London, England – 27th November 2022 – The single most exciting prospect in British boxing, Adam Azim, delivered a barbaric knockout 42 seconds into the 2nd round to a dangerous and experienced opponent in Rylan Charlton. 

Azim now moves to 7-0 as a professional, with 6 KOs, and, at only 20 years old, looks destined for superstardom in the sport of boxing.

Charlton was saved by the bell in the 1st round, having been knocked down twice and looking seriously hurt, but The Assassin stayed composed, and advanced with cold-blooded determination to make sure Charlton would be unconscious before the round could end.

The sky seems to be the limit for the electrifying Adam Azim, now on a streak of 6 knockouts within the first 3 rounds, with the question now becoming when he reaches the top, not if. 

“This is definitely a big one. I knew I had him out there in the first round. [Trainer Shane] Shane told me to calm down and let the shot come,’ said Azim. “Obviously I was really eager in the first round but Shane told me to relax and I got the shots.”

Full Undercard Results

Mikael Lawal def. David Jamieson TKO (RTD) Rd 8 (3:00)

Mikael Lawal forced an experienced, powerful opponent in David Jamieson to retire on his stool after eight hard rounds. Lawal clubbed Jamieson into submission with ruthless hooks to the body and right hands to the head, extending his undefeated record to 17 wins without defeat and claiming the British Cruiserweight Championship.

The fight was a vicious, close-range brawl from the first bell, with both men deciding to happily trade shots throughout the rounds, meaning both hurt each other at different points in the fight. 

Jamieson had periods of success in the opening rounds, and used his size and strength to push Lawal round the ring, but slowed in the 7th and 8th rounds as the buildup of damage started to take effect. 

Mikael Lawal is now well positioned for huge fights in the red-hot Cruiserweight division in the UK, and looks set to keep knocking opponents out in future.

Shannon Ryan def. Ivanka Ivanova – PTS (60-54)

Shannon Ryan didn’t put a foot wrong in a flawless victory over Ivanka Ivanova, controlling the fight from the first bell until the last. Ryan started the fight boxing perfectly, using the jab to great effect to hit without being hit, Ivanova could do little in response as Ryan managed the distance well and remained evasive.

As the fight progressed, Shannon Ryan began to open up and stay at close range long enough to throw clutches of ferocious hooks to the head and body. Ivanova ended up seriously hurt by the end of the fight and looked to be flagging.

Shannon Ryan hasn’t lost a round in her professional career yet and looks set to keep moving forward and challenge for titles soon in the fast moving world of women’s boxing.

Sam Gilley def. Sean Robinson – UD (98-91, 98-91, 97-93)

Sam Gilley and Sean Robinson engaged in a technical chess match for 10 rounds that also had the potential for either man to end up unconscious at any moment. Both men had success in the fight and had moments where they had their opponent hurt and pushed forward for a stoppage, with Gilley’s knockdown in the 6th being the closest moment to an early finish in the 30 minute battle

The first few rounds were tense, as both fighters looked for potential openings in their opponent’s defense. However, Gilley started to take control as the fight went on. Gilley’s punches flew freely throughout the fight, and he claimed the centre of the ring and didn’t give it up to Robinson easily.

Robinson was sent to the canvas by a powerful right hand early in the 6th round that seemed to herald the end of the fight, but he showed tremendous heart to get back up and survive the following onslaught from Gilley, who walked down the weakened Robinson down and pounced like a shark smelling blood. 

The final 4 rounds were all in Gilley’s favour, as he grew in confidence and varied his offense, working in hooks to the body that slowed Robinson’s movement and forced him to shell up.

Gilley went into the final round knowing he only needed to survive, and boxed wisely to walk away with a unanimous decision victory and the English Super Welterweight title still in his possession.

Hassan Azim def. Nestor Amukoto – PTS (60-55)

Hassan Azim gave a measured, intelligent performance with calculated moments of savagery to take a shutout points victory against a dogged opponent in Nestor Amukoto who somehow stayed standing under 6 rounds of heavy assault.

