Lewis Crocker scored a fifth round stoppage over Jose Felix in round five of their 10-round welterweight bout in Ireland

In round three, Felix was deducted a point for low blows. In round five, Crocker landed a perfect left hook that sent Felix under the bottom rope. Felix got to his feet, but was in no condition to continue and the fight was stopped at 1:54

Crocker, who was three pounds over the 147-pound weight limit is now 19-0 with 11 knockouts. Felix, 146.6 lbs of Los Mochis, MEX is 40-7-1.

Cheavon Clarke remained undefeated with a fourth round stoppage over Tommy McCarthy in a 10-round cruiserweight fight.

In round four, Clarke overwhelmed McCarthy and dropped him with a flurry. Clarke continued to pound the body and land vicious uppercuts until the fight was stopped at 1:28.

Clarke, 199.6 lbd of Gravesland, ENG is 8-0 with six knockouts. McCarthy, 199.4 lbs of Belfast, NI is 20-6.

Paddy Donovan remained undefeated with seventh round stoppage over Williams Andres Herrera in a scheduled 10-round welterweight bout

In round seven, Donovan dropped Herrera with a left to the body. Donovan continued to land body shots and folded him up in the corner for a second knockdown. Donovan beat down Herrera until the fight was stopped at 1:44.

Donovan, 146.4 lbs of Limerick, IRE is 13-0 with 10 knockouts. Herrera, 146.6 lbs of La Calera, ARG is 15-3.

Conah Walker stopped Lloyd Germain in round three of their 10-round welterweight bout.

In round three, Walker dropped Germain with a flurry on the ropes. Walker dropped Germain again with a left to the body. Walker ended things by dropping Germain with a right hand and the fight was stopped at 1:33.

Walker, 146.4 lbs of Wolverhampton, ENG is 13-2-1 with five knockouts. Germain, 146.6 lbs of Cardiff, WAL is 9-1.

Giorgio Visioli stopped Samuel Pikire in round two of their six-round super featherweight bout.

In round two, Visioli dropped Pikire with a perfect left cross on the chin that put him down. Pikire got to his feet, but the fight was stopped at 1:34.

Visioli, 134.2 lbs of Guidford, ENG is now 2-0 with two knockouts. Pikire, 133.5 lbs of Longbridge, ENG is 4-3.

Kurt Walker remained undefeated with a six-round decision over Darwing Martinez in a super featherweight bout.

Walker, 133.2 lbs of Lisburn, NI won by a 60-54 score and is 10-0. Martinez, 130.6 lbs of Managua, NIC is 8-18-2.

Leli Buttigieg won a four-round decision over Artjom Spatar in a super welterweight bout.

Buttigieg, 158.5 lbs of Newham, ENG won by a 40-36 score and is now 2-0. Spatar, 157.5 lbs of Narva, EST is 4-5.

4 x 3 mins International International Super-Welterweight contest
LELI BUTTIGIEG 158.5 lbs v ARTJOM SPATAR 157.5 lbs
(Newham, England)               (Narva, Estonia)

followed by

6 x 3 mins International Super-Featherweight contest
KURT WALKER 133.2 lbs v DARWING MARTINEZ 130.6 lbs
(Lisburn, Northern Ireland)  (Managua, Nicaragua)

followed by

19:00 LIVE ON DAZN

6 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight contest
GIORGIO VISIOLI 133.2 lbs v SAMUEL PIKIRE 133.5 lbs
(Guidford, England)                (Longbridge, England)

followed by

10 x 3 mins WBA International Welterweight Title
CONAH WALKER 146.4 lbs v LLOYD GERMAIN 146.6 lbs
(Wolverhampton, England)    (Cardiff, Wales)

followed by

10 x 3 mins WBA Continental Welterweight Title
PADDY DONOVAN 146.4 lbs v WILLIAMS ANDRES HERRERA 146.6 lbs
(Limerick, Ireland)                     (La Calera, Argentina)

followed by

10 x 3 mins WBA Intercontinental Cruiserweight Title
CHEAVON CLARKE 199.6 lbs v TOMMY MCCARTHY 199.4 lbs
(Gravesend, England)                 (Belfast, Northern Ireland)

followed by

10 x 3 mins WBO Intercontinental Welterweight Title
LEWIS CROCKER 150lbs v JOSE FELIX 146.6 lbs
(Belfast, Northern Ireland)  (Los Mochis, Mexico)  

Frank Smith, Matchroom Boxing CEO:

