Former super bantamweight world champion Scott Quigg announced his retirement, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I’ve achieved everything my desire, dedication and ability would take me to and I can walk away with my head held high! Thank you to everyone for the tremendous support over the years.

“When all is said and done, as long as you can look yourself in the mirror and know you gave it everything, you can never have any regrets.”

“Well done mate — you are a great example not just to fighters but to us all about hard work ethic, drive and determination,” Hearn wrote. “Now to enjoy your life!”

Right after the fight, Quigg hinted at retirement, saying, “As soon as I got in there, it didn’t feel like it was there. I was just chasing it. I’m a realist and I don’t kid anyone. This was a must-win fight. At my peak I would have won tonight. In my day, he wouldn’t have lived with me. On this performance, I don’t know what’s left. I gave it everything and I want to support everyone who has come out to support me. I couldn’t have achieved anymore. I’ve been world champion and had a great career. And if this is it, thank you, everyone.”

16:30 DOORS AND FIRST BELL

LIVE ON BEFORE THE BELL

4 x 3 mins Super-Flyweight contest
BLANE HYLAND 8st 3lbs 4oz v JOEL SANCHEZ 8st 4lbs 4oz
(Liverpool)                                   (Nicaragua)

4 x 3 mins Super Middleweight 
BRADLEY REA 11st 7lbs v PAVOL GARAJ 11st 9bs
(Stretford)                             (Slovakia)

4 x 3 mins Lightweight contest
AQIB FIAZ 9st 9lbs 12oz v DEAN JONES 9st 10lbs 7oz                             
(Oldham)                              (Telford)

17:50 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS FACEBOOK

6 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest
DALTON SMITH 10st 1lb 12oz v BENSON NYILAWILA 10st 1lb 1oz
(Sheffield)                                     (Tanzania)
 
8 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest 
ROBBIE DAVIES JR 10st 3lbs 8oz v DAMIAN LEONARDO YAPUR 10st 3lbs            
(Liverpool)                                           (Argentina)

19:00 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS 

8 x 3 mins Middleweight contest
JACK CULLEN 11st 7lbs 12oz v TOMAS ANDRES REYNOSO 11st 8lbs       
(Little Leaver)                               (Argentina)     

12 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight contest 
SCOTT QUIGG 9st 3lbs 6oz v JONO CARROLL 9st 4lbs
(Bury)                                         (Dublin)

FLOAT

6 x 3 mins Welterweight contest 
RESHAT MATI 10st 6lbs 9oz v ABDALLAH LUANJA 10st 7lbs 7oz
(New York, USA)                       (Tanzania)

Jono Carroll has predicted an eighth round stoppage win against Scott Quigg when the rivals collide in a crunch Super-Featherweight clash at Manchester Arena on Saturday March 7, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Carroll (17-1-1, 3 KOs) warned former WBA Super-Bantamweight World Champion Quigg of his ability to “break people down” and “break people’s hearts” and the Dublin man believes a win this weekend will put him back in line for a World Title shot later this year.

“Scott thinks I have feather fists? We’ll see,” said Carroll. “These feather fists will do a lot of damage. He’s a strong opponent and Oscar Valdez, who can bang, couldn’t get him out of there. I don’t hit that hard but I can break people down, I can break people’s hearts.

“Quigg is a massive name and a former champion but he has to pass that torch to me now. It’s my turn. He’s had his day. He’s a good, seasoned pro fighter and I can’t overlook that. I’m prepared for the world champion, the best him, but I feel like it’s my time now.

“I’ve been training my brain, training different attributes to normal. Quigg is such a big name that it’s not hard to get up at 6am for a jog or to push yourself to exhaustion. It’s my time. Pass me that torch, Scott! For some reason I’m thinking round eight.”

Quigg vs. Carroll tops a big night of action in Manchester, the No.1 and No.2 WBO Super-Middleweight contenders Zach Parker (18-0, 12 KOs) and Rohan Murdock (24-1, 7 KOs) collide, Anthony Fowler (11-1, 8 KOs) fights for the first time under Shane McGuigan, Manchester Heavyweight contender Hughie Fury (23-3, 13 KOs meets Pavel Sour (11-2, 6 KOs), Liverpool Super-Lightweight contender Robbie Davies Jr (19-2, 13 KOs) fights for the first time under new trainer Dominic Ingle, Bolton’s Jack Cullen (17-2, 8 KOs) returns after his FOTY contender with Felix Cash, Sheffield Super-Lightweight ace Dalton Smith (4-0, 3 KOs) keeps busy, ‘The Albanian Bear’ Reshat Mati (6-0, 4 KO’s) makes his UK debut in a Welterweight contest, Ricky Hatton-trained Super-Featherweight Ibrahim Nadim (1-0) looks to impress and there’s action for Oldham Lightweight Aqib Fiaz (4-0), Liverpool Super-Flyweight Blane Hyland (2-0) and Stretford Middleweight Bradley Rea (8-0, 3 KOs).
Tickets priced £40, £60, £100 and £200 (VIP) are available to purchase via Manchester Arena (www.manchester-arena.com), StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com).

Scott Quigg hopes that a win over Jono Carroll at Manchester Arena on Saturday March 7, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US, will fire his name into the World Title mix as he looks to begin his 2020 campaign in style.  CLICK HERE TO WATCH SCOTT QUIGG’S EPISODE OF ‘BORN FIGHTER’ ON MATCHROOM BOXING’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Former WBA Super-Bantamweight ruler Quigg (35-2-2, 26 KOs) returns to Manchester to pursue his dream of becoming a two-weight World Champion. He made five defences of the WBA crown before losing out to Carl Frampton in a Unification battle at Manchester Arena in 2016.

The Bury man was outpointed by Oscar Valdez in an attempt for the Mexican’s WBO Featherweight World Title at the StubHub Center in Carson in March 2018 but now has his sights set on a World Championship at Super-Featherweight after teaming up with Joe Gallagher again. 

“I respect any fighter that gets through the ropes. It only takes one punch to change a fight. He’s the slightly bigger man. I’m strong enough, I hit hard enough, I’m tough enough, and the main thing is I’m more than smart enough to deal with the bigger guys.

“I proved that day in day out at the Wildcard. People like Jono come through the Wildcard door every day and I’ve sparred and dealt with many people like him. I’m not taking it lightly, but I know what I need to do. I’ve put the right preparation in and I’m more than ready.

“The amount of nonsense he talks, because he talks that much, he starts to believe it. If he didn’t believe it he’d start going into himself, he’d start having the doubts. He hopes I’m scared. Unfortunately for him, I’m not scared of him.

“When I beat him, this will put me back where I want to be, at the forefront of getting a World Title shot. The big thing I’m happy about is being back at home, showing the public I’m back. I’d love rematches with the two people that beat me, Frampton and Valdez, I’d love to get rematches with them. All of my focus at this moment is on Carroll. Once I’ve dealt with him, that’s when I’ll think about what’s next.”

 Quigg vs. Carroll tops a big night of action in Manchester, the No.1 and No.2 WBO Super-Middleweight contenders Zach Parker (18-0, 12 KOs) and Rohan Murdock (24-1, 7 KOs) collide, Anthony Fowler (11-1, 8 KOs) defends his WBA International Super-Welterweight Title against Bolton’s Jack Flatley (16-1-1, 4 KOs) Manchester Heavyweight contender Hughie Fury (23-3, 13 KOs meets Pavel Sour (11-2, 6 KOs), Liverpool Super-Lightweight contender Robbie Davies Jr (19-2, 13 KOs) fights for the first time under new trainer Dominic Ingle, Bolton’s Jack Cullen (17-2, 8 KOs) returns after his FOTY contender with Felix Cash, Sheffield Super-Lightweight ace Dalton Smith (4-0, 3 KOs) keeps busy, ‘The Albanian Bear’ Reshat Mati (6-0, 4 KO’s) makes his UK debut in a Welterweight contest, Ricky Hatton-trained Super-Featherweight Ibrahim Nadim (1-0) looks to impress and there’s action for Oldham Lightweight Aqib Fiaz (4-0) and Liverpool Super-Flyweight Blane Hyland (2-0).

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

Rising Welterweight starlet Reshat Mati will make his UK debut on the undercard of Scott Quigg vs. Jono Carroll at Manchester Arena on Saturday March 7, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

New York’s Mati (6-0, 4 KO’s) has shot to six wins without loss since turning over to the pro ranks in October 2018.

‘The Albanian Bear’ made the perfect start to life in the paid code, disposing of Adan Ahumada inside three rounds in Chicago, before decisioning Juan Sepulveda at Madison Square Garden three weeks later.

