Former Heavyweight champion Joseph Parker survived a opening seconds knockdown to comeback and win s 12-round split decision over Derek Chisora at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England.

Chisora floored Parker in the opening 10 seconds when he landed an overhand right to the top of the head. The fight had some good back and forth moments and some sloppy moments, but it was an entertaining scrap that saw each have some good moments throughout the fight.

Chisora landed 245 of 613 punches; Parker was 181 of 593.

Parker, 241,2 lbs of Auckland, NZ won by scores of 116-111 and 115-113. Chisora took a card 115-113.

Parker is 29-2. Chisora, 250.8 lbs of Finchley, ENG is 32-11.

“I am feeling it,” Parker told Matchroom. “Derek landed a lot of shots on me. I’ll probably feel it more tomorrow. The plan was to come out and box smartly and stay focused. I got caught right at the beginning. I think it was round the back of the head, I didn’t see it.

“The plan was to box and move and be smart. With the guidance of Andy I was able to box. We didn’t have the longest time together. I know I needed a lot of work. I need to keep learning from Andy and practicing the things we work on in the gym. 

“It was a tough fight and I got caught right at the beginning. I just had to dig deep and stay focused and follow the plan that we had in place. Swayed off a bit, but Derek is a very tough opponent. He came forward, put pressure on me from the beginning. Threw big bombs and landed a lot. 

“The boxing skills won me some rounds towards the end. It was a very close fight. I thought it could go either way, and I’m very thankful and blessed to get the win today. He brought the smoke. If you want to feel it, jump in the ring with him. 

“It’s very achievable [World Title fight]. I just have to get back to the training. There’s a lot of things I have to work on. I had a good plan in place. There’s still a lot I can show, I just have to keep working with Andy, and more camps ahead. We could do it next fight.”

Taylor wins narrow decision over Jonas; Retains Undisputed Lightweight Title

.Katie Taylor retained her undisputed lightweight world titles with a close unanimous decision over Natasha Jonas in a battle of Olympians.

Taylor, 134.8 lbs of Bray, IRE won by scores of 96-94 and 96-95 twice and is now 18-0. Jonas, 134.7 lbs of Liverpool, UK is 9-2.

“Again, it was probably a bit too exciting for my liking,” Taylor told Matchroom. “It was definitely a toe to toe battle in there. I thought I was a bit flat early on, but I dug deep to win the championship rounds. I definitely showed the heart of a champion in there and that’s what won me the fight in the end.

“She showed everything it takes to win a World Title in her last two performances. Tonight was a brilliant showcase for women’s boxing and boxing overall. Every time we fought as amateurs it was that type of fight as well. I’d prepared for a hard ten-round battle tonight and that’s exactly what it was.

“Eddie was saying that fight would have brought the PPV sales up a small bit. That’s obviously a great start. I feel sorry for the main event coming out after that fight. It was a thrilling fight. I’m just delighted to come out of it with the belts and still undefeated. 18-0, onwards and upwards. This is what I’m in the sport for, I want to be involved in the biggest fights. There’s plenty of those fights out there for me.”

Eubank Jr. Decisions Morrison

Chris Eubank Jr. won a 10-round unanimous decision over Marcus Morrison in a middleweight bout.

Eubank, 161.9 lbs of Brighton, ENG won by scores of 98-92 on all cards, and is now 30-2. Morrison, 161.8 lbs of Hattersley, ENG is 23-4.

“My last fight lasted two rounds, so really it’s been two years since I had a twelve-round fight,” Eubank Jr told Matchroom. “There was definitely some ring rust, and there was definitely some getting back into the swing of things. I had him hurt bad in the second round. I backed off. I wanted him to recover so that I could be seen again. 

“I’m back on TV, I’m back fighting, this is my home. This is my life; this is what I do. I wanted to go the distance and get those rounds in. I’m happy with the performance. I followed instruction; he was telling me to do things in the corner and I went out there and did it. That’s kind of alien to me. Usually most of my career has been dependent on what I want to do, my instincts and my reaction. But now we have a head coach in Roy Jones Jr and I full trust him. I’m happy to be paired with him.

“This is the beginning of a long and great journey for me. I want to be very active this year, I want to fight at least twice more. This is a good start. Full credit to Marcus. I’ve hit guys with shots like that and they’ve gone. He kept coming. A lot of respect for Marcus. There’s a lot of World Champions in the Middleweight division. There’s a lot of big names out there for me to go and fight. Golovkin is the end goal, and anyone with a World Title. I’m coming, they’re all on the radar.”

Bivol Defends Light Heavyweight Title with Decision over Richards

Dmitry Bivol defended the WBA Light Heavyweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Craig Rchards.

Bivol was 234 of 609 punches; Richards was just 76 of 756 punches.

Bivol, 174.2 lbs of Saint Petersburg, RUS won by score of 118-110, 115-114 and 115-113 and is now 18-0. Richards, 174.6 lbs of Crystal Palace, ENG is 16-2-1.

“I’m not happy but I’m okay,” Bivol told Matchroom. “It was a long rest for me and I went into the ring after one and a half years. It’s fine. My opponent was a good fighter, really good. He’s smart and he thinks. He was thinking for the whole fight.

“It’s okay. I was feeling that I’d won. I gave him a couple of rounds for recovery. I landed more clean punches. I respect him and I respected him before the fight. I think he can make problems for all fighters because of his style.

