BRAD FOSTER IS back in the title mix at York Hall on May 20 but his disputed points defeat to Jason Cunningham last time out remains a scar that has yet to fully heal.

The 24-year-old, 14-1-2 (5 KOs) takes on the dangerous Romanian Ionut Baluta, 14-3 (3 KOs) with the vacant WBC International super bantamweight title at stake in Bethnal Green.

Foster is bidding to reboot his title collecting trait after being parted from his British, Commonwealth and IBF International straps in his challenge for the European title held by Jason Cunningham in October of last year in Birmingham.

After a hard-fought, often scrappy affair, commentators and pundits alike called Foster as the winner, only for all three judges to give the verdict to Cunningham, two of them by a single point margin.

Cunningham now has his sights fixed firmly on world level competition, while Foster will go again against an opponent who scored victories over Kyle Williams, TJ Doheny and David Oliver Joyce before dropping a tight majority decision against Michael Conlan.

Foster’s reflections on his ultimately unsuccessful European title challenge make it clear that the Cunningham itch is one he needs to scratch before too long.

“It is a hard one because I believe I won the fight, but it is in the past now and I can’t really do anything about it,” he reasoned. “The only thing that I can do is get the rematch and smash him, simple as that. Or get myself in the position where I am in the No.1 spot, which is what I am going to do.

“Most people thought I won the fight. I know I won the fight. Then you have got people like Carl Frampton and John Fury, knowledgeable boxing people, saying I had it. They ain’t gonna lie.

“Listen, I can’t cry over spilt milk, I’ve got to get myself into a better position and keep moving forward.”

Sampling the sour taste of defeat for the first time, Foster confirms, is an even more galling experience when utterly convinced the decision would be going in his favour.

“It is an awful feeling, but you can’t feel like it forever and you’ve got to pick yourself up and go again. That is what champions do.

“It pisses me off more now, to be honest. I would have been in a different position with bigger opportunities. It is one of them though.

“Time being on my side shouldn’t make any difference. I would have been 24 with four belts. It was a step back for me that creates a bigger comeback,” added Foster with an upbeat nod to the future.

Foster knows too that he needs to box smarter. Against Cunningham, referee Mark Lyson was continually on his case and potentially this could have affected the way rounds were totted up by the judges. He also had a point deducted for a supposed low blow.

The Lichfield man suspects it was more about Cunningham using his cunning built up in a professional career of over 10 years.

“Everyone goes on about this ‘experience’,” Foster countered. “Is being experienced moaning to the referee about every shot? I think that is just experience of winging it.

“It wasn’t a low blow either when the point was taken off.

“There were a lot of things to it, Jason knows when to do things behind the referee and manoeuvres. That is the way his experience plays out.

“I’d fight him again! He has got the win against me so I want to fight him and he is the person with the title at the minute. We will see what comes up because I am not really focusing on Jason too much because I have got a geezer who is a better fighter and more dangerous than Jason in front of me on the 20th.”

Tickets for the show at York Hall on Friday, 20 May are on sale now, available directly from the fighters or via eventbrite.co.uk or alternatively call: 01992 505 550 (office hours only).

Brad Foster v Ionut Baluta for the vacant WBC International super bantamweight title takes place at York Hall on Friday May 20.

Sean Noakes will make his professional debut at the famous East London venue with the Maidstone man – older brother of lightweight Sam – fighting at welterweight over four rounds.

Tickets for the show at York Hall on Friday, 20 May are on sale now, available directly from the fighters or via eventbrite.co.uk or alternatively call: 01992 505 550 (office hours only).

Images are free to use, please credit: Queensberry Promotions

BRAD FOSTER WILL challenge for the vacant WBC International Super Bantamweight title against the dangerous Ionut Baluta at York Hall on Friday, 20 May live on BT Sport.

Former British, Commonwealth and IBF International bantamweight champion Foster from Lichfield makes his return to the ring following his disputed defeat to Jason Cunningham in Birmingham back in October and he takes on the highly rated Spaniard, the former WBO European champion.

Bidding to get back on on the title track, Foster, 14-1-2 (5 KOs), who became one of the youngest outright British champions when he defeated James Beech jr in July 2020, having previously overcome Josh Wale, Ashley Lane and Lucien Reid, with his IBF International success coming against Alvaro Rodriguez in March 2021.

Baluta, 14-3 (3 KOs), impressively defeated Irish stars, former world champion TJ Doheny and Olympian David Oliver Joyce, before dropping a narrow majority decision to Michael Conlan last time out in April 2021.

Also in championship action on the night will be Liverpool super bantamweight Andrew Cain, making a first defence of his WBC International Silver title against durable Mexican Luis Moreno.

Cain, 9-0 (8 KOs), won his belt with an explosive first round stoppage of Pablo Ariel Gomez in Telford in mid-April and is quickly back in business after the fight was stopped with the official time of just 19 seconds.

Moreno, 10-2 (6 KOs), has previously fought on these shores, with the Monterrey man suffering a points loss to Dennis McCann in March last year. Having reversed that loss last time out, ‘Gallito’ (which translates as ‘Cocky’) will be hoping for a better result in his second bout outside of his native country.

Liverpool middleweight James Heneghan (6-0) is back in London, with the 23-year-old having his third fight at York Hall.

Two first cousins feature on the card on another special night for the Frankham fighting family. Super featherweight Charles (5-0, 2 KOs) and welterweight Josh (5-0, 2 KOs) will continue their progression in the professional ranks.

Future super bantamweight star Adan Mohamed (4-0, 1 KO) from Buckhurst Hill will have his fifth professional assignment on the card, alongside Bexley welterweight Micky Burke jr (5-0, 2 KOs) and Beckton lightweight Mohammad Bilal Ali (4-1, 1 KO).

Recent Frank Warren signing Raven Chapman (2-0, 1 KO) will have her first fight under the Queensberry promotional banner when she takes on the unbeaten Italian Nadia Flalhi (3-0, 1 KO) over six rounds at featherweight.

Sean Noakes will make his professional debut at the famous East London venue with the Maidstone man – older brother of lightweight Sam – fighting at welterweight over four rounds.

“I am very much looking forward to seeing Brad Foster getting himself back in the mix, although he won’t have an easy night’s work against Ionut Baluta, who has proved his credentials on several occasions against fancied opposition,” said promoter Frank Warren.

“Brad has never looked for an easy touch and his rise to becoming outright British champion at such a young age was remarkable. He was unlucky against Jason Cunningham and it could have gone either way, but a setback in a close fight is never going to damage your future prospects.

“There are so many exciting fights to be made at super bantam and Brad will want to be right in the thick of it.

“Andrew Cain is a formidable prospect for anyone at super bantam or bantam and I cannot wait to see more of him after his last opponent didn’t get to 20 seconds! I suspect he will have an eye on Brad’s title fight and will be keen on a piece of the action there too.

