Lerrone Richards will no longer be fighting at York Hall on Friday night after his opponent was forced out through injury.
Richards was due to take on Steed Woodall for the WBO Intercontinental Super Middleweight title.
The Wasserman Boxing show is headlined by Charlie Edwards as he launches his bid to become a two-weight world champion, live and free on Channel 5 at 10pm.
Edwards faces former European title holder Georges Ory for the WBC International Silver Bantamweight title over 10 rounds and plans on making a statement in front of a huge national television audience.
Edwards’ highly anticipated return is supported by the latest contest for Tom Welland, one of British boxing’s hottest prospects, as well as a Southern Area title fight between Obi Egbunike and Jordan Dujon.
Jesse Brandon has a first fight of 2024 while Oliver Zaren faces a test of his potential, when he faces John Harding Jnr.
The popular Christian Fetti makes his professional debut, Brighton’s Harvey Dykes is back in action, along with Robert Lloyd-Taylor Jnr and Elliot Whale.

Charlie Edwards will launch his bid to become a two-weight world champion when he headlines a Wasserman Boxing event at York Hall on Friday April 12, live and free on Channel 5.

And on the same crunch night of action, Lerrone Richards looks to accelerate his pursuit of second world super middleweight title, when he fights in the co-main event.

Edwards, the former world flyweight king, is now targeting bantamweight gold and takes on former European champion Georges Ory for the WBC Silver International title over 10 rounds.

Richards, meanwhile, is laser-focused on reclaiming the super middle crown and knows he must get past the tough Steed Woodall over 10 rounds, to keep his dream alive, with the WBO Intercontinental Super Middleweight title up for grabs.

Wasserman Boxing, in association with Ladbrokes, Numan and Infinitum, returns to the spiritual home of British boxing with Don’t Call It A Comeback, its second blockbuster show of 2024, as two of Britain’s former world champions set out on the road back to the top.

Ladbrokes Odds
 
Edwards – 1/12 | Ory – 7/1 | Draw – 20/1

Richards – 1/8 | Woodall – 5/1 | Draw – 20/1

UNDERCARD•    Jordan Dujon and Kingsley Egbunike collide for the vacant Southern Area Super Welterweight title.
•    One of British boxing’s brightest prospects Tom Welland, fresh from a thumping stoppage win in Telford, has a fourth contest of his pro career.
•    The Mikkel Kessler-trained Oliver Zaren boxes in front of a UK audience for the fourth time in a row, in an eight-round contest.
•    The exciting Jesse Brandon returns for a first outing of 2024.

QUOTES
Charlie Edwards said: “This has been a long time coming but, finally, I can confirm that the road to becoming a two-weight world champion starts now.
“The past couple of years have been extremely challenging but I never lost sight of the fact that there would always be light at the end of the tunnel, and on April 12, at the famous York Hall, I put on a performance to make the bantamweight title holders sit up and take note.
“Thank-you to Wasserman Boxing and Channel 5 for believing in me and giving me the platform from which to begin my charge at a second world title.
“I can’t wait to bring world title fights to his huge audience on terrestrial TV, it’s my time, it’s Resurgence season.”

Lerrone Richards said: “Being known as a two-time champion of the world, and further etching my name into the history of British boxing, is what drives me every day.
“And what will make that extra special is that the whole country, who will be watching at home on Channel 5, are able to come on this journey with me.
“It felt good to make my Wasserman Boxing debut late last year, but in 2024 I’m putting my foot to the floor and reclaiming what is rightfully mine – the super middleweight championship of the world.
“It all starts on April 12 at York Hall.  Don’t miss it.”

Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing at Wasserman, said: “One historic venue, two of British boxing’s former world champions and a potential audience of millions on Channel 5, means April 12 has all the ingredients to be yet another special night for Wasserman Boxing.
“Charlie Edwards and Lerrone Richards have been straining at the leash and, next month at York Hall, we let them loose on the rivals who stand between them and making world title history.
“For Edwards, the dream is to become a two-weight champion, while Richards is set on reclaiming the title he didn’t lose in the ring.
“But don’t call it a comeback, Edwards and Richards have been at the top of their game for years, and on April 12 they put the world champions on notice.”

Alex Apetai of Ladbrokes said: “Channel 5 viewers are once again being treated to some of the best in the business next month and, as always, we’re delighted to play a part in proceedings.

“Lerrone Richards will no doubt have one eye on a big British bout later this year,  and will comfortably take to the ring as heavy favourite to beat Steed Woodall, while the future is just as bright for Charlie Edwards.

“Both Richards and Edwards head into their respective fights with 18 wins to their name, each with four at the iconic York Hall. With so many similarities in their careers up to this point, we can’t wait to see who steals the show on April 12.”

Wasserman Boxing is delighted to announce the long-term promotional signing of unbeaten super middleweight star Lerrone Richards. 

A former British, Commonwealth, European and IBO champion, Richards has joined forces with global promoters Wasserman Boxing to take his career to the next level. 

The 31-year-old is the sleeping giant in the 168lbs division and will kick-start his pursuit of the leading contenders by boxing in Brighton, next Friday night, on Channel 5, as part of the huge homecoming night for Harlem Eubank. 

Richards, known as Sniper The Boss, is laser focused on securing a spot as a mandatory challenger for one of the super middleweight world titles and says working with revered coach Grant Smith in Sheffield will see him add “more spice” to his performances. 

Lerrone Richards said: “Both Kalle and Nisse Sauerland have a lot of experience at the highest level, and they are going to guide my career towards world titles. 

“I’ve won the British, Commonwealth, European and IBO titles, so I’ve made all of the right steps, and now is the time to push on, and get into a mandatory challenger position.” 

Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing at Wasserman Boxing, said: “Don’t sleep on Lerrone Richards because this is a man on a mission to win the world super middleweight title. 

“Lerrone is slick, skillful and a proven champion with a resume that instantly marks him out as one of the leading contenders in the world. 

“And so, Wasserman Boxing is thrilled to be given the opportunity to guide his career from this point and to help deliver that world title shot for one of British boxing’s most accomplished fighters.” 

Richards, who had 91 bouts as an amateur and represented Great Britain, England and Ghana in the vested code, is excited about returning to action, in front of the nation on Channel 5. 

Richards added: “It is time for The Sniper to be back and you are going to see more spice in what I’m doing and a lot more flavour. 

“I’m not going to deviate from what I’ve been doing, as it’s got me to this point, but there are still gears for me to go through. 

“Channel 5 is my platform now and this is my chance to show my skills and bring big fights to a huge audience on free-to-air TV.” 

London, England – 27 November 2022 – We regret to inform, at short notice, that today’s bout at BOXXER: Breakthrough ‘Super Sunday’ at Alexandra Palace between Zak Chelli and Lerrone Richards has been postponed with the latter deemed unwell to fight.

BOXXER CEO & Founder Ben Shalom said: “I am deeply disappointed for both fighters. But the welfare of fighter’s is paramount and unfortunately the contest has been postponed.”

A statement from SJam Boxing, who manage Lerrone Richards, added: “Unfortunately, Lerrone was taken unwell last night at the hotel where he temporarily passed out.

