Katie Taylor avenged her first professional defeat to win a majority decision over Chantelle Cameron to win the Undisputed Junior Welterweight Title in front of a raucous crowd at 3 Arena in Dublin, Ireland

It was an action packed fight with Taylor landing the crisper combinations that had the crowd on their feet throughout the “Fight of They Year” Candidate. Cameron was courageous in defeat as she fought through a bad cut on her forehead that started in the second round.

Taylor, 139.6 lbs of Bray, Ireland won by scores of 98-92, 96-94 and 95-95 and is now 23-1. Cameron, 139.5 lbs of Northampton, ENG is 18-1.

Cully Edges By Mould Via Split Decision

Gary Cully came back from his first professional defeat by winning a 10-round split decision over Reece Mould in a lightweight bout.

Cully, 134.5 lbs of Naas, IRE won by scores of 97-93, 96-93 and Cully won a scorecard by a 97-93 total.

Cully landed 77 of 305 punches. Mould landed 92 of 261.

Cully is now 17-1. Mould, 134.1 lbs of Dorncaster, ENG is 18-2.

Donovan Stops Ball in Four

Paddy Donovan remained undefeated by stopping Danny Ball in round four of their 10-round welterweight fight.

In round four, Donovan dropped Ball with a hard left hand. Donovan then unloaded on Ball and dropped him again with a hard flurry of punches. The corner of Ball threw in the towel at 2:41.

Donovan, 146.5 lbs of Limerick, ENG is 12-0 with nine knockouts. Ball, 146.7 lbs of Kingswingford, ENG is 13-2-1.

Carty Stops Garber in 8th and Final Round

Popular heavyweight Thomas Carty stopped Dan Garber in the final minute of the eighth and final round.

Carty beat Garber down and in round eight, landed a hard left to the body that took the starch out of Garber and then dropped him after a few follow up punches at 2:19.

Carty, 154.3 lbs of Dublin, IRE is now 8-0 with seven knockouts. Garber, 220.5 lbs of Bradford, ENG is 5-2.

Skye Nicolson retained the WBC Interim Featherweight title with a ninth round stoppage of Lucy Wildheart.

Nicolson Defends Interim Title with 9th round Stoppage of Wildheart

Nicolson won every one by boxing and breaking down Wildheart. Wildheart was bleeding all over her face. the fight was stopped when the corner of Wildheart threw in the towel as Nicolson was landing an unanswered flurry of punches at 1:11.

Georgio Visioli made a spectacular pro debut with a first-round stoppage over Lee Anthony Sibley in a super featherweight bout.

Visioli landed a perfect left hook that put Sibley on the canvas. Sibley got to his feet, but the fight was stopped at 1:21.

Visioli, 134.9 lbs of Guidford, ENG is 1-0 with one knockout. Sible, 133.5 lbs of La Oliva, SPA is 3-2.

Gary Cully insists that he isn’t feeling the pressure ahead of his make-or-break clash with Reece Mould on the undercard of Chantelle Cameron’s huge undisputed Super-Lightweight World Title rematch with Katie Taylor at the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland this Saturday November 25, shown live worldwide on DAZN. 

The Naas native (16-1, 10 KOs) suffered a stunning upset loss at the hands of Jose Felix last time out in May, with the unheralded Mexican ripping up the script and inflicting Cully’s first defeat in the pros via a devastating third round knockout in front of the Irishman’s home crowd. 

Cully’s ten-round clash with Felix was supposed to be a routine win on what was the rising Lightweight star’s first outing as a professional in Dublin, but ‘Josesito’ had other ideas and forced his opponent to go back to the drawing board and completely change his training set-up. 

“Something wasn’t quite right with me,” admitted Cully. “I didn’t really know it at the time, but my mind wasn’t fully focused. Everything was just planned for the party afterwards, the celebrations and reflecting on what a week and what a show it had been. I took my eye off having a fight in front of me. 

“Probably being back in Dublin and back in Ireland I fell into that trap as well of ‘The Diva Gary Cully’ – Gary is the guy and Gary is the man. I probably fell into that trap a little bit as well and started believing my own hype a little bit.

“I wanted to impress and thought I’d just f***ing walk through this kid. I just wasn’t fully focused, wasn’t fully focused on Jose Felix and I paid the price. This time it isn’t about a celebration or a party like last time was supposed to be.

“I’ve been through some ups and downs in my life, but that loss was definitely the hardest. It felt like the world was ending at one point. I thought it was, but it taught me lots of lessons. I think I’ve learnt a lot from it as well. I’m looking forward to showing that this Saturday.”

Now training under respected coach Joe McNally at the Rotunda ABC in Liverpool alongside Belfast Super-Welterweight contender Caoimhin Agyarko, World Champion hopeful Cully is determined to bounce back after vowing to take care of business when he faces Mould (18-1-0, 6 KOs) for the WBA Continental Europe Title. 

“I’ve got a job ahead of me. We’re going back to Dublin which is my hometown and we’re going straight back there after coming off a loss. I’m not in the winners club right now, and I believe that’s where I’m supposed to be.

“There’s a bit of pressure to get back into that club obviously but I’m not feeling an ounce of pressure, this is personal and this is me versus me this time around. This is about Gary Cully getting back to where I know I’m at and showing everybody what I can do.

“When I come in here (the Rotunda) I’m just another one of the lads. Darren Till is in here training with us and he’s just Darren, he’s just another one of the lads. I’ve got the second chance and I’ve got to make it right. I’ve got to come back and show them that I am what I say I am. It’s important to me for sure.