The 21-year-old’s winning form continued into 2019, securing a first round KO in his home city before a shoulder injury ruled him out until October. Mati showed no sign of ring rust on his return in the Windy City, notching a shutout points win and banking valuable rounds.

Two knockout victories rounded off his first full year as a professional and now he will be eager to impress the British faithful and set the standard for an exciting 2020.

Mati follows in the footsteps of Austin Williams, Nikita Ababiy, Raymond Ford and Otha Jones III in stepping foot into a British ring with more exciting US talent to look forward to on these shores in 2020.

“I am so happy to be making my debut in the UK,” said Mati. “The atmosphere that the fans create looks special and I can’t wait to experience this first hand. Hopefully after March 7 I will return to the US with some new fans!”

“I am so happy for Reshat to be making his UK debut, he has shone already on lots of big shows in America and this is another step for his development,” said Eddie Hearn. “I am sure that the UK and Albanian fans will get behind him on March 7 and they won’t be disappointed with what they see.”

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

Mati makes his UK debut on a huge night of action in Manchester.

Main event sees Scott Quigg (35-2-2, 26 KOs) take on Jono Carroll (17-1-1, 3 KOs) in an explosive Super-Featherweight matchup, Manchester Heavyweight contender Hughie Fury (23-3, 13 KOs) returns as he looks to fight his way back into title action in 2020, Liverpool Super-Welterweight talent Anthony Fowler (11-1, 8 KOs) continues his hunt for a rematch with Scott Fitzgerald, Sheffield Super-Lightweight starlet Dalton Smith (4-0, 3 KOs) looks to go 5-0, Bolton’s Jack Cullen (17-2, 8 KOs) returns after his FOTY contender with Felix Cash, Ricky Hatton-trained Super-Featherweight Ibrahim Nadim (1-0) looks to impress and there’s action for Oldham Lightweight Aqib Fiaz (4-0) and Liverpool Super-Flyweight Blane Hyland (2-0), with more fights to be announced soon.

Eddie Hearn:

“Good afternoon everyone. Welcome. I think this is the first one of 2020. 2019 seems to have passed us by and a great great year of boxing in Britain, in America, of course finishing with that wonderful event in Saudi Arabia where Anthony Joshua reclaimed the unified World Heavyweight Championship, one in Dallas for Jacobs vs. Chavez Jr. Next week we kick everything off, live on Sky Sports and live on DAZN, in Miami with a huge card, Super Bowl week in Miami with Demetrius Andrade vs. Luke Keeler, Tevin Farmer against Jo Jo Diaz, Daniel Roman against Murodjon Akhmadaliev, Jake Paul against AnEsonGib – Adam’s particular favourite – we can’t wait to be in Miami next week ahead of the start for the UK. 

“Kell Brook returns to the ring on February 8th at Sheffield Arena against Mark DeLuca, but Manchester, we’re back here on March 7th with a great great great fight. So many great memories in this very room here, I see Anthony Crolla up the back, and of course I remember the great build-up to the fight between Scott Quigg and Carl Frampton at Manchester Arena – so many great press conferences in this room here – that was a feisty feisty build-up. We’re going to get exactly the same thing in this build-up between two great fighters in very similar positions. Both guys who have been a World Champion in Scott Quigg, a World Title challenger in Jono Carroll – a great fight against Tevin Farmer in Philadelphia. Of course Scott Quigg, former Super-Bantamweight World Champion attempted to unify that in one of the biggest fights that Manchester has seen in the Carl Frampton fight. This is an absolute must-win fight for both guys. 

“I was gutted when we lost this fight in Saudi Arabia, and when we put it to them for March 7 Scott accepted and of course Jono jumped at it straight away. This is a must-win for both guys, high stakes. There’s a big card coming for March 7, some of those guys are here today and some of them are in camp already abroad. We have the return of Hughie Fury, good to see him back, disappointed in Monte-Carlo when he fell ill during fight week, but he’s returning to the venue where he fought for the Heavyweight World Title against Joseph Parker. Scott Fitzgerald will be on the card as well, and also, late last night we awaited final confirmation that Zach Parker will be on this card fighting in an eliminator for the No.1 spot for the Super-Middleweight World Title, a very important fight to become mandatory challenger to Billy Joe Saunders, against Rohan Merdoch the Australian on this card as well. Ibrahim Nadim, a great young fighter, with Paul Speak and Ricky Hatton coming through. Jack Cullen returns on this card – what a fight with Felix Cash! It was probably one of my favourite fights of 2019. Dalton Smith as well, one of the top top GB talents coming through who had a wonderful start to his career last year.”

Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing: 

“Thanks Eddie. It’s fantastic to be back in Manchester and I think this is the fight for Manchester. Like you I was gutted that it was called off in Saudi, which was an amazing night for Anthony Joshua and for the whole of British boxing. It gives us such a huge amount to look forward to in 2020, there’s some really fantastic shows coming up, Kell Brook in Sheffield, we’ve got a load of stuff coming from the States, obviously we’ve seen the likes of Dillian Whyte coming back and Derek Chisora, Anthony Joshua brought his titles back. There’s so much to look forward to ahead. Also, the women’s scene is one fire, I was talking to Peter Fury earlier and Savannah Marshall will be going great guns this year, Katie Taylor we’ll see maybe Stateside but it would be great to have her here too, it was fantastic in Manchester last time when she become a two-weight World Champion. 

“There’s some super stuff going on out there and we’re really please to be back, first of all in Manchester, I walked in with Anthony Crolla – he still loves it doesn’t he! He was working with us a little bit towards the end of last year doing a fantastic job on the safe side of the ropes. We loved watching him throughout his career. We followed Scott Quigg throughout his, he’s been a brilliant fighter, he’s always been so down to Earth, so easy to deal with and so wonderful in the ring. He’s had a fantastic career already, becoming a World Champion, Eddie mentioned that huge fight with Carl Frampton. He goes on, his dedication is incredible and I love that in Scott.

“I also love this guy, Jono Carroll, he’s brilliant. This fella has been in some fantastic fights. It was a terrific effort, we were there ringside when he pushed Tevin Farmer the whole way. He’s a colourful character, he’s fantastic. It’s a brilliant fight to make for the Manchester fight crowd – you guys know your stuff up here. The likes of Ricky Hatton, Anthony Farnell, Michael Gomez, Anthony Crolla through the years. Scott Quigg has got some life left in him the old dog, he looks fantastic doesn’t he – he always does. Jono Carroll will be pushing him all the way. It’s a tremendous bill with some terrific fighters on card. Jack Cullen – what a great fight that was with Felix Cash. It’s great to see Hughie Fury back and so many great youngsters coming through. I think it’s going to be a brilliant 2020 and we cannot wait to be here back in Manchester where they love their boxing, and you’re going to love this show. It’s a fantastic top of the bill Eddie.”

Scott Quigg: 

“It’s good to be back in Manchester in an exciting fight. I have been out the ring a long time and it has been frustrating but now I am back with Joe and really looking forward to March 7. 

“This is a fight that really excites me, he is going to come and try and have a go but he will get demolished. 2020 is going to be a very successful year for me. 

“I want to get in the ring and if he wants to have it then great but I think he will be on his bike! We will see if he backs up everything he is saying. 

“I know that I’ve still got it and can still do it. I am improving and on March 7 all the doubters will see that there is still plenty left in the tank. I will take Johno Carroll out, get my arm raised and move on. It’s a simple as that.”Jono Carroll:

“First of all I want to thank Eddie and and Adam for having me on such a big show and I’m finally topping a bill again. 

“After Saudi got cancelled I genuinely thought that Scott bottled it, I had no issues with him but I just remember thinking he better not have bottled that. 

“This is a career shift, I have always wanted to top bills and I remember being at Manchester Arena when Scott fought Kiko Martinez thinking I cannot wait until that is me and now I’m here. 

“I am delighted to be here and if you know me personally you will know this is just business. I was more than happy to go out to Philadelphia and help Tevin Farmer after our fight and I am actually have disappointed that I won’t be there. 

“I will be working my ass off in Spain to go and smash Scott Quigg up. I want to gain as much experience as possible in this game and I welcome failure. I like it when I fail because it means I am pushing myself hard enough. 

“My loss to Farmer woke me up and I want to be the best I can possibly be. Anything that will push me mentally and physically I am up for. It keeps me focused, disciplined and gives me guidance. This is going to be a fantastic fight. I am already fit so this is just about fine-tuning now. I know that I am that world level now. I go to war, I think it is the Irish blood in me.