“Following medical checks and in line with protocols set by the British Boxing Board of Control, it has been decided that Lerrone is unable to compete today. It is hugely disappointing given the hard work he has put in throughout his training camp.

“He will undergo further checks and we hope to reschedule his contest with Zak Chelli at a more appropriate time.”

BOXXER proudly presents this event in association with bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE, Village Hotels and FCI Markets. 

Hard-hitting heavyweight prospect Jeamie TKV will fight in front of his north London faithful for BOXXER: Breakthrough on a ‘Super Sunday’ at Alexandra Palace on November 27th.

In what is an action-packed weekend of sport, BOXXER brings a festival feeling to the nation’s capital and a new boxing experience – and unbeaten London fighter TKV will be hoping to send his legion of followers home happy, just a stone’s throw away from his hometown in Tottenham.

Ferocious featherweights Rhys Edwards and Jimmy Lee will be in action respectively, whilst undefeated middleweight George Mitchell joins next month’s cracking card in the capital, live and exclusively in the UK and Republic of Ireland on Sky Sports.

Fight fans can look forward to an unmissable feast of activities at ‘Ally Pally’ in an afternoon jam-packed with 50:50 fights and some of the country’s future superstars.

Adam ‘The Assassin’ Azim, a generational talent and the most exciting prospect in British boxing today, faces a tough test which will draw even more attention to his ever-growing profile as he tops the bill against the wily and experienced campaigner Rylan Charlton in the main event.

Mikael Lawal and Deion Jumah collide for the British cruiserweight championship, as super middleweights Lerrone Richards and Zak Chelli go head-to-head. Sam Gilley and Sean Robinson battle for the English super-welterweight title as rising stars Shannon Ryan and Hassan Azim complete the bill.

MEDIA CAN APPLY FOR ACCREDITATION TODAY – CLICK HERE FOR NOVEMBER 27th CREDENTIALS

Meanwhile, you can also apply for accreditation for our forthcoming show at the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday, November 12th.

Natasha Jonas fights for the unified world super-welterweight championship against Canada’s Marie-Eve Dicaire, as Dalton Smith defends his British super-lightweight title against Kaisee Benjamin, and Bradley Rea challenges Tyler Denny for the English middleweight belt.

And after BOXXER’s blockbuster show concludes, the legendary Ricky Hatton returns – led by Europa Combat – for an exhibition fight with Mexican great Marco Antonio Barrera on the same night. Don’t miss out on what promises to be a memorable evening.

London, England – (October 21, 2022) – Get ready for a ‘Super Sunday’ like no other with some of the country’s brightest boxing talent set to light up one of the nation’s most iconic venues when Adam Azim headlines BOXXER: Breakthrough takes place at the Alexandra Palace, London on Sunday, November 27th.

In what is an action-packed weekend of sport, BOXXER brings a festival feeling to the nation’s capital and a new boxing experience.

And fight fans can look forward to an unmissable feast of activities at ‘Ally Pally’ in an afternoon jam-packed with 50:50 fights and some of the country’s future superstars – live and exclusively in the UK and Republic of Ireland on Sky Sports.

Adam ‘The Assassin’ Azim, a generational talent and the most exciting prospect in British boxing today, faces a tough test which will draw even more attention to his ever-growing profile as he faces the wily fan-favourite Rylan Charlton in the main event.

Amir Khan – who became world champion at 22 – has predicted the 20-year-old Azim to beat his record and win a world title even sooner. Judging by the blistering pace he has set this year – with four highlight-reel stoppage wins from four fights – the Shane McGuigan protege is on track to prove Khan correct.

In what will be his first headline fight, Azim must get through talented rival Charlton, who most recently won two fights in one night to come runner-up in April’s eight-man BOXXER Series: Lightweight tournament

And Adam’s undefeated older brother Hassan Azim will be on display too as he looks to extend his flawless unbeaten record and continue his climb in the welterweight rankings.

Fans will also be thrilled by news that top-tier super-middleweights Lerrone Richards and Zak Chelli are squaring off in what is sure to be an electrifying encounter. Richards is tipped as one of the best super-middleweights in the world and reigning English champion Zak Chelli is stepping up to face the former British, Commonwealth and IBO world champion in an exciting clash of styles.

The vacant British Cruiserweight Championship will be on the line between London rivals Mikael Lawal and Deion Jumah in what will undoubtedly be a heavy firefight for the domestic circuit’s top honour.

The English Super-Welterweight Championship will be on the line when reigning champion Sam Gilley meets Sean Robinson to make his second defence of the belt he won with a brutal body-shot finish in November 2021. He scored another stoppage win back in April and now looks for his third consecutive finish.

And the popular super-flyweight sensation Shannon ‘Chaos’ Ryan makes a quick return to the ring following her thrilling win on the undercard of last weekend’s landmark BOXXER: LEGACY event. Ryan’s fourth bout of 2022 is also her fourth professional bout, as the budding starlet looks to end her first year as a pro with a quartet of wins to her name.

BOXXER CEO and Founder, Ben Shalom, said: “This will be our first-ever ‘Super Sunday’ live on Sky Sports – and we can’t wait to do something that hasn’t been done before. 

“This event will showcase some of the very best talent this country has to offer in a new environment. Adam Azim has been sensational so far and faces his toughest test to date in what is his first headline fight. Everyone expects him to become a world champion and I expect him to use this fight as a launchpad for further success in 2023.

“We have a cracking card in store. Lerrone Richards vs Zak Chelli promises to be a real treat too, along with a brilliant British title fight between Mikael Lawal and Deion Jumah.

“Ally Pally is one of Britain’s best-loved venues and has a reputation for drawing a great atmosphere. There will be a festival feeling to compliment the incredible card in a new broadcast environment. We’re really looking forward to ‘Super Sunday’ at this iconic venue on November 27th.” 

Adam Smith, Head of Boxing Development at Sky Sports, said, “What a super Sunday afternoon of action we’ve got lined up for November 27th, with the always electrifying Adam Azim topping a card stacked with tomorrow’s stars and some of the hottest properties in British boxing today. 

“There’s something fitting in the synergy between bringing the new generation of talent to one of Britain’s most iconic venues. History has been made repeatedly at the Ally Pally and many of the boxers on the November 27 card are on track to make history themselves over the course of their careers. 

“A midday start and a 7pm finish is about as perfect a sporting Sunday as you could wish for and I just know this is going to be one of the most fun events of the year.”

Tickets for this event will go on pre-sale next week Wednesday, October 26th at 10am, with any remaining tickets then going on general sale to the public from 10am on Friday, October 28th.

Young fans can attend the live event, with entry open to ages 8 and upwards, provided that any under-18s are accompanied by someone over the age of 21. 

Registration for pre-sale tickets is open now at Boxxer.com 

BOXXER proudly presents this event in association with bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE, Village Hotels and FCI Markets.

Joseph Parker won a 12-round unanimous decision over Derek Chisora in a spirited heavyweight rematch in Manchester, England.

