Tickets are on sale now for “Hardcore Boxing in Dubai,” featuring the potential fight of the year, a free-swinging heavyweight battle between undefeated New Yorker, Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller and dangerous former WBA (Regular) Heavyweight Champion Lucas “Big Daddy” Browne of Australia on Saturday, March 18, at Agenda Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

WBA #10 Miller (25-0-1, 21 KOs) and WBA #9 Browne (31-3, 27 KOs) will meet in the 10-round main event of a stacked night of world-class boxing presented by top-level international promoter Anatoly Sulyanov of Hardcore Boxing.

ATTENTION FANS IN DUBAI: Tickets to attend “Hardcore Boxing in Dubai” live can be purchased with cash, Unionpay and Mir cards at the Platinumlist office from 11:00 to 18:00 (Weekdays) at Office 413, 4th floor, Building 4, The Greens, Emaar Business Park, Dubai or online by clicking HERE.

In the night’s 10-round super featherweight co-feature, Dublin Ireland’s WBA #5- and IBF #11-rated former world title challenger Jono “King Kong” Carroll (23-2-1, 7 KOs) will face three-time world title challenger Miguel “The Scorpion” Marriaga (30-6, 26 KOs). Also highlighting the exciting action will be a 10-round heavyweight battle between fast-tracking former amateur star and Hardcore Boxing heavyweight champ Soslan “Cobra” Asbarov (3-0, 1 KO) of Chapaevo and once-beaten ex-champion WBO Global Champion Brandon “Bulletproof” Glanton (17-1, 14 KOs)

23-year-old Hardcore Fighting Championship MMA king Samat Abdyrakhmanov (1-0), originally of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, will have his second professional boxing match, a six-round middleweight battle against 28-year-old Nicolas David “Mazazo” Veron (10-9-1, 3 KOs) of Jose Leon Suarez, Buenos Aires, Argentina; and in an eight-round cruiserweight war, 31-year-old Kureysh Sagov (8-2, 4 KOs) of Cheremkhovo will take on Las Vegas via Kok-Janggak, Kyrgyzstan’s 30-year-old Ali Baloyev (12-1, 8 KOs).

Several more matches are scheduled between local and international prospects and their worthy opponents. On fight night, there is no smoking, parking is available and no cameras are permitted in the arena.

Former world title challenger Jono Carroll stopped Patrick Ayi Aryee in round four of a scheduled 10-round super featherweight bout.

In round four, Carroll trapped Aryee in the corner and unloaded about 35 unanswered blows that forced a (late) referee stoppage at 2:07.

Carroll, 131.4 of Ireland is 22-7 with seven knockouts. Aryee, 131.4 lbs of Accra, GHA is 21-1-1.

Foster Decisions Yaqubov

O’Shaquie Foster won a 12-round unanimous decision over Muhammadkhuja Yaqubov in a super featherweight contest.

Foster, 129.8 lbs of Houston, TX won by scores of 118-109 and 117-110 twice and is now 19-2. Yaqubov, 129.6 lbs is 18-1.

Masoud stops Boyeux after 2

Shabaz Masoud stopped Yoann Boyeux after round two of their scheduled 10-round super bantamweight bout.

Masoud hurt Boyeux several times in the six-minutes of action and the fight was stopped after the 2nd frame.

Masoud, 121.7 lbs of England is 10-0 with three knockouts. Boyeux, 121.7 of France is 43-7.

DUBAI – FEBRUARY 4, 2022 – Jono Carroll will face Serif Gurdijeljac in the co-main event on the opening night of Probellum Evolution in Dubai next month.   Probellum’s first shows of 2022 take place at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium over consecutive nights, on March 18 and 19, featuring world title fights and some of the most talented boxers from across the globe.   The first night will be headlined by French fighter Estelle Mossely’s IBO world lightweight title match against Argentina’s Yanina del Carmen Lescano, and Carroll’s opponent for the supporting bout has now been confirmed, with the Irishman (21-2-1, 6 knockouts) set to face Serbian Gurdijeljac (21-6, 8 knockouts).    Carroll goes into the bout off the back of three consecutive victories, the most recent of which came at Probellum’s inaugural show at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena last December, when he produced an impressive performance to beat Brazilian Aelio Mesquita courtesy of a knockout. Gurdijeljac, who turned professional in 2013, is a former IBF international champion and will be looking to get back to winning ways after suffering defeat in his last bout, against Frenchman Samir Ziani.    “Jono Carroll versus Serif Gurdijeljac is an intriguing contest and one which will excite fight fans watching Probellum Evolution,” said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum.    “Jono has proven his quality on numerous occasions and will have his sights set on a world title shot in the future, while as a former champion, Serif has the expertise and experience to make it a great fight.    “The Dubai event will be a brilliant occasion and this is a fitting match up for the co-main event of our opening night.”    The second night at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium on March 19, will feature British fighter Sunny Edwards defending his IBF flyweight title against Pakistan’s Muhammad Waseem.    In the lead-up to the event there will be a week-long programme of entertainment including public workouts, press conferences and weigh-ins, along with a series of activations, while The Irish Village will be introducing special offers for those fans who purchase tickets for Fight Night.    Ticket prices start from 50 AED and are available now via Platinum List or in-person at The Irish Village, Al Garhoud and Studio City.  For live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

About Probellum Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promotion and media company, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport.   Probellum’s elite stable includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Lee McGregor, Donnie Nietes, Troy Williamson, Dina Thorslund, Muhammad Waseem, O’Shaquie Foster, Will Cawley, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack.   Since launching, Probellum has signed co-promotional partnerships with some of the biggest promoters globally, including Wasserman (Germany), Universum (Germany), GYM (Canada), Maravilla Box (Spain), Team Ellis (Australia), Titov Boxing Promotions (Russia), Volcano Boxing (El Salvador), BXSTRS Promotions (Mexico), PR Best (Puerto Rico) Glozier Boxing (New Zealand), Box Office Sports (Ghana) and LNK Boxing (Latvia).   Probellum hosted its inaugural event at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena in December 2021.

Sunny Edwards won a 12-round unanimous decision over Jayson Mama to retain the IBF Flyweight Title at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.

In round two, Edwards was cut on his forehead from an accidental headbutt.

Edwards registered a knockdown in round 10.

Edwards, 111 lbs of London, ENG won by scores of 118-109 twice and 117-110 and is now 17-0. Mama, 111 1/2 lbs of General Santos City, PHL is 16-1.

Nietes and Jimenez Battle to Draw

Former multi-division world champion Donnie Nietes and Norberto Jimenez battled to a 10-round draw in a super flyweight fight.

Each fighter won a card by a 96-94 score and a third card was 95-95.

Nietes, 115 lbs of the Philippines is 43-1-6. Jimenez of the Dominican Republic is 30-9-5/

Jalolov Destroys Calimeno in 46 Seconds

2021 Olympic Gold Medal winner Bakhodir Jalolov needed just 46 seconds to take out Julio Cesar Calimeno in an eight-round heavyweight bout.

Jalolov landed the first and only punch of the fight, a straight left that put Calimeno down for the 10-count.

Jalolov, 249 lbs of Uzbekistan is 9-0 with nine knockouts. Calimeno, 201 lbs of Colombia is 4-2.

de Bruijn Decisions Valtierra

Anthony de Bruijn won a six-round majority decision over Diego Valtierra in a super featherweight bout.

de Bruijn of the Netherlands won by scores of 59-55, 58-56 and 57-57 and is now 11-0-1. Valtierra of Spain is 6-5.

Carroll Stops Mesquita in 2

Former world title challenger Jono Carroll stopped Aeilo Mesquita in round two of a scheduled eight-round lightweight bout.

In round two, Carroll dropped Mesquita with a left hand. Moments later, a right hook sent Mesquita to a knee. Carroll sent Mesquita down for a 3rd and final time with a hard left to the head, and the fight was over at 2:27.

Carroll, 132.3 lbs of Dublin, IRE is 21-2-1 with six knockouts. Mesquita, 132.6 lbs of Brazil is 20-6-1.

HOLLYWOOD, FLA–The main event of Triller Verzuz lll did not last long. Former UFC Champion Vitor Belfort knocked down Evander Holyfield twice in the first round, then pounced on the former heavyweight champion until referee Sam Burgos called the fight off at 1:49 of round one. The fight headlines at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

Silva Knocks Out Ortiz in 1!

In a battle of MMA Legends, Anderson Silva stopped Tito Ortiz in the opening round of their eight-round cruiserweight bout.

Ortiz quickly backed Silva into the ropes, knocking Silva from one side of the ring to the other, landing combination after combination until, in true “Spider” style, Silva landed a short right hand that dropped Ortiz at 1:21  of round one and that was the end of the fight.

Carroll Takes Majority Decision over Vences

The second bout of Triller Verzuz lll featured Junior Lightweights Andy “El Tiburon” Vences vs. Jono “King Kong” Carroll. Both men are ranked top ten by the WBA, and both men fought with determination.

After a competitive but even six rounds, the action picked up in round seven after Vences landed a three punch combo to the body of Carroll

Carroll came out strong in round eight, and continued to press the action, but Vences landed some hard shots of his own, and opened a cut on Carroll that caught the attention of the ring doctor between rounds.

Carroll felt the pressure, and came out stronger than ever in round nine which was the most action-packed round of the fight.

The final stanza was fierce and action packed, with both men landing combinations, but the advantage was Carroll’s who took the majority decision with scores 95-95, 97-93, 97-93.

David Haye Decisions Fournier

Former heavyweight and cruiserweight champion David Haye took a eight-round unanimous decision over Joe Fournier in a heavyweight that featured two minute rounds.

In round one Fournier came out strong,  while Haye paced himself. Haye established his jab midway through the round and dropped Fournier with a crisp punch.

Haye led round two with a left hook, and frustrated Fournier throughout the round, but wasn’t putting much power behind his punches.

Fournier came out in round three with aggression, but Haye’s defense prevented any damage.

Rounds four through seven featured more chasing by Fournier, and evading by Haye, who did slip in the occasional jab to let Fournier know he was still there. 

Haye showcased his superior head movement in round eight and managed to evade all of Fournier’s punches.

