see me lift the British title, but get the drinks and snacks in and switch on to Channel 5 and watch from the comfort of your own home.”

Promoter Mick Hennessy said, “It’s been extremely tough for everyone throughout the country these past few months, but key and frontline workers have kept us safe and going through these hard times and with the vast majority of the public adhering to the lockdown rules we’re now starting to come through, but there’s still a long way to go and we must be vigilant,”

“With live sport on TV starting to return after months off-air, I’m delighted to finally bring boxing back with a bang on free-to-air TV screens on Channel 5 and what a fight to return with between Shakan and Chad and the prestigious British title on the line,”

“I believe that it’s vital that sport and boxing reaches the biggest viewing audience possible and I’m delighted that with our broadcast partner Channel 5 we can deliver this fight live on terrestrial TV in the UK to an audience of millions and more importantly it’s absolutely free to watch.”

“It’s been very tough on Shakan and Chad who were ready to go a week before the first fight and then it had to be postponed following the lockdown. Since then they’ve had to maintain their discipline through training at home and keep positive despite the uncertainty of when the fight would be rescheduled, but through patience and perseverance it’s now on,”

“We have worked step-by-step with the BBBofC and followed the Government guidelines to ensure the safety of everyone involved with the event, but sadly, though, we are unable to allow fans into the venue at this present time,”

“Whilst it will be a strange experience not feeling the raw energy and passion of the crowd as Shakan and Chad engage in what I believe will be a thrilling fight, through technology and innovative production ideas from the team at Channel 5 we will deliver a special first class presentation that will go a long way to fill the void of fans not in the venue.”

This will be the first live championship boxing event of a busy schedule for Hennessy Sport on Channel 5 with more big title-fight shows to be announced in the coming weeks.

Download the press release in Word format CLICK HERE
For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

London, UK (6 March 2020) British Light-Heavyweight title challenger Chad Sugden says he’ll break Shakan Pitters in half with body shots when they clash on Saturday 28th March at the Coventry Skydome, exclusively live across the UK on Channel 5.

The Newark fighter met with his 6’ 6” Birmingham rival for the first time at yesterday’s press conference at Coventry’s famous landmark The Belgrade Theatre, although they didn’t strictly meet ‘face-to-face’ with Pitters towering over the 6ft Sugden.

Not only will Sugden (11-1-1, 4 KO’s) have to deal with a six-inch height deficit in the fight, but he’ll also have to contend with Pitters’ staggering 85 inch reach – 10 inches more than Sugden.

However, Sugden’s not bothered with his physical disadvantages and will instead focus on his own game plan and has promised to smash Pitters’ body with a ferocious and relentless attack to his ribs from the first bell.

The 25-year-old says he’s faced even taller opponents than Pitters when he was on the kickboxing circuit and knows exactly how to deal with him.

“His physical advantages are plainly obvious and it would be stupid of me to try and box him,” Said Sugden.

“The only way to get to Pitters is to stick to him like glue and smash away at his body until it breaks to make him drop his hands and then I’ll nail him with the head shots. It’s like chopping down a mighty oak tree with an axe, it will take some time but that tree will eventually fall.”

“I’ve always been a good body puncher and have stopped a few that way in my fights. I’ve faced much taller men than Pitters in kick-boxing fights, especially those boys from the Eastern block, real beasts from the east, nearly 7ft tall and you have to get past the kicks and knees to get into range. I’ve overcome them and I’ll do the same and overcome Pitters,”

“Pitters is tall and lean and once I get inside his jab and start working away at his ribs he won’t be able to keep me off him. I’ll be all over him like a shark feeding on a whale carcass. I won’t give him a moment to catch his breath and once I cut off the oxygen to his lungs then it’s my fight,”

“Winning the British title means everything to me. It’s a dream to receive this shot and I’ll put everything I’ve got into this fight, nothing will be left to chance. This shot may not come around again so I’m making sure I leave the ring with that belt.”

A top quality undercard is headlined with the return of red-hot cruiserweight talent Isaac Chamberlain from Brixton, South London, as he returns to action and back on his pursuit of a world title.