In round two, Parker started to batter Chisora on the ropes, and badly hurt Chisora in round three with a hard right hand followed by a combination. In round four, Parker landed a booming right that sent Chisora into the ropes that was ruled a knockdown. Chisora tried to mount a serious rally at the end of the round.

In round seven, Parker dropped Chisora with a right uppercut. Just like in round three, Chisora rallied with a big flurry at the end of the frame. In round eight, it was another uppercut that sent Chisora into the corner for a knockdown. Parker was not able to finish Chisora, but he won by scores of 115-110, 115-111 and 114-112.

Parker landed 144 of 464 punches; Chisora was 122 of 468.

Parker, 251 lbs of Auckland, NZ is 30-2. Chisora, 248.8 lbs of Finchley, ENG is 32-12.

Lelesadjo stops Cullen in 6

Kevin Lelesadjo stopped Jack Cullen in round six of their 12-round super middleweight bout.

The left eye of Cullen began to bleed in round five. In round six, Lelesadjo dropped Cullen with a hard left to the body and Cullen could not beat the count at 1;11

Lelesadjo, 167.8 lbs of Saint-Maur, FRA is 17-0 with 15 knockouts. Cullen, 167.8 lbs of Little Leaver, ENG is 20-3-1.

Barrett Decisions Tarimo

Zelfa Barrett won a 12-round unanimous decision over Bruno Tarimo in a super featherweight bout.

In round three, Barrett dropped Tarimo with a hard right hand.

Barrett landed 148 of 577 punches; Tarmio was 84 of 520.

Barrett, 129.8 lbs of Manchester, ENG won by scores of 117-110 twice and 116-111 and is now 27-1. Tarimo, 128.8 lbs of Southport, AUS is 26-3-2.

Richards Decisions Gongora

In a battle of undefeated super middleweight, Lerrone Richards won a 12-round split decision over Carlos Gongora.

Richards, 167.2 lbs of New Malden, ENG won by scores of 115-113 twice. Gongora won a card 116-112.

Richards landed 114 of 484 punches; Gongora was just 95 of 443.

Richards is now 16-0. Gongora, 168 lbs of Esmeraldes, ECU is 20-1.

Babic Stops Spilmont in 6

Alen Babic remained perfect by stopping David Spilmont in round six of their scheduled eight-round heavyweight bout.

In round one, Babic rocked Spilmont several times. Spilmont hurt badly with a hard left hook in round three. In round fourm, Babic dropped Spilmont with an overhand left.

In round six, Babic landed a big left hook that set off a six-punch flurry that folded Spilmont down to the canvas, and the fight was stopped at 53 seconds.

Babic, 216 lbs of Zegreb, CRO is 10-0 with 10 knockouts, Spilmont, 252 lbs of Saint-Michel, FRA is 11-8-1.

Nyika Stops Carpin in 1

David Nyika stopped Anthony Carpin in round one of their scheduled four-round cruiserweight bout.

Nyika, 199.3 lbs of Hamilton, NZ is 2-0 with two knockouts. Carpin, 203 lbs of France is 5-7-1.

Joshua Buatsi stopped Daniel Dos Santos in round four of their scheduled 10-round light heavyweight at The Manchester Arena in Manchester, England.

In round four, Buatsi landed a devastating overhand right to the face of Dos Santos, who like a ton of bricks, and the fight was over at 2:44.

Buatsi, 174 lbs of Croydon, ENG is 14-0 with 12 knockouts. Dos Santos, 174.1 lbs of Point-Sainte-Maxence, FRA is 15-1.

“I hope he’s okay,” Buatsi told Matchroom. “We’ve seen this happen to many fighters. You box someone they say you’re levels above and it’s a banana skin situation. I’m glad I handled it. The most important thing is I hope he’s okay. We’ve seen these type of fighters come and cause upsets recently and I was adamant it wasn’t going to happen to me. I’m glad it went well.

“I remain optimistic all of the time in the moves that I make and this is one of them. We will have a week or so off and then we’re back in the gym to keep building. Going in we had little footage of him. Usually you can watch who you’re going to fight to get a feel. He looked very good in the one bit of footage we had of him. I had to learn round by round what he was like.

“Virgil gave me the perfect instructions and I followed them. I haven’t got here by being given it. The little that I’ve earnt, I had to work hard for it. I thank god for everything that we’ve got but I work hard for it. When I step in that ring it’s a dog mentality. This is a fight. I’m here to take everything. We’re here to win but we’re not here to hurt anyone. The time that we’re in the ring, yes, we want to win, and we want to entertain. We’re not here to hurt anyone in the long-term.”

Richards Decisons De Carolis

Lerrone Richards won an easy 12-round unanimous decision over Giovanni De Caolins in a super middleweight.

Richards, 167 lbs of New Malden, ENG won by scores of 120-108 twice and 119-109, and is now 15-0. De Carolis, 167.4 lbs of Vitebo, ITA is 28-10-1.

“I said I was going to conquer Europe, and I’ve done it,” Richards told Matchroom. “I’m very pleased and I’m very happy. I wanted this so bad to complete the collection. British, Commonwealth and now the European Super-Middleweight Champion. I’m very happy.

“It’s all of the drilling and all of the work in the gym. I’d like to thank my team – Dave Coldwell, Danny Wilson and my nutritionist Lee for getting me in the best shape possible for this fight. I’m going to be very difficult to beat. I said this from the start. It’s all about the skills, and I have them in abundance. I showcased a little bit of that tonight.

“There were points in the fight where I decided to sit in the pocket and work with him. I could have gone up the gears a little bit more tonight. I felt like what I was doing was enough. My team are very happy with my performance.

“I started from the bottom and worked my way up – I backed myself. There’s something to learn at every level. We’ll see what the team says the best options are for me. The next step now is fringe world level.”

Jason Cunningham dropped Gamal Yafai three-times en-route to a 12-round unanimous decision in a super bantamweight bout.

In round two, Cinningham dropped Yafai with a straight left. In round four, Cunningham dropped Yafai with a counter left. In round six, Cunningham dropped Yafai.

Yafai rallied down the stretch and hurt Cunningham down the stretch, but it was too little-too late as Cunningham won by scores of 115-110 and 114-111 twice.

Cunningham, 121.8 lbs of Doncaster, ENG is 29-6. Yafai, 121. lbs of Birmingham, ENG is 18-2.

Cunningham avenged a loss to Gamal’s brother Khalid.

“We’re buzzing,” said Cunningham. “We’re from a little town called Doncaster. We’ve got a British, European and World Champion – that’s some doing that. In at three weeks’ notice – I won my second Commonwealth Title at three weeks’ notice. They tried catching me out tonight, I don’t care what anyone says – that’s what they’ve done. 

“I’ve stayed prepared, stayed disciplined and dedicated. This is what happens when you stick to it. I was in this venue last time I had a big fight against Michael Conlan. I pushed Michael Conlan hard. I had to grit in late on tonight – he hurt me a few times to the body. I’ll never quit. It’s my boxing ability that sets me above the rest. I’m an awkward tall southpaw.

