Frank Smith, Matchroom Boxing CEO:

“The NXTGEN shows give these young fighters the opportunity to be ready for when they step up to that next level. They come here, they see the backdrops, the press conference – it gives them everything they need. I was just talking to Hamza about how confident he is about talking – I said if he’s got 10% of what Sam Jones has then he’ll be alright. It’s exactly what they need, the right fights and the build-up as well. 

“Going back to the fight in December, Peter was winning every round. He’s a fighter Peter and he wants to test himself. He wants to move quickly and take real fights. Brilliant fighter – we believe he’s got so much more to give. That’s why we’re here headlining with Peter. It’s a shame that the Ja’Rico O’Quinn rematch didn’t happen, but that’s not going to define Peter’s career. If it happened great, but if it didn’t, it doesn’t matter.

“Now we move on, Marc Leach is going to be a real test for him. It’s probably a harder fight as well. He’s got an awkward style and it’s a real fight for Peter McGrail. Too many people in boxing think that a loss defines them in the sport. The reality is if you’re willing to take tests and willing to step up and take real fights – that’s what the sport is about.”

Peter McGrail:

“I was gutted it wasn’t Ja’Rico. Obviously originally it was so things were good, but there’s a lot on the line for this fight. It’s a British Title Eliminator and it’s for the WBA International belt – and obviously a former British Champion. If anything, I’m going to be in a better position when I win on Saturday. That Ja’Rico fight is always going to be there and I’ll always be looking to avenge that loss. If Ja’Rico is watching, hopefully after this fight he doesn’t flap it again and he’ll get over to the UK, or I’ll even go back to America again. That’s in the future. Since that opponent got changed I’ve been fully focused on Marc Leach and that’s what is happening on Saturday. A loss doesn’t define anyone. If you like at 95% of all the greats – there are losses on their records. Especially after coming back from a loss, I’m looking to put a show on on Saturday and close the show – especially headlining in my home city in front of a packed arena full of Scousers.”

Marc Leach:

“I don’t turn down no fights. I’m in the sport to be the best. Peter McGrail is a lot better than my original opponent that I was set to face, so for me it was a no brainer. We said yes straight away. I’ve lost my last two and he lost his last fight. We’re both coming off the back of a loss and we’ve got a lot to prove. A loss doesn’t define a person – I’ve learnt from my losses and I’ve come back stronger. Hopefully when I win on Saturday it puts me back in the mix for the rest of the titles. It gets my name back in the mix for the top class fights. That’s what I’m in the sport for. I want to keep on proving myself and keep on showing what I’m about. I’ve just seen his last fight. For me he was comfortably winning that fight and switched off for a split second and got caught with that one punch. Sometimes that’s all it takes in boxing. He’s not going to be able to switch off against me. I’m going to be more elusive, throwing shots at him everywhere so he’s going to have to be switched on. I’m looking forward to a tough ten hard rounds.”

Beatriz Ferreira:

“She is so wrong. I see these challenges and I seize these challenges. I see this as an opportunity to prepare and train for winning the gold medal. I will show how focused I am on winning this World Title in the ring on Saturday. I thought I’d train hard previously before I started preparing for this fight. Yes, ‘The Beast’ is going to be unleashed on Saturday. I really can’t wait to face these excellent opponents. Everyone is asking for these fights and I believe that I am getting to a level for when the opportunity comes I really can’t wait for it. I will be ready and I will be ready to beat them.”

Yanina Del Carmen Lescano:

“I want to say thank you very much for the welcome. As I said yesterday, it is very important for me to have this new opportunity to win a World Title and it is really important given that I would become the first female fighter from my hometown to become a World Champion. It’s really important for me, my family and all the people that support me. It depends on the way things develop during the fight. Obviously we have prepared for the fight and we have a fight plan, but we’ll really see how things play out in the ring and then take it from there. We feel as a team that she’s not quite 100% focused on this fight and this could work in our favour.”