Azim used his jab to perfection throughout the fight, popping it rapidly into Amukoto’s head in barrages. The Hitman managed the range of the fight expertly, bouncing into range and firing off hooks to Amukoto’s head and sliding back out to stop any chance of being hit. Pinning Amukoto in the corner of the ring on multiple occasions, Azim took those opportunities to unload a volley of brutal offense, which came very close to stopping the fight.

Azim, like his brother Adam, looks to be on the fast track to greatness, tearing through the ranks at only 22 years old and without any sign of slowing down. This was just the 5th victory of a professional career that looks set for many more in future.

Michael Hennessy Jr def. James McCarthy TKO Rd 5 – 2:41

Michael Hennessy Jr cruised to victory in a smart boxing performance where he used his jab to excellent effect and confidently slipped all of James McCarthy’s best shots. Hennessy wore his down across the five rounds the fight lasted, slowly accumulating damage on McCarthy and forcing the referee to stop the fight.

This was the 2nd stoppage of Hennessy’s career and made a big statement about his future in the sport on one of the biggest stages of his career so far.

Rhys Edwards def. Alexis Kabore – PTS (60-54)

Rhys Edwards moved to 13-0 in a perfect points victory where he didn’t lose a second of a round against a tricky opponent in Alexis Kabore and pushed close to a stoppage on multiple occasions.

Edwards used his jab highly effectively throughout the fight, consistently landing it through Kabore’s guard without giving any opportunity for Kabore to respond with offense of his own. The Welsh talent also worked some impressive left hooks into his offense successfully, sinking them into Kabore’s torso with venom. 

Edwards started to increase the variety and frequency of his offense as the fight progressed, throwing more straight rights and combinations. Kabore was a skillful opponent, with over 25 professional victories in his career, and challenged Edwards in every round.

Jimmy Lee def. Jahfieus Faure – PTS (39-37)

Jimmy Lee boxed smartly and evasively on his way to a strong points victory, managing distance well and counter-punching against an aggressive opponent in Jahfieus Faure. Faure came forward every second of the fight, and seemed determined to make the fight a messy battle of strength.

Lee glided around the ring in the third professional fight of his career, avoiding the worst of his opponent’s offense consistently, but not every time. Faure was able to land at times and made Lee work for his victory. At only 19 years old, Jimmy Lee looks set to be a serious star of the future.

Shakiel Thompson def. Gabor Gorbics – TKO Rd 3 2:01

Sheffield’s Shakiel Thompson took an impressive stoppage victory in the first bout of the day, breaking down a skilled and defensive opponent in Gabor Gorbics. Thompson chose his shots well, backing Gorbics into the ropes on multiple occasions and finding ways through his tight guard, peppering the head and body. Dr Steel eventually battered his opponent into submission, and the referee was forced to end the fight, putting another stoppage on his undefeated record.

Jeamie TKV def. Joel Ducille TKO Rd 1 – 1:30

Jeamie TKV moved to 3-0 as a professional in under a round with an aggressive performance where he walked down Joel Ducille, pushed him against the ropes and forced the referee to end the fight. This was the second 1st round knockout in a row for TKV and he looks set to keep on flying in the professional boxing ranks.

?George Mitchell def. Greg O’Neill – PTS 40-36

George Mitchell secured a shutout points victory and got within touching distance of a stoppage multiple times in a strong performance that made a statement to anyone questioning his ability. Mitchell used his jab to great effect throughout the four rounds and worked in hooks and uppercuts intelligently. Mitchell is now 5-0 and, after this impressive performance, looks set to keep moving through the ranks in future.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coventry, England – (April 16 2022) – Hometown hero Dylan Cheema (5-0, 1 KOs) emerged as the winner of the BOXXER Series lightweight tournament tonight as he beat Rylan Charlton (9-3-1, 4 KOs) by unanimous decision to claim the 40-thousand-pound prize at the Skydome Arena in Coventry, live on Sky Sports.