“He moved a lot. Fighters who move a lot and have good speed are really hard. He is a good fighter, but I have more weapons in my arsenal. I’m glad I have had another defence. Of course, I want unification fights. I still want them. I haven’t had a chance to fight for another belt, this is why I defend my belt.

“I’d like to fight for another belt, it would be a good challenge for me. I believe I can become the Undisputed World Champion one day, this is why I train, that’s why I have a good team. I believe one day I will be if I train hard. Thanks to everyone who supports me and watched this fight.”

Straffon stops Tennyson in 1st

Jovanni Straffon stopped James Tennyson in round one of a scheduled 12-round lightweight battle.

Straffon landed a booming right that put Tennyson on the canvas. Tennyson got to his feet but he was butchered against the ropes, and the fight was stopped at 2:10.

Straffon, 133.2 lbs of Mexico City is now 24-3 with 17 knockouts. Tennyson, ,134.7 lbs of Belfast, NI is 28-4.

“I dreamed about this several years ago,” Straffon told Matchroom. “I know I was up against everything. I knew he was a very strong fighter. He called himself ‘The Assassin’, but he was assassinated. He punches hard, but nothing punches harder than life.

“It has been a very good year for Mexican boxing. There has been lots of surprises and upsets. I’m not really surprised about what happened. I have been well prepared for a year. I knew I was the big underdog but now I’m the winner.

“I would really like the opportunity to work with Eddie Hearn. I would like to thank my manager and promoter. I hope some really good things are coming my way. I believe I just won an opportunity to get some of the tough and big names out there. Don’t give up on anything, always keep on dreaming because dreams do come true.”

Scott Fitzgerald stopped Gregory Trenel in round three of their scheduled eight-round super middleweight bout.

In round three, Fitzgerald landed a barrage of punches on the ropes, and the fight was stopped by referee Steve Gray at 2:43

Fitzgerald, 169.4 lbs of Preston, ENG is 15-0 with 10 knockouts.  Trenel, 166.2 lbs of Dainville, FRA is 13-7-2.

Johnny Fisher stopped Phil Williams in round three of a scheduled four-round heavyweight bout.

Fisher dominated and the fight was stopped at 1:40 of round three.

Fisher, 254.7 lbs of Romford, ENG is 2-o with two knockouts. Williams, 268.7

“I thought it was brilliant to get out on such short notice,” Fisher told Matchroom. “Credit to Sam Jones and Eddie Hearn for getting the fight there for me. Phil Williams is an awkward and tough opponent; he’s only been stopped four or five times in 30 bouts. Awkward fight, but I got him out of there and I showed I could go three rounds and keep a high pace.

“I’m trying to find the balance between having that killer instinct and sitting behind my boxing. Sometimes in there you probably get caught between the two. As I progress, I’ll be able to use that killer instinct more effectively. It was an awkward fight, but I showed that I’ve got the strength and the power to stop people. I stopped him in the third round. We’ll go against for the next one as soon as we can. 

“If you stay ready, you’ll get opportunities, especially at Matchroom and with S-JAM Boxing. I showed I can turn up and get the job done. I’m very grounded. I played rugby for a long time. That teaches you a lot of discipline. I’ve got family and a support network who believe in me. They always tell me the truth as well, and I’ll always be truthful about my own performances.

“It’s all systems go, ready for the next one. I’ve got to get that jab off, because in the gym it’s coming off lovely. When you get under them lights, you can have a bit of eagerness. I’ve only had four amateur senior fights and I’ve got a long way to go in the professional ranks.”

Campbell Hatton won a four-round decision Levi Dunn in a lightweight fight..

Hatton, 135.9 lbs of Manchester, ENG won by a 40-36 score and is now 2-0. Dunn, 134.5 lbs of Prestwich, ENG is 0-5.

“I could tell during the whole build up that I’d be a lot better in this fight,” Hatton told Matchroom. “I’ve just been so much more relaxed. It’s night and day. I’ve not watched it back yet, but I think I did show a lot smarter boxing and a bit more composure. 

“There’s still room for improvement but I’m buzzing with it. I’ve not had probably 10% of what I had to do last time. I’m grateful for it. I think I was hurting him a bit more this time. In a spar, it isn’t about taking them out is it. He was doing a lot of holding. He’s a tough kid and he’s done the job that he was here to do. I think I would have got him out of there if there was a bit less holding.

“My heroes have boxed here, so it’s a box ticked for me. It was weird walking down the ramp with no crowd. I can’t wait to do it again here when it’s packed. It’s not new to me now, I’ve got a bit more used to it. I’ll be straight back in the gym ready to go again. It’s all learning, and by keeping busy, I think I’ll be flying soon.”

Scott Fitzgerald says he has put his out of the ring problems behind him as he focuses on getting back to the top of a thriving domestic Super-Welterweight division in 2021 that includes former opponents Ted Cheeseman and Anthony Fowler.

The unbeaten Preston fighter (14-0, 9 KOs) was last seen in action outpointing Cheeseman at the Newcastle Arena back in October 2019 to capture the British Super-Welterweight Title, and makes his ring return a year and a half later against Gregory Trenel on the Derek Chisora vs. Joseph Parker undercard this Saturday May 1 at the AO Arena, Manchester.