“Charles and Josh Frankham are both making excellent progress and I am delighted to have the first cousins fighting on the same card.

“Young Micky Burke will be looking to be back with a bang after some time out of the ring, as will Mohammad Bilal Ali, who has a point to prove after a disappointing performance during the lockdown period.

“We also have two newcomers to our ranks who I would like to welcome in Raven Chapman and Sean Noakes.”

Tickets for the show at York Hall on Friday, 20 May are on sale now, available directly from the fighters or via eventbrite.co.uk or alternatively call: 01992 505 550 (office hours only).

8 x 3 Minute Rounds Super-Featherweight Contest

NICK BALL – 128lbs 10oz
v
PIOTR GUDEL – 126lbs 5oz

4 x 3 Minute Rounds Lightweight Contest

AMAAR AKBAR – 142lbs 2oz
v 
LIAM RICHARDS – 140lbs 9oz

THE VACANCT WBC INTERNATIONAL SILVER SUPER-BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
10 x 3 Minute Rounds @ 122 lbs

LIAM DAVIES – 121lbs 4oz
v
DIXON FLORES – 122lbs

THE BRITISH, IBF EUROPEAN AND COMMONWEALTH WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
12 x 3 Minute Rounds @ 147 lbs

EKOW ESSUMAN – 146lbs 9oz
v
DANNY BALL – 146lbs 2oz

THE WBO GLOBAL LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
10 x 3 Minute Rounds @ 175 lbs

CALLUM JOHNSON – 174lbs 3oz
v
SERVER EMURLAEV – 174lbs

THE BRITISH, COMMONWEALTH, IBF INTERNATIONAL AND EBU EUROPEAN SUPER-BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
12 x 3 Minute Rounds @ 122 lbs

BRAD FOSTER – 121lbs 8oz
v 
JASON CUNNINGHAM – 121lbs 3oz

QUEENSBERRY today hosted a press conference ahead of their show at Utilita Arena, Birmingham on Saturday (October 9), live on BT.

Queensberry’s British and Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight champion Brad Foster (14-0-2, 5 KOs) meets European title holder Jason Cunningham (29-6, 6 KOs) in a 12 round contest where all three titles are on the line,

In a Midlands derby, Nottingham’s Ekow Essuman (15-0, 6 KOs) will defend his British, Commonwealth Welterweight titles when he faces Kingswinford’s Danny Ball (10-0-1, 4 KOs).

Former World Light-Heavyweight title challenger, Callum Johnson (19-1, 14 KOs) defends his WBO Global championship against Russian Server Emurlaev (24-2, 8 KOs).

English Bantamweight champion Liam Davies (10-0, 5 KOs) faces Nicaragua’s former World title challenger Dixon Flores (17-7-3, 6 KOs) with the vacant WBC International Super-Bantamweight crown on the line.

Liverpool Super-Featherweight Nick Ball (13-0, 6 KOs) is in eight round action Poland’s Piotr Gudel (10-6-1, 1 KO).

York Welterweight George Davey (4-0) is in six round action. Worcester Super-Welterweight Owen Cooper (4-0, 1 KO), Bradford Lightweight Amaar Akbar (1-0), Bloxwich Super-Welterweight Ryan Woolridge (1-0) and Telford debutant Macauley Owen all box four rounders.

Here are a selection of quotes from the press conference.

FRANCIS WARREN: “We have a monster fight later on Saturday night between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder, but before that some monsters in the Midlands. Brad v Jason and Ekow v Jason are the type of fights that get people intrigued. It’s an old phrase but domestic dust-ups get the blood flowing. There are plenty of belts up for grabs and that is what people want to see. Liam Davies was spectacular in his last fight and this is a good progression fight against Dixon Flores. Callum is one of the best Light-Heavyweights in the World. Callum has a tough fight on Saturday and some think it is a potential banana skin. I don’t think it is.”

BRAD FOSTER: “Jason is the toughest test of my career and that is why I have worked so hard. Let’s go into the deep waters Jason talks about because I am a very good swimmer. Jason is no mug and I have to be on top of my game. I’m just living the dream, working hard and chasing my goals. The next one is Saturday night.

JASON CUNNINGHAM: “I’m ready for what Brad has on Saturday. I hold the bigger title and I’m in the away corner. It’s nothing new to me. It’s a great fight with all the marbles. All I ask, is that I get a fair crack of the whip. I don’t care what anyone says, I am taking care of Brad Foster. It’s taken me that long to get here I am just going to enjoy it. We’re going to see what Brad is all about.”

EKOW ESSUMAN: “All respect to Danny, but I have paid the price to be the boss. I have worked my way from small hall shows without a promoter until the last couple of fights. It’s been hard, but I have been training in the trenches and I just graft. I didn’t revel in the title win because I have tunnel vision and move onto the next thing. Danny is in my way and I have to take him out. He is just another victim. Nobody has seen me show my true potential. I just want to push on and take over the World.”

DANNY BALL: “The pressure of a big fight against Ekow doesn’t bother me. I am in the sport to be in these fights. Winning the British title is a World title for someone like me. The British title was once just a dream. Now it’s going to come home with me on Saturday.”

CALLUM JOHNSON: “I’m ready to go. I am looking to put a show on and do the job I always do. You are in there to throw punches, but if it is another war I know I can go through the trenches and go as deep as anybody. I would like to get a World title and defend it against Lyndon Arthur or Anthony Yarde. I have a test on Saturday and have to come through that. I always get in there to knock out people and at some point he will go.”

SERVER EMURLAEV: “Callum is a very dangerous opponent and one who will throw me a challenge. I have a chance to rise to the occasion. Britain is the home of boxing and I am happy to be here, but I’m here to fight. This is the career opportunity I have been waiting for.”

LIAM DAVIES: “Since I joined Queensberry it has been great. I have two stoppages and I am going for another one in the second round. Dixon has fought for a World title and is no idiot. I am going up to Super-Bantamweight for this fight because the opportunities never came at Bantamweight. I am big enough and good enough to mix with the best at Super-Bantamweight. I will come with bad intentions at either weight. There are also great domestic fights with Andrew Cain and Dennis McCann to be had.”

BRAD FOSTER will face Jason Cunningham for the British, Commonwealth and European Super-Bantamweight championships at Utilita Arena, Birmingham on Saturday October 9.

Their eagerly awaited battle heads a high quality evening of action that includes another British and Commonwealth showdown, plus the return of World ranked Callum Johnson.

British and Commonwealth champion Foster’s promoters Queensberry won the purse bids when they were ordered for his showdown against European title holder Cunningham (29-6, 6KOs).