The card also features some great Midlands match ups that includes a fiery Coventry derby between welterweights Jordan Cooke and Michael Green over six-rounds; Birmingham’s Ishmael Ellis takes on Walsall’s Shaun Cooper over six rounds at lightweight; Coventry’s River Wilson Bent clashes with Tamworth’s Lee Gunter in a four-round light-middleweight contest; Tamworth welterweight Tom Silcox in a four-round contest; Birmingham super-featherweight Lewis Coley in a four-round contest; Leamington Spa lightweight Danny Quartermine in a four-round contest and Battersea light-heavyweight Mark Williams in a four-round contest.

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

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

London, UK (25 February 2020) Chad Sugden has received a shock dream shot at the Vacant British Light-Heavyweight title against Shakan Pitters on Saturday 28th March at the Coventry Skydome, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5 in the UK, following the withdrawal of original challenger Craig Richards.

Newark warrior Sugden (11-1-1, 4 KO’s) was originally scheduled to feature on the undercard, but was training as if he was going to challenge for the 175-pound title just in case Pitters or Sugden withdrew from the fight and he had to step in.

That has now become a reality for Sugden after Richards was ruled out of the title fight due to suffering from a viral infection that has left him unable to train and Sugden steps up to fight the undefeated Pitters in the main event.

All-action Sugden, 25, caused a massive shock when he held the WBA Continental Champion and number 10 World ranked Richards to a draw last December at the York Hall where at just a week’s notice and coming in the underdog he fought the fight of his life to level with Richards and saw his stock rise considerably.

‘2-Slick’ Sugden is thrilled to be challenging for the prestigious Lonsdale belt in the first championship contest of his 13-fight career and now heads into a red-hot Midlands derby showdown against his Birmingham rival.

He said, “It’s a dream come true. From fighting Richards at one week’s notice and getting a draw and then being constantly in the gym training over Christmas and New Year looking for the next fight, to then getting a slot on the undercard of Pitters versus Richards and to now getting a shot at the British title is the stuff dreams are made of. I’m not getting carried away with it though, the reality is I’ve got to now train like never before and make this dream real and win the British title. I’ll go into the fight the underdog and I love that because I know I can cause a huge upset.”

Pitters (13-0-0, 4 KO’s) is not unnerved with the change of opponent from Richards to Sugden and will not let that detract his focus and determination to win the British title.

“I’m just getting on with the job in front of me and winning the British title. I don’t care who is in the ring on the night, they’re getting beat, simple. This is my destiny to become British Champion and nothing is going to derail me. The fight is still nearly five weeks away so there is plenty of time to readjust from Richards to Sugden. He thinks he’s seen chinks in my armour because of my height, but he’ll find out for real on the night what he’s up against.” Said Pitters.

Whilst disappointed, Richards has not lost his opportunity and will fight the winner out of Pitters and Sugden next and aims to be at ringside for the fight to see who emerges victorious on the night. He said, “After two weeks out of the gym with a flu virus my manager and trainer Peter Sims has made a decision that I objected to, but I understand it’s for my own health to pull me out of the fight against Shakan Pitters for the British Title on 28th March. However, due to my GP supplying the relevant medical paper work to the BBBofC, I’m still the mandatory challenger and will fight the winner of Pitters and Sugden in Coventry where I will hopefully be watching at ringside.”

Promoter Mick Hennessy added, “Sugden’s proved he is more than a worthy challenger for the British title after his tremendous performance against Richards and to hold a quality fighter like him to a draw at a week’s notice was a great achievement. We’re sorry to see Richards having to withdraw due to a viral condition, but at least he has consolation in the fact that he will get first crack at the winner for the British title. Between Pitters and Sugden, we have a real Midlands derby tear-up between a tall, skilled, box-puncher in Pitters and the rough, tough and relentless Sugden which will make for an intense battle with the prestigious British title on the line. With Richards waiting in the wings, it’s great to see a dearth of talent in the domestic 175 pound division who will square off against each other.”

Presented by Hennessy Sports in association with Ladbrokes, Channel 5, Infinitum and John Pegg, tickets are priced at Standard £40, Ringside £70 and Inner Ringside £100 are presently available through the boxers on the card as the event is almost sold out.
A top quality undercard is headlined with the return of red-hot cruiserweight talent Isaac Chamberlain from Brixton, South London, as he returns to action and back on his pursuit of a world title. One of British boxing’s most exciting fighters, Birmingham’s Sam Eggington, the former British, Commonwealth, European and WBC International Silver Welterweight Champion, makes his long awaited return to the ring as he targets a World title fight this year.

