Leigh Wood scored yet another shocking knockout. This time he stopped former world champion Josh Warrington in the seventh round to retain the WBA Featherweight title in Sheffield, England.

Warringtom started to seize control by working on the inside and landing some crisp punches that seemed to briefly stun Wood on several occasions.

In round five, Wood began to bleed around his right eye.

In round seven, Warrington was deducted a point for hitting behind the head. At the end of the round, Wood landed a crusging right hook to the chin that set off a five punch flurry that was punctuated by another perfect right hook to the chin that was followed by a left that sent Warrington to the deck and the fight was stopped at the bell.

Wood, 125.7 lbs of Nottingham, ENG is 28-3 with 17 knockouts. Warrington, 125.3 lbs of Leeds, ENG is 31-3-1.

Harper and Braekhus Battle to Draw in Junior Middle Title bout

Terri Harper retained the WBA Super Welterweight title as she and former Pound-For-Pound queen Cecilia Braekhus battled to a 10-round draw.

Harper landed 77 of 233 punches. Braekhus was 82 of 307.

Harper won a scorecard 97-93, while two cards were even at 95-95.

Harper, 150.4 lbs of Denaby, ENG is 14-1-2. Braekhus, 153.9 lbs of Bergen. NOR is 37-2-1.

Conway Stops Udofia Due to Eye Closure

Kieron Conway stopped Linus Udofia in the sixth round due to the right eye of Udofia being closed in a scheduled 12-round middleweight bout.

Conway landed a big left hook that started closing Udofia’s eye in round five and the fight was stopped by the referee stopped the bout at two seconds of round six.

Conway, 159.6 lbs of Northampton, ENG is now 20-3-1 with five knockouts. Udofia, 159.4 lbs of Luton, ENG is now 18-2.

Price Stops Coghill in 12th

Hopey Price remained undefeated and stopped Connor Coghill in the 12th and final round of their featherweight fight.

At the end of round six, Price landed a perfect right hook to the jaw that was followed by a short left to the same spot that put Coghill on the canvas.

In round 11, Price landed a perfect straight left to the jaw that sent Coghill to the canvas. In round 12, Price came out fast and landed some hard body shots that crumpled Coghill to a knee and the bout was stopped at 1:29.

Price, 125.3 lbs of Leeds, ENG is 12-0 with five knockouts. Coghill, 125.4 lbs of Hull, ENG is 14-1.

Bostan Stops McCullough in 6

Junaid Bostan remained undefeated with a sixth-round stoppage over Corey McCoullugh in an eight-round super welterweight. bout.

Bostan dominated the action and opened up a big flurry in round six that forced a stoppage at 2:07

Bostan, 155.7 lbs of Rotherham, ENG is 7-0 with six knockouts. McCoullough, 154.9 lbs of Arbroath, SCO is 7-4-1.

Nico Leivars won an eight-round decision over Ryan Walker in super bantamweight contest.

Leivars, 123.5 lbs of Mansfield, ENG is 5-0-1. Walker, 123.1 lbs of Newham, ENG is 12-6.

Cameron Vuong made a successful pro debut with a fourth-round stoppage over Engel Gomez in a six-round lightweight bout.

In round four, Vuong dropped Gomez with a right to the body and the fight was stopped at 1:19.

Vuong, 137.4 lbs of Bluth, ENG is 1-0 with one knockout. Gomez, 138.1 lbs of Chinandega, NIC is 8-19-1/

Koby McNamara remained undefeated with a six-round decision over Francisco Rodriguez in a bantamweight fight.

In the final round, McNamara dropped Rodriguez with a right hook.

McNamara, 117.8 lbs of Leeds, ENG won by a score of 60-53 and is mow 6-0. Rodriguez, 118.8 lbs of Alfacar. SPA is 1-18.

Dalton Smith scored an explosive seventh round stoppage over Sam Maxwell in a 12-round super ligh1tweight fight in Sheffield, England.

In round seven, Smith uncorked a perfect right to the side of the head that sent Maxwell down on his back with his right leg folded underneath and the fight was stopped mid-count at 1:34.

Smith, 139.4 lbs of Sheffield is 15-0 with 11 knockouts. Maxwell, 139.4 lbs of Liverpool, ENF is 17-2.

Pat McCormack remained undefeated with a stoppage of Tony Dixon after round four of their 10-round super welterweight bout.

McCormack landed a booming right on the jaw that put Dix on his back just before the bell rang for the end of round four. The towel was thrown in from Dixon’s corner in between rounds.

McCormack, 150.2 lbs of Washington, ENG is 5-0 with four knockouts. Dixon, 148.7 lbs of Mountain Ash, WAL is 14-5.

Hopey Price stopped James Beech Jr. after round seven of their 10-round featherweight bout.

Price beat down Beech until the fight was stopped in the corner following the seventh frame.

Price, 125.5 lbs of Leeds, ENG is 11-0 with four knockouts. Beech, 125.2 lbs of Bloxwich, ENG is 15-5.

Junaid Bostan went the distance for the first time, but was able to win a eight-round decision over Ryan Amos in a fight between undefeated junior middleweights.

Bostan, 155.4 lbs of Rotherham, ENG won by a 79-73 score and is now 6-0. Amos, 155 lbs of Nottingham, ENG is 10-1-1.

In a fight featuring undefeated lightweights, Lewis Sylvester won a razor-thin 10-round unanimous decision over Adam Cope.

Sylvester, 134.3 lbs of Hill. ENG won by scores do 96-94 twice and 96-95 and is now 12-0. Cope, 133.9 lbs of Hartlepool, ENG is 7-1.

In round eight, Sylvester had a little swelling under his left eye.

Beatriz Ferreira remained undefeated with a eight-round decision over Karla Ramos Zamora in a super featherweight fight.

In round eight, Zamora was bleeding from her mouth.

Ferreira, 132 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA won by a 8-72 score and is now 3-0. Zamora, 130.4 lbs of Chimalhuacan, MEX is 10-10-1.

In a fight between undefeated super bantamweights, Nico Leivers won a six-round decision over Alberto Motos.

Leivers, 123.1 lbs of Mansfield, ENG won by a 59-55 score and is now 4-0-1. Matos, 121.1 lbs of Madrid, SPA is 4-1.

Cory O’Regan remained undefeated with a six-round decision over Jordan Ellison in a lightweight contest.

O’Regan, 137.5 lbs of Hackmondwike, ENG won by a 60-54 score and is now 10-0. Ellison, 138.8 lbs of Seaham, ENG was fighting for the 65th time.

Matchroom’s first NXTGEN card of the year at the Utilita Arena Newcastle on Saturday March 18 features some of the very best prospects in the North East and beyond looking to take the next steps in their promising careers, live worldwide on DAZN.

Former Team GB standout Cyrus Pattinson (5-0, 3 KOs) faces his toughest test so far in the professional ranks against Wales’ former British Welterweight Champion Chris Jenkins (23-6-3, 8 KOs) – with the pair clashing for the vacant WBA International Title. 