“Reece Mould, he’s tough and he’s game. He’s been around the block, 19 fights 18 wins. He’s only lost to Leigh Wood so he’s no mug. He knows what he’s doing and he’s going to come to win. I want to put pain on somebody and I want to put on a performance, beat somebody down and show them I’m at the level I say I’m at.”

Cully vs. Mould is part of a huge night of boxing in Dublin, undisputed Super-Lightweight World Champion Chantelle Cameron (18-0, 8 KOs) puts her crowns on the line against Irish great Katie Taylor (22-1, 6 KOs) Limerick Welterweight Paddy Donovan (11-0, 8 KOs) meets Danny Ball (13-1-1, 6 KOs) for the WBA Continental Title, Dublin Heavyweight Thomas Carty (6-0, 5 KOs) takes on Dan Garber (5-1, 1 KO) in an eight-round contest, Australia’s Interim WBC Featherweight World Champion Skye Nicolson (8-0) defends her crown against Sweden’s Lucy Wildheart (10-2, 4 KOs), Manchester’s former Super-Featherweight World Title challenger Zelfa Barrett (29-2, 16 KOs) fights Spain’s Costin Ion (10-4-2, 5 KOs) over eight rounds, Belfast’s John Cooney (8-0, 2 KOs) and Dublin’s own Liam Gaynor (10-4-0) meet for the Celtic Featherweight crown, as fellow Dublin fighter Emmet Brennan (1-0) battles Limerick’s Jamie Morrisey (5-0-1, 1 KO) for the Celtic Light-Heavyweight Title, while Guildford Super-Featherweight debutant Giorgio Visioli opens the show against Lee Anthony Sibley (3-1, 1 KO).

Sheffield, England – 6 October 2023 – WBA Continental Lightweight Title Challenger Martin McDonagh has withdrawn from his title fight with Reece Mould tonight at the Canon Medical Arena in Sheffield following last minute medical advice.

Doncaster star Mould was due to make the first defence of the title against McDonagh, from Kent, in the headline attraction of the inaugural event at the opening of the brand new arena.

Beyond the BBBofC’s deadline to get a suitable replacement opponent approved for the title and, understandably, Mould not wanting to take part in an eight-round contest after preparing mentally and physically for a Championship contest, Mould took the decision to withdraw from the card tonight.

Emma Dolan’s Commonwealth Super-Flyweight title defence against Nicola Hopewell, that was chief supporting contest to Mould-McDonagh on the show, will now be the main event with the rest of the undercard remaining the same.

Promoter Izzy Asif, CEO of GBM Sports, understand’s the importance and confidentiality of McDonagh’s medical condition and fully supports his decision.

Despite investing substantially in tonight’s event, Asif was insistent that despite the main event falling through that the show continue with Dolan-Hopewell placed top of the bill.

He said, “Our first thought, of course, is with Martin and for his health and safety. It’s disappointing to lose what would have been a great fight between Reece and Martin but a boxer’s health is paramount in our sport. In the Commonwealth Title showdown between Emma and Nicola we had a show topper in it’s own right and that will be the headliner for tonight and the rest of the lads’ on the undercard still get to fight.”

The GBM Sports show ‘Clash On The Courts’ will be streamed LIVE on the talkSPORT Boxing YouTube Channel commencing at 1815hrs. Go to

Sheffield, England – 5 October 2023 – The official weigh-in for GBM Sports ‘Clash On The Court’ event took place earlier today at Sheffield United’s stadium ahead of tomorrow night’s show to be held at the Park Community Arena in Sheffield.

Doncaster’s Reece Mould’s headlines the card with the first defence of his WBA Continental Lightweight Championship against Kent challenger Martin McDonagh.

Chief support features Newark’s Emma Dolan defending her Commonwealth Super-Flyweight Championship against Worksop’s Nicola Hopewell in an East Midlands derby showdown.

Also on the card will be a host of up-and-coming talents: Naphtali Nembhard, Nohmaan Hussain, Faraqat Ali, Red Johnson, Joe Hayden, Sam O’Mason, Adam Mohammed, Liam Cameron and Declan Cairns.

WBA Continental Europe Lightweight Championship

12 X 3 Minute Rounds at 135lb

Reece Mould 134.4lb vs. Martin McDonagh 135lb

Commonwealth Super-Flyweight Championship

10 X 2 Minute Rounds at 115lb

Emma Dolan 113.8lb vs. Nicola Hopewell 113.4lb

4 X 3 Minute Rounds Middleweight Contest

Naphtali Nembhard 164lb vs. Vasif Mamedov 169lb

4 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Featherweight Contest

Faraqat Ali 134lb vs. Christian Lopes Flores 138lb

4 X 3 Minute Rounds Welterweight Contest

Sam O’Mason 151lb vs. Jake Smith 149lb

4 X 3 Minute Rounds Welterweight Contest

Declan Cairns 151lb vs. Rustem Fatkhullin 147lb

Joe Hayden-MJ Hall, Nohmaan Hussain-Caine Singh, Liam Cameron-Robbie Connor, Red Johnson (171lb)-Ben Thomas will all weigh-in tomorrow.

The GBM Sports show ‘Clash On The Courts’ will be streamed LIVE on the talkSPORT Boxing YouTube Channel commencing at 1815hrs. Go to

https://www.youtube.com/@talkSPORTBoxing

Sheffield, England – 3 October 2023 – GBM Sports today announced that talkSPORT will exclusively Livestream the huge Sheffield fight card ‘Clash On The Court’, headlined by Reece Mould’s Championship Title defence, this Friday (6 October) LIVE and FREE on its dedicated YouTube channel talkSPORT Boxing.