The former kickboxing world champion from Coventry didn’t have an easy road to the final however as Cheema had to fend off the likes of Scott Melvin (5-1, 1 KOs) and Otis Lookman (1-1, 1 KOs) on the way.

The final was an all-out war from the opening bell, both men landed powerful shots that had all in attendance grimacing. The pair were feeling the effects of the previous fights and were breathing heavily at the end of the round. It asked the question of who was hungrier to win.

Cheema and Charlton traded numerous punches in the second round and at times it seemed Charlton was flat out on his feet, but he kept mustering the energy to answer Cheema back.

The third and final round was one to go down in the BOXXER Series history books as all in attendance were speechless in what they were witnessing. Both men put the hard hours in during training camp and it showed in the ring with the end-to-end action. The Coventry crowd were treated to a great night of tournament boxing.

The BOXXER Series victory at lightweight not only led Cheema to an eye-watering amount of cash but a step in the right direction as more opportunities under the BOXXER and Sky Sports banner await the 25-year-old.

Cheema’s route to the final was a hard earnt one that had his home crowd of Coventry entertained. After an explosive first round stoppage victory over Otis Lookman in the quarter finals, Cheema faced Scott Melvin in the semis which was easily fight of the night until the final.

Melvin looked comfortable throughout the second round against Cheema, he wasn’t afraid to showboat in front of the Coventry crowd on the night. However, it was Cheema that was landing the more convincing punches.

The final round had the crowd in awe as both fighters bit down on the gum shield and came out swinging. Melvin was able to slip some of the forward attacks from Cheema but saw himself on the end of a lot of heavy blows that was the difference for the judges at ringside.

Melvin’s journey to the semi-final against Cheema was a difficult one for himself personally as he was drawn against fellow stablemate Tion Gibbs (8-1, 0 KOs) who is most notably recognised as the brother of Cori Gibbs, BOXXER series Liverpool champion.

An interesting fight from the moment it was drawn earlier in the week, both fighters shared the same corner and were anticipating a meeting in the final. Both men fought hard, and it was hard to split the two before the final bell. Melvin took the victory via a split decision.

Before Charlton joined Cheema in the final, he stopped the experienced Shaun Cooper (13-4, 0 KOs) in the final round of their semi final meeting. Charlton was a handful in every fight he took part in on the night with his super aggressive style of fighting, living up to his nickname ‘The pint-sized powerhouse’.

Cooper was able to stay on the back foot at times and land long, looping shots over the top of the guard of Charlton who remained consistent on the front foot. A brutal body shot landed in the final round that saw Cooper drop to the canvas in agony and wanting no more.

The bookies favourite and Sky Sports Boxing regular Charlton defeated Nottingham based fighter Joe Underwood Hughes (7-1, 1 KOs) prior to his semi final appearance in a gruelling quarter final clash which could have gone either way.

Charlton remained on the front foot throughout all three rounds with Hughes doing a fantastic job to stay with his man following the onslaught.

Shaun Cooper, who formerly held the WBO Youth lightweight title, matched up against 22-year-old Brooklyn Tilley (3-1, 0 KOs) in the final quarter final of the evening in Coventry.

Tilley who was spurred on by his loyal fanbase struggled to convince the judges at ringside as Cooper had his hand raised and his name booked into the semi final with Charlton. The judges scored it 29-28 all in favour of a split decision victory for Cooper.

BOXXER Series returns to Sky Sports next month as the tournament hits Sheffield on May 21st, showcasing eight hungry cruiserweights waiting for their time to shine.

Fight results

Final: Dylan Cheema (5-0, 1 KOs) def. Rylan Charlton (9-3-1, 4 KOs) – Unanimous decision 29-28, 29-28, 29-28 Cheema 3×3 lightweight.

Semi final one: Dylan Cheema (5-0, 1 KOs) def. Scott Melvin (5-1, 1 KOs) – Split decision 29-28 Melvin, 29-28 Cheema, 29-28 Cheema 3×3 lightweight.

