Dmitry Bivol has put his birthday celebrations on hold until after his latest WBA Light-Heavyweight World Title defence against Manchester’s IBO Champion Lyndon Arthur this Saturday December 23 at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – shown live on DAZN as a pay-per-view event in the UK, US and over 200 markets worldwide.

The unbeaten pound-for-pound star, who turned 33 on Monday, hasn’t fought since he masterfully outpointed Mexico’s Gilberto Ramirez at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi in November 2022 – the first ever World Title fight to be held in the United Arab Emirates.

Bivol (21-0, 11 KOs) famously handed Mexican superstar Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez only the second loss of his career when he outpointed the multi-weight World Champion at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in May 2022 – and the humble master boxer could be facing another career-defining fight in 2024 should his long-awaited undisputed clash with IBF, WBC and WBO World Champion Artur Beterbiev get over the line.

Beterbiev faces Bivol’s Matchroom stablemate and former WBA Super-Middleweight World Champion Callum Smith in an eagerly anticipated defence on January 13 in Canada – but the World of Boxing fighter says he remains fully focused on the task at hand this weekend. 

“Every time I get in the ring, I think like this is the best opponent that I will face, and this is the hardest fight of my career,” Bivol told Matchroom Boxing. “It helps me to be focused and take my training campy seriously.

“Preparation for this fight has been good. I spent my time in Kyrgyzstan for my training camp. It was a nice time and I had good sparring. I had my last sparring on Monday before my fight on Saturday. Everything is good.

“Lyndon Arthur a good fighter and he’s a well-schooled boxer. He uses his jab a lot and he moves well. This is going to be a good challenge for me. His record and his IBO belt are an extra motivation for me.

“I try to be the best version of myself every time I get in the ring. I hope we’re going to win another title. It’s a new challenge for me. Then I can celebrate my birthday properly. My celebration on Monday was two training sessions!”

Bivol sent fight fans into a frenzy when he came face-to-face with Beterbiev at a glitzy gala event in Saudi Arabia ahead of the huge Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou event back in October, and the long-reigning WBA Champion believes they will finally share a ring in 2024 should they both get past their latest tests.

“It’s a big goal and when we signed the contract we discussed not only fighting against Lyndon Arthur, we discussed about another fight too for four belts. We discussed undisputed. They want to make this fight and they can make this fight. This is really good for me. It’s what I need.”

The ‘Day of Reckoning’ comes after the ‘Battle of the Baddest’, which was held on October 28 during the opening of Riyadh Season 2023, in which Tyson Fury defeated Francis Ngannou.

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Lyndon Arthur was dropped and behind, but somehow was able to stop Braian Suarez in round 10 of their 12-round light heavyweight bout at The Bolton Whites Hotel in Bolton, England

In round four, Suarez dropped Suarez with a right to the chin. Suarez dominant over the next five rounds.

In round 10, Arthur dropped Suarez with a left to the body and Suarez did not beat the 10-count at 2:55.

Arthur is now 23-1 with 16 knockouts. Suarez is 18-2.

Lyndon Arthur, who was dropped in the fourth round, said: “I weathered the storm, kept using the jab and caught him with a good body shot and he went down.

“I’ve got a good chin, I can take a shot and don’t mind going to war.

“Suarez was one tough opponent, he had 17 knockouts from 18 fights, but I weathered the storm and stopped him with that body shot.” 

Cody Smith remained undefeated with a six-round decision over Eliezer Quezada in a junior lightweigt nout.

In round six, the left eye of Quezada began to bleed.

Smith, 131.1 lbs of Yorkshire, ENG is 3-0.

Ben Marksby remained undefeated with a six-round decision over Jordan Ellison in a welterweight fight.

Marksby was deducted a point for a low blow in round three.

Marksby, 144.8 lbs of Durham ENG won by a 57-55 score and is now 8-0.

Ashley Marron remained undefeated with a four-round decision over Petr Aleksandrov in a junior middleweight bout.

Marron, 149.8 lbs of Bolton, ENG won by a 40-36 score and is now 4-0.

4 Rounds Featherweight contest
Niall Fielding 129.4lbs
John Spencer 130lbs

4 Round Super Lightweight contest
Alex Murphy 139.2lb
Joshua Ocampo 136.8lbs

4 Rounds Super Welterweight contest
Ashley Marron 149.8lbs
Petar Aleksandrov 148.2lbs

6 Rounds Super Lightweight contest
Ben Marksby 141.8lbs
Jordan Ellison (not weighed in yet)

6 Rounds Featherweight contest
Codie Smith 130.1lbs
Eliecer Quezada 128.6lbs

Vacant IBO World Light Heavyweight Title
12 Rounds contest
Lyndon Arthur 174.5lbs
Braian Suarez 175.7lbs 
(Suarez missed weight and can no longer win the IBO belt)

Big Fight Odds with Ladbrokes
Arthur win – 1/5
Suarez win – 7/2

Vacant British Super Welterweight Title
12 Rounds contest
Samuel Antwi 153.7lbs
Mason Cartwright 153.6lbs

Big Fight Odds with Ladbrokes
Antwi win – 2/5
Cartwright win – 2/1

Samuel Antwi and Mason Cartwright collide in a mouth-watering battle for the vacant British super welterweight title on September 1, live and free-to-air on Channel 5. 

The pair meet at the University of Bolton Stadium, on the undercard of Lyndon Arthur’s IBO world light heavyweight title showdown with the big-punching Braian Suarez. 

Wasserman Boxing, in association with Ladbrokes, Numan and Infinitum Entertainment, return with another hard-hitting show in Bolton, following the success of its event there in March. 

Antwi, who has signed a promotional deal with Wasserman Boxing, is a former British welterweight title challenger and warmed up for this latest title shot by halting Ruben Angulo in less than three rounds, in Newcastle on Saturday night. 

Cartwright challenged then-champion Troy Williamson for the Lonsdale Belt last year, and despite flooring the title holder in a thriller, he was on the wrong end of a highly controversial points decision. 

Josh Kelly, who ripped the title from Williamson with a masterclass performance before Christmas, confirmed his decision to relinquish the title last week, which has opened the door for Antwi and Cartwright to scrap it out for the vacant belt.

Samuel Antwi said: “This is the third of the domestic trio for me.  I’ve been the Southern Area champion and the English champion, and now it’s time to add the British to the collection. 

“I have been given a great opportunity and though it’s above the weight I have been fighting at, I jumped at the chance.  I know I can handle myself as a super welterweight and I plan on making a statement on September 1.” 

Mason Cartwright said: “I believe I did enough to win the British super welterweight title last year, and so did a lot of the people who watched on the night.  For some reason, the ringside judges thought otherwise, but on September 1 I will deliver a performance that removes any doubt. 

“This time, I’m not returning to Ellesmere Port without the Lonsdale Belt in my possession.” 

Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing at Wasserman Boxing, said: “British title fights always deliver, and Antwi against Cartwright has excitement plastered all over it. 

“We saw at the Wasserman Boxing show at the weekend, just what battling out for the Lonsdale Belt means to fighters.

“And so the fans in Bolton, or those watching live and free-to-air on Channel 5, are in for a real treat.  This is a brilliant addition to our world title card on September 1.” 

Lyndon Arthur and Braian Suarez will battle it out for the vacant IBO world light heavyweight title on September 1, live and free-to-air on Channel 5. 

The rivals were due to square off in March, but a medical issue forced Argentina’s Suarez to pull out, 24 hours before their showdown. 

‘King’ Arthur dealt with late replacement Boris Crighton the following evening, but his focus instantly switched back to the IBO belt – and getting his hands on Suarez as soon as possible. 

And Wasserman Boxing, in association with Ladbrokes, Numan and Infinitum Entertainment, have delivered the fight that has been on Arthur’s mind for months. 

Victory for either man at the University of Bolton Stadium, this September, opens the door to some huge international fights and Manchester’s Arthur has waited too long to let this golden opportunity slip through his fingers. 

Lyndon Arthur said: “This fight, and this opponent, have been on my mind since the start of the year. I have thought of little else so I can’t wait to finally get in the ring with Suarez on September 1, defeat him and put the IBO world title around my waist. 

“This is a huge moment in my career because victory will open the door to some massive fights for me and for Manchester. 

“It’s time for the coronation of King Arthur!” 

Ladbrokes Big Fight Odds
Lyndon Arthur – 1/10

Braian Suarez – 6/1

Draw – 20/1

Braian Suarez said: “You cannot begin to imagine the hurt I felt, when I was forced to withdraw from this fight in March. 

“But I have used the pain from that moment to push myself harder in the gym, and I return to Bolton, in September, an even better version of the fighter who was ready to fight Arthur a few months ago. 

“I was already very confident of victory but now, I am convinced of it.”  

Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing at Wasserman Boxing, said: “The second Lyndon stepped out of the ring in March, there was one thing on his mind – Suarez. 

“It was the only fight he wanted, and we were determined to make sure the fight happened again, and that the IBO world title would still be on the line.  

“For the winner on September 1, the world awaits. It’s a massive moment for both men and the delay has only added to the suspense.  

“Finally, later this year, they get it on!” 

Lyndon Arthur remains on track to fight for the world title in May after flooring late replacement Boris Crighton on the way to a unanimous points win. 

Arthur, live and free-to-air on Channel 5, in association with Ladbrokes, Numan and Infinitum Entertainment, had to bide his time against his former sparring partner from Scotland, after original opponent Braian Suarez failed a medical on Thursday. 

Suarez’s withdrawal meant the vacant IBO light heavyweight world title was no longer on the line, but Arthur could afford no mistakes against Crighton on the Wasserman Boxing card at the University of Bolton Stadium, if he wanted to challenge for the belt later this year. 

And though the spirited Crighton made life difficult for ‘King’,  Manchester’s Arthur refused to be ruffled and proved his world class credentials down the stretch in front of a sell-out crowd.

After a strong eighth session, Arthur hurt ‘Blade’ in round nine and then detonated a huge right hand to send Crighton to the canvas late in the 10th.

Crighton rose to his feet to hear the final bell but Arthur was awarded the victory with scores of 98-92, 96-93 and 99-91 by the ringside judges and he now turns his attention back to the IBO world title.

Arthur, now 22-1, said: “Crighton literally came in at the last minute and I was supposed to be fighting someone completely different, with a completely different style, for the title.
“It was scrappy at times but, in the end, it was a good 10 rounds for me and we keep moving.”