“I said I knew I had the tools to do it. I said I’d have done a better job if I had more notice but to be fair, I dropped him three times and it was quite comfortable really. I knew to keep calm and carry on what I was doing. I stuck to it and this is my reward. I made a lot of people in Doncaster a lot of money tonight.

“I showed my class, I was levels above him in terms of boxing ability. Usually you get a good ten weeks’ notice for a European Title fight – it was the biggest fight of my life. I’ve been out of the ring since February last year. Tonight was just my night, I knew I was all wrong for him.”

Tommy McCarthy stopped Alezandru Jur in round six of a scheduled 12-round cruiserweight bout,

In round four, McCarthy dropped Jur with a left to the body. Two rounds later, it was another left to the body, but this time Jur was down for the count of 10 at 2:09.

McCarthy, 199.4 lbs of Belfast, NI is 18-2 with nine knockouts. Jur, 198.7 lbs of Ordea, ROM is 19-5.

“I’m delighted,” McCarthy told Matchroom. “I got a few rounds in and a stoppage. I got everything that I wanted. We prepared for Jur to give me a good test. I don’t think he expected me to come out the way that I did. It threw him off a bit. I can’t complain.

“I thought it was all over after the first knockdown. Feinted to the head, left hook to the body and he went over. He went into survival mode after that. It was the same again with the next one. I’ve been working hard with my team all through camp. We’ve been doing all sorts of drills. We’ve been working on being explosive. The S and C training was all focused on me being explosive. I’m a hard puncher.

“Everything was perfect this camp – no injuries. I was driving them shots through him, it was great. The pandemic has been great for me, I’ve kept my head down, stayed in the gym and worked on my whole game. I hope everybody is buzzing back home in Belfast.

“I’ve got no problem fighting Chris Billam-Smith, it’s easy work. If this is the hurdle that I have to jump over for a World Title fight, then so be it. Chris Billam-Smith, stop Tweeting about me, stop talking about me – we’ll see you at Fight Camp.”

Dalton Smith remained undefeated with a beatdown sixth round stoppage over Lee Appleyard in a scheduled 10-round junior welterweight bout.

Smith dominated throughout until the fight was stopped at 2:44

Smith, 139.9 lbs of Sheffield, ENG is 8-0 with seven knockouts. Aplleyard, 139.1 lbs of Rotherham, ENG is 16-6-1.

“I’ve got my first professional Title,” said Smith. “I’ve dreamt about this since I was a little boy. I’m English Champion! It’s the starting block for me. When the fight first got announced, I thought, ‘it’s just an English Title’, but now I’ve got it it’s like, ‘wow, I’m a professional Champion now’. It feels good.

“All credit to Lee – he’s one tough kid. I was prepared for a fast-paced ten rounds tonight, but he was just taking a few too many shots in there. I’m good friends with Lee out of the ring. When you go in there it’s just business. I could see his face was getting bust up pretty bad. I kind of felt sorry for him in a way. I’ve got respect for him. I knew eventually the shots would come and I knew he wasn’t going to last long.

“I’m happy with my performance. You want to win in style. The knockouts are good. We want to win but we don’t want anyone to come out of there hurt. People forget that was my eighth pro fight there. Lee is an experienced guy and he’s been in with some top kids. He’s been those championship rounds.

“I’m taking my time, I’m 24. I’ve got one shot at boxing; I want to make sure that I do it right. I’m not in there with no mugs – they’re real contenders. That was a good step up and I proved what I’m about. I’m not a championship round fighter yet. Kay Prosper just boxed for the European Title – they’re the type of fights that I want. I want to get those championship rounds in, I’m in a tough division. Maybe I’ll get over to the States in my next fight, get a bit of experience over there. I’d love to do that.”

Solomon Dacres made a successful pro debut with an easy six-round unanimous decision over Mladen Manev in a heavyweight bout.

Dacres, 221.1 lbs of Birmingham, ENG won by a 60-54 score and is 1-0. Manev, 233 lbs of Sofia BUL is 3-9.

“It was good to get six rounds under my belt,” Dacres told Matchroom. “I know a lot of people like to get the big Heavyweights that get them out of there in one round, but you don’t learn much from that. I got to show my skills. I didn’t just go for all power. I’ve got plenty more in the tank, so it was good to get the rounds in.

“I showed my hand speed at times. I showed I can box. I didn’t rush it. I’ve varied the power up. It’s all building up. We’re training to be a twelve-round fighter, not just a one or two round knockout artist. You don’t gain much from getting someone that is going to fall over after a round. Six tough rounds, I got to go through the gears, show a bit of what I’m about and learn a little bit as well.

“I was pretty relaxed to be honest. I’ve had plenty of amateur fights. I know that I prepared very hard. It felt good to get in there. Hard work is at the route of it all. If you put that hard work and dedication in, the sky is the limit. I’ll keep putting my head down in the gym and performing in the ring.”

Lerrone Richards says he will be able to call himself a genuine world level contender if he captures the vacant European Super-Middleweight Title against former WBA World Champion Giovanni De Carolis at the AO Arena, Manchester this Saturday May 15, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the US and more than 200 countries and territories.

The undefeated Dave Coldwell-trained talent (14-0, 3 KOs) has cleaned up at domestic level, outpointing Tommy Langford to claim the Commonwealth and WBO International Titles in April 2019 before decisioning Birmingham’s Lennox Clarke to add the vacant British Title to his growing collection in November 2019. 

‘Sniper The Boss’ began life as a Matchroom fighter with a wide points decision over Time Laine at The SSE Arena, Wembley last December, and the slick 28-year-old southpaw is confident he can make an impression on the world scene once he captures the European crown against Italy’s De Carolis. 

“The European Title is a belt that I have always wanted,” said Richards. “I have always wanted to achieve things and do things the traditional way – British, Commonwealth and now European. Once I’ve won this Title then we’ll start looking above, but my main focus in on the European Title. I can’t wait to get in the ring and showcase my skills. 

“I know that Giovanni De Carolis is a former WBA Regular World Champion. He’s strong, he can box a bit and fight a bit. He can punch a little bit. It’s a good test for me. He’s very experienced as well. It’s not an easy fight – it will be a tough fight but it’s a fight that I know I am capable of winning and winning well. 

“I just focus on what I do. Whatever happens on the night, happens. You’ve got to be able to adjust in the ring and I’m very good at doing that. When it comes to fighting opponents, I do what it takes to win the easiest way possible. If I have to walk someone down for 12 rounds, trust me I’ll do that. If I have to box on the back foot, pop and move to make the fight easier, then I’ll do that.

“I’ve just been solely focused on this fight. Winning this Title does bring a lot more opportunities for me. I can officially say I’m a world level contender after this fight. I’ll be in a position for bigger fights, which I’m very excited for. With my career I’ve always believed in stepping up. Stepping up the opposition and stepping up the levels in terms of belts. I’m going to continue doing so until I retire. 

“When it comes to skillset, trust me, I’m on a higher level. You can ask a lot of these world class fighters that I’ve sparred with. They’ll tell you the same thing. With me now, it’s about gaining experience and learning at every level. When I earn my opportunity at the world level, I’ll be able to showcase my abilities and get the win.”