Final scores: 79-72, 80-71, 79-72 for David “The Haymaker” Haye.

Los Angeles, CA (August 11, 2021) TRILLER has announced three outstanding undercard fights for LEGENDS II set for Saturday, September 11 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA and available for viewing globally on Pay-Per-View. The event is headlined by the return to the squared circle of Boxing Legend, ‘THE GOLDEN BOY’, OSCAR DE LA HOYA battling former UFC Superstar VITOR ‘THE PHENOM’ BELFORT. Just added to LEGENDS II, Former Heavyweight and Cruiserweight World Champion DAVID ‘THE HAYEMAKER’ HAYE will face off against JOE FOURNIER in a scheduled eight-round heavyweight battle.

The first segment of the first ever two-continent, two main event Triller Fight Club Pay-Per-View, geared towards fans in the UK and Europe will start at 3:00 p.m. PT / 11:00 p.m. BST (London Time) with a music concert in addition to featured undercard bouts followed by the HAYE vs. FOURNIER eight-round heavyweight battle and will be priced at £19.99.

Following the Haye vs. Fournier fight, a FREE Pre-View will commence with the main Pay-Per-View priced at $49.99 starting at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT. The $49.99 price includes both segments of the Pay-Per-View.

Triller has sold over 2,500,000 Pay-Per-Views to date and expects to exceed 4,000,000 Pay-Per-Views buys for the year making it the largest league; eclipsing even the UFC who’s deal with ESPN provides $350,000,000 a year for 2.500,000 Pay-Per-Views buys, which Triller has already exceeded this year.

Tickets starting at $75 will On-Sale this Friday, August 13 at 12:00 p.m. PT and may be purchased through AXS.com or at this Ticket Link. Doors will open on the day of the event at 3:00 p.m. with the first bell at 3:15 p.m. local time. The STAPLES Center is located at 1111 S. Figueroa St. in Los Angeles, CA 90015. Very-limited VIP packages as well as Super-Exclusive behind the scenes packages will be available too.

“We will keep shaking shit up until it’s perfect. And given that achieving a perfect show is virtually impossible we will always just be shaking shit up,” said RYAN KAVANAUGH, Co-Founder of Triller.

The evening’s visionary and producer NIGEL LYTHGOE; creator of American idol and “So You Think You Can Dance” has imagined and created the Mexican Independence Day Celebration for LEGENDS II. The event will be hosted by SNOOP DOGG who continues to provide strategic counsel to Triller Fight Club, assisting in the selection of fighters and musical acts for the show-stopping events. He secured his spot as a fan favorite with his entertaining commentary during Triller’s first sporting event, MIKE TYSON vs. ROY JONES JR.

“This isn’t just a boxing match and this isn’t just a concert, it’s a night not to be missed,” said Lythgoe.

Triller’s last show shook up New York City when thousands of people “stormed the gates” at Madison Square Garden trying to get into an already sold out and more than packed house.

Fighting out of London, David ‘The Hayemaker’ Haye is a former unified Cruiserweight World Champion and WBA Heavyweight Champion. With a professional career spanning an acclaimed 16 years he is one of Britain’s most celebrated and successful champions in the modern era.

David Haye and Evander Holyfield are the only boxers in history to have unified the cruiserweight world titles and become Heavyweight World Champions. His illustrious career finished with a record of 28-4-0, 26 of these victories by devastating knockout!

To capture the WBA World Heavyweight Title, ‘The Hayemaker’ closed a record-breaking gap when he defeated Nikolai Valuev who was a colossal 11 inches taller  and 100 lbs. heavier.

 “This is not a comeback, this is about teaching Joe Fournier there are levels to the boxing game,” said David Haye. “One must stay in their lane or risk getting flattened.”

“There are certain things in life you can’t buy, Joe ‘The Billionaire’ Fournier needs to learn that. I was the heavyweight Champion of the World just 10 years ago, I’m only 40. Joe is delusional, Champions are born not bought.”

Joe Fournier has amassed an undefeated record with all of his nine fights ending in spectacular knockout fashion. The billionaire entrepreneur was most recently victorious on April 17, 2021, stopping Andres Londono in the second round at the Triller Fight Club event headlined by Jake Paul vs. Ben Askren at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

“I will shock the world and knockout David Haye,” proclaimed Joe Fournier. “Unquestionably, one of the hardest challenges of my life, but this is the perfect fight at the perfect time for me. Haye is riddled with injuries, ten years past his prime. I was a late starter to this pro boxing game, now I’m coming into my fighting prime. I’m healthy, motivated and ready to prove a point to Haye, that on September 11 I will be victorious.”

Co-featured, UFC Legends, ANDERSON ‘THE SPIDER’ SILVA from Sao Paolo, Brazil and ‘THE HUNTNGTON BEACH BAD BOY’ TITO ORTIZ will clash in an eight-round cruiserweight boxing match for combat sports supremacy.

Silva is a Former UFC Middleweight Champion who holds the record for the longest title reign in the company’s history from 2006 to 2013 (2,457 days). On June 19, 2021, Silva made his professional boxing debut defeating Former Middleweight World Champion and Son of the Legend, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

Stated Anderson Silva, “I am very excited to have the opportunity along with my team to get in the ring against Tito Ortiz on September 11th with Triller Fight Club who are really shaking things up in the combat sports world”. Silva is represented by ICM Partners who negotiated this deal.

Among the most popular MMA fighters in history and one of its biggest Pay-Per-View stars, Tito Ortiz held the UFC’s Light Heavyweight Title for over three years. Settling a long feud with Chuck Liddell on November 24, 2018, Ortiz stopped the fellow MMA legend with a first-round knockout in Los Angeles, CA.

“I am excited to be taking on a new challenge and compete against another great fighter in Anderson Silva,” said Tito Ortiz. “As a patriot, fighting on September 11 means a lot to me, so I am grateful to both Triller and Campbell McLaren from Combate Global for giving me this opportunity.”

Additionally, in a highly anticipated 10-rounder, ANDY ‘El TIBURON’ VENCES, (23-2-1, 12 KOs), of San Jose, CA will challenge Ireland’s JONO ‘KING KONG’ CARROLL, (19-2-1, 5 KOs), for the vacant WBC International Silver Super-Featherweight Title.

Vences vs. Carroll was previously scheduled for June 19 in Miami, FL. In addition to continuing their training, both combatants have used the time to engage in a war of words through the media. Fighting for the first time in 2021, the popular, all-action Vences will look to bounce back into the win column following a hard-fought split decision loss to Luis Alberto Vargas on July 7, 2020 in Las Vegas. The always ready-to-rumble road warrior Carroll hits the ring following a fourth-round knockout of Romic Airapetean on March 27, 2021 in Malaga, Spain.

Said Andy Vences, “Fighting September 11th at STAPLES Center on the Triller Fight Club undercard is a huge step forward in my career. Jono Carroll is experienced and comes to fight. Mentally I know what needs to be done and the crowd is in for a show from start to finish. We’ve already had multiple altercations leading up to this fight and there is nothing more for me to do but show him in the ring I’m a stronger, smarter, more disciplined and focused fighter. Come September 11th I will be victorious We are 100% focused on Carroll and what needs to be done!”

“I’ve been training my whole career for these types of fights,“ said Jono Carroll. “I feel like I need to make a huge name for myself in the United States and that’s where I want to win my world title but this is where it all starts. Andy Vences just won’t be able to handle what I’m about to give him, his time is up. The King stays the King!”

LEGENDS II will be broadcast globally on FITE, iNDemand and through all leading Cable, Satellite and Telco Providers in the U.S. and Canada. The suggested PPV retail price is $49.99.

**HOW TO WATCH THE SEPTEMBER 11, 2021, TRILLER PPV EVENT**

TV: Cable, satellite & telco PPV providers, including Xfinity, Spectrum, Contour, Fios, and Optimum (U.S.), among others, as well as leading operators.

Worldwide Streaming: FITE.TV and all FITE mobile, Smart TV, IPTV, game controller and OTT apps as well as the event microsite hub: TrillerFightClub

LEGENDS II is the second event Triller Fight Club has promoted at STAPLES Center, the first being Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr. on November 28, 2020. The fight was boxing’s biggest pay-per-view event of the year garnering over 1.6 million buys.

FITE, the world’s premier streaming PPV platform for sports and entertainment recently acquired by TrillerNet, will handle worldwide live pay-per-view streaming distribution online for the September 11 event, and via FITE mobile and Smart TV apps, game controllers and all major OTT devices as well as power TrillerFightClub.com.

iNDemand, the leading transactional video-on-demand and PPV programming provider in North America, will serve as the exclusive U.S. and Canadian cable, satellite, and telco PPV provider for the De La Hoya vs. Belfort fight. Fans will be able to order the event on PPV through their existing cable, satellite, and telco PPV providers across the U.S. and Canada.

About TrillerNet:

FITE and Triller Fight Club are owned by TrillerNet, a first-of-its-kind company consolidating technology and content platforms to lead the move to Internet 3.0. TrillerNet pairs the culture of music with sports, fashion, entertainment and influencers through a 360-degree view of content and technology. TrillerNet—which owns the globally popular Triller app used by musicians, celebrities, athletes, and overall culture setters—has more than 300 million users worldwide. The Triller app—unlike other popular short-video apps it is often compared to, encourages its users to post the content created on the app across other social media platforms and websites. The app uses proprietary AI and Machine Learning technology which is uniquely tied to the content rather than the user. By tracking the content, Triller empowers its tastemakers and users to push their content virally to affiliated and non-affiliated sites and networks reaching hundreds of millions of additional users. Data and insights gleaned from the Triller network, its creators, artists and users (from the app and off network) are used to program longer-form content, connect users across the web with the content, and provide unprecedented opportunities for engagement and monetization. TrillerNet has developed highly successful campaigns that begin with the app and continue throughout the entire content and technology ecosystem with some of the biggest brands in the world, including Pepsi, McDonalds, Weedmaps, DraftKings, L’Oreal, and many others. TrillerNet offers brands a unique content and technology solution, including direct deals with the influencers and celebrities. This branded content journey starts with short-form video and can easily expand into valuable long-form content distributed through the Triller Network, such as live-event boxing and music PPVs, fashion shows, and episodic reality content on TrillerTV. Some of the more than 65 original half-hour TrillerTV shows include The D’Amelios Family’s “Ask a DAM Question,” Jennifer Lopez In The Morning, Jake Paul: Staying On Top, 2 Chainz Let’s Do It, DJ Khaled’s Spreading Love, Hype House’s Thomas Petrou’s Coffee Talks, Josh Richards’ Josh Pong, Ur Lov’d: the Noah Beck Show, Fat Joe’s Masterclass, The Perez Hilton Show, and Violet Benson’s Too Tired To Be Crazy, among others. TrillerNet additionally owns Verzuz, the massive live-stream music platform launched by Swizz Beatz and Timbaland, and Triller Fight Club (www.TrillerFightClub.com), which launched last year with the highly successful Tyson-Jones Fight which shattered digital PPV records. Other holdings include leading AI-powered customer engagement platform Amplify.ai, and FITE, the premier live event and PPV, AVOD, SVOD streaming platform.

