ARCHIE SHARP TARGETS OSCAR VALDEZ WBO TITLE CLASH

LONDON, OCTOBER 3 – No1 contender Archie Sharp expects to face Oscar Valdez for the vacant WBO world junior lightweight title.

Sharp has been at the top of the WBO’s rankings for almost a year and has relentlessly banged the drum for a fight with US star Shakur Stevenson.

But with Stevenson now set on moving up to lightweight, ‘Sharpshooter’ hopes the WBO confirm that he will battle it out for the vacant title – and he believes Mexico’s Valdez would be his opponent.

Ideally, me versus Valdez, is what will happen,” Sharp told Probellum.com.

“I’m No1, Valdez is No3 and so that fight makes sense.  I’m blessed to have a great team and I’m sure Probellum can get what we want over the line. At the minute, I’m just sitting here and waiting. I’m just keeping myself in shape and just being prepared to get the phone call to say there’s a big fight.”

He added: Valdez is a typical Mexican fighter, he’s game, he’s strong and he’s always in good shape. He’s a great fighter and he’s done a lot over the years, but I feel I will do exactly what Shakur did to him and out-box him. And if we put the pressure on him, who knows, we might be able to get him out of there.”

Sharp (22-0, 9KOs) has been chasing down a fight with Stevenson for a long time but says the American’s decision to leave the weight class, means he has instantly shifted his focus to ex-WBC champ Valdez.

But the 27-year-old Brit still believes that one day, he and Stevenson will fight.

Shakur has been the name in my head for a long time now,” he said.

“And everyone else has been running away from him while I’ve been running straight towards that fight because the fight I’ve always wanted.

“He’s now gone to 135 so, ideally, what I want to do is take care of business at 130lbs and then I will be looking to move up. Regardless the fight is going to happen one day, whatever the weight.

“But for now, the next person to look for is Valdez. Hopefully in the next week or so I can get confirmation but now I’m excited and I’m grateful and I’m blessed to be in this position.”

To keep up to date with the latest news on Archie Sharp’s world title hunt sign up to our newsletter or follow Probellum on InstagramTwitter and Facebook.    

You can also follow our official news, results, and information account, Probellum News, on Twitter.  

About Probellum???
Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promoter, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport.?

Following the success of the opening two shows in December 2021, Probellum held back-to-back world championship nights in Dubai as well as a packed card in Newcastle. 

The world title action then headed Liverpool in April and Probellum returns to the city on Saturday, October 15 when Peter McGrail headlines a show in front of his home fans before Sunny Edwards defends his IBF world title in Sheffield in November.

Probellum’s elite stable of fighters also includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Sunny Edwards, Eimantas Stanionis and Dina Thorslund. ?

But the company has also recruited the next generation of stars with Peter McGrail, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack, Shabaz Masoud and Spencer Wilcox among the young talents under the Probellum umbrella.????




ARCHIE SHARP MAKES LEEDS KNOCKOUT PLEDGE AS HE CHASES SHAKUR STEVENSON

LONDON, JUNE 10 – Archie Sharp has promised to send a message to world champion Shakur Stevenson by knocking out his opponent in Leeds this month.
The WBO’s No1 super featherweight contender, ends an eight month wait by returning to action at Elland Road on Saturday, June 18.

Sharp, 27, has been banging the drum for a fight with American star Stevenson and says by the end of 2022, he wants to have secured a shot at the unified title holder.

Essex fighter Sharp was sent a message on social media by Stevenson, in the wake of Joe Cordina winning the IBF crown, and insists it’s the clearest indication yet that the US man is rattled.

“I’m excited to get back in the ring, see my name up in lights and I can’t wait for the 18th in Leeds,” said the unbeaten Sharp.

“I will not be letting this fight go the distance. I am determined to make a statement on my return and after that, I just want big fights.”

OHARA DAVIES CONFIRMED FOR LEEDS SHOW

BRITISH BOARD ORDER WILLIAMSON DEFENCE

On Stevenson, Sharp added: “Stevenson mentioned me first and, at first, I just ignored him.

“But I got a notification on Saturday night after the Cordina fight, so I had to respond. I am living in his head, rent-free, and he’s gone out of his way to message me.

“All I will do is keep poking, keep poking and keep poking and see what happens because, at some point, the WBO are going to make me the mandatory challenger for his belt, and he’ll have to fight me.

“I know the bigger the opposition and the bigger the threat, the better I will be.”

Sharp has been the No1 contender at 130lbs since November 2021 and says a WBO world title shot is his priority.

But the 21-0 man says he will be keeping a close eye on his former sparring partner Cordina, after the Welshman won the IBF title in spectacular fashion, earlier this month.

“Joe and I have shared rounds in sparring,” he said.

“He is a nice kid, as good as gold but now he has something that I want. We’re familiar with each other and a fight with Joe is something I am also looking at.

“But ideally, I will get my shot at the WBO title first.”

To keep up to date with the latest news on Sharp’s pursuit of a world title shot, sign up to our newsletter?or follow Probellum on?Instagram,?Twitter?and?Facebook.????

You can also follow our official news, results, and information account, Probellum News, on Twitter.?

?
?
About Probellum???
Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promoter, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport.

Following the success of the opening two shows in December 2021, Probellum has already held back-to-back world championship nights in Dubai, as well as a packed card in Newcastle.

The world title action then headed to Liverpool last month where Paul Butler won the WBO bantamweight crown.

Probellum’s elite stable of fighters also includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Sunny Edwards, Eimantas Stanionis, Donnie Nietes and Dina Thorslund.

But the company has also recruited the next generation of stars with Peter McGrail, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack, Shabaz Masoud and Spencer Wilcox among the young talents under the Probellum umbrella.

Since launching, Probellum has signed co-promotional partnerships with some of the biggest promoters globally, including DiBella Entertainment (US), Wasserman (Germany), Universum (Germany), GYM (Canada), Maravilla Box (Spain), Team Ellis (Australia), Titov Boxing Promotions (Russia), Volcano Boxing (El Salvador), BXSTRS Promotions (Mexico), PR Best (Puerto Rico) Glozier Boxing (New Zealand), Box Office Sports (Ghana) and LNK Boxing (Latvia).????




Shakur Stevenson vs Oscar Valdez prediction made as Archie Sharp sends ‘game-plan’ warning

LONDON, APRIL 27 – Archie Sharp says he has the game-plan to cause Shakur Stevenson problems and believes the American is worried about fighting him.

Sharp is backing Stevenson to become unified super-featherweight champion this weekend when he faces Oscar Valdez in Las Vegas – and ‘Sharpshooter’ wants to be his next opponent.

Stevenson is the WBO title holder and Sharp has been breathing down his neck, as the No1 ranked contender with the sanctioning body, since November.

The Essex fighter admits he faces a “crucial” period in his career to turn his lofty rating with the WBO into the position of mandatory challenger for Stevenson.

“A lot of people are running away from Stevenson and for good reason, he’s a very good fighter and people are saying he’s the next big thing, but everyone who has fought him has come in with the same game-plan,” said the unbeaten Sharp.

“He is wary of me because I am so unorthodox and that would cause him problems. Other people are running away from him but I’m heading directly at him – I want that fight.

“But I need to get myself into the mandatory position with the WBO and so I have to be in good fights. If I have to wait for Stevenson, then get me someone who is at world level.

“This is a crucial time for me because I need to keep my number one ranking with the WBO and I can’t afford to lose that spot.”

Sharp says WBC champion Valdez runs the risk of playing straight into Stevenson’s hands on Saturday night.

“I’m interested to see how Stevenson deals with the pressure if that’s the way Valdez fights,” added Sharp.

“He knows he can’t rush Stevenson because he is such a good counter-puncher. I believe Stevenson will win but it is going to be so interesting if Valdez turns it into a dog fight.

“I’m a completely different fighter to Valdez so my tactics against Stevenson wouldn’t be to do that and Valdez must know that if you stand still in front of him, he will pick you off.”

Sharp has also mentioned the possibility of taking on fellow Probellum fighter O’Shaquie Foster, who won a WBC eliminator in Dubai, last month.

Keep up to date with Sharp’s world title quest, as well as all the news from the Probellum stable by signing up to our newsletter?or by following Probellum on?Instagram,?Twitter?and?Facebook?

About Probellum???
Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promotion and media company, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport.

Following the success of the opening two shows in December 2021, Probellum has already held back-to-back world championship nights in Dubai, as well as a packed card in Newcastle.

The world title action then headed to Liverpool earlier this month where Paul Butler won the WBO interim bantamweight crown.

Probellum’s elite stable of fighters includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Sunny Edwards, Eimantis Stanionis, Donnie Nietes and Dina Thorslund.

But the company has also recruited the next generation of stars with Peter McGrail, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack and Shabaz Masoud among the young talents under the Probellum umbrella.

Since launching, Probellum has signed co-promotional partnerships with some of the biggest promoters globally, including DiBella Entertainment (US), Wasserman (Germany), Universum (Germany), GYM (Canada), Maravilla Box (Spain), Team Ellis (Australia), Titov Boxing Promotions (Russia), Volcano Boxing (El Salvador), BXSTRS Promotions (Mexico), PR Best (Puerto Rico) Glozier Boxing (New Zealand), Box Office Sports (Ghana) and LNK Boxing (Latvia).????