Richards vs. De Carolis is part of a huge night of boxing in Manchester, Joshua Buatsi (13-0, 11 KOs) fights under Virgil Hunter for the first time against unbeaten Frenchman Daniel Blenda Dos Santos (15-0, 8 KOs), three European Title fights feature on the bill with Gamal Yafai (18-1, 10 KOs) defending his Super-Bantamweight Title for the first time against Jason Cunningham (28-6, 6 KOs) and Tommy McCarthy (17-2, 18 KOs) defending his Cruiserweight crown against Romania’s Alexandru Jur (19-4, 7 KOs), Dalton Smith (7-0, 6 KOs) takes on Lee Appleyard (16-5-1, 5 KOs) for the vacant English Super-Lightweight Title, Birmingham Heavyweight Solomon Dacres makes his professional debut and Ellis Hopkins makes history when she becomes the first female from the traveller community to turn professional.

LENNOX CLARKE has vowed to “iron out” Lerrone Richards and doesn’t even want paying for their rematch.

The Halesowen roughhouse suffered his only defeat in 22 fights when he dropped a split decision against Richards, who Clarke challenged for the British and Commonwealth Super-Middleweight titles in November 2019.

Clarke won those titles at the second attempt in March after they became vacant when he knocked out Willy Hutchinson inside five rounds.

“I will give Lerrone my purse to get in the ring with him again. I’d fight him for free because I know what I will do to him,” snapped the punching car mechanic.

“It was a fight I had to take and a chance I took, but I fell short. I have the beating of Lerrone. I’ll knock him out next time.

“I have spoken more about Lerrone than Willy because it is a bitter pill. I want to iron him out.”

“I have always had belief in myself and even more so when I lost to Lerrone. I only had one hand when I boxed him.

“At the time he was touted to be a top prospect. I gave him hell for 12 rounds and was handicapped so I got confidence from that.

“I took the chance and I had really good feedback from David Haye and Richie Woodhall who were there.

“They both messaged me afterwards and said they had become fans and thought I nicked the fight.

“It’s horses for courses. One judge favoured me and the other judges favoured him.”

Clarke damaged his right shoulder before the fight and admits he was close to pulling out hours before the closely fought contest against Richards.

Lennox revealed: “I was going pull out of that fight on the day. I was having a cortisone injection in my right shoulder three hours before the fight.

“I wasn’t able to use my right hand because of the pain. I was the mandatory challenger and if I pulled out I might not have got a chance again.

“After that fight I had rehab on my shoulder for eight months, but I knew afterwards that I was British title level and more.”

Clarke’s upset win against Hutchinson followed a 16-month layoff caused by his injury and shortage of promotions to box on during the pandemic.

Even when he stepped in the ring to face the fancied Scot Hutchinson, Clarke still doubted his right hand.

Clarke, 29, explained: “The sweetest thing for me was hitting Willy with the right hand because that was my injured shoulder and I have had a mental block.

“I’ve been using it in training, but I never let it go. I let it go that night and Willy was gone. The physios told me to use it and Errol Johnson kept telling me to let it go in the corner.

“I hadn’t thrown it with bad intentions, but it worked against Willy.”

Billy Joe Saunders defended his WBO Super Middleweight title with a comfortable 12-round unanimous decision over Martin Murray at t he SSE Arena Webley in London, England.

It was a non-descript fight that saw Saunders do whatever pleased from the outside. Murray tried at points, but was never able to amount any serious threats against the jabbing and uppercuts from Saunders. Saunders was also able to land some fast three and four punch combinations that had him win every round on the 15rounds.com card (120-109).

Saunders landed 178 of 598 punches; Murray was 85 of 303.

Saunders, 167.5 lbs of Hatfield, ENG won by scores of 120-109 twice and 118-110 to raise his record to 30-0. Murray, 167.6 lbs of St. Helens, ENG is now 39-6-1. Five of those losses have come in world title bouts.

“I wasn’t really happy with that performance,” Saunders told Matchroom. “I’m not taking anything away from Martin, he came with a good game plan. He got through it. He tucked up and survived well. I can only be a bit critical of myself because I had a bit of ring rust. My jab was there but there was just that bit of snap missing. I was trying to look for stuff when naturally it’s there. 

“When you’re in a training camp getting ready for Canelo Alvarez and you’re in the biggest fight of your life, you’ve got that fear factor and everything there, and then the pandemic came and I can only be thankful to be out this year. But then you’re back in camp and it’s a defence against Martin Murray, I was pencilled in to fight him twice in 2018. It was sort of like a hard kick in the teeth. But look, I’ve got to be thank my management team MTK that I’m even out this year. 

“It is what it is, and we move on. I’m 30-0 and still unbeaten and still World Champion. I’ve been World Champion now since 2015. People can run my performance down but let’s make the big fights, because it’s certainly not me turning them away. Eddie knows that I’m always there to sign. I had the Canelo fight signed and it fell through, that’s nobody’s fault. 

“A big well done to my lads who boxed on the show tonight. Lewie Edmondson and Donte Dixon did well. Martin was a cunning old fox, he knew what he was doing and he had the ref on his side, he had the ref eating out of his hand. Fair play to him. I learnt a lot from him to be honest. Perhaps everything happens for a reason and I learnt a hell of a lot from the fight. 

“Fair play to Callum Smith and I really do wish him all of the success in that fight. I think he’s got the tools to do the job. Canelo would have been training since May for this fight. He would have had Smith in his eyesight from day one. It’s been sprung on him at five or six weeks. They’re very clever in the way they work. If Smith has done his homework and prepared well then I give him a good chance of winning the fight. We are pushing for big fights constantly. After the Canelo fight I want to know my next date. I’m not getting any younger and I want to show my full potential.”

Tennyson Stops O’Reilly in 1!

ames Tennyson stopped previously undefeated Josh O’Reilly in round of their scheduled 12-round lightweight bout.

In round one, Tennyson landed a huge uppercut that rocked O’Reilly. Tennyson landed more power shots that sent O’Reilly to the deck. Tennyson landed a left hook that put O’Reilly down for a 2nd time in the round. Tennyson then landed a hard right that forced the stoppage at 2:14.

Tennyson, 135 lbs of Belfast, NI is now 28-3 with 24 knockouts. O’Reilly, 134.5 lbs of Hamilton, CAN is 16-1.

“It was great to get the win on another great show,” said Tennyson. “I went out and it was sort of nip and tuck, and then I think I caught him with a left hook. I saw him go a wee bit so I thought, ‘you know what’, and just put it on him and it paid off. We came out and there wasn’t too much to see between the two of us until I clipped him with that one shot. I got the win and an early night.

“I’m feeling like I’m going to go all of the way here at Lightweight. I’m feeling a heck of a lot stronger and sharper. Eddie just mentioned about Jorge Linares at The SSE in Belfast and the thought of nights like that make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Those are the sort of fights that I’m in boxing for. Given the opportunity, I can put my name right up there and mix it with the top names. The Lightweight division is red-hot. There’s Teofimo Lopez, Gervonta Davis and Devin Haney. I’m here and I’m going to start making some noise.”