This marks the third time that FITE, iNDemand and Triller will have partnered to bring value-packed, world-class PPV events to boxing, music, and entertainment fans. iNDemand also served as the cable, satellite, and telco PPV distributor for Triller Fight Club’s November 2020 Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr. event (which landed as the 8th best PPV event of all time), as well as the April 17, 2021 Jake Paul vs. Ben Askren event. FITE handled global digital sales for both events and powered the TysononTriller and TrillerFightClub sites.

Fans outside North America can check the FITE.TV for international pricing.

About FITE:

FITE is the premier global platform for live sports and entertainment offering the industry’s marquee PPV events and SVOD packages with over 5MM registered users. FITE is available worldwide through its iOS and Android mobile apps, Apple TV, Android TV, ROKU, Amazon Fire TV and Huawei apps. In addition, FITE supports Samsung, LG, Cox Contour, Vizio SmartCast™?, Foxxum, Chromecast, PS4, XBOX, ZEASN, Netrange, Vidaa/Hisense, VEWD, Netgem TV, Virgin Media, Comcast’s Xfinity 1 and Xfinity Flex as well as 7,000 models of Smart TVs. Available online at www.FITE.tv. Follow FITE on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

It’s ON.

About iNDemand:

iNDemand is an innovative partnership between three of the leading cable companies in the U.S.—Charter Communications, Comcast Cable, and Cox Communications. iNDemand is a company of trusted content aggregators and licensing experts, with unparalleled technical expertise and long-standing relationships with MVPDs, major sports leagues, Hollywood studios, and other entertainment and sports companies across North America. iNDemand delivers great content to more than 80 million homes and has distribution deals with more than 150 companies. For more information, go to indemand.com.

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Maxi Hughes won a 10-round unanimous decision over Former world title challenger Jono Carroll in a lightweight bout in Yorkshire, England.

Hughes, 136 1/4 lbs won by scores of 96-95 twice and 97-93 to go to is 21-5-2.Carroll, 137 3/4 lbs is now 18-2-1

Sean McComb won a 10-round unanimous decision over Siar Ozgul in a super lightweight bout.

In round six, McComb started to bleed from the nose and over his right eye.

McComb, 139 1/4 lbs of Belfast won by scores of 99-92 and 97-93 twice and is now 11-0. Ozgul, 140 1/4 lbs is 15-5.

Shair Iqbel won a eight-round unanimous decision over Maredudd Thomas in a welterweight bout.

Iqbel, 147 lbs of Bolton won by scores of 78-75, 78-76 and 78-74 and is now 8-0. Thomas 146 3/4 lbs is 11-1.

Pierce O’Leary stopped Jacob Quinn in round four of their scheduled six-round junior welterweight bout.

O’Leary ended things with a hard left hook that sent Quinn to his knees. The bout was stopped upon Quinn getting to his feet at 24 seconds.

O’Leary, 142 1/4 lbs of Dublin, IRE is 5-0 with two knockouts. Quinn, 141 3/4 lbs is 4-1.

Craig McIntyre stopped Ishmael Ellis in round five of their scheduled eight-round super lightweight bout

In round four, Mcintyre dropped Ellis with a body shot.

In round five, Mcintyre continued to land hard right hands, and the fight was stopped at 2:49.

Mcintyre, 143 1/2 lbs is 12-0-1 with five knockouts. Ellis, 141 3/4 lbs is 11-3.

(August 10, 2020) – Midweek boxing comes to ESPN+ this Wednesday with the return of former world title challenger Jono Carroll, who will face off against veteran Maxi Hughes in the 10-round lightweight main event.
 
The closed-door #MTKFightNight event will take place at Production Park Studios in Wakefield, England, and will stream live beginning at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT.
 
Carroll (18-1-1, 4 KOs), from Dublin, lost a unanimous decision to Tevin Farmer for the IBF junior lightweight world title in March 2019, but he’s since won two consecutive bouts. The southpaw pressure fighter kicked off his 2020 campaign in March with a knockout over former world champion Scott Quigg in Manchester, England. The result sent Quigg into retirement and re-inserted Carroll into the world title picture. Hughes (20-5-2, 4 KOs) is a two-time British title challenger who is best known to UK fight fans for his action-packed trilogy against Martin Joseph Ward. He is 3-2 in his last five bouts, including a decision loss to former world title challenger Liam Walsh last November.

In other action on the ESPN+ stream:

• “Sugar” Sean McComb (10-0, 5 KOs), aka “The Public Nuisance,” will fight former  Southern Area champion Siar Ozgul (15-4, 3 KOs) in a 10-round junior welterweight bout. McComb announced he will campaign at lightweight following the Ozgul fight.
   
• In an eight-round battle featuring a pair of unbeaten welterweights, former British amateur sensation Sahir Iqbal (7-0, 1 KO) will take on Welsh prospect Maredudd Thomas (11-0, 2 KOs).
   
• Dublin-born prospect Pierce “Big Bang” O’Leary (4-0, 1 KO) will face off against Jacob Quinn (4-0) in a scheduled six-rounder contracted for 143 pounds.
   
• Craig MacIntyre (11-0-1, 4 KOs) will fight Ishmael Ellis (11-2) in an eight-round welterweight tilt.

16:30 DOORS AND FIRST BELL

LIVE ON BEFORE THE BELL

4 x 3 mins Super-Flyweight contest
BLANE HYLAND 8st 3lbs 4oz v JOEL SANCHEZ 8st 4lbs 4oz
(Liverpool)                                   (Nicaragua)

4 x 3 mins Super Middleweight 
BRADLEY REA 11st 7lbs v PAVOL GARAJ 11st 9bs
(Stretford)                             (Slovakia)

4 x 3 mins Super-Bantamweight contest 
IBRAHIM NADIM 9st 10oz v STEFAN NICOLAE 8st 12lbs 6oz
(Keighley)                               (Romania)

4 x 3 mins Lightweight contest
AQIB FIAZ 9st 9lbs 12oz v DEAN JONES 9st 10lbs 7oz                             
(Oldham)                              (Telford)

17:50 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS FACEBOOK

6 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest
DALTON SMITH 10st 1lb 12oz v BENSON NYILAWILA 10st 1lb 1oz
(Sheffield)                                     (Tanzania)
 
8 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest 
ROBBIE DAVIES JR 10st 3lbs 8oz v DAMIAN LEONARDO YAPUR 10st 3lbs            
(Liverpool)                                           (Argentina)

19:00 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS 

8 x 3 mins Middleweight contest
JACK CULLEN 11st 7lbs 12oz v TOMAS ANDRES REYNOSO 11st 8lbs       
(Little Leaver)                               (Argentina)     

10 x 3 mins Super-Welterweight contest 
ANTHONY FOWLER 11st 2lbs 4oz v THEOPHILUS TETTEH 11st 1lb 4oz
(Liverpool)                                            (Ghana)

12 x 3 mins WBO International Super-Middleweight Title
ZACH PARKER 11st 13lbs 2oz v ROHAN MURDOCK 11st 13lbs 8oz
(Derby)                                          (Australia)       

10 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest
HUGHIE FURY 17st 7oz v PAVEL SOUR 17st 5lbs 4oz
(Manchester)                      (Czech Republic) 

12 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight contest 
SCOTT QUIGG 9st 3lbs 6oz v JONO CARROLL 9st 4lbs
(Bury)                                         (Dublin)

FLOAT

6 x 3 mins Welterweight contest 
RESHAT MATI 10st 6lbs 9oz v ABDALLAH LUANJA 10st 7lbs 7oz
(New York, USA)                       (Tanzania)

Jono Carroll has predicted an eighth round stoppage win against Scott Quigg when the rivals collide in a crunch Super-Featherweight clash at Manchester Arena on Saturday March 7, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Carroll (17-1-1, 3 KOs) warned former WBA Super-Bantamweight World Champion Quigg of his ability to “break people down” and “break people’s hearts” and the Dublin man believes a win this weekend will put him back in line for a World Title shot later this year.

“Scott thinks I have feather fists? We’ll see,” said Carroll. “These feather fists will do a lot of damage. He’s a strong opponent and Oscar Valdez, who can bang, couldn’t get him out of there. I don’t hit that hard but I can break people down, I can break people’s hearts.

“Quigg is a massive name and a former champion but he has to pass that torch to me now. It’s my turn. He’s had his day. He’s a good, seasoned pro fighter and I can’t overlook that. I’m prepared for the world champion, the best him, but I feel like it’s my time now.

“I’ve been training my brain, training different attributes to normal. Quigg is such a big name that it’s not hard to get up at 6am for a jog or to push yourself to exhaustion. It’s my time. Pass me that torch, Scott! For some reason I’m thinking round eight.”