Semi final two: Rylan Charlton (9-3-1, 4 KOs) def. Shaun Cooper (13-4, 0 KOs) – 3rd rnd KO, 3×3 lightweight

Quarter final one: Dylan Cheema (5-0, 1 KOs) def. Otis Lookman (1-1, 1 KOs) – 1st rnd TKO, 3×3 lightweight.

Quarter final two: Scott Melvin (5-1, 1 KOs) def. Tion Gibbs (8-1, 0 KOs) – Split decision 29-28 Melvin, 29-28 Gibbs, 29-28 Melvin 3×3 lightweight.

Quarter final three: Rylan Charlton (9-3-1, 4 KOs) def. Joe Underwood Hughes (7-1, 1 KOs) – Unanimous decision 29-28, 29-28, 29-28 Charlton 3×3 lightweight.

Quarter final four: Shaun Cooper (13-4, 0 KOs) def. Brooklyn Tilley (3-1, 0 KOs) – Unanimous decision 29-28, 29-28, 29-28 Cooper 3×3 lightweight.

Former world title challenger Liam Smith stopped crosstown rival Anthony Fowler in round eight of their scheduled 12-round super welterweight contest in Liverpool, England.

In round one, Smith was cut around the left eye. In round four, Fower started to bleed from around his left eye, In round five, Smith dropped Fowler with a hard right to the head.

In round eight, Smith ended things with a powerful left hook that sent Fowler down again, and the fight was stopped at 2:04.

Smith, 154 lbs of Liverpool is 30-3-1 with 17 knockouts. Fowler, 153.1 lbs of Liverpool is 15-2.

Williamson Stops Cheeseman in 10

Troy Williamson stopped Ted Cheeseman in round 10 of a scheduled 12-round junior middleweight fight.

It was a back and forth brawl that saw Williams drop Cheeseman in the 10th frame with a vicious left hook to the jaw, and the bout was stopped at

Williamson, 153.1 lbs of Darlington, ENG is 17-0-1 with 13 knockouts. Cheesman, 153 lbs of Bermondsey, ENG is 17-3-1.

McGrail Wins Pro Debut with Decision over Harrison

Peter McGrail made a successful pro debut with a six-round decision over Ed Harrison in a super bantamweight fight.

McgRail, 127.1 lbs of Liverpool won by a 60-54 score and is now 1-0. Harrison, 128.5 lbs of Blackpool, ENG is 2-9.

Mitchell wins WBA Bantamweight Title with Unanimous Decision over Courtenay

Jamie Mitchell wrestled the WBA Bantamweight title with a 10-round majority decision over Shannon Courtenay

Mitchell, 117.5 lbs of California, won by scores of 97-93, 96-94 and 95-95 and now is a world champion with a record of 7-0-2. Courtenay, who lost her title before the fight was she weighed in at 120.5 lbs is now 7-2.

Conway Decisions Metcalf

Kieron Conway won a 10-round unanimous decision over James Metcalf in a super welterweight bout.

Conway, 156.1 lbs ogf Northampton, ENG won by scores of 96-94 and 96-95 twice and is now 17-2-1. Metcalf, 156 1/2 lbs of Liverpool is 21-2.

Luke Wills remained undefeatd with a 10-round majotity decision over Rylan Charlton in a lightweight fight.

Wills, 134.6 lbs of Liverpool won by scores of 95-94 twice and 95-95 and is now 11-0. Charlton, 134.6 lbs of Norwich, ENG is 6-2-1.

Solomon Dacres remained undefeated with an eight-round decision over Kamil Sokoloweski in a heavyweight bout.

Dacres, 227.6 lbs of Brirmingham, ENG win by a 78-74 score and is now 3-0. Sokolowski, 239.6 lbs of Poland is 10-23-2.

Robbie Davies Jr. stopped Jonny Phillips in round four of their scheduled six-round super lightweight fiht.

The time of the stoppage was 2:28 of round four for Davies, 143 1/2 lbs of Liverpool, who ups his record to 21-3 with 14 knockouts. Phillips, 140 lbs of Sandhurst, ENG is 5-8.