Wasserman Head of Global Boxing, Kalle Sauerland said: “We march on, to May and the world championship for Lyndon Arthur.
“We have had it confirmed by the IBO that Lyndon is now mandatory challenger for the vacant belt and we will find out his opponent in the next few weeks, but there will be a world title for Lyndon Arthur in May.”

Also live in front of the Channel 5 audience, Kane Gardner edged out Conah Walker after an electric eight rounds in Bolton.

Local hero Gardner was given the nod 78-76 over Wolverhampton’s Walker but both men emerged with huge credit after delivering a thrilling contest.

The fearsome flyweight Chloe Watson closed the show by extending her unbeaten professional record to 5-0 with a four round win over Romina Sosa.

Watson, coached by Ricky Hatton, set a lightning quick pace against her Argentinean rival and, roared on by her loyal army of fans, took a well deserved 39-37 victory.

James Moorcroft earned a shot at the English welterweight title with a devastating second round stoppage of Nathan Bennett. 

Moorcroft, trained by Manchester legend Anthony Crolla, sent Bennett to the floor after a barrage of heavy shots and though his Liverpool rival beat the count, the referee decided he was in no fit state to continue. 

Victory in this final eliminator now secures Wigan’s Moorcroft a shot at English glory. 

Crowd favourite Niall Brown and Bahadur Karami engaged in a fight-of-the-night contender over six punishing rounds. 

Both men received a standing ovation, but it was Brown who had his hand raised, winning 59-55 on the official’s card. 

Unbeaten German middleweight Denis Radovan saw his blood-stained battle with Fouad El Masaoudi brought to a premature finish in round five. 

The ringside doctor deemed the cut above El Masaoudi’s eye was too severe for him to continue and so at 1:45 of the round, the fight was stopped with the referee having Radovan 50-46 ahead at the time. 

Other undercard results:  

Bobby Faulkner 40-36 Georgi Velichkov 

Sultan Zaurbek WTKO5 Facundo Arce 

Oliver Zaren 40-36 Frane Radnic

Alex Murphy 40-36 Liam Fox 

Katharina Thanderz 77-75 Ioana Fecioru  

Ashley Marron WRTD1 Daryl Pearce  

Lyndon Arthur faces a last-minute change of opponent in Bolton after Braian Suarez failed a pre-fight medical. 

And late replacement, Boris Crighton has warned ‘King’ Arthur to expect an easy night at his peril, as the former sparring partners become rivals for real. 

Arthur was ready to lock horns with KO artist Suarez for the vacant IBO light heavyweight title at the University of Bolton Stadium, but medical issues meant the Argentinean was forced out and the supremely confident Crighton was drafted in. 

Crighton, nicknamed ‘Blade’, travelled from Glasgow on Thursday and was brimming with confidence ahead of his big chance on the Wasserman Boxing show, live on Channel 5, from 10pm, in association with Ladbrokes, Numan and Infinitum Entertainment. 

Arthur knew victory over Suarez, and winning the IBO title, would put him in pole position to land huge fights with any number of the world’s leading light heavyweight fighters. 

But to keep those dreams alive, the Manchester hero must deal with Crighton, a two-time Great Britain Amateur Championships winner and fighter determined to seize his golden chance. 

“This is a win-win for me, I’m in with a guy who fights at a weight that I don’t normally fight at, and someone who has had a full camp to prepare for a world title, so this is no small feat I am looking at,” Crighton said. 

“He is much bigger than me, but as the lighter man I will be faster, sharper and I have got that power regardless of whether I am at super middle or light heavy. 

“In those 10oz gloves, from super middleweight to light heavyweight, everybody has the power to put you down. Lyndon is not oblivious to that, and neither am I. The first few rounds will be like a chess match, but the middle rounds are where we are going to find out. The fifth, sixth and seventh will be where it gets exciting and where it will be make or break.” 

Crighton, who was preparing for a fight next month, received the phone call as he stepped out of a yoga class and instantly knew he had nothing to lose, and everything to gain, by accepting the offer. 

An upset win over Arthur would be “unimaginable” for his career and the 29-year-old, a double Scottish amateur champion, has promised his rival that he will bring the heat tonight. 

“I have sparred Lyndon before, it was good sparring and when you spar a high-level fighter like Lyndon, then the spars are like world championship fights – and that is how tonight is going to be.  I sparred Lyndon for the bout before he fought the rematch with Anthony Yarde and before the first fight with Yarde. 

“Lyndon won the Yarde fight with his jab; it is his prime weapon and if you allow him to get into a rhythm with his jab then he will control the fight.” 

Wasserman Boxing return for their opening event of the year and delivers an action-packed undercard featuring 50-50 fights, a title eliminator and a host of national and international stars.  

Formidable flyweight Chloe Watson is one to watch and she aims to continue her march to the top of the sport, with a six-round showdown in Bolton.  

Kane Gardner and Conah Walker engage in a fiery looking super lightweight tussle with James Moorcroft facing Nathan Bennett in an English title eliminator which is being tipped to steal the show.  

The first bell is at 17:45. 

Full weigh-in results and tonight’s running order can be found at www.WassermanBoxing.com  

Lyndon Arthur will catapult himself above his domestic light heavyweight rivals by winning the vacant IBO world title, declared promoter Kalle Sauerland. 

The Manchester fighter tackles the heavy-handed Braian Suarez at the University of Bolton Stadium on Friday night, live and free-to-air on Channel 5 from 10pm, in association with Ladbrokes, Numan and Infinitum Entertainment. 

Arthur is part of a thriving UK scene at light heavyweight and Wasserman Head of Global Boxing, Sauerland, says defeating the dangerous Suarez would put the ‘King of the North’ at the top of the pile. 

The 31-year-old is refusing to look at potential mega-fights with Joshua Buatsi, Dan Azeez and Anthony Yarde just yet, but taking home the prestigious IBO belt on Friday night, will put Arthur in the driving seat to land those huge domestic clashes. 

Wasserman Head of Global Boxing, Kalle Sauerland said: “The light heavyweight division is a talking point in this country and there are some massive fights out there, internationally.  

“And on Friday night, the King of the North, Lyndon Arthur, can put himself above Buatsi, above Yarde, above Azeez by winning the IBO world title. Those fights can come, and they will come. 

“But it is a tough mission in front of Lyndon on Friday night. Suarez has close to a 90% knockout ratio and I don’t think the judges will be needed. I am confident in our man. He has been overlooked but on Friday night, Lyndon will have more viewers than Yarde, Buatsi and Azeez did in their last two fights, put together. 

“And no-one else in the UK light heavyweight division will have one of these world titles, if we are successful. A win puts us ahead in the race. Yarde put in a strong performance against Beterbiev but, at the end of the day, he was still well short.” 

Manchester hero Lyndon Arthur said: “Suarez is a good fighter who has good power and I’m excited to see what he brings. 

“My focus is only on Suarez and winning the IBO title. After Friday night, I will speak about those other fights that have been mentioned.”

The dangerous Braian Suarez said: “I am so thankful for this opportunity, and I will do everything in my hands to bring the victory home to Argentina. 

“I hope to win by KO, but the priority is just to win. Like every boxer, Arthur has weaknesses. I am not going to tell you what they are, but I am going to take advantage of them.” 

Arthur and Suarez headline a stunning first show of 2023 for Wasserman Boxing, with the 12 fight card delivering 50-50 contests, a title eliminator and a host of local, national and international stars. 

The future of female boxing in the flyweight division, the formidable Chloe Watson, has her fifth pro contest, while Kane Garnder and Conah Walker clash in a tasty looking super lightweight meeting. 

Lyndon Arthur vs Braian Suarez, for the IBO World Light Heavyweight Title is live and free-to-air on Channel 5 at 10pm on Friday.

Tickets are available from Wassermanboxing.com 

Free-to-air boxing is back with a bang as Lyndon Arthur faces a world title showdown live and exclusive on Channel 5, in association with Ladbrokes and Infinitum Entertainment.

‘King’ Arthur clashes with Argentinian KO artist Braian Nahuel Suarez for the vacant IBO World Light Heavyweight crown, on Friday March 24 at the University of Bolton Stadium.

And as well as bringing world title action to your screens, Wasserman Boxing have also delivered an undercard that packs a serious punch.

Supporting Arthur’s crack at world title glory, is a must-see show crammed with 50-50 fights, domestic scraps you don’t want to miss and a host of local, national and international stars.

Arthur knows that by seeing off the dangerous Suarez, and taking home the IBO title once held by the great Roy Jones Jr, he will open the door to some huge fights in a lethal light heavyweight division and be in position to deliver the fights that fans want to see.

The Manchester hero’s world title shot will kick-off Channel 5’s live and free coverage from 10pm and then be followed by a domestic dust-up that cannot fail to ignite.

Kane Gardner will have home support when he tackles Wolverhampton’s Conah Walker over eight rounds, with a firecracker of an eight rounder expected.

Both super lightweight contenders know a statement victory, in front of a massive audience on Channel 5, can catapult them into title contention, so expect both men to leave everything in the ring.

The future of women’s boxing, Chloe Watson, then follows when she takes on Argentina’s Romina Sosa over six rounds.

Trained by Ricky Hatton, the formidable flyweight has built a perfect record since leaving the Great Britain amateur set-up for the pro ranks, and so bet on her to serve up yet another sizzling display on the big stage.

Wigan warrior James Moorcroft and Liverpool’s bang-in-form Nathan Bennett collide in an English Welterweight title final eliminator, just before the main event. This promises to be a blood and guts affair with a title shot being dangled in front of these popular and proud 147 lbs fighters.

Destructive Kazak puncher Sultan Zaurbek will go hunting a 10th knockout win of his pro career in Bolton, when he squares off against Facundo Acre, over eight rounds.

The super featherweight southpaw – highly ranked by a number of the world’s sanctioning bodies – is expected to put on another devastating display in Bolton next week.

Germany’s unbeaten middleweight star Denis Radovan makes his UK debut as part of the stacked undercard. The IBF European champion holds wins over North West favourites Luke Blackledge and Brian Rose on his impressive CV, but hopes to win a new army of local fans this time, by putting on a show against former European title challenger Fouad El Massoudi.