Shannon Courtenay stopped Dorota Norek in round seven of their scheduled eight-round bantamweight fight.

In round seven, Courtenay landed a booming right that dropped Norek hard to the canvas. Norek got to her feet, and the bout was stopped 1:35.

Courtenay, 120 lbs of Watford, ENG is 6-1 with three knockouts. Norek, 116 lbs of Poozman, POL is 6-2.

“This was needed,” said Courtenay. “I felt like I was back at home. I felt like myself but better. I just needed this to finish the year on a high. I can go into the next fight, whether it’s the rematch or not, with good momentum behind me. She was so rough and coming in with her head, I just thought, ‘you’ve got to be patient’. Like I said before the fight in many of my interviews, timing was going to be key. I had to be patient and wait to let my hands go. I was countering with the left hook when she had me up against the ropes. I wasn’t losing my head and making it scrappy. I knew that if I paced myself, and didn’t rush in, I’d catch her with a right hand because she was open for it. I knew that if I was patient it would come and it did. 

“She had a really high groin guard so the body shots weren’t really having an affect. I was going to try and slow her down to the body but it was such a high groin guard I knew that wasn’t going to work. I knew I had to catch her flush to end it so that’s what I did. 118lbs is the lightest I’ve ever been, amateur and pro career. I want the rematch with Rachel Ball. If she genuinely believes that she won the fight, which many people don’t think she did, why wouldn’t she want to prove people wrong. It’s a fight that everyone wants and it makes sense.”

Donte Dixon won a six-round Angelo Dragone in a featherweight bout.

Dixon, 127.1 lbs of Sheffield, England won by a 58-56 score and is now 5-0. Dragone, 128 lbs of Carmarthen, WAL is 5-2.

“I thought I boxed good. At some points in the fight I was standing there a bit too long and not covering up the best I can. We’ll learn from it and come back better. I’m alright with it. I noticed that I’m up there when it comes to the levels. Levels-wise and skills-wise, I was better than him. He kept coming and made it difficult at times but I feel like I passed with flying colours.

“Billy is managing me so it was nice to look good on his undercard. Billy is helping us a lot getting on these big shows, this is my third time on a Matchroom show. These are the best shows. Today I got to fight on Sky, I’ve always wanted to fight on Sky. Big thanks to Billy Joe, MTK and Adam Etches. 

“I got some very important rounds under my belt. He was a tough guy and kept on coming. I thought I nearly got him out of there in the last round when he was holding on. He was looking at the ref but it didn’t happen. It was a good learning fight. Whoever they put in front of me I’ve just got to keep on beating and then we’ll move on from there. Big thanks to my mum, it’s her birthday tomorrow. Happy Birthday mum.”

Lerrone Richards remained perfect as he won a eight-round decision over Timo Laine in a super middleweight bout.

Richards, 172 lbs of New Malden, ENG won by a score of 80-72, and is 14-0. Laine, 171.9 lbs of Helsinki, FIN is 28-15-1.

“I’m pleased with it, we got the rounds under our belt,” said Richards. “We move forwards now towards European honours. He tried to do something in the opening round and I put him in his box, he didn’t want to come out. It was frustrating at times so I stuck behind my jab and got the victory. I’m very pleased, it was my first fight under Dave Coldwell as well and it was good that I could get the ring rust out for the new year. 

When asked about fighting behind closed: “To be honest it didn’t feel any different. I just get on with it, it’s my job. I think I started to enjoy it a little bit more later on in the rounds. In round eight I started to talk a bit and have a little fun. I’m happy with my performance overall. We all bounce off each other in the gym and we’re always learning. Like I said, Dave Coldwell is a teacher, he’s not just a coach. We’re all improving every day.

“It’s some story and it has been quite hard really the last few years, I’ve been funding myself, nobody really knows that. I’ve not had many sponsors backing me but I believe in myself and I believe that I can go to the top. That’s what we plan on doing. I’m going to auction off my shorts and all of the money will go to the NHS. The NHS has done a great thing for our country in supporting everyone. 

“This is a marathon, not a sprint. I know I’m going to get there in the end. When I get there I’m going to stay there. European, and then we’ll talk about world honours after. I’ll tell you and this is a fact, I’ve had more promotion in the last two weeks than I’d had in my whole career and I’m grateful for that. The future is bright.” 

NOTE…The Zach Parker – Cesar Nunez Super Middleweight contest was canceled as the cutman for Parker tested positive for Covid-10

Lerrone Richards has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing. 

The New Malden southpaw (13-0, 3 KOs) turned professional in 2013 following an impressive stint in the amateurs where he won the renowned ABA Golden Gloves Championships at the age of 14, before winning the Golden Belt at the ABA National Novice Championships shortly after.  

Trained by Dave Coldwell and managed by S-JAM Boxing, 28-year-old Richards widely outpointed Tommy Langford to claim the Commonwealth and WBO International Titles in April 2019 before decisioning Birmingham’s Lennox Clarke to add the vacant British Title to his growing collection in November 2019. 

Ranked in the top 15 in the world with the WBO, ‘Sniper The Boss’ believes that he is ready to push on towards European and World level after cleaning up at the 168lbs domestic scene, and the slick 5ft 11in Londoner will look to follow in the footsteps of his new stablemates Callum Smith and Billy Joe Saunders.

“I’m happy, elated and excited,” said Richards. “I just can’t wait to get going and I’m really looking forward to the plans ahead. I wanted a fresh start now that I’m top of the domestic tree. You look at Matchroom and they’ve got all of the top boys and I want to be part of this, and I want to be involved in big fights in the future. 

“I’m very excited to showcase my skills. Like I always say, it’s all about the skills and that’s what everyone is going to see. My short-term goal is to get out as soon as possible and showcase my skills. Then I want to conquer Europe. After I’ve done that, I want those World Titles and those big fights. I feel like now I’m working with Eddie Hearn, I’ll get the right promotion and I’ll be able to build my profile.

“There are so many fights out there that I can really get my teeth into. I want to show the world what I’m capable of doing. I’m ranked in the top 15 in the world with the WBO. There are other governing bodies as well, that I would like to get highly ranked in to chase these champions. 

“Time is precious, and you’ve got to use your time wisely. The time I’ve had out of the ring, and the time I’ve had with Dave, we’ve used that wisely and you’ll see a far more improved fighter in my next fight. There are a lot of coaches around, but there are very few teachers. Dave is a teacher. When I’m in the gym every day I’m learning and improving. 

“Fans tuning in on Sky Sports and DAZN can expect to see skills from me. Skills pay the bills. It’s all about the skills, no hype required. They’re going to really be impressed with what I bring to the table. The future is really bright and I’m looking forward to it.”

“I’m delighted to welcome Lerronne to the team,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “I remember watching him when he turned pro, he was a real talent and now he sits at 13-0 at the top of the domestic tree ready to explode onto the World stage. We welcome him to the big league and we will deliver all our promises to help him realise his dreams.”

