19:15 FIRST BELL

8 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight contest 
AQIB FIAZ 9st 7lbs 12ozv KANE BAKER 9st 5lbs 4oz                  
(Oldham)                             (Birmingham)

Followed by

12 x 3 mins Commonwealth Cruiserweight Title 
CHRIS BILLAM-SMITH 14st 3lbs 12ozv NATHAN THORLEY 14st 3lbs 12oz
(Bournemouth)                                         (Cardiff)

Followed by

6 x 3 mins Featherweight contest 
HOPEY PRICE 9st 0lbs 9ozv JONNY PHILLIPS 9st 2lbs 8oz
(Leeds)                                     (Sandhurst)

Followed by

10 x 3 mins Super-Welterweight contest
ANTHONY FOWLER 11st 1lbs 7oz v ADAM HARPER 11st 2lbs 4oz
(Liverpool)                                          (Tewkesbury)

Followed by

10 x 2 mins WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles 
TERRI HARPER 9st 3lbs 3ozv NATASHA JONAS 9st 3lbs 6oz
(Denaby)                                     (Liverpool)

Eddie Hearn:

“Welcome everyone tuning it at home on the Matchroom Boxing YouTube channel and Sky Sports as well. Wow! What a start to fight camp last week. To be honest with you it couldn’t have gone any better. We had a great time in the bubble last week. The fighters all excelled. We had drama, we had Fight of the Year contenders and this week we expect another unbelievable night in Week 2 of Fight Camp this Friday at the Matchroom Headquarters live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN across America as well.”

Terri Harper – Denaby, England – 10-0, 5 KO’s – defending her WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles against Natasha Jonas:

“I’ve been told a few times about Joe’s mind games so I switch off and don’t let it bother me. I don’t feel pressure compared to my World Title fight. I’m looking for the stoppage. Tasha has never done 10 rounds, she’s not proven that she can go the distance. If I land a good shot on Tasha? Lights out. Talking about Tasha’s knockout rate? She has fought nobodies. Who has she stepped in the ring with? Tasha has not proven herself. They will have a big shock on Friday. If I’m honest I’m just enjoying this journey. I popped up out of nowhere and here I am on the biggest stage. We’re not daft, we’ve prepared for the best Tasha.”Natasha Jonas – Liverpool, England – 9-1, 7 KOs – challenging Terri Harper for her WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles:

“I had an extra three weeks to prepare. It was seven weeks the first time and ten weeks this time. I got time to be a little kid again with my little girl, and to be a teacher. The break away was good for me mentally. When I came back I hadn’t punched anything for two months. When I walked into the gym I told Joe ‘I’m never going to complain about being here again’. And I didn’t for the whole camp! I definitely feel like the underdog in this fight judging by the bookies and a little bit of social media. I think anyone that knows about boxing knows that you can’t write a person off just on one performance. I know I’ve done everything that I could possibly do in this camp and more. I’ve given 100% in every training session. I believe I can do it. Power is something I’ve always had, I have a good knockout percentage, I know that I carry power. If I land cleanly, she will go.”

Chris Billam-Smith – Bournemouth, England – 10-1, 9 KOs – defending his Commonwealth Cruiserweight Title against Nathan Thorley:

“I’m looking forward to the fight. I’ve now had Nathan in my sights since it got announced in March. I’m looking forward to the fight on Friday. I saw the show on Saturday and I thought it was a great show. I’m looking forward to putting on a performance on Friday. It’s been a hot division for a while now. We’re all fighting each other at the moment. I boxed Riakporhe, Riakporhe’s boxed Jack Massey, I’ve boxed Craig Glover and me and Nathan are fighting as well. Everyone is willing to put it on the line to prove who is the best. Obviously Lawrence Okolie at the moment is just a few steps ahead of us.   He’s moving on to world honours so it’s sort of the best of the rest when it comes down to us all and I believe that’s me.”

Nathan Thorley – Cardiff, Wales – 14-0, 6 KOs – challenging Chris Billam-Smith for the Commonwealth Cruiserweight Title:

“It’s a massive opportunity and one I’m grabbing with both hands. I’ve given it everything in the gym since January because obviously we were meant to fight in May. I haven’t stopped training. It’s good sparring and it’s good strength and conditioning. I’m fit and ready and just can’t wait for Friday now. It’s a bit of a blessing the virus, not a blessing for others but it’s a blessing for me. I’ve been furloughed from work so I’ve been able to train full time and get myself in incredible shape. I’m ready to go. I know Chris is big and strong, but I’m big and strong myself. We’re both two big strong fellas and I think it’s going to be a good fight. I’ve got a job to do first on Friday against Chris. I’m not looking past Chris. For me, Chris is my World Title shot. Roll on Friday.”