The card also features some great Midlands match ups that includes a fiery Coventry derby between welterweights Jordan Cooke and Michael Green over six-rounds; Birmingham’s Ishmael Ellis takes on Walsall’s Shaun Cooper over six rounds at lightweight; Coventry’s River Wilson Bent clashes with Tamworth’s Lee Gunter in a four-round light-middleweight contest; Tamworth welterweight Tom Silcox in a four-round contest; Birmingham super-featherweight Lewis Coley in a four-round contest and Leamington Spa lightweight Danny Quartermine in a four-round contest.

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

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

BritishTitle

London, UK (21 February 2020) Newark’s Chad Sugden believes he can beat either British Light-Heavyweight title contenders Shakan Pitters or Craig Richards and wants the chance to prove it.

Sugden (11-1-1, 4 KO’s) will feature on the undercard of Pitters-Richards on Saturday 28th March at the Coventry Skydome, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5, but has his sights firmly set on fighting the winner next.

The 25-year-old caused a massive shock when he held the more experienced Richards – the WBA Continental Champion and number 10 ranked in the World – to a draw back in December in their eight-rounder at the York Hall. Sugden took the fight at only one week’s notice, but he gave the betting favourite some shaky moments during the fight.

Despite the result, Sugden is happy to have risen to the challenge and announce himself on the domestic stage to prove he belongs in the mix with the top 175lb contenders.

Now he wants a shot at whoever emerges victorious out Pitters and Richards.

“I’ve kept myself in training since the fight over Christmas and New Year so I would be ready to fight whenever the call came and I’m thrilled to be fighting on the Coventry Skydome show,” Said Sugden.

“Whilst it was frustrating coming out with a draw when I thought and many people who watched it thought that I had beat Richards, I’m happy that my performance in the fight has elevated my profile and it has set me on a good level for this year and I now just need to keep building on it,”

“I know I can hold my own against the likes of Richards and I’d love the chance to do it again with him. With more than a week’s notice I would definitely turn the tables and beat him next time around. If he beats Pitter’s then let’s do it with the British title on the line. Everyone was raving about the last fight, imagine how big it would be next time around?”

“I’d be equally confident against Pitters who despite his unnatural height advantage, I believe would present disadvantages for him in other areas that I’d exploit. I’ve been watching him for a while and I’d love to go in and test myself against him. I just know I’d have the beating of him.”

“With the show live and free across the UK on Channel 5 this is another massive opportunity for me to showcase my skills and get my name out to an audience of millions and I can’t wait.”

A top quality undercard is headlined with the return of red-hot cruiserweight talent Isaac Chamberlain from Brixton, South London, as he returns to action and back on his pursuit of a world title.

The card also features some great Midlands match ups that includes a fiery Coventry derby between welterweights Jordan Cooke and Michael Green over six-rounds; Birmingham’s Ishmael Ellis takes on Walsall’s Shaun Cooper over six rounds at lightweight; Coventry’s River Wilson Bent clashes with Tamworth’s Lee Gunter in a four-round light-middleweight contest; Tamworth welterweight Tom Silcox in a four-round contest; Birmingham super-featherweight Lewis Coley in a four-round contest; Leamington Spa lightweight Danny Quartermine in a four-round contest and Battersea light-heavyweight Mark Williams in a four-round contest.

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

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

BritishTitle

London, UK (19 February 2020) Undefeated Birmingham light-heavyweight hotshot Shakan Pitters claims the inexhaustible lung power that has taken him to the cusp of a British title can be traced to his primary school years and the eccentricities of his ex-pro father Colin.

On Saturday 28th March, the freakishly tall sharpshooter squares off against fierce domestic rival Craig Richards for the vacant domestic 175lb crown on promoter Mick Hennessy’s big bill at the Coventry Skydome, exclusively live in the UK on free-to-air Channel Five.

‘When I was in Year Four (age nine), a couple of times a week dad would wake up my mum and us kids at 4a.m and demand we go on a five mile run with him,’ revealed Pitters, who at a lofty 6ft 6in is the tallest contender in the division by some distance.