ARCHIE SHARP FIXED ON WORLD TITLE FIGHT WITH SHAKUR STEVENSON AFTER PROBELLUM DEAL 

LONDON, FEBRUARY 22 – Number one contender Archie Sharp is hoping to turn the heat up on Shakur Stevenson with the help of his new promoter Probellum.

The 26-year-old super-featherweight has made no secret of his desire to take on US star Stevenson, who holds the WBO title and is being tipped to become a multi-weight champion.

But the unbeaten Sharp (21-0, 9Kos) is convinced he would be too smart for his American rival and he has enlisted the expertise of Probellum, a global promotion and media company, to secure a shot at Stevenson.

Sharp is No1 in the rankings so should be next in line for a shot at the WBO belt and wants to be at ringside for Stevenson’s unification clash with Oscar Valdez on April 30, in Las Vegas to bang the drum for a UK versus US showdown later this year.

“Stevenson has done nothing but disrespect me but it’s because I’m in his head and he knows he can’t avoid me for much longer,” said Archie Sharp, known as ‘Sharpshooter’.

“I’m ranked No1 by the WBO and with Probellum’s backing, I’ll get my shot at Stevenson later this year.  I want to be at ringside for his next fight in Vegas and all he has to do is make sure he gets through Valdez and then we can get it on!

“I’m too clever for him and he knows it.”

Sharp, who hails from Kent in the UK, is the WBO Global super-featherweight champion and had been schedule to fight on Probellum’s inaugural show in Dubai, in December, before injury changed his plans.

But having returned to full fitness, the unbeaten switch-hitter is looking at a May return before finally getting his hands on Stevenson.

“Archie is the No1 ranked super-featherweight in the world with the WBO and he is ready for his shot at the title,” said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum.

“And this is where we at Probellum step in and use all of our collective experience in boxing to make sure Archie gets the fight we all want to see, with Shakur Stevenson.

“What a fight that will be!”

Probellum stage their opening shows of the year on March 18 and 19 in Dubai, with both bills topped by world title fights.

The Probellum Evolution shows see Estelle Mossely defend her lightweight crown in a historic first for the Middle East before Sunny Edwards makes the second defence of his flyweight title against Muhammad Waseem the following night.

Probellum then head to Newcastle on Friday, March 25 for Probellum Throwdown where Lewis Ritson faces former world champion Dejan Zlaticanin and Olympic silver medallist Pat McCormack makes his pro debut. 

Liverpool host Probellum’s third show of 2022, when Paul Butler challenges John Riel Casimero for his WBO world bantamweight title, topping a bill which also includes Peter McGrail, Rocky Fielding and Luke McCormack.

For ticket news, live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on InstagramTwitter and Facebook.? 

About Probellum

Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promotion and media company, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport.

Probellum’s elite stable includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Lee McGregor, Donnie Nietes, Troy Williamson, Dina Thorslund, Muhammad Waseem, O’Shaquie Foster, Will Cawley, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack.?

Since launching, Probellum has signed co-promotional partnerships with some of the biggest promoters globally, including Wasserman (Germany), Universum (Germany), GYM (Canada), Maravilla Box (Spain), Team Ellis (Australia), Titov Boxing Promotions (Russia), Volcano Boxing (El Salvador), BXSTRS Promotions (Mexico), PR Best (Puerto Rico) Glozier Boxing (New Zealand), Box Office Sports (Ghana) and LNK Boxing (Latvia).

Probellum?hosted its inaugural event at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena in December 2021 and returns to Middle East in March for a double-header.

Probellum Evolution takes place at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium on March 18 and 19, with both shows topped by world title fights.? 




Sharp Decisions Kabore

Archie Sharp remained undefeated by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over Alexis Boureima Kabore in a junior lightweight bout at York Hall in London.

Sharp, 129 1/4 lbs of London won by 100-90 scores on all cards and is now 21-0. Kabore, 129 1/4 lbs is 28-5.

Abreu Shocks Kulakhmet; Stops him in 7

Juan Carlos Abreu stunned previously undefeated and highly regarded Tursynbay Kulakhmet in round seven of yheir scheduled 10-round junior middleweight bout.

In round two, Kulakhmet dropped Abreu with a hard straight left.

That all changed in round seven as Abreu landed a perfect right to the jaw that sent Kulakhmet to the canvas. Kulakhmet was hurt, but trying to fight fight back until he ate another right to the jaw that sent him down face-first and the bout was over at 1:34.

Abreu, 153 1/4 lbs of the Dominican Republic is 24-6-1 with 22 knockouts. Kulkhmet, 153 1/2 lbs of Kazakhstan is 4-1.

Jordan Reynolds remained undefeated with a 1st round stoppage over Rodolfo Paterno in a scheduled six-round middleweight bout.

Reynolds landed a flurry of punches in the corner and the fight was stopped at 2:26.

Reynolds, 157 of England is 3-0 with one knockout. Paterno, 151 1/4 lbs of Italy is 2-5-2.

Shiloh Defreitas made a successful pro debut with a 4th round stoppage over Fonz Alexander in a scheduled six-round welterweight bout.

DeFreitas dropped Alexander in round four with a hard right hand. Alexander got to his feet, but was unable to continue at 1:37.

DeFreitas, 145 lbs of London is 1-0 with one knockout. Alexander, 148 1/2 lbs of Newark, ENG is 7-117.

Pierce O’Leary remained undefeated with a 7th round stoppage over Siar Ozgul in a scheduled eight-round super lightweight bout.

In round four, O’Leary dropped Ozgul with a right hand..

In round seven, O’Leary started to punish Ozgul and the fight was stopped at 1:13

O’Leary, 141 1/2 lbs of Dublin, IRE is 8-0 with four knockouts. Ozgul, 142 lbs of London is 15-7.

Sam Gilley remained undefeated undefeated with a six-round decision over Daniel Lartey in a middleweight fight.

Gilley, 157 1/2 lbs of England won by a 60-54 score and is now 12-1. Lartey, 161 1/4 lbs of Accra, GHA is 14-6-1.




Friday: Archie Sharp-Alexis Boureima Kabore Junior Lightweight Battle to Stream LIVE on ESPN+

(Oct. 26, 2021) — British junior lightweight contender Archie “Sharpshooter” Sharp has designs on a world title shot, but he must keep his unbeaten record intact. Sharp, ranked No. 2 by the WBO, will defend his WBO Global belt in a 10-rounder this Friday, Oct. 29 at London’s York Hall against Alexis Boureima Kabore.
 
In the 10-round co-feature, Kazakh prodigy Tursynbay Kulakhmet will defend his WBC International 154-pound belt versus Dominican veteran Juan Carlos Abreu.
 
Sharp-Kabore and Kulakhmet-Abreu will top a bill streaming live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+ at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT.
 
Sharp (20-0, 9 KOs) is a former WBO European belt-holder who fought on an ESPN+-streamed Michael Conlan/Carl Frampton doubleheader in August 2020, edging Jeff Ofori by a single point. He made his 2021 debut on July 10 and survived a pair of cuts to top Mexican upstart Diego Andrade Chavez via unanimous decision. Kabore (28-4, 7 KOs), from Burkina Faso, has fought the majority of his bouts in his home nation and is making his European debut against Sharp. He is a former African Union and WBC International champion at 122 pounds.
 
Kulakhmet (4-0, 3 KOs), a former amateur standout, won the WBC International belt in his second pro fight with a dominant decision over Macaulay McGowan. He defends that belt in his toughest test to date in Abreu (23-6-1, 21 KOs), a 10-year pro who has fought the likes of former world champion Humberto Soto, Jamal James, Jesus Soto Karass, Egidijus “Mean Machine” Kavaliauskas, Alexander Besputin and Jaron “Boots” Ennis.
 
In other streaming action on ESPN+:

  • Junior middleweight prospect Jordan Reynolds (2-0) looks to make it three for three against Italy’s Rodolfo Paterno (2-4-2, 1 KO) in a six-rounder.
     
  • Shiloh Defreitas, a Jamaican-born fighter who now resides in England, will make his pro debut in a six-round junior welterweight tilt against 123-fight veteran Fonz Alexander.
     
  • Former Southern Area welterweight champion Sam Gilley (11-1, 5 KOs) hopes to rebound from his first career loss against Daniel Lartey (14-5-1, 12 KOs) in a six-rounder at junior middleweight.
     
  • Dublin-born junior welterweight Pierce O’Leary (7-0, 3 KOs) will aim for his third KO in four fights against Siar Ozgul (15-6, 3 KOs) in an eight-rounder.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 14.9 million subscribers.
  
Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).
 




“THERE IS A SPARK THERE NOW” – ARCHIE SHARP LOOKS FORWARD TO JULY 10

A LONG-PLANNED fight date being aborted with a few day’s notice is usually a source of great anguish for the affected fighter concerned. In the case of Archie Sharp a few weeks or so back it was a blessing in disguise and he was more than happy to be absent for the events taking place in Telford.

The former WBO European champion was set to fight Marcio Soza for an upgraded WBO Global belt at super featherweight but, shortly before he was set to depart for the Shropshire town he received news that the Nicaraguan had been struck down with Covid-19.

Now normally this would spark a flurry of angst and a rapid ring-around in search of a new opponent. But for Sharp, as much as he would never wish a virus on a ring rival, the pull-out was a stroke of real fortune.

Because instead of heading to the vicinity of the Telford International Centre, he made his way to the local maternity ward to witness the birth of his new baby daughter.