‘Fitzy’ handed Liverpool’s Fowler a first defeat in the pros when he dropped and outscored ‘The Machine’ at the M&S Bank Arena in March 2019. Whilst both Cheeseman and Fowler have kicked on since their losses to Fitzgerald, the 29-year-old is confident he is still the number one 154lbs fighter in Britain and is open to rematches with either to prove it.

“I’m feeling really good,” said Fitzgerald. “I’ve been training solidly for all of this year and I’m just looking forward to getting back in there and getting back on track with my career. Last year was a really bad one and I’m embarrassed by some of my actions and the way I behaved. It’s in the past and I’ve got to look forward and move on. I’m 29 so I’m not that young of a man now. It’s gone quick. I was 21 two minutes ago. Next thing you know you’re nearly 30 aren’t you.

“You’ve got to learn from the mistakes and make sure they don’t happen again. These last two years have gone so fast it’s scary. It will be nearly a year and a half since I last boxed. In over two years I’ve only boxed twice. It’s time to put my foot down and make sure I make the most of my last years in the game. I have two children now and it gives me extra motivation to go and create a nice life for them. It’s not about me, I’ve got to do it for them. I’ll keep my head down, work hard and provide a nice life for them.

“I saw the Cheeseman vs. Metcalf fight the other week and that was a really good fight. It was a great win and a great performance from Ted. He looks like he’s got himself in a good place. I’ve sort of let them get above me, so I’ve got to fight my way back. Hopefully the Ted or Fowler rematch can happen before the year is up. I’ve got to make sure I win against whoever they put in front of me.

“It’s gone fast since the Cheeseman win. A lot of that time was just a blur. My dream was to win that British Title and I won it. I didn’t get right back in the gym like I should have. By the time I did get back to it COVID had kicked in. I kept saying to my dad, ‘I’m just going to chill until this COVID is done and then we’ll get back on it’.

“Not fighting in 18 months, right now I want a few fights, one or two fights, and then trying to get my British Title back would be a nice move for me. Get that back and maybe win it outright or just move on from there to European and world level. There are good fights for me for that British Title. There’s Cheeseman who’s just looked good winning it back. There’s Fowler, he’s looked good in some performances. They might fight each other for it in the meantime. I beat both of them. Whichever one of them is holding it – if they want to get their revenge, they can give me that fight can’t they. Get one or two fights in and I’m ready for either one of them.

“Fowler especially. I’d like to go back and do an even better job and move on from there. I saw bits of his fight with Fortea the other week and he looked decent. He’s not. He’s changed a few things, but he’ll still always be the same. I’m confident I can beat him again and do a better job on him. I have to make sure I’m on it. No slip-ups. Get the win this weekend and I can move onto these bigger ones then.”

Fitzgerald vs. Trenel is part of an unmissable night of action in Manchester, Derek Chisora (32-10, 23 KOs) and Joseph Parker (28-2, 21 KOs) collide in a huge Heavyweight clash, Irish star Katie Taylor (17-0, 6 KOs) defends her Undisputed Lightweight crown against former amateur rival Natasha Jonas (9-1-1, 7 KOs), undefeated WBA Light-Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol (17-0, 11 KOs) puts his Title on the line against Craig Richards (16-1-1, 9 KOs), Chris Eubank Jr (29-2, 22 KOs) returns against Marcus Morrison (23-3, 16 KOs), Belfast’s James Tennyson (28-3, 24 KOs) faces Mexico’s Jovanni Straffon (23-3-1, 16 KOs) for the IBO Lightweight World Title and Lightweight prospect Campbell Hatton (1-0) fights in his home city for the first time as a pro.

JJ METCALF is ready to start making up for lost time and wiping out the British Super-Welterweight division, with Fowler, Fitzgerald and Flatley high on his F heavy hitlist.

Queensberry Promotions supremo Frank Warren is meeting Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn in the near future to discuss the promotional rivals boxers facing each other.

And one of the potential mouthwatering clashes is a local derby between Warren’s Commonwealth Super-Welterweight champion Metcalf and Matchroom-backed Fowler.

Metcalf (21-0, 13 KOs) must come through a tricky first  title defence against Bolton’s Jack Flatley (16-1-1, 4 KOs) at BT Sports Studio on Saturday October 10.

British champion Scott Fitzgerald has been ordered to defend the title against Metcalf, but the domestic title holder’s future is uncertain.

That could clear the path for Metcalf to face Fowler for the vacant British crown in a battle that would split Liverpool fight fans.

Metcalf is an Everton fan and Fowler supports Liverpool.

Metcalf who is ranked at five in the IBF rankings for Jermell Charlo’s world title said: “Fighting Fowler would be brilliant for Liverpool and capture the imagination especially as we’re both going well in our careers.

“A fight against Fowler in Liverpool is a big fight, and hopefully that comes off, but I would prefer to fight Scott Fitzgerald, right now.

“The reason I’d rather fight him than Fowler is that he is the British champion. I’d rather beat a champion than fight Fowler for the vacant title.

“Fitzgerald has beaten Fowler and Ted Cheeseman so it would be a better win for me, but I still have to get over Jack Flatley.

“I don’t know what the issues are with Scott, but he should start defending or relinquish the title.”

In the meantime, Metcalf is under no illusions about the ability of Flatley who he knows well having sparred “30 or 40 rounds.”

Flatley is always in thrillers and his brutal draw against Troy Williamson in June 2018 was one of the best fights seen in a British ring that year.