The former European and WBC interim world super featherweight champion, Katharina Thanderz continues to work her way back to the top, with a six rounder in Bolton.

Thanderz, from Norway but based in Spain, battled England’s Terri Harper for the IBO and WBC belts in 2020 and the 34-year-old is ready to start making inroads at lightweight.

Thanderz faces the unbeaten and confident Ioana Fecioru over six rounds.

Unbeaten Stockport middleweight Niall Brown faces Manchester’s Bahadur Karami in a derby scrap over six rounds. Brown has established a perfect 7-0 record and will have eyes on climbing the domestic rankings – but knows he cannot afford to slip-up against his local rival.

Manchester prospect Bobby Faulker hasn’t lost a round so far as a professional and hopes to extend his flawless start to the paid ranks in Bolton, in a scheduled four rounder.

Salford lightweight Alex Murphy bolsters the local contingent, by boxing for the seventh time as a pro.

Big support is expected for the professional debut of Mancunian welter Ashley Marron.  Marron will face Birmingham’s Daryl Pearce over four rounds to kick-start his journey.

The Wasserman Boxing card is bolstered by another international star, with the UK debut of Denmark’s Oliver Zaren. Zaren, a 7-0 middleweight southpaw, is highly-rated and squares off against Croatia’s Frane Radnic over six rounds at the University of Bolton Stadium.

Lyndon Arthur vs Braian Suarez, for the IBO World Light Heavyweight Title is live and free-to-air on Channel 5 at 10pm on Friday, March 24.

Tickets are available via WassermanBoxing.com

Top local talent and rising stars are confirmed to feature on Wasserman Boxing’s first free-to-air show of 2023, live on Channel 5 from the University of Bolton Arena on Friday March 24 in association with Infinitum Entertainment.

Manchester boxer Lyndon Arthur (21-1, 15 KOs) tops an action-packed event as he faces Argentina’s Braian Nahuel Suarez (18-1, 17 KOs) for the IBO World Light Heavyweight Championship.

An electric undercard will see Wigan’s James Moorcroft (18-2, 6 KOs) and Liverpool’s Nathan Bennett (12-3, 2 KOs) put it all on the line in an epic Final Eliminator for the English Welterweight Title over 10 Rounds.

After three impressive wins in his beloved Merseyside, Bennett will be looking to pick up from his flawless wins against the likes of Mykhailo Sovtus, Rustem Fatkhullin and Lee Connelly to edge out an incredible eliminator matchup against his domestic foe.

Moorcroft will also be looking to build on the foundations of familiar surroundings when he returns for his third consecutive fight in Bolton. After a TKO win against Olaide Fijabi in September 2022, Moorcroft produced a dominant points win over Serge Ambomo to set up this tantalising bout.

Rickey Hatton’s Flyweight protégé, and former Team GB star, Chloe Watson (4-0) will be returning to take on Carolina Ornella Ferrari (3-2-2) at Flyweight. With the six-rounder confirmed, Watson will look to keep her undefeated record going following a dominant points victory over Minerva Gutierrez in November 2022 at York Hall.

Watson has not only impressed the likes of Hatton as she shows fantastic signs of improvement in each fight, the 23-year-old is showing maturity beyond her years as she continues to bank valuable rounds in her quest to become the next poster girl of British boxing.  

In another mouth-watering domestic match up, Wolverhampton’s Conah Walker (11-1-1, 3 KOs) takes on Manchester’s Kane Gardner (15-2, 7 KOs) in an eight-round Super Lightweight contest. “Sugar Kane” had an untouchable 2022 as he remained unbeaten in his three fights during the calendar year. With two victories coming by way of unanimous points wins, the highlight for Gardner came in his bout against Samuel Opaogun as he twice put the Nigerian down on the way to a fourth-round stoppage win.

Walker bounced back from a narrow English Welterweight Title loss to dominate Iliyan Markov in his backyard of Wolverhampton in May of last year. Walker has shown he is a class above in the professional ranks after a statement points win to claim the Midlands Area Welterweight Championship against Levi Ferguson to get his first taste of titles. In a clash that could swing either way, there could be a potential domestic title shot waiting in the wings for the man who makes it to the other side with their hand raised.

Another Mancunian features on the card at Cruiserweight, as Ashley Marron makes his professional debut against the experienced Daryl Pearce. Traie Duberry also makes his professional debut as he lines up a Cruiserweight clash over 4 rounds. The undefeated Nial Brown looks to build on his seven wins as he goes toe-to-toe with fellow Middleweight Bahadur Karami over 6 rounds.

Lyndon Arthur faces Braian Nahuel Suarez for the IBO World Light Heavyweight Championship on Friday March 24 at the University of Bolton Stadium, live and free on Channel 5, promoted by Wasserman Boxing in association with Infinitum Entertainment.

Tickets are on sale now and available via WassermanBoxing.com.

Wasserman Boxing’s 2023 schedule gets underway with two unmissable free-to-air events, broadcast live and exclusive on Channel 5 in association with Infinitum Entertainment.

Manchester boxer Lyndon Arthur (21-1, 15 KOs) lands a dream World Title fight against Argentina’s Braian Nahuel Suarez (18-1, 17 KOs) on Friday March 24 at the University of Bolton Stadium, live and free on Channel 5.
 
The former WBO Intercontinental and Commonwealth Champion can become the first Englishman to claim the IBO World Light Heavyweight Title, and join a prestigious list of champions to have held the belt including Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr.
 
‘King’ Arthur gets his shot at world title glory following back-to-back stoppage wins. The 31-year-old scored a sixth-round TKO victory over Walter Gabriel Sequeira in September before defeating domestic rival Joel McIntyre in spectacular fashion inside the second round of their December bout.
 
Harlem Eubank (16-0, 6 KOs) continues his climb up the Super Lightweight rankings as he takes on Christian Uruzquieta (21-5-2, 8 KOs) on Friday March 31.
 
Eubank, the nephew of former two-weight World Champion Chris Eubank, will be looking to establish himself as the latest star from his famous fighting family when he returns to London’s legendary York Hall for another headline bout.
 
The 28-year-old is ready to begin his pursuit of title opportunities but knows he must first overcome tough opposition in the form of Mexico’s Uruzquieta, who will be looking to derail the Brighton man’s promising career and add a huge scalp to his record.
 
The show announcements come following an unbelievable twelve months for Wasserman Boxing and Channel 5 that begun with a memorable British Middleweight Title scrap between Linus Udofia and Denzel Bentley in London and culminated with a dazzling display by Super Welterweight star Josh Kelly, that saw him wrestle the Lonsdale strap from local rival Troy Williamson in Newcastle.
 
With incredible viewing figures achieved across the year, including a 822,00 peak and 1.8million reach for Kelly’s British Title masterclass, and a 940,000 peak and 1.8million reach for Harlem Eubank’s points win over Tom Farrell, the future for free-to-air boxing looks bright.
 
In 2023, Wasserman Boxing’s stable of UK boxers including Josh Kelly, Lyndon Arthur, Harlem Eubank, Matty Harris and Chloe Watson will continue to get the opportunity to shine in front of huge terrestrial television audiences on Channel 5.
 
“We’re excited to start the year with two spectacular free-to-air events,” said Head of Global Boxing at Wasserman, Kalle Sauerland. “Lyndon has his world title opportunity, and the chance to become a star man in the Light Heavyweight division. Harlem Eubank is back as he looks to keep his undefeated record and continue his development into one of the leading Super Lightweight fighters on the scene. Two massive fights, two electric nights – both live and free on Channel 5 – don’t miss a moment!”

“Channel 5 is the only place where boxing fans can watch this fantastic sport for free. 2023 promises to be a huge year, kicking off with a world title fight in Manchester,” said Head of Sport at Channel 5, Caj Sohal. “Exciting fighters like Lyndon Arthur and Harlem Eubank will attract millions of viewers, and we are proud to work with Wasserman Boxing to continue to provide open access to great fights to all boxing fans.” 

Damon Letzer, Director at Infinitum Entertainment, said: “Infinitum are delighted to be working with Wasserman Boxing and Channel 5 to deliver more free-to-air boxing. The stable of boxers is incredibly exciting and we’re looking forward to delivering some great nights of live boxing.” 
 

Tickets for Lyndon Arthur vs. Braian Nahuel Suarez and Harlem Eubank vs. Christian Uruzquieta are on sale now and available via WassermanBoxing.com

‘King’ Lyndon Arthur returned to winning ways as he showed the Channel 5 audience what they had been missing. After controlling proceedings from the first bell Arthur showed his extra spite as he meticulously broke down a tough Walter Sequeira, to eventually finish his Argentine opponent off in the sixth round.

Under the bright lights in Bolton, it was a professional job done by Arthur as he showcased his superior skill and strength. The jab, the power, and the variety of his work put Sequeira in waters he simply could not swim in. On his debut Wasserman Boxing fight night, it was the perfect performance to start of his journey with the promotion that will see him continue to make his way to the top of the light heavyweight division.

The eyes turned to the North East during the night, as ‘Trojan’ Troy Williamson bullied David Benitez to a sixth round stoppage to avoid the banana skin and set up a huge northern clash with ‘PBK’ Josh Kelly. The British Super-Welterweight title will be on the line in December against Kelly, in what promises to be one of the biggest fights to come to the North East.

Gavin Gwynne retained his British Lightweight title with an unbelievably entertaining draw against Craig Woodruff. The momentum of the bout often changed from one fighter to the other, and it ultimately became too close for the judges to try and call a winner. Both men shone as the two welsh fighters represented their country and sport in a fight that split the crowd regarding who had won, but unanimously captivated all.

Results

Lyndon Arthur def. Walter Gabriel Sequeira via stoppage in the sixth round

Troy Williamson def. David Benitez via stoppage in the sixth round

Gavin Gwynne vs. Craig Woodruff is scored a draw – 114-114, 116-113, 114-114

Kane Gardner def. Miguel Antin via decision

Samir Aftab def. Mikey Young via decision

James Moorcroft def. Olaide Fijabi via stoppage in the second round

Cory O’Regan def. Tatenda Mangombe via decision

Kyle Lomotey def. Vasif Mamedov via decision

Lerone Harrison def. Naeem Ali via Unanimous Decision

The anticipation builds as ‘King’ Lyndon Arthur (19-1, 13 KOs) trained in front of the media yesterday ahead of his clash against Walter ‘El Yacare’ Sequeira (25-9-1, 17 KOs) as part of a huge night of free-to-air boxing on Saturday September 17 at the University of Bolton Stadium, live on Channel 5 from 9:30pm.

