NEW YORK – August 7, 2018 – SHOWTIME Sports will present Carl Frampton’s interim featherweight title defense and the second comeback fight of lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury on Saturday, August 18 live from Belfast, Northern Ireland. SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® will stream live exclusively to U.S. audiences on the SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page and SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel beginning at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT with an encore presentation later that evening on SHOWTIME EXTREME (10 p.m. ET/PT).

The August 18 event will be the network’s 24th live presentation of boxing through the first eight months of 2018. It will be the sixth live streaming boxing event of the year on SHOWTIME Sports social media platforms and the third from the United Kingdom as the network continues to deliver boxing’s biggest events from around the globe.

Former two-division champion Frampton will defend his interim WBO Featherweight Title against undefeated Australian contender Luke Jackson on the pitch at Windsor Park, where an expected 30,000 fans will witness the first boxing event at the home of Northern Irish football. In the opening bout, former IBF, WBA and WBO Heavyweight World Champion Fury will square off against two-time heavyweight title challenger Francesco Pianeta in Fury’s second comeback fight after a two-and-a-half year layoff.

Live coverage for the Frank Warren-promoted event will be provided by BT Sport with U.K. sportscasters John Rawling calling the action, Barry Jones providing analysis, and Ronald McIntosh conducting post-fight interviews for Fury-Pianeta. SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® host Brian Custer and Hall of Fame analyst Steve Farhood will deliver pre-and post-fight analysis from New York for the SHOWTIME Sports audience.

The 31-year-old Frampton (25-1, 14 KOs), who rolled back the years with an inspired performance to win the interim WBO belt against Nonito Donaire in April, will face the unbeaten Jackson as he looks to earn a second world title in one of boxing’s deepest divisions. With a victory, Frampton will target blockbuster showdowns with WBA World Champion Leo Santa Cruz, WBC World Champion Gary Russell Jr., and IBF World Champion Josh Warrington, all of whom have appeared on SHOWTIME platforms in 2018. The WBO’s interim champion is also in line to fight full titlist Oscar Valdez, who is recovering from surgery to repair a fractured jaw.

Jackson (16-0, 7 KOs) was the captain of the Australian boxing team at the 2012 London Olympics and has won 16 consecutive fights since turning pro in 2013. The 33-year-old is confident he can upset Frampton in front of his hometown fans and earn a title shot in the deep 126-pound division.

Fury (26-0, 19 KOs) returned to the ring in June with a victory over Sefer Seferi, an outmatched opponent who retired on his stool after four rounds. Southpaw Francesco Pianeta (35-4-1, 21 KOs) represents a significant step-up in opposition for the 29-year-old Manchester native. Prior to his nearly three-year layoff, the 6-foot-9 Fury established himself as the premier heavyweight boxer in the world by becoming the first man to defeat Wladimir Klitschko in more than 11 years—and by taking the IBF, WBA and WBO world title belts from the Ukrainian great in the process.

Pianeta (35-4-1, 21 KOs), a 6-foot-5 southpaw who fights out of Germany, has twice challenged for the heavyweight world title. Pianeta faced then-unified champion WladimirKlitschko in 2013 and lost in a bid for a secondary title against Ruslan Chagaev in 2015. A win over Fury would could put the 33-year-old Italian native back in the heavyweight title picture.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, subscribe to the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Amazon, Apple®, Google, LG Smart TVs, Oculus Go, Roku®, Samsung and Xbox One. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Amazon’s Prime Video Channels, DirecTV Now, FuboTV, Hulu, Sling TV, Sony PlayStation™ Vue, and YouTube TV. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™, and offers Smithsonian Earth™ through SN Digital LLC. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

TYSON FURY believes that Francesco Pianeta will be in the mood to cause a huge heavyweight upset when they meet.

Fury (26-0) faces the Italian at Belfast’s Windsor Park on Saturday August 18, when they share top billing with Carl Frampton.

Pianeta (35-4-1), a 6ft 5in southpaw who weighs around 245lb knows a shock win could earn him a third world heavyweight title challenge and ruin Fury’s hopes of dominating the division once again.

Pianeta fell short against Wladimir Klitschko and Ruslan Chagaev, but Fury who recently returned after a two and a half year break said: “There is a target on my back.

“Pianeta is just one win away from being back right there among the best.

“Everybody brings there A game when they face me. They know it’s a lottery win if they can beat me.”

Fury doesn’t need to study Pianeta having sparred with him when his rival was an unbeaten world ranked prospect.

Former world champion Fury who beat Sefer Seferi on his comeback in June recalled: “I sparred with him in Germany when he was 26 and 0.

“He was tough, strong and he is a good opponent – very good.

“It was before he went on to fight Klitschko and Chagaev for world titles, but I was impressed.

“People say this is a big step up from Seferi and they can say what they want, but Seferi went the full distance with a current world heavyweight champion, Manuel Charr.

“He looked terrible against me, but that has happened to so many people. Wladimir Klitschko didn’t look much better against me than Seferi to be honest.”

Tyson isn’t cutting corners setting up camp in Manchester and staying at a hotel on the outskirts of the city away from his family.

Fury said: “I’m training hard in the gym every day. I’ve had no time off since the last fight. I’m getting in great shape and really focused on my job.

“I can’t wait to get in there and put on a show in Belfast.

“Time is flying and it does when you’re having fun. I have a great team around me and we have got everything bang on. I’ve never, ever been this happy with my training and routine.

“I’ve got everything sorted. I’ve got the right promoter, the right lawyers, have good people around me and I’m in a good gym atmosphere.”

Local idol and two time world champion Frampton defends his interim WBO featherweight crown against Australian Luke Jackson on the bill that is nearing a sell-out.

In only his sixth professional fight, Frampton’s great friend Paddy Barnes challenges WBC flyweight champion Cristofer Rosales.

The bill also includes a light-heavyweight clash between Belfast’s Steven Ward and Dubliner Steve Collins Jr. Also in action is WBO European middleweight champion Luke Keeler, Conrad Cummings, KO king Lewis Crocker, Marco McCullough, Sean McComb and Steven Donnelly.

Very limited remaining tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.ie priced at £80, £100, £120, £150, £250, £400 (includes hospitality). Buying tickets over the phone – 0844 847 2455. To purchase Accessible Seating – 0333 321 9996

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, a possible heavyweight title showdown between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury could come to fruition on November.

“I believe it will get done. I think we’re close,” Wilder manager Shelly Finkel said. “I would hope next week it comes together. It’s a big fight, but it’s not done until all the paperwork is done. So do I think it will get done? Yes. But it’s not done. But I am also not aware of any issues. The rematch clause (which is not done yet0 will get worked out.”

Finkel said more likely the fight, targeted for a site to be determined in Las Vegas, would take place on either Nov. 10 or Nov. 17, on Showtime PPV.

“I think the fighter believes he can rise to the occasion,” Finkel said.

“Deontay is very excited about it,” Finkel said. “He remembers Fury jumping in the ring (after the Szpilka fight). There’s been a bit of a history there. They’ve traded barbs. In this sport, in the heavyweight division, after Deontay and Joshua, this is the biggest fight. I think it will get done. The points that matter are done, but it’s not done until it’s signed.”

“I can confirm me and Deontay Wilder are in negotiations, very close to being done,” Fury said. “But I won’t be looking over Francesco Pianeta. He’s going to give me the right fight, and the right work to prepare me for Deontay Wilder. I’ve got to flatten him first, and then Wilder, let’s dance. Prepare well, let’s get the deal done and then I’m going to knock (Wilder) spark out too.”