The fight had been scheduled to take place last month, but Foster suffered an injury forcing a short postponement.

Foster (14-0-2, 5 KOs) lives close to the venue and Frank Warren is backing his home support to roar him on.

The Hall of Fame promoter said: “It is one of the most evenly matched fights anywhere this year, but we want to give Brad every advantage so we have gone to an arena close to his home.

“The bill is well-matched and although everyone has waited a little longer than we expected for Foster v Cunningham it will be worth the wait.

“I expected Brad to be facing Gamal Yafai, but Jason was exceptional when he beat him. Brad has been in fantastic form since he signed with Queensberry and it’s hard to believe he’s only 23.”

Doncaster southpaw Cunningham caused a huge upset when he snatched the European crown from Yafai in May, winning on points.

Foster last fought in March when he scored a shut out points win against Alvaro Rodriguez to claim the vacant IBF International belt.

Former World Light-Heavyweight title challenger, Johnson (19-1, 14 KOs) is likely to make a defence of his WBO Global belt.

Johnson lost a four round war in a IBF title challenge against Artur Beterbiev in October 2018, but is highly ranked by the IBF and WBO. Warren is confident of landing the Boston man another marquee contest.

In a Midlands derby Nottingham’s Ekow Essuman (15-0, 6 KOs) will make the first defence of his British and Commonwealth Welterweight crowns when he faces Kingswinford’s Danny Ball (10-0-1, 4 KOs).

Essuman impressed when he ended Chris Jenkins 28 month reign in July stopping the Welsh star in eight rounds.

Ball last boxed in March when he outpointed fellow unbeaten boxer Sam Gilley over ten rounds in a WBC International Silver title defence.

Liam Davies (10-0, 5 KOs) will return on the card after a recent victory in the same arena in August. Davies had been due to face Andrew Cain on the show, but illness means that bout will likely be postponed.

Also featured on the card will be Nick Ball, George Davey, Owen Cooper, Amaar Akbar, Tommy Collins and Macauley Owen.

Tickets will be on sale this week.

SHOULD HE BE emphatic, as he intends to be, in repelling the challenge of James Beech jr on July 24, Chris Bourke plans to go against his more reserved nature and call out the British super bantamweight champion, Brad Foster.

Bourke defends his WBC International Silver title against the 12-1 Beech at the SSE Arena, Wembley in support of Joe Joyce taking on the formidable Carlos Takam for the WBO International and WBC Silver titles.

Even though Bourke, 26, acts and fights like a seasoned campaigner, his Wembley date will actually only take him to the early milestone of reaching double figures as a professional.

“I know… I’ve not even been a pro for three years yet,” Bourke acknowledged. “I’m nearly 10-0 and I’ve won the Southern Area, beat the English champion and now I’ve got the WBC belt, which gets me up in the rankings.”

The Streatham Sniper first jumped on the title trail with a points victory over the then also unbeaten Ramez Mahmood during last summer’s lockdown series of shows before going in with the English champ Michael Ramabeletsa with the WBC strap at stake in December.

Ramabeletsa came with a reputation for knocking prospects off their pedestal, but had the tables turned on him when Bourke caught him flush in the second round and didn’t let him off the hook.

Another tough challenge now looms with Beech jr making a challenge for his WBC title. The Midlander’s only loss came in a close-run thing against Foster in the first UK boxing show after last year’s first set of restrictions at the BT Sport studio.

Bourke reckons all the ingredients are there to cook up a crowd-pleasing spectacle.

“As long as I get the win, that’s what matters, but I reckon it will be a good one because he brings it and I don’t think he is ever in a dull fight. He comes forward, throws a lot of shots – and is there to be hit!

“He is 100 per cent a proper fighter and he gave Brad Foster a hard fight, I thought.

“He will try and bring it to me, so it will be down to me to show my skill and class and do what I need to do to get the win,” continued Bourke, who insists winning is all that matters by whatever method.

“I’m gonna get the win and, if I get him hurt, I will get him out of there. He is a good fighter who can do everything well, so I have just got to focus on the win.”

The product of the Peacock Gym knows this is a big opportunity for him to shine on a big stage and believes he needs to post a statement with his performance that demands a return ticket to the marquee cards.

“Exactly, you want to stand out, be the fight of the night and the one people are talking about afterwards. I feel like, for my weight, I hit hard and I just want to keep that going really.

“I want people to want to watch me so I want to be in exciting fights to get people interested.

“I’m not really a big talker, but when I am in the ring, that is where my fighting needs to do the talking for me.”

But despite being more thoughtful than voluble, Bourke understands his voice needs to be heard if an enticing domestic clash between himself and the also multi-titled Foster is to be delivered by public demand.

Foster is soon to challenge Jason Cunningham for the European title to add to the British and Commonwealth belts already in his possession.

“Yeah, it will only make sense, won’t it. Now he is fighting for the European there could be even more at stake for me. I think he will beat Cunningham, although I was surprised he beat (Gamal) Yafai.

“Once I get the win, depending on how I do, I will be a bit more vocal this time. I need to get people talking a bit more now.”

And on the main event, Bourke cannot see past his former GB teammate Joyce having his arm raised in triumph, but reckons it might not be straightforward for him.

“I am looking forward to that because Takam brings it. I think that Joyce has just got too good a chin for someone like Takam, but I think he will be dangerous for three or four rounds before Joyce gets to him. Like he does with everyone else.

“He will walk him down and get him out of there at some point. It is a good fight and a lot of people are looking forward to it.”

Joe Joyce v Carlos Takam for the WBC Silver and WBO International titles takes place at the SSE Arena, Wembley on July 24.

Hamzah Sheeraz (12-0, 8 KOs) makes the third defence of his WBO European title against Spaniard Ezequiel Gurria (15-1, 3 KOs).
 
Swansea’s Chris Jenkins (22-3-3, 8 KOs) will finally defend his British and Commonwealth welterweight titles against Nottingham’s Ekow Essuman (14-0, 5 KOs) after recovering from injury.
 
In a well matched fourth title fight, Peacock gym ace Chris Bourke (9-0, 6 KOs) defends his WBC International super-bantamweight title against Bloxwich’s James Beech Jnr (12-1, 2 KOs).
 
There is also heavyweight action featuring David Adeleye (6-0, 5 KOs), while Mill Hill’s George Fox (3-0) will make his Queensberry debut. Reading super-featherweight hope Charles Frankham (2-0, 1 KO) has also been added to the stacked bill., along with ‘The Gent’ Micky Burke Jr (4-0, 1 KO) who also returns after his first stoppage victory in November last year.

Tickets are available NOW from AXS.com. Click here to buy tickets.