A case of every cloud and all that… Or as Sharp himself now regularly says, ‘trust the process’.

“I trusted the process, once again, and what happened? My little girl was born,” beamed the now father of three. “The fight got cancelled a few days before and on the Thursday we were supposed to be leaving at 6pm to go to Telford. Instead of that at 6pm I was in the hospital waiting for my little girl to be born.

“So it worked out for me and now I am happy to be back fighting at the Royal Albert Hall, in London with some fans and my last outing there was a big knockout.”

Sharp, 19-0, is indeed back in action next Saturday (July 10) at the historic West Kensington concert hall fighting for the WBO Global belt. Unfortunately, Soza is enduring a prolonged struggle in his Covid recovery and he is replaced by the Mexican Diego Andrade Chavez (13-4-2).

“Like I say, I just trust in what is going to happen and trust the process,” added Sharp on the wheel of fortune stopping on his number. “I keep saying it because it is true and I’m just thankful and grateful for the way everything has worked out and now I am just looking forward to July 10.

“Now I am back at the Royal Albert Hall, where I had my famous knockout win over Declan (Geraghty in September 2019),” a fight where Sharp was struggling to find a rhythm against the tricky Dubliner.

“I was easing into it,” retorted Sharp. “Warming up. He was doing well and he is a good fighter. What you have got to realise with Declan is a lot of people avoid him because he is good and his amateur pedigree was unbelievable.

“He is all wrong for a lot of fighters but we took the fight and I was adamant I was going to knock him out. I think that showed in the first couple of rounds because I didn’t get going as I just kept thinking about the knockout. Then I got a little cut and my coach said I had to go to work, so I found a sweet shot that paid off.

“It was a great shot on a great night and now we are back on July 10 to do the same. There is a spark there with me now.”

Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight champion Lyndon Arthur (18-0, 12 KOs) headlines the July 10th Royal Albert Hall bill and makes the first defence of his WBO Inter-Continental title against Italian Davide Faraci (15-0, 7 KOs).

The Mancunian’s bitter rival Anthony Yarde (20-2, 19 KOs) returns in a non-title ten rounder.

Also on the bill WBO ranked number one Super-Middleweight Zach Parker (20-0, 14 KOs) will defend his WBO International belt against Uzbek Sherzod Khusanov (22-2-1, 10 KOs).

 WBO ranked number four Super-Featherweight, Archie Sharp (19-0, 9 KOs) meets Mexico’s Diego Andrade Chavez (13-4-2, 1 KOs) with the vacant WBO Global championship on the line.

Prodigious bantamweight talent Dennis McCann (9-0, 5 KOs) faces Tanzanian John Chuwa (20-4, 10 KOs).

Elsewhere on the card, 2016 Olympian Muhammad Ali (2-0) will have his third professional assignment against Lee Glover (11-4, 3 KOs), with Lightweight KO-artist Sam Noakes (5-0, 5 KOs) and Light-Heavyweight former Olympic Youth champion Karol Itauma (2-0, 1 KO) also featuring.




ARCHIE SHARP GOES GLOBAL

ARCHIE SHARP WILL challenge for the vacant WBO Global super featherweight championship when he returns to the ring on Saturday June 5, live on BT Sport.

The 19-0 ‘Sharpshooter’ takes on Marcio Soza, 21-6-2 in his first fight since August of last year following his recovery from an arm injury.

The former WBO European champion, ranked at No.4 in the world by the governing body, will be entering into his first fight since switching his training base to Alan Smith’s Queensberry iBox Gym in Bromley and he is up against a Nicaraguan on an 11-fight winning streak and the holder of the WBA Fedelatin title, which he won in December of 2020.

“We are under two weeks out now and I literally cannot wait – I am very excited,” said the 26-year-old Sharp on his bid to win a second professional belt. “I’ve had a good 10-12 weeks camp after my injury and it has gone well

“I am fighting for the WBO Global title and it is what I needed really. I talk about trusting the process and I was going to be out on the Carl Frampton show before that got moved, I got injured and then this belt became vacant and I am now fighting a tough kid for a bigger title.

“It will put me in very good stead for where I want to be. Shakur Stevenson is fighting the No.2 (Jeremiah Nakathila) and I will be right there amongst it. I have defended the European belt three or four times now and I did get a little bit complacent in a couple of the fights. Having a new belt on the line is what I thrive on and I am buzzing for it.

“Marcio Soza is a tough kid and hasn’t been beaten since 2016. He has mixed with the likes of Francisco Fonseca and has been at a very good level, with over 20 wins and 12 stoppages. His losses came very early in his career and he is a 30-year-old man, so it is gonna be good and I am looking forward to it.

“He is definitely a Mexican-style fighter and I have watched a couple of little clips. He will certainly want to go toe-to-toe.”

Daniel Dubois (15-1, 14KOs) returns to the ring on Saturday June 5 when he takes on Bogdan Dinu (20-2, 16KOs) for the WBA Interim heavyweight title. Light heavyweight favourite Tommy Fury is also in action in his sixth fight as a professional.

WBO ranked number four featherweight, Archie Sharp (19-0, 9 KOs) returns in his first fight under new trainer Alan Smith, while Belfast Middleweight Caoimhin Agyarko (8-0, 5 KOs) will be aiming for his fifth successive inside the distance win. Stoke-on-Trent’s huge popular middleweight Nathan Heaney (11-0, 3 KOs) has his second fight under the Queensberry banner when he meets Bulgarian Iliyan Markov (6-14-2, 3 KOs).

Also on the show are unbeaten English bantamweight champion Liam Davies (8-0, 3 KOs), featherweight Adan Mohamed (1-0)  and 18-year-old decorated amateur George Bance, who makes his professional debut after signing with Queensberry. 




Frampton Stops Traynor in 7

Carl Frampton tuned up for a Fall title shot with a 7th round stoppage over Darren Traynor in a lightweight bout at York Hall in London, England,

In round six, Frampton dropped Traynor with a hard left to the body. In round seven, He landed another left to the body, and Traynor waved No-Mas and the fight was over.

Frampton, 134.4 lbs of Belfast, Ireland will now fight Jamel Herring (should Herring be successful on September 5th against Jonathan Oquend) with a record of 28-2 with 16 knockouts. Traynor, 134 1/4 lbs of Scotland is 16-4.

Said Frampton, “I’m happy to get the win, obviously. Far from my best, but I suppose people talk about rounds. I don’t think it’s going to harm me doing the rounds. If I had the chance to take him out in the first round, I would’ve done that.

“It was a better opponent for Herring than the original opponent because I think he was about my height, maybe even a little bit shorter. Darren isn’t a southpaw, but the dimensions are similar. I know I need to be a lot better for Herring. It’s good to get the rounds done. My hands are fine. No issues there. Onward and upward.”

Conlan stops Takoucht in 10th

Michael Conlan remained undefeated by stopping former world title challenger Sofiane Takoucht in the 10th and final round of their featherweight bout.

In round four, Conlan was deducted a point for a low blow. In round five, he was deducted another point for a low blow.

In round 10, Conlan landed a hard combination that hurt Takoucht. Conlan drove him to the ropes and the fight was stopped.

Conlan, 126.25 lbs of Belfast is 14-0 with eight knockouts. Takoucht, 126.6 lbs of France is 35-5.

Sharp Decisions Ofori

Archie Sharp barley remained undefeated by winning a decision over Jeff Ofori in a lightweight bout.

Ofori out-landed Sharp 124-112.

Sharp, 133 lbs of Wailing win by a 96-95 score and is now 19-0. Ofori, 131.1 lbs of London is 10-3-1.

EARLY RESULTS FROM LONDON

Troy Williamson won a hard-fought 10-round unanimous decision over Harry Scarf in a junior middleweight bout.

Williams, 152.8 lbs won by scores of 97-94, 96-94 and 96-95 and is now 15-0-1. Scarf, 153.3 lbs is 8-2.

Paddy Donovan destroyed an overmatched Des Newton in the 1st round of their scheduled six-round welterweight bout

Donovan dropped Newton in the first 30 seconds with a left hand. Donovan finished thing with two massive body shots, with the latter being a left right to the gut that put Newton down and in a lot of pain and the fight was stopped.

Donovan, 146.5 lbs is 4-0 with three knockouts. Newton, 149.3 lbs is 8-16.




JEFF OFORI INTENDS TO GET “MEAN AND NASTY” AGAINST ARCHIE SHARP

JEFF OFORI BELIEVES he is ready to take advantage of the opportunity afforded to him by fighting Archie Sharp TONIGHT, live on BT Sport 2.

The 30-year-old from Tottenham returns to the ring against Sharp, having suffered defeat up at super lightweight when he was stopped by Ohara Davies in the Golden Contract back in February.

Davies just proved too big and strong for the undersized Ofori but he will have no such shortcomings tonight and is grateful a further opportunity to shine has come his way.

“Definitely, it is another big chance for me,” said the 10-2-1 man who turned pro in May 2017. “I’ve had a good seven or eight weeks to prepare for this so I’ve got no complaints at all, it was fair play, they told me early and I’m ready and raring to go.

“I rolled the dice against Ohara but I still believed I could win that fight. My experience probably let me down. This will definitely be easier.”

Ofori is no stranger to Sharp with the pair being on friendly terms from sparring sessions ahead of his Southern Area lightweight success against Jumanne Camero and Sharp’s defeat of Lyon Woodstock.