Conrad Cummings and Sam Maxwell will both be in action on the Windsor Park extravaganza headlined by Carl Frampton, Tyson Fury and Paddy Barnes.

Middleweight Cummings (13-2-1-KO6) will be eager to bounce back on a big stage after a European title defeat last time out while former Team GB super-lightweight Maxwell (8-0-KO6) bids to continue his flawless record.

Cummings said: “I’m honoured to be a part of this as it’s one of the biggest if not the biggest fight night Irish boxing will have ever seen.

“A lot of fighters would love to have the chance to be on this bill and I’m grateful to both MTK Global and Frank Warren.

“The whole night will be electric and Carl is finally getting to fulfil his dream. I took my eye off the ball last time but now I’m fully focused and driven to get back to it.”

Maxwell said: “I consider myself very lucky to be part of these events. I’ve got to thank MTK Global and Frank Warren. I can’t wait to fight on another huge night in Belfast.

“My last fight went the full distance. I proved to myself I can handle myself in a high-paced fight. I got the rounds in and was still feeling fresh at the end.

“It showed that not everyone I hit will be out of there. Some people will be able to take my shots and it’s a massive learning fight for me. I look forward to building after that reality check.”

An extraordinary night is topped by two-weight world champion Frampton facing unbeaten Olympian Luke Jackson, heavyweight king Tyson Fury taking on two-time world title challenger Francesco Pianeta and Paddy Barnes challenging Cristofer Rosales for the WBC world flyweight crown.

Joining Cummings and Maxwell on the undercard are Lewis Crocker, Keeler and Marco McCullough with several more fights to be announced in due course

Limited remaining tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.ie. priced at £80, £100, £120, £150, £250, £400 (includes hospitality). Buying tickets over the phone – 0844 847 2455. To purchase Accessible Seating – 0333 321 9996

TYSON FURY HAS vowed to abide by team orders and keep it strictly business when he turns to the second chapter of his comeback story against Francesco Pianeta in Belfast on August 18.

The lineal world heavyweight champion took showboating to a new level in the first of his return bouts against Sefer Seferi at the Manchester Arena in June, first setting the mood for the evening by planting a smacker on the equally game for a laugh Albanian.

Tyson now reveals that, for his duel with former world title challenger Pianeta, his trainer Ben Davison wants him to have his serious head on and not play to the expected sell-out crowd at Windsor Park, which also plays host to Carl Frampton defending his WBO world interim featherweight title against Luke Jackson as well as the WBC world flyweight title challenge of Paddy Barnes to the champion Cristofer Rosales.

“We saw the joker in the last camp, we saw the showman, the entertainer,” explained the 29-year-old.

“Ben wants a serious approach this time and that is what he’ll get.

“All business in Belfast!

“Everything is great, but if he wants me to be serious about this fight then I will be serious,” added Tyson, who reflected that he doesn’t have much of a track record when it comes to playing it straight.

“I’m not serious about anything in my whole life, everything is like fun and games – even Klitschko. I wasn’t serious – I was doing all dance moves, everything.

“But listen, if Ben wants serious, Ben will get serious. I’ll go in there and do my job and that’s it.

“I won’t even smile once!”

Frank Warren echoes the thoughts of trainer Davison and the Hall of Fame promoter believes Tyson is more likely to stick to the script because of the more perilous nature of the assignment this time around.

“I don’t believe we will have him playing up to the crowd on this occasion because he will need to be more business-like in a riskier fight and also because of his desire to start putting a marker down once again in the heavyweight division.”

Also featuring in undercard combat is a cracking Belfast v Dublin clash between Steven Ward and Steve Collins Jr. Lewis Crocker, WBO European middleweight champion Luke Keeler and Marco McCullough are also in action.

Limited remaining tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.ie. priced at £80, £100, £120, £150, £250, £400 (includes hospitality). Buying tickets over the phone – 0844 847 2455. To purchase Accessible Seating – 0333 321 9996

TYSON FURY will face two-time world heavyweight title challenger Francesco Pianeta in his second comeback fight next month.

The lineal heavyweight champion will face the 6ft 5in Italian on Frank Warren’s blockbuster open air show at Belfast’s Windsor Park on Saturday August 18, which is live on BT Sport.

Fury, 29, ended a lay off of more than two and half years last month when Sefer Seferi retired on his stool after four rounds and southpaw Pianeta is a step up in class for the Manchester man.

German based Pianeta (35-4-1) has 21 knockout wins on his record, but fell short in world championship challenges against Wladimir Klitschko and Ruslan Chagaev.

Warren said: “The Seferi fight is history and Pianeta is a far better operator than him. His level of opposition tells you that.

“Tyson had been out of boxing for a long time and Pianeta is a good opponent for what is Tyson’s second fight back after his break.

“Tyson had a short rest after Seferi, but is back in full time camp ready for this challenge in Belfast.

“He needs rounds under his belt before moving on to the next level and this fight will do that and make him work for his win.”

Pianeta, 33, is a former WBO European and EBU EU champion and knows beating Fury will put him in line for another world title fight.

Hall of Fame promoter Warren added: “I am sure Pianeta will get into the Belfast ring desperate to upset Tyson.”

Fury (26-0) became the world’s premier heavyweight and Ring Magazine champion when he took the IBF, WBA and WBO belts from Wladimir Klitschko in November 2015 – becoming the first man to defeat the Ukrainian great in more than 11 years.

The Belfast bill is topped by local superstar, WBO ‘interim’ featherweight champion Carl Frampton who faces Australian challenger Luke Jackson.

Another Irish star Paddy Barnes is in world title action when he challenges Nicaragua’s feared WBC champion Cristofer Rosales.

Among the undercard action is a cracking Belfast v Dublin clash between Steven Ward and Steve Collins Jr. Lewis Crocker, WBO European middleweight champion Luke Keeler and Marco McCullough are also in action.

Limited remaining tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.ie. priced at £80, £100, £120, £150, £250, £400 (includes hospitality). Buying tickets over the phone – 0844 847 2455. To purchase Accessible Seating – 0333 321 9996

Hall of Fame Promoter Frank Warren has today confirmed further undercard details for the Windsor Park event on Saturday 18th August, headlined by Belfast Hero Carl Frampton’s defense of his Interim WBO World Featherweight Title against Australian Luke Jackson. Frampton v Jackson will be broadcast live and exclusive in the UK on BT Sport.

An already mouthwatering undercard has been further strengthened with the addition of a Cruiserweight showdown between Steve Collins Jr and Steven Ward and slots for Irish stars Luke Keeler, Lewis Crocker and Marco McCullough.

The bill also features The Lineal World Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury, who continues his journey towards reclaiming the World Title belts that he never lost in the ring and Double Olympic Medalist Paddy Barnes’ challenge for the WBC World Flyweight Title against Chrisofer Rosales.

In a surefire barnstormer, MTK Global Cruiserweights Collins Jr (12-1-1-KO4) and Ward (7-0-KO3) will clash with ‘Quiet Man’ Ward enjoying home advantage and looking to preserve his unbeaten professional record.
Collins Jr – son of two-weight world champion and Irish Boxing Legend Steve Collins – will be looking to make his mark in his first fight of 2018 having been narrowly denied the Irish title by a points defeat to Paddy McDonagh last year.

Dublin’s WBO European middleweight champion Luke Keeler (14-2-1-KO5), was highly impressive in securing the vacant belt with a points victory over Conrad Cummings at Belfast’s SSE Arena in April will make the first defence of his crown against a top rated opponent.