‘I didn’t mind because I was a good runner and just enjoyed doing everything Dad wanted me to do. When we got home, it’d be pull-ups on the door ledge and an ab circuit before going back to bed!

‘From the age of six, Dad had me in the gym, watching him hit the bags and coach the likes of Matt Macklin and Frankie Gavin at the Small Heath gym. As a kid I could hold my own sparring with older, heavier kids but dad never allowed me to box. He was confident I’d make it as a footballer.

‘I was on West Bromwich Albion’s books for about six years as a schoolboy. Those middle of the night jogs made a huge difference on the pitch. I could run non-stop. Coaches would ask: ‘What are they feeding him?’

‘But, unfortunately, I had injuries. The Albion released me so I turned to boxing, aged 22.’

For five seasons, Pitters flitted casually between the Second City and Eastside gyms, engaging in a score of bouts but paying scant regard for such rudiments as roadwork or nutrition. The arrival of his daughter four years ago forced the logistics worker to re-evaluate.

‘Suddenly, at 27, I needed money so started to do it properly,’ disclosed Pitters.

‘Though I never took it seriously as an amateur, I barely lost a handful and always acquitted myself well sparring good pros like Terry Carruthers, Dee Mitchell and Cella Rendo at Eastside. I knew if I kept my discipline, I had the talent and attributes to go far.’

The Brummie boy comes from good breeding. In the early 1990s, his father Colin extended Richie Woodhall, then a 6-0 prospect and a future WBC World Champion; plus quality champions Steve Foster, Neville Brown and Adrian Dodson. Colin’s brother Rob lost just one of his first dozen as a hot light-middle prospect before descending into the role of a journeyman.

‘There was no chance I was going on the road, as my dad and uncle had,’ states Shakan.

‘Dad’s mindset was just to earn money to support the household. He was a smoker but, when he took it seriously, he was very capable.

‘Though he never wanted me to take the boxing up and hasn’t been to many fights, I know he’s proud. He’ll be at my British title challenge.

Since first dipping his toes into the professional pool in March 2017, skyscraper ‘Shak’ has racked up a lucky 13 straight wins, bagging an Ultimate Boxxer crown at London’s O2 Indigo in November 2018 and the English 12st 7lb title following a comprehensive 10 round decision over Scunthorpe’s 16-2 Dec Spelman at the York Hall last September.

Though 10 of his fights have been scheduled for four rounds or less, his raking right hand has registered four brutal stoppages (all inside two rounds) with three victims succumbing to the full 10 count.

‘I don’t have the physique of a strongman but, as a young kid, could always hit those punch machines hard and dad commented on my power on the pads before I’d even had any bouts. In sparring, I’ve hurt heavyweights and cruisers,’ he claims.

‘As a kid, Tommy Hearns was an idol. Like him, I’ve got the range, distance, technique, twist and leverage to generate serious power. I can crack with or without gloves. I’m a chilled guy but I’ve banged a few over on the street…the last one because they spat at my girlfriend.

‘I’ve also got excellent natural stamina, just as I had as a footballer. And my inside game is pretty underrated. My style’s not one dimensional, it’s a bit crazy, very hard to train for. I alternate, depending on what’s in front of me.

‘Against Dec Spelman – a real hard puncher – I showed I can fight on the back foot but I’m equally comfortable going forward. Dad had me going forward and back on the pads and when skipping, at a very young age so it’s natural. Others might think Dad was barmy, but I’ve a lot to thank him for!’

A top quality undercard is headlined with the return of red-hot cruiserweight talent Isaac Chamberlain from Brixton, South London, as he returns to action and back on his pursuit of a world title.

The card also features some great Midlands match ups that includes a fiery Coventry derby between welterweights Jordan Cooke and Michael Green over six-rounds; Birmingham’s Ishmael Ellis takes on Walsall’s Shaun Cooper over six rounds at lightweight; Coventry’s River Wilson Bent clashes with Tamworth’s Lee Gunter in a four-round light-middleweight contest; Tamworth welterweight Tom Silcox in a four-round contest; Birmingham super-featherweight Lewis Coley in a four-round contest; Leamington Spa lightweight Danny Quartermine in a four-round contest and Battersea light-heavyweight Mark Williams in a four-round contest.