“One thing I just have to question is why does he feel he has to change trainer? To me that’s weakness in the mind, that’s weakness in the head. You change trainer before such a big fight? I know he’s going back to Joe. Joe is an amazing trainer, but at the same time, that’s weakness, in my own opinion. That might be a bad mistake mate.”Hughie Fury:

“I was absolutely devastated not to be able to box in Monte-Caro after all of that hard work. It wasn’t meant to be, but it has given me that bit longer with the stuff I’ve been working on in the gym. It’s exciting to be back in Manchester where I fought for the World Title, it wasn’t my night, but it’s all about learning and all of these fights put me where I am today, they’ve made me a better fighter, and people are in for a shock the next time around. It’s going to be an exciting year. 

“People are going to see a major turn around. I want all of those fights again. I was basically fighting with one hand and they still couldn’t do no good with me. They’re the fights I want again. It was frustrating for myself to not let that right hand go against Povetkin. I kick myself all the time about it but it’s one of them, it happens and people are going to see a big difference next time.”

Jack Cullen:

“Yeah the Cash fight was a good experience. I’d just like to say thanks for getting me back out on these shows. 2020 is going to be my year. I’m not going to come up with any excuses for Felix Cash, it’s time to get back wining and hopefully we’ll get it again. I’m not looking past anybody, I’m looking forward to my next fight, I’ve just got to keep on going and keep on winning. To be honest I wasn’t myself, I’m not going to come up with any excuses, I wasn’t myself, if it happens again I will be wining that fight. Hopefully before the end of the year we’ll get it again.”

Dalton Smith:

“I enjoyed last year stepping into the professional ranks. I had four fights, settled in well, but the new year is here now and it’s time to step up the rounds and the opposition. I just want to stay active this year, stepping up the rounds and we’ll see how the year pans out. If it were up to me I’d jump into those big fights now but you’ve got to be realistic, it’s a tough game to be in and you’ve got to learn your trade.

“Sometimes it’s not just about your ability, you’ve got to become a 12 round fighter and get the experience. I just listen to my team. I just do what they say. Obviously I’ve got the best promotional team around me, one day I want to become a World Champion but I just need to listen to my team, I’ll fight whoever they put in front of me.”

Ibrahim Nadim:

“First of all I’d like to thank Eddie, Matchroom and Sky Sports Boxing for giving me this opportunity to fight on the undercard of a great main event. I’ll show you all what I’m about on March 7. I’m still getting used to the transition into the pro game, I need to learn to plant my feet a bit more and let some more power shots go.”

Super-Featherweight contenders Scott Quigg and Jono Carroll will meet in a huge England vs. Ireland clash at Manchester Arena on Saturday March 7, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

Former WBA Super-Bantamweight ruler Quigg (35-2-2, 26 KOs) returns to Manchester to pursue his dream of becoming a two-weight World Champion. He made five defences of the WBA crown before losing out to Carl Frampton in a Unification battle at Manchester Arena in 2016.

The Bury man was outpointed by Oscar Valdez in an attempt for the Mexican’s WBO Featherweight World Title at the StubHub Center in Carson in March 2018 but now has his sights set on a World Championship at Super-Featherweight. 

‘King Kong’ (17-1-1, 3 KOs) is on the hunt for a second shot at world honours after he returned to action with a win over Eleazer Valenzuela in Mexico following his spirited World Title challenge in Philadelphia in March against IBF Super-Featherweight king Tevin Farmer. 

“I’m looking forward to making my return after having 16 months out the ring due to the injury I suffered early last year,” said Quigg. “Unfortunately the injury reoccurred before the Saudi Arabia show but the arm is fully healed now and I’m already in great shape about to start camp.

“This is a fight I’m really excited about. I’m looking forward to getting in there and taking him apart and showing that despite being out the ring for over a year and the injury, there is still a lot left in the tank. 

“I’ve got everything fully focussed on March 7 to put in a career best performance! It’s great to be back fighting and headlining at Manchester Arena again and for my supporters to be able to see me back fighting on UK soil. It’s a great platform for me to launch my career forward again and get my name back in the mix for a World Title shot.”

“I haven’t necessarily learned anything extra about Scott Quigg since we were first due to fight, but I have learned more about myself – how much I want this life and what I’m willing to give up in order to accomplish my dreams and goals,” said Carroll.

“I understand I need to be ready all the time and so does my partner, so I was training the day before Christmas and then I jumped on a plane out to America to help Tevin Farmer prepare for his fight the day after Christmas.

“I love Christmas and I just bought my first house in Spain, so it was quite special to wake up in my own home on Christmas morning and appreciate what’s around me.

“Now it’s time for the next step. I know my worth as a person and as a boxer. I won’t let Quigg beat me no matter what type of fight it has to be. I’m good at adapting so I will see what he’s good at and then take that away from him.”

Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing, said: “It’s brilliant to be back in Manchester as Scott Quigg and Jono Carroll, two all-action fighters, meet in a must-win crossroads clash.

“We’ve followed Scott’s exciting journey to a World Title, while Carroll still believes he can succeed at the highest level following a courageous loss to IBF champion Tevin Farmer.

“It’s going to be another breathless battle between Quigg and Carroll, with more big names to be added to the bill in the coming weeks.”

An announcement on tickets and undercard information will be made next week. 

“Absolutely gutted to inform everyone I will not be fighting,” Quigg announced. “Training had been going fantastic and everything was well on schedule but in my final week of heavy preparation before tapering down I suffered an injury during sparring on (April 15), a total freak accident where I hit my sparring partner with a left hook and my elbow jarred and the tendon ripped clean off my bicep and elbow. I went straight to see a specialist and had scans which confirmed the damage of what I’d felt and will need surgery to reattach my tendon.”

“Gutted isn’t the word. I’m absolutely devastated after all the work and training me and my team have put in this camp and also with being so close to the fight,” Quigg said. “Thank you for all messages of support and once the operation is done I will start the rehabilitation process and I will make a full recovery and continue my career.”

**TICKETS START FROM JUST $25 AND ARE ON SALE NOW FROM TICKETMASTER**

Quigg (35-2-2 26KOs) is itching for the chance to become a two-weight World champion, and his clash in his now home base of Los Angeles will be the second step in adding Super-Featherweight glory to his reign as WBA Super-Bantamweight king.

The Brit star delivered a violent KO win on his bow at 130lbs in Boston, MA in October in the second round over Mario Briones – a card that saw Tevin Farmer defend his IBF World Super-Featherweight crown for the first time with a fifth round KO of James Tennyson.

The Philadelphia ace has defended the title twice since, against X in New York in December and on home turf against Jono Carroll in March, and he’s a target for Quigg should he prevail against the in-form Velez (28-5-1 20KOs) with the Puerto Rican picking off Orlando Cruz and Victor Terrazas inside four rounds since a points reverse to highly-rated Ryan Garcia.

“These are the cards I want to be on,” said Quigg. “It’s a great chance for me to make a big statement with the attention on the bill. I want to be a World Champion again so I need to show people that I mean business. Jayson is a solid fighter who is coming off some good wins so it’s a good test and one I am looking forward to.

“Boston was a good win, coming off the Oscar Valdez defeat it was good to get back to winning ways in a new city in my second fight over here. It was my first fight at Super-Featherweight, I felt strong and I enjoyed the city.

“Tevin is a very good fighter, one I’ve watched for a long time. He’s come up the hard way with four losses as he was matched tough early on. He does everything well, but it’s a fight that I would jump at as I believe I have got the beating of him.

“I think I can fight for a title this year. Get a good win over Jayson on April 26 and I believe I’m ready. If I have to have another fight before then so be it, but 2019 I want to win a World title again.”

Quigg’s clash with Velez is part of a huge night of boxing in LA, topped by a World title double header as Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (47-4-1 41 KOs) and Juan Francisco Estrada (38-3 26KOs) rematch for the WBC and Ring Magazine World Super-Flyweight titles and WBA World Super-Bantamweight champion Daniel Roman and IBF ruler TJ Doheny clashing in a unification battle.

Jessie Vargas (28-2-2 10 KOs) is on the hunt to become a three-weight World champion and he faces fellow two-weight World king Humberto Soto (69-9-2 37 KOs) in a crunch clash for their elite level aspirations.

Unbeaten Super-Middleweight talent Anthony Sims Jr is set for a breakout year and will fight for his first title on the bill. Sims (17-0 16 KOs), who is in action in Peterborough, England on Saturday night live on DAZN and Sky Sports, clocked three stoppage wins in the second half of 2018, and will look to convert that momentum in style in first the UK and then in LA.