Further down the card, welterweight KO king Crocker (6-0-KO6) is looking to continue his astonishing start to life as a professional.
The Belfast boy has halted all six of his opponents to date inside three rounds – the latest feat a savage first-round stoppage of Adam Grabiec on the undercard of Michael Conlan’s homecoming.

Another local star added to the action is super-featherweight Marco McCullough (19-4-KO11), who is out for the second time this year after outclassing Arnoldo Solano on the undercard of Carl Frampton v Nonito Donaire in April.

McCullough has previously challenged for Irish, British, European and Commonwealth belts and is looking to continue his journey back into title reckoning.

Promoter Frank Warren said: ‘I’m delighted that further Irish talent has been added to this already bumper card. The Ward v Collins Jr showdown is set to be a great fight for the fans on a card that already boasts Frampton v Jackson, The Lineal World Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury and Paddy Barnes’ World Title challenge against Cristofer Rosales.

I’ve been very impressed so far with Lewis Crocker who looks to have a great future and in my experience of promoting cards where Marco McCullough and Luke Keeler have featured, they are always in entertaining fights.

This is set to be the biggest night of boxing to ever take place in Belfast and we can’t wait to watch it all unfold amongst what I’m sure will be a fantastic atmosphere and a full house at Windsor Park.’

Limited remaining tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.ie. priced at £80, £100, £120, £150, £250, £400 (includes hospitality).

Buying tickets over the phone – 0844 847 2455
To purchase Accessible Seating – 0333 321 9996

TICKETS are now on sale for boxing’s summer sizzler at Belfast’s Windsor Park on Saturday 18th August starring Carl Frampton, Tyson Fury and Paddy Barnes.

Frampton will defend his ‘interim’ WBO world featherweight title against Australian Luke Jackson, who is ranked ?fth in the world.

It is a huge occasion for Frampton and he hopes victory will set-up a showdown with IBF champion Josh Warrington.

Lineal World Heavyweight Champion Fury will box a non-title ten rounder in his second comeback ?ght and is on a mission to conquer the world.

Frampton’s close friend Barnes will challenge for the WBC World Flyweight title in just his sixth professional contest when he faces champion Cristofer Rosales, who will making his ?rst defence.

A talent stacked undercard will be announced by promoter Frank Warren in the coming weeks featuring some of the big names and emerging stars in world boxing.

Don’t miss out on your chance to get your hands on the hottest tickets in boxing before they sell out.

Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.ie. priced at £40, £50, £80, £100, £120, £150, £250, £400 (includes hospitality).

Buying tickets over the phone – 0844 847 2455

To purchase Accessible Seating – 0333 321 9996

Carl Frampton will realise a career-long dream when he defends his WBO Interim World Featherweight Title against Luke Jackson on the pitch at Windsor Park, Belfast, on August 18, on a card that also features Paddy Barnes challenging for the WBC World Flyweight title and the second fight of Tyson Fury on the comeback trail.

The 31-year-old two-weight world champion Frampton, who rolled back the years with a memorising performance to win the WBO belt against Nonito Donaire last time out at the SSE Arena in April, takes on the unbeaten Australian from Hobart in a bid to keep his ambitions to once again rule the featherweight roost on track.

The 33-year-old Jackson, 16-0, is the holder of the WBO Oriental Title, having previously held the WBA Oceania belt. He also captained the Australian boxing team at the 2012 London Olympics and won Commonwealth Games bronze in 2006.

Frampton acknowledges his challenger could be deemed something of an unknown quantity to fight fans in the Northern Hemisphere, but will in no way take victory on the night for granted.

“He is and I think a lot of people will expect to just to beat him up and blow him away,” commented Belfast’s favourite fighting son. “But he is ranked No.4 by the WBO, he is an Olympian with a good pedigree and is undefeated.

“So I will need to be ready and in the shape of my life. It is a big occasion with being at Windsor Park and that is the real thing here. I think that people who are coming to watch me perform at Windsor Park deserve for me to be in the shape of my life and put on a good show.

“That is what I intend to do and then move on and hopefully fight for a world title before the end of the year.

“I imagine some people will have been expecting a different opponent, but the fact I am not fighting a world champion is the fault of nobody. Josh Warrington beating Lee Selby sort of threw a spanner in the works for us because I think Selby would’ve come to Belfast.

“Oscar Valdez is out injured, Gary Russell has just fought and Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares also just fought. That’s it really; the top guys just aren’t available. It is good for me to get a defence in here.

“This is a dream for me and it is something I have talked about for a long time. You never know what happens in this game, it could be the one and only time I get to fight at Windsor Park.

“It is going to be a special occasion for myself and my family. For the people who are going to come and watch it there is going to be a top quality undercard as well and I think it will be a night to remember for Belfast.

“There was talk of waiting, but I wanted to do it because opportunities like this don’t come around too often. It is a dream of mine, I wanted to do it and that is the be all and end all.”

Hall of Fame promoter, Frank Warren, added: “We are delivering on a promise I made to Carl to ensure his dream of fighting at Windsor Park becomes a reality.

“The world title challenge we envisaged we unfortunately could not bring to fruition at this time but Carl is up against a hungry, unbeaten challenger in Luke Jackson who, as I often say, will not be coming to just make up the numbers.

“World title shots will come again soon enough for Carl and we have the IBF champion Josh Warrington waiting in the wings for a huge fight not too far down the line. Carl will also remain in pole position to challenge the WBO full champion Oscar Valdez when he returns from injury, should he overcome Jackson.

“Carl, as ever, will always be the focal point of a fight night in Belfast, but we are also planning a huge card for the Belfast public to feast their eyes on and two major attractions we have already confirmed is Tyson Fury making his fourth appearance in the city in his second fight of his comeback, as well as Paddy Barnes attempting to achieve the remarkable feat of winning a world title in just his sixth professional fight.

“It is certain to be a special night and I am sure Windsor Park will be packed to the rafters creating an atmosphere we have never heard the like of before.”

Barnes challenges for the WBC World Flyweight title against the Nicaraguan Cristofer Rosales, 27-3, who claimed the belt in a huge upset win over the previously unbeaten Japanese Daigo Higa in April, with a ninth round stoppage in Yokahoma.

“It is going to be an amazing night where I get to fight for a world title in my home city, so I cannot wait until it happens,” said the 31-year-old two-time Olympic medallist.

“The fact it is for the WBC title means even more, the green belt is the best one in boxing so it makes it even more special.

“Rosales is good at what he does, but I feel I have the skill to outfight and outbox him. It will be a very, very hard fight though.

“People will talk about me fighting for a world title after just six fights, but I don’t view it as a gamble because of my history as an amateur.

“As a professional, right from the offset, I said that I wanted to create history because we already have world champions in Belfast. So for me to stand out I need to create history by doing it the quickest.
“I don’t think winning a world title after six fights will ever be matched again here.”

Tickets will be on sale on Friday 22nd June via Ticketmaster.ie

Priced at: £400 (Hospitality), £250, £150, £120, £100, £80, £50, £40

Heavyweight sensation Joe Joyce maintained his undefeated record with a first round knockout of late replacement Ivica Bacurin last night at London’s home of boxing The York Hall, Bethnal Green, promoted by Hayemaker Ringstar.

In front of a packed house with an electric atmosphere, Joyce, the Commonwealth Champion, made it his third first round stoppage as he halted Croatia’s Bacurin at just 1:54 of the opening round.