Quigg vs. Carroll tops a big night of action in Manchester, the No.1 and No.2 WBO Super-Middleweight contenders Zach Parker (18-0, 12 KOs) and Rohan Murdock (24-1, 7 KOs) collide, Anthony Fowler (11-1, 8 KOs) fights for the first time under Shane McGuigan, Manchester Heavyweight contender Hughie Fury (23-3, 13 KOs meets Pavel Sour (11-2, 6 KOs), Liverpool Super-Lightweight contender Robbie Davies Jr (19-2, 13 KOs) fights for the first time under new trainer Dominic Ingle, Bolton’s Jack Cullen (17-2, 8 KOs) returns after his FOTY contender with Felix Cash, Sheffield Super-Lightweight ace Dalton Smith (4-0, 3 KOs) keeps busy, ‘The Albanian Bear’ Reshat Mati (6-0, 4 KO’s) makes his UK debut in a Welterweight contest, Ricky Hatton-trained Super-Featherweight Ibrahim Nadim (1-0) looks to impress and there’s action for Oldham Lightweight Aqib Fiaz (4-0), Liverpool Super-Flyweight Blane Hyland (2-0) and Stretford Middleweight Bradley Rea (8-0, 3 KOs).
Tickets priced £40, £60, £100 and £200 (VIP) are available to purchase via Manchester Arena (www.manchester-arena.com), StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com).

Scott Quigg hopes that a win over Jono Carroll at Manchester Arena on Saturday March 7, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US, will fire his name into the World Title mix as he looks to begin his 2020 campaign in style.  CLICK HERE TO WATCH SCOTT QUIGG’S EPISODE OF ‘BORN FIGHTER’ ON MATCHROOM BOXING’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Former WBA Super-Bantamweight ruler Quigg (35-2-2, 26 KOs) returns to Manchester to pursue his dream of becoming a two-weight World Champion. He made five defences of the WBA crown before losing out to Carl Frampton in a Unification battle at Manchester Arena in 2016.

The Bury man was outpointed by Oscar Valdez in an attempt for the Mexican’s WBO Featherweight World Title at the StubHub Center in Carson in March 2018 but now has his sights set on a World Championship at Super-Featherweight after teaming up with Joe Gallagher again. 

“I respect any fighter that gets through the ropes. It only takes one punch to change a fight. He’s the slightly bigger man. I’m strong enough, I hit hard enough, I’m tough enough, and the main thing is I’m more than smart enough to deal with the bigger guys.

“I proved that day in day out at the Wildcard. People like Jono come through the Wildcard door every day and I’ve sparred and dealt with many people like him. I’m not taking it lightly, but I know what I need to do. I’ve put the right preparation in and I’m more than ready.

“The amount of nonsense he talks, because he talks that much, he starts to believe it. If he didn’t believe it he’d start going into himself, he’d start having the doubts. He hopes I’m scared. Unfortunately for him, I’m not scared of him.

“When I beat him, this will put me back where I want to be, at the forefront of getting a World Title shot. The big thing I’m happy about is being back at home, showing the public I’m back. I’d love rematches with the two people that beat me, Frampton and Valdez, I’d love to get rematches with them. All of my focus at this moment is on Carroll. Once I’ve dealt with him, that’s when I’ll think about what’s next.”

 Quigg vs. Carroll tops a big night of action in Manchester, the No.1 and No.2 WBO Super-Middleweight contenders Zach Parker (18-0, 12 KOs) and Rohan Murdock (24-1, 7 KOs) collide, Anthony Fowler (11-1, 8 KOs) defends his WBA International Super-Welterweight Title against Bolton’s Jack Flatley (16-1-1, 4 KOs) Manchester Heavyweight contender Hughie Fury (23-3, 13 KOs meets Pavel Sour (11-2, 6 KOs), Liverpool Super-Lightweight contender Robbie Davies Jr (19-2, 13 KOs) fights for the first time under new trainer Dominic Ingle, Bolton’s Jack Cullen (17-2, 8 KOs) returns after his FOTY contender with Felix Cash, Sheffield Super-Lightweight ace Dalton Smith (4-0, 3 KOs) keeps busy, ‘The Albanian Bear’ Reshat Mati (6-0, 4 KO’s) makes his UK debut in a Welterweight contest, Ricky Hatton-trained Super-Featherweight Ibrahim Nadim (1-0) looks to impress and there’s action for Oldham Lightweight Aqib Fiaz (4-0) and Liverpool Super-Flyweight Blane Hyland (2-0).

Tickets priced £40, £60, £100 and £200 (VIP) are available to purchase via Manchester Arena (www.manchester-arena.com), StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com).  

Rising Welterweight starlet Reshat Mati will make his UK debut on the undercard of Scott Quigg vs. Jono Carroll at Manchester Arena on Saturday March 7, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

New York’s Mati (6-0, 4 KO’s) has shot to six wins without loss since turning over to the pro ranks in October 2018.

‘The Albanian Bear’ made the perfect start to life in the paid code, disposing of Adan Ahumada inside three rounds in Chicago, before decisioning Juan Sepulveda at Madison Square Garden three weeks later.

The 21-year-old’s winning form continued into 2019, securing a first round KO in his home city before a shoulder injury ruled him out until October. Mati showed no sign of ring rust on his return in the Windy City, notching a shutout points win and banking valuable rounds.

Two knockout victories rounded off his first full year as a professional and now he will be eager to impress the British faithful and set the standard for an exciting 2020.

Mati follows in the footsteps of Austin Williams, Nikita Ababiy, Raymond Ford and Otha Jones III in stepping foot into a British ring with more exciting US talent to look forward to on these shores in 2020.

“I am so happy to be making my debut in the UK,” said Mati. “The atmosphere that the fans create looks special and I can’t wait to experience this first hand. Hopefully after March 7 I will return to the US with some new fans!”

“I am so happy for Reshat to be making his UK debut, he has shone already on lots of big shows in America and this is another step for his development,” said Eddie Hearn. “I am sure that the UK and Albanian fans will get behind him on March 7 and they won’t be disappointed with what they see.”

Tickets priced £40, £60, £100 and £200 (VIP) are available to purchase now via Manchester Arena (www.manchester-arena.com), StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com).

Mati makes his UK debut on a huge night of action in Manchester.

Main event sees Scott Quigg (35-2-2, 26 KOs) take on Jono Carroll (17-1-1, 3 KOs) in an explosive Super-Featherweight matchup, Manchester Heavyweight contender Hughie Fury (23-3, 13 KOs) returns as he looks to fight his way back into title action in 2020, Liverpool Super-Welterweight talent Anthony Fowler (11-1, 8 KOs) continues his hunt for a rematch with Scott Fitzgerald, Sheffield Super-Lightweight starlet Dalton Smith (4-0, 3 KOs) looks to go 5-0, Bolton’s Jack Cullen (17-2, 8 KOs) returns after his FOTY contender with Felix Cash, Ricky Hatton-trained Super-Featherweight Ibrahim Nadim (1-0) looks to impress and there’s action for Oldham Lightweight Aqib Fiaz (4-0) and Liverpool Super-Flyweight Blane Hyland (2-0), with more fights to be announced soon.

Eddie Hearn:

“Good afternoon everyone. Welcome. I think this is the first one of 2020. 2019 seems to have passed us by and a great great year of boxing in Britain, in America, of course finishing with that wonderful event in Saudi Arabia where Anthony Joshua reclaimed the unified World Heavyweight Championship, one in Dallas for Jacobs vs. Chavez Jr. Next week we kick everything off, live on Sky Sports and live on DAZN, in Miami with a huge card, Super Bowl week in Miami with Demetrius Andrade vs. Luke Keeler, Tevin Farmer against Jo Jo Diaz, Daniel Roman against Murodjon Akhmadaliev, Jake Paul against AnEsonGib – Adam’s particular favourite – we can’t wait to be in Miami next week ahead of the start for the UK. 

“Kell Brook returns to the ring on February 8th at Sheffield Arena against Mark DeLuca, but Manchester, we’re back here on March 7th with a great great great fight. So many great memories in this very room here, I see Anthony Crolla up the back, and of course I remember the great build-up to the fight between Scott Quigg and Carl Frampton at Manchester Arena – so many great press conferences in this room here – that was a feisty feisty build-up. We’re going to get exactly the same thing in this build-up between two great fighters in very similar positions. Both guys who have been a World Champion in Scott Quigg, a World Title challenger in Jono Carroll – a great fight against Tevin Farmer in Philadelphia. Of course Scott Quigg, former Super-Bantamweight World Champion attempted to unify that in one of the biggest fights that Manchester has seen in the Carl Frampton fight. This is an absolute must-win fight for both guys. 

“I was gutted when we lost this fight in Saudi Arabia, and when we put it to them for March 7 Scott accepted and of course Jono jumped at it straight away. This is a must-win for both guys, high stakes. There’s a big card coming for March 7, some of those guys are here today and some of them are in camp already abroad. We have the return of Hughie Fury, good to see him back, disappointed in Monte-Carlo when he fell ill during fight week, but he’s returning to the venue where he fought for the Heavyweight World Title against Joseph Parker. Scott Fitzgerald will be on the card as well, and also, late last night we awaited final confirmation that Zach Parker will be on this card fighting in an eliminator for the No.1 spot for the Super-Middleweight World Title, a very important fight to become mandatory challenger to Billy Joe Saunders, against Rohan Merdoch the Australian on this card as well. Ibrahim Nadim, a great young fighter, with Paul Speak and Ricky Hatton coming through. Jack Cullen returns on this card – what a fight with Felix Cash! It was probably one of my favourite fights of 2019. Dalton Smith as well, one of the top top GB talents coming through who had a wonderful start to his career last year.”

Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing: 

“Thanks Eddie. It’s fantastic to be back in Manchester and I think this is the fight for Manchester. Like you I was gutted that it was called off in Saudi, which was an amazing night for Anthony Joshua and for the whole of British boxing. It gives us such a huge amount to look forward to in 2020, there’s some really fantastic shows coming up, Kell Brook in Sheffield, we’ve got a load of stuff coming from the States, obviously we’ve seen the likes of Dillian Whyte coming back and Derek Chisora, Anthony Joshua brought his titles back. There’s so much to look forward to ahead. Also, the women’s scene is one fire, I was talking to Peter Fury earlier and Savannah Marshall will be going great guns this year, Katie Taylor we’ll see maybe Stateside but it would be great to have her here too, it was fantastic in Manchester last time when she become a two-weight World Champion. 

“There’s some super stuff going on out there and we’re really please to be back, first of all in Manchester, I walked in with Anthony Crolla – he still loves it doesn’t he! He was working with us a little bit towards the end of last year doing a fantastic job on the safe side of the ropes. We loved watching him throughout his career. We followed Scott Quigg throughout his, he’s been a brilliant fighter, he’s always been so down to Earth, so easy to deal with and so wonderful in the ring. He’s had a fantastic career already, becoming a World Champion, Eddie mentioned that huge fight with Carl Frampton. He goes on, his dedication is incredible and I love that in Scott.