Anthony Fowler – Liverpool, England – 12-1, 9 KOs – fighting Adam Harper in a ten round Super-Welterweight contest:

“I’m really excited. I think Harper’s style will play into my hands lovely. He is a game kid but I don’t think that will work against me. I’m going to walk him onto some hard, hurtful shots early on and hopefully show some of my new skills I’ve learnt under my coach. Counter punching, being smart, picking my shots. I’m looking forward to it. I watched Cheeseman vs. Eggington and I was that pumped up afterwards I went for a run. That Cheeseman fight would be great at the end of the year but obviously Adam is here to gatecrash the party as he put in his own words. I’ve got to make sure that I do a job on him. I’m getting the win.”

Adam Harper – Tewkesbury, England – 9-1 – fighting Anthony Fowler in a ten round Super-Welterweight contest:

“I think I’m ready Eddie. First of all, apologies to you and thanks for not getting an injunction out on me. I think I hounded you and hounded you with about 30 unread messages. You finally answered. It’s nothing personal and there’s no disrespect to Anthony. I asked for any of your big names. I want to gatecrash the party. I’m a massive underdog here if you look at the betting odds. Fowler was the Team GB kid that we all used to look up to. I was in the ABAs the same year that he boxed Troy Williamson. We all know about Fowler and we all know how good he is. There’s no real pressure on me. I looked at the betting odds last night and I’m one to six to get knocked out. Fowler really needs to knock me out. I’m coming and I’m game. I’m super fit and I’m ready for this. This is a golden opportunity for me to gatecrash the party. Hopefully you’ll be signing me up after.”

Hopey Price – Leeds, England – 2-1, 1 KO – fighting Jonny Phillips in a six round Featherweight contest:

“I’m looking forward to it. There’s a lot of similarities between this show and the one I boxed on in Saudi Arabia even though there’s no crowd. When I watched Jordan on Saturday and he walked out to the ring it was just unbelievable to look at how it was set up. Dave phoned me and said we’re having a bit of trouble getting an opponent. I prefer to fight the better level opposition. I have to raise my game up and box better. I think that’s when you’ll see the best of me. I may have only had two pro fights but I was sick of those types of opponents just coming in to try to survive. It’s hard to show all of your skills and what you’re capable of against those opponents. I think it’s going to make for a better fight and I’m going to put on a good performance on Friday night.”

Jonny Phillips – Sandhurst, England – 5-4, 2 KOs – fighting Hopey Price in a six round Featherweight contest:

“I always take any opportunity that comes up. I snap at it no matter what. Within five minutes I say yes to anything. I’m in this game for opportunities like this. I don’t see the point, like Hopey said, in going round and boxing people that are only coming to survive. I like to box the best on the biggest platforms and there’s nothing bigger than this at the moment. It’s a great opportunity. I said yes to the fight in about thirty seconds. I’m game as ever. I’ve had nine pro fights and I’ve boxed in five different weight classes. I don’t think many professional boxers have done that! I’m game as anything and I’m coming to win. I’m coming to knock him out. I was in the gym the whole time anyway and then we had a weeks’ notice for this one just to get a bit of a gameplay together. We’ve got something in the bank that we’re going to try and pull out.”

Aqib Fiaz – Oldham, England – 5-0 – fighting Kane Baker in an eight round Super-Featherweight contest:

“I boxed in March on the Jono Carroll vs. Scott Quigg card. I’m fighting again now in August and hopefully again by the end of the year. I’m spoilt to be fair. Thanks to Matchroom and thanks to Sky for the opportunity. I’ve watched him and I respect him as a fighter. He’s a good fighter. I’ve prepared really hard and I’m ready for this. I’m ready for this step-up. I believe it was my destiny to be here fighting with Sky and Matchroom. I’ve always watched these shows and I’ve always wanted to be here and nobody is taking that away from me. A fight is a fight. It doesn’t matter where it is. A real fighter will fight anywhere. I look forward to a good performance. It will be a standout performance.”

Kane Baker – Birmingham, England – 13-6 – fighting Aqib Fiaz in an eight round Super-Featherweight contest:

“It’ll be the third time you (Eddie Hearn) have watched me. Hopefully it doesn’t go as bad as it has gone. I’m just blessed to be here. I’m a hardcore boxing fan and to be here experiencing a set up like this is amazing. Last week was absolutely spectacular. I’ve improved a lot technically. I’d like to show some of my boxing skills as well. I’ve just got to stay in his face and show him what eight rounds is about. To be a part of this is amazing. I’m up for it now, I could fight today or I could fight tomorrow. When I get the win on Friday I’m going to be one of Eddie’s mates and not Aqib.”

https://www.facebook.com/MatchroomBoxing/videos/600152360691448

Terri Harper says she will “break down” Natasha Jonas when she defends her WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles against the Liverpudlian at Matchroom Fight Camp in Brentwood, Essex, on Friday August 7, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

Harper (10-0, 5 KOs)was crowned WBC World Champion after battering Eva Wahlstrom over ten rounds at the FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield to rip the famous green and gold belt from the long-reigning Finn and cement herself as a new rising star of British boxing.

The first defence of her WBC Title comes against Great Britain’s first ever female boxer to compete at an Olympic Games. Despite Jonas’ wealth of experience in the amateur ranks, ‘Belter’ remains confident that she will emerge victorious against ‘Miss GB’ on the night.