Bacurin had taken British heavyweights Dillian Whyte to six rounds and Tony Bellew to ten rounds on his previous visits to these shores, but he was up against the imposing presence of the 6ft 6in ‘Juggernaught” and quickly realised he was out of his depth.

From the opening bell Bacurin went on the back foot, with Joyce moving well and getting his distance right with his heavy jab. Joyce looked very relaxed as he utilised improved head and body movement and cutting the ring off with some great footwork. A solid right hand from Joyce hurt Bacurin as he was going back towards the ropes and then moments later Joyce landed a left hook to the top of Bacurin’s head that dropped him.

With Jeff Hinds waving it off, Joyce celebrated his victory and showed off his amazing athletic agility for his 17st 13lb frame with his trademark capoeira flip.

Rivals and potential next opponents Hughie Fury, the newly crowned British Champion, and Derek Chisora were both at York Hall, witnessing the power of ‘The Juggernaut’ from ringside as Joyce took his record to 5-0. Keen to keep fighting regularly, he now looks at who will be willing to step in the ring with him next despite establishing himself as one of the most avoided heavyweight in the division.

Joyce, who based his training camp in Kazakhstan for the fight, said afterwards. “It was good in there. Despite the early finish, I showed that I’m improving all the time with my footwork, head and body movement with my trainer Ismael Salas. I know that the power is there, that will always be there. I just want to fight regularly, keep improving and I can’t wait to get in the ring again. Fury and Chisora were both here tonight, I’d love to put my Commonwealth title up against Fury’s British belt and the best man will win. Chisora knows it will be career ending if he fights me so he’s a wise man to keep dodging me. Either way, my promoters David Haye and Richard Schaefer will have plenty of exciting options for me so we’ll just keep moving forward.”

Haye added, “He knocked out Lenroy Thomas with that short left hook. Joyce doesn’t look like there’s much power there but believe me I’ve seen him knock so many people out in the gym with his short crisp punches , he’s so heavy handed. Bacurin went six rounds with Whyte and ten with Bellew and Joe dispatched him with a short left hook in the first. It’s testament to his punch power and it’s another win.”

An action packed card saw Hayemaker Ringstar’s exciting young talents all in action and continuing to develop into top prospects.

Bellator (MMA) super-star star Michael “Venom” Page demolished Michael Ciash 18 seconds into the second round with Ciash unable to deal with MVP’s unorthodox style and power, his boxing record moves to 2-0.

Welsh super-middleweight ace Kody Davies had a bright start against Eric Mokonzo and floored him the second round, but Mokonzo fought back and pushed Davies to the end of an entertaining fight. Davies won 40-37 on points and took his record to 5-0.

The chief supporting contest saw history being made as the first ever women’s Commonwealth title fight in the UK between Sam Smith and Anisha Basheel for the Vacant Lightweight Championship. Hard-hitting Basheel stopped Smith at 1:08 of the first round to claim the title.

All featuring on the undercard was Britain’s first ever female World Amateur Champion and double Olympian Savannah Marshall who celebrated her second second round stoppage in a row when she halted brave Mexican Alejandra Ayala at super-middleweight.

Top unbeaten middleweight prospect Linus Udofia and the most recent signing for Hayemaker Ringstar was involved in a terrific all-action contest against Eric Nwanko with a possibility of an upset in the opening round with Udofia hurt. Udofia came back and stepped up the pace making Nwanko take a knee in the third. In the fifth Udofia landed and a cracking combination to floor Nwanko and end the fight.

Watched at ringside by Chisora, heavyweight debutant George Fox – son of top London trainer Don Charles – opened his professional career with a 40-37 points win over fellow debutant Phil Williams.

Completing the card, featherweight Fuad Huseen won 40-36 against Edward Bjorklund; super-middleweight Chris Davies won 40-37 against Callum Ice; super-featherweight Brandon Ball won 40-37 against Luke Fash; lastly welterweight Tom Ansall won 40-35 against Fonz Alexander.

The eagerly awaited return of Lineal World Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury recorded by far the highest linear subscription TV viewing figure for boxing this year, peaking at 814,000 live viewers on BT Sport last Saturday night.

Viewers tuned in to see the Gypsy King dust off the cobwebs after a protracted layoff of almost 3 years out of the ring, as he made Sefer Seferi quit in his corner at the end of the 4th round.

Promoter Frank Warren said, ‘We are building something very special with BT Sport. We have had a combined attendance of 50,000 people across our last three events in Leeds, Belfast and Manchester; and everyone is delighted with the viewing figures from Saturday night which was by far the highest viewed fight on linear subscription TV in the UK this year.’

The Hall of Fame Promoter continued, ‘across those three events we have also had three closely fought World level fights which have all delivered in terms of entertainment, in Selby v Warrington, Frampton v Donaire and Flanagan v Hooker, which is something we will continue to strive to do.’

Tyson Fury returns to the ring on August 18th alongside Carl Frampton at Windsor Park in Belfast, with details of the card being formally announced next week.

According to Dan Rafael of espm.com former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury will be back in action on August 18th in Dublin on a card headlined by Carl Frampton.

“It means the world to me. It’s something I’ve dreamed about for a long time(To be fighting in Windsor Park) ,” Frampton said. “I feel it should’ve happened last year, but it’s happening now.

“I’ve loads left. My last performance was the second-best of my career after the first Leo Santa Cruz fight. I feel like I’m enjoying it more, and while I’m still performing, I’ll do it as long as I can. It’s great to have Tyson Fury on the undercard. To have someone of his stature on the undercard is massive, and he’ll be up against a more serious opponent this time, so it’s good for everyone.”

Former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury ended nearly a 3-year layoff as he stopped Sefer Seferi after 4 rounds of their scheduled 10-round heavyweight bout at The Manchester Arena in Manchester, England.

Fury looked flabby, but dominated the action and landed hard shots that forced Seferi to bow out of the fight after 4-rounds.

Fury, 276.7 lbs of Manchester, England is 26-0 with 19 knockouts.  Seferi, 210.2 lbs of Switzerland is now 23-2.

Maurice Hooker won the vacant WBO Junior Welterweight title with a split decision over former lightweight champion Terry Flanagan.

In round seven, Flangan was cut on his forehead from a headbutt that he initiated.

Hooker, 139.4 lbs of Dallas, Texas won by scores of 117-111 and 115-113, while a 3rd judge had it for Flanagan 115-113.

Hooker is 24-0-3.  Flanagan, 139.5 lbs of Manchester, England is 33-1.

 

Follow all the action as former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury makes his return after almost 3 years out of the ring when he takes on Sefer Seferi.  The action kicks off at 4:30 PM ET / 9:30 PM in the UK with the WBO Junior Welterweight title bout between undefeated fighters Terry Flanagan and Maurice Hooker.

NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED.  THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY

Round 1:Good jab from Fury

Round 2 Right from Seferi..Fury warned for too much clowning..Good right from Fury..Short right

Round 3  Right and left from Seferi..Right from Fury

Round 4 Body shot from Fury..Right from Seferi..Combination from Fury…Uppercut

Round 5 FIGHT STOPPED IN CORNER…WINNER VIA TKO—TYSON FURY

Round 1 Jab from Flanagan…Right from Hooker..Jab..Left..