“He is a good fighter, man. We sparred each other when we were both going for our first titles, which we both won, so there is history there.”

“I am not there to make up the numbers so you are going to have a very entertaining fight.

“This fight is going to be very endurance based with a very fast pace. I am going to have to get a bit mean and nasty when it gets down to it, so you will see the best of him and you will definitely see the best of me.

“He said he is ready for me to come forward and I don’t know what his game plan is. Mine is to box to the best of my ability and to be the hunter.”

“This will turn my whole life around. I am not going in there to play any games as I cannot afford to let this opportunity slip.

Live Coverage on BT Sport 2 begins at 8pm TONIGHT




ARCHIE SHARP SAYS “SHAKUR STEVENSON CAN HAVE IT” AND HAILS INFLUENCE OF ‘MIND COACH’

UNBEATEN Archie Sharp believes he is already a world-level talent and has sensationally called out American superstars Jamel Herring and Shakur Stevenson.

The Welling fighter will be protecting both his 18-0 unbeaten record and his WBO European Super-Featherweight crown on Saturday night when he steps in the ring against Tottenham man Jeff Ofori.

A supremely confident Sharp believes he is well-placed to steal the show and puts much of that down to the work he has been doing with his ‘mind coach’, Linda.

“With Linda, my mind coach, we’ve been working on a lot of programs. Mentally, I’m the strongest I’ve ever been.”

It’s not a secret that the ‘Sharpshooter’ has sought the unorthodox methods of mind coach Linda Keen before, but Archie believes that the current coronavirus situation has made her input even more crucial to his fight preparations.

“Being mentally strong is the most important thing for what we’ve been going through,” he explained. “Im buzzing to be back. My batteries are recharged and I’m ready to go and put a show on.”

To many boxing fans, Saturday’s scrap between Sharp and Ofori is the sleeper candidate for fight-of-the-night and most believe that 30-year-old Ofori will present a stiff challenge for the younger champion.

Sharp doesn’t see it that way.

“I believe I’m at world level now.

“I’ve got a lot of heart, I’ve got a granite chin and I can punch. My footwork and my movement have always been unbelievable and on the 15th August you’re going to see a lot more of that.”

Archie accepts that Ofori will try and push the action when the pair clash on Saturday night, but believes “everyone has a plan till they get in there”.

“This fella I’m fighting, Jeff Ofori, is going to be coming like a man possessed” he admits, but says “I’m in the best shape ever and for sure I’m going to be looking at stealing the show.”

Whilst there is clearly business to take care of on BT Sport on Saturday night, Archie is a man who knows his own mind and knows where he wants to take his career.

“I want to be the best in this game” he said, adding “Carl Frampton is the main man on the show and that’s a fight I’m looking at. 

“Ideally, I just want to fight the WBO world champion and at the minute that’s Jamal Herring.”

Frampton and Herring are two big names to have in your crosshairs, but the ambitious ‘Sharpshooter’ doesn’t want to stop there.

“Shakur Stevenson can have it as well.”

BT Sport Fight Night Live: Frampton vs Traynor is this Saturday night / coverage starts at 8pm on BT Sport 2




ARCHIE PREDICTS FIREWORKS ON AUGUST 20th

ARCHIE SHARP PROMISES a fan-friendly collision when he goes toe-to-toe with Jeff Ofori, with his WBO European super featherweight title at stake on Thursday August 20.

The unbeaten ‘Sharpshooter’ will clock up his 19th professional fight at the BT Studio against the 10-2-1 Tottenham man in the fourth edition of Frank Warren’s summer series that returns the sport to television screens.

It will represent a fourth defence of his WBO title for the 25-year-old Sharp and one he insists will be a tough domestic assignment against an opponent he is already familiar with.

“I am buzzing to be back out and I’m looking forward to it, being top of the bill as well is nice to hear,” reacted Sharp to his fight news.

“I have just been playing it by ear during the lockdown when the whole world didn’t know where it was at. Now I have got a date I am off to Tenerife with the Walsh brothers to prepare me for the Ofori fight.

“To be honest with you, Jeff is a very nice fella and I know him and his trainer and have nothing but respect for them. I’ve sparred Jeff and it was him who prepared me for the Lyon Woodstock fight.

“So we’ve done some rounds together and he is very tough. He’s boxed up at a big weight (super lightweight) against Ohara Davies, so it will be very interesting with him coming down to 9st 4lbs.

“I do know he is relentless, he comes forward, but in the last two years I have put on a lot of power and strength so it will be a good fight.

“I think this sort of fight, with our styles, will bring the best me out and that is why I wanted this fight because I am going to show everyone the real me. I have not really done that in previous fights.

“This sort of opponent will allow me to bring the best out of me,” added Sharp, who considers this fight as comparable to the tests he has already been presented with.

“I don’t think he is the best I’ve had in terms of ability, but it toughness he is right up there for sure.

“It will be a very, very good fight for the fans watching and there will definitely be some fireworks. There will also be a masterclass from myself.”

Featuring as part of the event is the IBF European super welterweight clash between the unbeaten pair of Troy Williamson (13-0-1) from Darlington and Michael McGurk (12-0) from Uddingston in Scotland.

There are also fights for three Blue Chip prospects from the Queensberry iBox Gym, with Dennis McCann (6-0), Sam Noakes (3-0) and Henry Turner (2-0) all in action. 




SHARP BIDS FOR TREBLE AT COPPER BOX

ARCHIE SHARP MAKES a third defence of his WBO European super featherweight title when he takes on the unbeaten Artjoms Ramlavs at the Copper Box Arena on December 21.
 
In what is a strong addition to an already stellar BT Sport card – ‘Sharpshooter’ Sharp will be looking to solidify his position at the forefront of the 130-pound brigade. It is one of five title fights currently scheduled on the bumper bill that also includes the heavyweight collision between Daniel Dubois and Kyotaro Fujimoto for the WBO International and WBC Silver titles, Liam Williams going up against the American Alantez Fox for the right to fight for the WBO world middleweight title, Sunny Edwards and Marcel Braithwaite battling it out for the British super flyweight title, as well as the return to ring duties of Tommy Fury and title action for super welterweight contender Troy Williamson.
 
Sharp, 17-0 (9KOs) is on a roll since parting the previously unbeaten champion Lyon Woodstock from his belt in Leicester in October of last year. Injury prevented immediate title progression before he got back in the swing with a second round stoppage of Sergio Gonzalez at Wembley in April and he proceeded to make a first defence against the tough Scot Jordan McCorry at the o2 Arena in July, where he recorded a convincing points victory.
 
His most recent assignment came at the Royal Albert Hall in September, where he again defended his WBO strap, this time against the unpredictable Irishman Declan Geraghty. The Dubliner presented early problems to the Welling man before a peach of a punch dispatched by the 24-year-old spectacularly ended Geraghty’s night in the fourth round.
 
It was an emphatic statement delivered by Sharp, who is jostling for position in the super featherweight pecking order along with Commonwealth champion Zelfa Barrett and former British ruler Sam Bowen, who recently dropped a decision to Belfast man Anthony Cacace.
 
Ramlavs from Riga will enter into unfamiliar territory on the night of ‘The Fight Before Christmas’ at the Copper Box.
 
Known as ‘Supersonic’, the 30-year-old has not previously fought outside his native Latvia in a career that has spanned 11 professional fights, with six of his wins coming via KO.
 
The 5ft 7″ southpaw and the champion Sharp do have one opponent in common in the Nicaraguan Gonzalez, who Ramlavs fought in 2018 and recorded a points victory.
 
“He is a southpaw, 11-0 with six stoppages and I see he had a bit of amateur pedigree,” said Sharp on his forthcoming mission. “So we have got another unbeaten fighter to come and take me on and he is a little bit shorter than Declan (last opponent, Geraghty) and that will probably work a little bit in my favour.
 
“I think what is happening is he is tough and game, but I don’t think his ability is up there with the other boys I have fought and he will come to work and have a right go.
 
“Facing an unbeaten fighter brings another dynamic because every time he has showed up before he has won. He’s now got a shot at the WBO European title so we will see how he turns up.
 
“I’ve just got to make sure I am in tip-top shape and able to adapt to whatever he brings on December 21. It is another lively one and I think they are all going to be that now.”

ABOUT THE SHOW 

Unbeaten Heavyweight sensation Daniel Dubois (13-0) looks to continue his path of destruction against Japan’s Kyotaro Fujimoto (21-1). The WBC Silver Heavyweight championship and the WBO International Heavyweight belts will be on the line.

Liam Williams (21-2-1) faces American Alantez Fox (26-1-1) for the right to become number one in the rankings for the WBO world middleweight crown.

Sunny Edwards (13-0) fights for the vacant British super-flyweight title against former amateur teammate Marcel Braithwaite (9-1), with Light Heavyweight prospect and Love Island star Tommy Fury (2-0) making his long awaited return to the boxing ring after winning the hearts of the nation on the popular ITV reality television show over the summer. 

Tickets from £40 are now on sale via Seetickets and via Ticketmaster

Ticket prices:

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




DuBois stops Tetteh in 1

Top Heavyweight prospect Daniel DuBois was dominant in stopping previously undefeated Ebenezer Tetteh in round one of a scheduled 10-round heavyweight bout at Royal Albert Hall in London.

DuBois scored two hard knockdowns with the referee stopping the bout when Tetteh got to his feet after the 2nd time he was on the canvas at 2:10.