Alnwick’s Pattinson hasn’t put a foot wrong since turning over in Newcastle back in June 2021, winning all five of his contests – with three coming by way of knockout – and the 28-year-old southpaw picked up the vacant IBO Continental Title last time out in Nottingham.

Tokyo 2020 Olympic Silver Medallist turned Welterweight prospect Pat McCormack (3-0, 2 KOs) looks to wow his home crowd against Italy’s Dario Socci (15-7-2, 6 KOs) in his first scheduled eight-round contest. 

The Ben Davison-trained talent put pen to paper on a long-term promotional deal with Eddie Hearn last October and made a winning start to life under the Matchroom banner by outpointing Christian Nicolas Andino at Wembley’s OVO Arena in November. 

Birmingham Heavyweight Solomon Dacres (5-0,1 KO) gets the opportunity to fight for his first title in the paid ranks as he collides with Newcastle’s unbeaten Robert Ismay (11-0, 4 KOs) for the vacant English Heavyweight Title.

Leeds Super-Bantamweight contender Hopey Price (9-0, 3 KOs) fights for his second pro title as he continues his march up the 122lbs ladder, taking on Frenchman Thomas Masson (20-5-1, 7 KOs) for the vacant WBA Continental Title. 

West Rainton’s former Team GB Podium Squad member Mark Dickinson (4-0, 1 KOs) faces Bury’s Ben Ridings (5-3) over eight rounds at Middleweight and Gateshead Lightweight Calum French (3-0, 1 KO) fights Seaham’s Jordan Ellison (14-44-3, 1 KO) over eight rounds in a North East derby. 

Elsewhere on the card there’s action for Leicester Super-Bantamweight debutant Muhammad Ali, Darlington Super-Lightweight Ben Marksby (6-0), Eltham Super-Flyweight prospect Maiseyrose Courtney (1-0) and Sunderland Super-Featherweight Adam Reichard (1-0).

“I’m absolutely buzzing to be fighting in Newcastle on March 18,” said Pattinson. “2023 is a huge year for me and to be kicking it off by fighting in front of a home crowd in unreal. Nobody creates an atmosphere like the Geordies and I’m determined to put on a show for them in what is the biggest fight of my career so far. I cannot wait.”

“A win that I’m more than capable of come March 18 would most definitely put me back in the mix,” said Jenkins. “Winning a title means I have value in the sport and I’ll move on and fight who ever wants it. I’m an old school fighter, I’ll fight anyone!

“I’m expecting Cyrus to come out of the blocks like he always does and I’ll be ready for him. He looks a good come forward fighter, he does most things well but I’ve seen a few flaws in his fighting that I think I can use in the fight.”

“It’s great to be back up in Newcastle for our very first NXTGEN card of the year starring some of the brightest talents in the North East and beyond,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “We’ve enjoyed some brilliant nights in Newcastle over the years with the likes of Lewis Ritson and I can see Tyneside turning into a real hotbed of boxing talent with the next wave of headliners coming through. 

“Pat McCormack is one of the very best amateurs we’ve seen on these shores in recent times and I’m excited for a busy year with him. Cyrus Pattinson gets the chance to headline in front of home crowd as he takes a big step up against the experienced Chris Jenkins and there’s title action for Solomon Dacres and Hopey Price plus much more. Catch it all live around the world on DAZN.”

Tickets for Pattinson vs. Jenkins are priced £40, £60, £100 and £150 (VIP).

Are you a member of Utilita Arena Newcastle’s web club? Enjoy a presale with them at 10am on Thursday February 9.

Matchroom Fight Pass members will be able to purchase tickets from midday on Thursday February 9. Priority ticket info will be emailed directly to eligible members ahead of the on-sale time. 

General Sale tickets can be purchased via Stage Front and the Utilita Arena Newcastle from midday on Friday February 10.

Luis Alberto Lopez won the IBF Featherweight title with a majority decision over Josh Warrington at The First District Arena in Warrington’s hometown of Leeds, England.

Lopez, 124.3 lbs of Mexicali. MEX won by scores of 115-113 twice and 114-114 and is now 27-2. Warrington, 125.3 lbs of Leeds, England is now 31-2-1.

Ebanie Bridges made the first defense of the IBF Bantamweight title with a eighth round stoppage over Shannon O’Connell.

In round three, Bridges dropped O’Connell with a big counter right. In round five, the right side of O’Connell’s face began to swell up.

In round eight, Bridges continues to pound away on O’Connell and then land a flurry of flush shots before the fight was stopped at 1:45.

Bridges, 117.75 lbs of New South Wales, AUS is 9-1 with four knockouts. O’Connell, 117.35 lbs of Sacks Creek, AUS is 23-7-1.

Felix Cash remained undefeated with a eight-round decision over Celso Neves in a super middleweight bout.

Cash, 166 lbs of Workingham, ENG won by a 77-75 score and is now 16-0. Neves, 166.2 lbs of Basel, SWI us 9-3-2.

James Metcalf stopped Courtney Pennington at the end of round six of their 10-round super welterweight bout.

Metcalf, 153.6 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is now 24-2 with 15 knockouts. Pennington, 153.1 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 16-6-3.

Koby McNamara won a four-round decision over Nabil Ahmed in a super bantamweight bout.

McNamara, 120.1 lbs of Leeds, ENG won by a 40-37 score and is now 4-0. Ahmed, 120.3 lbs of Bartley, ENG is 1-12-2.

Former world champion Shannon Courtenay won an eight-round decision over Gemma Ruegg in a super bantamweight fight.

Coutenay, 124.7 lbs of Watford, ENG won by a 77-75 score and is now 8-2. ruegg, 124.8 lbs of Bournemouth, ENG is 6-6.

Cory O’Regan remained undefeated with a fourth round stoppage over Antonio Rodriguez in a six-round lightweight bout.

In round four, O’Regan drove Rodriguez to the ropes and landed 14 unanswered blows and the fight was stopped at 2:03.

O’Regan, 137.8 lbs of Heckmondwike, ENG is 9-0 with one knockout. Rodriguez, 136.7 lbs of Las Palmas, SPA is 7-28-8.

Hopey Price remained undefeated with a eight-round decision over Jonathan Santana in a super bantamweight fight.

In round three, Price dropped Santana with a straight to the body.

Price, 123.2 lbs of Leeds, ENG won by an 80-72 score and is now 9-0. Santana, 123.8 lbs of Las Palmas, SPA is 9-4-1.

Junaid Bostan stopped Athanasios Glynos in round five of their six-round super welterweight bout.

In round five, Bostan landed a left hand on the chin that put Glynos down and the fight was stopped at 46 seconds.

Bostan, 155.5 lbs of Rotherham, ENG is 4-0 with four knockouts. Gkynos, 155.5 lbs of Athens, GRE is 2-2.