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

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

BritishTitle

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BritishTitle

London, UK (28 January 2020) Promoter Mick Hennessy brings big-time boxing back to Coventry at the Sky Dome for the first time in a decade with an exciting clash between bitter rivals Shakan Pitters and Craig Richards for the Vacant British Light-Heavyweight Championship on Saturday 28th March, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5.

Presented by Hennessy Sports in association with Ladbrokes, Channel 5, Infinitum, Everlast and Jon Pegg, tickets will be priced at Standard £40, Ringside £70, Inner Ringside £100. An on-sale date and full ticket details will be announced shortly.

The Sky Dome was a boxing hotbed in the early to mid 2000s with a host of popular local boxers, including Neil Simpson, Dean Pithie, Richard Evatt, Steven Bendall and Andy Halder all featuring in glorious fight nights at the venue.

With the last championship boxing event staged there almost 10 years’ ago – Leicester’s Rendall Munroe in a WBC World Super-Bantamweight title eliminator in April 2010 – and with Coventry leading up to its year as 2021 City of Culture, Hennessy felt it was the ideal time and location to bring boxing back and stage one of the most eagerly anticipated fights in British boxing.

Since the British title was vacated by Joshua Buatsi and the British Boxing Board of Control announced purse bids for Pitters v Richards – which were won by Hennessy – the the showdown has got the British fight trade divided. It’s a real 50-50 encounter with both fighters evenly matched and with plenty of pride at stake, neither man will want to come second in this crucial 175lb clash.

The towering 6ft 6in Pitters, 30, hasn’t put a foot wrong since making his pro-debut in March 2017 and has amassed a perfect unbeaten 13-fight career with four knockouts. The Birmingham talent first came to attention when he cruised through the Ultimate Boxxer 2 tournament in November 2018, defeating Dec Spelman, Georgii Bacon and Sam Smith all in one night to win the Golden Robe. In ‘Shaks’ last fight in September he again faced Spelman, who by then had become the English champion, and relieved him of the title in a thrilling 10-round war where he had to overcome some tricky moments to emerge the winner on the scorecards.

Pitters said, “I’m not like any of the guys he’s faced before. He keeps going on about Andre Sterling, Jake Ball and Frank Buglioni, he just living off those names. I can’t wait until I get in the ring with him and find out how adaptable he is, then he’ll realise how good I am. It doesn’t matter where the fight is taking place, I don’t care where the fight is, the result will always be the same, I will win. I’m the better boxer and he’s going to find that out. He goes on about me being hurt against Dec Spelman, but I proved I had a great chin. His last fight against Chad Sugden was awful, if that was me in with Sugden he would have been out of there. For me the fight doesn’t go the distance and I want to know what his excuse is going to be when he loses.”

Richards, 29, from Crystal Palace, has built a solid record in his five years as a professional. He’s captured the Southern Area Super-Middleweight title and the WBA Continental Light-Heavyweight title in his 17-fight career. This will be Richards second shot at the British Light-Heavyweight title after his points loss to then Champion Frank Buglioni in October 2017 at the Principality Stadium on an Anthony Joshua card. Richards took the fight at just five days’ notice after original opponent Callum Johnson withdrew, but he took the fight to Buglioni and at one point in the third round he looked like he was going to cause a huge upset. Since then ‘Spider’ has remained unbeaten in six fights, although his last fight was scored a surprised draw to Chad Sugden.

Richards said, “Pitters is not ready to challenge for the British title, he should have defended the English and then fought an eliminator to prove he’s ready. People are getting carried away with him. Just take a look at his record, his four knockouts have been against a guy who lost 72 fights; someone who only had three fights; another one with 29 losses and someone making his debut. He was badly hurt in his last fight against Spelman. Is the fight taking place in Coventry to give him some kind of advantage? It will work against him and the pressure will all be on him. I’ve fought on an Anthony Joshua show in front of 86,000 people against Frank Buglioni for the British title at just five days notice. Fighting in Coventry means nothing to me. It won’t go the distance unless he gets on his bike for twelve rounds. When I hit him on the chin and he lands on Big Ben he’ll wish the fight would have taken place in London.”