Sam Jones and Adam Morallee of S-JAM Boxing said: “Lerrone is a world class athlete who is ready to compete at the world level. We are grateful to everyone who has helped Lerrone get to where he is now. The opportunity to join Matchroom is a great one for Lerrone – they have most of the 168lb world level fighters and we have no doubt Lerrone will join the other great British Super-Middleweight Champions who have gone on to become World Champions.”

You can follow Lerrone’s journey on Twitter: @Snipertheboss and Instagram: snipertheboss

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lerrone Richards won a 12-round split decision over Lennox Clarke in a super middleweight in Birmingham, England.

Richards won by scores of 117-112 and 116-113. Clark won a card 115-113.

Richards is 13-0. Clarke is 19-1-1.

Hamzah Sheeraz stopped Ryan Kelly in round six of their scheduled 10-round super welterweight bout.

Sheeraz dropped Kelly three times in round six, and the bout was stopped at 2:58.

Sheeraz is 10-0 with six knockouts. Kelly is 14-3.

John Riel Casimero won the WBO Bantamweight title with a 3rd round stoppage over Zolani Tete.

Casimero dropped Tete with a short right to the head. Tete was was badly hurt and dropped again from a hard flurry in the corner. Casimero jumped all over Tete and the bout was stopped at 2:14.

Casimero of the Philippines is 29-4 with 20 knockouts. Tete of South Africa is 28-4.

In a battle of undefeated super lightweights, Sam Maxwell stopped Connor Parker in round seven of a scheduled 10-round bout.

Maxwell dominated the action, and in round seven landed a hard flurry of punches on he ropes, and the fight was stopped at 2:45.

Maxwell is 13-0 with 11 knockouts. Parker is 12-1.

Anthony Cacace won a 12-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Sam Bowen in a super featherweight bout.

Cacace won by scores of 115-113 twice and 115-112 for Bowen,

Cacace is 18-1. Bowen is 15-1.

Nathan Heaney stopped Nelson Altamarro in round five of a scheduled six-round middleweight bout.

In round one, Heaney dropped Altamarino with a body shot.

In round five, Heaney continued to dominate and the bout was stopped at 2:02.

Heaney is 9-0 with three knockouts. Altamirano is 10-34-3

LENNOX CLARKE IS promising to ‘steamroller’ Lerrone Richards when the pair meet at Arena, Birmingham on November 30 with the British and Commonwealth titles at stake.

The unbeaten super middleweight from Halesowen knows that Richards, who holds a perfect record, prefers to turn boxing into an art form and picks his shots with mesmeric precision.

The Commonwealth champion has, however, been accused in some quarters of occasionally enjoying his own work a little too much during fights, preferring to dominate opponents over the distance instead of making a statement with an early finish.

Clarke insists he will be afforded no such luxury when he ventures onto enemy territory at the end of November.

“He is not going to enjoy it with me,” growled the 28-year-old. “He is not going to be able to because I know what he is going to bring. He is a boxer who tends to frustrate a lot of opponents with his movement, but I am prepared for everything he is going to come with.

“I will bring my A-game and I believe I am going to get the win.

“Lerrone is a boxer-mover and not a puncher. I am going to steamroller him and bring it to him, that is what our game plan is.

“I can’t let him do what he needs to do because he is very good at that. He is a very good fighter and our job is to stop him being good.”

Clarke has had to bide his time when it comes to competing for major domestic titles and was originally left in the waiting room following his nomination to challenge for the English title against Darryll Williams in a fight that never happened.

He now gets to fight for a bigger prize and he views it as a perfect storm with the opportunity coming on a show in his home city in front of his band of followers.

“Yeah I’ve had setbacks but this is what is going to bring me back on to the big stage now. I’m ready, I’m more than ready and I’ve been ready for a few years.

“Things happened with dates against Williams and then last time I pulled out because I wasn’t well. It was just one of those things that wasn’t meant to be, but I was fully confident in smashing him up. He would have been an easier fight than Lerrone.

“The first perfect scenario now is me knocking him out in the first round, which would be perfect.

“This is the biggest stage I will have been on, it is in my home city and for the biggest titles I’ve challenged for,” added Clarke, who rejects the notion that boxing in Birmingham is a tough sell for boxing and says his fans will come out in numbers on the night.

“My fans will, one hundred per cent. I do well and that is why we are boxing up here because Lerrone couldn’t sell out a phone box in London. This is why he is boxing up here because I’ve got a lot of followers.”

Lerrone Richards v Lennox Clarke for the Commonwealth and vacant British super middleweight belts features on a stacked night of title action at Arena, Birmingham on November 30. WBO world bantamweight champion Zolani Tete defends his title against mandatory challenger John Riel Casimero, British super featherweight champion Sam Bowen defends his belt against Anthony Cacace and British and Commonwealth welterweight champion Chris Jenkins makes a defence against Liam Taylor.

Sam Maxwell defends his WBO European super lightweight title against the also unbeaten Connor Parker from Derbyshire, while Hamzah Sheeraz gets his first title fight.

Thrilling prospects Dennis McCann, Shabaz Masoud, Eithan James and George Davey also feature on the bill, along with talents from the local region in Nathan Heaney and River Wilson-Bent.

Tickets are available now from £40 via Ticketmaster and TheTicketFactory
Ticket Prices:
£250 – Inner Ring Hospitality
£150 – Floor
£100 – Floor
£75 – Floor
£50 – Lower Tier
£40 – Upper Tier

Daniel DuBois remained undefeated by stopping Richard Lartey with one right hand in round four of their scheduled 10-heavyweight fight at The Wembley Arena in London, England.

Both guys landed hard shots, but DuBois landed last and loudest as he drilled Lartey with a right to the chin that sent Lartey down in round four. Lartey got to his feet, but the fight was called off at 1:50.

DuBois will not take on fellow undefeated heavyweight Joe Joyce. DuBois is 11-0 with 10 knockouts. Lartey of Accra, Ghana is 14-2.

Sunny Edwards remained undefeated by stopping Pedro Matos in round eight of their scheduled ten-round super flyweight bout.

Edwards dominated and continued to break Matos down until the fight was stopped 20 seconds into the the eighth frame.

Edwards is now 11-0 with four knockouts. Matos is 7-2.

Lerrone Richards took a 12-round unanimous decision over Tommy Langford in a super middleweight bput.

Richards won by scores of 118-110, 118-111, 116-113 and and is now 12-0. Langford is 21-4.

World-ranked Jack Catterall in round three of their scheduled eight-round welterweight bout.

Catterall landed an uppercut that smashed the nose of Amador, who subsequently took a knee and the was halted at 1:12.

Catterall, 148 lbs is 24-0 with 13 knockouts. Amador, 147 lbs of Barcelona, SPA is 10-18.

Zak Chelli remained undefeated with a 10-round decision over Jimmy Smith in a super middleweight bout.

In round eight, Chelli dropped Smith with a body shot.

Chelli won by a score of 100-89, and is now 7-0. Smith is 7-2.

TOMMY LANGFORD BELIEVES his Wembley opponent Lerrone Richards has got it all to prove when the pair collide with the vacant Commonwealth super middleweight title at stake at the SSE Arena on April 27.