£50 Tier
£70 Floor/Tier
£100 Floor
£150 Floor
£300 VIP Hospitality

BRAD FOSTER will face Jason Cunningham for the British, Commonwealth and European Super-Bantamweight titles at Utlilita Arena, Birmingham on Saturday August 28, live on BT Sport.

Their eagerly awaited triple title showdown heads a stunning night of action that includes two further British championship contests.

Other big names on the blockbuster bill includes Anthony Yarde and boxing’s biggest ticket seller Nathan Heaney.

British and Commonwealth champion Foster’s promoters Queensberry wiped out their rivals when purse bids were ordered for the showdown against European title holder Cunningham (29-6, 6KOs).

Foster (14-0-2, 5 KOs) lives close to the venue in Lichfield and promoter Frank Warren is backing his legion of fans to roar him on.

Warren said: “It is one of the most evenly matched fights anywhere this year, but we want to give Brad every advantage.

“The bill is outstanding and a big local crowd could be the difference come fight night. What a fight it will be.

“I expected Brad to be facing Gamal Yafai, but Jason was exceptional when he beat him. Brad has been in fantastic form since he signed with Queensberry and it’s hard to believe he’s only 23.”

Doncaster southpaw Cunningham caused a huge upset when he snatched the European crown from Yafai in May.

Foster last fought in March when he scored a shut out points win against Alvaro Rodriguez to pick up the vacant IBF International belt.

Former World Light-Heavyweight title challenger Yarde (20-2, 19 KOs) has a warm-up ahead of his likely rematch against Commonwealth champion Lyndon Arthur, who controversially outpointed him last December.

Akeem Ennis-Brown (14-0, 1 KO) will risk his British and Commonwealth Super-Lightweight championships against Liverpool’s former amateur superstar Sam Maxwell (15-0, 11 KOs).

The Gloucester man hasn’t boxed since winning his title in a points win against Philip Bowes last September.

He had been due to face Maxwell in March, but was injured and his challenger had to be content with a points win against late sub Ben Fields.

Belfast’s Anthony Cacace (18-1, 7 KOs) will finally get to defend his British Super-Featherweight crown against Lyon Woodstock (12-2, 5 KOs).

Injuries and illness has prevented the fight taking place since it was first scheduled last August, and it promises to be a cracking 12 rounder.

In a fourth title fight Telford’s Liam Davies (9-0, 4 KOs) will make his first defence of the English Bantamweight title he won so impressively against Sean Cairns last November.

Warren added: “Ennis-Brown v Maxwell and Cacace v Woodstock fights promise and will deliver excitement for those lucky enough to be there and BT Sport viewers.

“This is a card that no one can have any complaints about.”

Stoke Middleweight Heaney(12-0, 4 KOs) will have his raucous army behind him when he boxes a ten rounder in his third fight under the Queensberry banner.

Warren hopes that next summer, Heaney will be fighting on an open air show at the bet365 Stadium, home of his beloved Stoke City.

Northampton Super-Lightweight  Eithan James (5-0) will box a six rounder on the bill.

Dublin’s Willo Hayden a training partner of Conor McGregor makes his professional debut in a four round Super-Lightweight contest.

Also in four round action is Nottingham Light-Heavyweight Ezra Taylor (1-0, 1 KO) and Telford debutant Super-Lightweight Macauley Owen.

TEENAGE Super-Bantamweight hope Adan Mohamed wants British title holder Brad Foster to help him master his craft.

The seven-time national champion insists that sparring with Britain’s best is crucial in his development as a professional.

Adan who won 55 of 60 amateur contests has his second professional fight at Telford International Centre on Saturday June 5, when he meets Luke Fash over four rounds.

The Buckhurst Hill youngster, 19, who outpointed Brett Fidoe on his debut said: “I will spar with anyone to see where I am at.

“I have been getting some rounds in with Chris Bourke and Louie Lynn over the last couple of weeks, but I am hoping to spar with the British champion, Brad Foster.

“After my fight in Telford I am going to ask Brad if he would let me come and do some rounds with him.

“He is a really good fighter and that would be really good learning for me. He is the big boy of the division.

“I would not be going up there looking at taking his titles. By the time I get to British title level, Brad will be down a different avenue. He is already going for the European belt.

“He is ahead of me by miles. We are in two worlds and it’s unlikely we would ever fight each other because of where we are in our careers so hopefully he will be happy to spar.”

When Mohamed isn’t training at Gator ABC with trainer Donnall Smith or travelling around London gyms sparring he will sit at home studying fighters.

His idols are Sugar Ray Leonard and Pernell Whitaker, but is currently watching Tevin Farmer fights because “he has such good movement.”

Adan’s life is boxing and even when he was at Roding Valley High School in Loughton he would beg his Mum to allow him to go to the gym instead of the class room.

He explained: “I am buzzing for my second pro fight and I would be the same at school all week, thinking of the weekend and boxing. That is all my mind would think about.

“At break time I would tell all the other kids who I’d schooled at the weekend and what was happening the next weekend with my boxing.

“I used to drive them mad, but they loved it. I would keep asking them to come and watch me.

“I would wear my England vest and kit to PE. Some teachers loved it, but a couple thought I was cocky. The PE teacher loved it though because I was good at sport.

“I would be to school and then go straight to the gym. I didn’t even want to be in school. I wanted to be in the gym.

“I would nag my Mum about needing to be in the gym boxing instead of school. Mum would force me to go school.”

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. 

BRAD FOSTER reckons he is ready to conquer Europe after cleaning up domestically.

Foster has boxed just 16 times as a professional, but already fought five British Super-Bantamweight title fights, winning a Lonsdale belt for keeps.

He beat Josh Wale in March 2019 to win his domestic title. Foster then defeated Ashley Lane, drew with Lucien Reid, won their rematch and outpointed James Beech Jr last July.

Lichfield’s Foster, 23, is mandatory challenger for the European crown held by Doncaster’s Jason Cunningham, who shocked Gamal Yafai this past weekend.

Foster (14-0-2, 5 KOs) said: “I have the Lonsdale belt outright and I am mandatory for Jason’s title so I want to move up the levels and challenge myself even more.

“I don’t want to be staying at British level because I have won it outright.

“There is a final eliminator for my British title coming up, but fighting the winner isn’t going to help my World ranking.

“What is the point of staying at British level when I have won the Lonsdale belt outright? That was one of my goals.

“Who knows if I will defend the British title, but I am looking forward. I am mandatory for the European title so that is the one I look at.”

In March, Brad added the IBF International championship to his British and Commonwealth belts when he impressively outpointed Spaniard Alvaro Rodriguez.

That victory earned Foster a top ten ranking for the title currently held by unified champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev, who is also the WBA champion.

Foster is also keen to get in the queue for WBO champion Stephen Fulton, WBC title holder Luis Nery and he would also relish facing Michael Conlan.