“I also love this guy, Jono Carroll, he’s brilliant. This fella has been in some fantastic fights. It was a terrific effort, we were there ringside when he pushed Tevin Farmer the whole way. He’s a colourful character, he’s fantastic. It’s a brilliant fight to make for the Manchester fight crowd – you guys know your stuff up here. The likes of Ricky Hatton, Anthony Farnell, Michael Gomez, Anthony Crolla through the years. Scott Quigg has got some life left in him the old dog, he looks fantastic doesn’t he – he always does. Jono Carroll will be pushing him all the way. It’s a tremendous bill with some terrific fighters on card. Jack Cullen – what a great fight that was with Felix Cash. It’s great to see Hughie Fury back and so many great youngsters coming through. I think it’s going to be a brilliant 2020 and we cannot wait to be here back in Manchester where they love their boxing, and you’re going to love this show. It’s a fantastic top of the bill Eddie.”

Scott Quigg: 

“It’s good to be back in Manchester in an exciting fight. I have been out the ring a long time and it has been frustrating but now I am back with Joe and really looking forward to March 7. 

“This is a fight that really excites me, he is going to come and try and have a go but he will get demolished. 2020 is going to be a very successful year for me. 

“I want to get in the ring and if he wants to have it then great but I think he will be on his bike! We will see if he backs up everything he is saying. 

“I know that I’ve still got it and can still do it. I am improving and on March 7 all the doubters will see that there is still plenty left in the tank. I will take Johno Carroll out, get my arm raised and move on. It’s a simple as that.”Jono Carroll:

“First of all I want to thank Eddie and and Adam for having me on such a big show and I’m finally topping a bill again. 

“After Saudi got cancelled I genuinely thought that Scott bottled it, I had no issues with him but I just remember thinking he better not have bottled that. 

“This is a career shift, I have always wanted to top bills and I remember being at Manchester Arena when Scott fought Kiko Martinez thinking I cannot wait until that is me and now I’m here. 

“I am delighted to be here and if you know me personally you will know this is just business. I was more than happy to go out to Philadelphia and help Tevin Farmer after our fight and I am actually have disappointed that I won’t be there. 

“I will be working my ass off in Spain to go and smash Scott Quigg up. I want to gain as much experience as possible in this game and I welcome failure. I like it when I fail because it means I am pushing myself hard enough. 

“My loss to Farmer woke me up and I want to be the best I can possibly be. Anything that will push me mentally and physically I am up for. It keeps me focused, disciplined and gives me guidance. This is going to be a fantastic fight. I am already fit so this is just about fine-tuning now. I know that I am that world level now. I go to war, I think it is the Irish blood in me.

“One thing I just have to question is why does he feel he has to change trainer? To me that’s weakness in the mind, that’s weakness in the head. You change trainer before such a big fight? I know he’s going back to Joe. Joe is an amazing trainer, but at the same time, that’s weakness, in my own opinion. That might be a bad mistake mate.”Hughie Fury:

“I was absolutely devastated not to be able to box in Monte-Caro after all of that hard work. It wasn’t meant to be, but it has given me that bit longer with the stuff I’ve been working on in the gym. It’s exciting to be back in Manchester where I fought for the World Title, it wasn’t my night, but it’s all about learning and all of these fights put me where I am today, they’ve made me a better fighter, and people are in for a shock the next time around. It’s going to be an exciting year. 

“People are going to see a major turn around. I want all of those fights again. I was basically fighting with one hand and they still couldn’t do no good with me. They’re the fights I want again. It was frustrating for myself to not let that right hand go against Povetkin. I kick myself all the time about it but it’s one of them, it happens and people are going to see a big difference next time.”

Jack Cullen:

“Yeah the Cash fight was a good experience. I’d just like to say thanks for getting me back out on these shows. 2020 is going to be my year. I’m not going to come up with any excuses for Felix Cash, it’s time to get back wining and hopefully we’ll get it again. I’m not looking past anybody, I’m looking forward to my next fight, I’ve just got to keep on going and keep on winning. To be honest I wasn’t myself, I’m not going to come up with any excuses, I wasn’t myself, if it happens again I will be wining that fight. Hopefully before the end of the year we’ll get it again.”

Dalton Smith:

“I enjoyed last year stepping into the professional ranks. I had four fights, settled in well, but the new year is here now and it’s time to step up the rounds and the opposition. I just want to stay active this year, stepping up the rounds and we’ll see how the year pans out. If it were up to me I’d jump into those big fights now but you’ve got to be realistic, it’s a tough game to be in and you’ve got to learn your trade.

“Sometimes it’s not just about your ability, you’ve got to become a 12 round fighter and get the experience. I just listen to my team. I just do what they say. Obviously I’ve got the best promotional team around me, one day I want to become a World Champion but I just need to listen to my team, I’ll fight whoever they put in front of me.”

Ibrahim Nadim:

“First of all I’d like to thank Eddie, Matchroom and Sky Sports Boxing for giving me this opportunity to fight on the undercard of a great main event. I’ll show you all what I’m about on March 7. I’m still getting used to the transition into the pro game, I need to learn to plant my feet a bit more and let some more power shots go.”

Super-Featherweight contenders Scott Quigg and Jono Carroll will meet in a huge England vs. Ireland clash at Manchester Arena on Saturday March 7, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

Former WBA Super-Bantamweight ruler Quigg (35-2-2, 26 KOs) returns to Manchester to pursue his dream of becoming a two-weight World Champion. He made five defences of the WBA crown before losing out to Carl Frampton in a Unification battle at Manchester Arena in 2016.

The Bury man was outpointed by Oscar Valdez in an attempt for the Mexican’s WBO Featherweight World Title at the StubHub Center in Carson in March 2018 but now has his sights set on a World Championship at Super-Featherweight. 

‘King Kong’ (17-1-1, 3 KOs) is on the hunt for a second shot at world honours after he returned to action with a win over Eleazer Valenzuela in Mexico following his spirited World Title challenge in Philadelphia in March against IBF Super-Featherweight king Tevin Farmer. 

“I’m looking forward to making my return after having 16 months out the ring due to the injury I suffered early last year,” said Quigg. “Unfortunately the injury reoccurred before the Saudi Arabia show but the arm is fully healed now and I’m already in great shape about to start camp.

“This is a fight I’m really excited about. I’m looking forward to getting in there and taking him apart and showing that despite being out the ring for over a year and the injury, there is still a lot left in the tank. 

“I’ve got everything fully focussed on March 7 to put in a career best performance! It’s great to be back fighting and headlining at Manchester Arena again and for my supporters to be able to see me back fighting on UK soil. It’s a great platform for me to launch my career forward again and get my name back in the mix for a World Title shot.”

“I haven’t necessarily learned anything extra about Scott Quigg since we were first due to fight, but I have learned more about myself – how much I want this life and what I’m willing to give up in order to accomplish my dreams and goals,” said Carroll.

“I understand I need to be ready all the time and so does my partner, so I was training the day before Christmas and then I jumped on a plane out to America to help Tevin Farmer prepare for his fight the day after Christmas.

“I love Christmas and I just bought my first house in Spain, so it was quite special to wake up in my own home on Christmas morning and appreciate what’s around me.

“Now it’s time for the next step. I know my worth as a person and as a boxer. I won’t let Quigg beat me no matter what type of fight it has to be. I’m good at adapting so I will see what he’s good at and then take that away from him.”

Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing, said: “It’s brilliant to be back in Manchester as Scott Quigg and Jono Carroll, two all-action fighters, meet in a must-win crossroads clash.

“We’ve followed Scott’s exciting journey to a World Title, while Carroll still believes he can succeed at the highest level following a courageous loss to IBF champion Tevin Farmer.

“It’s going to be another breathless battle between Quigg and Carroll, with more big names to be added to the bill in the coming weeks.”

An announcement on tickets and undercard information will be made next week. 

Liam Smith and Jono Carroll will aim to move into position to get World title shots in the winter when they travel to at the Centro de Usos Múltiples in Hermosillo, Mexico, on Saturday August 24, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK. On a night headlined by pound-for-pound star Juan Francisco Estrade (39-3 6 KOs) defending his WBC and Ring Magazine Super-Flyweight titles against Dewayne Beamon, Smith (27-2-1 15 KOs) is fresh from his dominant five round KO win over Sam Eggington in March at home in Liverpool, a first fight under the Matchroom Boxing banner and a return to the ring since challenging Mexican Jaime Munguia for his old WBO World Super-Welterweight title in a great fight in Las Vegas last July ‘Beefy’ famously faced modern Mexican great Canelo Alvarez at AT&T Stadium in Dallas in September 2016, and now meets his third Mexican fighter in quick succession this time in Mexico in the shape of Mario Alberto Lozano (33-9 24 KOs) over ten rounds as the 31 year old Liverpudlian targets a return to the elite level. Carroll (16-1-1 3 KOs) is back in action following his spirited World title challenge in Philadelphia against IBF Super-Featherweight king Tevin Farmer in March. ‘King Kong’ Carroll faces Eleazar Valenzuela (20-11-4 16 KOs) over ten rounds in Mexico as the Irish star hunts down a second World title shot. “This is a fantastic card and it’s honor to promote in Mexico – a country full of boxing tradition,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “We are expecting more than 10,000 for Gallo Estrada’s homecoming at the atmosphere is going to be very special and I’m pleased to add Liam and Jono to the card. “Liam would love another crack at Jamie Munguia after their great battle last year and I’m looking for him to win well in Mexico before a big fight before the end of the year. Jono is back raring to go after his brilliant fight with Tevin Farmer in Philly and is gunning for another World title shot in 2020. The card is full of top talent and action – don’t miss it all live on DAZN and Sky Sports.” Former Uzbek amateur star Shakhram Giyasov (8-0 6 KOs) faces a step-up in his ninth fight over ten rounds against former World champion Darleys Perez (34-4-2 22 KOs), unbeaten Croatian Heavyweight sensation Filip Hrgovic (8-0 6 KOs) aiming for KO number seven in Mexico and defends his WBC International title against an in-form Mexican in the shape of Mario Heredia (16-6-1 13 KOs) and young Mexican talents Alexis Espino (3-0 2 KOs) and Diego Pacheco (4-0 3 KOs) continue their pro journeys on home turf.