Shakhram Giyasov (7-0 6KOs) and Diego Pacheco (2-0 1KO) landed wins in Tijuana, Mexico in March and will fight on the bill, while Eddie Hearn’s latest addition to his blossoming stable of young USA talents, Houston’s Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams, will make his pro debut on the card.

Tickets are on sale now prices from just $25 – to charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available for purchase at www.fabulousforum.com or www.ticketmaster.com, and also at the Forum Box Office.

By Norm Frauenheim-

For 48 minutes, Oscar Valdez Jr. showed more courage than you’ll see in a career. Six days later, I can only worry that maybe it was a career. Valdez’ epic battle in the rain against Scott Quigg at StubHub Center left him with broken teeth and a busted jaw. Only the heart wasn’t knocked out of place.

It was the kind of fight that can leave more than just scars. Truth is, it was more than one fight. There were several within the 36 minutes of exhausting punches and the one-minute between each three-minute battle. Those 60 seconds between rounds offered no refuge, no peace. Valdez spit up blood that fell into a pool faster and deeper than rain into puddles. The rain evaporated. The blood did not.

In the moments before the bell tolled and sounded a resumption of the conflict from round to round – from the second to the 12th, I wondered whether the carnage could continue. It could. It would. It still does. Now, Valdez sits with his jaw wired backed together. The fans and ESPN’s cameras are gone. The business has moved on. He’s left with pain, rehab and inevitable doubts about what kind of fighter he’ll be when he returns.

Valdez, who underwent the medical procedure on Monday, will be back, of course. But questions about whether that repaired jaw can hold up will be there. So, too, will questions about whether the wild fight exposed some newfound cracks in the psyche. The guess in this corner is that the psyche, like that heart, withstood the battle. But somebody will test it. Boxing is predatory art. Always has been.

Still, I wonder if this one could have been different. The controversial weigh-in leaves questions about whether Valdez could have avoided some of the damage he sustained in retaining his WBO featherweight title in winning a brutal decision over Quigg on March 10.

On the day before opening bell, Quigg came in nearly three pounds – 2.8, to be exact – above the limit, 126. He forfeited a chance to win the title and paid a 20 percent penalty of his documented purse, which in this case was a $100,000 contract filed with the California Commission. It’s believed Quigg’s real purse was about five times as big. The filing with California didn’t include UK money. But only the California number mattered, meaning Quigg forfeited at least $20,000, $10,000 of which went to Valdez. According to various sources, Quigg also agreed to pay an additional sum to Valdez, whose purse was $430,000, including Quigg’s penalty. The amount of the additional payment was never disclosed.

Whatever it was, it wasn’t enough, especially if the damage sustained by Valdez was enough to curtail a long career with potential for a lot more money. Quigg paid, but didn’t weigh.

Valdez manager Frank Espinoza demanded Quigg weigh in on the morning of the bout. Espinoza wanted the UK featherweight at 136 pounds. But Quigg, who said his road work was limited by a stress fracture suffered about month before the bout, and his promoter Eddie Hearn refused. At opening bell, Quigg came in at 142.2 pounds an Valdez at 135.6, according to ESPN.

In effect, Valdez was a lightweight fighting a junior-welterweight. Did it matter? Hard to say. Valdez had already shown a brawler’s instinct. He brawled in each of his two prior fights, first against Miguel Marriaga and than Genesis Servania. It was risky then and perhaps even riskier against a fighter who was said to be nearly seven pounds heavier. Midway through the fight, there were moments when Quigg’s advantage in size was hugely evident. In the sixth, he literally picked up Valdez and tossed him onto the canvas.

When Espinoza advised Valdez not to fight when Quigg said refused the morning weigh-in, Valdez – stubborn and determined – said no, he’d fight. From this corner, that was no surprise. The decision to fight was an expression of his brawling instinct and his heart. The purse also had to be a factor. His biggest payday ever hung in the balance.

My question is this: Shouldn’t there be a rule in the books of every state Commission mandating a morning weigh-in if one or both of the fighters in a title bout miss weight the day before? I understand all of the medical reasons for not doing a weigh-in on fight day for every bout. A fighter weakened by a battle to make weight can be a fighter in peril after opening bell. But a fighter with a significant, yet undisclosed weight advantage can put a smaller opponent in danger just as surely as a banned substance. Fighters missing weight is a trend. It’s as if they are using the scale like another PED.

The Japanese Boxing Commission has suspended Mexican bantamweight Luis Nery indefinitely. Nery was at 123 pounds, five heavier than the 118-limit, in his first trip to the scale for a March 1 bout with Shinsuke Yamanaka in Kyoto. Eventually, he got down to 121 and the fight was allowed to go on, although Nery was stripped of the WBC title. Nery went on to stop Yamanaka with four knockdowns in an overwhelming second round. The WBC suspended Nery within days after the bout. The Japanese Commission followed up Wednesday

It’s not clear whether the WBO will act, or even investigate. Valdez won, retained his title and the world moves on. But isn’t it a Commission’s duty to protect the fighters? It’ll be awhile before we know whether Valdez was protected enough to fight on.

Last night’s Top Rank on ESPN saw Oscar Valdez (24-0, 19 KOs) retain his WBO featherweight title against Scott Quigg while fighting under a canopy at the rainy StubHub Center, the famed outdoor boxing venue in Carson, Calif. south of downtown Los Angeles. The telecast includes two of 2018’s top five highest-rated fights on cable television in 2018, according to preliminary audience results from Nielsen. The Valdez vs. Quigg world championship fight aired live and exclusively on ESPN and ESPN Deportes and streamed live on the ESPN App.

Top Things to Know

Last night’s telecast was the highest-rated of the three Top Rank on ESPN telecasts in 2018
Last night’s Top Rank on ESPN featured two of the five highest-rated fights on cable television in 2018
The main event featuring Valdez vs. Quigg averaged a 0.7 metered market rating, while the co-main event featuring undefeated junior lightweights Andy Vences vs. Erick De Leon averaged a 0.8 metered market rating
Top Boxing Overnight Ratings on Cable Television 2018 (By Fight)

Rank

Date

Network

Fight

Metered Market Rating

1

03/10/2018

ESPN

VENCES vs. DE LEON

0.8

1

03/03/2018

SHOWTIME

WILDER vs. ORTIZ

0.8

3

03/10/2018

ESPN

VALDEZ vs. QUIGG

0.7

3

01/27/2018

HBO

MATTHYSSE vs. KIRAM

0.7

3

03/03/2018

HBO

KOVALEV vs. MIKHALKIN

0.7

The next Top Rank on ESPN is this Saturday, March 17 and features top-rated contenders José Ramírez and Amir “Young Man” Imam fighting for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) super lightweight world title. Ramirez vs. Imam will headline a St. Patrick’s Day at The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. The event also features Irish Olympian Michael Conlan (5-0, 4 KO’s), from Belfast, who begins his sophomore professional year exactly where he started his freshman year — at The Garden. The Ramirez vs. Imam world championship event will live and exclusively at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN and stream live on the ESPN App at 6 p.m. ET.

By Norm Frauenheim-

CARSON, Calif. – It was a brutal fight. Not even hours of rain could wash away the evidence on damp canvas. Long after the carnage had ended, it was there, a pool of blood, Oscar Valdez Jr.’s blood.

Valdez won.

He paid, too.

The price for Valdez’ unanimous decision over Scott Quigg Saturday night in front of more puddles than fans at StubHub Center and an ESPN audience was a broken jaw, damaged teeth and a long, nasty cut above one eye.

He was asked to got to the emergency room by paramedics who jumped into the ring almost at the same time as the 117-111, 118-110, 117-111 scorecards were announced. But Valdez, ever stubborn and resilient, said no.

Instead, he celebrated, his trainer Manny Robles said.

“He was laughing,’’ said Robles, who was there at the post-fight to talk for Valdez simply because the WBO’s reigning featherweight fighter just couldn’t.

Laughing at risk and fear.

Laughing at doubts and off the-scale disadvantages. They are there, seemingly always there for Valdez 24-0, 19 KOs). But he faced them and took them down again in a wild ride that for his fans in southern Arizona and Sonora, Mexico, have seen and sometimes endured again.

“He’s a warrior, a Mexican warrior,’’ Robles said.