Rhiannon Dixon remained undefeated with a eight-round decision over Kristine Shergold in a lightweight contest.

Dixon, 134.8 lbs of Wigam, ENG won by a 8-73 score and is now 7-0. Shergold, 134.3 lbs of Exeter, ENG is 7-7-1.

Dalton Smith stopped Sam O’Maison in round six of their 12-round junior welterweight bout in Sheffield, England.

In round three, Smith dropped O’Maison with a quick right hand. In round five, O’Maison was bleeding on his forehead,

In round six, It was a left that was followed by a right Smith ended things with another booming right that put O’Maison down for a third and final time and the fight was stopped at 2:52.

Smith, 139.2 lbs of Sheffield, ENG is 12-0 with 10 knockouts. O’Maison, 139.1 lbs of Sheffield, ENG is 17-4-1.

Ryan Avenges Defeat; Decisions Farias

Sandy Ryan avenged her lone professional blemish by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over Erica Farias in a super lightweight bout.

Ryan, 139.25 lbs of Derby, ENG won by scores of 98-92 and 96-94 twice and is now 4-1. Farias, 138.5 lbs of Escobar, ARG is 27-6

Fisher Takes Out Reissinger in 2

Fan-favorite Johnny Fisher remained undefeated with a second round stoppage over Michal Reissinger in round two of a scheduled six-round heavyweight bout.

In round two, Fisher landed a booming right that put Reissinger down and the fight was stopped at 39 seconds.

Fisher, 241.4 lbs of Romford, ENG is 6-0 with five knockouts. Reissinger, 249.5 lbs of Kozomin, CZE is 3-2.

Jordan Thompson Hangs on to Decision Ducar

Jordan Thompson barely remained undefeated by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over Vasil Ducar in a cruiserweight bout.

In round 10, Ducar landed a right and left that was followed by two more right hands to send Thompson to the deck. Thompson was able to get to his feet and beat the bell count and final bell.

Thompson, 198.1 lbs of Manchester, ENG won by scores of 97-92 and 96-93 twice and is now 14-0. Ducar, 197.4 lbs of Brno, CZE is now 11-6-1.

Campbell Hatton remained undefeated with an six-round decision over Michal Dufek in a lightweight fight.

Hatton, 137.4 lbs of Manchester, ENG won by a 60-54 score and is now 8-0.  Dufek, 136.1 lbs of Prague, CZE is 34-24-2.

Hopey Price remained undefeated with an eight-round decision over Alexander Mejia in a featherweight fight.

Price, 125.25 lbs of Leeds, ENG won by a 80-72 score and is now 8-0. Mejia, 124.25 lbs of Managua, NIC is 18-4.

Aqib Fiaz won a six-round decision over Jordan Ellison in a lightweight bout.

Fiaz, 137.2 lbs of Oldham, ENG won by a 59-55 score and is now 9-0.

Nico Leivars and Angel Gabriel Chavez fought to a no-contest after Chavez could not continue due to a cut over his left eye in the second round of their six-round bantamweight fight.

In round two, Chavez was cut over his left eye from a headbutt.

Leivars, 123.1 lbs of Mansfield, ENG is 2-0. Chavez, 121.25 lbs of Barcelona, SPA is 3-3.

Junaid Bostan stopped Jose Manuel Lopez Clavero in the sixth and final round of their super welterweight contest.

In round six, Bostan dropped a bloodies Clavero with a straight left on the ropes and the bout was stopped at 1:33.

Bostan, 155.4 lbs Rotherham, ENG is now 2-0 with two knockouts. Clavero, 155.2 lbs of Granada, SPA is 16-18-1.

Kieron Conway tuned up for a Las Vegas showdown with Austin Williams with a fifth round stoppage over Gregory Trenol un a scheduled eight-round super middleweight bout.

Conway dominated the action and landed a hard flurry of punches that forced a referee stoppage at 2:22 of round five.

Conway, 167.4 lbs of Northampton, ENG is now 18-2-1 with four knockouts. Tremol, 166.6 lbs of Dainville, FRA is 16-9-2.

Conway and Williams will meet on September 17th as part of the Canelo Alvarez – Gennadiy Golovkin 3 undercard.

John Ryder scored the biggest win of his career with a 12-round split decision over former middleweight beltholder Daniel Jacobs in a super middleweight fight at Alexandra Palace in London, England.

Jacobs controlled the first half of the fight with is boxing. Ryder came on strong over the final half of the contest and won most of the inside battles by landing small combinations to the head.

Jacobs landed 123 of 651 punches; Ryder was 135 of 448.

Ryder, 167 lbs of Islington, ENG won two cards 115-113 and Jacobs took a card 115-113.

Ryder is now 31-5. Jacobs, 166.9 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 37-4.

Fisher Decisions Enguema

Johnny Fisher went the distance for the first time and won a six-round decision over Gabriel Enguema in a heavyweight bout.

In round one, Fisher was cut over his left eye.

Fisher landed 66 of 319 punches; Enguema was 36 of 158.

Fisher, 237 lbs of Romford, ENG, sold over 2,600 tickets for the fight, and won by score of 59-55 and is now 5-0. Enguema, 231.7 lbs of Madrid, SPA is 10-12.

Cash Survives Two Knockdowns; Decisions Madiev

Felix Cash had to get off the deck twice and a point deduction, but he was able to overcome those and won a razor thin 10-round unanimous decision over Magomed Madiev in a battle of undefeated middleweights.

In round two, Madiev dropped Cash with a left hook.

In round 10, Madiev dropped Cash again with a left Cash was bleeding over his left eye. Later in the round, Cash was deducted a point for holding. In between all of that, Cash was able to bank rounds and get the victory by scores of 95-92 twice and 94-93.

Cash landed 118 of 519 punches; Madiev was 131 of 417.

Cash, 159.6 lbs of Workingham, ENG is now 15-0. Madiev, 159.1 lbs of Russia is 15-1-2.

Scotney Decisions Guanini

Ellie Scotney remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Jorgelina Guanini in a super bantamweight fight.

Scotney was cut over her left eye in round three from a clash of heads.

In round 10, Scotney was deducted a point for an elbow.

Scotney, 121.2 lbs of Catford, ENG won by scores of 96-94 twice and 95-94 and is now 4-0. Guanini, 119.6 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 9-4-2.

Williams Stops Maciel in 6

Austin Williams remained undefeated with a 6th round stoppage over Javier Maciel in a scheduled eight-round middleweight fight

In round one, Williams dropped Maciel with a left on the ropes.

In round six, Williams dropped Maciel with a straight left to the body. Seconds later, he dropped him again with a combination to the body. Williams ended things with some more hard body work and the fight was stopped at 1:02.

Williams, 161.4 lbs of Houston, TX is now 10-0 with eight knockouts. Maciel, 166.3 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 33-16.