DuBois is 13-0 with 12 knockouts. Tetteh is 19-1.

Archie Sharp scored a vicious knockout over Declan Geraghty in round four of their scheduled ten round super featherweight bout.

Sharp landed a flush left hand to the head that sent Geraghty plummeting to the canvas with the back of his head hitting the deck at 2:14.

Sharp is now 17-0 with nine knockouts. Gerghty is 19-5.

Nicola Adams retained the WBO Flyweight title as she battled to a split draw with Maria Salinas.

Adams took a card 97-93; Salinas won a card 96-94, and a 3rd card was even at 95-95.

Adams is 5-0-1. Salinas is 21-7-4.

Denzel Bentley remained perfect by stopping Kelcie Ball in the 1st round of their scheduled six-round middleweight bout.

Bentley bludgeoned Ball for 72 seconds before the bout was mercifully waved off.

Bentley is 11-0 with nine knockouts. Ball is 10-2.

Dennis McCann remained undefeated by stopping Georgi Georgiev in round tao of the scheduled six-round bantamweight bout.

McCann dropped Georgiev twice in round one, and once in round two before Georgiev was stopped on his feet .

McCann is 4-0 wth three knockouts. Georgiev is 8-16-1.

Willy Hutchinson remained undefeated with a 2nd round stoppage over Boris Zankov in a light heavyweight bout.

The time was 2:15 for Hutchinson who is now 10-0 with seven knockouts. Zankov is 11-27-1.

Sam Noakes made a successful pro debut with a stoppage of Chris Adaway after round three of a scheduled four-round welterweight bout.

Noakes dominated the action as he landed hard shots on the ropes throughout the contest. round three, Noakes was bleeding from his left ear.

Noakes is 1-0 with one knockout. Adaway is 9-60-4.




“I AM A MAN ON A MISSION AND NOT GOING TO BE STOPPED.” | DANIEL DUBOIS V EBENEZER TETTEH + ADAMS V SALINAS + SHARP V GERAGHTY PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

DANIEL DUBOIS and Nicola Adams will be lighting up London on Friday (September 27th) when both are in big fight action at the Royal Albert Hall, live on BT Sport.

The vacant Commonwealth heavyweight championship will be on the line when Dubois (12-0, 11KOs) faces Ghanaian Ebenezer Tetteh (19-0, 16KOs).

Adams (5-0, 3KOs) makes the first defence of her WBO flyweight title against Mexican challenger Maria Salinas (21-7-3, 7KOs)

WBO European super-featherweight champion Archie Sharp (16-0, 8KOs) is also in action and defends his title against Dublin’s Declan Geraghty (19-4, 4KOs).

Today, Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren hosted the final press conference ahead of the big night of action at the historic venue.

Media are welcome to download face off videos from today’s press conference here:

Dubois v Tetteh

Adams v Salinas

Sharp v Geraghty

Here are a selection of quotes from the event:

FRANK WARREN

“Daniel has had a fantastic year and gone from strength to strength. He is the best young heavyweight in the world in my opinion, and that is a burden I have put on him.

“We know he has power, but Daniel can box. He is not just a cumbersome clubber. He is the best young heavyweight I’ve been involved in. He is a special young man.

“As my boxing mentor, the late Ernie Fossey said, ‘If you can’t jab, you can’t fight.’

“Good fighters have great jabs and Daniel has a great jab. It is a big comparison to make at this stage of his career, but Daniel has that Larry Holmes jab. I love seeing fighters who can jab.

“Nicola is our golden girl and I can’t wait for her first fight as a world champion, but this is a hard fight and I hope she comes through.

“Nicola is a legend with two Olympic gold medals. I want to see her come through this and be an active fighter.

“Archie is in title winning habits, an ambitious young man, but he has a tough challenge. It is going to be fireworks and great for the fans.”

DANIEL DUBOIS

“It is my job to come through in style. I haven’t really studied Tetteh. I just want to fight and win again.

“Every challenge brings something different and I get better each time I fight.

“I believe I am world class and it is only a matter of time before I am up there with the big names.

“I am a man on a mission and not going to be stopped. It will be fireworks on Friday and a devastating performance is coming.

“The Larry Holmes compliment is great to have especially from Frank. He has been in the business a long time and knows what he’s talking about.”

EBENEZER TETTEH

“I have watched Daniel v Lartey and Gorman and know what I have to do to beat him on Friday.

“I gave Lartey sparring and I am better than him. I can move and punch.

“I expect to beat Daniel. Lartey gave him a good fight but I will finish Dubois.

“I want to take the title home and be the first Ghanaian Commonwealth heavyweight champion.”

NICOLA ADAMS

“I will be nervous on fight night, but it is good to be back. If I wasn’t nervous it would mean I am underestimating my opponent.

“I have been sparring with Kid Galahad who is really difficult to hit. If I can land on him I can land on anybody.

“Maria will stand in front of me and they are the best to face because they’re there to get hit.

“I have a lot of goals. I want to unify the flyweight division and this is the first step in the right direction.

“It means a lot to box at the Royal Albert Hall where my hero Muhammad Ali did. It is special.”

ARCHIE SHARP

“Declan is a very good fighter and we all know he can box. I will adapt to anyone’s style and whatever he brings I will match.

“I believe I’m a great fighter and they adapt to any style. I have done tests and I am bigger, stronger and quicker than 12 months ago.

“The fight will be how I want to fight and I have an answer to it all.

“He has been chinned and that must play on any man’s head. The WBO champion Jamel Herring has been mentioned as a future opponent, but I am not overlooking Declan.”

DECLAN GERAGHTY

“I’m here to spoil the party. I am gonna come forward and put the pressure on him.

“Archie is a good boxer, rangy, switches and moves well. I’m not really worried about him because he hasn’t been tested. He beat Lyon Woodstock and Jordan McCorry who I don’t rate at all.

“No ifs or buts, I am becoming WBO European super-featherweight. I’m a crazy Irishman and here to fight.

“If he has overlooked me he is silly.  I think it’s down to who has the best boxing IQ.”

 
Daniel Dubois headlines the bill when he meets Ghana’s Ebenezer Tetteh for the vacant Commonwealth heavyweight crown and WBO flyweight champion Nicola Adams defends her title for the first time against experienced Mexican Maria Salinas, live on BT Sport.

The card will also feature WBO European super-featherweight champion Archie Sharp who makes his second title defence against Dublin’s Declan Geraghty.

Middleweight banger Denzel Bentley, heavyweight Jonathan Palata, lightweight Mohammad Bilal Ali and precocious bantamweight talent Dennis McCann are also in action.

Exciting prospects Lewis Edmondson, Eithan James and Sam Noakes all make their professional debuts.

Tickets for the September 27 bill at the Royal Albert Hall are available to purchase from www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.royalalberthall.com. Prices £40, £50, £75, £100, £150 Ringside.




GERAGHTY READY FOR A CHANGE OF LUCK

DECLAN GERAGHTY insists his luck will change when he challenges WBO European super-featherweight champion Archie Sharp next week.

Sharp (16-0, 8KOs) makes the second defence of his title against the Dubliner at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Friday September 27, live on BT Sport.

Geraghty (19-4, 4KOs) has fallen short in championship fights against Marco McCullough and world title challengers Jono Carroll and James Tennyson.

He bounced back last month with a win following the McCullough defeat in May and says: “You can knock on the door so many times. Eventually it has to be answered and opened at some stage.

“It is not frustrating going so close in big fights because Tennyson and Carroll were two fellas who fought for world titles.

“The McCullough fight I was winning handily and he caught me with a shot from God. He didn’t even believe he could do that.

“Marco and Tennyson got lucky in my opinion. Jono did beat me in our second fight and the first one against him when I was disqualified I don’t count as a loss.

“I have had enough setbacks, but I keep knocking on the door believing I can do things.”

Geraghty, 29, was based in Spain, but has been preparing in his home city for the Sharp showdown and is trained by his dad, Declan Snr.

And a win against Sharp who is ranked at number nine in the WBO rankings for American Jamel Herring’s world title will get the likeable Irishman’s career firmly back on track.

“I have been knocking on the door for long enough and I believe the time is now,” he added.

“If I didn’t think I was good enough and just believed my own hype I would pack it in, but everyone who knows me can see how good I am.

“I haven’t done half of what I can do. I see what I can do in sparring. I believe I can achieve good things and much more.”

Daniel Dubois headlines the bill when he meets Ghana’s Ebenezer Tetteh for the vacant Commonwealth heavyweight crown and WBO flyweight champion Nicola Adams defends her title for the first time against experienced Mexican Maria Salinas, live on BT Sport.

The card will also feature WBO European super-featherweight champion Archie Sharp who makes his second title defence against Dublin’s Declan Geraghty.

Middleweight banger Denzel Bentley, heavyweight Jonathan Palata, lightweight Mohammad Bilal Ali and precocious bantamweight talent Dennis McCann are also in action.

Exciting prospects Lewis Edmondson, Eithan James and Sam Noakes all make their professional debuts.

Tickets for the September 27 bill at the Royal Albert Hall are available to purchase from www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.royalalberthall.com. Prices £40, £50, £75, £100, £150 Ringside.




ARCHIE LANDS A PRETTY BOY

ARCHIE SHARP will defend his WBO European super featherweight title at the Royal Albert Hall on September 27 when he takes on the challenge from Declan ‘Pretty Boy’ Geraghty.