The livestream commences at 1815hrs and will be available at https://www.youtube.com/@talkSPORTBoxing and will cover the whole action-packed evening featuring two Championship title fights and raft of rising domestic prospects.

Exciting Doncaster star Mould makes the first defence of his WBA Continental Lightweight Championship against the tough Kent challenger Martin McDonagh in a potential thriller.  Chief support sees a fiery East Midlands derby showdown between Newark’s Emma Dolan who defends Commonwealth Super-Flyweight Championship against Worksop’s Nicola Hopewell.  A bumper undercard features a host of up-and-coming talents: Naphtali Nembhard, Nohmaan Hussain, Faraqat Ali, Red Johnson, Joe Hayden, Sam O’Mason, Adam Mohammed and Liam Cameron.

The show takes centre stage at the stunning, brand new, Park Community Arena, the new home of the Sheffield Sharks and Hatters (basketball), as the doors officially open to host GBM Sports’ Championship Boxing as the inaugural event at the venue.

This is the sixth sold-out event staged by GBM Sports – Britain’s fastest growing boxing promotions company – and by far the biggest and best fight card yet, as they continue to expand at a relentless pace.

Izzy Asif, CEO of GBM Sports, said, “To partner with talkSPORT this Friday who will livestream the show on it’s dedicated YouTube channel is absolutely huge for the event, boxers and for the GBM Sports brand.  We’re thrilled to link up with talkSPORT, the world’s biggest sports radio station, and to have the event live-streamed to it’s enormous subscriber base on YouTube.  It’s the biggest night in GBM Sports’ history and demonstrates how far we have come in a short space of time and we’ve only just started.”

Jamie Sanderson, talkSPORT’s Director of Video & Social Media, said, “We’re delighted to partner with GBM Sports to bring this huge clash from Sheffield to our boxing-mad audience on YouTube. talkSPORT has become the home of boxing in the last 18 months, and our channel has led the way with heavyweight content, becoming one of the fastest growing channels in the UK. Supporting Izzy and the team on this mammoth night will mean knockout action for our followers and subscribers.”

Sheffield, England – 31 August 2023 – GBM Sports promoter Izzy Asif is delighted to announce that Reece Mould’s WBA Continental Lightweight Championship title defence against Martin McDonagh will be the inaugural event at the brand new Canon Medical Arena in Sheffield on Friday 6th October.

Doncaster star Mould headlines the double-title event billed as the Clash On The Court that also features a fiery Commonwealth Super-Flyweight Championship showdown between rivals Emma Dolan and Nicola Hopewell, Sheffield talents Naphtali Nembhard and Nohmaan Hussain, and many more.

Based at the heart of the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, the Canon Medical Arena is the UK’s first carbon-neutral build community arena with multi-purpose sports facility and integrated Medical Diagnostics Centre to improve health and wellbeing in South Yorkshire.

The new built arena will offer a flexible sporting facility, featuring three full-size basketball courts, and designed to hold 2500 spectators. It will be the new home for the B. Braun Sheffield Sharks and the B. Braun Sheffield Hatters (women) professional basketball teams and the arena will be available to wider sporting, education, and community organisations.

In the first ever event to be staged at the Canon Medical Arena, all-action Mould (18-1-0, 6 KO’s) makes the first defence of his WBA Continental Title when he collides with hard domestic rival McDonagh (12-2-0, 1 KO) from Sheerness, Kent.  The exciting all-British clash puts everything on the line and the winner move a step closer to World title honours. 

Chief support on the card sees a big East Midlands derby clash between fierce rivals Emma Dolan (5-0-0, 1 KO) and Nicola ‘Hurricane’ Hopewell (3-0-0, 1 KO).  Dolan from Newark makes the first defence of the Commonwealth Super-Flyweight Championship against Worksop’s unbeaten Hopewell with plenty of pride and ‘bragging rights’ at stake.

On the undercard former star Sheffield Sharks small forward Naphtali Nembhard transitions from basketball to make his professional boxing debut in the middleweight division.

Undefeated Sheffield bantamweight prospect Nohmaan Hussain (3-0-0), who also works as an NHS cardiac intensive care practitioner, aims to continue his winning record.

Further top talents from Sheffield also appear, including: cruiserweight Sheldon McDonald (6-1-0, 2 KO’s), super-featherweight Faraqat Ali (7-0-0), welterweight Bree Burbeary (3-0-0, 1 KO) and super-middleweight Red Johnson (3-0-0)

Completing the card will be the latest protege under top trainer Ben Davison the unbeaten Oldham Bantamweight Will Cawley (3-0-0, 1 KO) plus, Conisborough welterweight Joe Hayden (10-0-0) and Worksop welterweight Declan Cairns (6-1-0, 1 KO).

With five highly successful and sold-out shows staged under the GMB Sports banner, Asif believes that this will be his most impressive and stunning event to date and fitting to open the new arena with.

Asif, CEO of GBM Sports, said, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be the first promoter to stage an event in the fantastic new Canon Medical Arena and I’m counting down the days until we can open the doors of this incredible new venue for Sheffield.  Not only is it a major boost for the city but also for boxing in the UK with another great venue to showcase our sport.  This is a major statement of intent for GBM Sports in our short history as we continue to break new ground and grow our business.  We look forward to staging regular top class shows here with even bigger and better to come.  I’d like to thank Yuri Matischen, Mazher Iqbal and MP Richard Caborn for all their hard work in helping to put this tremendous deal together.”