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Tevin Farmer (29-4-1, 6KO) scored a wide unanimous decision and retained his IBF world super featherweight title against Jono “King Kong” Carroll (16-1-1, 3KO) at Temple University’s Liacouras Center, broadcast live on DAZN in the US and Sky Sports in the UK. Official scorecards read 117-110 and 117-111×2 for Farmer.

It was the 26 year old southpaw challenger, Carroll, however, who got off to the quick start, making a concerted effort to bang Farmer to the body.

But after a brief two round “feeling out” period, the southpaw champion settled in and began countering Carroll to head and body, throwing counter uppercuts from in-close and ripping loaded counter lefts to the body. A clash of heads also caused a nasty cut over Carroll’s right eye, a cut that only worsened as the fight progressed.

In the middle rounds, Farmer, 29, began taking over as Carroll’s offense began to slow and his punches began to hold less steam. There was a lot of in-fighting in the middle rounds, welcomed by the “American Idol”, Farmer, who was content to let Carroll throw a few before firing back the more significant shots.

Although struggling to gain ground through most of the mid-to-late rounds, Carroll did rally in the eighth, scoring mostly with body blows.

As the tenth wound to a close, Farmer hurt Carroll with a short right, sending the bearded Irishman in full retreat. Farmer kept his foot on the gas, connecting with more shots, but Carroll was able to ride out the storm until the end of the round.

The championship rounds went to Farmer, as well, securing the victory and his title.

It was the third successful title defense, and first in Philadelphia, for Farmer, who won his belt against Australian Billy Dib last August.

Farmer, who early in his career, without proper promotional guidance found himself prematurely pitted against tough opponents. After just twelve pro fights, Farmer’s record already sported four losses and one draw. Seven-plus years later, those numbers remain unchanged.

Farmer’s last loss came via stoppage against Jose Pedraza in 2012.

For his part, Carroll gave a good account for himself in his first world title challenge and first fight on American soil.

The Dublin native is now winless in his last two contests, having fought to a draw against Frenchman Guillaume Frenois (46-1-1, 12KO) in December.

Katie Taylor Wins Another Title, Stops Rose Volante

In a world female lightweight unifier between two previously unbeaten champions, Ireland’s Katie Taylor (13-0, 6KO) added the WBO title to her collection (IBF, WBA), stopping Brazil’s Rose Volante (14-1, 8KO) in the ninth of a scheduled ten round contest.

Taylor, a former 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist, started quickly, dropping Volante early in the opening round with a left hook.

Credit Volante, who not only survived the remainder of the first, but then dug in and stood toe-to-toe with Taylor for the duration of the contest. And although she battled and traded with Taylor, Volante was being battered round after round.

In the eighth round Taylor, 32, Taylor shot up off her stool and looked determine to end it, letting her fists fly. But Volante, who was making her third title defense, showed the heart of a true champion and refused to fold.

It wasn’t until the 1:40 mark of the ninth round that referee Benjy Esteves stepped in to stop the punishment and call a halt to the contest.

Taylor remains on track to land a megafight later in this year, either against 7-division champion and current WBO female super flyweight titleist Amanda Serrano or undefeated unified world female welterweight champion Cecelia Braekhus.

Maciej Sulecki Survives Gabe Rosado Surge In North Philly Brawl

In a classic Philly brawl that saw both fighters hit the mat twice, Polish middleweight Maciej Sulecki (28-1, 11KO) outlasted a late surge by veteran fan favorite “King” Gabriel Rosado en route to a ten round unanimous decision victory.

It took less than ninety seconds for action to heat up and big punches to land, as Sulecki, 29, found immediate success with his right hand, firing a right behind Rosado’s left ear that dropped him to the mat. Rosado, 33, was shaken, but not hurt, and was able to navigate his way through the rest of the first.

In the third round, Rosado, who was fighting in his hometown for the first time in seven years, started to gain a bit of momentum. Much like Sulecki, he started also finding a home for his own right hand, landing two nose-crunching rights in the third.

The middle rounds weren’t dominated by either fighter, but it was Sulecki and his rights that were getting the better of Rosado.

Things looked like they might come to an end in the eight when Sulecki landed a left hook-right hand combo that rocked Rosado and sent him to the canvas for the second time in the fight. A woozy Rosado was able to ride out the remainder of the round, much of which was spent with his back against the ropes in a neutral corner, dipping, diving, and dodging Sulecki punches.

Then in the ninth, in classic Philly fashion, Rosado battled back and worked the crowd into a frenzy. The former world title challenger landed a perfectly thrown counter right that exploded on Sulecki’s head, sending the Pole crashing to the mat. Sulecki beat the ensuing ten count, but was quickly met again by another Rosado right, this a looping overhand right, that crumpled Sulecki to the canvas yet again. Credit Sulecki who again beat the referee’s ten count before the bell signaling the end of the ninth round chimed.

In the tenth round, Rosado kept his foot on the gas, trying to end the fight with a single right hand. But Sulecki was able to weather the storm and survive.

In the end, all three judges scored the contest for Sulecki (95-91×2, 95-93).

Sulecki’s only professional loss remains a UD to former world middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs in April 2018.

For Rosado, who was coming off a draw against Luis “Cuba” Arias in November, the result makes it only one win in his last five contests.

Sulecki is now positioned to face off against WBO middleweight titleist Demetrius Andrade.

Luke Campbell TKOs Adrian Yung In 5

Former world lightweight title challenger “Cool Hand” Luke Campbell (20-2, 16KO) made it three wins in a row since his 2017 defeat to Jorge Linares, stopping Adrian “Chinito” Yung (26-6-2, 20KO) in the fifth round of a scheduled ten rounds.

Campbell, a 2012 Olympic Gold medalist, had it his way from the opening bell, controlling the fight from the onset. The British southpaw eventually broke through in the fourth round after a right hand forced Yung, who took the fight on short notice, to a knee.

In the sixth, the 31 year old British southpaw, Campbell, upped the pressure. After landing an unobstructed flurry of shots, referee Eric Dali jumped in to stop the contest at the 1:37 mark of round five.

Campbell remains the mandatory challenger for Mikey Garcia’s 135lb. WBC title. Garcia, of course, squares off against undefeated welterweight champion Errol Spence, Jr. tomorrow night on FOX PPV in Texas.

Raymond Ford Cruises To UD In Pro Debut

In his professional debut, nineteen year-old Matchroom Boxing featherweight prospect Raymond Ford (1-0) earned a four round unanimous decision against Weusi Johnson (3-11).

The former 2018 123-pound National Golden Gloves champion scored a knockdown midway through the first courtesy of a huge left cross, but was unable to stop Delaware’s Johnson before the end the round. No matter to Ford, though, as the Camden, NJ southpaw faced little resistance the rest of the way and cruised to a shutout victory. Scores were 40-35×3.

Yeleussinov Earns Wide UD Against Ortiz

2016 Olympic Gold medalist Daniyar “Kazakh Thunder” Yeleussinov (6-0, 3KO) remained undefeated, scoring a wide eight round unanimous decision against fellow welterweight Silverio Ortiz (37-14, 18KO).

Yeleussinov, a 28 year-old southpaw, started quickly, picking and landing his shots, while using fantastic footwork to keep the 439 round veteran, Ortiz, out of range.

From the third round on, the fight didn’t come as easy for the Matchroom Boxing prospect, as the distance began to close and exchanges increased. There was never a point where the Kazakh wasn’t in control, however, but Ortiz did score with loaded rights, albeit infrequently.

In the seventh, Yeleussinov scored a knockdown that culminated with a punch landing behind Ortiz’s head while he was already on the mat. Referee Benjy Esteves instructed the judges to score the knockdown, but also took a point away from Yeleussinov.

At the end of eight, official scorecards read 79-70 and 79-71×2 for Yeleussinov.

Sparrow Hammers Lundy, Scores MD Win

In a highly anticipated entertaining all-Philadelphia slugfest, Avery Sparrow (10-1, 3KO) scored a ten round majority decision over former world title challenger Hank Lundy (29-8-14KO).

It didn’t take long for the two rivals to start exchanging some serious leather, and toward the end of the first round, the 35 year-old southpaw Lundy scored with a short left, followed by a straight right that seemed to grab Sparrow’s attention.

No long lasting impact, however, as the spry 25 year-old, Sparrow, flipped the script in the following round, scoring two knockdowns courtesy of right hands. The first came seemingly out of nowhere, when Sparrow launched an overhand right that caught Lundy flush on the left side of the head, sending him off balance, forcing his glove to touch the canvas. The ensuing knockdown came less than a minute later, as Sparrow countered a wild-swinging Lundy, shooting a straight right down Broad Street, sending Lundy crashing to the mat.

The resilient 241-round veteran Lundy dug deep, though, and came back the very next round and stood toe-to-toe with Sparrow, perhaps even nicking the round.

From the third on it was a seesaw affair, with both fighters willing to eat a few punches to land a few of their own.

Wild exchanges were commonplace almost every time an ensuing round neared end.

When it was all said and done, the three judges turned in cards of 94-94, and 95-93 and 96-92 for Sparrow.

The win is arguably the biggest of Sparrow’s young career, who’s other win of note came against Jose Lopez in 2017.

The result marks the second loss in a row for “Hammerin’” Hank and is his third in his last six contests.

Ballard Stops Fonseca For Second Time In Career

Undefeated super middleweight D’Mitrius Ballard (20-0, 13KO) scored a fifth round stoppage over hardnosed Mexican Victor Fonseca (17-20-1, 14KO) to kick off a night of fights from Temple University’s Liacouras Center. It was the second time the 25 year-old Ballard and Fonseca squared off and the second time Ballard closed the show inside the scheduled distance. In 2015, the Golden Boy Promotions signee stopped Fonseca inside three rounds, and tonight he needed just two more, battering Fonseca around the ring until referee Eric Dali stopped the fight in the fifth of a scheduled ten.