Round 2 Left from Flanagan..Right from Hooker..Good left..Left to body from Flanagan..Right from Hooker..Good straight left from Flanagan..Right from Hooker

Round 3 Left from Flanagan..Left to body..Left..left

Round 4 Left from Flanagan..Right from Hooker…Right

Round 5 Good right from Hooker..Referee warns Flanagan for headbutts…Good left from Flanagan..2 rights from Hooker and another one..Body shot..body shot

Round 6 Right from Hooker..Body shot from Flanagan..Right from Hooker..Body shot from Flanagan

Round 7 Big left from Flanagan..Flangan is cut on forehead and around right eye..Straight left from Flanagan..Uppercut..Straight left..Big left..Good right and combination from Hooker..

Round 8 Good right from Hooker..Right..Good body shot..Right on ropes from Flanagan..Left..Combination and right from Hooker

Round 9 Good body shot from Flanagan..Combination from Hooker

Round 10 Left hook from Hooker..Left from Flanagan..Left from Flanagan

Round 11 Flanagan lands a body shot

Round 12 Flanagan lands a big flurry..Big uppercut from Hooker..Good left hook..Body shot..Good right..

115-113 Hooker…117-111 Flanagan…117-111 Hooker

Former Unified Heavyweight World Champion Tyson Fury picked up his opponent, Sefer Seferi, after scaling 276 ½ pounds at the official weigh-in on Friday for his long-awaited return tomorrow/Saturday at Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. Sereri weighed-in at 210 pounds for their 10-round bout, which will stream live in the U.S. exclusively on SHOWTIME Sports social media platforms.

Fury, a former WBA, WBO and IBF Heavyweight World Champion, will return for the first time in 31 months in the SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® social media offering, which begins live at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT on the SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page and SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel.

Undefeated 140-pound contenders Terry Flanagan and Maurice Hooker both measured 139 ¼ pounds for their WBO Junior Welterweight World Championship that will serve as the chief support for Fury vs. Seferi.

Live coverage for the Frank Warren-promoted event will be provided by BT Sport with U.K. sportscasters John Rawling providing the blow-by-blow and Richie Woodhall the analysis. Boxing broadcaster Ray Flores and analyst Chris Mannix will deliver pre and post-fight analysis from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles for the SHOWTIME Sports audience.

The live stream of Fury vs. Seferi will precede that evening’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® doubleheader that features WBA Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz in a highly anticipated rematch against former world champion Abner Mares live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Staples Center. In the co-feature, Jermell Charlo will face Austin Trout for the WBC Super Welterweight World Championship.

MANCHESTER, United Kingdom (June 6, 2018) – Former Unified Heavyweight World Champion Tyson Fury took one more step toward ending his 31-month exile from the sport as he met face-to-face with Sefer Seferi at the final press conference Wednesday at the Midland Hotel in Manchester.

SHOWTIME Sports will live stream the long-awaited return of Fury (25-0, 18 KOs), a former WBA, WBO and IBF Heavyweight World Champion, this Saturday, June 9 from Manchester Arena when he faces Sefer Seferi in a 10-round heavyweight bout from Manchester Arena. The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® social media offering will stream live exclusively to U.S. audiences on the SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page and SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT.

Here’s what Fury had to say on Wednesday:

“If he has knocked out 21 men before, if he gets it on my chin he will knock me out too.

“I look at Sefer like I look at Wladimir Klitschko, Deontay Wilder, Anthony Joshua, anybody. He’s a dangerous puncher.

“I could have picked someone a lot easier than Sefer; someone to knock out in a round. But I need rounds.”

On his Heavyweight rivals: “They know the message – I’m back. I don’t ever remember feeling any better than I do now.

“I feel sharper now, more power. I fell out of love with the game but now the love is thriving, we are back on fire for one another.

“You’re going to be the best Tyson Fury you have ever seen.”

“There are no nerves at all. I feel like I have been a goldfish in a tank, trapped and now I am getting released back into the river where I belong. So just put me there and watch me swim.”

“I don’t ever remember feeling any better than I do now. I feel shaper now, faster than I’ve ever been, more power, I just want it more.

“It was a lost relationship, it was like I was married to the game too long and we sort of fell out of love with each other.”

In the opening bout of the live stream, local hero Terry Flanagan (33-0, 13 KO’s) will look to become a two-division world champion when he clashes with unbeaten American Maurice Hooker (23-0-3, 16 KO’s) for the vacant WBO Super Lightweight crown. This will be the third live streaming boxing event this year on SHOWTIME Sports social media platforms.

Live coverage for the Frank Warren promoted event will be provided by BT Sport with U.K. sportscasters John Rawling providing the blow-by-blow and Richie Woodhall the analysis. Boxing broadcaster Ray Flores and analyst Chris Mannix will deliver pre and post-fight analysis from Staples Center in Los Angeles for the SHOWTIME Sports audience.

The live stream of Fury vs. Seferi will precede that evening’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® doubleheader that features WBA Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz in a highly anticipated rematch against former world champion Abner Mares live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed in the West Coast) from Staples Center. In the co-feature, Jermell Charlo will face Austin Trout for the WBC Super Welterweight World Championship.

https://www.facebook.com/btsport/videos/2038603572879501/

NEW YORK (June 4, 2018) – SHOWTIME Sports has secured the U.S. rights to stream the long-awaited return of former heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury, who will face Sefer Seferi in a 10-round heavyweight bout Saturday, June 9 from Manchester Arena. SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® will stream live exclusively to U.S. audiences on the SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page and SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT.

In the opening bout, local hero Terry Flanagan (33-0, 13 KO’s) will look to become a two-division world champion when he clashes with unbeaten American Maurice Hooker (23-0-3, 16 KO’s) for the vacant WBO Junior Welterweight crown. This will be the fourth live streaming boxing event this year on SHOWTIME Sports social media platforms.

Live coverage for the Frank Warren promoted event will be provided by BT Sport and BoxNation with U.K. sportscasters John Rawling providing the blow-by-blow and Richie Woodhall the analysis. Boxing broadcaster Ray Flores and analyst Chris Mannix will deliver pre-fight and post-fight analysis from Staples Center in Los Angeles for the SHOWTIME Sports audience.

The live stream of Fury vs. Seferi will precede that evening’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® doubleheader that features WBA Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz in a rematch against fellow three-division world champion Abner Mares live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed in the West Coast) from Staples Center. In the co-feature, Jermell Charlo will face Austin Trout for the WBC Super Welterweight World Championship.

Fury (25-0, 18 KOs), a former WBA, WBO and IBF Heavyweight World Champion will end a two-years-and-seven-months exile from the sport on June 9. Fury has been inactive since outpointing Wladimir Klitschko in Dusseldorf in November 2015 due to an injury, personal problems and a doping ban.

“I’m the fittest I’ve ever been,” said Fury, who has teamed up with new trainer Ben Davison. “Timing, reflexes, everything is better than it’s ever been. I kid you not. I’m 29 years old, coming into the prime of my life, I’m stronger and faster, holding more muscle mass than ever. I’m more confident looking at the competition.”

Albania’s Seferi (23-1, 21 KOs) is a 39-year-old Switzerland-based cruiserweight who is stepping up in weight and opposition when he faces the 6-foot-9 Fury. Seferi’s sole loss came in 2016 in a heavyweight bout against now-secondary WBA heavyweight champ Manuel Charr.

“This is going to be a hard fight for Fury,” said Seferi. “Two-and-a-half years out of the ring is a long time and nobody knows if he is still the same fighter that dethroned Wladimir Klitschko.”