Yuri Matischen, Managing Director of the Canon Medical Arena, said, “We look forward to welcoming GBM Sports as our first ever boxing event in the Canon Medical Arena.  One of the main reasons we built this venue was to be able to offer a venue of this size to local sporting hubs as an outlet and means by which to showcase. Boxing is such a popular, and important sport here in South Yorkshire and is ingrained into the local culture, we are excited to be able to put it on display here in Sheffield.”

Sheffield, England – 21 August 2023 – The WBA Continental Lightweight Champion Reece Mould and challenger Martin McDonagh have met face-to-face for the first time to formally announce their big showdown set for Friday 6th October in Sheffield.

Mould’s first defence of the title against Reece headlines promoter Izzy Asif’s GBM Sports fight card that also features Commonwealth Super-Flyweight Champion Emma Dolan’s title defence against rival Nicola Hopewell plus a top quality undercard.

The 12-fight card is the biggest and best event staged by GBM Sports – the fastest growing boxing promotional company in the UK – with the venue in Sheffield very close to being officially announced.

Mould and McDonagh, plus Dolan and Hopewell and the undercard were all in attendance for the media launch of the GBM Sports show at BEJU Restaurant & Bar in Sheffield on Saturday.

Mould said, “It will be a great fight between me and McDonagh and I’m really geared up for this challenge.  McDonagh’s good a good record and he’s got a top amateur pedigree so he’s not coming in just to make up numbers.  He’s coming for a real fight and to take my title.  I’ve got future plans but I need to make sure I deal with him.

“I’m world ranked, number 12 with the WBA.  It knocks me up even further up the rankings by beating McDonagh, probably into the top 10 and offers me even bigger fights.  He’s not a bad name on my record and it’s experience more than anything I need.”

McDonagh said, “This is what I’ve been in boxing for all my life to be in big fights like this.  If I win it gets me the title and top 15 ranking and opens the doors up for me.  I wanted an English title opportunity but this opportunity against Reece came up and I took it with both hands and I’ll be victorious.”

“The fight will go with a win for me anyway possible.  Strictly business Reece, strictly business!”

Dolan said, “I expect a high work rate from Nicola in the first four or five round and then I think the pace will get to her and then I’ll come on top.  She’s a good girl, I know what she brings to the table, she won’t be deterred, she’s quite tough, but I feel that I’ve got a bit too much for her.

Hopewell said, “Emma is one of the only girls at my weight that I’ve not boxed.  I’m really excited as I’m going in the underdog but I’m going in there to win.  There is pressure there but I wanted the challenge and to challenge myself and when the opportunity came up I grabbed it.  We’re both coming to win and it’s going to be an exciting fight and you’re not going to want to miss it!”

Asif said, “It’s a cracking double-title header on October 6 in Sheffield and I can’t wait for it.  Mould v McDonagh will be an all-out war between these two proud fighters with so much on the line between them.  Mould wants to move forward to bigger things but he knows he has to deal with McDonagh first before he can attempt anything else and McDonagh is coming for a fight.  Dolan and Hopewell is another real fight and it’s very hard to call, Dolan is the defending champion and has the edge on experience, but Hopewell is really fired up to take the title.  With a cracking undercard featuring some top up-and-coming prospects, I’m really excited for this show which is GBM Sports’ most impressive to date and takes us a company to a new level.”

Sheffield, England – 16 August 2023 – Promoter Izzy Asif of GBM Sports invites all media to attend a special lunch this Saturday (19 August) to officially announce the all-British clash for the WBA Continental Lightweight Championship between the title holder Reece Mould and challenger Martin McDonagh.

Mould v McDonagh will headline a stacked 12-fight card in the sixth Championship Boxing event presented by GBM Sports – the UK’s fastest growing boxing promotions company – and it’s set to be the biggest and best card yet to take place on Friday 6th October in Sheffield (venue to be announced).

Joining Reece and Mould at the media event will be the Chief-Support on the show between the Commonwealth Super-Flyweight Champion Emma Dolan and her challenger Nicola Hopewell who come face-to-face to discuss their big East Midlands derby clash.

Plus two of the prospects from the GBM Sports stable: unbeaten super-bantamweight and NHS Cardiac Intensive Care Practitioner Nohmaan Hussain, and former Sheffield Sharks star basketball player Naphtali Nembhard transitions to boxing to make his pro-debut in the middleweight division.

Also attending the Media Lunch will be Former WBO World Cruiserweight Champion and TV boxing presenter Johnny Nelson and Reigning IBF World Bantamweight Champion Ebanie Bridges.

Interview and photos opportunities will be available with all the talent in attendance.

Sheffield, England – 9 August 2023 – All-action Doncaster star Reece Mould will make the first defence of his WBA Continental Lightweight Championship against Kent rival Martin McDonagh on Friday 6th October in Sheffield.

Mould versus McDonagh headlines a double-title GBM Sports show that also features the fiery Commonwealth Super-Flyweight Championship showdown between Emma Dolan and Nicola Hopewell.

The venue for the GBM Sports show will be officially announced on Monday.

It’s set to be real 50-50 clash between Mould and McDonagh as the pair are expected to trade some serious leather with the winner going on to pursue bigger honours.