“For me, professional and amateur boxing are two completely different styles,” said Harper. “We’re not going to do anything daft. We’re not just going to be looking for a stoppage. I’m going to use my engine that for some reason Natasha thinks could be a bad thing. I’m going to work Natasha all night and break her down.

“Tasha gets caught quite a lot and I’m a big strong Super-Featherweight. When I get in the ring I’m easily a good 10 or 12 pounds heavier than what I was at the weigh-in the day before. I’ve got a bit of meat behind my punches and I strongly believe I could get a stoppage over Tasha.

“She keeps saying there’s nothing I do better than her but obviously I beat Viviane Obenauf. I’m not going to go off that fight, but I think I’ve got one up on Natasha. Every fight I’m having I’m always thinking about that next step and reaching the next level. I enjoy the risks but I feel I have great momentum and I can’t see anything stopping me at the minute.”

Harper vs. Jonas tops Week 2 of Matchroom Camp, Bournemouth’s Chris Billam-Smith (10-1, 9 KOs) defends his Commonwealth Cruiserweight Title against undefeated Cardiff man Nathan Thorley (14-0, 6 KOs), Liverpool Super-Welterweight Anthony Fowler (12-1, 9 KOs) gets his second outing of the year against Adam Harper (9-1), Oldham prospect Aqib Fiaz (5-0) steps up against Birmingham’s former Midlands Area Champion Kane Baker (13-6) and Leeds Featherweight prospect Hopey Price (2-0) takes on Jonny Phillips (5-4, 2 KOs).

Natasha Jonas is confident that Terri Harper won’t be able to deal with ‘the best version’ of her as the Super-Featherweights prepare to meet in a historic clash on Week 2 of Matchroom Fight Camp from Brentwood, Essex on Friday August 7, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Harper puts her WBC and IBO crowns on the line against former Team GB standout Jonas (9-1, 7 KOs) in a keenly-anticipated main event that will see two British female fighters compete against each other for a World Title for the first time in the sport’s history. 

Jonas, Great Britain’s first ever Olympic female boxer, bounced back from her sole pro career loss against Viviane Obenauf with three rebuilding wins over Feriche Mashauri, Bec Connolly and Bianka Majlath, and the World Amateur Bronze Medallist believes all of the pressure will be on the shoulders of the younger Harper. 

“She’s young, she’s hungry and she’s proved she can do ten rounds,” said Jonas. “She’s fit, but I also think that some of those things can be your undoing when you’re young. Sometimes you’re a bit naive, you can be a bit overeager when you’re hungry. She’s been talking about stopping the fight early so we’ll see. That’s all I can say. 

“She’s done everything asked of her. She’s beaten people I couldn’t. She’s beaten experienced girls like Eva Wahlstrom. She’s took the title, she’s got the title, and I’ve just got to take that off her. Hats off to her for everything she’s done. I’ve got nothing bad to say about her. I’m realistic. I’ve just got to bring the best version of me, and I don’t think she can deal with that. 

“I think she’s the bookies’ favourite. Judging by some social media comments I’ve seen she’s possibly edging it with the fans too. There’s no pressure on me. She put out a statement the other day saying that there is but I don’t believe there is. She’s the Champion, she’s got to keep hold of it, she’s been very vocal about how she’s going to keep hold of it. She’s got to go out and prove it.

“Every time I’ve come back into boxing there’s always been a reason, like unfinished business. To win and to hold the belt would finally sort that unfinished business. That will make me complete. I’ll be prepared, whether it’s one round or ten rounds. I’ll be prepared and I’ll keep going. There’s nothing she does better than me, and I’ll prove it on August 7^th.”

Harper vs. Jonas tops Week 2 of Matchroom Camp, Bournemouth’s Chris Billam-Smith (10-1, 9 KOs) defends his Commonwealth Title against undefeated Cardiff man Nathan Thorley (14-0, 6 KOs), Liverpool Super-Welterweight Anthony Fowler (12-1, 9 KOs) gets his second outing of the year against Adam Harper (9-1), Oldham Lightweight prospect Aqib Fiaz (5-0) steps up against Birmingham’s former Midlands Area Champion Kane Baker (13-6) and Leeds Featherweight prospect Hopey Price (2-0) fights on UK soil again following his win on the huge Andy Ruiz vs. Anthony Joshua 2 show in Saudi Arabia. 

World Title rivals Terri Harper and Natasha Jonas will come together for a special ePress conference at 7pm (BST) tonight on Matchroom Boxing’s YouTube channel.

In partnership with StubHub, Eddie Hearn hosts the third edition of our ‘Rivals’ series following the first two instalments with Lee Selby and George Kambosos Jr and Anthony Fowler and Ohara Davies. 

Harper (10-5, 5 KOs) was due to defend her WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight crowns against Liverpool’s Jonas (9-1, 7 KOs) in an all-British showdown at the Doncaster Dome on April 24 before the Coronavirus pandemic brought the sporting world to a halt. 