‘Sharpshooter’ Sharp, 16-0 (8KOs), makes a second defence of the title he won from Lyon Woodstock in October of last year, having seen off the threat of game Scot Jordan McCorry last time out in July.

The Dubliner Geraghty, 19-4 (4KOs), is accustomed to being involved in thrilling encounters and took part in an absorbing double-header with recent world title challenger Jono Carroll, with the second part taking place in June of last year with the IBF Intercontinental title at stake. Victory for Carroll after nine epic rounds saw him push on towards world title contention.

Sharp believes more drama could be in the offing when he fights for the first time at the stunning South Kensington venue.
“Declan Geraghty is a good fight, a very good fight,” said the 24-year-old. “He is always in exciting fights and always seems to bring a high level of skill to the ring.
“He is skilful but has ended up in a number of wars, which has probably been his downfall. He is a good, technical boxer and, because he has been chinned a couple of times, he might want to prove something now.
“If he sticks to his boxing it will be interesting because my last couple of fights have been against come-forward fighters. I like testing myself so it will be good to go in with a nice rangy southpaw. Why not?
“I am building now and every fight is benefiting me and moving me on towards those big fights. They have all been good fights – Woodstock, McCorry and now Geraghty is a good fight. They have all been hungry to win titles and if I keep beating these live opponents it will only serve to ready me for world level.”
Geraghty, 29, say he won’t get pulled into war by neat boxing Sharp, but insists: “It’s a really exciting fight and will be fan-friendly for everyone watching at the Royal Albert Hall and on BT Sport.
“I am going into his backyard and there is no pressure on me. I know how good his boxing ability is and I think it is down to who has the better boxing IQ.
“I like getting involved in a fight, but not this time because it is boxer v boxer.
“Archie is a bit similar to me and likes to keep it long and rangy, but I like getting dragged into a war every so often.
“His style will suit me and now is my time to deliver.”
Daniel Dubois v Ebenezer Tetteh for the vacant Commonwealth heavyweight title tops the bill at the Royal Albert Hall on Friday September 27, alongside Nicola Adams making a first defence of her WBO world flyweight title. Also on the card is Battersea banger Denzel Bentley in middleweight action, heavyweight Jonathan Palata, exciting bantamweight talent Dennis McCann and debuts for lightweight Sam Noakes, super lightweight Eithan James and super middleweight Lewie Edmondson.
Tickets for the September 27 bill at the Royal Albert Hall are available to purchase from www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.royalalberthall.com. Prices £40, £50, £75, £100, £150 Ringside.




“I WANT TO GO 10-0 WITH 10 KNOCKOUTS!” | HEAVY DUTY UNDERCARD PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES FROM JOE JOYCE, BRYANT JENNINGS, LIAM WILLIAMS, SUNNY EDWARDS AND ARCHIE SHARP

HALL OF FAME promoter Frank Warren stages his bumper Heavy Duty card at London’s o2 Arena on Saturday (July 13) headed by the vacant British heavyweight title fight between Daniel Dubois and Nathan Gorman, live on BT Sport.

A press conference was held at the BT Studios this afternoon for the star-studded undercard that backs up the top of the bill fight.

Putney’s Joe Joyce defends his WBA Gold heavyweight title against Philadelphia’s former world title challenger Bryant Jennings. Clydach Vale star Liam Williams faces Frenchman Karim Achour for the vacant WBC Silver middleweight title. Croydon’s Sunny Edwards meets Mexican Hiram Gallardo for the vacant IBF International super-flyweight championship and Welling’s unbeaten Archie Sharp defends his WBO European super-featherweight crown against Cambuslang’s Jordan McCorry.

Here are a selection of quotes from today’s press conference.

FRANCIS WARREN 

“The card is fantastic from top to bottom. These guys are stellar fighters and will win world titles.

Joe against Bryant is a genuine 50-50 and with Bryant’s experience at world level he knows what it’s all about. Joe is the Juggernaut though. He has made exceptional progress and is even better now with Adam Booth training him.

“Sunny is super talented and when I spoke to Tommy Frank’s promoter about a British title fight he said; ’No’.

“We are being treated in the super-featherweight division with men like Archie, but he has a hard fight on Saturday. Jordan is a real test for any of our super-featherweights.”

When Liam wins, we will request he is rated in the top five by the WBC. He is really enjoying his boxing and motivated to get in the world title mix. He has bigger ambitions than he has ever had before.”

JOE JOYCE

“I’m good, ready, had a good camp and incorporated what Adam Booth has taught me and I’m really excited because this is a big fight against a credible opponent.

“This is the biggest fight of my professional career so far. Let’s see if he runs or goes toe-to-toe.

“It might be 1-0 to him with Adam, but now is redemption. Adam has taught me not to be a sitting target and get my head off line.

“I want to continue my 100 per-cent KO ratio and go 10-0 all by knockouts. I will be happy for it not to go the distance, but I am happy going 12 rounds. I just want to line them up and knock them over.

“The winner of Dubois v Gorman is an option and hopefully I will have time to get changed and come out to watch it after my fight. It is a 50-50 fight. Dubois is very strong and if he lands you’re in trouble. Gorman is a lot slicker.”

BRYANT JENNINGS 

“Joe pummels people but you could have pummel v pummel and if it’s gonna be rock ’n sock robot okay.

“It’s boxing and don’t ignore the possibility of anything happening. You can be almost chilling and suddenly over.

“I have always wanted the toughest fights so I’m not wasting my time. I have always wanted to know I belong there and this is that. I set out to win every single time.

“It isn’t in my DNA to lay down. That is something I can’t comprehend. To calculate the fact I am here to lay down they have got it wrong.

“His trainer Adam Booth has a thing with me and tried with Mike Perez but couldn’t. I won that fight. Joe’s trainer Adam and myself have history from that. I expect us both to bring our best.

“I have sparred Gorman. He is a phenomenal kid and the only way is up, but I can’t rate off sparring but he has potential. I haven’t watched Dubois.”

LIAM WILLIAMS 

“Everything is going perfect. The move to Sheffield to train was the best move of my career and came at the right time.

“I am performing, happy with performances but I need bigger name opponents. I am too good for these guys, but I have a hard fight on Saturday. Achour has never been stopped. He has great experience and knows his way around, but I am in good form, getting better, stronger.

“You are going to see a devastating performance and I will be the first man to stop him. All I’m doing in Sheffield is training and resting. I am living the perfect boxer life.

“I one-million percent believe I will win a world title in a year. I am a lot more confident in my ability. When you’re young and cut corners you question yourself. I am doing it right.

“People think I am stupid, but although Gennady Golovkin isn’t a world champion I would love to fight him. I fear no man.”

SUNNY EDWARDS 

“It seems I’m an avoided man by British fighters. It is frustrating as I would like to build my career the traditional way and win the British title, but that is not happening because I’m too much of a risk. I am open to fighting any British super-flyweight if it’s right.

“I have done the hard work to get on these TV bills and I want to stay busy. I’m in a good position and the only thing that can take that away is me not performing.

“I don’t study too much of opponents, but I just watch a bit and leave it to my trainer. Gallardo has never been stopped and won against unbeaten fighters. He is no mug and coming to win.

“I have never sold myself as a big puncher, but I am elusive enough that I don’t get too much damage.

“My Mum has had health problems but she will be there and I will box well enough for her to be happy. Her problems came five years ago and she is the perfect Mum. Maybe we’re living on borrowed time with her, but every day we get to see her and there are people in worst situations.”

ARCHIE SHARP 

“It’s not about me doing a better job than Sam Bowen on McCorry. I have just got to win in style.

“He says he has the physical strength, but they all say that. He is going to be shocked because I have got stronger from when I beat Lyon Woodstock in my last fight.

“My footwork is phenomenal and always has been. On Saturday you will see that he will try and rough me up, but I should make easy work of it.

“Nobody is coming to my hometown and taking my belt. I am also starting to show I can put people away.

“The super-featherweight division is on fire. Jamel Herring the WBO world champion has mentioned my name so let’s see where we are after Saturday.”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce v Bryant Jennings are on sale now. The show also features British Middleweight champion Liam Williams who clashes against France’s former European champion Karim Achour for the vacant WBC Silver middleweight crown. Super-flyweight sensation Sunny Edwards meets Mexican Hiram Gallardo for the vacant IBF super-flyweight title. WBO super-featherweight champion Archie Sharp risks his crown against Jordan McCorry. Returning after an impressive debut is Kent bantamweight Dennis McCann. Hamza Sheeraz, Mark Chamberlain, Jake Pettitt,, Mickey Burke Jr and Florian Marku add to an exciting line up and tickets are available via AXS.comEventim and Ticketmaster and are priced as below:
 
£300 – Hospitality
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Tier/Floor
£75 – Floor/Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tied




VIDEO: Joe Joyce, Bryant Jennings, Liam Williams, Sunny Edwards, Archie Sharp




ARCHIE SHARP JABS ZELFA BARRETT ON WOODSTOCK VICTORY

TWO SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT rivals slugging it out for the Commonwealth title was not enough to entice Archie Sharp to sit in front of the telly for the night and carry out a scouting mission.

In fairness, the 24-year-old from Welling had already beaten one the combatants in Lyon Woodstock, but assessing the merits of Zelfa Barrett clearly didn’t appeal either.