Blane Hyland won a four-round decision over Santiago San Euseebio in a super flyeright contest.

Hyland, 117 lbs of Liverpool won by a 39-37 score and is now 5-1. Eusebio, 118 1/2 lbs of Lyon, FRA is 3-2-2.

Rylan Charlton is relishing his drop down in weight to 135lbs and says fans can expect to see the best version of him at his “own weight” when he meets undefeated Tony Bellew-managed southpaw Luke Willis on the huge Smith vs. Fowler card at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool on Saturday October 9. 

Norwich’s Charlton (6-1-1, 3 KOs) demonstrated his ‘Pint Size’ power when he made easy work of Joe Laws in October 2020, sending the Benwell Welterweight prospect crashing to the canvas three times on route to a brutal third round KO in Peterborough. 

Charlton displayed his power once again when he dropped Florian Marku to the canvas in round six of his eighth round TKO loss to ‘The Albanian King’ earlier this year at The SSE Arena, Wembley – a loss that prompted the 29-year-old Norfolk puncher to drop down two weight divisions. 

“I gave it a go at Welterweight and they’re far too big for me,” said Charlton. “Marku proved that. He was a strong Welterweight. My power is one of my strongest assets, so if you take that away from me against some of the bigger boys then it’s not great for me. We’ll really see how effective I am now I’m dropping down to Lightweight.

“I can’t wait for it; it’s going to be a good fight. Finally dropping down to Lightweight is what I needed to do, I tested it at Welterweight – far too big – but you’ve seen what I did at that weight. I’m going to take over this Lightweight division. My power is going to be a big advantage in the Lightweight division and you’ll see me really come into my own. 

“I don’t know a lot about Willis. I’ve had a little look at him. He’s a tidy boxer, he’s speedy, he’s in and out, but this is going to be a different Rylan Charlton. I’ve changed up my trainers. I’m not going to be the same fighter you saw against Florian Marku. I’m still going to be carrying the punch power. Obviously we know that we can’t always rely on your power. A lot of my boxing skills are going to come out at 135lbs. 

“The Marku loss was a fight that I needed to have. It got my name out there a bit more. It was well out of my weight class. Everything happens for a reason. If I’d have beaten Marku then I’d have continued fighting at 147lbs. That was never my natural weight. I’ve learnt some stuff from that fight. I’ve learnt that I’ve got one hell of a chin on me and I can still carry my power up some divisions. It’s going to be exciting to box at my own weight.”

Willis vs. Charlton is part of a stacked night of action in Liverpool, former WBO Super-Welterweight Word Champion Liam Smith (29-3-1, 16 KOs) meets 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallist and Rio 2016 Olympian Anthony Fowler (15-1, 12 KOs) in a massive all-Liverpool clash for local bragging rights, Ted Cheeseman (17-2-1, 10 KOs) puts his British Super-Welterweight Title on the line against Troy Williamson (16-0-1, 12 KOs) following his brilliant stoppage win over James Metcalf in Gibraltar, WBA Bantamweight World Champion Shannon Courtenay (7-1, 3 KOs) defends her crown for the first time against the USA’s Jamie Mitchell (6-0-2, 4 KOs), Northampton’s Kieron Conway (16-2-1, 3 KOs) looks to bounce back from his loss to Souleymane Cissokho on the Canelo vs. Saunders undercard when he meets James Metcalf (21-1, 13 KOs), decorated amateur star Peter McGrail makes his highly anticipated professional debut, two-time World Title challenger Natasha Jonas (9-2-1, 7 KOs) returns after her thrilling fight with Katie Taylor in May, Birmingham Heavyweight hope Solomon Dacres (2-0, 1 KO) steps up against the experienced Kamil Sokolowski (10-22-2, 4 KOs) in just his third fight, Wigan Lightweight Rhiannon Dixon (3-0) takes on Anaelle Angerville (1-1-1) over four rounds and Blane Hyland (4-1) meets Santiago San Eusebio (3-1-2, 2 KOs) in a four round Super-Flyweight contest. 