“Lewis [Crocker] showed back in December on the Michael Conlan undercard that he has a massive future. We’ve seen some great nights here in Belfast over the years – whether it be Carl Frampton, Mick Conlan, Ryan Burnett, and now this is a big opportunity for Lewis to step into those big nights. With Jose it won’t be easy because we saw against Gary Cully what he can do. And looking at the pictures of him from yesterday, he looks like he’s coming here to fight. You also have to applaud both fighters as this main event was made on late notice. What is key in this sport is working with professionals who are working in the gym and are ready to go at all times, which both of these have proved. I think it’s a brilliant fight. It’s exactly the fight that Lewis needs to kick on but Jose isn’t coming here to lay down. Lewis is young and he’s in a market where there’s a love and passion for boxing. We hadn’t been to Belfast for a long long time but we came back here with Mick in December and like I say this is Lewis’ chance because he’s in a place where people talk about boxing. It’s great so come somewhere where everyone is talking about the boxing at the weekend, because you don’t get that everywhere. He’s got that perfect opportunity to recreate those sold out nights in Belfast. It’s going to be a tremendous atmosphere on Saturday. This is his chance, he’s got the personality and he’ got the skills and ability. He needs a big performance on Saturday night. This can really set him up for massive fights in 2024 and beyond.”

Lewis Crocker:

“It’s amazing to be back in Belfast so soon again. I’m headlining this time. Obviously last month the atmosphere in the city was amazing, fight week was great, fight night was great – so to be doing it again so soon is unreal against a very dangerous opponent as well. He’s coming off a win over Gary Cully. He looked very good in that fight, very strong. I’m expecting fireworks on Saturday. Because it was Belfast vs. Belfast I’d grade my performance A*. It has to be. That meant everything to me. It was the pride thing, I said that during the fight week. As long as I got the victory it would have been A* regardless. To come through and do it in front of my friends and family was amazing. It put me on the map. Everything went well. With the platform of Matchroom and DAZN now everything is so different. Going into the fight week last time I realised this was the big stage. They’ve obviously got confidence in me to set me up as main event the next month. I’m not looking past Jose Felix but a big statement on Saturday sets me up for a big year. I’m expecting an exciting fight because I think he has the same mindset as me. This is a more dangerous fight than the McKenna one. With the McKenna one there was more pressure mentally. There’s just as much at stake with each and every fight. He’ll be full on confidence with the Gary Cully win and looking to make another upset in Ireland.”

Jose Felix:

“Firstly I want to say thank you to all of the people that are gathered here. I want to say thank you to God, also to Matchroom for continuing to give me these opportunities, also to Paco who manages everything for me. I also have to thank the people of Ireland for their support. It is almost as if I have more supporters in Belfast than I have in Mexico so I thank God for that also. I think this fight will be a really interesting fight because when I fought Cully it was a real battle for me to get down to that weight. The main battle I had was with making weight more than anything. This time I’m fighting at 147, I’m much more prepared and I’m hoping to put on a better show this time so that Eddie Hearn gets to see me win and gets to see that I’m the next star of Matchroom. As I said before my main problem against Cully was making the weight. This time there won’t be that pressure to make the weight. My battle was with the scales on that occasion but this time I think that will work to my advantage. I know my opponent will try to use that weight against me in the way that he can but I’m sure that I can go on and get this victory on Saturday night and put on a great show. Don’t take your eyes off this fight. You know that Crocker hits hard, I hit hard too – I think it will be a great fight. I love this city, I love these people. I feel like I’m in Mexico and I feel like I’ve got the support, so I’m very grateful to the people here.”

Cheavon Clarke:

“Where was the experienced and handsome Tommy McCarthy in your last fight. We’ll find out if he’s my biggest test to date on Saturday night. Obviously he’s been in with some good guys from the British circuit and come up short. On Saturday night we’ll find out. I’ve seen clips of him but I haven’t watched him in depth through his career to rate him. He’s talking about being fast-tracked. I’m not being fast-tracked. Who’s fast-tracking me? I’m moving at my pace. Maybe he’s moved slow in his career. I’m moving at my pace. They give me a fight, I think I can win it, I take it. The boos can’t fight for you, they ain’t gunna fight for him. What are they going to do. Like you said, as an amateur I’ve ravelled the world. I’ve been in hostile places. You’ve just got to be professional and focus on what you’ve come to do and execute. Bring the same energy Saturday, that’s all I’ll say on that. He’s a funny guy, he’s a clown. Bring the same energy on Saturday. I’m going to be smiling and laughing as I inflict damage.”