Hand injuries have caused Metcalf’s career to stall and since his title winning performance when he stopped Jason Welborn in June 2019, he has boxed just once.

On that occasion in February, Jan Balog was stopped in just 32 seconds.

Metcalf, the son of former top pro Shea Neary explained: “Before the Welborn fight I broke my hand quite badly and needed an operation, so I rolled the dice with that fight and took it.

“I had the operation afterwards and it took time to make a full recovery.

“I am not worried about the hand.I think it will be okay when I defend the title against Jack and it will work out okay on the night.

“I’ve been using it in sparring and it has felt okay so I am not worried. I think this operation has sorted it out.

“I’ve done loads of sparring with Jack and not even long ago either. The last time would have been last year. I know his style and how he will go about the fight.

“He is tough, strong, fit and throws a lot of shots. It will be a tough fight and no walk in the park.

“I could have done with a few more rounds since I won the title, but I have done good sparring and I’m prepared.”

Metcalf v Flatley is on a card headed by Welsh ace Liam Williams who defends his British Middleweight crown against mandatory challenger Andrew Robinson.

Watch Williams vs Robinson, Saturday on BT Sport 1 HD – Coverage starts at 7pm.

Ted Cheeseman will defend his British Super-Welterweight title against Scott Fitzgerald at the Utilita Arena Newcastle on Saturday October 19 in support of Robbie Davies Jr vs. Lewis Ritson, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

Fitzgerald (13-0, 9 KOs) is coming off a career-best win as he dealt Anthony Fowler his first defeat at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena in March, and now plans to assert his dominance on the domestic scene with a victory over Bermondsey’s Cheeseman later this year.

British Champion Cheeseman (15-1-1, 9 KOs) fell short against Spain’s Sergio Garcia in a bid for the European title in February, and was forced to settle for a hotly disputed draw with Northampton’s Kieron Conway in the first defence of his title in June.

“I’m really excited for this fight,” said Cheeseman. “I had a bad start to the year but I overcame all of my demons. I thought I performed well against Conway in June but I didn’t get the win, but I’m still the champion and it’s my belt to lose.

“I’m in a much better position both mentally and physically now. It’s not about how you start the year, it’s about how you end it. When I win this fight I’ll be back at the top of the domestic Super-Welterweight scene. 

“The experience is going to be what counts in this fight. Scott is a good fighter and you can’t take anything away from him but I’ve had a lot of experience. Scott has only fought in ten rounders and he’s only had one tough fight. I’ve been in tough fights since my seventh fight really.

“Everyone is going to be intrigued by this fight. I’ll be the underdog in this one coming off a loss and a draw. It’s going to be an explosive fight. A win over Scott will shut everyone up and put me back at the top of the pile.”

“I’m feeling good, training is going well and I’m just where I need to be,” said Fitzgerald. “I’m working hard to make sure that the best version of me turns up and I win that British title on October 19.

“It’s neutral ground but I can still probably do a few tickets up there so I’m happy with the venue. I’ve never boxed in Newcastle before so it’s all good for me.

“I thought Cheeseman beat Conway but after that performance I’m confident I can beat him. I’m just working my hardest so I’m prepared for the best version of Ted Cheeseman possible to turn up.

“I’ve been in the gym since my win over Fowler. I’ve not had a big break out of the gym so I’m still where I need to be. I’ve been getting some good spars in and I’ll be ready to go. I’m expecting it to be a good fight and an exciting contest to watch. I’ll have a plan in place ready to get the win.”

Full card details including ticket information will be announced soon. 

Anthony Fowler has stepped in to face Brian Rose in a must-win fight at Manchester Arena on Saturday July 6, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US, after Scott Fitzgerald was forced to withdraw from his title defence against Rose through injury. 

Fowler suffered a first career defeat at the hands of Fitzgerald in March and was preparing to make his ring return on the July 6 card when he was handed a golden opportunity to take on former World title challenger Rose in the place of his bitter rival.

“I want tests and I want to be involved in the big fights,” said Fowler. “As soon as we heard the news that Scott had to pull out we grabbed the opportunity with both hands. I’m not in this game to be taking easy fights. Brian has mixed it at the top level throughout his career and this is a fantastic chance for me to test myself against an experienced opponent.

“I learnt a lot from my last fight and we went away and improved in a few areas. I know that I’m in for a tough night’s work in Manchester but this is a fight that I feel ready and prepared for. I was already massively motivated for my return on July 6 but this has given me another boost. 

“I’m already in great shape, I’d be ready to fight next week. Brian is a big name and I think he’ll get the best out of me on the night. I know Brian and consider him as a friend, but this is strictly business and I’ve got a job to do next month. This is must-win for me.”

“Everyone knows that I’ve got a loyal following and although the original fight with Scott was a big Preston vs. Blackpool derby, I’ll still be bringing big numbers to Manchester on July 6 as Fowler is probably a bigger draw than Scott,” said Rose. “He’s a more well-known fighter even though Scott beat him and it’s a better fight.

“On paper it’s an easier fight, I don’t see it like that but this has all worked out better for me because when I beat Fowler I’ll have more options ahead of me and we’ll be able to demand more. I’m really looking forward to fighting Fowler and to fighting on the big stage again. 