David Avanesyan stopped Josh Kelly in round six of their scheduled 12-round welterweight clash at the SSE Wembley Arena in London, England.

Avanesyan started to break Kelly down, and in round six he hurt Kelly and dropped him with a hard left-right combination. With Kelly bleeding over his left eye, Avanesyan rocked Kelly again and buckled him with a left hook. One more left look sent Kelly to he ground as the towel was being thrown in at 2:15.

Avanesyan, 146.6 lbs of Tabynskoe, RUS is 27-3-1 with 15 knockouts. Kelly, 146 lbs of Sunderland, ENG is 10-1-1.

“I feel very very good,” Avanesyan told Sky Sports afterwards. “I waited a long time for this fight. I put a lot of hard work into this fight. I came to join my coach and my manager from another country. I’ve had long spells away from my children. I miss them. I haven’t seen my children, my parents and my friends for a long time. 

“Thank you to my team and to the English fans for giving me this opportunity. Thank you to Matchroom, they put on the number one best show. I’ve had many big nights against the likes of Shane Mosley and Lamont Peterson, but this one with Matchroom is number one. 

“I am very happy. Thank you to god for my win today. Thank you to my manager and my coach. Carl sacrificed a lot of time with his family for my training. He has been my friend, my driver and my coach. I don’t like to speak too much. This is business. I know Josh is fast. I am fast too. Boxing is difficult. When you lose, many people think you are finished. This is boxing, you go down. This is life. I will wake up tomorrow morning a champion.”

Trainer Carl Greaves said: “I told everybody this would happen and they all thought I was a crazy coach who knows nothing. I knew exactly how it was going to go. I’ve spent over five years with David now. I’ve seen so much. I’ve seen all of these talented kids keeping him off for a certain amount of time, 30 seconds to a minute, but he finds a way every time. I was so confident in this fight. I knew it was going to go like that. I’m a bit gutted because I had £500 on round seven!”

Marku Stops Charlton in Eight

Florian Marku got off the deck to comeback and stop Rylan Charlton in round eight of a scheduled 10-round bout of undefeated welterweights

In round six, Charlton dropped Marku with a left to the head.

In round eight, Marku landed a big body shot that hurt Chalrton. That gave Marku an opportunity to open up and rock Charlton, and the towel at 2:18.

Marku, 146.8 lbs of Lushnje, ALB is 8-0-1 with six knockouts. Charlton, 144.6 lbs of Norwich, ENG is 6-1-1.

“I am really happy,” said Marku. “A lot of people thought that he would humiliate me and knock me out, but I showed that I can box. I will learn a lot from this fight. Three weeks before the fight, I dislocated a finger in my left hand. My team and all of the staff know that I was injured but I was never going to pull out of the fight. I came here to fight.

“After the fifth round I started feeling my hand. It was not a problem. I am happy about the performance. Rylan took so many good hits in the head. He took a lot of punishment. I was beating him and I was talking to him. I told him I was going to beat him and talk to him. I was telling him I’m not Joe Laws. I take the win and we go forward.

“His face was swollen and it was a good decision from his corner. He took a lot of punishment. I love to fight, this is my life. Thanks to the UK fans that believe in me. They like to see me fight. I love pressure. I’ll fight whoever my team S-JAM boxing decide next. Sam Jones and Adam Morallee got me into this position. I have the best team around me.”

Valenzuela decisions Davies Jr.

Gabriel Valenzuela won a 10-round majority decision over Robbie Davies Jr. in a junior welterweight bout.

In round three, Valenzuela decked Davies with a solid right hand to the chin the wobbled Davies, and another right put Davies on the canvas. In round four, Valenzuela was deducted a point for hitting on the break.

In round seven, Valenzuela was cut over the left eye. In round nine, he had a deepercut under his right eye.

Valenzuela, 138.8 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX won by scores of 96-95 twice and 94-94, and is now 23-2-1/ Davies Jr., 138.2 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 20-3.