Former British middleweight champion Langford is on the rebuild, having moved up in weight after twice being deemed to have come up short on the cards in two epic title battles with Jason Welborn.

His only other setback came when he challenged for the WBO Interim world middleweight title against Avtandil Khurtsidze, who was later imprisoned for organised criminal activity in New York.

The 29-year-old, who took up a day job as an adult trainee electrician when remaining a full-time athlete was no long viable, is now thrilled to be back in the title picture after suspecting he wouldn’t fit the bill as an ideal opponent.

He was wrong on that score and Commonwealth success would near enough restore his previous standing at the higher weight.

“Of course it does and I really didn’t think an opportunity would come this fast for me, having moved up in weight,” he confessed.” I thought I would kind of be kept out in the dark for quite a while because I don’t see that anybody would really pick me as an opponent.

Even in the fights I lost – and I really don’t believe I lost to Jason Welborn, they were fights of the year – he had the fight of his life, while the one that knocked me out was a juiced up little Georgian anyway.

“Obviously I have been thrown this chance and it is an absolutely huge opportunity and I am really grateful to Frank and Francis (Warren) for giving it to me.”
While Langford doesn’t consider himself anyone’s first pick on the matchmaker’s menu, much the same could be said for Richards, for whom very few have been prepared to form an orderly queue to face.

“I seem to keep getting people like this that people don’t really want to fight and I say yes,” pointed out the Tom Chaney-trained Langford. “I don’t know what the crack is with Lerrone, who I have sparred and he is a very slick southpaw, but he has not really fought anybody.

“Is that through not wanting the fights or more that nobody wants to fight him?

“It is a big, big step up for him and we’ll find out what he’s really got,” added the former WBO Intercontinental champion, who does concede that Richards could well be a fully paid up member of the ‘who needs him’ club.

“He is really, isn’t he? He is an awkward southpaw, not a big ticket seller, hasn’t been knocking people out and is not particularly exciting for TV viewers. So who really wants to fight Lerrone?

“You don’t think ‘I’ll pick him’, but he is a very good operator and I wouldn’t be daft and say he isn’t. But there is a difference between the sparring arena and the fight arena and he’s not fought at championship level or remotely near the level I have fought at.”

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

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

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

LERRONE RICHARDS HAS promised that fans will see a new version of him when he returns to the ring to fight for the Commonwealth title at the SSE Arena on April 27.

The strapping super middleweight fights the former WBO Interim world title challenger Tommy Langford for the vacant belt at Wembley, one that he hopes will be the beginning of a short road towards British honours later in the year.

The 26-year-old from New Malden has just three stoppages on his ledger from 11 fights so far and has sometimes been labelled as ‘one for the purists’, with him often being content to unpick his opponents over full distance rather than apply an early finish.

The stylish southpaw, however, is a devoted disciple of the sweet science, although he does acknowledge that his approach has resulted in prospective opponents being a bit thin on the ground.

“Do you know what, I’ve been very, very patient and there have been times when I thought I wasn’t going to get a fight,” admitted Richards, also known as ‘Sniper the Boss’.

“I am just glad I have got this fight and it is time for me to shine. No excuses now. Serious business.

“I am part of the ‘who wants him’ club! It is the sweet science style and people don’t want to fight.”

Richards pondered the question when asked if criticism of him not closing fights out from a dominant position is valid. Commentators have suggested that he tends to enjoy his own work a little too much whilst in the ring.

“It’s a good question,” he conceded. “I just feel that I’ve done what I had to do. I have enjoyed it a lot and people do criticise me for not finishing the show.

“You’ll see a new Lerrone Richards on the night, trust me,” he added, confirming that his own gym-mate Bradley Skeete has also encouraged him over the need to make statement performances in the ring.

“Absolutely, although I think people underrate my punching power because I can hit. I am just a purist and I love the sweet science of boxing. We’ll see what happens on the night.”

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

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

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

ZAK CHELLI has only had six professional fights, but the Fulham man is already chasing Commonwealth title glory.

Chelli (6-0, 3KOs) challenges for his first professional title at the SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday April 27 when meets Slough’s Jimmy Smith (7-1) for the vacant Southern Area super-middleweight crown.

The ambitious university student is in a hurry to be top of the boxing class and eyeing up the winner of the vacant Commonwealth title clash between Lerrone Richards and Tommy Langford which takes place on the same bill.

That would be a step up, but the 21-year-old insists: “I don’t think I am rushing.”

Chelli showed his star potential when he beat fellow hopeful Umar Sadiq last October and added: “I see Lerrone Richards is fighting Tommy Langford for the Commonwealth title.

“That is a nice belt and if it is possible I would like to fight the winner. Lerrone is a bit shorter than me and Tommy taller, but they are the type of opponents I like.

“Right now I cannot overlook Smith. Jimmy is a durable opponent and I am training for ten rounds, but I don’t believe it will go ten rounds.

“Jimmy likes to come forward, but I will show my skills. People thought I would be the brawler and fighter against Umar, but I showed him I can box.

“That fight showed I am willing to takes risks and that I am willing to take these type of fights. Now is the right time to fight for my first title.”

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

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

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

BILLY JOE SAUNDERS believes stablemate Lerrone Richards is one of British boxing’s best kept secrets.

Richards (11-0, 3KOs) is back after missing a year through injury when he challenges Tommy Langford (21-3, 6KOs) for the vacant Commonwealth super-middleweight and WBO International titles at the SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday April 27, live on BT Sport.

It is a massive step up for the New Malden man when he faces the former British and Commonwealth middleweight champion who has competed at a far higher level.

Saunders who meets German Shefat Isufi for the WBO interim super-middleweight championship at Stevenage FC on Saturday May 18, has been tested by Richards in the gym.

Former WBO middleweight champion Saunders recalled: “I brought Lerrone out for sparring for the Andy Lee fight.

“He is a brilliant fighter, but not just that he has a lovely, lovely family and is a lovely man.”

Richards sparring exploits are common knowledge. Saunders has been a fan since their 2015 spar in Marbella and it’s believed Richards gave Chris Eubank Jr more than enough trouble in gym sessions.

“Lerrone is going to go far in the sport and for me there is one winner in that fight at Wembley,” predicted Saunders.

“Tommy is a top fella, tries his heart out and Lerrone has to be on it because it is a big step up from where he has been boxing, but I believe Lerrone can come through it.

“When it comes to talent Lerrone is up there with the top five in Britain, 100 per-cent. He is very, very talented.”

Lerrone’s trainer Alan Smith is adamant that British boxing will see that Richards isn’t just King of the sparring ring, and the fighter is determined to shed that unwanted tag at Wembley.

Richards, 26, said: “This is a great opportunity and I cannot wait to showcase my skills. I box smart, I fight smart, bring science and I will show on the night what I am all about.

“This isn’t an easy fight at all. Tommy is a very good boxer and intelligent. It will be as easy as I want to make it.

“People underestimate my power and if I rock Tommy Langford I will stop him.”

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

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

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