Hopey Price remained undefeated with a 4th round stoppage over Ricardo Roman in a super bantamweight contest.

In round one, Price dropped Ramon with a left hand. In round two Ramon’s face started to swell up badly.

In round four, the onslaught continued as Price dropped Roman with another left. Price had Roman in trouble in the corner and the bout was stopped at 1:09.

Price, 125 lbs of Leeds, ENG is 7-0 with three knockouts. Roman, 124.6 lbs of Durno, MEX is 14-13.

Pattinson, 150.2 lbs of Ashtington, ENG won by a 60-54 score and is now 3-0. Vazem, 150.9 lbs of Russia is 9-22.

Shiloh DeFreitas remained undefeated with a six-round decision over Alexey Tukhtarov in a welterweight bout.

DeFreitas, 143.6 lbs of London, ENG won by a 60-54 score and is now 3-0. Tukhtarov, 143.6 lbs of Russia is 4-24-6.

Mauricio Lara and former world champion Josh Warrington fought to a technical draw after a clash of heads opened up a cut over Lara’s left eye after two rounds at Headlingley Rugby Stadium in Leeds, England.

The fight was just starting to open up when the headbutt occurred. The fight was a rematch of a contest that saw Lara knockout Warrington in February.

Lara, 125 1/2 lbs of Mexico City is now 23-2-1. Warrington of Leeds, ENG is 30-1-1.

Taylor Decisions Han; Retains Undisputed Lightweight Title

Katie Taylor retained the undisputed Lightweight world championship with a 10-round unanimous decision over Jennifer Han.

In round eight, Taylor dropped Han with a left hook. Replays showed that it could have been a slip. Han also started to swell under her right eye in the round.

Taylor landed 93 of 340 punches; Han was 66 of 338.

Taylor, 134 3/4 lbs of Bray, IRE won by scores of 100-89 on all cards, and is now 19-0. Han, 134 1/4 lbs of El Paso, TEX is now 18-4-1-1.

Benn Decisions Granados

Conor Benn remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision in a welterweight bout.

Benn landed 152 of 460 punches; Granados was 99 of 429.

Benn, 146 1/2 lbs of Brentwood, ENG won by scores of and is now 19-0. Granados, 146 1/2 lbs of Chicago, IL is 21-9-3.

Hughes Decisions Straffon

Maxi Hughes pounded out a 12-round unanimous decision over Jovanni Straffon in a lightweight bout.

Hughes hurt Straffon on several occasions including almost having him out in round four.

Hughes, 134 1/4 lbs of Rossington, ENG won by scores of 120-107 twice and 119-109 and is now 24-5-2. Straffon, 134 1/4 lbs of Mexico City, MEX is 24-4-1.

Bridges Decisions Gangloff

Ebanie Bridges won an eight-round decision over Mailys Gangloff in a bantamweight fight.

Bridges, 118 lbs of New South wales, AUS fought through a welled right eye and injured right hand but still won by a 77-76 score and is now 7-1. Gangloff, 116 lbs of Aix-les-Bains, FRA is 5-3.

Hope Price remained undefeated with a 2nd round stoppage of Zahid Hussain in a scheduled 10-round super bantamweight fight.

Just as the bell rang to end round one, Price landed a perfect right hook that clipped the jaw and sent Hussain on his backside. Fortunately for Hussain, he got to his feet to end the round. In round two, it was a combination that put Hussain down for a 2nd time. Price finished the fight with a barrage of punches that forced a referee stoppage at 2:33.

Price, 121 3/4 lbs of Leeds, ENG is 6-0 with two knockouts. Hussain, 121 lbs of Leeds, ENG is 16-2.

Jack Bateson survived a knockdown to win a six-round decision over Felix Garcia in a super bantamweight bout.

In round three, Garcia dropped Bateson with a looping right hand to the chest. Bateson was about to steady himself and win the rest of the fight.

Bateson, 124 lbs of Leeds, ENG won by a 58-56 score and is now 14-0. Garica, 123 lbs of Juigalpa, NIC is now 7-3-1.

Brandon Stansfield won a four-round decision over MJ Hall in a super welterweight bout.

Stansfield, 149 1/2 lbs of Leeds, ENG won by a 40-36 score and is now 2-0. Hall, 148 1/2 lbs of Brierley Hill, ENG is 2-62-2.

In round one, Hall began to bleed from his nose.

Mali Wright made a successful pro debut with a stoppage of Antony Woolery after round two of their scheduled four-round light heavyweight bout.

Wright, 180 bs of Chapeltown, England is 1-0 with one knockout. Woolery, 181 3/4 lbs of Wolverhampton, England is 2-7.

Joshua Buatsi stopped Ricards Bolotniks in round 11 of a scheduled 12-round light heavyweight bout at the Matchroom HQ in Essex, England

In round six, Buatsi dropped Bolotniks with a vicious left hook.

In round eight, Buatsi was deducted a point for a low blow. In round 11, Buatsi landed a booming right that sent Bolotniks to the deck and the fight was stopped at 2:08.

Buatsi, 174 3/4 lbs of Croydon, ENG is 15-0 with 13 knockouts. Bolotniks, 174 1/2 lbs of Riga, LAT is 18-6-1.

“Most importantly I have to thank God for the victory, different fighters have different things that work for them, I made it clear to you lot that that’s what works for me,” Buatsi told DAZN. “In my changing room I don’t need to hear anything, don’t tell me what I did in camp, tell me Josh is written in the bible. That’s what gears me up when I walk down there, what’s written in the bible.
 
“I’m grateful man, Bolotniks big credit to him he pushed me. I think he said Josh hasn’t been past seven rounds before so after seven we’ll see. I was there until 11 and landed a good shot. I worked every round, but I want to congratulate him – he’s a good champion.
 
“When I sat down, I said, ‘Buatsi who told you to empty the tank, you’ve got six left?’ but I’ve worked hard. You see in camp the sparring is hard man, big credit to my sparring partners they know who they are. I do a hard six run then a fresh one gets in so into the second half I said I’ve been here: I’ve done it before I’ve been here many times in camp.
 
“I’ve got a great team, I’ve got a promoter that believes in me, he’s been pushing for fights like this because he knows I can do it. Tonight, I went out there and showed people I can do it, we just build from here.
 
“We all make sacrifices, I don’t want to single myself out, everyone sacrifices to be where they want to be in life. For me, yeah, I sacrificed, I’m always away from my family and I truly miss them but most importantly I want to get to the top. I feel like I’m in the right team with the right people, I’ve got a great promoter who gives me the opportunities I need. I’ll keep sacrificing.”

Cordina Destroys Hernandez in 1st

Joe Cordina needed just 53 seconds to dispose of Joshua Hernandez in a scheduled 10-round lightweight bout.

Cordina landed a blistering 1-2 that sent Hernandez down for the 10-count.