“I want to understand why Tasha thinks she’s better than me,” said Harper. “Obviously she had the bad fight against Obenauf, I believe Viviane came in at short notice. For me, Viviane had a full training camp, she prepared well for me, and when I look back now it was a comfortable win for me.

“Tasha gets caught quite a lot and I’m a big strong Super-Featherweight. When I get in the ring I’m easily a good 10 or 12lbs heavier than what I was at the weigh-in the day before. I’ve got a bit of meat behind my punches and I strongly believe I could get a stoppage over Tasha.

“Every fight I’m having I’m always thinking about that next step and reaching the next level. I enjoy the risks but I feel I have great momentum and I can’t see anything stopping me at the minute.”

“I respect the way she’s come through,” said Jonas. “She hasn’t come from the big amateur background and had a big TV deal from the start. She’s got herself to that point. She’s hungry but I’m hungrier. I respect her, she’s young, she’s quick and she’s got a good engine but no disrespect, I just think I’m better.”

“I can’t keep living off my amateur career. The WBC belt is one of the most prestigious belts and I don’t think from memory Joe Gallagher has had a WBC Champion yet. We want the belt, the t-shirts and everything!”

“Natasha Jonas was due to challenge for Terri’s unified World Championships in April. There’s been some fascinating conversations moving forward about when this fight might happen. This is a fight that is done, is agreed and will be happening,” added Eddie Hearn. 

Fans can tune in to Rivals at 7pm (BST) on the Matchroom Boxing YouTube channel here: Harper vs. Jonas Rivals

Following advice from the Government and the BBBoC relating to COVID-19, Matchroom Boxing have postponed all events scheduled to be taking place in March and April, including David Avanesyan vs. Josh Kelly at The O2 in London on March 28, Lewis Ritson vs. Miguel Vazquez at the Utilita Arena Newcastle on April 4 and Terri Harper vs. Natasha Jonas at the Doncaster Dome on April 24.
 
Fights scheduled to take place on the Avanesyan vs. Kelly show will be merged into future cards, with ticket refunds for March 28 available at the original point of purchase. Ritson’s clash with Vazquez has been rescheduled to Saturday June 27^th, while Harper’s all-British World Title showdown with Jonas has also been rescheduled to June, with a date to be confirmed shortly. Tickets will be valid for these rescheduled dates or refunds will be available from your point of purchase. Further events may also be subject to change.
 
The health and safety of the boxers, staff, event contractors and fans involved with our events is the top priority for Matchroom Boxing and we thank everyone for their understanding. We look forward to bringing world class boxing events back to these shores as soon as it is safe to do so.
  
Our thoughts are with everybody affected by the COVID-19 outbreak at this difficult time.

Terri Harper will make the first defence of her WBC Super-Featherweight World Title in an all-British showdown with Natasha Jonas at the Doncaster Dome in the latest instalment of the JD NXTGEN series on Friday April 24, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

Harper (10-0, 5 KOs) created history at the FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield last month as she dethroned long-reigning World Champion Eva Wahlstrom to become the first British woman to win a WBC World Title and in doing so the Denaby native announced herself as a new star of British boxing. 

Jonas (9-1, 7 KOs), Great Britain’s first ever Olympic female boxer, bounced back from her sole career loss against Viviane Obenauf in 2018 with three wins in a row over Feriche Mashauri, Bec Connolly and Bianka Majlath, and the World Amateur Bronze Medallist is out to cause an upset on away territory.

“We’re not waiting around and I’m excited to go back to the Doncaster Dome where I made my professional debut,” said Harper. “It’s going to be a bit special making the first defence of my WBC World Title in front of my hometown fans in Doncaster – I’m looking forward to the reception that I’m going to receive. 

“Natasha had the loss against Viviane Obenauf but we’re not overlooking her because one loss doesn’t define you as a boxer. She’s going to come and try and get the win so we’ve got to train really hard for this and be prepared for the best Natasha. 

“There’s a bit of pressure on me as I’ve just won the WBC belt and I don’t want to lose it on my first defence. I’m going to train like I haven’t even won it yet. I haven’t had much time to sit back and think about it all, it’s been very hectic but it’s time to get back to the serious training next week.

“Hopefully we can start looking at other World Titles after April 24, but I just want to keep on enjoying what I’m doing, getting the wins, getting the experience under my belt and pushing forwards. I want to be fighting the best girls out there and challenging myself.”

“From what I’ve seen, Terri is young, fit and hungry,” said Jonas. “She’s explosive and quick and I rate her skill-wise as a boxer. I just obviously think I’m better! 

“I’m not going to give away any game plan and I’m sure she thinks she’s seen weaknesses in me too, but I won’t really talk about her weaknesses – it’s more about my strengths. If I enforce what I’m best at then what she’s good at won’t be relevant.

“This means everything. I got back into the professional side of boxing because I think there were things I didn’t achieve as an amateur that I wanted to. I’m trying to do so as a pro so I can say I’m happy with what I did. It’ll be tough. It always is. This is a tough sport. I just think I can do it. It’ll be a dream come true.”