Lyndon Arthur had the opportunity to put himself in front of the media yesterday afternoon, as the Manchester fighter showed plenty of spite during the open workout. To no one’s surprise, ‘King’ Arthur came in looking in top condition, but his sharp mindset is what is filling his trainer, Pat Barrett, with the most excitement ahead of fight night.

“Everything has been great during camp, I couldn’t have asked him to do anything better,” said trainer, and former British and European champion, Barrett . “He’s as mentally prepared for this fight as he is physically prepared, and when his mindset is in the right place he’s a dangerous man.”

There is no overlooking the job that needs doing on Saturday at the University of Bolton Stadium, live on Channel 5 from 9:30pm, but Arthur’s ambitions remain sky-high. Passing the test of Sequeira could mean a potential British title fight, or even looking further on and throwing himself into contention for international honours.

“Where he was going before was for the WBO title, he’s developing fantastically and he’ll be back in that position in no time,” said Barrett. “You’re about to see the best version of Lyndon there has been. Fiery attitude, extra spite in everything he does; he may be known for being calm but that composure is going to be paired with venom.”

Arthur has his eyes set on any and all opponents in the division, and Sequeira is just another obstacle in the way of his aspirations. He shares the same belief of fellow-Mancunian Ricky Hatton, who spoke highly of Arthur and what he can achieve. Rejuvenated and ready, Arthur 2.0 is coming according to the man himself, who cannot wait to go.

“Training has gone well, we’re here now, it’s just time to fight,” said Arthur. “I’m at that stage now where I just want to weigh in and get down to business.”

“I’ve been out the ring for a period, and I’m just looking forward to getting back in there and putting a performance in. Take him out is the plan, then move on to whatever is next.”

Arthur is immediately thrown back into the public eye performing on screens across the nation with the event live on Channel 5 from 9:30pm, but this is only the beginning for the ‘King’ as he goes in pursuit of reigning over the light heavyweight division. In typically composed mood, he is ready for the journey ahead which starts by handling Sequeira and the threat of his 17 knockout wins on his record.

“The dream is to win a world title, that’s where I’m at when looking at the bigger picture. In regards to the next fight, Dan Azeez is looking to fight and he’s got the British title so I wouldn’t mind that fight,” said Arthur. “We’ll see what happens though, I need to do the job on Saturday first then anything is possible,” he said.

“In regard to Saturday though? Be prepared. Knockout by Lyndon Arthur.”

Wasserman Boxing presents Lyndon Arthur’s (19-1, 13 KOs) explosive return to the squared circle as he looks to tame the tough Argentine, Walter Gabriel Sequeira (25-9-1) at Light Heavyweight. A fiery all-Welsh British Lightweight title affair will also feature between current champion Gavin Gwynne (15-2, 3 KOs) and Newport’s Craig Woodruff (12-6, 4 KOs), as well as “Trojan” Troy Williamson (18-0-1, 13 KOs) putting on the battle armour as part of a huge night of free-to-air boxing on Saturday September 17 at the University of Bolton Stadium, live on Channel 5 from 9:30pm.

Boxing comes to Greater Manchester this Saturday 17 September, when ‘King’ Lyndon Arthur (19-1, 13 KOs) returns to put his name into title contention once again by making a statement against Walter Gabriel Sequeira (25-9-1) at The University of Bolton Stadium.

Coming to bring the heat, “Trojan” Troy Williamson (18-0-1, 13 KOs) will be looking to pass the test and set up a massive North East fight, whilst British champion Gavin Gwynne (15-2, 3 KOs) looks to retain his beloved lightweight title against Craig Woodruff (12-6, 4 KOs) as part of a huge night of free-to-air boxing live on Channel 5 from 9:30pm.

To mention Manchester boxing in a sentence without the addition of Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton would be like breathing without air. Former holder of the IBF, IBO, WBA and The Ring Light Welterweight belts, alongside his WBA Welterweight title, mark him and his achievements down as one of British boxing’s greatest ever careers.

Born at Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport, Hatton would go on to proudly succeed whilst flying the flag for his city. Notoriously followed with his army of supporters, it is not only fighting for the people, but being one of the people, that makes you a Manchester fighter.

“Manchester’s always been a great fighting city, even before Ricky Hatton came along. You know we had Carl Thompson who was the world cruiserweight champion. We had Steve ‘The Viking’ Foster from Salford who was the Commonwealth champion, and fought Winky Wright for the world title, just as Ensley Bingham did who was the British light-middleweight champion,” said Hatton.

“I think if you look at all the boxers from Manchester then you see they’re all good people. Down to Earth people, no arrogance in them either, because they wouldn’t relate or get the support from the people of Manchester. We turn out so many great fighters, and that’s why we’ve always had some so much great support.”

That support lead Hatton on to fight the greatest of fighters in one of the division’s toughest eras. Things didn’t quite go to plan against Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather, but it gave ‘The Hitman’ the opportunity to bounce back and go on to beat Juan Lazcano straight away.

Manchester’s Lyndon Arthur suffered his first loss last time out, as his second fight with Anthony Yarde resulted in the score standing at one win each. Hatton believes that getting back into action is exactly what Arthur needs to reach his potential at hitting the highest of heights in the sport, starting this Saturday live on Channel 5 from 9:30pm.

“Lyndon is world class and just needs to go into this fight remembering that. Yes he suffered a loss against a good opponent, that’s boxing, but now he can move on and start challenging for those big names and titles,” said Hatton.

“When you’re knocking everybody out comfortably, and everyone’s shaking your hand, things can be a bit too easy at times. Legacies are built on bouncing back from defeat, and I believe Lyndon’s got all the attributes to not only bounce back but propel forwards at a greater speed.”

Wasserman Boxing presents Lyndon Arthur’s (19-1, 13 KOs) explosive return to the squared circle as he looks to tame the tough Argentine, Walter Gabriel Sequeira (25-9-1) at Light Heavyweight. A fiery all-Welsh British Lightweight title affair will also feature between current champion Gavin Gwynne (15-2, 3 KOs) and Newport’s Craig Woodruff (12-6, 4 KOs), as well as “Trojan” Troy Williamson (18-0-1, 13 KOs) putting on the battle armour as part of a huge night of free-to-air boxing on Saturday September 17 at the University of Bolton Stadium, live on Channel 5 from 9:30pm.

Wasserman Boxing are delighted to have secured the signing of Lyndon Arthur (19-1, 13 KOs) to add to its already elite stable. The promotion looks forward to getting the hungry light heavyweight out there and starting what is destined to be a very successful journey together.

“I went a little quiet after my last fight, and we just spent time fishing around for who could provide the best platform for me, someone who will get behind me and give me the best opportunities,” said Arthur.

“Wasserman Boxing did that; I instantly had a good feeling about what they could do for me and they sounded as happy to work with me as I was with them. You don’t want to get that feeling that you’re the B-side when you’re working with a promotion, I understand it’s business, but Wasserman have been welcoming and shown they want to put work into me.”

“They seem happy to work and to push my brand and my platform to get me back into the right fights for title contention. I feel like they’ll help direct my career in the right way. I’m excited to see what’s about to happen.”

With excitement already building regarding this tremendous addition to the Wasserman Boxing family, the work Arthur has been putting in outside of the ring showcases his intentions. Training with some of the worlds best, he’s ready to show everyone why he’s right at home competing at the top.

“I’ve been out in Canada sparring with Artur Beterbiev for his last fight, and I’ve been out in San Francisco training with Josh Buatsi.  I’ve been making sure that I’m putting the work in and sharpening my skillset by staying busy in the gym.”

“Beterbiev is an animal, a monster, and he is what you see. Away from boxing, he’s a lovely person, but he’s very very good at what he does. I didn’t feel out of my depth, but he is talented.”

“Buatsi is also very good at what he does,” continued Arthur. “We boxed back in 2014 and I’ve been on the Team GB squad with him, we don’t speak every day but I only have good words to say about him. Again, he’s an animal in the boxing ring, and it’s all great experiences.”

It is a rejuvenated Arthur, ready to capitalise on plenty of lessons learnt to make use of the prime years he now begins to enter. Suffering a hiccup last time out, he’s admittedly a little wiser and ready to get in the ring and show the fire is roaring within his belly.

“It’s good to be in the company of all the talented fighters at Wasserman, and it gives me more ambition to push on and be up there with the best. I feel my name is solid within the British scene, and a few might have forgotten about me recently, but I’ll be reminding people when I fight again soon and they will talk again.”

“Channel 5 is a great platform, it’ll be watched all over, and with it being free-to-air it’ll continue to have good viewing numbers. I think this platform will help my fanbase to keep growing.”

“I’m excited for the future.”

Wasserman’s Head of Global Boxing, Kalle Sauerland, expressed his delight for being the ones to get Arthur to sign on the dotted line.

“Lyndon needs no introduction, but equally deserves a fantastic welcome into Wasserman Boxing,” he said.

“Adding someone of his ambition, quality, and firepower not only says statements about what we want to do, but about him wanting to join us and use our platform as soon as he possibly can.”

“I’ve been doing this long enough to have a cool approach to business, but I cannot deny how excited I am to showcase this mans talents. Boxing royalty, ‘King Arthur’ is here!”

Lyndon Arthur – 147lb 10oz
Anthony Yarde – 173lb 12oz

Hamzah Sheeraz – 153lb
Bradley Skeete – 153lb 4oz

Sam Noakes – 134lb 4oz
Shaun Cooper – 133lb 14oz

Dennis McCann – 124lb 3oz
Juan Jurado – 123lb 4oz

George Fox – 276lb 12oz
Kamil Sokolowski – 231lb 10oz

Karol Itauma – 175lb 7oz
Tamas Laska – 175lb 6oz

Charles Frankham – 133lb 5oz
Constantin Radoi – 134lb 3oz

Masood Abdulah – 129lb 12oz
Paul Holt – 128lb 9oz

Umar Khan – 125lb 3oz
Luke Merrifield – 125lb

Sonny Liston Ali – 143lb 8oz
Lee Hallett – 141lb 10oz

WITH THE BIG rematch looming on Saturday night at the Copper Box Arena, Lyndon Arthur and Anthony Yarde met the media for the final time ahead of the crunch clash this afternoon at the BT Sport studios in Stratford.