Cordina, 134 lbs of Cardiff, WAL is 13-0 with eight knockouts. Hernandez, 132 3/4 lbs of Chicago, IL is 10-4.

“Chris Colbert went eight rounds with Hernandez and what I watched of it, it was quite a tough fight for him,” Cordina told Matchroom. “I watched that fight and a couple others of Hernadez and me and Tony came up with a game plan. We were going through in the changing rooms, and it came off a peach.
 
“I had to prove a point, I said in an interview earlier in the week that I don’t take criticism from people I wouldn’t go to for advice. I don’t really value many people’s opinions so yeah, it’s one of those things, you’re going to get people criticizing and it’s whether you take it onboard or not. A lot of people didn’t take into consideration that I’d been out the ring for 16 months, had an operation of my hand, we proved the point tonight and got him out of there early on.
 
“I always look to just get the win, box, if the knockout is there, I’ll take it. As soon as he threw his first jab, I knew he wasn’t going to catch me with that, my sharpness of feet and head movement would get me out of trouble. I started putting my lead hand downstairs and whipping the right hand over the top and I caught him the first time, I knew he was a little bit wobbly. I didn’t want to rush in and try and get him out of there straight away, I knew if I could catch him twice with it there’s going to be a third time and I did exactly that. We got him out of there in great fashion.
 
“I was watching Fight Camp last year and there was no crowd, but even when there wasn’t a crowd it felt like there was a massive atmosphere. When I saw the first Fight Camp week at home, I thought, ‘oh my god I’m fighting there in two weeks, it’s going to be amazing’. I’m glad that I’m able to tick it of my list now. 
 
“Eddie watched me in York Hall in 2009 and said, ‘you’re going to be a World Champion’. It’s nice to hear that but I’ve got to keep improving, keep pushing on and proving him right. I know I’ve got the ability to be a World Champion very soon, but I’ve just got to keep winning. I’ve got the ability to mix it with any of them, it’s just about taking those steps up the ladder to become a World Champion and that’s what I plan on doing. Maybe have two weeks at home, go back to the gym and see what I want to do with Tony.
 
“I know people say it but if you speak to my S&C coach and Tony this was probably one of the best camps I’ve ever had. That’s with the boxing, plus my S&C, everything just came together. Don’t get me wrong I had to be at home for my new-born son but everything’s coming together now. I’m glad I got the win tonight in great fashion and now it’s time to build on it.” 

World-Rated welterweight Michael McKinson remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Przemyslaw Runowki.

McKinson, 146 1/2 lbs of Portsmouth, ENG won by scores of 99-91 twice and 98-92 and is now 21-0. Runowski, 146 1/4 lbs of Shupsk, POL is 19-2.

“I’m happy, that was easier than I thought it would be, I didn’t really get out of first gear,” McKinson told Matchroom. “I visibly hurt him a few times, but I boxed to instructions and got the win. To be fair I didn’t think he won a round against me, but he was a tough guy. Him and his team were very confident beforehand, I liked the energy they brought all week, but I just had to show I was a level above, and I was a few levels above – I’m happy.

“They keep giving me harder opposition, they keep telling me it’s a step up and I’m making it look easier and easier. What people forget is I’m learning every day on the job as well; I’m developing and who knows where I can be in a year or twos time. I’m in a position where a lot of boxers dream of being in, all I can do it stay focused, keep learning and keep working my way to the top.

“First time on the A side you know, not many people can say they’ve boxed in Gibraltar and not many people can say they’ve boxed in Eddie’s back garden and done both this year. I can’t moan or complain, I’m really happy and blessed.

“2021 and my career has just started, 21-0 and making it look easy. I really want to keep stepping up, keep challenging myself, keep having more and more tests. I’m still learning but I’m learning quick and finding it easy now. I want opponents that will make me step through the gears, a few times I hurt him there like I can punch, I don’t need to, I boxed to instructions. I didn’t really get out of first gear.

“I believe I’m the best 147 pounder in the country. I like Conor, I get on well with him, but if he can’t get them two guys the Brooks or the Khans, I’m always here. I’ll fight whoever they give me, I’ve never turned down a fight and that’s a fact – I don’t plan on turning down fights. I really do believe in myself, and I believe in my development as well. I’m going to be going to the top I promise you.

“I’m really happy for Liam Taylor because he never really gets a fair ranking and he’s a good fighter so I’m happy he’s got that opportunity. I’m not far behind, I’d like the winner, but I’ll fight whoever makes sense and whoever my management team want to get me next – the answer is always yes. That guy there I just beat took Josh Taylor to points on short notice, he had a full camp against me, his team were so confident talking to me in the hotel.

“Like I said, I make their confidence fade round by round, they don’t call me ‘The Problem’ for no reason. I will carry on being a problem as I step through the levels as the opposition gets better, trust me.

“Josh Kelly has got a lot of ability, he’s a skilful fighter, I like Josh – even after the Avanesyan defeat I still think he’s a top fighter. Florian Marku talks a lot doesn’t he, he didn’t know who I was a few months ago on social media on an interview, he said he didn’t know who I was. At least they’re talking about me now, let him prove himself because I don’t think he’s proved himself at a decent level yet, not saying he’s not a good fighter, but he does need to prove himself as a fighter to be respected. Good luck to all of them, I wish nothing but the best for all my rivals, you know I’m here and I’ll fight anybody.

“Even when we go back to proper arenas and stuff, wait till we get hundreds and hundreds of Portsmouth fans loud and proud. I’ve got great support and it’s always growing; I know there’s a lot of people that didn’t come today but when they’re allowed everyone will see the Portsmouth fans.”

In a battle of undefeated super bantamweights, Hopey Price won a six-round decision over Claudio Grande.

In the closing seconds of the fight, Price dropped Grande with a straight left.

Price, 123 1/4 lbs of Leeds, ENG won by a 58-55 score and is now 5-0. Grande, 121 1/2 lbs of Massa, ITA is now 5-1.

“It was a good performance, considering I had six months outside the ring, which for a young prospect like me isn’t ideal,” Price told Matchroom. “You can spar as much as you want but it’s not the same feeling as when you’re under the lights. Now looking forward, I’ve got Leeds in three weeks, that’s put me in very good stead – you’ll see the best of me in three weeks’ time.

“I remember Dave [Coldwell] shouting at me finish strong, finish strong, and he was just coming in – what we’ve been working on in the gym – I felt like I was catching him with that shot all fight and he just walked onto it lovely at the end and he was gone.

“I’m not fighting these journeyman and people with losing records, that’s a proper fight, he’s 5-0, three knockouts, I’m sure he wanted to be a star over there in Italy. He was coming to win and was defeated, I put a stop to that and gave him his first loss.

“You began to see it, it’s been coming slowly but surely, now over the next year or so you’ll see the best of me.

“I feel like I’m developing more as a fighter under Dave and more as a man – big thanks to Danny Wilson at Boxing Science, he’s making me a lot stronger, and I think you saw it there in the last ten seconds. I’m not just a young kid that people can walk through.