Elsewhere on the card, undefeated Northampton talent Chantelle Cameron (12-0, 7 KOs) continues her march towards a World Title shot after winning WBC Final Eliminators in two separate divisions last year, British Title challenger Kieron Conway (14-1-1, 3 KOs)takes on Rotherham’s Navid Mansouri (20-3-2, 6 KOs)as heaims to make his case for further title shots in 2020, Sheffield Welterweight Anthony Tomlinson (12-0, 7 KOs) returns after his British and Commonwealth Title Eliminator win, Sheffield’s rising Super-Lightweight starlet Dalton Smith (4-0, 3 KOs) stays busy, Leeds Featherweight Hopey Price (2-0, 1 KO) fights back in the UK after his appearance on this Ruiz vs. Joshua 2 undercard and popular Watford Super-Bantamweight Shannon Courtenay (5-0, 2 KOs) looks to build on her sensational KO win at York Hall in December. 

“We’re hugely excited for Terri Harper’s WBC Super-Featherweight Title clash against Natasha Jonas, a thrilling first defence for Britain’s new world champion against ‘Miss GB’,” said Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing Development.

“Terri continues her amazing success story, returning to her hometown as a World Champion after defeating Eva Wahlstrom in front of the Sky Sports cameras on an emotional evening in Sheffield.

“I watched Natasha’s enthralling encounter with Katie Taylor at the London 2012 Games, an electric atmosphere, and she will be determined to display her class in the biggest bout of her professional career. It’s another fantastic addition to our Saturday night schedule as we showcase some of Britain’s best boxing talent.”

Tickets priced £40 , £70 and £140 will be on sale at 3.00pm today via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)

Katharina Thanderz says she wants to fight Terri Harper next having witnessed the British boxer dethrone Eva Wahlstrom for the WBC Female World Super Featherweight title on Saturday in Sheffield, England.

Thanderz, who holds the interim WBC World title, was ringside to watch Harper defeat Wahlstrom, with whom she sparred in the build up to this fight, and is now looking forward to her own showdown with the WBC and IBO champion.

“It was amazing to sit ringside to watch Eva Wahlstrom and Terri Harper fight,” said Thanderz, who outpointed Danila Ramos in Oslo in November to claim the interim World title and earn her shot at the winner of Harper and Wahlstrom.

“It was a very good technical fight. They both had their moments, and trying to give a neutral opinion, I would say I had Eva up on my scorecard until round 7. Then she went down, which didn’t look like a normal knockdown, she seemed to lose her balance, and Harper did better in the second half of the fight, which is why I guess she finally got the win. However it was a very close fight.

“I thought Harper did a good job, as did Wahlstrom, but I wouldn’t say ‘impressed’ is the right word to describe what I thought of her performance. She is a good boxer though, with the potential to get even better with all the hard work she puts in, and for that I do respect and admire her.

“Absolutely, I want to fight Harper next, and as interim WBC Champion, I hope and expect to fight her next. A fight between me and Harper would be completely different to the fight between Harper and Wahlstrom. Physically, I’d say I’m more similar to Harper, and her reach and length wouldn’t be a problem for me. I won’t give away our game plan, but what I can say is it would be a great fight, and I am convinced it would end with my arm being raised.”

Having experienced the atmosphere in Sheffield, Thanderz says she would have no problem fighting Harper at home and has welcomed the challenge.

“It’s not in my hands to decide where to fight. Of course, home advantage can be an important factor, but for me it’s more important that the fight takes place. I’m interested in fighting the best, and sometimes you need to be brave and go out to get it. I have always admired boxers who have done that.

“I observed the hostile reception that the fans in Sheffield gave Eva Wahlstrom when she entered the ring, so I would be prepared for exactly the same treatment, and it would probably make me stronger.”

Terri Harper is targeting a life-changing win over Eva Wahlstrom at the FlyDSA Arena on Saturday February 8 when they clash in a huge unification battle for the IBO and WBC Super-Featherweight World Titles, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Harper (9-0, 5 KOs) got off to a flying start under the Matchroom Boxing banner with a polished performance to outpoint tough Brazilian Viviane Obenauf in the first defence of her IBO crown on her 23rd birthday in November.

‘Belter’ admits the pressure she felt to perform on her big Matchroom debut may have caused her to play it safe at Manchester Arena but the undefeated Denaby star, South Yorkshire’s first female professional boxer, has promised to take it to her opponent next month.

“Watching the Obenauf fight back I feel I held back a bit,” said Harper. “I had a lot of pressure on me to perform on my Matchroom debut and maybe played it a bit too safe. In this fight I feel I will be more adventurous, I know what Eva is going to bring and I will go out there and show my ability. I’m ready to show everyone what I can do.

“One of the main changes is that we have been sparring straight away, getting lots of rounds in with different girls and training twice a day alongside Anthony Tomlinson who is also on the bill. I have my feet through the door now and I am ready for February 8, a date I will hopefully come home as WBC World Champion.”