Sat at the top table were Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren, trainers Pat Barrett and Tunde Ajayi, along with both the fighters. Dev Sahni posed the questions and below are a selection of quotes from the media session.

Frank Warren

It is a fantastic fight and it should be added that Lyndon is No.1 with the WBO, so the winner of this fight will get the winner of Joe Smith v Callum, Johnson in January. That is what is on the table, there is more at stake in this fight and, as we know, the first fight took place behind closed doors. It was a good fight but it didn’t spark as I expected it to. It was a close fight that I thought Lyndon won, but this one will be different for many reasons. There is more at stake and it is in front of a live audience. They know each other well enough now, they have shared a ring for 12 rounds, so who has learned the most from that first fight? Who will change tactics from the first fight? Who will adapt?

This fight is the chance for both of them to put right whatever they felt didn’t happen for them in the first one. I think we have got something special, this time around it is going to spark, and we will have a special fight between two extremely good, world quality fighters. I am so looking forward to it.

There was no crowd last time and, to be fair to Sunny Edwards, he made up for the crowd and was very, very vocal. That has gone now and where we are now is Saturday night, which will be the acid test for the both of them.

Tunde Ajayi

My focus is not on what has been said. Saturday night is my main focus, I am not here to discuss Pat Barrett and what he’s done or even what I have done in the sport. This is, as Frank put it at the last press conference, this is war. Talking can get you far and it has done for many people, but there comes a point where you have got to show what it is. Myself and Anthony haven’t done too much talking to get to this point and I feel it is incumbent on us to continue showing those who come from a certain environment how to conduct themselves when you get to a certain level in the sport.

Everything is a lesson and absolutely I have looked back on the last fight. There has been a lot of growth, development and evolving, not only for myself, but for the team because we are very analytical in our preparation and have always been. There has been growth for everyone.

Anthony Yarde can do everything and I feel on Saturday night you will see something special. He can jab, he got a good right hand, a good left hook, a good left and right upper cut, a good left hook to the body and he’s got a good right hook to the body. So we aren’t focused on one man’s asset. We’ve got assets and they could end up being liabilities for the opponent.

Pat Barrett

I think they made a good choice in adding James Cook to the team, who is a very respectable fighter. I watched him coming up and he did it the hard way, he knows boxing and know how to come from the bottom to make it to the top. He is a creditable trainer and, really and truly, he should be sat up here at the table discussing Anthony. Yes I think he is very good.

It is kind of like Man City, who had so many managers before they could find the right one. I just don’t think there is enough time in the camp to say it is going to change him because it is not about physical attributes, it is about mental attributes. Me and Lyndon have grown together and the gelling has always been there. I’ve watched Lyndon grow up from being a kid to a man and the fighter he is today. The only changes I do with Lyndon is make him better.

I know the way Anthony Yarde is going to come because all they talk about is knocking people out. He is very good and I respect Anthony as a fighter. He is good at everything he does like Tunde says. When it is said we are looking at one thing with the jab, it is the master key that opens everything up. The funny thing is, they don’t respect Lyndon’s punching power and that will be their downfall because what they have got to realise is Lyndon is capable of doing more than one thing. He is intelligent in the ring, he can hold the pace when he wants to, he can drop it when he wants to, he can control it, he is good at distancing – he has got everything it takes at a world class level.

What you need to realise is trying to knock somebody out can also get you knocked out yourself. You have got to be smart in the boxing ring so my advice is to listen to James and become more of a thinker.

Anthony Yarde

I think it is a mixture looking back on the first fight. I am not going to take anything away from Lyndon because he did his job, stayed on the back foot, popped out the jab and didn’t engage. One hundred per cent it was down to me more than what he did. I think people can see that. They were waiting for me to put on the gas and it was literally my decision making. You saw it in the last round, when I went for it, it was a completely different fight. My mindset at the time was, it is the 12th round now, you’ve done the rounds and can put the gas on now full throttle.

It was just decision making and timing. My mindset was not there for the fight. I do not make excuses and I was heated straight after the fight, but you can’t reverse anything and you’ve got to go in there and take opportunities.

He got the decision, a split decision and there are mixed opinions in boxing. One judge gave it to me by four or five rounds and two gave it to him by one round so it is just perspective and how you see the fight. At the time I thought I won it, they thought it was close and, going back and watching it from a different angle, I thought it was a closer fight as well. I am not about to bullsh*t anyone or lie about anything. I am a realist and you cannot progress or get better if you are not honest with yourself.

I watched it back and kept saying it was sh*t, but I was going through a lot and my mind was not on boxing at all. People will probably understand that, but I am a person that doesn’t make excuses. It is all about this Saturday.

Lyndon Arthur

It is not a case of getting this one out of the way because, like I have said in interviews, he has been a good dance partner for me. In this part of my career it is the best fight financially and also the best fight to get me out there again. It is not about seeing the back of him because it has been fun. The first fight was my coming out party and this will kind of cement it. It is part of my journey.

It is completely cool for him to say I am a boring fighter because the boring fighter won. I don’t need to listen to anyone, if they think I am boring, everyone is entitled to an opinion. It is sport and everyone in this room has an opinion on me and him. Whether they like me or him is down to them. I don’t care.

If I am boring, I will win boring. We will find out on Saturday whether a crowd benefits either of us. He thinks it does, but I don’t think it benefits him. I don’t care, it is a fight and the crowd can’t get in there. They can scream, they can shout and it will make a fun atmosphere. I had Sunny there before and he is like a crowd.

The pre-fight stuff is entertainment. The business part of this is Saturday and it is fun until we get in the ring across from each other, in my opinion.

LYNDON ARTHUR has warned Tunde Ajayi to zip his lip if he ever comes face to face with Pat Barrett when the cameras aren’t rolling

‘King’ Arthur’s trainer Pat Barrett and Ajayi who handles arch rival Anthony Yarde had a hate-filled confrontation last month at a press conference to announce the big Light-Heavyweight return clash.

The fighting will be done for real when Mancunian Arthur risks his Commonwealth and WBO Inter-Continental titles against Yarde at London’s Copper Box Arena on Saturday December 4, live on BT Sport.

It’s a rematch of Arthur’s split decision win against the Ilford knockout artist last December and besides titles being on the line the winner can look forward to a 2022 crack at WBO World champion, Joe Smith.

The respect between the fighters is real, but there is little love between Ajayi and Barrett who stormed out of the now infamous press conference that went viral.

Arthur, 30, said: “I haven’t taken Tunde’s ‘road’ talk too seriously. The beef between Tunde and Pat is down to them.

“I still don’t know if Pat was being serious or not, but for me Tunde was entertaining for the public. It was fun for people to watch.

“One thing, I wouldn’t advise Tunde is to get on the wrong side of Pat somewhere that isn’t public.”

Lyndon had hoped for a straight shot at Smith and then defend against Yarde, but a rematch clause means a great domestic clash to round off Queensberry’s cards for 2021 when the stablemates meet again.

He added: “It’s a case of getting this fight out of the way and then the World title next year.

“When I say that I don’t mean it’s a fight I am overlooking. It’s huge because it’s the win that brings World titles.

“Yarde and myself are fighters and just want to settle our business next month.

“I guess Yarde and myself are the same sort of people and whenever I have met him there isn’t any animosity. He is in my division and we have to fight.

“Perhaps when I win again he can come up to Manchester and have a night out or something like that.”

Since the controversial clash almost 12 months ago, Arthur has seen nine rounds of action when he stopped David Faraci in July.

In Yarde’s only fight he needed less than three minutes to beat Alex Theran in the following month.

Arthur says he has no activity advantage and insists: “A good fighter gets the rounds in the gym. I don’t believe in ring rust. As long as you get sparring and train hard it should come off.”

Manchester’s Lyndon Arthur (19-0, 13 KOs) defends his Commonwealth and WBO International Light-Heavyweight title against Ilford’s Anthony Yarde (21-2, 20 KOs) in a rematch of last December’s controversial clash that he won on points.

Ilford’s Hamzah Sheeraz (13-0, 9 KOs) puts his WBO European Super-Welterweight title on the line against Penge’s former British champion Bradley Skeete (29-3, 14 KOs).

 In a third title fight the vacant WBC International Silver Lightweight crown is up for grabs when Maidstone puncher Sam Noakes (7-0, 7 KOs) meets Willenhall’s Shaun Cooper (11-2).

 Exciting Super-Bantamweight prospect Dennis McCann (10-0, 6 KOs) is in eight round action.

Mill Hill Heavyweight George Fox (4-0) faces a tough eight rounder against Pole Kamil Sokolowki (10-23-2, 4 KOs).

Chatham Light-Heavyweight Karol Itauma (4-0, 2 KOs), Reading Super-Featherweight Charles Frankham (3-0, 1 KO) and Islington Super-Featherweight Masood Abdullah (2-0, 2 KOs) are in six rounders.

 Two four rounders complete the bill and feature Ilford Super-Bantamweight Umar Khan (2-0) and Upminster’s Super-Welterweight debutant Sonny Liston Ali.

In the bill topper Manchester’s Lyndon Arthur (19-0, 13 KOs) defends his Commonwealth and WBO International Light-Heavyweight title against Ilford’s Anthony Yarde (21-2, 20 KOs) in a rematch of last December’s controversial clash that he won on points.

 Ilford’s Hamzah Sheeraz (13-0, 9 KOs) puts his WBO European Super-Welterweight title on the line against Penge’s former British champion Bradley Skeete (29-3, 14 KOs).

In a third title fight the vacant WBC International Silver Lightweight crown is up for grabs when Maidstone puncher Sam Noakes (7-0, 7 KOs) meets Willenhall’s Shaun Cooper (11-2).

Exciting Super-Bantamweight prospect Dennis McCann (10-0, 6 KOs) is in eight round action.

Mill Hill Heavyweight George Fox (4-0) faces a tough eight rounder against Pole Kamil Sokolowki (10-23-2, 4 KOs).

Chatham Light-Heavyweight Karol Itauma (4-0, 2 KOs), Reading Super-Featherweight Charles Frankham (3-0, 1 KO) and Islington Super-Featherweight Masood Abdullah (2-0, 2 KOs) are in six rounders.