Tommy McCarthy:

“Obviously I’m the A-side because it’s Belfast. People from Belfast are coming to watch the Belfast man. It’s an attractive fight, like you say an up-and-coming prospect agains the experienced and talented and handsome Tommy McCarthy. Chev don’t worry about the last fight I just went there for the craic. This time I’ve trained properly for it. It was a last minute thing. Listen, don’t worry about the past, focus on the present. All you need to worry about is what’s happening on Saturday night. I’ve taken this fight seriously because I know you’re a serious guy. I’ve trained properly so just worry about that. The last fight, I’m not even joking, I just went there because I had nothing else to do. During that fight I was like, ‘you know what – I love this game’. I love fighting, and it just brought back a buzz for me because I hadn’t fought for like 14 months before that. That really got my passion back for boxing and got my head back in the game. I had Eddie Hearn on my podcast at the last show in Belfast and I asked him to throw me a bone. He then phoned my and asked if I wanted to fight Chev Clarke. It’s a good fight for me. The WBA Title is on the line. The winner of this fight is going to go high up in the world rankings. This is almost like a World Title Eliminator – you’re putting yourself in line for a big title fight.”

Paddy Donovan:

“I’m in a great position. Obviously with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom, you couldn’t ask for any better. I’ve got to keep living up to the expectation and keep performing very well at the highest level. The opportunities are there, as you can see there are so many Welterweights here today. I’m ready to put on a big performance on Saturday and I’m glad to be back in Belfast. First of all Andy (Lee) has been there and he’s done that. He knows the road to be a World Champion and he knows it’s not easy – there’s a lot of ups and downs. Obviously I’m still a prospect with Andy. I’m still under his care. Andy can see a little bit of me in him, what he’s been through. I’ve got to just listen to Andy and observe everything that I can. Keep building in the gym, keep working and learning with Andy, keep disciplined and the world will be my oyster. We’ve got a good challenge on our hands on Saturday. Deal with that on Saturday. We’ve got May at Croke Park on the Katie Taylor undercard. I’m sure a lot of Irish fans would like to see me on that. Hopefully summer time Eddie said we could do a show in Limerick City. Why not? I’ve seen some of his fights and he’s a very durable fighter – never been stopped, 15 fights 13 wins. It’s a great test for me at this stage of my career. It’s an opportunity for me to perform again at the highest level.”

Williams Andres Herrera:

“Firstly I’d like to say thank you very much for the opportunity. I’ve just come here to compete. It’s a great opportunity for me and I just want to show that I’m at this level. I’ve seen a lot of my rival, I know that he moves well around the ring. He has great potential but we’ve come here to win and that’s what we’re coming to do. All I need to do is just study him in the ring, to watch him, to watch how he develops and how he fights, to kind of get the worst out of him.”

Conah Walker:

“I’m massively grateful. As all boxers will know, inactivity can kill you, so it’s best to be getting out and getting out so early in the year. I’ve got a test in front of me, he’s undefeated, 9-0, he’s a good talent. We’ve spoke in the past and we get on but all of that is to the side now because we’ve got to go to war and that’s that. I’m always confident, I got into the trenches every camp. Every fight from now onwards is one more step of securing a future for my family that I want. I treat every fighter and every fight the same. I prepare diligently and it is what it is. He’s never tasted defeat and i’m grateful for him stepping up but he’s got a big task on his hands. He’s never fought anyone and he’s never fought anyone like me. I’m going to win. It doesn’t matter how I’m going to win, but I will win.”

Lloyd Germain:

“Obviously I’m here for big fights and I’m grateful for the opportunity from DAZN and Matchroom. Come Saturday night I’m ready to grab the opportunity with both hands. Beating Conor is going to progress my career and I’m looking forward to doing that on Saturday night. Like he said, we’ve spoken to each other in the past, there’s not bad feelings. It’s business at the end of the day. What he’s got I want very very much. He had a great performance against Cyrus upsetting the applecart and I’ve been brought in now and I’m going to do the same for myself on Saturday.”

Giorgio Visioli:

“I’ll be real, I’ve watched my debut knockout pretty much every day. I watch the little clips on DAZN back on Instagram, I watch the YouTube full fight back and everything. It was a great experience. Watching it back I’m not too surprised I got the knockout but back then I was because in the amateurs I was more like a boxer mover – I didn’t really get the stoppages. Watching it back I realised that I’m a good fighter and I can read my opponents really easily. My reaction times were on top. I do a lot of rounds in sparring, I do eights and I do tens and I do them really comfortably. I don’t think an extra two rounds is going to be a problem for me at all.”