Junaid Bostan:

“A trip full of lessons inside and outside of the ring. Not to speak too much about it – for once – been there and done that. I’m looking forward to showing the lessons that I’ve learnt on Saturday. Everybody talks about pressure but nobody puts more pressure of me than myself. I’m a perfectionist – I want to look good and I want to perform. It goes without saying, I want to win by any means necessary. That’s what I plan on doing on Saturday – in flying colours. Of course it’s always nice winning your first title as a professional, it will be a good moment, but at the same time, the way I’m getting hyped up, the way I’m getting talked about – I’m on for bigger and better things. I know Lee Cutler has that English Title at the moment, whether he vacates or not, I’ll fight whoever is fighting the eliminator after that. I’m here for it all. The prediction is a Junaid Bostan win – don’t be surprised if I get him out of there within the distance. If not, I’m looking at giving out a boxing lesson – a hard hard beating for 12 rounds.”

Jack Martin:

“I’m just here to project myself on the big level now and prove that I’m here. Prove that I deserve to be here. I’ve worked so hard – I didn’t have a great amateur pedigree. I’ve worked extremely hard to get where I am on the small hall shows. I’ve been underdog time and time again, and proved so many people wrong. We’ve been working a lot smarter and a lot harder in the gym this camp. I know that I can do that, just with my natural heart, I know that I can go to deep waters and I know that I can handle myself there. This is about being a bit more smarter. Junaid isn’t just going to get dragged into that, He’s a clever fighter, I’ve got the utmost respect for him. It’s about being a lot more smarter now and realising that I can fight and box.”

Joe McGrail:

“It was a night of mixed emotions with obviously me winning and our Peter losing. That’s behind us now we’re both looking to put unbelievable performances on this Saturday with Peter getting back to winning ways. I’ve had a little watch of Ryan Walker and I know that he’s going to come and he’s going to have a go. He’s not just going to try and survive or anything like that – he’ll just walk onto more shots which is better for me. I’ve got this one my first eight, probably another eight and then it’ll be ten-round level and hopefully a title by the end of the year.”

Ste Clarke:

“I found out I’m on the card last week. I’ve got boss support. I’ve always had big support, so I appreciate everyone coming out and buying tickets so quickly. I’m buzzing to be back out again so quickly and I want to thank Eddie, Frank and my team for getting me out so quickly. First year as a pro I want to stay nice and active so I’m going in the right direction. Middleweight has always been a busy division. I’m looking forward to big fights in the future with some of the prospects who are coming up now. We’re focusing on what we’re learning in the gym and we’ll continue to improve and gain that experience.”

Maiseyrose Courtney:

“That’s what I said to Tony the other day – I’m either doing really well or I’m easily beat. If people want to call me out and chat a little rubbish about me I don’t mind it. I like fighting. I always say I like fighting and I like chinning people, that’s what I like to do. I’ve got an eight-rounder next. I’ve been asked to fight Chloe Watson for the EBU – do her and then whoever is next, I’ll do the rest of them! I’ve got the best team around me, Tony knows exactly what he’s doing with me. He wouldn’t even bring title fights like that up to me if he didn’t think I was ready to beat them.”

Hamza Uddin:

“It’s been amazing honestly, to see the platform and the levels here. It’s incredible for me, I’m just used to fighting! This is all new to me, the talking, I just want to get in there and fight. In terms of the quality of my opponents, we want to be moving fast. I’m ready for whatever the team is ready to give me. Give me anyone. Whatever style I bring it’s fireworks. If you want me to keep my hands low and move around, or if you want me to stand there and go like Mike Tyson – I can do anything you want! I’ve got power, I’ve got speed, I’ve got timing, I’ve got IQ like Einstein. Anything you want i can do. Whatever my opponent does, I’ll adapt and take him out! Don’t blink. I will be the first British Bangladeshi World Champion – nobody from my heritage has ever come close to this level. We’re getting there but we’re not there. We’re not talking about years, we’re literally talking about the next 12 months – we want to go really fast!”

Frankie Stringer:
 
“I’ve stayed in the gym but you need to be back under the lights don’t you. This is my first Matchroom show so I’ve got to impress. I can’t wait. I was at the Everton-Liverpool game last night. I was made up. There were a few unhappy reds commenting on my picture. I put a little post up and I got a bit of stick off it. I’m watching and sparring undisputed champions like Josh Taylor. I’ve got Liam Smith who’s been there and done it looking after and guarding my career. It’s helped me a lot and it will in the future.”

Former British Super-Bantamweight Champion Marc Leach will face Peter McGrail at the top of Matchroom Boxing’s latest NXTGEN show at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool on Saturday April 27, live worldwide on DAZN, after McGrail’s original opponent Ja’Rico O’Quinn withdrew due to personal family matters. 