“It’s where I believe I belong, I’ve worked hard to get back on the big stage by fighting on those small hall shows which were great, but there wasn’t much exposure. I’ve done it all in the background, I’ve worked really hard over the last year to get myself fit and into the position that I’m in now and I’ll make it count next month.”

Fowler vs. Fitzgerald is part of a huge night of action in Manchester, Lawrence Okolie (12-0, 9 KOs) puts his British and Commonwealth Cruiserweight titles on the line against Jack Massey (16-0, 8 KOs), Felix Cash (11-0, 7 KOs) defends his Commonwealth Middleweight crown against Bolton’s Jack Cullen (16-1, 7 KOs), Anthony Fowler (9-1, 8 KOs) returns after his first pro defeat, Sheffield’s Dalton Smith looks to go 2-0 as a pro and Anthony Crolla Lightweight protégé Dylan Evans fights at Manchester Arena for the first time, with more exciting additions to the card to follow.

Tickets priced £40, £60, £100 and £200 (VIP) are available to purchase now via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), Manchester Arena via ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com).

Anthony Fowler will return to the ring for the first time since his loss to Scott Fitzgerald when he fights on the bumper July 6 card at Manchester Arena, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

Fowler endured his first professional defeat at the hands of bitter rival and former GB teammate Fitzgerald at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool in March after being dropped in the final round en-route to a thrilling split decision loss. 

The Liverpudlian looks to get back to winning ways when he fights at Middleweight next month and is already targeting a huge rematch with the ‘Mad Man’ by the end of the year, and ‘The Machine’ hopes that the British title will be on the line this time. 

“I’m itching to get back out there,” said Fowler. “I had two weeks off and then I was straight back in the gym. I want that rematch badly. I’m just channelling all of the negative feelings that I’ve got into my training. I knew about this fight 6 weeks out, Dave weighed me and decided that I’ll be fighting at Middleweight. I’m very big for Light-Middle so I’m going to have a trial run at Middleweight and see how I feel. I don’t struggle to make 154lbs, but I’ll look a million dollars in sparring, feel strong and fit, and then on fight night I’ll feel flat. We’ll see how I get on but there’s still massive fights ahead for me at 154lbs.

“I didn’t give Scott the credit he deserved heading into our fight. I genuinely thought it was going to be an easy night. I went into the ring with the mentality that the fight would be easy and I paid the price dearly. It affected me mentally and my performance dropped massively because of that. I should have been more composed and calculated, I went in there trying to knock him out early. The second half of the fight really got to me because of that approach. I won’t be making that mistake again. 

“Obviously I just do what I’m told, I’m not the boss, but the ideal scenario for me is to get a good win on July 6 and then fight again at Light-Middleweight against a good opponent. Hopefully Scott will get past Brian Rose and beat Ted Cheeseman for the British title in September. I’d love the rematch in November or December if Scott will give me the opportunity. I hope he wants it too because the fans want it and it will be a decent pay day. The British public want to see it and I think it will definitely happen.”

Fowler returns on a huge night of boxing in Manchester where Lawrence Okolie (12-0, 9 KOs) puts his British and Commonwealth Cruiserweight titles on the line against Jack Massey (16-0, 8 KOs), Scott Fitzgerald (13-0, 9 KOs) defends his WBA International Super-Welterweight title against former World title challenger Brian Rose (31-5-1, 8 KOs) in a huge Preston vs. Blackpool Lancashire derby and Felix Cash (11-0, 7 KOs) defends his Commonwealth Middleweight crown against Bolton’s Jack Cullen (16-1, 7 KOs), with more exciting additions to the card to follow.

Tickets priced £40, £60, £100 and £200 (VIP) are available to purchase now via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), Manchester Arena via ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com).

Lawrence Okolie will defend his British and Commonwealth Cruiserweight titles against Jack Massey on the same night that Scott Fitzgerald defends his WBA International Super-Welterweight title against Brian Rose in a huge Preston vs. Blackpool derby at Manchester Arena on Saturday July 6, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Full details of the bumper summer bill in the North West, including main event confirmation and ticket details, will be formally announced next week.

Okolie (12-0, 9 KOs) added the Commonwealth title to his British belt with a fourth-round TKO of London rival Wadi Camacho at the Copper Box Arena last time out in March and the Rio 2016 Olympian puts both belts on the line once more against unbeaten Chapel-en-le-Frith man Massey.

‘One Smack’ (16-0, 8 KOs) has been chasing a fight with Hackney banger Okolie for the past year and the 26-year-old juggernaut says he is ready to propel his name to the top of the domestic 200lbs division in his first major title opportunity.

“Jack Massey is a fighter with pedigree,” said Okolie. “He has a lot of strength, a lot of ability and a lot of hunger. I’m going to enjoy beating him in front of all of his fans. He’s another undefeated fighter that I will inflict a first career defeat on.

“He has criticised me publicly and openly and I want to use my frustration to beat him in the most convincing way possible.”

“I’m over the moon to be getting this shot at the British and Commonwealth titles,” said Massey. “I have been waiting for my chance to test myself and I cannot wait until July 6th.

“I have the utmost respect for Lawrence Okolie, he boxed in the Olympics, won the British in just his 10th fight and is ranked in the top 10 by the WBA. I know it’s a huge step up for me but I’m ready.

“I’ll be bringing a big crowd on the night and promise to put on a show. I have heard some of the other fights that will be on the night and it’s going to be an amazing show to be on.”