“I want to go right to the top. I don’t want to be a World Champion; I want to be a pound-for-pound star and Dave’s the man to take me there. I’ll keep listening, learning, developing and I promise you I will get there one day.

“I think fighting in Leeds on September 4 shows the confidence and ability – and the confidence my team has in me – to take a fight like that three weeks before and coming through with flying colours, no injuries. I’m ready to go in my hometown in front of 20,00 fans, I’ll steal the show there 100%.

“I’m ready for Zahid Hussain, 100%, I was ready for it back in September and the magic man didn’t turn up. So, we’ll see this time if he comes and if he does, I promise Hopey Price will come out the victor.

“I said it from my second pro fight, I believe there are levels to boxing and my boxing brain is one of the best in Britain. I believe I’m levels above Zahid Hussain.”

Kash Farooq won a 10-round unanimous decision over Luis Gerardo Castillo in a bantamweight bout.

In round five, Farooq was cut under his right eye and Castillo had swelling under his right eye from a headbutt.

Farooq, 117 1/2 lbs of Glasgow, SCO won by scores of 100-90 twice and 100-91 and is now 16-1. Castillo, 116 1/4 lbs of Mexico is 28-3.

“I boxed to the game plan, that was it, you want to get in there and always entertain but I followed the game plan that was it,” Farooq told Matchroom. “I listened to my trainer, and he just told me to box, you couldn’t get any footage of him, so I didn’t know what he was about, I adapted on the night and did what I had to do.

“I showed tonight the other side of me that can box as well. He’s not world class but it’s a different side of my boxing that I showed, he was tough and game. We didn’t know what we were up against.

“If you let anybody hit you, they can punch, he had a bit of sting to his punches, but the name of the game is hit and don’t get hit and that’s what I did in this fight.

“He [Gerardo] can’t speak and can’t hear so it’s something different, people were saying he’s come to win, and this was going to change his life, these types of boys want to win but he was up against me so – I wanted to win as much as he did.

“These boys are coming from nothing, some of them grew up in poverty and it’s a different lifestyle in Mexico – they fight for a living to make their lives better. It’s either me or him and it wasn’t going to be me today.

“It was another learning fight for me, and I’ll progress again, it’s something I picked up – for me it’s just about developing and getting better. This is just another clinical performance by me.

“My job is just to fight, and they tell me what route they’re going to go through. If I had a choice I’d fight [McGregor] but it’s down to them and they’ll make the right decision for me.

“He wants to fight just like I do but he’s got managers telling him what the best options are like I do as well. The next few weeks my managers are going to sit down with Eddie and discuss what the best options are and what route to go down – if it’s that one next then I’m more than happy to take it.

“It is a big fight for Scotland, me and Lee can sell out the SSE Hydro, if it’s the right time and it has a good build me, we can do it. It’s just me and him boxing each other.

“For me I’ll take a few days off but it’s back to training. When I’ll really take some time off is when I call it a day and retire. Now I’ve still got levels to progress, go back to the gym and work on things, it’s a lifestyle in boxing and it a short career, you don’t know when retirement is coming. For me I’m going to put everything into boxing for the next few years of my life.”

Raymond Ford remained undefeated as he stopped Reece Bellotti in round three of a scheduled 10-round featherweight bout.

In round three, Ford landed a right hook that staggered Bellotti. Ford was all over Bellotti and landed a bout 15 unanswered shots and the fight was stopped at 39 seconds.

Ford, 126 lbs of Camden, NJ is 9-0-1 with five knockouts. Bellotti, 125 1/4 lbs of Watford, ENG is 14-5.

“In the third round I was going to start to box and slow it down because I was throwing too many fast, hard shots to hurt him early,” Ford told Matchroom. “My team told me to settle down because we had ten rounds to go and then he came on and ran into the shot. I knew if I didn’t get him out of there when I had him hurt, he was just going to be a tough guy and keep coming forward. When I hit my shot, I had to get him out of there.

“It feels great, one of my dreams that came true, the real dream and goal is to get to these World Championship titles.

“I knew that he [Bellotti] was kind of the bully and everything so I wanted to beat the bully in the fight. I heard a lot about his power, guys saying his power was up there at the top, I just wanted to show I can be a bigger bully and that’s what I did.

“I said yesterday that I was going to handle the pressure. I was just starting to warm up and settle in but the more the fight would have went, the more you would have seen me relaxed and be sharper. I was getting hit by some dumb shots but that was because I was warming up and getting a feel of everything – being back after five months.

“I love it in the UK, all week people have been showing me love so I want to come back and fight here again. I want to be one the greatest to ever do it, not just in my division, I just want to be the best and go down as a legend.

“It’s important to be patient but I feel like I have the skills and I was blessed with the talents I have where I can fight these top guys at a young age. I want to keep stepping up and get these tougher fights.”

Zelfa Barrett stopped Viorel Simion after round five of their scheduled eight-round lightweight bout.

In round one, Barrett dropped Simion with a body shot. Barrett continued to punish Simion and the fight was stopped after round five.

Barrett, 136 1/4 lbs of Manchester, ENG is 26-1 with 16 knockouts. Simion, 139 3/4 lbs of Romania is 22-7.

Eddie Hearn:

“Thanks Chris, Darren and Andy, joining us live on Sky Sports as well. We are so happy to be back! 2021 here we go. We’re back behind closed doors but it doesn’t matter. This is the biggest year yet for Matchroom Boxing as we go global. The start of twelve shows in eight weeks, in seven different countries. Firstly, this Saturday live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN around the world. The return of the No.1 Featherweight Josh Warrington against Mauricio Lara. Kiko Martinez against Zelfa Barrett, Reece Mould against Leigh Wood, Dalton Smith against Ishmael Ellis, Hopey Price against Mendoza and this one to kick us off, Ibrahim Nadim against Jonny Phillips.”

Josh Warrington – Leeds, England – 30-0, 7 KOs – fighting Mauricio Lara in a 12 round Featherweight contest:

“He’s got a better knockout ratio than I have. But can he do the 12 rounds as well as I can? Has he got as much experience? I don’t think he can. But that’s up to me to expose that. He’s got punch power but, if I’m not there to be hit, he’ll be hitting thin air. It won’t go past six rounds. I strongly believe that. The way I’ve been hitting with 16oz gloves on? When I then put the 8oz gloves on and see the gaps in his defence, I expect an early night. But I’m experienced over 12 rounds. I’ve done marathons. I can do it at a good pace. This man here has no pressure. He is full of Mexican pride. I’m a big fan of Mexican fighters and how they wear their hearts on their sleeves. He will bring it but I wouldn’t want it any other way. This guy is a real puncher. He will bring it, which will tune me up nicely for the fights down the line. Make no mistake, I’m treating him like a monster because I can’t afford a slip-up.”