Liverpool’s McGrail (8-1, 5 KOs) had an immediate shot at redemption against Detroit’s O’Quinn following his shock KO loss last December, but the former amateur standout will now face Salford southpaw Leach (18-3-1, 4 KOs) as he looks to return to winning ways. 

Brazilian amateur star turned 4-0 professional Beatriz Ferreira takes on Argentina’s Yanina del Carmen Lescano (14-3, 4 KOs) for the vacant IBF Lightweight World Title in just her fifth professional fight. ‘The Beast’ fights in the UK for the second time following her points win over Karla Ramos Zamora at the Utilita Arena Sheffield in July 2023, aiming to capture a World Title before turning her attention to winning Gold at the Paris 2024 games this summer. 

Sunderland’s rising Welterweight star Pat McCormack (5-0, 5 KOs) returns to the ring for his first fight since July 2023 to face Argentina’s William Andres Herrera (16-3, 7 KOs) for the vacant WBA Intercontinental Title, while Rotherham Super-Welterweight talent Junaid Bostan (8-0, 6 KOs) faces Southminster’s Jack Martin (9-1, 4 KOs) in a Final Eliminator for the English Title – with the Commonwealth Silver Title also on the line. 

There’s also action for Eltham Super-Flyweight prospect Maiseyrose Courtney (5-0), Matchroom’s latest Featherweight signing Joe McGrail (9-0, 5 KOs), Walsall Flyweight pro debutant Hamza Uddin and Liverpool Lightweight Frankie Stringer (6-0).

Tickets for McGrail vs. Leach are priced £40, £60 and £120 (Ringside).

General Sale tickets are available to purchase NOW via stagefrontvip.com/boxing and exhibitioncentreliverpool.com.

THE BRITISH SUPER bantamweight champion Marc Leach has stated that he takes special satisfaction from knocking young unbeaten hopefuls off their TV perch.

After a career spent largely flying under the radar, the highly skilled Salford native made people sit up and take notice in October 2020 when he comfortably defeated the unbeaten 2016 Olympian Qais Ashfaq in what was billed a final eliminator for a shot at the Lonsdale belt.

Leach was subsequently forced into another final eliminator against Thomas Essomba in June 2021 before being put forward to do battle with the undefeated Londoner Chris Bourke at York Hall for the vacant title in March.

The big punching Bourke was viewed as the form horse going into the fight but Leach told anyone who would listen that he would be too elusive and technical for his TV-backed opponent.

Now Leach is set to defend his cherished title against another unbeaten fighter in Liam Davies in Telford on June 11 and reckons that inflicting a first defeat on a fancied fighter, who has been given all the advantages, makes winning all the more pleasing.

“Yeah, definitely,” said the 28-year-old with an 18-1-1 record. “Most of them are very sugar-coated, have had the easy fights and been on the big platforms. Whereas I have done it the hard way, fought for free, been out of pocket and not been on TV shows all the time.

“It is getting to the stage now where I’m fighting these up and coming prospects, or so they say. But there are more of me all around the world who haven’t got the opportunity.

“I’m just thankful and grateful that I’ve got this opportunity. I’m just gonna keep pushing on now and taking the ‘0’ of whoever is in my way.”

Marc Leach will defend his British super bantamweight title against Liam Davies on a big night of title action at the Telford International Centre on Saturday June 11, live on BT Sport. Tickets for the show are on sale now, available from Ticketmaster.co.uk.

Weigh-In Results:

Chris Bourke – 121lb 5oz
Marc Leach – 121lb 4oz

Frank Arnold – 131lb 9oz
Paul Holt – 131lb 5oz

Karol Ituama – 176lb 3oz
Jiri Kroupa – 173lb 9oz

Jake Henty – 149lb 
Henrich Herak – 150lb 2oz

Joshua Frankham – 150lb 2oz
Dario Borosa – 151lb 3oz

Willo Hayden – 138lb 3oz
Michael Walton – 140lb 

Aloys ‘Junior’ Youmbi – 199lb 5oz
Tayar Medmed – 201lb

Arnold Obodai – 205lb 1oz
Hassan Oseni – 200lb 3oz

Jamie Chamberlain & Constantin Radoi to weigh-in tomorrow.