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

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

Hennessy is thrilled to deliver the fight to the fans and for viewers live on Channel 5 and is expecting a memorable encounter between Pitters and Richards. He said, “It was a fight that really appealed to me when the purse bids were announced by the Board and I’m delighted to have won the rights to stage it. The once popular fight city of Coventry has been bereft of professional championship boxing for nearly 10 years and I felt that it was the ideal venue to host this cracking British title fight and bring boxing back once again and it will also be live on free-to-air TV on Channel 5. It’s a real 50-50 fight and has split the trade on who will win this one. Shakan is undefeated, skilful and with the physical advantages, but is facing his first big test and if he comes through he will really launch himself on the big stage. While Richards has the edge in experience having challenged for the British title before he is also highly regarded and skilled boxer, he’ll be hungry to get the victory over his rival. This has the makings of a great fight between the fierce rivals with plenty of pride on the line.”

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

PREPARATIONS HAVE BEGUN in earnest for Liam Williams’ December 21st eliminator against 6’5” Alantez Fox as pictures emerged of him sparring with Light Heavyweight Shakan Pitters.

Explaining the decision to seek out the 6’6” Brummie, Williams said: “He’s two weights above me, a good two stone heavier than me and he’s taller than my opponent.”He added: “You’ve got to train for worse than what you’re going to get, it makes it easier on fight night.”

Asked how he found sparring someone so much bigger, he confidently declared himself “comfortable with it”.

“It can be difficult,” he admitted, “you can think you’re out of range and then get pinged with silly shots but for my first spar with a guy that size? It went very well!”

The bout with the WBOs #1 ranked Middleweight Fox was only announced yesterday and already the war of words between the two world class fighters has begun.

When questioned as to why he had referred to Fox as a ‘rat’ on social media, the Welsh banger quipped: “he’s just a skinny little rat, isn’t he?”

“When I say things I mean business. I’m willing to back it up. He’s just one of those who chats sh*t to build buzz for a fight. When I say I’m going to smash him up I really mean it.”

Liam, 21-2-1 with 16 KO’s, is on a five fight finishing spree and is convinced that he can add another knockout to his record come December 21st.

“All he has is height and reach. It’ll be a difficult fight but as long as I come fully prepared, and stick to my game plan, I believe I’ll walk away with an easy victory.”

And his prediction for how it’ll end?

“I always enter the ring with bad intentions. I want to stop him inside the distance.”

With a #1 ranking with the WBO up for grabs it’s difficult not to ask ‘The Machine’ his thoughts about a potential 2020 battle with World Champion Demetrius Andrade.

Williams is a fan of the champs skill in the ring, saying: “He’s very good – He’s an awkward, tall southpaw.”

Never failing to get a dig in on his next opponent, though, he’s quick to point out that he believes Andrade “brings a lot more to the table than Fox” and is a “two weight world champion for a reason.”

But Williams also sees holes in Andrade’s game that he believes will give him a chance when they finally meet: “He usually looks good for the first couple of rounds, but then he goes to sleep for a bit.”

“At times it’s like watching paint dry” he added. “It’s boring!”

Before he can tackle the “boring” Demetrius Andrade and reach his goal of being World Champion, however, he must first tackle the tall order that is Alantez Fox.

And with tough sparring in the shape of 6’6” Light Heavyweights like Shakan Pitters on-hand, Williams and his team are confident he won’t fall short come December 21st.

——–

 ALSO ON THE SHOW

Unbeaten Heavyweight sensation Daniel Dubois (13-0) looks to continue his path of destruction against Japan’s Kyotaro Fujimoto (21-1). The WBC Silver Heavyweight championship and the WBO International Heavyweight belts will be on the line.
Sunny Edwards (13-0) fights for the vacant British super flyweight title against former amateur teammate Marcel Braithwaite (9-1), with Light Heavyweight prospect and Love Island star Tommy Fury (2-0) making his long awaited return to the boxing ring after winning the hearts of the nation on the popular ITV reality television show over the summer. 

Tickets from £40 are now on sale via Seetickets and will be available via Ticketmaster shortly

Ticket prices:

£250 – Hospitality
£150 – Floor
£100 – Floor
£75 – Floor
£50 – Lower Tier
£40 – Upper Tier