Mauricio Lara – Mexico City, Mexico – 21-2, 14 KOs – fighting Josh Warrington in a 12 round Featherweight contest:

“Thank you very much. Thanks for the invitation. It’s a lovely country that you’ve got here despite the fact that we haven’t been able to go out at all. It is a great opportunity for me and Josh Warrington is going to face a really tricky fighter in me. I’m also aware that I’m coming up agains the No.1 ranked fighter and it’s my opportunity to show the people of Mexico and everyone what I can do. I enjoy coming for war. We’re going to clash in the ring, that’s definitely going to happen. I’m looking forward to it. From the first bell I will be looking for the knockout. If it goes the distance I’ll be ready. I’ll be ready for whatever comes. I’d love to make history on February 13th, to take this victory home to Mexico City. It is a huge opportunity and I’m really looking forward to taking advantage of it.”

Zelfa Barrett – Manchester, England – 24-1, 15 KOs – defending his IBF Intercontinental Super-Featherweight Title against Kiko Martinez:

“I’m ready. I’m more than ready. I respect Kiko for what he’s done in the sport. He’s fought the best. I believe that I’m one of the best. It’s my time to shine and to show how good I am. Styles make fights. When I fight another guy like Eric Donovan, slick and tricky, I’ll learn from that. Kiko is coming, I know he’s coming, I can see him coming now! We’re ready for what he’s going to bring. Fight Camp was a good experience and Eric Donovan was a good fighter. I’m ready for anything. However he comes out I’ll just work on that. I’ll do what I’ve got to do. I know what he’s coming to do. He’s coming to fight. He’s coming for war. We’re ready. I know what I want and I know where we’re going. Kiko is a good fighter and beating him will put me in a good position.”

Kiko Martinez – Alicante, Spain – 41-9-2, 29 KOs – challenging Zelfa Barrett for his IBF Intercontinental Super-Featherweight Title:

“It’s great to be here. Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to be here again. It is true, we’ve had some great nights in the past. This is a huge fight for me, and the opportunity for me to make history, to be one of the few people that have won Titles in three different weight classes. I’m very excited and prepared to face a really good fighter in Barrett on Saturday. It’s to make history, to make history in the ring. I’ve never been content with money alone, the only thing that makes me happy is being active as a fighter. It’s about doing all that I can, and giving my all every time that I step into the ring. I’m super prepared. Extremely prepared.”

Leigh Wood – Nottingham, England – 23-2, 13 KOs – fighting Reece Mould for the vacant British Featherweight Title:

“I’m extremely confident of winning that British Title on Saturday night. New trainer, not so much new things. Obviously there’s only so many punches in boxing that you can learn. The perception of it, how you look at it, how you view it, how you set things up, keeping my base, just fundamentals. Drilling it and drilling it thousands of times. I’m really feeling confident ahead of Saturday night. I’ve said a few things that he’s taken as disrespectful. I’m not disrespecting him. I rate him, he’s a good fighter, 13-0, in and out of a gym with a World Champion. I’ve heard a lot of sparring rumours as well. I just believe that anyone I’m in with on Saturday night, I’m coming away with the win. I spent most of my career on my back foot. Dancing around, switching and moving. It’s one way of boxing but with my power, Ben was scratching his head at why I wasn’t using it. We’ve changed things in sparring and it’s coming together. Everyone that has ever taken me on the pads can vouch for me that I’m a big puncher. There’s more to boxing than punching. You’ve got to set it up. You’ve got to be smart. That’s what we’ve been working on.”

Reece Mould – Doncaster, England – 13-0, 6 KOs – fighting Leigh Wood for the vacant British Featherweight Title:

“Boxing is all about timing and I believe this is the right time for this fight. I’m going to win this fight and go onto bigger things. I’m looking forward to it. I’m not expecting an easy night. I’ve said all along that it’s not going to be an easy fight. If Leigh comes to bring it and trade with me then I believe I’ll get him out of there early. We’re going to push him all the way. I’m expecting Leigh to bring his best. He’s got everything on his shoulders for this fight. He’s got to win the fight so he’s going to bring his best, but I believe my best beats Leigh Wood’s best.”

Dalton Smith – Sheffield, England – 6-0, 5 KOs – fighting Ishmael Ellis in an ten round Super-Lightweight contest:

“I’d have like to have got out before the end of last year but I got COVID-19 so we had to take our time. I’m happy that I’m back out on the first card of the year. This isn’t the fight that we originally had scheduled in but again, we can’t argue with that, it’s nobody’s fault. Now I’m facing Ishmael Ellis who is a lively opponent. I didn’t want anyone to step in as just a knock-over. We managed to get a lively opponent and we’ve got a good fight on Saturday. These guys facing me have got everything to gain and nothing to lose. For me, mainly I’ve got everything to lose. There’s a lot of pressure in these fights but this is the game we’re in. I want to keep on propelling my career further and further up. I’ve got to take these challenges. I think the better my opposition gets the better you’ll see of me.”

Ishmael Ellis – Birmingham, England – 11-3 – fighting Dalton Smith in an ten round Super-Lightweight contest:

“I’m 100% here to win this weekend. Thank you for the opportunity again. Thank you Dalton as well. It’s a massive opportunity for me. A lot of fighters have been turning these opportunities down but us underdog fighters can’t be turning down these opportunities. I do believe that I can give him a good fight on Saturday night. I took that loss last year. It was my own fault. I wasn’t really prepared for the fight, I was out of training. The opportunity came and I was just eager to fight. I just want to keep on going. I’ve had a bit more time to prepare for this one. I haven’t taken this fight just to go down in the first round and leave. I’ve come here to prove myself and gain something from this.”

Hopey Price – Leeds, England – 3-0, 1 KO – fighting Daniel Mendoza in a six round Featherweight contest:

“We’ve been back and forth with a few different opponents. I’ve just got to concentrate on doing my job on Saturday night. Now I’ve finally got an opponent I can just go out there and do what I’ve been working on in the gym. Obviously we have to move a bit quicker because of the pandemic. Me and Dave feel like I’m ready to move quicker anyway. I think with my ability and my boxing brain I’m ready to do so. These sort of fights are great experience for me for when I do eventually step-up. Having Jonny Phillips as my third fight has helped me improve as a fighter. I think I just need to keep taking these step-ups. That’s what is going to get me to where I need to be in the end.”

Daniel Mendoza – Chichigalpa, Nicaragua – 11-11, 4 KOs – fighting Hopey Price in a six round Featherweight contest:

“I’d like to thank god first and foremost for being here. Thanks also to the promoters. It is true that I really like tough fights and it is going to be another one on Saturday night but I’m really looking forward to it. Whenever I go into the ring it’s not about fighting, it is about winning. I always give my best and I have great heart. I will be doing that in the ring.”