Leli Buttigieg:

“I’ve gained a bit of experience. I know what it’s like, first public workout, press conference and weigh-in last time. I went back to the gym and i carried on learning, working on things. Now I’m coming back to Belfast and I’m glad to be back. I’m going to put on another demolishing performance. As an amateur I flew to Russia, Ukraine – I fought abroad a lot. So coming to Belfast wasn’t really anything new to me because I’m used to this stuff.”

Kurt Walker:

“I’m happy. Big thanks to Matchroom and Conlan Boxing for getting me on the show. It’s what I want, activity. I’ve got big plans for this year. I’m looking to have big fights. I’ve been pro for two years now. I had a long long amateur career where I did good things so I’m ready to go now, I don’t want to waste time. I’m just ready to go, big fights, any opportunity I can get. I have to take my opportunities now. I’m ready to go. I need to get through this fight on Saturday obviously, I’m not overlooking my opponent. I’m looking at the likes of Hopey Price and Nathaniel Collins, all them boys. We have big plans, If I want those big fights in the summer it’s about learning too. I’m still learning. I’m trying to learn every fight. It’s just about small improvements every time for me.”

Belfast Welterweight hope Lewis Crocker makes a quick return to the ring when he takes on Mexican danger-man Jose Felix this Saturday at Ulster Hall, live worldwide on DAZN, and ‘The Croc’ is promising an explosive start to what he hopes will be his breakout year. 

Crocker (18-0, 10 KOs) is fresh from a shutout points win over local rival Tyrone McKenna at the SSE Arena last month in what was a highly anticipated showdown dubbed the ‘Battle of Belfast’ – a dominant display that has filled the 27-year-old with confidence as he prepares to headline his first ever Matchroom show. 

“The atmosphere was class that night,” said Crocker. “Losing wasn’t an option, it’s not in any fight but especially this fight. This was me all along, I just needed the big platform and I knew that I was going to put on a big performance.

“He said that he was going to make me ‘no mas’, basically quit, that I wasn’t ready for 10 rounds, that I was going to fold under the pressure. I’ve never had so much fun in a fight. You can see it, I’m smiling and laughing the whole way. It was just a great night.

“I’ve got the confidence now since my last performance that I feel like I’m here now. I think with the platform of Matchroom and DAZN I’ve got everything there that I need to be a superstar. I can’t wait to fight now, in Belfast again too – class.”

The Sandy Row native, who picked up four wins from four fights in 2023, is unbeaten since making his professional debut at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall back in 2017 – and the powerful Billy Nelson-trained puncher is hoping for an active 2024 as he looks to build towards further title opportunities in the competitive 147lbs division.

“The day I got the call I was halfway through a kebab. I thought maybe I’d have a couple of weeks off and stuff so I was just enjoying it. I got the call and here we are – back out the next month. It’s great to be out so quick again – that’s what you need. You need to be active, especially after a good performance. Being out again this Saturday is perfect. The stage is set for a huge year. Get this win and then push on for bigger and better fights as well.

“I truly believe that I’ve not hit anywhere near where I’m going to be as a fighter. I’m going to be a force to be reckoned with. Every man’s dream in boxing is to be a World Champion, so that’s the goal and that’s the dream. This is what you dream of when you start out – main event, home city, top of the bill. I can’t be stopped, I believe I will reach the very top.”

Crocker is thriving under the guidance of veteran Scottish trainer Nelson and the heavy-handed Irishman believes it is only a matter of time before he is locking horns with some of the biggest names in the Welterweight division. 

“I always knew I had to make the move from Belfast to elsewhere, just to get me in the zone and keep me focused. There’s no distractions over in Scotland. With Billy Nelson it’s the perfect set up, my last four fights since I’ve been over there with Billy – I’ve got better each and every time – fitter each time, stronger. My last fight showed that. I’m starting to reach my potential and I’m getting there. I think this year is my breakout year.

“I put my life on the line, each and every time – no problem. I’m there for a fight, every time. He likes to come and fight and so do I – let’s have it. This is why I work so hard every day. This is the year of Lewis Crocker. We’re starting 2024 with a bang

“There’s so many names at Welterweight in the UK. It’s not like I’m calling anyone out but you go through the world class names, you’ve got Conor Benn and Josh Taylor. 147 is always a popular weight – it’s only a matter of time before all of the big names start to fight each other. Hopefully I’m in that mix.”