He added: “I want to get some good world rankings, pick up some titles on the way and eventually become world champion.

“Guys like Michael Conlan and world title fights appeal, but they are further down the line. For now, I want to keep on progressing.

“The current world champions are all good fighters. I am building myself up to that level. I wouldn’t say I am ready to jump in for a world title right now.

“In the future, of course. I am only 23, had five British title fight and won it outright. I didn’t have any amateur boxing experience and have a kickboxing background.”

Foster returned to training earlier this month and is hoping to have his second fight of 2021 this summer.

“I injured my left hand when I hit Rodriguez with a left hook. I let it rest, but I started punching again last week,” said Foster.

“I’m looking forward to a fight date. We are waiting on a few things, but I would like to be out in July.”

“I am still learning and as Frank Warren says, I have gone under the radar and most people don’t know what I’ve achieved at my age.

“My job is to keep on winning and they will notice me.”

CHRIS BOURKE ENTERS into his first title encounter at the BT Studio on July 25 against the also unbeaten Ramez Mahmood, but is also happy to set his sights a little higher and contemplate a challenge to British and Commonwealth super bantamweight king Brad Foster.

Bourke, 25, gets his maiden title opportunity on the second of Frank Warren’s summer series of specials from the home of BT when he will battle for the vacant Southern Area super bantamweight belt against the 26-year-old Mahmood, who goes by the stage name of ‘The Mathemagician’.

If it is Bourke (7-0) rather than Mahmood (11-0) who gets his sums right on the night then the prospect of a mouth-watering shot at Brad the Blade could well be a realistic option.

First and foremost, however, Streatham man Bourke knows he has got a job to do against a good fighter. The term ‘trade fight’ is being bandied around, which essentially means boxing people in the know believe it will be a cracker.

“Yeah it is a fight that was going to be made for the o2 bill before it got postponed, so it was always in the pipeline and it is a good fight,” reasoned Bourke, who trains out of the Peacock Gym in Canning Town. “He is a good fighter, he has won the title before (at featherweight) so he knows what he’s doing.”

Bourke has witnessed in person what he will be up against.

“I don’t really watch tapes of the people I am fighting, but I have seen him live when he boxed Brett Fidoe because he was boxing on the same show as one of my teammates, Sean Phillips. So I saw him there.

“He does the basics really well, nothing amazing, but nothing bad either.

“I was watching the fight knowing it was a possibility I would fight him. You see weaknesses and things they don’t do well, but every fight is different when you are actually in the ring. You can’t really read too much into it.”

For the former Team GB graduate his big night at BT will represent his first experience of fighting close to the top of bill and to sample of a few of the trimmings that come with the distinction. Next time though, he will remember to vet the images of him before they go to print.

“Yeah it was good to have a poster, even though it was not a great picture of me! I had a word about that straight away. At the moment I think it is co-main event and it is live on BT so it is good for me.

“I get butterflies for every fight and I won’t treat this one differently because you go into every one to win,” he added before confirming he was glued to the first studio show on July 10  so he could see what to expect when it comes to his turn.

“It was a bit strange with the ring walks and that, while you could hear every shot. It was different and BT did it well.”

Of course, top of the bill last time out was British champ Foster winning his belt outright by defeating James Beech jr on points. While Bourke was suitably impressed, it would not deter him from attempting to part Foster from his belts.

“I thought he boxed well. I’d never seen Beech box before and he did quite well. Brad Foster started really strong and looked quite solid before fading a bit in the middle rounds and then finishing really strong.

“Definitely, if it got offered I would take it now, but it is down to my team to decide. For me personally, if it was there, I would take it.

“I see him as like, no disrespect, like a worse version of Louie Lynn. Louie is relentless constantly, whereas Brad Foster is relentless then he’ll faze off and then pick it back up again.

“He does switch well and he’s got a nice variation of shots to the head and body. I think he is a good fighter.

“You are in boxing to win titles and I won’t avoid anyone. Maybe my power would make him back off a bit more and it would be an interesting and good fight.”

Chris Bourke and Ramez Mahmood collide for the vacant southern area super bantamweight championship on Saturday 25th July live on BT Sport. The show is headlined by the return of 10-0 heavyweight juggernaut Joe Joyce as he takes on Germany’s Michael Wallisch (20-3).

RESULTS

Mark Chamberlain def. Stu Greener
Dorian Krasmaru def. Phil Williams
Hamzah Sheeraz def. Paul Kean
David Adeleye def. Matt Gordon
Brad Foster def. James Beech Jr. 

IN-DEPTH

IT’S BACK!

It might have taken 118 long days, but British boxing is back on TV screens courtesy of Queensberry Promotions and BT Sport.

After a brief explainer by Steve Bunce about how boxing was brought back from the brink, the stage was set for a great night of boxing from the BT Sport Studio.

Up first was heavy-handed, undefeated Lightweight prospect Mark Chamberlain who would face off against Wiltshire’s ‘Little Canelo’ Stu Greener.

The 5’11” Chamberlain immediately pressed the action in a frenzied start which would see him switch attacks from head to body and back again.

Using a dizzying array of combinations, Chamberlain had Greener in trouble after just 30” and felled him with a series of hooks. The referee allowed the action to continue after administering the count, but not for long as the fight was all over after 54” of action. A brutal left hook to body unlocked the head shots once more, but this time the referee decided to wave the brutal beatdown off.

By registering the first victory in British boxing post-Lockdown Chamberlain has undoubtedly secured his place in the history books but, more importantly, he moves to an impressive 6-0 with 4 KO’s.

Next up was Daniel Dubois’ Heavyweight sparring partner Dorian Krasmaru, who would compete under the watchful eye of trainer Martin Bowers.

Early in the fight Dorian established his left lead hand with a mixture of long hooks and jabs, before opening up with right hooks as the round progressed. Opponent Phil Williams did fire back with a few jabs but ultimately failed to make his mark.

The second round opened with more solid work from Dorian behind his jab before a strong left hook backed up his opponent. Williams did land a jab of his own but an unphased Krasmaru continued to box smartly behind his lead hand.

As the round progressed it was a similar story as Krasmaru increased the volume of his punches, working the body and head.  The pace seemed to tell on Williams as his hands started to drop, allowing Dorian to more easily ping his jab towards Williams head.

The third round was another conclusive victory for Dorian, as he continued his tidy work with both his lead and back hand. As his pace and precision continued to wear down his opponent, the holes began to show and by the end of the round Krasmaru was landing at will to Williams’ body.

Williams tried to spring a surprise in the 4th with a flurry at around the halfway point but the pace quickly became too much and, as he backed off, the final round finished with Williams’ trying to hold on.

Krasmaru got the 40-36 verdict and sees his record improve to 3-0 as a professional.