Jordan Gill won a 10-round unanimous decision over former two-time title challenger Jordan Gill in a featherweight fight.

Gill, 125.5 lbs of Chatteris, ENG won ny scores of 98-92, 98-93 and 96-94 to raise his record to 26-1. Juarez, 125.2 lbs of Mexico City. MEX is 25-10.

Johnny Fisher made a successful pro debut with a beatdown of Matt Gordon inside of the 1st round heavyweight bout.

In the opening round Fisher was all over Gordan and was able to drop him twice. Upon the 2nd knockdown, Gordan was in no condition to continue and the fight was stopped at 2:29.

Fisher, 237 lbs of Romford, ENG is 1-0 with one knockout. Gordon, 241 lbs of West Bromwich, ENG is 2-6-1.

“It’s unbelievable,” said Fisher. “I know I’ve had a massive build-up; I’ve had Lennox Lewis sending me messages and Tyson Fury sending me messages. I had a lot of pressure on me, but I’ve shown that I can handle that pressure.

“All credit to Matt Gordon, but I bowled him over in one round. Normally Heavyweights are doing it in two, three or four rounds, so I’ve done a good job. Nobody needs to get unnecessarily hurt. I knew that I had him hurt when I first got him down. It was only a matter of time, so the ref did the right thing.

“I felt right and I felt comfortable, more comfortable than any of my amateur fights. I belong here, and I’ve got to prove that I belong here every time I fight. I’ve got a very long way to go, I know I’m only just beginning. Let’s just see how far we can go. I live and breathe boxing. I love training. I’d do it every single day of the week if I was allowed. I’ve got great people around me. There’s things I need to work on but I’ve showed my power tonight.”

Florian Marku says he will make Rylan Charlton “look stupid” when they clash over ten rounds this Saturday February 20 at The SSE Arena, Wembley, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories.

The undefeated Welterweights have been embroiled in a war of words on social media since the original fight date of January 30 was announced back in December, and ‘The Albanian King’ (7-0-1, 5 KOs) has promised to “humiliate” Norwich’s ‘Pint Size Powerhouse’ when they lock horns in the evening’s chief-support bout. 

“I will knock Rylan Charlton out 100%,” said Marku. “He has said many bad things about me, so I just hope he comes to fight. In his other fights his approach is to come forward and be aggressive but when he is face to face with me, he will change his game plan.

“He will feel my power and my speed, then he will change his mind. I know he says he will wipe the floor with me, but I don’t know how he will recover from saying that when he loses. He will be humiliated. I am going to make him look stupid in the ring and he will see my boxing ability. He says he doesn’t rate it, but he will see.

“I am confident like nobody else, you can bring me whoever you want inside of the ring. I will never think my opponent is better than me. I am in the best shape I have ever been and will show that in this fight. Crowd or no crowd it will just be me and Rylan Charlton, we fight alone. I am no Joe Laws trust me, I am going to knock him out!”

Marku vs. Charlton is part of a big night of action, Russia’s European Welterweight Champion David Avanesyan (26-3-1, 14 KOs) makes his long-awaited Title defence against Josh Kelly (10-0-1, 6 KOs) at the top of the bill, Liverpool’s Robbie Davies Jr (20-2, 13 KOs) takes on Gabriel Valenzuela (22-2-1, 13 KO’s) for the IBF Intercontinental Super-Lightweight Title, Jordan Gill (25-1, 7 KOs) meets Mexico’s Cesar Juarez for the vacant WBA International Featherweight Title and Romford Heavyweight Johnny Fisher makes his professional debut against Matt Gordon (2-5-1).

Florian Marku and Rylan Charlton will meet in an explosive Welterweight battle on the undercard of David Avanesyan vs. Josh Kelly on Saturday January 30 at a venue to be confirmed, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories.

Marku (7-0-1, 5 KOs) vented his frustration after he was forced to settle for a controversial draw on his Matchroom debut earlier this month, despite flooring Jamie Stewart in the second round and forcing the pace throughout their eight-round contest.  