Fitzgerald (13-0, 9 KOs) secured a thrilling victory over bitter rival Anthony Fowler to land the WBA ranking title at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool in March, settling their feud after dropping his former Great Britain teammate in the final round to claim a split decision win and hand Fowler a first defeat in the pros.

The ‘Mad Man’ puts his belt on the line for the first time against former World title challenger Rose (35-1-1, 8 KOs) in a massive Lancashire showdown that will see the former British champion move back down to 154lbs in an attempt to fire his name back into to the mix in the latter stages of his career.

“It’s going to be a mad atmosphere with all of the Preston and Blackpool fans packed into Manchester Arena,” said Fitzgerald. “I’m confident of doing a good job on him. I’ll outjab him all night and get the win. This could be his last night in the sport so he’ll want to go out with a bang.

“He’s number two at Middleweight at the moment on BoxRec. He’s a good opponent. He’s a little older than me but experience is on his side. Before I ever even had an amateur fight, I knew who he was. He was the top boy around Lancashire, where we’re from. It’s a fight that I thought about before I even turned pro and now it’s happening.

“I wanted to fight Ted Cheeseman for the British title but this one was next on my list. It’s a big local rivalry and one that all of the Preston lads will get behind massively. The Cheeseman fight will still be there after I beat Rose, I want to take that belt off a champion.

“I made my debut at Manchester Arena. Preston is about the same distance from Liverpool as it is Manchester so there’ll be a lot in there again, probably more this time because there’s a lot of people buzzing off me right around Britain.”

“I’ve worked really hard at getting a big fight again so I’m made up that we’ve got this fight live on Sky Sports and DAZN,” said Rose. “I’ve had two wins since coming back and I’ve felt really good, so I can’t wait to step into the ring with Fitzgerald.

“I have a lot of respect for Fitzgerald for giving me the opportunity, and I don’t think people realise how big this fight for Blackpool and Preston. This is a huge fight for Lancashire and it’s going to be a great night for the fans, so may the best man win.

“I’ve worked really hard getting back to where I am and by moving back down to Super-Welterweight, which is where I achieved everything, I’m giving myself the best chance of making an impact. I won the British title and challenged for a World title at that weight, so I’ve already done what Fitzgerald is hoping to achieve in his career.

“It was only up at Middleweight where I came unstuck, but at this weight I know what I’m capable of, so this fight makes so much sense. It’s going to be a great fight, and I promise that I’ll be the best I’ve ever been. When I win this fight I can hopefully get a top ten ranking and then who knows what can happen.”

Anthony Fowler has promised to prove he is a level above Scott Fitzgerald by taking him out in five rounds when the bitter rivals clash for the WBA International Super-Welterweight title at The M&S Bank Arena Liverpool on Saturday, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Preston’s Fitzgerald will be aiming to avenge an amateur defeat at the hands of ‘The Machine’ but the 9-0 Liverpudlian, now trained by Dave Coldwell in Rotherham, is determined to finish their rivalry off in style to set-up another huge domestic showdown with British Champion Ted Cheeseman in the summer.

“He’s a dangerous opponent,” admitted Fowler. “He’s had twelve fights and knocked nine of his opponents out. He’s powerful and he’s coming to win. He wants to win this fight more than anything, same as myself. It has all of the makings of a great fight and it’s a fight where I show who Anthony Fowler really is and just how good I am.

“Scott was a hard trainer in the GB squad. We used to spar and I was always that much better than him. I’d win every round of our spars, they were never close. When we fought each other I destroyed him in two rounds. Even though he was a top fighter, I was always an elite fighter.

“As a pro I’ve gone to a great coach and I’ve gone onto that next level again. Now I’m a lot more conditioned, tougher and experienced. I feel like Scott has stagnated a bit. He’s turned pro and he’s had easier fights than myself. He’s stagnated to his level and lowered his standards. He’s going to try and raise it for this fight but it’ll be too little too late.”

Fowler hopes that an emphatic win over his fellow Commonwealth Games gold medallist will earn him further title shots at 140lbs, and a fight with Spain’s European Champion Sergio Garcia, who inflicted a first career defeat on Cheeseman last month, is high up on his wish list.

“This fight is a very winnable fight for me and this is the fight where people will give me the respect that I deserve. I’ve boxed two unbeaten kids and knocked them both out and I’ll do the same to Scott. After this fight people are going to say ‘wow, that Anthony Fowler is the real deal’.

“I think early on, Scott is going to get a shock when he realises how hard I hit and how hard I am to hit. His confidence is going to drain away round-by-round and as soon as I start hitting him downstairs and on the chin he’s going to feel the pace.

“I think it’s going to be over within five rounds. I think he’ll be brave and he’ll come to win but there’s only so many shots you can take with those little gloves. After this win everyone knows who I want next, I want Ted Cheeseman for the British. This time next year I want to be a European Champion.”

Fowler vs. Fitzgerald is part of a huge night of action in Liverpool.

Main event sees former WBO Super-Welterweight World Champion Liam Smith make his long-awaited Liverpool homecoming against Sam Eggington.

Domestic Super-Lightweight rivals Joe Hughes and Robbie Davies Jr meet with the European and British titles on the line.

Popular Heavyweight David Price takes on the unbeaten Kash Ali in his first fight in Liverpool for nearly there years as he looks to make a fresh charge on the Heavyweight division.