BRITISH SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT title challenger Chris Bourke insists the force is with him as he prepares to take on Marc Leach at York Hall on March 11.

The pintsized Streatham puncher has bludgeoned six of his 10 opponents to date into an early finish and, in turn, picked up a reputation as a KO-artist of considerable repute.

Even the redoubtable English champion, Michael Ramabeletsa – a known slayer of prospects – was battered into a second round submission in December 2020, with Bourke picking up the WBC International title as his reward, following up from his Southern Area title success against the previously unbeaten Ramez Mahmood five months earlier.

Bourke believes, if he lands on the money, a similar fate awaits all his super bantamweight rivals.

“100 per cent,” said the 27-year-old from the Peacock Gym. “Anyone I hit clean is going. I genuinely believe I am the biggest puncher in the super bantamweight division. It is just about getting my timing right, my sharpness there and executing the game plan.

“I am just blessed with it. I don’t know, it might be technique or something, but I know when I land it has got power.

“When I was 15 I was knocking out grown men three or four weights above me as an amateur, so I feel like I’ve always had it.”

Bourke’s spitefulness in the ring can perhaps be traced back to his childhood when, he recalls, his mother had to enlist outside help to calm his toddler tantrums.

These days, he is as cool, calm and collected as they come and we are highly unlikely to witness any pre-fight histrionics from either man leading up to March 11.

However, once he is in the ring, Bourke suspects a few character traits from the past return to the fore.

“When I was really young I had real anger issues and had to go and see someone, so they were proper issues,” he revealed. “Maybe I am just too mellow now!

“At school I was never really naughty, but I got into mischief and had the odd fight every now and again. I just had lots of energy.

“When I get in the ring he comes out again.”

Also on the show, Hackney Super-Featherweight Frank ‘The Tank’ Arnold (8-0-1, 2 KOs) will make the leap to ten rounds in a non-title contest.

British boxing’s latest Light-Heavyweight hopeful Karol Itauma (5-0, 3 KOs), an eight-time National amateur champion boxes a six rounder.

In four round action is Conor McGregor’s Super-Lightweight training partner Willo Hayden (2-0), Reading Super-Welterweight Joshua Frankham (4-0,1 KO), Portsmouth Super-Featherweight Jamie Chamberlain (3-0), Welling Super-Welterweight Jake Henty (1-0), and exciting teenage Cruiserweight Aloys Youmbi (0-1).

The quality card also features the debut of another top London Cruiserweight prospect, Arnold Obodai, a former Repton ABC boxer who won two National championships.

Tickets for the show at York Hall on Friday, March 11 are selling fast, available directly from the fighters or via eventbrite.co.uk or call: 01992 505 550 (office hours).

Ticket prices:
£55 (Floor/Balcony unreserved)
£65 (Floor/Balcony reserved) – SOLD OUT
£105 (Ringside) – SOLD OUT

CHRIS BOURKE will challenge Marc Leach for the vacant British Super-Bantamweight championship at York Hall, Bethnal Green on Friday March 11, live on BT Sport.

Streatham’s Bourke (10-0, 6 KOs) gets his big opportunity after Queensberry stablemate Jason Cunningham relinquished his domestic crown in pursuit of world honours

He said: “Fighting for the British title in the main event on BT Sport is something I am looking forward to.

“I have been calling for the British title for a while now and I am just grateful I have got the opportunity.”

Tickets are available now directly from the fighters or at: Eventbrite.co.uk

Bourke, 27, won the WBC International title in December 2020 with a second round stoppage of Michael Ramabeletsa. In his only defence last July, the South Londoner thrashed James Beech on points over ten rounds.

The Martin Bowers trained boxer also won the Southern Area crown in July 2020 with a points win against unbeaten Ramez Mahmood.

If Chris defeats fellow southpaw Leach it could lead to big clashes against the likes of Cunningham, Brad Foster and fellow big puncher Andrew Cain.

Salford’s Leach (17-1, 4 KOs) leapt from obscurity in October 2020 when he upset 2016 Olympian Qais Ashfaq on points in a British Featherweight title eliminator.

He dropped back to Super-Bantamweight last summer for another British championship eliminator and confirmed his mandatory status with a narrow, but unanimous points win over Thomas Essomba.