He is and he’ll have the scars to prove it. Quigg (34-2-2, 25 KOs) put them there like nobody else has with power leveraged by about a seven-pound advantage the UK fighter had at opening bell. Quigg surrendered any chance at taking Valdez’ 126-pound title when he failed to make weight Friday. Quigg was 2.8 pounds above the limit. Then, his management said no to a second weigh-in Saturday morning. There was some talk that maybe the fight was off. In the end, however, the only talk that mattered came from Valdez.

“He made the decision,’’ Robles said.

In effect, Valdez was fighting somebody in one weight class heavier than he was. At opening bell, Quigg was a reported to be 142.2 pounds. Valdez was reported to be at 135.6.

The evident difference in size began to tell in the fourth or fifth round. Valdez’ superior quickness was clear early. But a stalking Quigg began to land big rights after the third.

In the fourth or fifth, one those rights broke Valdez’ jaw. For the next seven to eight rounds, blood poured from his mouth, down his chin and onto that spot on the canvas near his corner.

For the rest of the fight, cut man Miguel Diaz would not take out Valdez’ mouthpiece. The corner was afraid it would not be able to put that piece back into his misshapen, twisted jaw.

It was like his teeth had been moved to one side, ‘’ Robles said.

But nothing about his heart was ever out of place. He fought on. And on. He wasn’t the only one who paid in flesh. So, too, did Quigg, who suffered a suspected broken nose, a bad cut over his left eye and was left with a Frankenstein-look to him after it was all over.

Quigg, too, didn’t come to the post-fight news conference. Instead, his promoter Eddie Hearn was there to speak for him.

“The right man won,’’ Hearn said.

No argument there from anybody.

The only debate is about what’s next — who and when — for Valdez. In an interview for ESPN at the center of the ring in the wake of the fight, Valdez talked about fighting Leo Santa Cruz, or Carl Frampton, or Abner Mares.

Top Rank’s Todd DuBoef kept it short when asked what he wanted Valdez to do next.

“Heal,” said. duBoef who said it best.

Best of the Undercard

Anybody up for a rematch? One between super-featherweights Andy Vences (20-0-1, 12 KOs) and Erick De Leon (17-0-1, 10 KOs) looks inevitable after they fought to a hard-fought majority draw.

The Rest

Liver shots paralyze. Junior-welterweight Alex Saucedo (27-0, 17 KOs) threw one that was accurate and lethal, dropping Abner Lopez (26-1,16 KOs) into a paralyzed heap on a damp canvas at 1:18 of the 7th

Los Angeles junior-welterweight Arnold Barboza Jr. (18-0, 6 KOs) relied on his superior reach, carefully kept his distance and scored a unanimous decision over Michael Reed (23-2, 12 KOs of Maryland.

When it rains, first-round KOs pour: Heavyweight Andy Ruiz scored the fourth first-round stoppage in the first four fights, a landing a right for stoppage of Devin Vargas at 1:38 of the first.

By Norm Farauenheim-

MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif. – If you think it never rains in Southern California and Scott Quigg never misses weight, think again.

Quigg failed to make weight for the first time Friday and showers are expected Saturday night for a featherweight fight against Oscar Valdez Jr. in an outdoor ring at StubHub Center down the freeway in Carson..

Bring an umbrella and leave your assumptions at home. Let’s just say that there is plenty of unpredictability in the forecast. The only sure thing is that Quigg (34-1-1, 25 KOs) won’t be fighting for Valdez’ WBO title. He forfeited that opportunity and $20,000 for being 2.8 pounds heavier than the 126-pound maximum at the weigh-in. Valdez 23-0, 19 KOs), who came in at 125.8, will vacate the WBO title if he loses.

Quigg was not allowed a chance at trying to make weight because of a California rule that prohibits fighters more than two pounds heavier than the limit from returning to the scale.

Quigg apologized to Valdez, his trainer Manny Robles, manager Frank Espinoza and fans jammed into a ballroom for the weigh-in. But it didn’t end with an apology. Robles called the Quigg camp “unprofessional.’’ Then, the Valdez camp asked Quigg to step on the scale for another weigh-in Saturday morning.

Negotiations for the Saturday weigh-in were underway not long after both fighters stepped off the scale for a fight scheduled to be telecast by ESPN (7:35 p.m. PT/10:35 pm ET).

The Valdez corner wanted to be sure that Quigg didn’t add too many pounds through re-hydration during the hours between the formal weigh-in and opening bell. The exact weight under discussion wasn’t clear. However, indications late Friday was that it would be at about 136 pounds.

Further money from Quigg to Valdez was also discussed. But the amount of money under discussion also wasn’t clear.

Immediately after the weigh-in, there were mixed signals whether the Quigg camp would even agree to the morning weigh-in. Quigg promoter Eddie Hearn said it was decided early Friday that the UK featherweight could not cut any more pounds. Hearn said they would go on with the fight, even with out a chance at the belt.

“All the things he usually does, his body wasn’t responding,’’ said Hearn, who said Quigg couldn’t shed the last few pounds during a workout Thursday night. “He would usually lose three or four pounds. He lost one. You have to think about his health. I feel for Scott. He’s devastated. He was in tears. He wanted to challenge for the title. It’s very frustrating.”

Quigg’s failure to make weight would cost him $20,000 penalty. The fine represents 20 percent of the $100,000 contract that was filed with the California Commission. Quigg’ final purse is believed to be much more, perhaps five times as much. It didn’t include UK money, most of which came from a deal with Sky Sports.

The fine, calculated off the number filed with California, will be split two ways — $10,000 for the state and $10,000 for Valdez. It would boost Valdez purse to $430,000 from the $420,000 field with the Commission before Friday’s weigh-in.

“Nothing about this changes anything for what I have to do,’’ said Valdez, a two-time Mexican who went to grade school in Tucson. “I made weight. I did my job in the gym. Now, it’s time fro me to do my job in the ring. I’ll come out with the win. I’m taking that belt back to Mexico with me. ‘’

By Norm Frauenheim-

LOS ANGELES – Oscar Valdez Jr. has watched the video repeatedly. But not to celebrate, even though he got off the deck for the first time in his pro career and won a dramatic decision over Filipino Genesis Servania last September.

Instead, it’s film that provides a lesson plan, a primer on what not to do the next time.

“I watch it and I get mad at myself,’’ Valdez said Thursday, just a couple of days before the next time arrives Saturday night on an ESPN-televised card (7:35 p.m. PT/10:35 p.m. ET) against Scott Quigg at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.

Valdez, a two-time Mexican Olympian who went to grade school in Tucson, studies the film and sees mistakes that could cost him an unbeaten record and his WBO title. It doesn’t take long for a sloppy student to become a former champion.

“We went back to work, back into the gym and went back and forth on the mistakes,’’ said Valdez (23-0, 19 KOs), whose instinctive aggressiveness often left him with hands down and vulnerable to big shots from Servania. “We worked hard to correct them. I‘m excited.’’

Excited, perhaps, to prove that he’s still evolving. Excited, too, to test that process against a Freddie Roach-trained featherweight who many believe is Valdez’ greatest threat. Quigg (34-1-2, 25 KO) is tough and tested. His lone loss was by split decision to Carl Frampton. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, is surprised that Valdez and his promoter, Top Rank’s Bob Arum, agreed to fight Quigg.

“I was shocked,’’ Hearn said at a news conference in downtown Los Angeles. “They could have picked somebody easier,’’

Quigg delivered a quick follow-up, saying he would make sure that they would regret picking him.

It all sets up an intriguing clash at 126 pounds in an outdoor ring and on a night when there’s rain in the forecast. It never rains in Southern California, or at last that was a popular song in the early 1970s. Quigg grew up in the UK, where it always rains. He had his own lyric.

“I’ll be dancing in the rain,’’ Quigg said.

But Valdez trainer Manny Robles doesn’t need a weather map. He has already seen a lot of Quigg.

Valdez and Quigg sparred about a year ago. Valdez was training for his unanimous decision over Miguel Marriaga in another back-and-forth battle on April 22, also at StubHub. Robles recalls twelve rounds over two sessions.

“It was good,’’ Robles said. “Oscar did well.’’

So, who won the sparring? Robles wouldn’t say. At least, he didn’t name the winner. But his answer hinted at a forecast all his own for Saturday .

“I don’t think you you need me to tell you who won the sparring,’’ said Robles, who trained Valdez for Quigg at a camp in Mexican mountains near Guadalajara. “I don’t you need me to tell you why we didn’t think twice about taking this fight.’’

LOS ANGELES (March 1, 2018) – World Boxing Organization (WBO) Featherweight champion Oscar Valdez (23-0, 19 KOs) met the media Thursday afternoon at Legendz Boxing Gym, where he worked out in preparation for his fourth title defense against veteran Scott Quigg, Saturday, March 10, at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.