Liverpool’s Tom Farrell challenges Leytonstone’s Philip Bowes for the Commonwealth Super-Lightweight crown.

There’s also action for rising Liverpool Cruiserweight talent Craig Glover, ‘Miss GB’ Natasha Jonas and undefeated Super-Lightweight Ged ‘G-Man’ Carroll.

Fierce Super-Welterweight rivals Anthony Fowler and Scott Fitzgerald put their unbeaten records on the line when they meet in one of the most eagerly-anticipated domestic clashes of the year at The M&S Bank Arena Liverpool on March 30, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

As well as bragging rights, both fighters will now have the opportunity to claim the first pro title of their careers, with the vacant WBA International title also up for grabs, and with it a top 15 World ranking with the governing body.

Preston’s Fitzgerald says he is a “different level” to Fowler’s previous opponents but ‘The Machine’ has vowed to “go through” his former teammate to set-up a mouth-watering summer showdown with British Champion Ted Cheeseman after the BBBofC ordered the Bermondsey man to defend his belt against Fowler next.

“I am a level above Scott, I know that for a fact,” said Fowler. “I always have been. As soon as I was an amateur I was better than Scott and under Dave Coldwell I have just gone to the next level again. I will be ready, 11st on the dot. I’ll be fully prepared and whatever Scott does I’ve got an answer for. I am just a bigger, better, stronger fighter. I’ll finish him in five.

“It’s just over a week until the talking stops and the fists do the talking. As well as taking Scott’s unbeaten record I’ll now be taking home my first belt and a top 15 World ranking with the WBA. There’s a lot on the line, after I take care of Scott, Ted Cheeseman and the British title is next.”

“I’m really happy there’s a decent title on the line,” Said Fitzgerald. “What comes with this title is a top 15 World ranking and that’s another big motivation for me. I feel like the fittest man on the planet and the most focused man on the planet. I can’t wait to get my hands on him and put some hurt on him.

“I’m a crazy underdog and that gives me even more motivation. I feel like the fight will go exactly as I want it to go. I can do it any way I want to. Up until a few weeks ago I’d only ever thought about winning the British title and nothing else, but now I believe I can become a World Champion. I’ll get the British title in the summer and then go for the European belt by the end of the year.”

Fowler vs. Fitzgerald is part of a huge night of action in Liverpool.

Main event sees former WBO Super-Welterweight World Champion Liam Smith take on all-action Brummie Sam Eggington.

Domestic Super-Lightweight rivals Joe Hughes and Robbie Davies Jr meet with the European and British titles on the line.

Popular Heavyweight David Price takes on the unbeaten Kash Ali in his first fight in Liverpool for nearly there years as he looks to make a fresh charge on the Heavyweight division.

Liverpool’s Tom Farrell challenges Leytonstone’s Philip Bowes for the Commonwealth Super-Lightweight crown.

There’s also action for rising Liverpool Cruiserweight talent Craig Glover, ‘Miss GB’ Natasha Jonas and undefeated Super-Lightweight Ged ‘G-Man’ Carroll.

Sergio Garcia won a 12-round unanimous decision over Ted Cheesman to retain the European Super Welterweight title at the O2 Arena in London

It was a high contact fight with Garcia getting much better of the exchanges. His worked showed as Cheesman was bleeding from his nose throughout the fight.

Garcia, 153.4 lbs of Spain won by scores of 119-109 twice and 115-114. Cheesman, 153.3 lbs of England is 15-1.

Craig Richards stopped Jake Ball in round three of a scheduled 10-round light heabyweight bout.

In round one, Richards sent Ball to the canvas with a right hand. In round two, it was a right to the body that sent Ball to a knee. In round three, it was a hook to the head that sent Ball down for a 3rd time. Ball was still hurt, and Richards jumped on him by landing several more hard blows before the fight was stopped at 2:27.

Richards, 174.8 lbs of 14-1 with eight knockouts. Richards, 174.5 lbs of Lightwater is 12-2.

Lawrecnce Okolie remained undefeated with a 2nd round stoppage over Tamas Lodi in a cruiserweight fight.

In round two, Okolie dropped Lodi with a perfect left hook.. At the end of the round, Okolie landed a flush right hand that put Lodi down for a second time. In the opening seconds of round three, Okolie sent Lodi down again with a right hand. Lodi went down for a fourth and final time with a short right to the chin, and the fight was stopped at 1:13.

Okolie, 199.8 lbs of Hackney, and is now 11-0 with eight knockouts. Lodi, 199.5 lbs of Hungary is 20-12-2.

It was announced after the fight that Okolie would fight Wadi Camacho on March 23rd.

Felix Cash demolished Rasheed Abolaji in round one of a scheduled 12-round middleweight bout.

In round one, Cash dropped Abolaji with a hard jab. Moments later, Cash dropped Abolaji with a perfect overhand right that sent him on his stomach. Abolaji got to his feet, but stumbled back, and the bout was stopped at 2:45.

Cash, 159.6 lbs of Workingham is 11-0 with seven knockouts. Abolaji, 157.8 lbs of Nigeria is 11-5-1.

Fabio Wardley destroyed Morgan Dessaux in the 1st round of their scheduled six-round heavyweight tilt.

Wardley landed a booming right uppercut that was followed up with a short left that dropped Dessaux, and the fight was stopped at 1:43.