Leach, 27, last boxed in December when he knocked out Stefan Nicolae after just 26 seconds of the opening round.

Bourke added: “Ashfaq is a good win and I think Marc put him down a few times. Essomba is always tricky, he takes good fighters the distance and they struggle with him.

“Marc has earned his shot and I feel I have earned mine. From the little clips I have seen he does seem awkward and technically a very good fighter.

“People in boxing will know this is a massive fight and I think people will be looking forward to it.”

Promoter Frank Warren added: “The Super-Bantamweight division is stacked and I now believe it is time for Chris to make his move.

“Marc is tricky, slippery and come through eliminators to get a deserved shot. I think Chris wins in the power department and that might be the difference.

“It’s a great way to start Queensberry’s 2022 calendar with a 50-50 British title fight and prospect stacked card at the spiritual home of British boxing.”

Also on the show, Hackney Super-Featherweight Frank ‘The Tank’ Arnold  (8-0-1, 2 KOs) will make the leap to ten rounds in a non-title contest.

British boxing’s latest Light-Heavyweight hopeful Karol Itauma (5-0, 3 KOs), an eight-time National amateur champion boxes a six rounder.

In four round action is Conor McGregor’s Super-Lightweight training partner Willo Hayden (2-0), Reading Super-Welterweight Joshua Frankham (4-0,1 KO), Portsmouth Super-Featherweight Jamie Chamberlain (3-0), Welling Super-Welterweight Jake Henty (1-0), and exciting teenage Cruiserweight Aloys Youmbi (0-1).

The quality card also features the debut of another top London Cruiserweight prospect, Arnold Obodai, a former Repton ABC boxer who won two National championships.

Tickets are available now directly from the fighters or at: Eventbrite.co.uk

Lewis Ritson won a dubious 12-round unanimous decision over former world champion Miguel Vazquez in a junior welterweight bout in Peterborough, England/

Vazquez landed 193 of 1001 punches. Ritson was 141 of 544.

Ritosn, 139.3 lbs of Forest Hall won by scores of 117-111, 115-113 and Vazquez won a card 116-113 to go to 21-1. Vazquez, 139.3 lbs of Mexico is 42-10.

“It just depends what you like doesn’t it,” Ritson told Matchroom afterwards. “He was tapping me and running away. I was hitting him with the cleaner jabs. It was very frustrating being out the gym a year and then facing that style.

It was probably more awkward than I thought it was going to be. The more the fight went on the more frustrated I got. It was a big eye opener. We’ve been mentioning the Prograis fight, tonight was a bit of an eye opener that we’re a million miles off that fight.

“We need a couple more fights like Vazquez, maybe not his style. That’s what you get when you step up. We had a hard job doing it. I’m improving as a fighter but I’ve got a lot more improving to do.”

Leach Decisions Ashfaq

Marc Leach won a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Qais Ashfaq in a super bantamweight fight.

In round four, Leach dropped Ashfaq with a hard right off the clinch.

In round seven, Ashfaq was dropped with counter left that was followed by a left inside.

Leach, 121 lbs of Salford won by scores of 96-92, 95-92 and 95-93 and is now 15-1-1. Asfaq, 121.7 lbs is 9-1.

“I’m feeling over the moon,” Leach told Matchroom afterwards. “I’ve said before in previous interviews, the underdog tag means I’ve got nothing to lose and lots to gain. I felt good in there. Mine, Jamie’s and Nigel’s tactics worked to a T. Happy days.

“I felt like I had had him in trouble. Nigel and Jamie know that I’ve got power behind me. We moved up a weight as well. I presume he didn’t know I had that power. I believe in myself and it worked. Even at my weight, Bantamweight, I’m supposed to be next in line for the British Title. Whichever one comes first, I’ll happily take.

“Hopefully after one or two more fights at this level I won’t have to work anymore. This is the life I have chosen. I work nights, six until two. It’s not ideal but I’ve got kids to feed and a family to look after. Hopefully this turns into more opportunities for me.

In a battle of undefeated super lightweights, Rylan Charlton stopped Joe Laws in round three of scheduled six-round super lightweight.

In round one, Charlton dropped Laws with a left hook to the chin. In round three, it was another left hook that sent Laws down again. Carlton finished Laws off with a combination that sent Laws down for the 10-count at 1:39.