Wahlstrom (23-1-2, 3 KOs), a pro since 2010 and who has only lost to Irish sensation Katie Taylor, promises to be a career-defining fight for Harper. The Finnish 39-year-old has held the WBC title since 2015, making fives defences of the green and gold belt during her reign.

Guided by Stefy Bull from his gym in Doncaster, Harper has passed every test of her career with flying colours since turning professional in 2017 following a successful stint in the amateurs and the 23-year-old believes she has what it takes to overcome Wahlstrom in a clash of youth versus experience.

“Eva is a solid opponent who has shared the ring with some great female boxers over a long career. She has more experience than me but she is nearly 40 and I feel it is my time now, to take the baton and get the win. I feel like I have long range and won’t get dragged into a brawl. We have seen that she is open to that back hand so that is what we have been working with in the gym, I want to get back on my knockout streak!

“It’s a 50:50 fight but I feel like I have got youth on my side. I am so hungry to win this and have prepared for the best version of Eva Wahlstrom possible. I have put 110% into this camp because I know that if I prepare correctly that I can change my life on February 8. I have dreams of boxing in America and I see that as the next goal for me after winning this WBC title.

“All I see in this fight is me being dominant with my jab and then stopping her with my back hand, I just feel like it’s something she will not be able to deal with. I feel my fitness will come through and the fight will be over in the mid to late rounds.”

Harper vs. Wahlstrom is part of a huge night of action in Sheffield.

Kell Brook (38-2, 26 KOs) will be aiming to shake off the ring rust and fire his name back into the mix for a Word Title shot in 2020 when he meets the USA’s Mark DeLuca (24-1, 13 KOs), Kid Galahad (26-1, 15 KOs) takes on Claudio Marrero (24-3, 17 KOs) in a Final Eliminator for the IBF Featherweight crown, Anthony Tomlinson (11-0, 6 KOs) takes on Stewart Burt (13-1-1, 1 KO) in a Eliminator for the British and Commonwealth Welterweight titles, Dave Allen (17-5-2, 14 KOs) makes his long-awaited return after eight months out of the ring, Brentwood Super-Featherweight Martin Joseph Ward (23-1-2, 11 KOs) returns, Sheffield Super-Featherweight prospect Donte Dixon (2-0, 1 KO) returns, Super-Middleweight John Docherty (7-0, 5 KO) continues his march towards a first title, Leeds Featherweight Hopey Price (2-0, 1 KO) looks to go 3-0 and Sheffield Light-Heavyweight Callum Beardow (1-0) fights for the second time as a pro.

Kell Brook will make his eagerly-anticipated return to the ring against Mark DeLuca at the FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield on Saturday February 8 on a bumper bill featuring Kid Galahad taking on Claudio Marrero in a Final Eliminator for the IBF Featherweight crown, Terri Harper clashing with Eva Wahlstrom for the WBC Super-Featherweight World Title and the return of Heavyweight favourite Dave Allen, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Former IBF Welterweight ruler Brook (38-2, 26 KOs) was last seen outpointing Australia’s Michael Zerafa over a year ago in his hometown and ‘The Special One’, now trained by Dominic Ingle, will be aiming to shake off the ring rust and fire his name back into the mix for a Word Title shot in 2020.

Standing in his way is the USA’s DeLuca (24-1, 13 KOs), a southpaw hailing from Whitman in Massachusetts nicknamed ‘The Bazooka’ who is currently enjoying a three-fight winning streak, picking up the NABA Super-Welterweight title on the undercard of Andrade vs. Kautondokwa in October 2018.

“I’m so happy to be back and I can’t wait to put on a performance for my city on February 8 live on Sky Sports and DAZN,” said Brook. “I’ve had a year out, there has been some dark times but what I’ve realised is I love this sport and I know I have some of my biggest years left in the game. DeLuca is a strong, gutsy fighter who is always ready for war but I’m planning on putting on a statement and showing the world that I’m still a force at 154 or 147lbs.”

Galahad (26-1, 15 KOs) fell short in a close and controversial battle with IBF Featherweight kingpin Josh Warrington at the First Direct Arena in Leeds earlier this year but the Sheffield contender has earned a golden opportunity to land another shot at the 126lbs World Title when he meets ‘The Matrix’.

Marrero (24-3, 17 KOs) captured the interim WBA Featherweight World Title with a one round demolition of Carlos Zambrano in 2017 and the 30-year-old from the Dominican Republic is determined to shatter Galahad’s dreams and set up another attempt at gold for himself. 

“Every opponent at this level has to be respected and that’s what I’ll do,” said Galahad. “He’s a game kid in a life changing fight, similar to me. So it will be a tough night but I’ll prepare fully. 

“I am grateful to the IBF, Matchroom and my team for making sure they made a sensible decision to get me back into the Final Eliminator – something I think is deserved and most of the fans do too. 

“I’ve had many people believe I won the first fight with Warrington but what’s written in the record books is what counts. I’ll focus fully on Marrero now and then if and when we get through that  – I’ll look to right the wrongs of the first fight. Let’s hope Josh sticks around to take the rematch as many of his own fans and neutrals came out saying he didn’t do enough to have his arm raised the first night.”