Crocker vs. Felix headlines Matchroom’s first show of 2024, fast-rising Cruiserweight contender Cheavon Clarke (7-0, 5 KOs) faces the biggest test of his career to date when he meets Belfast’s former European Champion Tommy McCarthy (20-5, 10 KOs), Limerick Welterweight talent Paddy Donovan (12-0, 9 KOs) aims to start 2024 with a bang against Argentina’s Williams Andres Herrera (15-2, 6 KOs), Wolverhampton Welterweight Conah Walker (12-2-1, 4 KOs) returns against Cardiff’s Lloyd Germain (9-0, 1 KO) following his brilliant win over Cyrus Pattinson, Guildford prospect Giorgio Visioli (1-0, 1 KO) fights for the second time as a pro in a six-round Super-Featherweight contest with Longbridge’s Samuel Pikire (4-2), Newham’s Leli Buttigieg (1-0, 1 KO) returns to Belfast for his second pro fight against Estonia’s ArtjomSpatar (4-4, 1 KO) at Super-Featherweight and Lisburn Featherweight Kurt Walker (9-0, 1 KO) joins the card as a late addition. 

Big-punching Belfast Welterweight Lewis Crocker is looking to make it two big wins in two months when he takes on Mexican danger-man Jose Felix at the Newforge Sports Complex on Saturday January 27, live worldwide on DAZN.
 
Fresh from his shutout points win over fellow Northern Irishman Tyrone McKenna earlier this month in a fight dubbed the ‘Battle of Belfast’, 26-year-old Crocker (18-0, 10 KOs) is out to make a statement against the man who handed Naas Lightweight hope Gary Cully his first loss in the professional ranks earlier this year.
 
‘The Croc’, who picked up four wins from four fights in 2023, is unbeaten since making his professional debut at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall back in 2017 – and the powerful Billy Nelson-trained fighter is hoping for an active 2024 as he looks to build towards further title opportunities in the competitive 147lbs division.
 
Sinaloa’s Felix (40-6-1, 31 KOs) is well-known amongst Irish fight fans following his stunning upset win over Cully on the undercard of Katie Taylor’s first meeting with Chantelle Cameron at the 3Arena in Dublin back in May – and the 31-year-old nicknamed ‘Josesito’ is looking to make it two wins in a row against Irish opposition.
 
Fast-rising Cruiserweight contender Cheavon Clarke (7-0, 5 KOs) faces the biggest test of his career to date when he meets Belfast’s former European Champion Tommy McCarthy (20-5, 10 KOs), Belfast Super-Lightweight Sean McComb (18-1, 5 KOs) looks to build on his win over Sam Maxwell last time out, Limerick Welterweight talent Paddy Donovan (12-0, 9 KOs) aims to start 2024 with a bang, Guildford Lightweight prospect Giorgio Visioli (1-0, 1 KO) fights for the second time as a pro and Newham Middleweight Leli Buttigieg (1-0, 1 KO) returns to Beflast for his second pro fight. 
 
 “I’m delighted to be back out so soon,” said Crocker. “December 2^nd was my coming out party and a real special night for me, it showed I belong in big nights here in Belfast. Now it’s about building on the back of that.
 
“Thanks to Matchroom and my manager Jamie Conlan for working on this and getting me back so quick. Jose Felix showed how dangerous he is last time out in Dublin so I know how tough this can be.
 
“I’m missing out on Christmas dinner this year but on January 27^th ‘The Croc’ will feast on Mexican meat!”
 
“I am very excited to fight back in a place that has become my second home,” said Felix. “Ireland a country with great history, especially Belfast, with very demanding and knowledgeable boxing people.
 
“I would like to thank God, Paco Damian and Matchroom Boxing for this opportunity. I guarantee you that like a Mexican warrior I will leave everything inside that ring. I will see you all soon.”
 
Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn said: “I’m excited to be returning to the brilliant fighting city of Belfast so soon after our epic Michael Conlan vs. Jordan Gill show earlier this month. We’ve got another cracker in store as the Belfast’s hard-hitting Lewis Crocker goes in against Mexican danger-man Jose Felix. Felix is brimming with confidence following his three-round destruction of Gary Cully in Dublin earlier this year and he will be aiming to take another Irish scalp next month. An exciting undercard sees Cheavon Clarke take the biggest step-up of his career to date when he meets Belfast’s former European Champion Tommy McCarthy. Plus there’s action for Sean McComb, Paddy Donovan, Giorgio Visioli and Leli Buttigieg. Catch all of the action live worldwide on DAZN.”
 
Ticket details will be announced soon.

Lewis Crocker stopped Artem Haroyan in round seven of their scheduled 10-round welterweight bout at Ulster Hall in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Crocker dropped Haroyan once in round sic and again in round seven, and the bout was stopped at 47 seconds.