Mould (18-1-0, 6 KO’s) won the title in style against the previously unbeaten Hamed Ghaz in February on a unanimous decision and then defeated the hard Mexican Christian Lopez Flores in June, but now arguably faces the toughest test of his 19-fight career.

World rated Mould is out to prove that he’s the real deal and is on a mission to become World Champion.   A victory against McDonagh is crucial to remain on course towards challenging for a World title.

Mould said, “I can’t wait for this one! McDonagh is the type of test I want and need at this stage of my career.  When it’s an all British clash with a title on the line it makes it that bit more special and adds an extra edge to it.  I believe he’ll be coming to win and take the title and I know that I’ll have to be at my very best and I’ll be more hungrier and determined to keep hold of the belt and everything it means for my future.”

Hard-as-nails McDonagh (12-2-0, 1 KO) from Sheerness is the reining Southern Area Lightweight Champion and will provide a stern test for the ambitious Mould.

The 28-year-old southpaw defeated Connor Marsden by tenth round stoppage in September last year to claim the title and then made first defence in a hard fought, tense, battle against Ben Smith in April this year to retain the title on a points victory.

McDonagh said, “I’m really looking forward to the fight with Reece it’s a very tough fight but one I’m confident in winning.   A win gets my his world ranking and puts me in the place I feel like I deserve. Thank you to Izzy of GBM Sports and my manager Lee Eaton for getting me the opportunity and I look forward to putting on a career best performance.”

The remaining boxers to feature on the undercard have also been confirmed.

It was announced on Monday that rising prospects Naphtali Nembhard, Adam Mohammed, Will Cawley and Nohmaan Hussain will all feature in the line up.

GBM Sports have now announced that up-and-coming prospects Bree Wright, Faraqat Ali, Joe Hayden, Sheldon McDonald, Red Johnson and Declan Cairns have all been added to the show to complete an action-packed 12-fight card.

Sheffield’s only female professional boxer, welterweight Wright (3-0-0, 1 KO) has built an unbeaten record as she looks towards challenging for her first title shortly.  Burbeary has battled through mental health and weight issues to start her pro boxing career and counts her friend and World Champion Terri Harper as her inspiration.

Sheffield Super-Featherweight ‘El Frako’ Ali (7-0-0) will have domestic titles in his sights with a victory on the night.  The rising talent is unbeaten in seven and has featured on all GBM Sports’ card to date.

Dave Allen protege Hayden (10-0-0) from Coinsborough has been billed as ‘Doncaster’s busiest and brightest boxing prospect’.  The 23-year-old southpaw has amassed a ten-fight unbeaten record in just over a year of turning pro and his quality has been recognised by World Title contender Jack Catterall who insists on using Hayden for sparring.  Hayden was also a former semi-professional player with Maltby Main and Frickley Athletic.

Sheffield Cruiserweight McDonald (6-1-0, 2 KO’s) is another former semi-professional footballer having played for Sheffield FC, Handsworth and Clipstone.  He was studying Accountancy at Sheffield’s Hallam University and boxing in the amateur code when his friend and mentor former World Cruiserweight Champion Johnny Nelson noticed his boxing talent and advised him to drop football.  McDonald followed his advice and turned professional and has also completed his successfully completed his Accountancy degree.

Completing the card will be unbeaten Sheffield Super-Middleweight prospect Johnson (3-0-0) and Worksop Welterweight Cairns (6-1-0, 1 KO).

Promoter Izzy Asif, CEO of GBM Sports, commented, “What a fight it’s going to be between Mould and McDonagh.  This has the makings of a great fight between these two proud warriors.  Full credit to McDonagh for challenging Mould in his Yorkshire strong hold and I know he’ll give it everything he’s got.  Reece is really riled up for this fight and knows that everything he has worked for is on the line so he knows that there are no two ways about it – he must win.  I’m delighted to add the remaining names to the show and it will be GBM Sports’ biggest and best fight night to date.  I’m really looking forward to seeing all these boxers’ in action on the night and it’s quality from the top to the bottom on the card.  With Reece headlining and Dolan versus Hopewell in the chief support, all the way through to Nembhard, Mohammed, Cawley, Hussain, plus our announcement today of Wright, Ali, Hayden McDonald, Johnson and Cairns.  It’s going to be an amazing night to show the depth and talent in GBM Sports and how far we’ve come in a short space of time.

Eddie Hearn:

“Thanks Chris, Darren and Andy, joining us live on Sky Sports as well. We are so happy to be back! 2021 here we go. We’re back behind closed doors but it doesn’t matter. This is the biggest year yet for Matchroom Boxing as we go global. The start of twelve shows in eight weeks, in seven different countries. Firstly, this Saturday live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN around the world. The return of the No.1 Featherweight Josh Warrington against Mauricio Lara. Kiko Martinez against Zelfa Barrett, Reece Mould against Leigh Wood, Dalton Smith against Ishmael Ellis, Hopey Price against Mendoza and this one to kick us off, Ibrahim Nadim against Jonny Phillips.”

Josh Warrington – Leeds, England – 30-0, 7 KOs – fighting Mauricio Lara in a 12 round Featherweight contest:

“He’s got a better knockout ratio than I have. But can he do the 12 rounds as well as I can? Has he got as much experience? I don’t think he can. But that’s up to me to expose that. He’s got punch power but, if I’m not there to be hit, he’ll be hitting thin air. It won’t go past six rounds. I strongly believe that. The way I’ve been hitting with 16oz gloves on? When I then put the 8oz gloves on and see the gaps in his defence, I expect an early night. But I’m experienced over 12 rounds. I’ve done marathons. I can do it at a good pace. This man here has no pressure. He is full of Mexican pride. I’m a big fan of Mexican fighters and how they wear their hearts on their sleeves. He will bring it but I wouldn’t want it any other way. This guy is a real puncher. He will bring it, which will tune me up nicely for the fights down the line. Make no mistake, I’m treating him like a monster because I can’t afford a slip-up.”