Charlton, 144.4 lbs of Norwich is 6-0-1 with three knockouts. Laws, 146.9 lbs of Benwell is 9-1.

“It’s what I expected,” said Charlton afterwards. “I’ve been training my ass off for this. No disrespect to Joe, I think he’s a great guy, a great boxer, but he’s a ticket seller. He sells loads of tickets to get into the positions that he gets in. He’s a good fighter and he’s a very nice guy. I have been training my ass off. I can’t really sell that many tickets. I’m the fighter. I’m just pleased I got the opportunity to showcase my skills. 

“I felt like it got a little bit scrappy at some point. I was trying to stay as composed as possible. I saw the opening and I stuck it up there. That’s all she wrote. I always knew that this would be the result. I trained too hard for it not to be the result. My power was too much.

“Pint Size Powerhouse all the way! He’s got a massive following and this won’t be the end of Joe. He’ll be back. This has just rocketed my career in the right direction. Eddie get this contract, and let’s go! Get me out before Christmas.”

Thomas Patrick Ward and Thomas Essomba fought to split technical draw in a super bantamweight fight.

In round seven, Ward was cut over the left eye from a hard head clash The got was bad with the eyelid split open and the fight was called after eight.

Essomba won a card 88-85; Ward won a card 88-84 and a 3rd card was even at 86-86.

Ward, 123.3 lbs of West Rainton is 29-0-1. Essomba, 123.2 lbs is 10-6-1.

“To be honest, the fight was close, but I knew I was better than him,” Essomba said afterwards. “We had the accident, and then the judges decided the outcome, I have to respect their decision. I didn’t see the head clash. I don’t know who’s fault it was.

“I’ve had a really long and good camp since my last fight against Sunny Edwards. If I would have had two or three more weeks’ notice then I could have prepared more for Tommy. I had six days’ notice. I know if we fight again the fight will be totally different. I will give him a rematch, any time and anywhere.”

Kane Baker won a six-round decision over previously undefeated Meshech Speare in a super lightweight bout.

In round two, Baker was cut around the left eye.

Baker, 138 lbs of Birmingham won by a 5-56 score and is now 14-7. Speare, 138 lbs of Liverpool is 5-1.

“I’m floating,” said Baker afterwards. “It’s amazing. I’ve been here a few times. That winning feeling is something else. When I fought Fiaz two weeks ago my corner was quite confident in how I was doing. Tonight, they were telling me I was losing every round! I did think I’d won, but you just don’t know.

“When I heard Birmingham first, I knew then and it was amazing. He caught me twice to be fair. He caught me with two good shots. He’ll be back again, he’s a strong kid. I hope it was a good fight for the fans. It was a lot tougher this time than it was two weeks ago. The two weeks off didn’t recharge me as much as I’d have liked. It was tough but I was never going to say no to being here. I bit down on the gumshield and toughed it out.”

Ellie Scotney made a successful pro debut with a six-round decision over Bec Connolly in a super bantamweight bout.

In round three, Scotney put Connolly on the canvas from a right hand that was followed by a perfect left hook to the head.

In round five, Connolly started to bleed around the right eye.

Scotney, 125.9 lbs of Catford won by a score of and is now 1-0. Connolly, 125.2 lbs is 3-8.

“Bec is a tough person and she came to fight,” Scotney told Matchroom afterwards. “It was brilliant to share a ring with her. She gave it her all. She’s a nice woman. I feel like I’ve got a lot to work on still. I’m 22 and boxing at the weight above, so now I’ll be going down to the weight I should be at and I’m so looking forward to getting out again.

“I rushed it a little bit. I got a bit carried away when I landed a shot. I’ve got a lot to work on. I’m buzzing to get the first one out of the way. It’s been a long time coming. I’m going to get back in the gym on Monday if Adam lets me. I love boxing.”

Salford’s Marc Leach believes his best will be enough to outmanoeuvre Qais Ashfaq when the pair meet in a Final Eliminator for the British Super-Bantamweight Title this Saturday October 17, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

After losing his professional debut back in 2014, ‘Livewire’ has remained unbeaten, winning 14 and drawing one of his contests since. The 26-year-old, who trains with Jamie Moore at the V.I.P Gym in Astley, jumped at the opportunity to take on his former sparring partner Ashfaq and plans to ‘shine’ on the big stage.