He recently returned to California following training camp in Guadalajara, Mexico, where he trained at more 5,000 feet above sea level and lived in a room above the gym. Along with manager Frank Espinoza and his stablemates, Valdez enjoyed the training camp calm before the storm.

“It was a perfect training camp. I’m already close to weight, so I’m ready to go,” Valdez said. “At training camp in Guadalajara, we were pretty much living in the gym. I didn’t have to stay here in California, where I had an hour or more drive to the gym. We put in the extra hours in the gym.”

Also appearing at the media day was Quigg’s trainer, Freddie Roach, and the pride of Central California, Jose Ramirez, who will be fighting Amir Imam for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Lightweight title on Saturday, March 17, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Matchroom Boxing, remaining tickets for the Valdez vs. Quigg world championship event are priced at $206, $104, $53 and 27.50, including facility fees, and can be purchased online at AXS.com, by phone at (888) 9AXS-TIX, or by visiting the StubHub Center box office.

The Valdez vs. Quigg world championship event will be televised live and exclusively at 10:30 p.m. EST on ESPN and ESPN Deportes and streaming live on the ESPN App.

The Ramirez vs. Imam world championship event will be televised live and exclusively at 8 p.m. EST on ESPN and ESPN Deportes.

This is what the fighters and their trainers had to say.

Oscar Valdez

“I’m ready. I’m more anxious than anything. I’ve been ready for a long time.”

“When I was a kid, I used to watch fighters like Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera. I looked up to them. When I hear people say I’m an action fighter or a fighter they like to see, it makes me feel great. I want to carry the Mexican flag and be considered a warrior inside the ring that gives the fans great fights.”

“I’m going to keep working hard and give the people what they want, which are great fights.”

Freddie Roach (Trainer, Scott Quigg)

“Oscar Valdez is a good young fighter, but I think Quigg is better.”

“This is a perfect stepping stone for Scott to get a rematch with Carl Frampton and become world champion once again. Carl got lucky and broke Scott’s jaw in the first round. That won’t happen again. But right now, we’re not concerned with Frampton. We’re focusing on beating Oscar.”

“Scott is one of the best-conditioned fighters I have worked with, and it’s great working with fighters like him and Pacquiao.”

“Oscar says he’ll knock Scott out. I hope he believes that because if he comes forward and tries to knock Scott out, then Scott is going to put him on his ass.”

Manny Robles (Trainer, Oscar Valdez)

“Oscar is trying to be the best fighter out there, be remembered like Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales, and have his name go down in history.”

“Oscar is a crowd-pleaser. He likes to give the people what they want. He’s trying so hard to be one of the premier Mexican champions.”

“Oscar is happier than ever. He’s more relaxed and focused than he has ever been.”

“We found ourselves in a great situation with training camp in Guadalajara, Mexico. I couldn’t have asked for a better camp We had altitude training at more than 5,000 feet above sea level, and private facilities. We lived there, we trained there, and we had great sparring.”

“We have Scott Quigg in front of us, and that’s the only thing we’re thinking about right now.”

Jose Ramirez

“I had a tremendous training camp, sparring with very good fighters, some undefeated Russian guys who helped get me in great condition.”

“Imam has a good right hand. He’s a skillful fighter with a good jab, but I’m focused on what I’m able to do. “

“For me as a fighter, I’m always focused on the fight at hand and not worrying about the future. I think, after this fight, the sky is the limit. It will be possible to get 30,000 or 40,000 people in the stands at the football stadium in Fresno, California.”

“The fans in Central California see a little bit of me in them, the way I stand up with them and fight for the {California Latino Water Coalition} and immigration. I travel to the capital and talk to assembly members to try and get a reservoir built so we can have a better future for farming and water. I can be a voice for the people.”

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CARSON, CALIF. (January 17, 2018) — Undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight world champion ÓSCAR VALDEZ, the man who swims with a fully-grown pet alligator, will begin the third year of his championship reign by defending his title against former World Boxing Association (WBA) super bantamweight world champion and current No. 2 world-rated featherweight contender SCOTT QUIGG. For Valdez (23-0, 19 KOs), of Nogales, Mexico, this will be his fourth title defense since winning it in 2016. Quigg (34-1-2, 25 KOs), of Lancashire, England, will be making his U.S. debut. The Valdez vs. Quigg world championship fight will take place Saturday, March 10, under the stars at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. It will be televised live and exclusively at 10:30 p.m. EST on ESPN and ESPN Deportes and stream live on the ESPN App. Additional fights on the live telecast will be announced shortly.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Matchroom Boxing, tickets go on sale Today! Wednesday, January 17, at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT. Priced at $206, $104, $53 and 27.50, including facility fees, they can be purchased online at AXS.com, by phone at (888) 9AXS-TIX, or by visiting the StubHub Center box office.

The all-action undercard will feature undefeated WBC Continental Americas super featherweight champion Andy Vences (20-0, 12 KOs), of San Jose, Calif; top-three world-rated junior welterweight contender Alex Saucedo (26-0, 16 KOs), of Oklahoma City; 2016 U.S. Olympian and three-time U.S. Amateur Champion Mikaela Mayer (3-0, 2 KOs), of Los Angeles; and 2012 Olympic silver medalist and middleweight contender Esquiva Falcäo (19-0, 13 KOs), of Vitoria, Brasil.

“I know that my March 10 world title defense against Scott Quigg will be a fun one for all the boxing fans because our styles combine perfectly to make a real war,” said Valdez. “As usual, on March 10, I will leave it all in the ring at StubHub Center, to show everyone that I’m one of the best featherweights in the world”

“This is a fight that I’m really looking forward to. It’s a great fight,” said Quigg. “I have a lot of respect for Oscar and his team. We’ve been in the gym together in the past, helping each other prepare for a fight. They are good people. I’ve been in training for four weeks already and now I’ve just linked up with Freddie Roach to begin the last eight weeks of camp. This is a great opportunity for me — making my U.S. debut on a great platform on ESPN — and I’m confident on March 10 I’ll become World champion again.”

“Oscar Valdez has passed every in-ring test with flying colors, but the biggest test of his professional career will take place on March 10 against Scott Quigg, who like Oscar, rarely leaves a fight in the hands of the judges. The fans watching at StubHub and live across ESPN’s platforms are in for an exciting night and a sensational card, which will be announced shortly,” said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum,.

“I’m delighted to get this fight made – I feel it’s one of the best fights in the division right now,” said Quigg’s promoter Eddie Hearn. “Both guys like to come forward and throw aggressive combinations and I do not believe we will hear the final bell. What I do believe is that on March 10 Scott Quigg will become a two-weight World Champion in a fight of the year contender, live on ESPN”

“We’re very excited for the fight against Quigg. This fight will further showcase Oscar’s skills and will demonstrate that he is a star,” said Frank Espinoza, manager of Valdez. “Oscar is one of the best in the world and against Quigg he’ll prove it once again.”

Valdez, who represented México in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, was the first Mexican fighter to qualify for two Olympic games. He is considered one of the bright lights of the featherweight division and a new face for boxing’s next generation. He will be making the fourth defense of the world title he won on July 23, 2016 via a second-round knockout of undefeated No. 2 rated Matías Rueda. Rueda entered that fight having won his previous 10 bouts by stoppage. In his first defense, which took place, on November 5, 2016, Valdez blasted out No. 1 contender Hiroshige Osawa via a seventh-round TKO. On April 22, in his 2017 debut, his first pay-per-view event that featured him in the main event, Valdez went toe-to toe for 12 rounds with No. 1 contender Miguel Marriaga, winning a unanimous decision. Marriaga, a three-time world title challenger, went into that fight having won 15 of his previous 19 bouts by way of knockout. In his most recent fight, on September 22, he again went mano a mano in a 12-rounder that had the fans on their feet throughout the fight. This time Valdez won a unanimous decision over Genesis Servania, the No. 4 world-rated contender.

Quigg, who has fought all but once in his native England, is trained by Hall of Famer Freddie Roach. After capturing the WBA interim super bantamweight world title in 2012 and making one successful title defense that same year, he was elevated to WBA super bantamweight world champion in 2013. Quigg successfully defended that world title six times, four of them by way of knockout during his three-year reign. He lost the title via a split decision to International Boxing Federation (IBF) championCarl Frampton in a 2016 title unification bout. Since that fight, Quigg has moved up to the featherweight division and won his past three fights, including a 12-round featherweight title elimination bout against Simion Viorel. Quigg is currently world-rated No. 2 by the IBF and No. 4 by the WBA.