Mauricio Lara – Mexico City, Mexico – 21-2, 14 KOs – fighting Josh Warrington in a 12 round Featherweight contest:

“Thank you very much. Thanks for the invitation. It’s a lovely country that you’ve got here despite the fact that we haven’t been able to go out at all. It is a great opportunity for me and Josh Warrington is going to face a really tricky fighter in me. I’m also aware that I’m coming up agains the No.1 ranked fighter and it’s my opportunity to show the people of Mexico and everyone what I can do. I enjoy coming for war. We’re going to clash in the ring, that’s definitely going to happen. I’m looking forward to it. From the first bell I will be looking for the knockout. If it goes the distance I’ll be ready. I’ll be ready for whatever comes. I’d love to make history on February 13th, to take this victory home to Mexico City. It is a huge opportunity and I’m really looking forward to taking advantage of it.”

Zelfa Barrett – Manchester, England – 24-1, 15 KOs – defending his IBF Intercontinental Super-Featherweight Title against Kiko Martinez:

“I’m ready. I’m more than ready. I respect Kiko for what he’s done in the sport. He’s fought the best. I believe that I’m one of the best. It’s my time to shine and to show how good I am. Styles make fights. When I fight another guy like Eric Donovan, slick and tricky, I’ll learn from that. Kiko is coming, I know he’s coming, I can see him coming now! We’re ready for what he’s going to bring. Fight Camp was a good experience and Eric Donovan was a good fighter. I’m ready for anything. However he comes out I’ll just work on that. I’ll do what I’ve got to do. I know what he’s coming to do. He’s coming to fight. He’s coming for war. We’re ready. I know what I want and I know where we’re going. Kiko is a good fighter and beating him will put me in a good position.”

Kiko Martinez – Alicante, Spain – 41-9-2, 29 KOs – challenging Zelfa Barrett for his IBF Intercontinental Super-Featherweight Title:

“It’s great to be here. Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to be here again. It is true, we’ve had some great nights in the past. This is a huge fight for me, and the opportunity for me to make history, to be one of the few people that have won Titles in three different weight classes. I’m very excited and prepared to face a really good fighter in Barrett on Saturday. It’s to make history, to make history in the ring. I’ve never been content with money alone, the only thing that makes me happy is being active as a fighter. It’s about doing all that I can, and giving my all every time that I step into the ring. I’m super prepared. Extremely prepared.”

Leigh Wood – Nottingham, England – 23-2, 13 KOs – fighting Reece Mould for the vacant British Featherweight Title:

“I’m extremely confident of winning that British Title on Saturday night. New trainer, not so much new things. Obviously there’s only so many punches in boxing that you can learn. The perception of it, how you look at it, how you view it, how you set things up, keeping my base, just fundamentals. Drilling it and drilling it thousands of times. I’m really feeling confident ahead of Saturday night. I’ve said a few things that he’s taken as disrespectful. I’m not disrespecting him. I rate him, he’s a good fighter, 13-0, in and out of a gym with a World Champion. I’ve heard a lot of sparring rumours as well. I just believe that anyone I’m in with on Saturday night, I’m coming away with the win. I spent most of my career on my back foot. Dancing around, switching and moving. It’s one way of boxing but with my power, Ben was scratching his head at why I wasn’t using it. We’ve changed things in sparring and it’s coming together. Everyone that has ever taken me on the pads can vouch for me that I’m a big puncher. There’s more to boxing than punching. You’ve got to set it up. You’ve got to be smart. That’s what we’ve been working on.”

Reece Mould – Doncaster, England – 13-0, 6 KOs – fighting Leigh Wood for the vacant British Featherweight Title:

“Boxing is all about timing and I believe this is the right time for this fight. I’m going to win this fight and go onto bigger things. I’m looking forward to it. I’m not expecting an easy night. I’ve said all along that it’s not going to be an easy fight. If Leigh comes to bring it and trade with me then I believe I’ll get him out of there early. We’re going to push him all the way. I’m expecting Leigh to bring his best. He’s got everything on his shoulders for this fight. He’s got to win the fight so he’s going to bring his best, but I believe my best beats Leigh Wood’s best.”

Dalton Smith – Sheffield, England – 6-0, 5 KOs – fighting Ishmael Ellis in an ten round Super-Lightweight contest:

“I’d have like to have got out before the end of last year but I got COVID-19 so we had to take our time. I’m happy that I’m back out on the first card of the year. This isn’t the fight that we originally had scheduled in but again, we can’t argue with that, it’s nobody’s fault. Now I’m facing Ishmael Ellis who is a lively opponent. I didn’t want anyone to step in as just a knock-over. We managed to get a lively opponent and we’ve got a good fight on Saturday. These guys facing me have got everything to gain and nothing to lose. For me, mainly I’ve got everything to lose. There’s a lot of pressure in these fights but this is the game we’re in. I want to keep on propelling my career further and further up. I’ve got to take these challenges. I think the better my opposition gets the better you’ll see of me.”