Two four rounders complete the bill and feature Ilford Super-Bantamweight Umar Khan (2-0) and Upminster’s Super-Welterweight debutant Sonny Liston Ali.

Tickets for the event can be purchased here

Hospitality Tickets – £330
Lower Bowl Seat – £55

FRANK WARREN today hosted a press conference to announce British boxing’s big Light-Heavyweight rematch between Lyndon Arthur and Anthony Yarde.

‘King’ Arthur will make the third defence of his Commonwealth championship against Ilford puncher, Yarde (21-2, 20 KOs) at Copper Box Arena, London on Saturday December 4 , live on BT Sport.

Also on the line will be the position as number one challenger to WBO World champion, Joe Smith.  

The pair first met last December when Manchester’s Arthur (19-0, 13 KOs) edged out his great rival on a split decision after 12 rounds.

Now they will lock horns once again with even more at stake.

Here are a selection of quotes from today’s tension filled head-to-head meeting between the boxers and their camps, where Arthur’s trainer Pat Barrett eventually stormed out after clashing with Yarde’s coach Tunde Ajayi.

FRANK WARREN: Since the first fight Lyndon has gone into the number one position with the WBO and eventually you become the mandatory. That is at stake. It’s a crossroads for both of them and a fantastic fight where I think fans will see something a little bit special. It’s war and we are going to see a quality fight between two quality fighters. There was a contract with a rematch clause. I said to Pat I will try to get it on in Manchester but there was no date available and then we tried October in Birmingham and it didn’t happen. Now it’s on and it will be war. It’s even more meaningful then the first fight.

LYNDON ARTHUR: He (Yarde) didn’t want to come to Manchester and fight me. I believe they were too scared to come to Manchester. He is going to come out fast. There isn’t a chance on this earth he can outbox me. I know for a fact what he will try to do. The only thing he can do is try and knock me out.

YARDE: You (Arthur) got no fan base.  It didn’t matter where the fight was and it (going to Manchester) didn’t get put to me. I don’t care where I fight. I have been to Russia to fight so all that talk is not right. I just said make the rematch happen. I don’t b*****t I don’t do excuses. Judges’ said I lost. The fight went the way it went and that’s it. If I land a shot and knock him down I wont wait for him to recover.  I will finish the job. I am going to knock him out. Pat came in the changing room and said; ‘We was lucky, it was a close fight. I know how you’re going to come for the next fight I am going to do everything to not make the rematch happen. I want my boy to make so money.’

PAT BARRETT: I’m not here to entertain, I am here for the fight. Tunde said Yarde was going to knock Lyndon out before the first fight. He didn’t and that’s it. At the end of the day, the judges said he got beat. It was a close fight, but Lyndon only boxed with one hand. I came into the dressing room to show respect but Tunde didn’t even look at me. He has made a problem with me. Even if I don’t like you I respect you. I respect Anthony and I am going to prepare Lyndon for Anthony like he is a World champion. This is no walkover — it’s real. Respect is something  that you earn and after the first  fight we earned that as fighter and trainer. Anthony has never been overlooked and even though we was the champion before the first fight it wasn’t a backward step. If you are looking at World titles you have to beat World class operators like Anthony Yarde and he is a good opponent again. I said after to Anthony; ‘It was a close and Lyndon won with the jab,’

TUNDE AJAYI: I have never made excuses. It’s not in our nature. We know what Anthony was going through emotionally before the first fight. Tell me how you are supposed to perform at your apex when you have lost so many family members in a number of weeks? Everyone who saw the fight knows Anthony doesn’t box like that. He (Arthur) has made up a story about a spectacular jab, but won by one point and lost by six on another card. Lyndon isn’t calm enough for this. We will be calm and collected. I don’t know what Pat is talking about with this changing room situation. If my fighters have lost I am not going to be shaking hands and go hip, hip hooray after the fight. I have to let things digest. Let the gladiators do what they do and fight. The never wanted the rematch and tried to get out. Pat said after the first fight; ‘We don’t want that rematch,’ Lyndon and Anthony are going to get in the ring and settle the score.

————-

Tickets for Arthur v Yarde 2, live from the Copper Box Arena on Saturday December 4 are available here

HOSPITALITY – £300.00
HOSPITALITY – £250.00
FLOOR SEAT – £150.00
FLOOR SEAT – £100.00
FLOOR SEAT – £75.00
LOWER BOWL SEAT – £50.00
 

THE BLOCKBUSTER REMATCH between Lyndon Arthur and Anthony Yarde will take place at the Copper Box Arena in London on Saturday December 4, live on BT Sport.

The showdown between the two top light heavyweights falls a year on from the pair’s close-fought Battle of Westminster at Church House, where Arthur prevailed on the cards of two of the three judges and retained his Commonwealth title, while adding the vacant WBO Intercontinental belt to his collection.

More importantly, Arthur’s victory saw him steal a march on his rival and become the No.1 ranked contender for the WBO world title currently held by the American Joe Smith jr.

Yarde (21-2), who dropped down to 12, is desperate to avenge his loss and leapfrog Arthur (19-0) and return to the top of the rankings ahead of a mandatory challenge being assigned to Smith jr.

Arthur maintained his unbeaten record as a professional and added a 13th KO to his tally with victory over the Italian Davide Faraci at the Royal Albert Hall in July, with Yarde returning to winning ways with a quickfire stoppage of Alex Theran in Birmingham at the end of August.

Now Yarde and Arthur will again trade bombs with each other once again, this time in front of fans at the atmospheric Copper Box on the edge of the Olympic Park.

Promoter Frank Warren said: “This is a fight that needs an audience roaring them both on. It was a decent fight last time but there was something big missing and that was the fighters being inspired by fans in the arena.

“I believe the fans at the Copper Box will make a huge difference and we will get something very special from Lyndon and Anthony.

“We had tried to get the Arena in Manchester but venue availability was a struggle. That said, I have absolute faith that the London audience will get behind the fight and roar them both on.

“Lyndon and Anthony are both world class, explosive light heavyweights and putting them together again makes for a huge domestic occasion.

“The stakes are very high. The winner will sit in the No.1 spot with the WBO and be firmly in place for a world title shot in 2022.

“We are in for a great night on December 4 and we will be making further announcements on what will be a bumper card in due course.”

————-

Tickets for Arthur v Yarde 2, live from the Copper Box Arena on Saturday December 4, will be available tomorrow (Thursday 14th October) from 10am here

FLOOR SEAT – £330.00
FLOOR SEAT – £275.00
FLOOR SEAT – £165.00
FLOOR SEAT – £110.00
FLOOR SEAT – £77.00
LOWER BOWL SEAT – £82.50
LOWER BOWL SEAT – £55.00

10 Rnds WBO Intercontinental Light-heavyweight Title
LYNDON ARTHUR – 12st 6lbs 10oz
v
DAVIDE FARACI – 12st 6lbs 12oz

10 Rnds WBO International Super-middleweight Title
ZACHARY PARKER – 11st 13lbs 7oz
v
SHERZOD KHUSANOV – 11st 13lbs 12oz

10 Rnds Vacant WBO Global Super-featherweight Title 
ARCHIE SHARP – 9st 3lbs 4oz
v 
DIEGO ANDRADE – 9st 3lbs 11oz

8 Rnds Bantamweights
DENNIS McCANN – 8st 8lbs 4oz
v
JOHN CHUWA – 8st 8lbs 9oz

6 Rnds Lightweights
SAM NOAKES – 9st 12lbs 9oz
v
LEE CONNELLY – 9st 12lbs 1oz

6 Rnds Featherweights
MUHAMMAD ALI – 9st 6lbs 1oz
v
LEE GLOVER  – 9st 5lbs 7oz

4 Rnds Light-heavyweights
KAROL ITAUMA – 12st 6lbs 10oz
v
TIM VENTRELLA – 12st 7lbs 6oz

HALL OF FAME promoter Frank Warren today hosted a press conference ahead of Queensberry’s show at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Saturday (July 10) live on BT Sport.
 
It’s England v Italy part one ahead of Sunday’s European Championship football final in the main event.
 
Manchester’s number one WBO ranked Light-Heavyweight ‘King’ Lyndon Arthur (18-0, 12 KOs) headlines and makes the first defence of his WBO Inter-Continental title against Italian star Davide Faraci (15-0, 7 KOs).
 
Also on the card WBO ranked number one Super-Middleweight Zach Parker (20-0, 14 KO’s) defends his WBO International belt against Uzbek Sherzod Khusanov (22-2-1, 10 KOs).
 
Here are a selection of quotes from the press conference.
 
FRANK WARREN: We want a England v Italy double in football and boxing. There is a lot riding on Lyndon’s fight  because he is number one contender with the WBO. He wants to cement his position so can’t afford to slip up. Joe Smith is WBO champion, but his mandatory is not due until next year. I will talk to his promoter Bob Arum about the Lyndon fight, but let’s get this out of the way. I am expecting Lyndon to win, England to win the next day and I will be barred from Bar Italia. I hadn’t seen a lot of Zach when we signed him, but he really impressed me against Vaughn Alexander. How he has gone under the radar I do not know, but he isn’t now. Sherzod is a good opponent, but Zach is going to be something special. We need to keep him busy so the public can see him. Once Canelo comes through against Plant in September there will be pressure for his mandatories and Zach will be one of them if he comes through on Saturday.
 
LYNDON ARTHUR I will put England 1-0 up on Saturday don’t worry about that. As soon as we beat Denmark it was down to me to score the first goal. I am not nervous because I’ve been out for a bit, just excited and confident. I’m itching to get in and get the job done. I don’t want to talk about anyone else. I have this fight on Saturday and will move on. I don’t need to focus on anyone else but David Faraci. He is an undefeated fighter and brings a lot of dangers. He is tall, a good boxer and possesses a good jab, but I will test it all. I will knock him out.
 
DAVIDE FARACI This is a great opportunity for me. I am very confident and I will do my best to win the fight. I feel absolutely confident that I will win on Saturday. He has a lot of experience, but I am not far from him in terms of that. I went to spar with Artur Beterbiev and that was an amazing experience. I learned so much. I believe I am going to win and Italy in the football on Sunday.
 