Wardley, 229 lbs of Ipswich is 6-0 with five knockouts. Dessaux, 215 lbs of France is 5-5

Scott Fitzgerald remained undefeated by stopping Radoslav Mitev in round two of their scheduled six-round middleweight bout.

In round one, Fitzgerald dropped Miev with a right to the head. In round two, Fitzgerald had an all-out assault until he dropped Mitev with an uppercut. The fight was stopped upon a bloodied Mitev getting to his fight at 1:27.

Fiztgerald, 159.9 lbs of Preston is 12-0 with nine knockouts. Mitev, 156.9 lbs of Bulgaria is 12-46-2.

John Docherty stopped Przemyslaw Binienda in the 1st round of their scheduled four-round light heavyweight bout.

In round one, Binienda began to bleed from his nose. Docherty landed a hard combination that was punctuated by a straight left that plummeted Binienda into the ropes and the bout was stopped at 1:59.

Docherty, 170.4 lbs of Montrose is 3-0 with three knockouts. Binienda, 173.4 lbs of Poland is 2-23.

Liam Smith will make his long-awaited Liverpool homecoming on March 30 when he takes on Sam Eggington at the M&S Bank Arena, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Smith became Liverpool’s first World Champion in over 20 years when he stopped American John Thompson to claim the WBO Super-Welterweight crown at the Merseyside arena in 2015 before making a second successful defence of the title against Predrag Radosevic at the same venue in 2016.

‘Beefy’ hasn’t fought in his home city since and is itching to get back under the lights as he sets about winning back a version of the World title he bravely lost against pound-for-pound star Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in Texas in 2016, and in doing so becoming the city’s first two-time World Champion.

Former European Welterweight Champion Eggington knows he is fighting for his career after suffering a shock stoppage defeat to Tanzania’s Hassan Mwakinyo at Arena Birmingham in September.

‘The Savage’ was preparing to face former World ruler Brandon Rios at Wembley Stadium when he was wiped out by the dangerous African, but the Stourbridge man believes a win against Smith would put his name back in the mix for title action at 154lbs.

“It’s a very good fight for me,” said Smith. “I’ve done a lot – and I mean a lot – of sparring with Sam. You know what you are going to get with him. He comes to fight. You aren’t sitting on the edge of your seat wondering what he’s going to bring. You know exactly what he’s bringing.

“It’s the same with me and you know this is going to gel into a good fight. We will meet in the middle. It’s what we both do. I do feel, though, I do everything better than him and beyond. I feel if I ‘turn up’, you will all see what I mean.

“I am a big way back into boxing for him. And as we’ve sparred a lot, whatever confidence he can draw, he will try and draw some from that.

“I’ve got to do a proper job on Sam and a proper job is what I truly believe I will do. Having those little gloves on are so different to sparring and with those 10oz gloves on, I am massively confident I will find those gaps. Everything I throw will hit Sam and I just feel I have too good a variety for him to carry on going.”

Super-Welterweight rivals Anthony Fowler and Scott Fitzgerald put their unbeaten records on the line when they meet in one of the most eagerly-anticipated domestic clashes of the year. Preston’s Fitzgerald says he is a “different level” to Fowler’s previous opponents but ‘The Machine’ has vowed to “go through” his former teammate to set-up a mouth-watering clash with British Champion Ted Cheeseman.

Also on the bill, newly-crowned European Super-Lightweight Champion Joe Hughes clashes with Liverpool’s British Champion Robbie Davies Jnr in another tasty domestic showdown.

Malmesbury’s Hughes will be looking to build on a career-best win after he finally got his hands on the European title at the second time of asking after dominating Andrea Scarpa in Italy. Davies Jnr is looking to take another step up after claiming the British and Commonwealth titles in a bloody and bruising war with Glenn Foot at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle last October.

Popular Heavyweight David Price fights in Liverpool for the first time in nearly three years as he looks to make a fresh charge on the Heavyweight division following his recent win over Tom Little at The O2.

There’s also action for rising Liverpool Cruiserweight talent Craig Glover and ‘Miss GB’ Natasha Jonas, with Liverpool Super-Lightweight Tom ‘Fazza’ Farrell aiming to impress in front of his home crowd and undefeated Super-Lightweight Ged ‘G-Man’ Carroll looking to improve to 10-0.

“I can’t wait to be back in Liverpool on March 30, I love it there!” said Eddie Hearn. “This is one of the best all domestic cards we have put on in the city – Liam Smith returns from his World title defeat to face the all action Sam Eggington in what will be an absolute war and Anthony Fowler faces off against ex GB teammate Scott Fitzgerald in another crunch 154lb clash.

“The British and European Super-Lightweight titles are on the line for Liverpool’s Robbie Davies Jnr and Joe Hughes and big David Price fights in Liverpool for the first time in nearly 3 years as he looks to make a charge in the Heavyweight division after his recent win at The O2. There’s plenty more action with rising Cruiserweight Craig Glover, Tom Farrell and Natasha Jonas – it’s going to be a busy night and a great event on March 30.”

Tickets for Smith vs. Eggington priced at £40, £60, £100 and £200 (Inner Ring VIP) are available to Fight Pass members via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) at midday on Tuesday January 22.

General Sale tickets are available to purchase via the M&S Bank Arena (www.mandsbankarena.com), Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com) and StubHub at midday on Wednesday January 23.