Flanagan, the first Englishman to earn a lightweight world title, will seek to capture a title in a second weight class just days away from his 29th birthday. Hooker, a southpaw from Dallas, Texas and ShoBox alum, has been training with Terence Crawford. Hooker will look to follow in the footsteps of fellow Dallas resident Errol Spence Jr., who went to Kell Brook’s hometown of Sheffield, England to capture his first world championship.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, subscribe to the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

By Bart Barry-

Three fights happen across nine timezones Saturday in a crescendo of sorts before boxing’s summer ritual ends much of our fun. Going least essential to most, Tyson Fury returns against someone named Sefer Seferi in England, Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares finally rematch in Los Angeles, and Jeff Horn defends his fraction of the world’s welterweight championship against Terence Crawford in Las Vegas. If none of these events is great or particularly consequential, none is bad either, and all three should entertain.

This was going to be a piece about how much better than the rest of us a gay novelist can describe the movements of a man’s body – for glancing through a lens of avarice – then a glance at next week’s docket undid those plans. As we round the bend and race towards our seasonless sport’s annual doldrums wisdom advises against spending boxingless ideas the week before three compelling things happen. Fear not, though, an attempt to explore and celebrate a sexualized description of the male form will happen at least before GolovCanelo 2 does.

MGM Grand becomes Hornet’s Nest Northern Hemisphere this week as Aussie hoards ascend on Las Vegas, one hopes, to see their man defend his WBO title against one of today’s two best fighters. This marks Terence Crawford’s debut at 147 pounds, and it’s not a particularly easy one mainly for this reason: Horn’s first prizefight happened against a man who weighed 154 1/2 pounds, while Crawford’s first opponent weighed 138.

This three-weightclasses difference might mean less if Horn were a boxer or a slugger – since Crawford could slug his way through a long cutie or use defense and footwork to dissuade a onetrick puncher. But Horn’s a volume guy, a physical one, who expects to get hit often by men who likely punch harder than, if not accurately as, Crawford. The angles and stanceswitching tricks Crawford uses to disarm then attack smaller men mightn’t make much difference to Horn. So long as some part of Crawford is somewhere in front of Horn, regardless which part is in front of the other, expect Horn to hit that part. Horn cuts easily, and Crawford is very good at what he does, so there’s little chance Horn makes it to the closing bell, and even littler chance Vegas judges give him what doubtful benefits judges do in Brisbane, but the match should be fun.

The competing priorities of ESPN’s app launch and < $5.99 pay-per-view price (if you combine “Nature Boy”, noticeably better than “Andre the Giant”, for an adult anyway, with Horn-Crawford, you’re paying 95-percent less than you paid for Crawford-Postol) leave only one worry, which returns, as usual, to commentary. If ESPN plays it straight, tempering the crew’s admiration for Crawford with investigative stories about Horn’s having a father, all will be fine, regardless of outcome. But if ESPN has already decided Crawford must win because promoter Top Rank promised he would and having the world’s two best fighters on the network overwhelms every other consideration, things could go staggeringly sideways, the way they did when Horn narrowly upset Manny Pacquiao and widely upset Teddy Atlas.

Nothing so untoward will happen on Showtime when boxing’s best broadcast team covers Santa Cruz-Mares 2, a rematch no one considers anymore essential but everyone has a reasonable expectation will be safe and busy as their first match. Neither man has suffered an unavenged loss in the nearly three years since their first fight, but their promotional and managerial situation precludes either man from maintaining professional momentum. Santa Cruz now fights every eight months – a rate of activity at which Mares gazes lustfully. After PBC paid ESPN to televise the men’s first scrap, aficionados suspected the delay that followed was attributable to PBC’s having to save up to buy another broadcaster for the rematch, but evidently we were wrong. Santa Cruz would return six months later to beatdown Kiko Martinez and Mares would go underground for 16 months.

Much as both men rely on activity the more active fighter will win Saturday, and that should be Santa Cruz. The gloves will look too big and the rounds will meld together, but the match will have action enough for someone to mistake it for 2018’s fight of the year, until at least July.

That leaves only the return of boxing’s clown king, Tyson Fury, on a Saturday afternoon card illegally streaming from Manchester. It has been 2 1/2 years since England’s enormous lunatic decisioned Wladimir Klitschko and everything has changed about the heavyweight division except Fury. There have been suspensions and cancellations and rehabilitations and protestations, but Fury is unbowed, genuine and loony as he was ages ago when he became heavyweight champion of the world. He’s either out of shape or in the shape of his life for his return against an unknown man with whom he hopes to log rounds. He is publicly vulnerable in a way one does not expect a 6-foot-9 and 247-274-pound professional fighter to be, and so he wins fans’ forgiveness for being likable. He is capable of decisioning any man in the world, too, including Anthony Joshua, and likely as not to denude Deontay Wilder, 120-108, if ever PBC’s poverty forces such an encounter.

Frankly Wilder-Fury is the fight we deserve, whatever better match we happen to want, a reasonable man who fights crazy against a crazy man who fights reasonable, and both men grasp their division is about spectacle much as merit – while AJ’s dignity precludes his being less or more than a rolemodel, however little boxing fans honestly ever want such a thing.

Writing of which, let’s see if we can collect some clicks in this, our new, legalized-sports-betting country:

Crawford stops Horn on cuts in round 11.

Santa Cruz decisions Mares 115-113, 113-115, 115-113.

Fury TKOs Seferi with a somersault punch in round 7.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

Frank Warren has partnered with the BBC for exclusive radio rights to Tyson Fury’s highly-anticpated comeback fight against Sefer Seferi at the Manchester Arena on June 9.

Former WBA, WBO and IBF Heavyweight World Champion Fury will end an exile of over two-and-a-half years when he fights at the Manchester Arena for the first time in his career.

Fellow Mancunian Terry Flanagan bids to become the city’s first ever two-weight World Champion when he takes on unbeaten American Maurice Hooker for the Vacant WBO Super-Lightweight crown.

The BBC’s multi-event deal with Warren got underway with memorable coverage of Carl Frampton’s brilliant performance against four-weight World Champion and Filipino legend Nonito Donaire at the SSE Arena in Belfast last month.

‘The Jackal’ earned the WBO interim Featherweight belt with a classy win over Donaire in front of an electric sell-out crowd and set up his dream summer Windsor Park fight in doing so.

Frampton and his trainer Jamie Moore then swapped the canvas for the radio mic alongside Mike Costello to provide commentary for Josh Warrington’s historic World Title win over long-standing rival Lee Selby at Elland Road last week.

Warrington stunned the boxing World by becoming the first man from Leeds to win a World Title in front of over 20,000 fans at the home of his beloved Leeds United.

And now Costello and his team turn their attention to the Manchester Arena as Fury looks to begin his rise back to the very top of the Heavyweight division.

Frank Warren: “I’m delighted to partner with the BBC for exclusive radio commentary on one of the most eagerly-anticipated comeback fights of all time. This is even more brilliant news for fight fans following the success of our first two events with the BBC. We’ve already delivered two memorable nights and on June 9 I’m predicting even more fireworks when the big man finally gets himself back in the ring and under the lights.”

Ben Gallop, Head of BBC Radio and Digital Sport, said: “Tyson Fury’s comeback fight promises to be a fantastic occasion. We’re delighted to have added his homecoming bout in Manchester in June, as well as his second fight, to our multi-event deal with Frank Warren. With exclusive commentary on BBC Radio 5 live and the BBC Sport website, boxing fans won’t miss a moment of the action.”

Tyson Fury will face Sefer Seferi over ten rounds in his highly-anticipated June 9 comeback fight, live on BT Sport.

The former WBA, WBO and IBF Heavyweight World Champion will end an exile of over two-and-a-half years when he fights at the Manchester Arena for the first time in his career.