“I was supposed to fight in March but it was cancelled two days before because of the pandemic”, said Leach. “It was a bit of a setback, but it’s been a good turnaround for this fight and now is my time to shine.

“You can’t really take too much from sparring. It has been over a year since we sparred and he’s progressed his way, I’ve progressed my way. He may have learnt a few new tricks and skills but it’s all about who executes the game-plan right on the night. 

“I believe it’s going to be a chess match for the first half of the fight because we’ve both got similar styles. I believe I have the speed to win, he’ll have the power, but I’m used to sparring people bigger and heavier than me. I feel stronger at this weight and can’t wait to perform.

Former amateur standout Ashfaq heads into this weekend’s showdown in Peterborough as the favourite with the bookies, but English Bantamweight Champion Leach is relishing his underdog tag and is promising to deliver a career-best performance under the lights. 

“Being the underdog to me means you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. This is on his show and he has all the hype around him. The pressure is on him to perform and I do believe if I perform my best, I will win this fight. 

“I’ve got to start sharp and fast and keep that pace up throughout the fight. I believe I will win comfortably and confidently and I will get him out of his rhythm early to get the victory.”

Ashfaq vs. Leach is part of a huge night of boxing at the East of England Arena in Peterborough, Geordie favourite Lewis Ritson (20-1, 12 KOs) takes on former long-reigning World Champion Miguel Vazquez (42-9, 16 KOs), Joe ‘Benwell Bomber’ Laws (9-0, 5 KOs) takes on Norwich’s Rylan Charlton (5-0-1, 2 KOs) over six rounds at Super-Lightweight, West Rainton’s Thomas Patrick Ward (29-0, 4 KOs) fights Thomas Essomba (10-6, 4 KOs) over ten rounds at Super-Bantamweight and Catford’s Ellie Scotney makes her professional debut against Bec Connolly (3-7) at Featherweight.

LONDON, UK – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 multi-platform channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, announced today that it will present its first LIVE championship boxing event in partnership with renowned UK boxing promoter Steve Wood of VIP Promotions on Saturday 21st March from Bolton, England.

The main attraction on the four-hour show from 21:00-01:00 features a highly anticipated English Bantamweight Championship and Eliminator for the British and Commonwealth Championships between Marc ‘Livewire’ Leach and Ashley ‘Flash’ Lane plus an action-packed undercard from the Premier Suite, Bolton Whites Hotel from 9:00 p.m. (GMT).

Exciting talent Leach (14-1-1, 3 KO’s) from Salford was a standout amateur and has built a solid professional 16-fight career record over five and half years. Last year he won his first pro title when he defeated veteran Brett Fidoe to claim the English Bantamweight crown and now makes the first defence of the title. The slick, switch-hitting, 25-year-old has his sights on the next level and challenging for British and Commonwealth Championship honours next but must defeat the highly-experienced Lane in a real test.

Lane (14-9-2, 1 KO) from Bristol is a former Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight Champion and holds the edge in experience over his rival with 25 fights in his near nine-year career and crucially has fought 51 rounds over five championship contests. The battle-hardened 29-year-old has mixed in top domestic company against the likes of future champions Brad Foster, Josh Wale and Ryan Farrag and held the future WBA World Champion Gavin McDonnell to a draw.

The broadcast will also include some of the fights on the undercard that features an array of local, undefeated and fast-rising talents from the North West, including Oldham middleweight Jack Kilgannon; Bolton featherweight Osman Aslam; Wigan lightweight and female sensation Rhiannon Dixon; Manchester Cruiserweight Ryan Braidwood; Manchester bantamweight Tracey Webber; Oldham super-featherweight Huss Parvez; Dumfries heavyweight Mohammad Saleem; St Helen’s lightweight Adam Ridge; Wigan welterweight James Moorcroft and Blackpool light-heavyweight Jamie Mitchell.

Broadcasting on Fight Network in the UK, VIP Boxing Promotions joins brands and shows that appear on the UK channel including IMPACT Wrestling, Boxing World Weekly, Fight Star, Preston City Wrestling, Total Combat, Combate Americas, Abu Dhabi Grand Slam and many more.

The Fight Network UK is available on SKY Channel 192.