ZACH PARKER Now I am with Frank we’re pushing on and I can’t thank him enough because he’s getting my name out there. Sherzod is obviously a very good fighter, a two-time Olympian and I am expecting a really hard fight. The plan is to go out there and win. If the knockout comes it comes. That is what I’ve trained for and what fans want to see. I am with the right promoter to get Canelo. If Canelo wants to come to Britain, Pride Park is the place to box. There is no point in talking Canelo unless I can get through this fight. Any fight I lose I go to the bottom of the pile.
 
SHERZOD KHUSANOV: Zach is a very good boxer and I am expecting a very good fight. He is quick, young, agile and very good on his feet. That is why it will be a very exciting fight, but I have boxed fighters like him before and won. I am always ready to fight and I always bring my best to every fight. I give everything in the ring and I am here to win.
 
Also on the bill, WBO ranked number four Super-Featherweight, Archie Sharp (19-0, 9 KOs) faces Mexico’s David Andrade Chavez with the vacant WBO Global championship on the line.
 
Prodigious bantamweight talent Dennis McCann (9-0, 5 KOs) faces Tanzanian John Chuwa (20-4, 10 KOs).
 
2016 Olympian Muhammad Ali (2-0) will have his third professional assignment against Lee Glover (11-4, 3 KOs), with Lightweight KO-artist Sam Noakes (5-0, 5 KOs) and Light-Heavyweight former Olympic Youth champion Karol Itauma (2-0, 1 KO) also featuring.

ANTHONY YARDE is delighted that arch rival Lyndon Arthur is number one in the WBO Light-Heavyweight ratings, but will still demand their rematch takes place after their respective fights next month.

Arthur won a narrow split decision when they fought last December taking Yarde’s Commonwealth title and capturing the vacant WBO Inter-Continental title.

Both are in action on Queensberry’s big show at London’s splendid Royal Albert Hall on Saturday July 10, live on BT Sport.

‘King’ Arthur (18-0, 12 KOs) headlines the bill in the first defence of his WBO Inter-Continental title against Italian champion Davide Faraci (15-0, 7 KOs).

Manchester’s Arthur is now ranked number one for the WBO World crown worn by American Joe Smith.

“I am actually happy that Lyndon has reached number one,” said 29-year-old Yarde.

“I like to see progress and elevation. It’s the sport of boxing so when someone is doing well I am not a person to hate, but I do want the rematch.”

Yarde previously held top spot with the WBO and earned a crack against Sergey Kovalev when he was World champion in August 2019. He performed superbly before losing in the 11th round.

He added: “I wanted the rematch immediately, but will search for that straight after this fight.

“As far as I know there is a contract for the rematch, but we know how boxing works.

“Hopefully we can get the rematch on and I can get back my number one spot.”

Yarde’s who is still in the WBC, IBF and WBO rankings has fought twice behind closed doors during the pandemic –  against Dec Spelman who he beat in six rounds and Arthur.

When he faces Atra it will be his first contest in front of British fans since a fifth round stoppage of American Travis Reeves in March 2019, which also took place at the Royal Albert Hall.

Yarde says: “I can’t wait to blow away the cobwebs and get back into action, but for me the main thing will be having fans at the Royal Albert Hall.

“I am looking forward to getting back to normal, thriving off the crowd and the atmosphere that brings. It will make me feel like I am in a competitive boxing match.

“Against Spelman it was weird because there was no audience. In the Arthur fight, he had about 50 people making noise, but it was different. I just bought my sister and niece.

“With the crowd back I will feel like life is getting back to normal.”

Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight champion Lyndon Arthur (18-0, 12 KOs) headlines the July 10th Royal Albert Hall bill and makes the first defence of his WBO Inter-Continental title against Italian Davide Faraci (15-0, 7 KOs).

The Mancunian’s bitter rival Anthony Yarde (20-2, 19 KOs) faces unbeaten German Emin Atra (17-0, 12 KOs) in a non-title ten rounder.

Also on the bill WBO ranked number one Super-Middleweight Zach Parker (20-0, 14 KOs) will defend his WBO International belt against Uzbek Sherzod Khusanov (22-2-1, 10 KOs).

 WBO ranked number four Super-Featherweight, Archie Sharp (19-0, 9 KOs) meets Nicaragua’s Marcio Soza (21-6-2, 12 KOs) with the vacant WBO Global championship on the line.

Prodigious bantamweight talent Dennis McCann (9-0, 5 KOs) faces Tanzanian John Chuwa (20-4, 10 KOs).

Elsewhere on the card, 2016 Olympian Muhammad Ali (2-0) will have his third professional assignment against Lee Glover (11-4, 3 KOs), with Lightweight KO-artist Sam Noakes (5-0, 5 KOs) and Light-Heavyweight former Olympic Youth champion Karol Itauma (2-0, 1 KO) also featuring.

CALLUM JOHNSON says it’s “a gutter” not to be boxing alongside Light-Heavyweight rivals Lyndon Arthur and Anthony Yarde next month.

WBO number one contender Arthur and Yarde return to the ring at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Saturday July 10, live on BT Sport.

Former British and Commonwealth champion Johnson believes he may have stolen their thunder but injury means he cannot box on the bill as planned.

“I have had a few niggles that I thought would heal quicker, but I am back in training and will be ready for August,” said Johnson who came through a two round war against Emil Markic in April.

“It is a little bit of a gutter not being on the same bill as Lyndon and Anthony on July 10, but not the end of the world.

“It will only be another few weeks before Frank Warren has me out again, but I would have liked to be on that card.

“Firstly for the excitement of all three of us being on it and secondly to get out a bit quicker.

“I don’t think Lyndon or Anthony are as exciting as I am. I don’t think there are many fighters out there who are as exciting as me.

“The Markic fight brought a lot of excitement and everyone was talking about it. There are a lot of people who can’t wait to see me back out again.

“It’s a good card Queensberry are putting on at the Royal Albert Hall and they both have business to take care of. It looks like they are going to be having a rematch.”

Arthur took a split decision over Yarde when they met last December and promoter Warren has announced that a rematch is set to take place in the autumn.

If Johnson doesn’t get a second world title fight earlier, he will certainly be in the mix to fight the pair.

“They have both got to look good at the Royal Albert Hall trying to prove they are the best out of each other and to get people thinking they are the best in the country,” added Johnson who suffered his only loss in a thrilling World title challenge against Artur Beterbiev in October 2018.

“I think I would favour Arthur in the rematch, but it is a tough fight for both of them.

“Arthur deserved to win the first fight, but it wasn’t clear cut. He never dominated it massively, but did enough.

“These are exciting times because we all have a point to prove and all chasing the same thing.”

Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight champion Lyndon Arthur (18-0, 12 KOs) headlines the July 10th Royal Albert Hall bill and makes the first defence of his WBO Inter-Continental title against Italian Davide Faraci (15-0, 7 KOs).

 The Mancunian’s bitter rival Anthony Yarde (20-2, 19 KOs) faces unbeaten German Emin Atra (17-0, 12 KOs) in a non-title ten rounder.

 Also on the bill WBO ranked number one Super-Middleweight Zach Parker (20-0, 14 KOs) will defend his WBO International belt against Uzbek Sherzod Khusanov (22-2-1, 10 KOs).

 WBO ranked number four Super-Featherweight, Archie Sharp (19-0, 9 KOs) meets Nicaragua’s Marcio Soza (21-6-2, 12 KOs) with the vacant WBO Global championship on the line.

 Prodigious bantamweight talent Dennis McCann (9-0, 5 KOs) faces Tanzanian John Chuwa (20-4, 10 KOs).

 Elsewhere on the card, 2016 Olympian Muhammad Ali (2-0) will have his third professional assignment against Lee Glover (11-4, 3 KOs), with Lightweight KO-artist Sam Noakes (5-0, 5 KOs) and Light-Heavyweight former Olympic Youth champion Karol Itauma (2-0, 1 KO) also featuring.

FRANK WARREN is eyeing a huge LYNDON ARTHUR and Anthony Yarde return clash this autumn.

Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren made the announcement earlier today when the Light-Heavyweight rivals met for the first time since Arthur’s split decision win over Yarde last December.

Before their eagerly awaited second fight WBO number one challenger Arthur and Yarde must come through tests against unbeaten opposition at London’s splendid Royal Albert Hall on Saturday July 10, live on BT Sport.

Manchester’s ‘King’ Arthur (18-0, 12 KOs) headlines the bill and makes the first defence of his WBO Inter-Continental title against Italian Davide Faraci (15-0, 7 KOs).

Yarde (20-2, 19 KOs) faces unbeaten German Emin Atra (17-0, 12 KOs) in a non-title ten rounder.

Warren said: “Both the guys have agreed to it. The rematch will happen, but for now they both have to focus on their next fight.

“It’s very important for them to do the business because they will be facing each other in the autumn if they come through.

“Lyndon is currently ranked number one for Joe Smith’s WBO world title so that spot is there for these two guys to see who is moving forward.

“They are up against punchers who are unbeaten next month. They need to focus and cannot be complacent.

“There is a lot on the line and nobody wants them to win in July more than me because I want to see them back in against each other.”

Ilford’s Yarde previously challenged for the WBO world title in August 2019 and came agonisingly close before losing in 11 rounds against Sergey Kovalev.

And he’s confident of learning from the wafer thin loss against Arthur, getting revenge and landing a second world championship fight.

He said: “On paper I lost to Lyndon and that is something I had to learn from. I didn’t say the decision against Lyndon was a ‘robbery’ afterwards. I said I don’t like to scream ‘robbery.’

“At that moment in time I thought I won the fight. It isn’t anything against judges.

“At the time I felt it was clear, but when I watched it back you see another angle. You see other perspectives, but it is all learning. I didn’t do my job.

“I congratulate Lyndon. There is no hate in my body even though I had the number one WBO spot. Lyndon is now headlining and I’m happy for him.

“Last time it was business and it is business again, but I’ve learnt my lesson.”

Commonwealth champion Arthur has recovered from hand surgery and itching to get back in action.

He’s confident of making it 2-0 against Yarde and said: “I believe I will win again and I will just adapt to the situation of the fight.

“The rankings say a world title is within my reach and I believe I can beat Joe Smith Jr. He is the big target.”

Warren also revealed that he is in talks for the show to be a government test event which would allow a capacity crowd at the world famous domed venue.

Also on the bill WBO ranked number one Super-Middleweight Zach Parker (20-0, 14 KO’s) will defend his WBO International belt against Uzbek’s former amateur superstar Sherzod Khusanov (22-2-1, 10 KOs).