‘Gypsy King’ Fury looks in incredible shape, having lost a remarkable seven stone since teaming up with new trainer Ben Davison.

Albania’s Seferi holds a record of 23 wins from 24 fights, with 21 of his wins coming by way of knockout. His sole career loss came against WBA Heavyweight World Champion Manuel Charr, when he was outpointed over ten rounds.

“I can’t wait to get in there and prove that I’m a better fighter than I’ve ever been,” said Fury. “I’m coming into the prime of my career now and I’ve never felt better. I’m fitter, stronger and faster than the Fury of 2015.

“We’re just three weeks away from what is going to be a huge night for the city of Manchester. I’m delighted to be fighting at the iconic Manchester Arena for the first time in my career and I’m promising the fans a special performance to thank them for their loyal support.”

“This is going to be a hard fight for Fury,” said Seferi. “I’m very disciplined and always ready to take on everyone and anyone. This will not be an easy night for him. I’m coming to Manchester to beat one of the boxing legends of the 21st century.

“He is tall and strong but he won’t be ready for the pressure that I will bring on June 9. Two-and-a-half years out of the ring is a long time and nobody knows if he is still the same fighter that dethroned Wladimir Klitschko. I am going to seize this opportunity with both hands.”

“Tyson is back, in fantastic shape and full of beans, ready to take the first step on the road back towards World domination once again,” said Frank Warren. “He needs comeback fights in order to shake off the ring rust after such a lengthy absence and I am sure the fans will once again enjoy the ride back to the top.

“Seferi is no push over, he’s gone the distance with a World class fighter in Manuel Charr. He has spent the majority of his career at Cruiserweight but so had Tony Bellew and David Haye before stepping up to the Heavyweight division.”

Also confirmed for ‘He’s Back’ is the Vacant WBC International Middleweight title fight between Oldham’s ‘Kid Dynamite’ Mark Heffron (19-0, 15 KO’s) and Andrew Robinson (21-3-1, 6 KO’s);

Liverpool’s James Metcalf (17-0, 9 KO’s) takes on Jorge Fortea (16-1-1, 5 KO’s) for the Vacant WBC International Super-Welterweight Championship;

A huge night of boxing in Manchester also sees local hero Terry Flanagan (33-0, 13 KO’s) bid to become a two-weight World Champion when he clashes with unbeaten American Maurice Hooker (23-0-3, 16 KO’s) for the Vacant WBO Super-Lightweight crown;

Ricky Hatton-trained Heavyweight prospect Nathan Gorman (12-0, 10 KO’s) collides with rival ‘Big Sexy’ Sean Turner (12-2, 8 KO’s) over ten rounds; unbeaten Middleweight prospects Troy Williamson (6-0, 4 KO’s) and Jack Flatley (11-0, 4 KO’s) rematch after their Senior ABA final in 2015 that Williamson won;

Zelfa Barrett, Jordan Thompson, Lyndon Arthur, Jack Massey and Jack McGann complete an unmissable card.

Tickets for ‘He’s Back’ are available purchase NOW via the Manchester Arena on www.manchester-arena.com and tel: 0844 847 8000.

Tickets for this unmissable event start from just £40.

BT Sport today announced it has extended its partnership with Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions Ltd, continuing as the broadcaster of Frank Warren’s world class stable of fighters which include Billy Joe Saunders and Carl Frampton. BT Sport will also exclusively broadcast Tyson Fury’s heavyweight comeback fight in June.

The summer is set to be hot on BT Sport with a fantastic line up of Fight Nights coming up, including the IBF Featherweight World Title showdown between bitter rivals Lee Selby and Josh Warrington on Saturday, 19 May at the home of Leeds United; former unified Heavyweight World Champion Tyson Fury’s long-awaited comeback fight at the Manchester Arena on Saturday, 9 June; Billy Joe Saunders’ WBO middleweight title defence against domestic rival Martin Murray at the O2 on Saturday, 23 June; and Irish amateur hero Michael Conlan’s highly-anticipated Belfast homecoming fight on Saturday, 30 June, all of which will be available for BT Sport subscribers at no extra cost.

The partnership will see former two-weight World Champion Carl Frampton’s future fights on BT Sport in addition to former WBO Super-Welterweight World Champion Liam Smith and former WBO Lightweight World Champion Terry Flanagan, along with up-and-coming stars such as Heavyweight sensation Daniel Dubois and Light-Heavyweight knockout artist Anthony Yarde.

BT Sport also confirmed that later this year it will be launching its own Pay-Per-View events on BT Sport Box Office, which will be available on the BT TV, Sky and Virgin Media platforms.

Andy Haworth, managing director of strategy and content, BT Consumer, said: “It is a golden era for British Boxing and never has the Warren stable of fighters looked more exciting, with a great line up of established names and up-and-coming young fighters. BT Sport subscribers can look forward to a fantastic summer of boxing.”

Frank Warren said: “I’m delighted that BT Sport has extended its partnership with myself and Queensberry Promotions. The first year of our partnership has seen us deliver some outstanding fights and we look forward to some even bigger nights in 2018 and beyond, whilst continuing to do what we do best: developing the next crop of star boxers.”

Terry Flanagan and Maurice Hooker will clash for the vacant WBO Super-Lightweight World Championship at the Manchester Arena on Saturday 9th June.

The exciting match-up lands on the same card that features the return of former Heavyweight World Champion Tyson Fury.

Flanagan is stepping up to 140 pounds after vacating his WBO Lightweight World Title, and is confident of becoming a two-weight World Champion.

He currently holds the longest undefeated record in British boxing (33-0, 13KO’s) and will be aiming to unify the Super-Lightweight division once he triumphs at his ‘home’ Arena on June 9th.

“Winning this fight will prove that I’m a legitimate 140 pound fighter,” said Flanagan. “I’ll be looking to unify all of the belts later in the year. I’m looking for the likes of Mikey Garcia after I win the WBO belt on June 9th. It’s a massive unification fight and I hope those are the fights Frank can make.

“He is a very good unbeaten fighter, he fights on the back foot and looks to catch you from distance. I’m not looking past Hooker but I’m very confident I’ll be able to deal with anything he throws at me to become a two-weight World Champion.”

American challenger Hooker has been training with pound-for-pound star Terrance Crawford in preparation for his showdown with Flangan and has had plenty to say about the Ancoats star since their match-up was first announced earlier this year.

“I’m gonna wake him up,” said Hooker. “He’s weak and he’s soft. He hasn’t fought anybody. He fights little guys. I hit hard with both hands. He’s never fought anyone with skills like me. He runs a lot. He does that real good. Power? He hasn’t got any power. He pitty-pats!”

Hooker, whose record reads 23-0-3 (16 KOs) has claimed that ‘Turbo’ is a dirty fighter and has torn into the Mancunians tactics.

“I’ve been watching his fights. He holds a lot, he uses his forearm to the head. He does a lot of stuff dirty. I’m going to stop him and I’m going to show him who’s the best at 140! It could be the first round, second round or third round… but he’s going down!”

Tickets for Flanagan v Hooker are available purchase NOW via the Manchester Arena on www.manchester-arena.com and tel: 0844 847 8000.

Tickets for this unmissable event start from just £40.

Tyson Fury has signed an exclusive promotional deal with Frank Warren.

The former undefeated linear, WBA Super, WBO, IBO and Ring Magazine Heavyweight Champion of the World will make his highly-anticipated comeback at the Manchester Arena on Saturday 9th June.