Tonight’s card, presented by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, will culminate when hometown champion Tevin Farmer (28-4-1, 6KO) defends his IBF World Super Featherweight title live on DAZN (US) and Sky Sports (UK) against unbeaten Irishman Jono Carroll (16-0-1, 3KO).

Jono Carroll says his clash with IBF World Super-Featherweight champion Tevin Farmer is a dream come true as they meet tonight at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.
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Carroll (16-0-1 3 KOs) fights in his first World title bout against the Philly ace (28-4-1 6 KOs) who defends his title for a quickfire third time in five months.

A tense fight week comes to a head tonight in Farmer’s hometown, with the pair passing their IBF check-weigh this morning, champion scaling 138.7lbs and the challenger 138.5lbs in what he calls a ‘life changing’ title shot.

The unbeaten Irishman says he couldn’t have scripted a better scenario for a World title fight just two days before St Patrick’s Day, and having said he’s ‘rattled’ the champion in the build-up, he also believes that Farmer may have underestimated him following his draw against Guillaume Frenois in his last fight in December.

“This is what dreams are made of – topping a bill in America for a World title on St Patrick’s Day weekend,” said Carroll. “This changes my family’s life forever. I always come to bring the fight, I wear my heart on my sleeve so every time I am in that ring you get the purest me.

“I hope that people are sleeping on me because of that last fight, when you become number one in the world and you fight for a world title, people are going to watch you – and they want to be entertained to boot, and I bring that extra bit of entertainment with me as they don’t know what I am going to do next, they can’t know because I don’t know!

“No disrespect to Tevin, but I think he’s a boring fighter, whereas I come to bring the fight, so it’s a perfect gel of styles, and styles make fights. If you get someone that’s just going to stand there and let him dictate it’ll be boring, but I bring it and I’m a big believer in law of attraction and that’s why we’re here.

“I don’t know why Tevin and I started to have beef, one thing just led to another and it escalated. Any man that fights for a World title you have to respect – and he’s a World champion defending his title for the third time. You cannot take anything away from him and you have to respect what he’s done in the sport, and he’s done it the hard way.

“I have to be smart in there and show that there’s a lot to my game too. I cannot be a one-trick pony that just comes forward, and I am not that anyway. My Dad always told me that you cannot be one-styled as a fighter because someone will come along that has the formula to beat that style. There are times in there where I’ll have to be smart, times I will need to stand and fight, there’s loads of things that I will need to do, but I know I am capable of doing them and I feel that this shot has come at the right time.

“I didn’t box to my ability against Frenois, but things happen for a reason, I take it as a blessing. I did a lot wrong in the fight, I planned to box him and be smart and did that for the first five rounds, perfectly, but then I caught him with a big shot that rocked him and I thought ‘now I am going to take him out’ so I started throwing bombs as I thought i could hurt him any time.

“So instead of sticking to the gameplan I started throwing big shots and that drained me, it was stupid and not what I’m capable of. I wasn’t up to scratch and maybe I looked past him a little bit and his experience showed as he came on strong in the latter rounds. It was a lesson, it showed me that I just cannot roll over people at World level, he’s a tough man and he could bang.”

Carroll’s clash with Farmer is part of a huge night of action in Philadelphia as Irish sensation Katie Taylor (12-0 5 KOs) looks to unify the Lightweight division once again, putting her IBF and WBA straps on the line against Brazil’s WBO champion Rose Volante (14-0 8 KOs).

Philadelphia Middleweight warrior Gabriel Rosado (24-11-1 14 KOs) faces Poland’s Maciej Sulecki (27-1 11 KOs) for the WBO International title and a likely World title shot at Demetrius Andrade, Philly Lightweight’s Hank Lundy (29-7-1 14 KOs) and Avery Sparrow (9-1 3 KOs) battle for local pride, Olympic gold medal pair Luke Campbell MBE (19-2 15 KOs) and Daniyar Yeleussinov (5-0 3 KOs) and silver medalist John Joe Nevin (11-0 4 KOs) taste their first action of 2019, unbeaten Super-Middleweight D’Mitrius Ballard (19-0 12 KOs) faces Victor Fonseca (17-9-1 14 KOs) while exciting New Jersey amateur star Raymond Ford makes his pro debut.

IBF World Super-Featherweight champion Tevin Farmer has told the other champions at 126lbs to ‘put up or shut up’ ahead of his title defense against Jono Carroll on Friday night (March 15) at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

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Farmer defends his crown for the third time inside five months as he fights at home in Philly for the first time as a World champion, and as fight week kicked off with the media work out today, the champion had to field more questions over a future unification bout with Gervonta Davis.

Farmer has long wanted to face the WBA Super champion from Baltimore in what we be a mega showdown – but it’s a fight that is in the distance rather than a reality – and Farmer has grown tired of talking about fights that aren’t happening as he remains one of the most active World rulers in the game.

“Everybody is talking about who the best is in the division – there’s only one way to tell,” said Farmer. “I am ready to fight anyone. My promoters Eddie Hearn and Lou DiBella are ready to make a fight with anyone so whomever has a belt out there – it’s time to put up or shut up.

“It’s my third defense in five months, I’m the most active male World champion in the world and I want it to continue like that. I like working with Eddie, Lou and DAZN and I hope that we can keep doing business for the rest of my career.

“I’m fighting more than anyone and I’m winning. I’ve probably defended my title more times since winning it than some champions that have had the belt for two years.”

Farmer’s clash with Carroll is part of a huge night of action in Philadelphia as Irish sensation Katie Taylor (12-0 5 KOs) looks to unify the Lightweight division once again, putting her IBF and WBA straps on the line against Brazil’s WBO champion Rose Volante (14-0 8 KOs).

Philadelphia Middleweight warrior Gabriel Rosado (24-11-1 14 KOs) faces Poland’s Maciej Sulecki (27-1 11 KOs) for the WBO International title and a likely World title shot at Demetrius Andrade, Philly Lightweight’s Hank Lundy (29-7-1 14 KOs) and Avery Sparrow (9-1 3 KOs) battle for local pride, Olympic gold medal pair Luke Campbell MBE (19-2 15 KOs) and Daniyar Yeleussinov (5-0 3 KOs) and silver medalist John Joe Nevin (11-0 4 KOs) taste their first action of 2019, unbeaten Super-Middleweight D’Mitrius Ballard (19-0 12 KOs) faces Victor Fonseca (17-9-1 14 KOs) while exciting New Jersey amateur star Raymond Ford makes his pro debut.

Tevin Farmer believes his remarkable story is only going to get better as he prepares to defend his IBF World Jr. Lightweight title against Jono Carroll at the Liacouras Center, Philadelphia on Friday March 15, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

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Farmer defends his title for the third time against the Irishman, a first World title fight for the ‘American Idol’ on his Philly home patch – something that the 28 year old could not see coming in the summer of 2017 when his career was threatened after he was shot in the hand.

When Farmer did return to action, it was in his first World title clash in Las Vegas in December 2017, and was on the receiving end of a controversial defeat to Kenichi Ogawa, who later failed a drugs test.

The Philly ace would not be deterred though, and landed the IBF strap in Australia in August against Billy Dib and after joining forces with Matchroom Boxing USA and DAZN along with his long time promoter Lou DiBella and DiBella Entertainment, Farmer is reveling in his status as one of the most active champions and promises to put his brash Irish opponent to the sword on St Patrick’s weekend.

“I’ve improved mentally and physically over recent years, my story has been crazy and it’s only getting better,” said Farmer. “I’m defending my title every couple of months, I don’t know another champion out there that is as active as me – four World title fights in seven months, it’s incredible.

“He’s been talking crazy so I picked him, because I want to see what he’s really working with – let’s give him the opportunity to become champion of the World, let’s see if he can back it up, because you know that I am going to bring it in Philly.

“He got this fight because I chose him. Nothing else. Listen, all that sad story about what he’s done, he’s not going to convince Philly. They are with me. I am going to beat him up real bad, right in front of all of Philadelphia.

“He got on Twitter and called me cocky. I’m not. Philly, I am going to beat his ass anyway. After I beat him, I’ll take him for cheesesteaks. Not Pat’s, Geno’s and all that either. I’m going to take him to the Papi spot. That’s the best spot.

“If you don’t know me, I am Tevin Farmer. I am a real Philly fighter. I came from nothing and I owe it all to my team. This year I am looking to fight four or five times, maybe six if I can. I want to go down as one of the best to ever do it and 2019 is going to be a huge year for me.”

Farmer vs. Carroll tops a huge bill in Philadelphia on March 15, where Irish star Katie Taylor looks to unify her IBF and WBA Lightweight crowns against WBO champ Rose Volante.

Philly Middleweight warrior Gabriel Rosado is in a crunch clash with Polish World-rated contender Maciej Sulecki and there’s an all-Philly affair at Lightweight between Avery Sparrow and Hank Lundy.

Exciting amateur prospect Raymond Ford makes his pro debut on the bill and he’ll be looking to follow in the footsteps of two amateur standouts that also box in Philly – Kazakhstan’s Olympic gold medal man Daniyar Yeleussinov and Ireland’s Olympic silver medalist John Joe Nevin.

Tevin Farmer will defend his IBF World Super-Featherweight title against Jono Carroll at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia on Friday March 15, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

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Farmer (28-4-1 6KOs) makes the third defense of his crown in his first fight on home turf as a World champion, following a wide points win over Francisco Fonseca in New York in December, a win that followed a dominant fifth round stoppage over Northern Irishman James Tennyson in his first defense in Boston in October.

The 28 year old returns to the Temple University venue having boxed there in April 2017 against Arturo Reyes – the fight before his first World title showdown with Kenichi Ogawa in Las Vegas in December, where his controversial split decision loss was turned into a no-contest after the Japanese failed a drug test. Farmer would claim the vacant IBF title in August in Australia with a comprehensive points win over seasoned Aussie Billy Dib.

Unbeaten Dubliner Carroll (16-0-1 3KOs) fights for his first World title on St Patrick’s weekend against Farmer, with his shot at the title following a closely fought split draw in a final eliminator with Guillaume Frenois in Sheffield, England in December.