In the third fight of the night, WBO European Super Welterweight Champion Hamzah Sheeraz sought to defend his crown against Paul Kean.

In what looked set to be a cagey opener, Kean seemed happy to sit on the back foot but his plan went awry as a sweet right hand floored him at around 1’30” of the round. A spiteful Sheeraz began to work the body as the round came to a close, landing a jab to the body as the bell rang.

The second round saw Sheeraz immediately on the front foot and stalking Kean around the ring, using his jab effectively to maintain his dominance.

The third saw much of the same and, as the round progressed, Sheeraz began to flick his jab out with even more confidence, backing up his opponent and picking his power shots cleverly. Kean fired back on occasion but struggled to break the guard of Hamzah.

A quieter fourth round allowed Kean to do his best work of the fight, but Sheeraz came on strongly at the end of the round landing a series of punishing right hands.

Sheeraz switched it up a gear in a violent fifth round which saw him draw blood from his opponent. He started the round with an early combo of left hook to the body followed by a left uppercut to the head before repeating it once more, this time followed by a vicious straight right. The sixth round was much of the same with Sheeraz dominating from behind a stiff jab.

Kean’s corner would wisely decline to send their man back out for the seventh and Ilford’s Sheeraz would move to 11-0, 7KO’s and retain his WBO European title.

Heavyweight prospect David Adeleye approached the penultimate bout of the night with mean intent, landing a pair of brutal left hooks to the body that made his opponent Matt Gordon wince. Gordon saw the round out, but it was clear Adeleye was chasing a spectacular finish.

That finish would come in the second, as the ref waved it off late in the round. Early on, David opened up with a series of vicious combinations but Gordon would find a way back into the fight before Adeleye managed to land a series of straight rights and right uppercuts that saw his man off.

Impressive Adeleye improves to 2-0, 2 KO’s.

In the main event of the evening, Midland Super-Bantamweight’s Brad Foster and James Beech Jr. contested the British and Commonwealth titles.

In an all action first round, both men threw and landed with intent. The second was equally fast-paced and evenly contested, with Beech holding his own against the Champion.

In the third the fight was contested in close quarters, with both men willing to stand and trade.  As the round progressed, Foster would switch his stance from orthodox to southpaw and started to see some success with short hooks to the body. As the third ended, Foster’s accuracy arguably saw him ahead but the fight was tantalisingly close.

Foster opened up a cut on Beech’s left eye at the start of the fourth and then proceeded to try and establish his strength as the round progressed. Beech did manage to land a stinging right hand at one point, but Foster returned with a flurry of punches.

A quieter fifth round gave way to a rough and tumble sixth with both men throwing a number of meaningful shots. Beech landed arguably the toughest shots of the round, at one point landing hard with a right hand through the middle.

Foster charged back in the seventh, landing a huge right hand of his own that drew blood from the nose of Beech. Another fiercely competitive round passed with the TV commentators struggling to separate the pair. 

Fewer telling shots were landed in the eighth as the pace slowed, but Foster was able to land a strong left hook that was the most decisive shot of the round.

In the ninth round Foster was delivered a final warning for use of the head before rebounding with a series of big shots. Beech more than held his own though and the fight was still thrillingly close going into the tenth. 

Beech’s corner was demanding he matched Fosters output at the start of the round, a rallying call he tried his best to meet in another fiercely competitive round that ebbed and flowed. Foster started strong but Beech grew into the round as the pace slowed.

A blood-and-thunder eleventh saw Foster up the pace once more, doing some lovely work on the inside and landing some eye-catching combinations. BT Sport’s pundits had Foster one round ahead going into the final round, but in a fight this close nothing was certain.

In the final round of boxing’s big comeback to British screens, Foster emerged with some venom in his punches and pushed Beech back almost immediately. Brad began to unload with a minute left on the clock, landing a terrific bodyshot and forcing Beech into the ropes. As the round wore down, Foster landed a trademark left hook as the final act in a fascinating fight that went to the judge’s scorecards.

After twelve rounds two judges had it 116-113, and one had it 117-111, for the winner and still the British and Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight Champion – Brad Foster.

IT’S BACK!

After 118 days of being locked down, Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions are delighted to be able to say ‘BOXING IS BACK’.

After a successful, and socially distanced, weigh-in earlier today we can now confirm that all five of the events bouts are ready to go.

All the action will be live on BT SPORT 1 from 7pm tomorrow evening, Friday 10th July.

Pictures from the weigh-in can be accessed here

Official weights below:

Brad Foster – 8st 8.5lbs
James Beech Jr – 8st 9.75lbs

Hamzah Sheeraz – 10st 13.5lbs
Paul Kean – 10st 13.25lbs

Mark Chamberlain – 9st 11.5lbs
Stu Greener – 9st 9.5lbs

David Adeleye – 15st 9.25lbs
Matt Gordon – 17st 5.25lbs

Dorin Krasmaru – 17st 11.75lbs
Phil Williams – 17st 13.5lbs

KEY WORKER Brad Foster has put the Lockdown night shifts at Tesco behind him and is looking forward to what he predicts will be a “massive event” when he faces James Beech Jr on Friday night, live only on BT Sport.

Lichfield’s Foster (12-0-2, 5 KO’s) defends his British and Commonwealth Super-Bantam titles against fellow Midlander Beech Jr. (12-0, 2 KO’s) in the main event of British boxing’s first show back in 118 days.

Foster also has the unique honour of having headlined Queensberry Promotions last show before lockdown, stopping Lucien Reid after six rounds at York Hall on February 22nd, and admits he feels “blessed” to be British boxing’s last man out and first man back.

Speaking on ‘Head 2 Head’, the first of Queensberry’s digital press conferences for the upcoming Summer fight series, Foster said: “I’m blessed to be in this situation and I’m going to make the most of it.”

Listening on was his undefeated opponent James Beech Jr, who shared Foster’s excitement at being part of British boxing history.

Speaking about receiving the call to fight for the British and Commonwealth titles, Beech admitted: “I was running up and down my living room, I was buzzing to be honest.” 

“It’s a massive opportunity for me and I can change my life if I get the win on Friday,” he added.

Both men are aware of the extra importance of fighting on boxing’s first show back, with Foster believing the excitement for the sports return will rival that which greeted football when it came back last month.

“It’s going to be a massive, massive event. People haven’t been able to watch the sport. It’s like the football, people were going mad that the football was coming back and it’s going to be the same with boxing.

“I’m sure me and Beech will put a great fight on for fans watching at home.”

Preparation for the huge main event has been unorthodox, though, with neither man able to get in the gym over the UK’s lockdown period.

Community-minded Foster has also been putting in some extra work at Tesco throughout Lockdown, helping to fill online shopping orders for housebound Midlanders, but insists he’ll be as ready as ever come fight night.