Sharp insists he has got his own matters to attend to when he takes his place on the undercard of the mammoth ‘Heavy Duty’ show at the o2 Arena next Saturday (July 13) when he defends the WBO European title – he won from Woodstock – against the tough Scot Jordan McCorry, who challenged for the British title against Sam Bowen earlier this year.

Up in Leeds a few weeks back, Barrett placed himself firmly back on the super featherweight map with a slick and stylish display to outfox the Leicester man.

Sharp believes it was he who provided the blueprint for undoing the defences of Woodstock and Barrett simply followed his recipe.

“On the night of the fight I was out with the kids,” revealed Sharp. “I didn’t need to watch the fight because I’ve got Jordan McCorry to concentrate on.

“I have heard – a lot of people rang me on the night – that Zelfa Barrett carried out a masterclass and outboxed Lyon Woodstock. So I have heard that.

“I did see the interview with him saying that he boxed the best Lyon Woodstock. I don’t know how he can say that when I beat the man, the reigning champion, in his back yard when he was unbeaten and had never been on the floor.

“Listen, in every round he had against Zelfa Barrett the other week he would have been thinking ‘Archie Sharp did this to me’ and it was exactly what Barrett did, got on the back foot and outboxed him.”

While happy to heap praise on the performance of Manchester man Barrett, Sharp contends this his opposition was ‘damaged goods’.

“Of course he was damaged goods, but you can’t take anything away from the man because he won the Commonwealth title and I am told he won it convincingly.

“But when he is doing interviews saying Archie Sharp never did no damage to him. I disagree there.”

A potential match-up between Sharp and Barrett will doubtless be considered, but Sharp goes along with the train of thought that the fleet-footed style possessed by both fighters might not make it the most fan-friendly encounter.

More suitable for either man, Sharp considered, would be the more bullish British champion Bowen.

“I do understand, styles make fights and I totally agree with that. Our styles could clash and there could be a bit of dancing going on.

“Of course the Bowen fight would be more entertaining because he comes forward and the more he comes forward the more he is going to get hit, the same as Jordan McCorry will.

“Everyone who comes forward is going to get hit and it is just about taking it to world level. I know I can do it but I have just got to go and prove it.”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce v Bryant Jennings are on sale now. The show also features British Middleweight champion Liam Williams who clashes against France’s former European champion Karim Achour for the vacant WBC Silver middleweight crown. Super-flyweight sensation Sunny Edwards meets Mexican Hiram Gallardo for the vacant IBF super-flyweight title. WBO super-featherweight champion Archie Sharp risks his crown against Jordan McCorry. Returning after an impressive debut is Kent bantamweight Dennis McCann. Hamza Sheeraz, Mark Chamberlain, Jake Pettitt,, Mickey Burke Jr and Florian Marku add to an exciting line up and tickets are available via AXS.comEventim and Ticketmaster and are priced as below:

£300 – (Hospitality)
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Tier/Floor
£75 – Floor/Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier




SHARP FISHING FOR SHOT AT HERRING

ARCHIE SHARP IS keeping his fingers firmly crossed that Jamel Herring keeps to his word and grants him a voluntary defence of the WBO world super featherweight title he won over the weekend.

The 33-year-old American upset the odds by comfortably outpointing the champion Masayuki Ito in Kissimmee and the radar of ‘Sharpshooter’ Archie is now firmly fixed on the new WBO ruler.

In the wake of Herring’s fine win, Sharp tweeted the resident of Cincinnati to congratulate him and state his readiness for a tilt at his newly won title.

“Basically, we have got a mutual friend and he said before he boxed Ito – with him being ranked 12th and me 10th – that if he won the WBO title he would look to give me the opportunity to fight for it,” revealed the WBO European champion.

“He said this to my pal and I think he also mentioned it on a podcast.

“He has won it now, so I messaged him and hopefully he will keep his word. We will just have to wait and see. I know he will be waiting on the WBO to see if he can have a voluntary fight.”

Sharp, who has relatively low mileage on his professional clock with a record of 15-0, insists he will happily jump into world title combat after his next assignment, which comes at the o2 Arena on July 13.

“One hundred per cent. For that fight I know I am ready to go.

“It was a great fight he just had and he boxed very well. Ito is a great fighter to beat and I think he underestimated Jamel Herring, who had more hunger and that is what won him the fight.

“I would like to get that fight on for sure and it is one that myself and my team are comfortable with.

“He is very humble and a very nice fella, which is why I didn’t want to disrespect the man, so as soon as he won I congratulated him. It would just be great to get in the ring and box such a fighter to prove to everyone that I am at that level.

“I won’t underestimate my opponent on July 13 and the only reason I am saying all this is because it is there to be pushed and I want to jump on it before the others do.

“Of course, we’ve still got a job to do at the O2. I am in camp now for that and as soon as it is done I will be back in training ready to go again.”

Super featherweight starlet Sharp, with his eyes now fixed on a shot at the top, was perhaps understandably less enthused than most over the prospect of the Commonwealth title showdown between Zelfa Barrett and his previous opponent Lyon Woodstock, which is set for Leeds on June 15.

“Do you know what, I am not too sure and don’t know who is going to win. If pushed I think Barrett will and will outbox Woodstock.

“I am not overly fussed though, if this fight comes off for me against Herring, these boys aren’t even worth talking about for me because I will be pushing for a world title and I don’t think they are at that level.”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce are on sale now. The show also features British Middleweight Champion Liam Williams, super flyweight sensation Sunny Edwards and super featherweight contender Archie Sharp. Also returning after an impressive debut is Kent bantamweight Dennis McCann. Hamza Sheeraz, Mark Chamberlain, Jake Pettitt, Mickey Burke Jr and Florian Marku add to an exciting line up and tickets are available via AXS.comEventim and Ticketmaster and are priced as below:

£300 – (Hospitality)
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Tier/Floor
£75 – Floor/Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier




SELBY TOPS SHARP WISH LIST

ARCHIE SHARP WAS thinking big when he made public the name of the fighter he would relish sharing a ring with.

The perfect name in the frame for the unbeaten 24-year-old is Lee Selby, the former IBF world featherweight king, who was memorably unseated by Josh Warrington at Elland Road last May.

After being parted from his belt in Leeds, Selby has since jumped up two weights and, last time out, collected an IBF Intercontinental strap following victory over Omar Douglas in London.

Now Sharp, 14-0 and holder of the WBO European title, is not kidding himself and knows full well that Selby is not about to offer himself up as an opponent to enhance the record of ambitious young contenders.

But the Kent-based super featherweight fully believes in himself and is confident he would emerge victorious from mixing in such illustrious company.

“Yeah they are definitely fights that I want and I know I am ready for that sort of fight,” insisted Sharp, who put an end to the unbeaten record of Lyon Woodstock in his last fight back in October. “Obviously, looking at the business side of things, he isn’t gonna be interested in it, but I know that I am at and beyond that level.

“I’m not just saying it, but I don’t think there is a fighter out there who could go on the back foot and try and outbox me – I really don’t think there is a fighter who can outbox me.”

Sharp is back in the ring after recovering from injury at the SSE Arena, Wembley on April 27, from which point he intends to significantly accelerate his progress towards the top of the super featherweight tree.

“I know where I am going in this sport and I’ve got a little plan to be in world title fights in the next 18 months. Within that time I will be at world level, mixing with the top fighters, for sure.”

Daniel Dubois v Richard Lartey tops the bill at the SSE Arena, Wembley on April 27 on a card that also includes the Commonwealth super middleweight title fight between Lerrone Richards and Tommy Langford, as well as the Southern Area super middleweight title clash between Zak Chelli and Jimmy Smith. WBO European super flyweight champion Sunny Edwards and WBO European super featherweight champion Archie Sharp also feature.

Chorley-boxer Jack Catterall will be in action as he edges ever-closer to a world title challenge. Rangy Super Welterweight talent Hamzah Sheeraz will be back out after his impressive win over Rod Douglas Jnr. Hard hitting middleweight and Peacock gym product Denzel Bentley (9-0) and Belfast amateur middleweight star Caoimhin Agyarko will also return to action. There is a Queensberry debut for Sheffield middleweight Shakiel Thompson (2-0) – with Thompson being tipped by sparring partner Billy Joe Saunders as a star for the future. Ilford Super Middleweight Umar Sadiq (4-1) also returns as he looks to rebuild after his first career loss. Tunde Ajayi trained lightweight Bilal Ali (1-0) will have his second professional fight after making a successful start to his pro career, with Hoddesdon super lightweight Alfie Price set for his fifth.

Tickets will be priced as £40, £50, £75, £100 and £150 and are now ON SALE to purchase via Eventim, Ticketmaster, the SSE Arena website and AXS.com




A ‘SHARP’ MIND IS BEHIND ARCHIE’S SUCCESS

Archie Sharp returns to action on April 27th at The SSE Arena, Wembley for his first outing since claiming the WBO European title.

‘Sharpshooter’ has openly spoken about past experiences with mental health and with the help of a coach, learns from his past demons by focusing on positivity and the importance of a strong mind to further his boxing career.

Archie explains how a strong mind has done wonders for not only his boxing career, but his general well-being too.

“My mind is so strong now because of my mind coach, I saw her before I turned pro and I was in a bit of a bad place towards the end of the amateurs, things weren’t great for me, so I deal with the mental health side of things.”