Crocker, 146 1/4 lbs of Belfast, NI is 14-0 with eight knockouts. Haroyan, 146 1/4 lbs of Spain is 17-3-1.

Paddy McCrory stopped Celso Neves in round two of a scheduled 10-round super middleweight bout.

In round two, McCrory landed a wicked left hook on the inside that dropped Neves and the fight was over at 35 seconds.

McCrory, 168 lbs of Belfast, IRE who is 13-0 with seven knockouts. Neves, 167.2 lbs of Portugal is 8-2-1/

Sean McComb won a decision over Ronnie Clark in an eight-round super lightweight bout.

McComb, 137 1/2 lbs won by a 79-74 score and is now 13-1. Clark is 21-6-2.

James McGivern remained undefeated with a six-round decision over Rustem Fatkullin in a super lightweight bout.

In round six, McGivern was marked up a little bit around the left eye.

McGivern, 136.1 lbs of Belfast, NI won by a score 60-54 and is 4-0. Fatullin, 143 lbs of Russia is 8-11.

Paul Ryan made quick work of David Esquisabel with an opening round stoppage in a scheduled four-round middleweight bout.

In round one, Ryan landed a combination to the head that dropped Esquisabel. Ryan finished the fight with a hard uppercut to the body that sent Esquisabel down again and the fight was stopped at 47 seconds.

Ryan, 155 lbs of Dublin, IRE is 2-0 with one knockout. Esquisabel, 156.2 lbs of Spain is 4-7.

Daniel Keating remained undefeated with a four-round decision over Jack Dempsey Eubank.

In round one, Keating dropped Eubank with a left hook.

Keating, 152.5 lbs of Cork, IRE won by a 40-35 score and is now 5-0. Dempsey, 152.3 lbs of Ashford, ENG is 4-2.

Despite being dropped twice in the opening round, Cain Lewis and Juan Lewis battled to a draw in a super featherweight fight.

In round one, Yin dropped Lewis with a hard left hand. Moments later it was another left hook that put Lewis on the deck. Lewis was able to win the final three rounds and salvage a draw by 37-37 scores on all cards.

Lewis, 126 1/4 lbs of Ireland is 1-0-1. Yin, 125 1/4 lbs of Madrid, SPA is 4-0-1.

(March 9, 2021) — One of Europe’s top welterweights returns this Friday, March 12, as #MTKFightNight is back with Lewis “The Croc” Crocker making the first defense of his WBO European belt in a 10-rounder against German contender Deniz Ilbay at University of Bolton Stadium in Bolton, England.
 
In the co-feature, Irish fan-favorite Gary Cully will battle Kazakhstan’s Viktor Kotochigov in a 10-rounder for the vacant WBO European lightweight title.
 
Crocker-Ilbay, Cully-Kotochigov and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+ starting at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT.
 
Crocker (12-0, 7 KOs) captured the WBO European belt last August with a dominating seventh-round stoppage over Louis Greene, a former British Southern Area champion. The Belfast native takes another step up against Ilbay (22-2, 10 KOs), who is 7-1 in his last eight bouts. He last fought in December 2019 and notched a first-round stoppage over Milos Janjanin.
 
Cully (11-0, 5 KOs), from Naas, Ireland, went 2-0 in 2020, including a first-round stoppage over Joe Fitzpatrick to capture the Irish lightweight title. He returned last August and survived a fifth-round knockdown to edge Craig Woodruff via decision. Kotochigov (12-1, 5 KOs), a former WBC International lightweight champion, seeks to rebound from last October’s upset loss to Maxi Hughes.
 
In other streaming action:

• Former Commonwealth featherweight champion Isaac Lowe (20-0-3, 6 KOs) makes his first ring appearance since the Deontay Wilder-Tyson Fury II undercard and will face Ed Harrison (2-5) in a six-round junior lightweight bout. Lowe is ranked as a top-10 featherweight by two of the major sanctioning organizations.
   
• Former British amateur star Jordan Reynolds will make his highly anticipated professional debut in a six-round middleweight bout versus the durable Robbie Chapman (6-6).
   
• In an eight-round welterweight tilt, Bolton native Sahir Iqbal (8-0, 1 KO) will fight an opponent to be named.
   
• The ESPN+ stream is scheduled to begin with the pro debut of Carl Fail, who will clash with the unbeaten Jordan Dujon (4-0) in a six-rounder at junior middleweight.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 12.1 million subscribers.
  
Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $59.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $12.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $18.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

Lewis Crocker stopped Louis Greene in round seven of a scheduled 10-round welterweight fight in Yorkshire, England.

In round one, Crocker dropped Greene with a left hook.

In round seven, Crocker dropped Greene with a right uppercut that was followed by a left to the body. Crocker finished things with a hard right hand that dropped Greene again, and the fight was stopped at 2:02.

Crocker of Belfast, Northern Ireland is 12-0 with seven knockouts. Greene of Strood, UK is 12-2.

Taylor Decisions Tetley

Liam Taylor scored two knockdowns en-route to a 10-round unanimous decision over Darren Tetley in a welterweight bout.

In round two, Taylor dropped Tetley with a right to the body. The Same occurrence happened in the next round as a body shot put Tetley down again.

Taylor, 147 lba of Middleton, UK won by scores of 96-93 twice and 95-93, and is now 22-1-1. Tetley, 147 lbs of Middleton, UK is 20-1.

McGregor stops Walker in 5

Lee McGregor stopped Ryan Walker in round five of their scheduled 10-round super bantamweight fight.

In round five, McGregor landed a booming right that sent Walker hard to the canvas. Walker got up but the fight was stopped at 16 seconds.

McGregor, 122 lbs of Edinbergh, SCO is 9-0 with seven knockouts. Walker, 122 lbs is 11-2.

Quinn Decisions Chapman

Ferghus Quinn made a successful pro debut with a six-round decision win over Robbie Chapman in a middleweight bout.

Quinn, 163 lbs of Ireland won by a 60-54, and is now 1-0. Chapman, 162 lbs of London is 6-4.

Cully Decisions Woodruff

Gary Cully had to get off the deck to remain undefeated with an eight-round decision over Craig Woodruff in a junior welterweight bout.

In round five, Woodruff landed a perfect right that put Cully on his back. Other then that, Cully dominated the action and won by a 77-75 score.

Cully, 140 lbs of Naas, IRE is now 11-0. Woodruff, 139 lbs of Newport, WAL is 10-6.

(August 21, 2020) —Australia’s most anticipated fistic showdown in years has an American streaming home.
 
Former welterweight world champion and Manny Pacquiao conqueror Jeff “The Hornet” Horn will face Tim Tszyu in a 10-round junior middleweight bout Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville, Australia. A socially distanced crowd of more than 16,000 fans are expected for Horn-Tszyu, which will headline a special edition of Breakfast and Boxing exclusively on ESPN+ (5 a.m. ET/2 a.m. PT).
 
Horn (20-2-1, 13 KOs), from Brisbane, toppled Pacquiao in July 2017 via unanimous decision to win the WBO welterweight world title. Horn-Pacquiao, the Top Rank on ESPN series premier, peaked at 4.4 million viewers. Horn defended his title once before losing via ninth-round stoppage to Terence “Bud” Crawford in June 2018. He is 2-1 since the Crawford loss, most recently splitting a pair of action classics against countryman Michael Zerafa in 2019.
 
Tszyu (15-0, 11 KO), the Sydney-born son of legendary former world champion Kostya Tszyu, returns from a nearly nine-month layoff. He graduated from prospect to contender in 2019, closing out the year in December with a fourth-round TKO over Jack Brubaker that streamed live on ESPN+. 
 
“In my career, what I’ve accomplished and what I’m doing, my dad doesn’t play much of a role. I do my own stuff,” Tszyu told ESPN recently. “He taught me one thing and that’s work ethic, because of that I am who I am. If you want to succeed you have to put in the work.
 
“I’m proud of what my dad achieved. He’s the greatest boxer in Australian and Russian sports history. I do everything that he’s done. There’s a blueprint. If I could do half of what he did, I’m going to be a great in this sport.”
 
The Horn-Tszyu stream will also include unbeaten junior lightweight prospect Liam Wilson (6-0, 4 KOs) against Jackson Woods (4-1-1, 4 KOs) in an eight-rounder, former Australian 154-pound champion Joel Camilleri (18-6-1, 8 KOs) versus Adam Copland (5-1, 3 KOs) in an eight-round middleweight bout, and Australian middleweight prospect Issac “The Headsplitter” Hardman (6-0, 5 KOs ) against seven-year veteran Jamie Weetch (12-3, 5 KOs) in a six-rounder.
 
Lewis Crocker-Louis Greene Headlines #MTKFightNight Following Horn-Tszyu
 
The action continues Wednesday on ESPN+ at  2 p.m. ET, as MTK Global returns with a closed-door card from Production Park Studios in Wakefield, England. In the 10-round main event, Belfast’s Lewis “The Croc” Crocker will battle Louis Greene for the vacant WBO European welterweight title.
 