Farmer and Carroll have been involved in bitter social media spats and will finally come face-to-face for the first time at a press conference to launch the fight in Philly next Tuesday, and both fighters believe the fight will be as fiery as the build-up.

“He’s got a World title shot on St Patrick’s weekend, he should be thanking me,” said Farmer. “He’s trying to get under my skin but it’s impossible to get under my skin. He’s making himself look bad and he’s stepping up to a whole different level with me. I’m A-level and he’s going to pay.

“He says we both come from tough backgrounds, the hood, that boy hasn’t come from any struggle, no hood. I’m going to show him when he comes to Philly, he’s going to eat his words. He’s trying to get his buzz up but there’s certain things that you don’t say. He’s made this personal and you don’t want to get personal with a Philly guy like me.

“This is big for me, fighting as a World champion in Philly. When does Philly hold big World championship shows? This is big – it’s a boxing town but this is as big a show as there’s been here for a long time. I have to thank Eddie, Lou and DAZN for making this a reality, because often World champions don’t always get the chance to fight in their home city. It doesn’t happen, but it’s happening for me and that shows the level of respect that Eddie, Lou and I have for each other. It’s going to be a great night.

“I don’t care about these other champions. You never know what is going to happen with politics and people making excuses, but I’m here, I defended the title twice in three months last year and I’m headlining at home. If people really want to fight, it’s simple to do – sign the contract and turn up and fight.

“The only thing I care about is my career, keep lining them up and I’m going to keep smoking them and keep getting paid. With or without them, my career will be the best of all those guys. I’m on a high right now. Everything is good right now, I’m doing everything I’ve dreamed of.”

“It is only fitting that Tevin Farmer’s remarkable journey in boxing and in life comes back to his home city, Philadelphia,” said DiBella. “In 2018, from Australia to Madison Square Garden, Tevin established himself as one of the brightest and most active stars in boxing.

“This is the homecoming Tevin deserves, and if Jono Carroll fights with the same fervor that he talks, it will also be a fight befitting of a city that has long been synonymous with all action wars.”

“I’ll do what I want with Tevin, he’s a tiny little child and I’m not afraid of him,” said Carroll. “When we meet, if he’s respectful of me, I’ll be respectful back as that’s how I’ve been brought up – but if comes talking rubbish then I’ll put him in his place.

“I see a fakeness in him when I see him interviewed, I see a fake person. My thoughts on him are that he wants to be liked, but he’s not. I reckon he’s arrogant, that’s the man I think he is and I know he’s that sort of flashy person saying stupid things on Twitter.

“Tevin is a man that wants to be liked but he plays like he’s Floyd Mayweather, but he’s not half as good as him. He has serious holes in his armory, and I am going to poke every single one of them, I’ll break him up and stop him.

“He’s never met a man like me in his life. He came from a rough background yes, but so did I. We’re both from crazy places but we’re in the limelight now, so we have to be grown-up and responsible as we’re going to have cameras around us.”

Irish sensation Katie Taylor can take a giant step towards her goal of becoming the undisputed World Lightweight champion when she aims to unify her WBA and IBF titles against WBO ruler Rose Volante.

Taylor (12-0 5KOs) added the IBF strap to her WBA title in April against Victoria Bustos in Brooklyn, New York, and has since defended the titles three times, stopping Kimberly Connor in three rounds in London in July before shutouts against Cindy Serrano in Boston in October and ending a stunning 2018 by beating Eva Wahlstrom in New York in December.

Volante (14-0 8KOs) has defended her WBO crown twice since winning the vacant title in December 2017 and the Argentine won both her defenses in Brazil 2018 by the halfway point, with Lourdes Borbua retiring after five rounds in April and Yolis Marrugo Franco stopped in three in September.

The champions put titles and unbeaten records on the line in Philadelphia, and the winner will target Belgian WBC ruler Delfine Persoon for all the belts later in the year.

“Ever since I won my first World title as a pro my goal has been to unify the Lightweight titles so this is obviously a massive step towards that,” said Taylor. “Volante is unbeaten so I’m expecting a tough fight but that’s exactly the kind of challenge I want. I think the better the opponent and the bigger the challenge the better I will perform.

“It’s a great card to be on especially with so many Irish fighters on the bill on St. Patrick’s weekend in Philadelphia so I’m sure it will be a special occasion.

“For now my focus is on Volante but of course after that fight I would love to have all the belts as soon as possible. Hopefully the Persoon fight can finally be made for the summer and then there are some other huge fights out there as well for the rest of the year.”

A stacked card in support of the two World title blockbusters is led by a crunch Middleweight clash between Philadelphia’s Gabriel Rosado and Pole Maciej Sulecki and an all-Philadelphia Lightweight clash between Hank Lundy and Avery Sparrow.

Rosado (24-11-1 14KOs) is back in action after a controversial all-action fight in Kansas with Luis Arias in November, the former World title challenger drawing with the Milwaukee man. The 33 year old will be desperate to get his name back into contention for major honors with the 160lbs division red hot right now, but Sulecki (27-1 11KOs) will have the same designs on those title shots having bounced back from a loss against Daniel Jacobs in April with a second round KO win in Poland in November.

“I’m excited to start the year back home in Philly,” said Rosado. “This is the second half of my career and the goal is to win a World title. It’s only right that it starts here in Philly.”

Prospect Sparrow (9-1 3KOs) will be gunning to add a major scalp to his CV in the shape of former World title challenger Lundy (29-7-1 14KOs). Sparrow faces the second ten round clash of his career as he looks to step up his progress early in 2019.

“It’s been a long time since I last fought but that’s on me and I’ve learned from it,” said Sparrow. “Fighting someone like Hank Lundy is the kind of challenge I look forward to. It’s a big fight on a big stage.”

“Once again we have a great Philly vs. Philly fight and that is always good for boxing in Philly,” said Lundy. “It’s a hard fight but we’re both looking down the road because we know what winning this fight will do for our careers.”

Kazakhstan’s Olympic gold medal star Daniyar Yeleussinov (5-0 3KOs) fights for the sixth time in the paid ranks ahead of what promises to be a break out year for the 27 year old, the same of which can be said for two-time Olympian and 2012 silver medalist John Joe Nevin (11-0 4KOs) who joins fellow Irish fighters on the St. Patrick’s weekend bill.

“I can’t wait for March 15 at the Liacouras Center,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “It’s our first ever event in Philadelphia and it’s an honor to promote in this great city on St Patrick’s weekend.

“Tevin Farmer is one of the great boxing underdog stories of our generation and I’m so happy he is getting the chance to bring that World championship home against a feisty and talented Jono Carroll.

“The biggest star in World boxing, Ireland’s Katie Taylor, looks to unify the division against WBO champ Rose Volante. Philly favorite Gabe Rosado takes on Poland’s Maciej Sulecki in a thrilling Middleweight match up and Olympic stars Daniyar Yeleussinov and John Joe Nevin. It’s stacked from top to bottom and it’s going to be an electric night of boxing in Philadelphia.”

Jono Carroll has branded IBF Super-Featherweight World Champion Tevin Farmer a ‘joke of a man’ ahead of his final eliminator clash with Guillaume Frenois at the FlyDSA Arena on December 8.

The unbeaten Dublin star can win the right to challenge Farmer by overcoming France’s former European Champion Frenois next Saturday, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Farmer took aim at ‘King Kong’ on Twitter this week, promising to KO the former Prizefighter winner should they ever meet in the ring. A major money fight with Farmer is within touching distance and Carroll believes the American is only keeping the IBF crown warm for him.

“Tevin is an idiot, he’s a joke of a man,” blasted Carroll. “He gives backhanded compliments to his previous opponents that he’s beaten. He does a lot of immature things. He hasn’t got respect for anybody. He’s a fake person.

“All that flashiness is ridiculous. He does my head in as a person. He’s not a true Champion, he doesn’t hold himself like a Champion and he doesn’t behave like a Champion.

“I can’t wait to put him on a platform and smash him up. I’ll show everyone that he’s nothing but a heartless little b*tch. I’m going to tear him apart. I’m as real as they come but I’m a fighter, I’m a warrior.

“I’ve seen him quit before in the past. I’ve watched his fights where he was beaten. Even the commentators said that he looked to the referee for help. If you’re once soft, you’re always soft.

“For me, he hasn’t got a heart. He’s just had opponents smartly picked for him at this stage of his career and the ones that weren’t smartly picked for him smashed him up and beat him.

“I guarantee you I’m going to take that belt off him. I visualise the fight happening and I visualise winning the belt. There’s many ways it can happen. He’s literally just keeping that belt warm for me.”

Despite the heated back and forth with ‘American Idol’ on social media, Carroll remains fully focused at the task at hand and insists he is not overlooking 47 fight veteran Frenois.

“I don’t know too much about him,” admitted Carrol. “He’s experienced, that’s as much as I know. He’s experienced and in boxing you cannot buy experience. I have to be switched on and I have to be on my game.

“In some ways this is my World title fight because it’s all or nothing. He’s a very dangerous opponent, I’m not overlooking him. But at the same time I believe that I’m operating at World level. I’ve looked at one or two of his fights and I believe he is European level. I’ll adapt to him and I’ll beat him, and hopefully stop him.”

Carroll’s clash with Frenois is part of a huge night of boxing in the Steel City.

Main event sees ‘The Special One’ Kell Brook take on Australia’s former Commonwealth Super-Welterweight Champion Michael Zerafa.

Rising Welterweight star Josh Kelly steps up in class as he takes on former WBA World Champion David Avanesyan in his ninth professional contest.

Explosive Liverpool Super-Welterweight Anthony Fowler is in title action as he targets a showdown with newly-crowned British Champion Ted Cheeseman in 2019 and IBF no.1 Featherweight contender Kid Galahad stays busy with an eye on the winner of Josh Warrington vs. Carl Frampton.

Sheffield is well represented on the undercard with Welterweight Anthony Tomlinson, Super-Middleweight Callum Hancock and Middleweight Shakiel Thompson all in action, while Leeds Super-Bantamweight Qais Ashfaq and Denaby Lightweight Terri Harper also feature.

Tickets for Brook vs. Zerafa priced at £40, £60, £100 and £200 (Inner Ring VIP) are available to purchase via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) FlyDSA Arena (www.flydsaarena.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)