The Welling-boxer will appear in the ring on April 27th for the first time since defeating domestic rival Lyon Woodstock back in October 2018.

The Woodstock victory was Sharp’s ‘coming out’ fight after beating the popular Leicester lad in his own back yard at the Morningside Leicester Arena in front of the BT Sport cameras.

The contest came with new experiences for the undefeated 23-year-old after Woodstock opted to be the protagonist in a feisty build up.

“For the Woodstock fight, my mind was so strong and as you saw, I got the result I knew I was going to get.

“When they were talking to me and trying to get on my case, I was never out of control and I knew exactly what I needed to do.

“To be honest with you, I was mentally in control from the first press conference to the end of the fight.

“When I came into that ring on fight-night I was so zoned-in with what I needed to do and that is why I got the job done.”

Along with his fledging boxing career, now boasting a 14-0 record with seven knockouts to his name, the Welling man also focuses on using his past mental health experiences to help others.

“I go and do workshops for young kids and adults to talk about mental health because it all plays a part.

“I’ll use it for the rest of my life and will use it to help other people with it. It’s incredible to see what you can do when your state of mind is so strong.”

“I know exactly where I want to be in this sport. The next 18 months, I have a little plan which includes world title fights. In the next 18 months I’ll be at world level and mixing it with the top-level fighters for sure.

“I know how good I am as a fighter and I now believe it; I mentally believe it.”

Daniel Dubois v Richard Lartey tops the bill at the SSE Arena, Wembley on April 27 on a card that also includes the Commonwealth super middleweight title fight between Lerrone Richards and Tommy Langford, as well as the Southern Area super middleweight title clash between Zak Chelli and Jimmy Smith. WBO European super flyweight champion Sunny Edwards and WBO European super featherweight champion Archie Sharp also feature.

Chorley-boxer Jack Catterall will be in action as he edges ever-closer to a world title challenge. Rangy Super Welterweight talent Hamzah Sheeraz will be back out after his impressive win over Rod Douglas Jnr. Hard hitting middleweight and Peacock gym product Denzel Bentley (9-0) and Belfast amateur middleweight star Caoimhin Agyarko will also return to action. There are Queensberry debuts for unbeaten welterweight Chris Kongo (10-0) and Sheffield middleweight Shakiel Thompson (2-0) – with Thompson being tipped by sparring partner Billy Joe Saunders as a star for the future. Ilford Super Middleweight Umar Sadiq (4-1) also returns as he looks to rebuild after his first career loss. Tunde Ajayi trained lightweight Bilal Ali (1-0) will have his second professional fight after making a successful start to his pro career, with Hoddesdon super lightweight Alfie Price set for his fifth.

Tickets will be priced as £40, £50, £75, £100 and £150 and are now ON SALE to purchase via Eventim, Ticketmaster, the SSE Arena website and AXS.com.




SHARP: BOWEN FIGHT WILL HAPPEN

ARCHIE SHARP BELIEVES a fight with the British super featherweight champion, Sam Bowen, is an inevitable encounter that is there to be made.

The WBO European champion Sharp, who de-throned Lyon Woodstock to claim his title back in October, makes a return to the ring on April 27 at the SSE Arena, Wembley, where he will box an eight-rounder to shake off the ring rust after recovering from injury.

His immediate goals, should he emerge unscathed at Wembley, are to defend his title while seeking to expand his belt collection by taking on other champions.
This means Bowen – who also holds the WBO Intercontinental title – fits the bill nicely and Sharp agrees it is a natural match-up.

“Exactly that and the Bowen fight is going to happen,” insisted the Welling-based 23-year-old. “We’re both unbeaten, we’re both with Frank (promoter, Warren) and we’re both top prospects.

“So that fight is going to happen. When it is going to happen I am not too sure, but it will go ahead in the future. I saw an interview where they were talking about Scott Quigg, so they are chucking names about trying to go for something bigger.

“I’ve got names I would like to look at as well like Lee Selby and Sam Bowen is amongst those names too, so we will see what happens.”

Sharp knows full well that stepping in with Bowen would represent a step up from his 14 previous opponents, but his confidence and self-belief has been infused by the recording of such an accomplished victory over Woodstock on away turf in Leicester.

“Great fighter, I am a great fighter too, so it will make a great fight. One hundred per cent it is a clash of styles, he is a very strong fighter and I am a very classy fighter. At the end of the day I feel like it would be the Woodstock fight all over again.

“I know he is stronger than Woodstock, but I am getting stronger every day.”

Also present on the super featherweight landscape is Zelfa Barrett – soon to return after injury – and Woodstock, who registered a comeback win in March.
Both are bidding to make a return to title contention but, in the opinion of Sharp, they are currently lagging behind with the also-rans and would need to bring something to the table before he would consider them a viable opponent.

“Yes, I don’t even particularly want to mention their names. I know Lyon is out there trying to get a rematch, but they are both beaten fighters so why don’t they box each other and do what they’ve got to do.

“Once they start winning belts they can get in the mix with us.”

Daniel Dubois v Richard Lartey tops the bill at the SSE Arena, Wembley on April 27 on a card that also includes the Commonwealth super middleweight title fight between Lerrone Richards and Tommy Langford, as well as the Southern Area super middleweight title clash between Zak Chelli and Jimmy Smith. WBO European super flyweight champion Sunny Edwards and WBO European super featherweight champion Archie Sharp also feature.

Rangy Super Welterweight talent Hamzah Sheeraz will be back out after his impressive win over Rod Douglas Jnr. Hard hitting middleweight and Peacock gym product Denzel Bentley (9-0) and Belfast amateur middleweight star Caoimhin Agyarko will also return to action. There are Queensberry debuts for unbeaten welterweight Chris Kongo (10-0) and Sheffield middleweight Shakiel Thompson (2-0) – with Thompson being tipped by sparring partner Billy Joe Saunders as a star for the future. Ilford Super Middleweight Umar Sadiq (4-1) also returns as he looks to rebuild after his first career loss. Tunde Ajayi trained lightweight Bilal Ali (1-0) will have his second professional fight after making a successful start to his pro career, with Hoddesdon super lightweight Alfie Price set for his fifth.

Tickets will be priced as £40, £50, £75, £100 and £150 and are now ON SALE to purchase via Eventim, Ticketmaster, the SSE Arena website and AXS.com.




CRACK SHOT SHARP TO CONQUER WORLD IN 18 MONTHS

ARCHIE SHARP has drawn up battle plans to takeover the super-featherweight division at domestic and world level.

The WBO European super-featherweight champion returns at the SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday April 27, live on BT Sport.

Sharp (14-0, 7KOS) put his rivals on notice with a stunning title winning performance when he outpointed fellow prospect Lyon Woodstock in October.

“In a year and a half I want to be talked of among world level fighters,” declared the Welling boxer.

A challenge for Sam Bowen’s British title looks certain this year and could double as an eliminator for WBO champion Masayuki Ito’s WBO title. Bowen is ninth in the organisation’s rankings and Sharp 12th.

Sharp, 23, said: “The Bowen fight is going to happen. We’re both unbeaten, we’re both under Frank Warren, we’re both top prospects so it’s gonna happen. When? I’m not too sure.

“He has mentioned Scott Quigg and wants to move on but I have names I want. There’s Lee Selby and Sam is among those names.

“Sam is a great fighter, but I’m a great fighter. We would make a great fight. What a clash of styles it will be. He is very strong and I am very classy.

“The British title is a great belt to have and that is a belt we want, but I am ranked 12th in the WBO rankings so there are other fights out there.”

Unfortunately injury and illness meant that Sharp couldn’t train for four weeks earlier this year costing him a Royal Albert Hall title defence in early March.

His return will be a non-title eight rounder on promoter Frank Warren’s bill that is stacked with prospects.

Sharp explained: “Ideally I want big fights. I know I am only boxing an eight rounder in April, but after injury and illness I need to get back in there and see how everything is.

“I have just got to be clever. If I jump straight back in there and my injury doesn’t hold out I will have made a big mistake.

“I was upset and frustrated over not being able to fight at the Royal Albert Hall, but I remained mentally strong and now I am back out.”

Daniel Dubois v Richard Lartey tops the bill at the SSE Arena, Wembley on April 27 on a card that also includes the Commonwealth super middleweight title fight between Lerrone Richards and Tommy Langford, as well as the Southern Area super middleweight title clash between Zak Chelli and Jimmy Smith. WBO European super flyweight champion Sunny Edwards and WBO European super featherweight champion Archie Sharp also feature.

Rangy Super Welterweight talent Hamzah Sheeraz will be back out after his impressive win over Rod Douglas Jnr. Hard hitting middleweight and Peacock gym product Denzel Bentley (9-0) and Belfast amateur middleweight star Caoimhin Agyarko will also return to action. There are Queensberry debuts for unbeaten welterweight Chris Kongo (10-0) and Sheffield middleweight Shakiel Thompson (2-0) – with Thompson being tipped by sparring partner Billy Joe Saunders as a star for the future. Ilford Super Middleweight Umar Sadiq (4-1) also returns as he looks to rebuild after his first career loss. Tunde Ajayi trained lightweight Bilal Ali (1-0) will have his second professional fight after making a successful start to his pro career, with Hoddesdon super lightweight Alfie Price set for his fifth.

Tickets will be priced as £40, £50, £75, £100 and £150 and are now ON SALE to purchase via Eventim, Ticketmaster, the SSE Arena website and AXS.com.