Ishmael Ellis – Birmingham, England – 11-3 – fighting Dalton Smith in an ten round Super-Lightweight contest:

“I’m 100% here to win this weekend. Thank you for the opportunity again. Thank you Dalton as well. It’s a massive opportunity for me. A lot of fighters have been turning these opportunities down but us underdog fighters can’t be turning down these opportunities. I do believe that I can give him a good fight on Saturday night. I took that loss last year. It was my own fault. I wasn’t really prepared for the fight, I was out of training. The opportunity came and I was just eager to fight. I just want to keep on going. I’ve had a bit more time to prepare for this one. I haven’t taken this fight just to go down in the first round and leave. I’ve come here to prove myself and gain something from this.”

Hopey Price – Leeds, England – 3-0, 1 KO – fighting Daniel Mendoza in a six round Featherweight contest:

“We’ve been back and forth with a few different opponents. I’ve just got to concentrate on doing my job on Saturday night. Now I’ve finally got an opponent I can just go out there and do what I’ve been working on in the gym. Obviously we have to move a bit quicker because of the pandemic. Me and Dave feel like I’m ready to move quicker anyway. I think with my ability and my boxing brain I’m ready to do so. These sort of fights are great experience for me for when I do eventually step-up. Having Jonny Phillips as my third fight has helped me improve as a fighter. I think I just need to keep taking these step-ups. That’s what is going to get me to where I need to be in the end.”

Daniel Mendoza – Chichigalpa, Nicaragua – 11-11, 4 KOs – fighting Hopey Price in a six round Featherweight contest:

“I’d like to thank god first and foremost for being here. Thanks also to the promoters. It is true that I really like tough fights and it is going to be another one on Saturday night but I’m really looking forward to it. Whenever I go into the ring it’s not about fighting, it is about winning. I always give my best and I have great heart. I will be doing that in the ring.”

Ibrahim Nadim – Keighley, England – 2-0 – fighting Jonny Phillips in a six round Featherweight contest:

“Firstly I’d like to thank Matchroom and Sky Sports for the opportunity. It’s good to be back boxing again. It’s a tough test but I’ll be ready for whatever he brings. It’s been frustrating, but if you look at the positive side of things, it has given me more time to learn in the ring. I’m prepared for whatever he brings. I want to be in exciting fights like this.”

Jonny Phillips – Sandhurst, England – 5-5, 2 KOs – fighting Ibrahim Nadim in a six round Featherweight contest:

“This time you’ve given me four weeks’ notice not four days! I’ve managed to make the weight quite comfortably. I made it at the start of the week. Mentally, we’re all there. Everything is in place now. I felt good in that last one but it was rushed and it was my first time being on Sky. That was hyped up. Now I’m used to it all. I’m buzzing, I cannot wait to get in there. I’m not in this game for money or fame. I want glory. I want to end my career with any belt. Beating him is going to hopefully put me a step closer to you offering me a Title fight.”

Leigh Wood is predicting an early finish when he collides with Reece Mould for the vacant British Featherweight Title at The SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday February 13, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories.

Nottingham’s Wood (23-2, 13 KOs) narrowly lost out to eventual MTK Golden Contract winner Jazza Dickens in February last year, but heads into his second attempt at capturing the prestigious Lord Lonsdale Challenge Belt with a new approach and full of confidence having linked up with trainer Ben Davison in recent months.

“New trainer, new place. It was challenging at first but it’s without a doubt the best move I’ve made,” said Wood. “The way I view boxing, my perception of things, I’ve started learning! I’m going in there with a game-plan and I know exactly what I’ve got to do.

“When you look back at my previous fights, I spent most of my time dancing around, not using my biggest attribute which is my power. One of the first things Ben asked me is, why do you fight like that? When I watch back the fight with Jazza Dickens I’m shaking my head! It’s almost cringey, it’s a hard watch when I identify all the things I’ve been working on now. I can’t wait to show the new and improved version of myself.”

In just his 12th pro fight, Wood boxed Gavin McDonnell for the British Super-Bantamweight crown but was handed his first defeat, a loss that has made his desire to win the belt at the second time of asking even stronger.

“From when I turned professional winning the British Title was something I wanted to do. It’s a box I want to tick so I’m extremely focused on the job at hand. 

“When I was fighting for the British Title for the first time I was unbeaten and I didn’t want to lose my 0 at any cost, but it’s all experience. You don’t get easy fights for the British Title, they don’t give them away! I’m confident because I’ve put the work in that 100% I’ll bring it home on February 13th.”

Wood is all too aware that Mould (13-0, 6 KOs), the current English Champion and stablemate of Featherweight kingpin Josh Warrington, will be no easy touch and has prepared for a tough fight. 

“We’ve studied Reece Mould, we know his strengths and weaknesses. He’s a good fighter, you don’t win Titles if you’re not. I just think he’s very basic in what he does, he’s not very adaptable and I think that’s going to be key for me.

“I’m not expecting an easy fight but it’s one I’m very confident of winning. I can’t see him hearing the final bell, I’m on fire at the minute. Everything is coming together at the right time! I’m going to be hitting him with some incredibly big shots that he won’t see coming, it’s going to be a great night for me.”

Wood vs. Mould is part of a big night of action, Josh Warrington (30-0, 7 KOs) faces Mexico’s Mauricio Lara (21-2, 14 KOs), Zelfa Barrett defends his IBF Intercontinental Super-Featherweight Title against former World Champion Kiko Martinez, fast-rising Sheffield Super-Lightweight talent Dalton Smith (6-0, 5 KOs) takes on Ishmael Ellis (11-3), Leeds starlet Hopey Price (3-0, 1 KO) sees action and Keighley Featherweight Ibrahim Nadim (2-0) steps-up against Jonny Phillips (5-5, 2 KOs).