“I’ve been working nights, so going to Tesco at night, getting the hours in then coming home and sleeping and from then on it’s just training really” said Foster, “It’ll be an exciting fight and I just can’t wait for it.”

In response, Beech Jr was adamant that the extra time he has been able to dedicate to his cardiovascular training whilst at home has put him in good stead.

“I’ve put in more work for this fight than I have for any other fight. I’ll be the fittest i’ve ever been.”

Unsurprisingly, the two Midlanders are no strangers to one another, with Beech Jr revealing that the pair had been sparring partners ahead of Foster’s victory over Lucien Reid at York Hall on February 22nd.

Champ Foster accepts that Beech put in some “good rounds” and admits they got along well, but says that on fight night all that will go to the back of the mind.

“He’s going to try and punch my head in, so i’m going to try and punch his head in,” laughed Foster.

“We’re there to do a job at the end of the day, so for 36 minutes you’ve got to put whatever aside and try and punch each other’s heads in” replied Beech, “It’s as simple as that.”

Asked for a prediction on how the fight might go, both men were confident of victory under the lights of the BT Sport Studio.

Man-of-few-words Foster said just “I’ll be the winner outright” whilst lesser known Beech Jr said that his desire to “prove” himself will see him crowned as the new British and Commonwealth Super-Bantam king.

“I want to be in 50-50 fights, I want to be in proper fights and prove to people how good I am. Further down the stretch my strength and better fighting technique will come out and take over.”

A smiling Foster was unphased by his opponents confidence, however, and simply added “we will see.”

And see we will, live at 7pm on Friday night only on BT Sport 1.

————

To watch the full episode of ‘Head 2 Head: Foster vs Beech’ head over to the Queensberry Promotions YouTube channel or click here

FRANK WARREN AND Queensberry Promotions have today signalled the return of live boxing by announcing three HUGE British title fights that will see Brad Foster defend against James Beech, Anthony Cacace face Lyon Woodstock and Lerrone Richards square off against Umar Sadiq.

Alongside broadcast partner BT Sport, Queensberry are happy to announce the launch of a new series of shows that will run across the summer months and restore the sport to the homes of fight fans and return Queensberry’s roster of champions, contenders and prospects to the ring following the enforced hiatus.

Always first to the punch, Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren is delivering on his promise of bringing boxing back with a bang and has vowed that the three massive British title fights are just the beginning for what will be a huge Summer of boxing, live from the BT Sport Studio.

Leading the charge, The British and Commonwealth super bantamweight title will be on the line when champion Brad Foster (12-0-2) defends against the unbeaten James Beech (12-0) from Bloxwich, West Midlands.

And on dates to be confirmed shortly, Anthony Cacace will take on the first defence of his British Super Featherweight crown against Lyon Woodstock, whilst Lerrone Richards will defend his British and Commonwealth Super-Middleweight titles against Umar ‘Top Boxer’ Sadiq.

“I am thrilled to inform the fans that the wait for live boxing to return is coming to an end,” said promoter Warren. “It has been a long haul and a trying time for everyone but we can now see the first flicker of light at the end of the tunnel.

“I am so excited to get going again after a period of unprecedented planning and detail to get to where we are. Unfortunately boxing without fans at the venue is the new, but I am sure temporary, normal and we have made it our business to bring the sport back at the earliest opportunity in line with government guidelines regarding health and safety protocols.

“Our opening show on July 10 is just for starters and we will be looking to go bigger and better as we move along in our summer season that will see us deliver at least five TV shows.

“Across these dates it is our intention to showcase highly competitive fights between hungry young domestic fighters and increase the stakes from show to show. No easy fights, just British boxing as it should be.

“I am also looking forward to seeing our unparalleled crop of brilliant young fighters step up the risk levels and really make the most of what will be huge exposure for them across the BT Sport platforms.”

Also on the July 10th card WBO European super welterweight champion Hamzah Sheeraz (10-0), will defend his belt against the (12-1) Scot Paul Kean from Dundee; heavyweight hope David Adeleye from Notting Hill will be hoping for another stoppage victory in his second professional fight and Lightweight Mark ‘Da Bomb’ Chamberlain (5-0, 3KOs), will be looking to take a step up in Stratford.

Warren said: “This is just the beginning. It’s going to be a magnificent summer of Great British boxing, so sit back and enjoy every round live on BT Sport.”

FOSTER vs REID 2 RUNNING ORDER:

Fight # 1 – 18:15 hrs

4 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Lightweight Contest
ALEX BISHOP v ELIGIO PALACIOSA

Fight # 2

6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Featherweight Contest
LOUIE LYNN v BRAYAN MAIRENA

Fight # 3 

4 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Lightweight Contest
EITHAN JAMES v MICHAEL MOONEY

Fight # 4 

4 X 3 Minute Rounds International Featherweight Contest
MUHAMMAD ALI v STEFAN SASHEV

Fight # 5 

6 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Featherweight Contest
RYAN GARNER v JAMIE QUINN

Fight # 6

6 X 3 Minute Rounds Lightweight Contest
SAM NOAKES v DES NEWTON

Fight # 7

4 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Lightweight Contest
HENRY TURNER v CLAYTON BRICKNALL

Fight # 8

OFFICIAL ELIMINATOR FOR BRITISH SUPER-MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
10 X 3 Minute Rounds @ 168 lbs
KODY DAVIES (11st 12lb 8oz) v UMAR SADIQ (11st 13lb 13oz)

Fight # 9 

6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Bantamweight Contest
DENNIS McCANN (8st 7lb) v PABLO NARVAEZ (8st 9lb 8oz)

Fight # 10

6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Light-Heavyweight Contest
WILLY HUTCHINSON (12st 10lb 4oz) v EDGARS SNIEDZE (12st 11lb 3oz)

Fight # 11

THE BRITISH AND COMMONWEALTH SUPER-BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
12 X 3 Minute Rounds @ 122 lbs
BRAD FOSTER (8st 9lb 4oz) v LUCIEN REID (8st 8lb 1oz)

————–

Foster vs Reid 2 is live from York Hall @ 8pm on BT Sport 1, and simulcast live on ITV 1 from 10:15pm.

(Feb. 20, 2020) — Hours before the most anticipated rematch in years — Deontay Wilder versus Tyson Fury — Lucien Reid and Brad Foster will settle a score of their own. Foster will defend his Commonwealth and British super bantamweight titles in a 12-round rematch Saturday from London’s York Hall on a card promoted by Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions.

Foster and Reid fought last September, with Foster retaining his titles via majority draw in a pitched battle that saw both men cut. In the co-feature, 19-year-old bantamweight sensation Dennis “The Menace” McCann (5-0, 4 KOs) will face Pablo Narvaez in a six-rounder.