Crocker (11-0, 6 KOs) is making his headlining debut in his first scheduled 10-round assignment. He last fought Feb. 1 at Belfast’s historic Ulster Hall, where he notched an eight-round decision over John Thain. Greene (12-1, 7 KOs) has won three fights in a row since a unanimous decision defeat to Larry Ekundayo for the IBF European welterweight title.
 
In other action on the Crocker-Greene stream, British and Commonwealth bantamweight champion Lee McGregor (8-0, 6 KOs) moves up to junior featherweight to fight Ryan Walker (11-1, 2 KOs) in a 10-rounder; junior welterweight prospect Gary Cully (10-0, 5 KOs) takes on Craig Woodruff (10-5, 4 KOs) in an eight-round junior welterweight tilt; middleweight Fearghus Quinn turns pro in a six-rounder against Robbie Chapman (6-3, 0 KOs); and Darren Tetley (20-0, 9 KOs) fights Liam Taylor (21-1-1, 10 KOs) in a 10-round British welterweight title eliminator.
 
August 23: Kazakh Amateur Superstar to Make Pro Debut at Cruiserweight
 
MTK Global presents a special Sunday show live from Almaty, Kazakhstan, which will showcase the professional debut of former Kazakh amateur superstar Kamshybek Kunkabayev. The two-time World Championships silver medalist (2017 & 2019), will make his professional debut in an eight-round cruiserweight bout against Issa Akberbayev (20-1, 15 KOs). Kunkabayev also won a pair of Asian Championships silver medals, while Akberbayev, a 6-foot-3 puncher who currently resides in Almaty, hopes to rebound from his first career defeat.
 
The scheduled five-fight stream kicks off on ESPN+ at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT and also includes:

• Lightweight contender Viktor Kotochigov (11-0, 4 KOs), who defended the WBC International belt last December, will fight Belarusian veteran Andrei Isayeu (30-17, 9 KOs) in a 10-rounder.

• In an eight-round junior middleweight bout, 2019 Asian Championships gold medalist and 2019 World Championships bronze medalist Tursynbay Kulakhmet will make his pro debut against former amateur star Sagadat Rakhmankul (6-1, 4 KOs), who has won three consecutive fights since his lone pro defeat.
   
• In an eight-round clash of undefeated middleweights, Abay Tolesh (5-0, 3 KOs) will take on southpaw Saparbay Aidarov (4-0, 2 KOs).
   
• Nurtas Azhbenov (9-0, 4 KOs), who has won three of his last four via first-round stoppage, will fight Shovkat Khalilov (7-2, 1 KO) in an eight-rounder at junior welterweight.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service from Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to 8.5 million subscribers, offering fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, as well as premium editorial content. 
 
Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) at ESPNplus.com, ESPN.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu (ad-supported) — all for just $12.99/month.

Stephen Ward won a close technical unanimous decision over Liam Conroy in a light heavyweight bout.

n round two, Ward was cut badly over the left eye. In round four, Conroy scored a knockdown from a nice flurry of punches.

The cut kept streaming from around the eye of Ward, and the fight was stopped in the eighth round, due to an accidental headbutt.

Ward, 174 lbs of Belfast, Ireland won by scores of 76-75 on all cards and is now 12-0. Conroy, 174.7 lbs of England is 17-5-1.

Tyrone McKenna won a 10-roun unanimous decision over Darragh Foley in a junior welterweight bout.

In round three, McKenna began to bleed over his right eye. A worse cut opened up over his left eye in the 5th round from an accidental headbutt.

In round eight, McKenna scored a knockdown as Foley went down from a couple of non descript shots.

McKenna, 139.1 lbs won by scores of 98-91 twice and 97-93, and is now 20-1-1. Foley, 139 lbs is 17-4-1.

Paddy Gallagher stopped previously undefeated Liam Wells in round three of their scheduled eight-round welterweight bout.

In round three, Gallagher hurt Wells with a hard left hand. Gallagher jumped on Wells, and landed about 10 unanswered punches, and the bout was stopped at 1:15.

Gallagher, 152.2 lbs is 16-5 with 10 knockouts. Wells, 151.4 lbs is 5-1

Lewis Crocker won a six-round decision over Karim Aliliche in a welterweight contest.

Crocker dropped Aliliche in the 1st minute with a left hook to the head.

Crocker, 152.4 lbs won by a 60-53 score, and is now 9-0. Aliliche, 148.2 lbs is 11-9-2.