Fury shocked the sporting World in November 2015 when he sensationally dethroned long-reigning Heavyweight icon Wladimir Klitschko in one of boxing’s biggest ever upsets in recent years at the Esprit Arena in Dusseldorf, Germany.

That unforgettable night bolstered a glittering resume which already included English, Irish, British, Commonwealth, European, WBO Intercontinental and WBO International Champion status.

The self-proclaimed ‘Gypsy King’, 25-0 (18 KO’s), has been back in full training working towards his long-awaited comeback fight and is determined to prove that he is still the man in the Heavyweight division by reclaiming all of the belts that rightfully belong to him.

“The King has returned,” said Fury. “I’m back to reclaim what is rightfully mine. This is going to be an interesting journey. There’s a lot of fascinating challenges out there for me and I’m looking forward to getting started. I can’t wait to get in the ring and put on a display for all of my fans.

“I’m the fittest that I’ve ever been. My timing and my reflexes are better than they’ve ever been. I’m coming into the prime of my career and I’m more confident than I’ve ever been. All of my focus is on my return at the Manchester Arena on June 9th.

“All of the current Heavyweight Champions out there are very vulnerable and very beatable.”

“The Heavyweight division should now be put on notice because the lineal Champion will be back on June 9th and will be looking to pick back up where he left off,” said Warren.

“I am thrilled that Tyson has entrusted us with the responsibility of recharging his career and to steer him back to where he once emphatically belonged.

“Were it not for his exploits in Dusseldorf on November 28th, 2015, the now thriving and fascinating Heavyweight scene might have remained stagnant, but Tyson’s comprehensive schooling of the long-standing Champion Wladimir Klitschko opened all sorts of doors from which others have ultimately benefitted.

“Now Tyson is back, in fantastic shape and full of beans, ready to take the first step on the road back towards World domination once again.

“I am certain the boxing public – who he never lost the affection of – will get behind him in force and support his journey – starting at the Manchester Arena on June 9th.”

Tickets for Fury’s long-awaited comeback fight will be available to purchase via the Manchester Arena on www.mancheser-arena.com and tel: 0844 847 8000 from 2.00pm today.

Tickets start from just £40.

London (12th December) Heavyweight boxers Tyson and Hughie Fury are free to immediately resume their boxing careers after coming to a joint agreement with UKAD today to finally resolve the ongoing anti-doping proceeding.

Tyson and Hughie have always maintained their innocence after elevated levels of nandrolone metabolites were detected in urine samples provided after their fights in February 2015.

Whilst Tyson and Hughie were ready and prepared to see the hearing through, they decided to settle with UKAD and bring this long-running dispute to a close. In doing so, Tyson and Hughie avoid any further unnecessary distractions and interuptions to their careers.

Tyson, the current Lineal and The RING Magazine Champion and former Unified World Heavyweight Champion, is now determined to return and dominate the heavyweight division once again.

Since dethroning the legendary Wladimir Klitschko in November 2015 in Germany – in one of the biggest upsets ever in boxing history – the World titles he was then forced to vacate opened the doors for many of his rivals to challenge for.

Now Tyson is cleared to fight again, he’s back on the path to regain his World titles. Tyson said, “I’m a fighting man through and through and I’ve never backed down from anyone in my life and I was certainly not going to back down from fighting this dispute. Hughie and I have maintained our innocence from day one and we’re now happy that it has finally been settled with UKAD and that we can move forward knowing that we’ll not be labelled drug cheats. I can now put the nightmare of the last two years behind me, which has been particularly hard on my family, but with their support and strength, along with my uncle Peter, Hennessy Sports and Morgan Sports Law, we’ve fought through relentlessly together and I can now enjoy Christmas with my family and new born daughter. Next year I will be back doing what I do best, better than ever and ready to reclaim the World titles which are rightfully mine. It’s time to get the party started #themacisback”

His cousin Hughie was allowed to fight the WBO World Heavyweight Champion Joseph Parker in September in Manchester, but was the subject of some highly controversial scoring by the judges’ that saw Parker retain his title by majority decision when many experts felt he had lost.

Hughie is delighted that the dispute has been resolved and intends to fight once again for a version of the World Heavyweight title and would like to rule the division with Tyson. He said, “I’m a fighter and all I want to do is get in the ring and fight. Now that this matter has been resolved I can resume my career freely. Tyson and I were innocent from the very start and I’m delighted this is now the end of the matter. My goal, as it has always been, is to become the Heavyweight Champion of the World and I will now pursue that with everything I have. I should already be the WBO World Heavyweight Champion at the age of 23, but that was taken away from me by forces beyond my control. I’d like to to thank my dad, Hennessy Sports and Morgan Sports Law for their unwavering support through all of this.”

It has also been an incredibly difficult time for Peter Fury, the trainer and uncle of Tyson and father and trainer of Hughie, who said, “It has been an unbelievably tough and hard time for my son Hughie, nephew Tyson and the Fury family over the last two years. Through the sheer loyalty and hard work of my team, Hennessy Sports and Morgan Sports Law, we stuck together and saw this through to the end and reached a settlement with UKAD. I now just want to get back to training and creating champions with my team at Hennessy Sports.”

Tyson and Hughie’s Promoter Hennessy Sports, who stuck solidly with the Furys in fighting the case, stated, “We’re delighted this matter is finally over and that Tyson and Hughie are now free to continue in their boxing careers. From the very beginning, we one hundred percent believed that neither men would ever try to gain an unfair advantage and we fought a long and hard battle to get to this point. Hennessy Sports are proud to have supported Tyson and Hughie with our excellent legal team, Morgan Sports Law, to finally settle the dispute. We now look forward to Tyson’s big return to the ring in 2018 and seeing him reclaim his position as the real World Heavyweight Champion and with Hughie joining him on the throne.”

London (23 November 2017) On 30 October 2017, Robert Smith of the BBBoC blamed Tyson Fury for delays to his anti-doping hearing. He said to Sky Sports, “We [the BBBoC] are ready to go, UKAD are ready to go on our behalf, and the independent panel are waiting for a confirmed date. It’s up to them [Team Fury] now [to propose a date].”

Then, on 23 November 2017, Mr Smith reiterated to Sky Sports, “The reason why this has taken so long, so I have been led to believe, is because Mr Fury’s legal team could not agree a date for the recommencement of the hearing. They obviously now have, and the hearing will recommence [in December 2017].”

Mr Smith is incorrect. While Team Fury have been advised not to discuss this matter until it is over, we would like to clarify as follows:

(i) This matter started in February 2015 – almost 3 years ago – after routine doping control tests.
(ii) Tyson and Hughie were not notified of the results of those tests for 7 months, and even then UKAD simply asked them about their diet. There was never any suggestion that Tyson and Hughie had done anything wrong or that they might be in any sort of trouble.
(iii) Then, without warning, UKAD charged Tyson and Hughie in June 2016 in relation to the February 2015 tests – i.e. 16 months after the tests.
(iv) A hearing eventually took place in May 2017 but was halted after UKAD objected to the participation of a tribunal member.
(v) Hearing dates were then proposed for early October 2017 but UKAD’s team (not Team Fury’s team) was unavailable.
(vi) A hearing has now been fixed for December 2017.

Contrary to the BBBoC’s suggestion, therefore, the delays have not been caused by Team Fury.

Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury retired yet again on Wednesday with a posting on his Instagram account.

“Been very blessed in my life & career (to) achieve the upmost (sic) in boxing, was a epic journey along the way,” he wrote. “Thanks to all the fans that supported & believed in me along the way. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. THE END.”