Reece Mould has warned Leigh Wood that his career will be over if he loses their clash for the vacant British Featherweight Title on the Josh Warrington vs. Mauricio Lara undercard on Saturday February 13, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories.

The undefeated Doncaster man (13-0, 6 KOs) claimed the English Featherweight crown by knocking down Sean Davis four times in four rounds at the Doncaster Racecourse in June 2019 before becoming mandatory challenger for the British Title recently vacated by long-reigning holder Ryan Walsh. 

Mould, who trains alongside Featherweight kingpin Warrington, is hoping to announce himself on the big stage with a career-best win over Nottingham’s Wood, and the Sean O’Hagan-trained 26-year-old is confident that he will have an answer for whatever ‘Leigh-thal’ brings to the table.

“I don’t think he shows me any respect whatsoever,” said Mould. “I’m sure on February 13 I’ll get his respect. He’s a good fighter. You can’t take that away from him. You can’t take away what he’s done, but I believe I beat him at whatever he brings – whether it’s boxing or fighting. If he wants to stand in there and go toe-to-toe with me I’m willing to do that. 

“It’s just how he talks about me, saying my opportunity has come too soon. I watched an interview with him saying it shouldn’t be me who’s mandatory, it should have been one of them who were fighting in the Golden Contract. I don’t care what he’s got to say, I’ll do whatever I need to do on February 13 and beat him.

“This is going to be my breakout fight. That’s what we’re looking to do. You could say that I’ve boxed under the radar even though I have been on a few Matchroom shows before. I’ve never had that pressure of Sky Sports on my back like a lot of these young fighters have. This fight is going to really put my name out there. 

“All of the pressure is on Leigh Wood. He’s known and I’m not really known. I believe if I beat him it will be the end of his career, and he knows that deep down. When I beat him it’s the end of the road for him. I’ve got no pressure on my shoulders whatsoever.”

Wood vs. Mould is part of a big night of action, Josh Warrington (30-0, 7 KOs) faces Mexico’s Mauricio Lara (21-2, 14 KOs) as he waits for a huge fight later in the year, Manchester Super-Featherweight contender Zelfa Barrett (24-1, 15 KOs) defends his IBF Intercontinental Title against Spain’s former Super-Bantamweight World Champion Kiko Martinez (41-9-2, 29 KOs) in the chief support bout, fast-rising Sheffield Super-Lightweight talent Dalton Smith (6-0, 5 KOs) takes on Rotherham’s Lee Appleyard (16-5-1, 5 KOs) and Leeds Featherweight Hopey Price (3-0, 1 KO) takes on Zahid Hussain (16-1, 2 KOs). 

Josh Warrington thrilled his hometown fans by stopping Sofiane Takoucht in two rounds to retain the IBF Featherweight title at First District Arena in Leeds, England.

In round two, Warrington dropped Takooucht with a big right hand. Seconds later, it was another huge right to the head that sent Takoucht down for a 2nd time. Warrington then landed big combination that started Takoucht that forced a referee stoppage at 2:54.

Warrington, 125 lbs of Leeds, UK is 30-0 with seven knockouts. Takoucht, 124 lbs of France is 35-4-1.

Zelfa Barrett stopped Jordan McCorry in round nine of their scheduled 12-round super featherweight fight.

In round three, Barrett landed a thudding left hook to the body that put McCorry down.

In round eight, It was another body shot that hurt McCorry, and a follow up right to the head sent McCorry to the deck. Adding insult to McCorry, he was docked a point for landing a punch after the bell. In round nine, Barrett landed an uppercut to the head that sent McCorry to the canvas, and the bout was stopped at 1:43.

Barrett, 129 lbs of Manchester, UK is 23-1 with 14 knockouts. McCorry, 130 lbs of Scotland is 18-7-1.

George Davey made a successful pro debut with a four-round decision over Zygimantas Butkevicius in a super welterweight contest.

Davey, 154 lbs of York, UK won by a referee score of 40-36 and is now 1-0. Butkevicius, 156 lbs of Lithuania is 2-26.

Lyndon Arthur won a 12-round unanimous decision over Emmanuel Amim in a light heavyweight fight.

In round three, Amim was cut around the right eye. In round four, Amim was cut over his left eye. Later in the round, Arthur dropped Amim with a hard right

In round eight, Amim landed a hard flurry on the ropes that hurt Arthur, and in the process opened up a cut over Arthur’s left eye.

Arthur, 174 lbs of Manchester, UK won by scores of 117-110, 117-111 and 115-112 to raise his unbeaten mark to 16-0. Amim, 172 lbs of Accra, GHA is 14-3-1.

Reece Mould won a six-round decision over Bayardo Ramos in a featherweight bout.

In round two, Mould dropped Ramos with a right hand.

Mould, 133 lbs of Doncaster, UL won by a 60-53 score and is now 13-0. Ramos, 135 lbs of Spain is 8-15-1.

In round two, Mould dropped Ramos with a right hand.

Shabazz Masoud won a six-round decision over Yesner Talavera in a featherweight bout.

Masoud, 126 lbs of the UK won by a referee score of 60-54, and is now 6-0. Talavera, 130 lbs of Garona, SPA is 15-12-1-2.