Harper (9-0, 5 KOs) got off to a flying start under the Matchroom Boxing banner with a polished performance to outpoint tough Brazilian Viviane Obenauf in the first defence of her IBO Super-Featherweight World Title on her 23^rd birthday in November. 

That win set up a shot at the famous green and gold WBC Super-Featherweight World Title owned by Finland’s Wahlstrom (23-1-2, 3 KOs), a veteran of women’s boxing who will be making the sixth defence of her title against rising star Harper.

“I’m really looking forward to be fighting back in Sheffield, this time as a Matchroom fighter and fighting for one of the most prestigious World Title belts in my opinion,” said Harper. “I know that there’s boxers out there who would give anything for this opportunity that I’ve been given, so we’re leaving no stone left unturned. 

“Being local and having the home crowd behind me on the night, the atmosphere is going to be electric – I know this is going to push me on to win the belt not only for me but for every single supporter.”

Allen (17-5-2, 14 KOs) makes his long-awaited ring return after taking some time out of boxing following his defeat to David Price at The O2 in London in July, and the ‘White Rhino’ now has his eyes set on securing a shot at the coveted Lord Lonsdale Challenge Belt in 2020.

“It’s great to be back boxing and even better it’s at the FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield,” said Allen. “It’s an honour to be boxing alongside some of my friends and to see Kell Brook return to action. I’m coming back to win the British Title and that’s my aim for 2020, this is the start of that journey.”

Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing, said: “We’re delighted to see Kell Brook back in action on Sky Sports in front of his hometown fans in Sheffield. Kell will be determined to prove he can still battle with the very best, including British rival Amir Khan, and we hope he can set up a blockbuster fight for later in the year.

“It’s an exciting early addition to our 2020 schedule, with Kid Galahad trying to force his way back into World Title contention, the excellent Terri Harper can become Britain’s latest World Champion, and Dave Allen always guarantees entertainment.”

Tickets priced £40, £60, £100 and £200 (VIP) go on sale at midday today (Friday December 20) and will be available to purchase from the FlyDSA Arena (www.flydsaarena.co.uk), StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)

Former lightweight world champion Anthony Crolla ended his career with a 10-round majority decision over Frank Urquiaga at the Manchester Arena in Crolla’s hometown of Manchester, England.

Crolla, 136.75 lbs won by scores of 98-92, 97-93 and 95-95 to finish his career with a record of 35-7-3. Urquiaga of Spain is 13-2-1.

Speaking after his fight Crolla said: “Getting the win was the main thing but now I know my time’s up. I wasn’t nervous coming into the arena but it did get to me a bit when I came out here – knowing it was for the last time.

“Hopefully I’ve left a bit of a legacy. And I’ll be back in the gym training the youngsters and hopefully some of the champions of the future.”

Taylor decisions Linardatou; Wins Super Lightweight Title

Katie Taylor won the WBO Super Lightweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Christina Linardatou.

Taylor of Ireland won by scores of 97-93 twice and 96-94 and is now 15-0. Linardatou of Greece is 12-2.

“I’m making history again,” said an emotional Taylor after her fight. “I’m breaking boundaries again and I’m a two-weight World Champion – and there’s still more to come. I thought I boxed beautifully on the outside and I didn’t get sucked into a fight.”

Cash stops Cullen in eight

Felix Cash remained undefeated with an eighth-round stoppage over Jack Cullen in a scheduled 12-round middleweight bout.

In round one, Cash dropped Cullen with a hard overhand right to the side of the head.

In round seven, Cash sent Cullen to the canvas with a body shot. In round eight, Cash jumped on Cullen and landed a big barrage of punches and the bout was stopped at 1:14.

Cash, 159 lbs of England is 12-0 with eight knockouts. Cullen, 159.6 lbs of England is 17-2.

Harper decisions Obenauf

Terri Harper remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Viviane Obenauf in a junior lightweight bout.

Harper, 129.75 lbs of England won by scores of 99-91, 99-92 and 97-93 and is now 10-0. Obenauf, 129 lbs of Switzerland is 14-6.

Bakole Stops Hernandez in 2

Martin Bakole stopped Rodney Hernandez in round two of a scheduled 10-round heavyweight bout.

Bakole hurt Hernandez throughout the 2nd frame, and then floored him with right hand, and the fight was stopped at 2:50.

Bakole, 263 lbs from The Congo is 15-1 with 12 knockouts. Hernandez, 262 lbs of California is 13-9-2.

“To stop two American guys in a few weeks is amazing for me,” the Congo Heavyweight told Sky Sports afterwards. “My corner told me this guy will give me a hard time, but I knew he would not be able to take my power. I’m looking forward to next year.”