For more information visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing,facebook.com/espndeportes; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, @ESPN @ESPNBoxeo

@ESPNDeportes. Use the hashtag #ValdezQuigg to join the conversation on Twitter.

Former WBA Super-Bantamweight king Quigg served notice of his intent to top the world once again when he dispatched Oleg Yefimovich in clinical fashion in six rounds in Monaco in November in his second fight at his new weight.

The 29 year old faces a tough task to get back to the summit in the form of undefeated Valdez, the Mexican making the fourth defence of the title he landed in in 2016, but Quigg is working hard in Los Angeles with trainer Freddie Roach to find the formula to beat a fighter he knows well and respects.

“This is a fight that I’m really looking forward to. It’s a great fight,” said Quigg. “I have a lot of respect for Oscar and his team. We’ve been in the gym together in the past, helping each other prepare for a fight. They are good people.

“I’ve been in training for four weeks already and now I’ve just linked up with Freddie Roach to begin the last eight weeks of camp. This is a great opportunity for me — making my U.S. debut on a great platform on ESPN – and I’m confident on March 10 I’ll become World champion again.”

“I know that my World title defence against Scott Quigg will be a fun one for all the boxing fans because our styles combine perfectly to make a real war,” said Valdez. “As usual, on March 10, I will leave it all in the ring at StubHub Center, to show everyone that I’m one of the best featherweights in the world”

“Oscar Valdez has passed every in-ring test with flying colours, but the biggest test of his professional career will take place on March 10 against Scott Quigg, who like Oscar, rarely leaves a fight in the hands of the judges. The fans watching at StubHub and live across ESPN’s platforms are in for an exciting night and a sensational card, which will be announced shortly,” said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum.

“I’m delighted to get this fight made – I feel it’s one of the best fights in the division right now,” said Quigg’s promoter Eddie Hearn. “Both guys like to come forward and throw aggressive combinations and I do not believe we will hear the final bell. What I do believe is that on March 10 Scott Quigg will become a two-weight World Champion in a fight of the year contender, live on ESPN”

“We’re very excited for the fight against Quigg. This fight will further showcase Oscar’s skills and will demonstrate that he is a star,” said Frank Espinoza, manager of Valdez. “Oscar is one of the best in the world and against Quigg he’ll prove it once again.”

Valdez, who represented México in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, was the first Mexican fighter to qualify for two Olympic games. He is considered one of the bright lights of the Featherweight division and a new face for boxing’s next generation. He will be making the fourth defence of the world title he won on July 23, 2016 via a second-round knockout of undefeated No. 2 rated Matías Rueda. Rueda entered that fight having won his previous 10 bouts by stoppage. In his first defence, which took place, on November 5, 2016, Valdez blasted out No. 1 contender Hiroshige Osawa via a seventh-round TKO. On April 22, in his 2017 debut, his first pay-per-view event that featured him in the main event, Valdez went toe-to toe for 12 rounds with No. 1 contender Miguel Marriaga, winning a unanimous decision. Marriaga, a three-time world title challenger, went into that fight having won 15 of his previous 19 bouts by way of knockout. In his most recent fight, on September 22, he again went mano a mano in a 12-rounder that had the fans on their feet throughout the fight. This time Valdez won a unanimous decision over Genesis Servania, the No. 4 world-rated contender.

Quigg, who has fought all but once in his native England, is trained by Hall of Roach. After capturing the WBA interim super bantamweight world title in 2012 and making one successful title defence that same year, he was elevated to WBA super bantamweight world champion in 2013. Quigg successfully defended that world title six times, four of them by way of knockout during his three-year reign. He lost the title via a split decision to IBF champion Carl Frampton in a 2016 title unification bout. Since that fight, Quigg has moved up to the Featherweight division and won his past three fights, including a 12-round Featherweight title elimination bout against Simion Viorel. Quigg is currently world-rated No. 2 by the IBF and No. 4 by the WBA.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Matchroom Boxing, tickets go on sale Tomorrow! Wednesday, January 17, at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT. Priced at $206, $104, $53 and 27.50, including facility fees, they can be purchased online at AXS.com, by phone at (888) 9AXS-TIX, or by visiting the StubHub Center box office.

The all-action undercard will feature undefeated WBC Continental Americas super featherweight champion Andy Vences (20-0, 12 KOs), of San Jose, Calif; top-three world-rated junior welterweight contender Alex Saucedo (26-0, 16 KOs), of Oklahoma City; 2016 U.S. Olympian and three-time U.S. Amateur Champion Mikaela Mayer (3-0, 2 KOs), of Los Angeles; and 2012 Olympic silver medallist and middleweight contender Esquiva Falcäo (19-0, 13 KOs), of Vitoria, Brazil.

A deal for a fight that would pit WBO Featherweight champion Oscar Valdez and former beltholder Scott Quigg for March 10 in Carson, California is close to being finalized according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

Shortly after ESPN’s story was initially published, Quigg Promoter Eddie Hearn acknowledged that the deal was close, writing on his Twitter account, “I see the news (is) breaking. Correct — we are close to finalizing a deal for Scott Quigg to face Oscar Valdez for the world title. Hopefully (we will) get it over the line. Will be an unbelievable fight!”

Quigg held the WBA Bantamweight crown over six fights before losing out to Belfast rival Carl Frampton and the 29 year old has since moved to Los Angeles to team up with legendary trainer Freddie Roach, landing their first win together in April against Viorel Simion at Wembley Stadium.

Quigg is honing his skills in the Wild Card Gym with the hall of fame coach and they were ringside when WBA Super king Leo Santa Cruz and regular champion Abner Mares were in action in California two weeks ago, where both men won via stoppage.

Yefimovych is ranked at number four in the WBA so a win for Quigg puts him right in the mix for a World title clash in 2018 – and with the stakes high, Quigg knows it’s going to be a hard night’s work.

“I’m expecting a tough fight from Oleg,” said Quigg. “I know I’ve got a tough fight in front of me but it’s one I’m very confident in with the work I’m putting in and how I’m looking in the gym. Oleg’s highly ranked in the WBA so it’s going to shoot me right up there. I’ve never boxed in Monte Carlo so it’s another new experience and one I am looking forward to.

“The fights I want are Abner Mares, Santa Cruz. I believe they’re going to be fighting early March or sometime in April, I’d love the winner of that. I want to be involved in big fights, like the big fight with Carl Frampton.”

A rematch with Frampton is a fight that Quigg would also love, and like Quigg, ‘The Jackal’ has recently made a training switch from Shane McGuigan to Jamie Moore.

“I made some big changes,” said Quigg. “I needed to make them big changes and I felt the benefits of it.

“It’s good to have something different, Freddie has unrivalled experience and teaming up with him was only ever going to improve me. I’ve been getting back to my boxing with Freddie, getting behind the jab and simplifying things. It’s all been about letting my skills flow and not smothering my work, and that will let my natural power work. I’ve been learning every day and most importantly, I’m happy.

“I have no doubt Carl will be the same. He’s been with the McGuigans for a long time and sometimes you just need a change.

“I do think the change will benefit him, it will do him good. The main thing is you’ve got to enjoy training. If you’re not enjoying it, you might as well walk away.

“He’s changed his trainer, he’s changed his team, and it might give him that spark back that he was lacking.

“I came up short but I believe I’ve made massive improvements already, learned from that. Those are the fights I want to be involved in. Anybody who’s got a World title at 126lbs, they are the fights I want to be involved in.

“I believe I can beat him, so I would love that fight, but there is Leo Santa Cruz, Abner Mares, Oscar Valdez, Lee Selby. I want to be involved in any of those big fights. On my day, I turn up 100 per cent, I believe I can beat every one of them.

“He’s the only person to beat me, so obviously I want a rematch. If it didn’t happen it would be through no fault of me not wanting it. I want to put the record straight.”

Quigg and Yefimovych clash on a stacked bill in Monte-Carlo topped by a pair of World title battles with Russian destroyer Dmitry Bivol making the first defence of his WBA Light-Heavyweight strap against Australian Trent Broadhurst while Jamie McDonnell and Liborio Solis return to Monte-Carlo for a rematch for McDonnell’s WBA Bantamweight crown and Agit Kabayel defends his European Heavyweight title against Londoner Dereck Chisora.