WBO ranked number four Super-Featherweight, Archie Sharp (19-0, 9 KOs) meets Nicaragua’s Marcio Soza (21-6-2, 12 KOs) with the vacant WBO Global championship on the line.

Prodigious Bantamweight talent Dennis McCann (9-0, 5 KOs) faces Tanzanian John Chuwa (20-4, 10 KOs), who has been the distance with Commonwealth champion Prince Patel.

Elsewhere on the card, 2016 Olympian Muhammad Ali (2-0) will have his third professional assignment against Lee Glover (11-4, 3 KOs), with Lightweight KO-artist Sam Noakes (5-0, 5 KOs) and Light-Heavyweight former Olympic Youth champion Karol Itauma (2-0, 1 KO) also featuring.

Tickets are available via the Royal Albert Hall website here

Grand Tier & Loggia boxes – £100
2^nd Tier boxes – £75
Front Stalls – £75
Rear Stalls – £50
Rausing Circle – £50

LYNDON ARTHUR has a target on his back, but he isn’t about to hide from the world’s top Light-Heavyweights.

‘King’ Arthur (18-0, 12 KOs) makes the first defence of his WBO Inter-Continental title against Italian champion Davide Faraci (15-0, 7 KOs) at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Saturday July 10, live on BT Sport.

It’s the Manchester man’s first fight since a narrow points win against Anthony Yarde last December, that earned Arthur number one spot in the WBO rankings.

If Arthur keeps winning he will get a crack at WBO champion Joe Smith early next year, but Faraci and Yarde who is chasing a quick rematch fancy their chances of his precious top spot.

“It’s a world title for Faraci and any of these guys who want to face me because they want my number one ranking,” said Arthur who is also Commonwealth champion.

“There is no pressure now that I am number one in the WBO rankings.

“The goal has always been the same, whether I am ranked number ten or number one. The goal has always been to win a world title.

“Faraci has got a decent record to be fair. He has beaten some undefeated kids and a few had winning records.

“He is coming to win and doesn’t know how to lose. I have to show him how to lose so I am excited for the fight.”

Smith will be due to make a mandatory defence early next year, but looks certain to have at least one more defence before the WBO order the fight.

Arthur, 30, who is also top ten ranked by the IBF and WBC added:  “Joe Smith is the man I want because he has the world title right now. There is talk of him fighting Daniel Jacobs and if he won then he is the man to beat.

“Smith is good, tough, rugged and comes to fight but I believe I am better than him as I’m supposed to.

“I just have to keep winning and the big chance will come. I will be the mandatory and the WBO champion will have to fight me.”

Ilford’s Yarde (20-2, 19 KOs) who lost a split decision against Arthur also returns on next month’s bill and faces unbeaten German Emin Atra (17-0, 12 KOs) in a non-title ten rounder.

He says there is a contract for the Yarde rematch and wants that soon, but Arthur says: “We will see what happens with the Yarde rematch. I don’t know too much about it and I am not fussed about it.

“I want a world title fight more than anything. There is no rush for it, but I will fight anyone.

Also on the bill WBO ranked number one Super-Middleweight Zach Parker (20-0, 14 KO’s) will defend his WBO International belt against Uzbek Sherzod Khusanov (22-2-1, 10 KOs).

WBO ranked number four Super-Featherweight, Archie Sharp (19-0, 9 KOs) faces Nicaragua’s Marcio Soza (21-6-2, 12 KOs) with the vacant WBO Global championship on the line.

Prodigious bantamweight talent Dennis McCann (9-0, 5 KOs) faces Tanzanian John Chuwa (20-4, 10 KOs).

Elsewhere on the card, 2016 Olympian Muhammad Ali (2-0) will have his third professional assignment against Lee Glover (11-4, 3 KOs), with Lightweight KO-artist Sam Noakes (5-0, 5 KOs) and Light-Heavyweight former Olympic Youth champion Karol Itauma (2-0, 1 KO) also featuring.

Tickets are on sale now, available via the Royal Albert Hall here

Grand Tier & Loggia boxes – £100
2^nd Tier boxes – £75
Front Stalls – £75
Rear Stalls – £50
Rausing Circle – £50

Light-Heavyweight rivals Lyndon Arthur and Anthony Yarde both return to action on Saturday July 10 at the Royal Albert Hall, ahead of a contracted rematch later this year.

Arthur narrowly outpointed Yarde in December and they will get a close up of each other once again on Queensberry’s summer special live on BT Sport.

In the main event, Arthur (18-0, 12 KOs) defends his WBO Inter-Continental title against Italian champion Davide Faraci (15-0, 7 KOs).

The Mancunian became the number one ranked contender for Joe Smith Jr’s WBO World title after his split decision win against Yarde and can afford no mistakes against Swiss born Faraci.

As well as his lofty WBO ranking, Arthur is ranked number four by the IBF and nine by the WBC. Artur Beterbiev holds the IBF and WBC belts.

KO King Yarde (20-2, 19 KOs) aims to be back with a bang when he meets unbeaten German Emin Atra (17-0, 12 KOs) in a non-title ten rounder.

Yarde had been due to meet Atra in April, but was sidelined because of a dental problem which forced the delay.

Yarde showed he belonged at world level when he came close to toppling then WBO World champion Sergey Kovalev in August 2019 before losing in the 11th round.

Ilford’s big hitter returned with wins against Diego Jair Ramirez and Dec Spelman before running into Arthur who he will be desperate to meet in a rematch.

Despite the setback against his bitter British rival, Yarde has remained in the world ratings and is ranked high by the IBF, WBC and WBO.

Promoter Frank Warren said: “Of course, the rematch is what everyone wants and it will happen at some stage.

“It is fantastic to get them on the same bill. Both of them have a point to prove and BT Sport viewers can look forward to them both impressing.

“Lyndon has leapt to number one with the WBO and will want to show the champion Joe Smith Jr how much of a threat he is.

“Anthony will still feel aggrieved that the decision went Lyndon’s way and has vowed never to trust judges again so he will go for it against Atra, for sure.”

Also on the bill, WBO ranked number one Super-Middleweight Zach Parker (20-0, 14 KO’s) returns with his opponent yet to be confirmed. Zach is looking to defend his position ahead of hopefully being made mandatory to the World title held by P4P King Canelo Alvarez.

WBO ranked number four Super-Featherweight, Archie Sharp (19-0, 9 KOs) faces Nicaragua’s Marcio Soza (21-6-2, 12 KOs) with the vacant WBO Global championship on the line.

They had been due to meet at the weekend, but a COVID-19 issue involving Soza meant a short postponement.

Warren added: “Archie is another Queensberry fighter high in the world rankings and providing he keeps winning and remains patient his chance will come.”

“Zach Parker was hugely impressive in his last fight, seeing off Vaughan Alexander – who hadn’t previously been finished – in just 2 rounds.

“I believe he has the power to knockout anyone in his division and look forward to another exciting performance from him.”

More big fights will be added to the bill in the coming days.

Tickets will go on pre-sale with the Royal Albert Hall tomorrow and on general sale Thursday.

Grand Tier & Loggia boxes – £100
2^nd Tier boxes – £75
Front Stalls – £75
Rear Stalls – £50
Rausing Circle – £50

LYNDON ARTHUR FIRMLY rejects the suggestion that his encounter with Anthony Yarde on Saturday falls into the classic ‘boxer vs puncher’ category of fight.

The light heavyweight pair collide with Arthur’s Commonwealth title at stake but, more importantly, there is a lofty ranking with the WBO up for grabs that Frank Warren is confident of converting into a mandatory world title shot for the winner.

Arthur being labelled as the boxer in the bargain most likely stems from his patient breaking down of Dec Spelman in July in a fight Yarde condemned as ‘boring’, whereas Yarde himself took on Arthur five weeks later and forced a sixth round stoppage with a more aggressive approach.

To tag Arthur as a technician probably doesn’t do him justice, given that 12 of his 17 opponents to date have not heard the final bell and nine of them have not made it to the third round.

‘King Arthur’ is not happy over people failing to recognise his punching prowess.

“I know I am good enough to be here and don’t need to worry about anything,” growled the Manchester man, who is trained by former European champion Pat Barrett. “I can punch too! Everyone keeps saying this. Do you want to feel my punches?

“Everyone keeps saying I can’t punch and it is starting to p**s me off. It is just that I can box as well,” added Arthur, who went on to address the sharing of Spelman as an opponent.

“I believe I beat Spelman better because I am a me fan, a Lyndon fan. Yarde did well but we have seen it many times and we knew what he would do. I’d already beaten him.

“When I fought him and it was the winner gets to fight Yarde, he was coming in on my fight week, on my interviews and was just around. Then the loser fought him. For what purpose?

“The day he fought Dec Spelman he could have fought me, so I thought it was a pointless fight and he was going to beat him and prove to himself he could knock out someone who everybody knows he could knock out – after I had already beaten him.

“Go and fight somebody else. It made no sense to me,” continued the 29-year-old, before getting around to the ‘boring’ jibe.

“So it was boring because I didn’t get hit? He likes to say ‘I knock people out and it’s entertainment’ but it depends what boxing you like. For me watching it back it was a fun fight to watch. If you like boxing you’ll watch that fight and like it. You’ll see certain skills in there that you will like, while if you just like knockouts you’ll watch Yarde.

“He has had better marketing than me and is bigger than me in the sense that he’s had the (Sergey) Kovalev fight and the backing of BT a little bit more than me. Really and truly, when it comes down to it, it doesn’t make a difference.

“We’re both going to get in the ring and that is where it matters.”

Anthony Yarde (19-1, 18KOs) vs Lyndon Arthur (16-0, 12KOs) for the Commonwealth light heavyweight title headlines a night of boxing live on BT Sport 1 on Saturday, which also features a super bantamweight battle with the WBC International title at stake between Michael Ramabeletsa (18-17, 8KOs) and the unbeaten Southern Area champion Chris Bourke (8-0, 5KOs).

Bantamweight starlet Dennis McCann (7-0, 5KOs) takes on Pedro Matos (7-3) over eight rounds. 2016 Olympian Muhammad Ali has his second fight in the pro ranks and there is a debut for Olympic Youth gold medallist Karol Itauma, who will campaign at light heavyweight.