Undefeated Denaby Super-Featherweight talent Terri Harper has signed a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and will make the first defence of her IBO World title against Vivian Obenauf on the Taylor vs. Linardatou undercard at Manchester Arena on November 2, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

Harper, South Yorkshire’s first female professional boxer, joined the paid code in November 2017 after a successful stint in the amateurs that saw her win three national titles and take home a silver medal for England from the European youth championships in Poland in 2012.

The 22-year-old has won all eight of her pro contests to date and picked up the WBC International Lightweight title with a sensational stoppage of Nina Bradley in March earlier this year before taking out Nozipho Bell in eight rounds to earn the IBO Super-Feather World title in July. 

Obenauf (14-5, 7 KOs), a two-time World title challenger from Brazil, is no stranger to fighting on these shores. She took Irish star Taylor the distance in Manchester back in 2016 and returned to the UK a year later to challenge Chantelle Cameron for the IBO Lightweight World title in Leicester.

In her next fight she stopped Liverpool’s Natasha Jonas in four rounds to earn the WBA International Super-Featherweight title in Cardiff before challenging Maiva Hamadouche for the IBF Super-Featherweight World title in Paris. 

“I was in disbelief when I found out that I’d be signing a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing,” said Harper. “I got the news shortly after I won my IBO World title in July and I was delighted. It’s crazy how much has happened in the short space of two years.

“I always expected to go quite far with my boxing but not as quickly as I have done. Everyone dreams of signing with Matchroom and I believe I’m in the perfect place to fulfil my potential. We originally planned on having around ten fights before pushing on towards titles but opportunities came up and we knew we were ready.

“Katie Taylor has paved the way for women’s boxing in recent years and to be defending my World title on her undercard on my Matchroom debut is absolutely massive and I can’t wait to get out there in front of the TV cameras again. 

“I’ve been in the gym for a solid two months waiting for my fight date to be confirmed. They’re all going to be tough fights from now but that’s what I’m in this sport to do, prove myself against the best names out there.”

Stefy Bull, Manager of Terri Harper, said: “It’s a pleasure to be working with Matchroom Boxing again. I’ve had a long relationship with them through Gavin McDonnell and I believe they are the best promotional outfit out there. Terri is a special talent and I know that Eddie will deliver World title opportunities for her on the biggest stage. Terri will grab those opportunities with both hands.”

Harper vs. Obenauf is part of a huge night of action in Manchester.

Main event sees Katie Taylor (14-0, 6 KOs) attempt to become a two-weight World Champion when she meets Christina Linardatou (12-1, 6 KOs) for the WBO Super-Lightweight World title, Manchester favourite Anthony Crolla (34-7-3, 13 KOs) bids farewell at the venue he was crowned World Champion, rising Light-Heavyweight star Joshua Buatsi (12-0, 10 KOs) steps up again to take on another former World title challenger in Blake Caparello (30-3-1, 13 KOs), Felix Cash (11-0, 7 KOs) defends his Commonwealth Middleweight title against English Champion Jack Cullen (17-1, 8 KOs) and Gamal Yafai (16-1, 9 KOs) and Qais Ashfaq (7-0, 3 KOs) continue their march towards titles. 

General sale tickets priced £40, £60, £100 and £250 (VIP) are available NOW via Manchester Arena (www.manchester-arena.com), StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com). 

Jano Carroll and Guillaume Frenois battled to a 12-round split draw in an IBF Super Featherweight Elimination battle.

In round nine, Carroll began to bleed from around the right eye.

Scores were 115-113 each way, and 114-114.

Carroll, 129.6 lbs of Dublin is 16-0-1. Frenois, 129.5 lbs of France is 46-1-1.

Anthony Fowler remained perfect with a 1st round stoppage over Jose Carlos Paz in a scheduled 10-round super featherweight bout.

Fowler landed a perfect left the body that sent Paz to a knee. He did not beat the count at 1:33.

Fowler, 153.6 lbs of Liverpool is 9-0 with eight knockouts. Paz, 157.2 lbs of Argentina is 23-8-1.

Kid Galahad tuned up for a world title shot with a eight-round decision over Bryan Mairena in a super featherweight bout.

The referee score was 80-72 for Galahad, 132.1 lbs of Sheffield who is now 30-0. Mairena, 130.9 lbs of Nicaragua is 10-5-1.

Former British Olympian, Qais Ashfat stopped Jay Carney in round five of their scheduled six-round super bantamweight fight.

In round one, Ashfaq began to batter Carney, and caused a cut from the side of his nose. Ashfaq continued the beating with hard shots hat caused a cut over the right eye of Carney.

In round five, Ashfat continued to the onslaught on a game Carney. and Carney’s corner threw in the towel at 41 seconds.

Ashfaq, 126.3 lbs of Leeds is 4-0 with two knockouts. Carney, 124.7 lbs of Liverpool is 5-4-2.

Terry Harper stopped Fericge Mashury in round two if a scheduled six-round lightweight contest.

Harper landed an unanswered flurry of punches in round two, and the fight was stopped at 1:25.

Harper, 135.2 lbs of Denaby is now 5-0 with two knockouts. Mashaury, 133.5 lbs of Tanzania is now 6-2.