Ibrahim Nadim – Keighley, England – 2-0 – fighting Jonny Phillips in a six round Featherweight contest:

“Firstly I’d like to thank Matchroom and Sky Sports for the opportunity. It’s good to be back boxing again. It’s a tough test but I’ll be ready for whatever he brings. It’s been frustrating, but if you look at the positive side of things, it has given me more time to learn in the ring. I’m prepared for whatever he brings. I want to be in exciting fights like this.”

Jonny Phillips – Sandhurst, England – 5-5, 2 KOs – fighting Ibrahim Nadim in a six round Featherweight contest:

“This time you’ve given me four weeks’ notice not four days! I’ve managed to make the weight quite comfortably. I made it at the start of the week. Mentally, we’re all there. Everything is in place now. I felt good in that last one but it was rushed and it was my first time being on Sky. That was hyped up. Now I’m used to it all. I’m buzzing, I cannot wait to get in there. I’m not in this game for money or fame. I want glory. I want to end my career with any belt. Beating him is going to hopefully put me a step closer to you offering me a Title fight.”

Terri Harper and Natasha Jonas battled to a 10-round split draw in a terrific action fight for Harper’s WBC Super Featherweight title fight at Matchroom HQ in Essex, England.

In round two Jonas was cut over her right eye. The two battled at close quarters with each taking turns seizing the upperhand. Harper came forward, but Jonas landed the more telling blows including rocking Harper on at least two different occasions. The two battled down the stretch and gave it their all in the ring. In the end, both Harper and Jonas won a card via 96-94 scores, and a 3rd card was 95-95.

Harper, 129.3 lbs of Denaby is now 10-0-1. Jonas, 129.6 lbs of Liverpool is 9-1-1.

Fowler stops Adam Harper in 7

Anthony Fowler stopped previously Adam Harper in round seven of a scheduled 10-round junior middleweight bout.

In round two, Harper was deducted a point for low blows. He was also cut under his left eye in the round. In round four, Fowler dropped Harper with a booming right to the chin.

In round six, Fowler was cut above his right eye. That did not deter Fowler as he came out in the following round and landed a hard 1-2 combination that froze Harper. A follow up flurry forced referee Ian-John Lewis to stop the bout at 1:34.

Fowler, 155.7 lbs of Liverpool is 13-1 with 10 knockouts. Harper, 156.4 lbs of Tewkesbury is 9-1-1.

IN EARLY ACTION

Hopey Price won a decision over Jonny Phillips in a six-round featherweight fight.

Price, 126.9 lbs of Leeds won by a 60-54 tally and is now 3-0. Phillips, 128.8 lbs of Sandhurst is 5-5.

Chris Billam-Smith stopped previously undefeated Nathan Thorley in round two of a scheduled 12-round cruiserweight bout.

In round one, Billiam-Smith sent Thorley to the canvas, after absorbing three lefts to the head. In round two, a barrage of punches that was concluded by two huge rights put Thorley on the deck for a 2nd time. Minutes later, Billam-Smith landed a booming right that sent Thorley to deck again. Thorley got to his feet, but the fight was stopped at 2:05.

Billam-Smith, 199.9 lbs of Bournsmouth is 11-1 with 10 knockouts. Thorley, 199.9 lbs of Cardiff, WAL is 14-1.

Hopey Price says his vast experience in the amateurs will help him get the win against Jonny Phillips in their six round Featherweight clash at Matchroom Fight Camp in Brentwood, Essex, on Friday August 7, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

The slick southpaw, trained and managed by Dave Coldwell, landed gold at the 2018 European Youth Championships and 2018 Youth Olympics; becoming the first boxer from Great Britain to win gold at a Youth Olympic Games.

He signed promotional terms with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing in October 2019 before making his eagerly-anticipated professional debut on the undercard of Anthony Crolla’s farewell fight at Manchester Arena, outpointing Joe Sanchez. 

In his next fight he landed a spot on the undercard of the blockbuster Andy Ruiz vs. Anthony Joshua 2 World Title show in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, where he scored an impressive third round TKO over Tanzania’s Swede Mohamed.

‘Drago’ jumped at the opportunity to be involved in another historic event at the Matchroom HQ this weekend where he faces a big step-up in opponent against Phillips, but the 20-year-old says he is more than ready for the test. 

“I’ve had itchy knuckles for weeks,” said Price. “I was scheduled to fight in April and when that all fell through we all got put into lockdown. When I was allowed to get back in the gym with Dave it was full steam ahead, we got the date and now I’m ready to fight!

“I need to keep doing what I’m doing in this fight. What Dave has seen in the gym he has been happy with. For me, by fight night all the pressure is off and I can get down to business. I am super confident, Jonny has boxed some good names but you will see the level I’m at on Friday night.

“There is levels to boxing and I think I am a level above him. My performance on Friday will open people’s eyes. People say amateur and pro boxing is different but when you have been all around the world and boxed top kids, people don’t realise how much experience that gives you. For me, it’s about staying relaxed and winning.”

Price vs. Phillips lands on Week 2 of Matchroom Camp, main event sees Terri Harper (10-0, 5 KOs) defend her WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles against Natasha Jonas (9-1, 7 KOs)in an historic clash, Bournemouth’s Chris Billam-Smith (10-1, 9 KOs) defends his Commonwealth Cruiserweight Title against undefeated Cardiff man Nathan Thorley (14-0, 6 KOs), Liverpool Super-Welterweight Anthony Fowler (12-1, 9 KOs) gets his second outing of the year against Adam Harper (9-1) and Oldham prospect Aqib Fiaz (5-0) steps up against Birmingham’s former Midlands Area Champion Kane Baker.

Matchroom Boxing are delighted to announce the signing of decorated amateur Hopey Price on a multi-year contract.

Boxing at Super-Bantamweight, Price debuts at the Manchester Arena on November 2 joining the supporting cast to Katie Taylor’s World Title shot and Anthony Crolla’s farewell fight.

The slick southpaw landed Gold at the Olympic Youth Games last year in Buenos Aires to go alongside his two European Championships and seven National Titles. 

“I’m very excited to see what this new journey brings,” revealed Price. 

“I believe I’ve got the right team around me to make it to the very top. One of the main reasons in turning pro was that I believe I didn’t have much more to achieve in the amateurs, I won a medal in every major tournament. It’s now time to see what I can do in the pro game and try to win as many titles as possible.”

Born and raised in Leeds, Price links up with trainer and manager Dave Coldwell in nearby Rotherham: “I’m really excited to be working with a young, exciting talent like Hopey. His amateur record speaks for itself. He’s developing nicely in the gym alongside the other lads and we had him sparring some high level professionals out in LA recently. Hopey’s adapting to the pro game already, there’s a lot of potential there.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn added: “I am delighted to welcome Hopey to the team and I look forward to and exciting future together. Hopey was an outstanding amateur and although he is still very young, his boxing IQ is well beyond his years. I have watched him working with Dave Coldwell and I strongly believe with the development and experience he will go all the way to the very top.”

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