The London-based Albanian southpaw hasn’t been shy in calling out the top names in the 147lbs domestic scene and plans to get his explosive rise back on track by taking out Matchroom’s most recent signing in style next month. 

Charlton (6-0-1, 3 KOs) inked promotional terms with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom last week on the back of his hugely impressive stoppage win over Joe Laws on the Lewis Ritson vs. Miguel Vazquez card at the East of England Arena in Peterborough in October.

‘Pint Size Powerhouse’ made easy work of the previously undefeated Benwell prospect as he sent him crashing to the canvas three times on route to a brutal third round KO win, and the Norwich native says fans can expect more of the same when he takes on the ‘Albanian King’.

“I can’t wait to show who I am and I promise to give the fans an exciting fight,” said Marku. “Rylan Charlton is a small body builder. I will break his head. I don’t like to talk bad about people, but Rylan Charlton has said many bad things about me. I want to see what he will say face to face with me. I will not leave the decision to the judges!”

“Florian Marku is just another stepping stone for me,” said Charlton. “He’s in my game now and I don’t rate him as a boxer. I’ll wipe the floor with him when we meet on January 30. Look what I did to Laws on 13 days’ notice, this time I have a full camp. I won’t be letting this go to the judges. These are the fights that I need to show everyone the level that I’m at. 2021 is going to be a huge year for me.”

Undefeated Welterweight Rylan Charlton has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing. 

‘Pint Size Powerhouse’ (6-0-1, 3 KOs) was last seen wiping out the previously unbeaten Benwell prospect Joe Laws in three destructive rounds on the Lewis Ritson vs. Miguel Vazquez undercard in October. 

Charlton sent Laws crashing to the canvas three times as he inflicted a brutal first loss on the 26-year-old; hurting him with a sickening body shot in the earliest exchange and then flooring him with a big left hook in the opening round. 

Laws never recovered – Charlton did major damage with the second knock-down then landed a massive uppercut which ended the fight in explosive fashion, sealing an impressive win on his first-ever TV appearance.

The Norwich native is willing to take on anyone at 147lbs and has already set his sights on the ‘Albanian King’ Florian Marku, with his new Matchroom stablemate also expressing a desire to meet in 2021. 

“It feels great to finally be signed with Eddie Hearn & Matchroom Boxing,” said Charlton. “It has been a long and hard road to get here. I couldn’t have done it without my trainer Frank Sictorness and my manager Daniel Naylor; we’ve all worked very hard. This is where the fun begins.  

“Life has been pretty normal since the Laws win. I’ve got a few more followers and had some lovely messages, but life stays the same; I work hard in my day job and train even harder. Fans can expect to see more big knockouts from me. My last fight was taken on two weeks’ notice, with a full camp under my belt I will be finishing my opponents in style!

“Norwich is tucked out of the way and I’m proud to be getting it on the boxing map. Eventually Eddie can stick a show on in Norwich with me headlining it for titles. That’ll really get Norwich out there. I’m very excited to be representing my city.

“I saw Florian Marku get the draw on the AJ card. I think he deserved to win the fight. It’s a fight I’d like to have but it would just another stepping stone for me. I’ll wipe the floor with him. I respect the fact he was kick boxing champion but he’s in my game now, I don’t rate him as a boxer and I won’t be letting it go to the judges when we meet. 

“My goal for 2021 is to have a title wrapped around my waist by the end of the year. I’m not in this game to mess around. I want to go as far as possible and I want to fight the best opponents out there as I work my way to the top. The Pint Size Powerhouse is coming!”

“I’m delighted to add Rylan Charlton to our growing stable of talent,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “We saw a glimpse of Rylan’s destructive power when he blitzed Joe Laws in three-rounds last time out and it’s clear he possesses the power to be a problem for anyone in the Welterweight division. We’re going to have a lot of fun with the ‘Pint Size Powerhouse’ and there’s some exciting fights to be made for him in the domestic 147lbs scene.”

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.”