Foster-Reid II will headline a scheduled six-fight card beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT live on ESPN+.

Foster (11-0-2, 4 KOs) won the British super bantamweight title with a points verdict over Josh Wale in March 2019, then added the Commonwealth belt to his collection two months later with a 12th-round TKO over Ashley Lane. Reid (8-0-2, 4 KOs) appeared to have done enough to defeat Foster last September, but after 12 rounds, two of the judges scored it even. The London native hopes to gain revenge in one of the new year’s most anticipated all-British tilts.

In other action on ESPN+:

In a 10-round eliminator for the British super middleweight title, Kody Davies (10-0, 3 KOs) will face the hard-hitting Umar Sadiq (9-1, 6 KOs), winner of three straight by knockout.
Former UK amateur standout Henry Turner (1-0, 0 KOs) will take the next step in a four-round super lightweight test against durable Welshman Rhys Saunders (3-22-1, 1 KO).
Willy “Braveheart” Hutchinson (10-0,7 KOs) will fight an opponent to be named in an eight-round light heavyweight bout.

Lightweight prospect Sam Noakes (2-0, 2 KOs), a promising 22-year-old puncher, will fight Des Newton (8-14, 2 KOs) in a six-rounder.
For more information, visit www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.

About ESPN+
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THE HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED rematch between unbeaten super bantamweights Brad Foster and Lucien Reid with the British and Commonwealth titles on the line will take place at York Hall on February 22.

The stacked card also features an intriguing battle at super middleweight between the unbeaten former Team GB amateur Kody Davies and the exciting ‘Top Boxer’ Umar Sadiq.

Also on the bill is thrilling super bantamweight prospect Dennis ‘The Menace’ McCann for his sixth professional assignment, Southampton snapper Ryan ‘The Piranha’ Garner (8-0) aiming to make a timely return and make up for lost time at super featherweight, as well as featherweight starlet Louie Lynn (5-0) from Banstead looking to build on his impressive Queensberry Promotions debut in December.

Top drawer former amateurs and now new professionals Henry Turner (super lightweight, 1-0), Eithan James (super lightweight, 2-0) and Sam Noakes (lightweight, 2-0) get to take the next step towards early title contention, while Muhammad Ali – elite amateur and 2016 Rio Olympian – makes his professional debut at bantamweight.

News on further exciting additions to the bill will be confirmed shortly.

The majority draw declared between the champion Foster and Reid in mid-September proved to be a source of significant controversy, with many observers marking the challenger as the winner in his first 12 round assignment.

The 22-year-old Foster completed his third 12 round test of a productive 2019 and considered himself in need of some time out having suffered a cut above his left eye early in the second round.

The Lichfield man now makes a third defence of the British title he won by beating Josh Wale from the away corner in Barnsley in March of last year. It represents a second defence of the Commonwealth crown he prized via a 12th round knockout from Ashley Lane at Stevenage in May.

“It will be another good scrap and one where I need to put things right,” insisted the champion. “I need to win this one and close this book. Simple as that.

“A draw is not the way I want to keep my titles and it was disappointing to keep them with one. This time I’ve got to win the fight convincingly.

“I can take a lot from it but he can as well because he knows what I’m like now and that is what makes it a tasty fight.

“I’ve had a nice little break to get over a few injuries including a broken knuckle after the last one. I am back at it now and on February 22 I will be the winner.”

Reid, 26, insists he is on a mission to right a wrong and will carry a sense of injustice into the ring with him.

“A million per cent and I can’t wait to prove that I did win the fight and I will do it in a fine fashion,” said the pupil of the Queensberry iBox Gym. “I am not going in there to do anything less or the same as I did last time. This time you will see a totally different me as well and I will change it up.

“Every single person knows that even if I won it by one round I still won the fight. When I get in there with Brad I am going to old man him again, move him about and prove that I am the rightful champion.

“I am also going in there thinking he will come out unbelievable so I am looking forward to seeing that and how I adjust to it because I know I can.”

Tickets are available via TicketMaster

BRITISH SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT champion Brad Foster has signed a promotional agreement with Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions and will defend his title against Commonwealth champion Ashley Lane at the Lamex Stadium, Stevenage on May 18.

Foster v Lane for the British and Commonwealth titles is added to a stacked card headlined by the WBO Interim world title clash between Billy Joe Saunders and the No.1 ranked Shefat Isufi and heavyweight contender Joe Joyce having his first fight under the Queensberry banner against Alexander Ustinov.

The Lichfield-based Foster, 10-0-1, won his British title via a convincing points victory over the experienced Josh Wale on away territory in Barnsley back in March.

In his previous fight the 21-year-old won the vacant Midlands Area super bantamweight belt following the retirement of the then unbeaten Leon Gower in round eight.

The former champion kick boxer has clocked up three stoppages from his 10 wins to date.

“Signing with Frank is a step up for me and the chance to get me out there a bit more because I am a British champion now,” reacted Foster to the career development.

“Being with Frank Warren is going to get me more exposure. I am fighting on the Billy Joe Saunders undercard and that is a dream come true for me really.

“He will take me from my British title to however far my talent will take me and my job now is to keep working hard and keep on winning, then I will carry on progressing and move up the ranks.

“Hopefully I will be at the top one day,” added Foster, who acknowledges that he has come a long way in a short space of time.

“It still hasn’t sunk in to be honest. I am just Brad from Lichfield, but if I keep on believing in myself then the sky is the limit really.

“Ashley is Commonwealth champion and I am not going to take him lightly. He will want to win the British title because everybody does and my job is just to stop him and pick up the Commonwealth on the way.

“I have looked at him to see his style but I try to focus on myself and to make sure I am the best I can be on the night. The best Brad will beat Ashley Lane.”

Bristol-based Lane, 28, is on a six-fight winning streak, a run that featured his Commonwealth title success against Michael Ramabeletsa in September 2017, who he defeated on points and reversed a previous career loss.

“I am very excited for it and it is going to be a great fight between two good kids,” said Lane, who holds a record of 13-8-2. “On paper it looks like it could go either way.

“I’ve only watched two of his fights and, to be honest, he looked good with very nice movement and a good boxing brain, but not really much power from the look of things.

“I just go into every fight looking to enjoy my time in the ring, have fun and look after myself. Winning and losing is just part of the game and is a process. I always go in there to win but, at the end of the day, having fun and enjoying it will get the right results.”

Billy Joe Saunders v Shefat Isufi headlines the bill at the Lamex Stadium, home of Stevenage FC, with unbeaten heavyweight Joe Joyce in the chief supporting contest.

Tickets can be purchased via borotickets.co.uk and are priced as below:

£250 – Hospitality
£150 – Pitch
£100 – Pitch
£75 – Pitch
£50 – Stand
£40 – Stand