Light-Heavyweight star Dmitry Bivol and the rematch between Jamie McDonnell and Liborio Solis for McDonnell’s WBA World Bantamweight title top the Monte-Carlo Boxing Bonanza – a night of World Championship Boxing in the prestigious Salle Médecin of the Casino de Monte-Carlo on Saturday November 4, live on Sky Sports.

The Bivol vs. Broadhurst Light-Heavyweight title showdown will be televised in the U.S. on HBO Boxing After Dark.

Bivol defends his WBA title against Australian Trent Broadhurst with the exciting 26 year old looking to add another KO to his impressive record. The Russian’s fearsome reputation continues to grow and picked up the crown in just his seventh pro fight, and has wowed crowds in his homeland and the US, and will be out to impress in his first fight in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

Broadhurst has been on a fine run of his own though, and the 29 year old Queenslander is aiming to add to the feel-good factor in boxing Down Under and take his golden opportunity with both hands.
McDonnell and Solis shared a great fight in Monte-Carlo last November with the Doncaster ace holding onto his crown by a slender margin on points against a spirited challenge from the Venezuelan, one that earned Solis an immediate return – but McDonnell expects to be a clear winner second time round with the carrot of some big domestic bouts dangling in front of him.

More huge names appear on the bill as Scott Quigg faces Oleg Yefimovich in an eliminator for the WBA World Featherweight title. Quigg is back in the hunt for World honours and in his second fight with new trainer Freddie Roach, he believes a strong win over the highly rated Ukrainian will put him in pole position for a World title tilt in 2018.

The bill is completed by controversial Heavyweight star Dereck Chisora aiming to become a two-time European champion when he challenges Agit Kabayel for the European belt. Chisora landed the title in September 2013 after stopping Edmund Gerber and surrendered it to Tyson Fury, also challenging Kubrat Pulev for the strap in May 2016, and ‘Del Boy’ is looking to take the crown from Kabayel who defends for the first time after winning the strap in February.

“We are delighted to be back in Monaco for an incredible evening of World Championship Boxing live on Sky Sports in the UK and HBO across America,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “I’m excited to watch Dmitry Bivol, one of the most exciting young fighters in World boxing and of course to see the World title rematch of Jamie McDonnell vs. Liborio Solis after their last close encounter.

“Former World champ Scott Quigg has one of the toughest tests in his career so far against the highly ranked Yefimovich and Heavyweight Dereck Chisora is in an all-out war with current European Champion Agit Kabayel. This is a special event in a special place and we can’t wait to take the Sky Sports and HBO cameras to Monaco on November.”

“Welcoming the Monte-Carlo Boxing Bonanza in our private gaming room dating from 1910 is an exclusive and unique experience for our clients and players,” says Pascal Camia Director of Gaming, Monte-Carlo SBM. “As it can only be lived in the Casino de Monte-Carlo, I am sure they will remember it forever!”

Quigg returns to the UK to fight for the first time under new trainer Freddie Roach, and his clash with the Romanian now takes on even more importance following the IBF’s move.

Simion is ranked at number four in the IBF, one place ahead of the Bury ace, and the winner would take the two spot, and if Selby’s mandatory challenger Jonathan Barros is unavailable to fight the Welshman, then Saturday’s winner will meet Selby next.

“It’s a great opportunity for Scott and with the uncertainty over Jonathan Barros it’s very likely that the winner in Saturday will have to fight Lee Selby next,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “It’s a fight Scott is targeting and one he would jump at so Saturday’s win now becomes even more vital.”

Quigg’s clash with Simion is part of a historic night of action on the sold-out blockbuster battle between IBF king Joshua and former lineal World ruler Klitschko, with the WBA and IBO straps also up for grabs, Luke Campbell MBE and Darleys Perez clash for the number one spot in the WBA, Irish sensation Katie Taylor faces Nina Meinke for the WBA Inter-Continental Lightweight title and World title eliminator and Team GB Rio Olympians Lawrence Okolie, Joe Cordina and Josh Kelly will draw lots to see who kicks off the historic night.

Joshua vs. Klitschko is live and exclusive on Sky Sports Box Office. To book visit www.skysports.com/joshua

Quigg boxes at Featherweight for the second time having landed the WBA International title in his first fight at his new weight in December in Manchester with a ninth round stoppage.

Wembley Stadium represents another first for Quigg as he has future hall of fame trainer Freddie Roach in his corner for the first time as he takes on Simion.

The Romanian has just the one blemish on the record from his last trip to the UK, where he severely tested Lee Selby over 12 rounds in Hull in 2013, and the 35 year old is ranked number five in the IBF having picked up and defended the International title last year.

Former WBA Super-Bantamweight king Quigg is gunning for a shot at becoming a two-weight World champion, and he believes that a big win in his first ever stadium fight will put him at the front of the queue.

“This is a fight I’m really looking forward to,” said Quigg. “It’s my first fight working with Freddie and training team and it’s a fight that will catapult me right in the mix for a World title fight.

“Simion is an experienced, skilful and strong fighter and his only blemish on his record is against the current IBF champion Lee Selby, who he pushed all the way. I’m expecting and preparing for a very tough fight but one I’m very confident in and expect to put in the best performance of my career and put myself in line for shot at one of the champions.

“Training camp couldn’t be going any better. The switch out to L.A has been a breath of fresh air. The change of environment working with Freddie and the quality of sparring has really freshened things up and I’m excited to show the improvements made on such a massive platform at Wembley Stadium.”

Quigg’s desire to box for world honours at 126lbs could be boosted ahead of the fight as his promoter Eddie Hearn is looking to get the bout official eliminator status.

“This is a great fight for Scott and the last hurdle before he hunts his second World title,” said Hearn. “Simion gave Selby a great fight on our Hull show a few years back and is an all action fighter that will bring the heat on April 29.

“Because of both fighters’ rankings, we are looking to apply to the WBA or the IBF to make this fight an official eliminator for the World title and if victorious I expect Scott’s next fight to be for a Featherweight World crown.”

Quigg’s clash with Simion is the first undercard fight confirmed for the sold-out blockbuster battle between IBF king Joshua and former lineal World ruler Klitschko, with the WBA and IBO straps also up for grabs.

The former WBA Super-Bantamweight World champion and current WBA Featherweight International title holder made the decision after consultation with old trainer Joe Gallagher and both parties have agreed to part company on amicable terms.

The 28 year old stepped up to 126lbs in style in December, delivering a stunning ninth round KO of Jose Cayetano in Manchester to announce his intentions at his new weight, and Quigg heads to LA this week to begin work under future Hall of Fame trainer Roach as he targets a World title shot in the summer.

“After six years of working together I announce my departure from Joe Gallagher,” said Quigg. “We have been a great team and achieved a lot and had some great wins together.

“I have moved up to Featherweight with the goal of becoming a two-weight World champion and believe I need a fresh challenge to help me grow. Over the last few weeks I’ve been in America training and I’m delighted to announce I will be basing myself in Los Angeles at the Wild Card gym working under the guidance of Freddie Roach.

“This is an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up and I believe this move and change will take me to another level. I’d like to thank Joe for everything he has done for me; he is a tremendous coach and friend, which we will remain. Our first fight together was for the British title and I went on to become world champion under his guidance and for that I will be forever grateful. I wish Joe and all the lads every success in the future.”

Quigg returns to action after recovering from a broken jaw in his keenly fought World Super-Bantamweight unification battle with Carl Frampton in the same arena in February.

The Bury star is looking to get back into the World title frame and will be keen to make a big impact up at Featherweight as he tracks down a rematch with Frampton and hunts another potential domestic World championship rival in Welsh IBF king Lee Selby.

Cayetano will be out to spoil Quigg’s return and hand back to back defeats to the hometown favourite. The Mexican has mixed in top company having taken Leo Santa Cruz the distance on the undercard of the Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao blockbuster and enters the bout full of confidence having beaten Alexis Santiago in Las Vegas in September.

“It’s great to be back,” said Quigg. “It’s been a long road. The biggest fight of my career didn’t go my way in February and I’ve had a broken jaw that’s kept me out of the gym for a long time. Everyone knows that I love to be in the gym, working and learning, so it’s been really tough. I’m back to living the life I love and I can’t wait to be back in the ring where I belong.

“The four pounds is a lot to play with when you are big for the weight. I was still making Super-Bantamweight and making it safely because of how I live my life, but it was getting harder. Sometimes I was training in the gym and I was miserable, I wasn’t eating as much and I was snappy.

“With the extra four pounds I’ve been able to let my body mature instead of holding it back and I am happier in the gym, laughing and joking but still putting in the hard work. I always say a happy fighter is a dangerous fighter, I feel I am going from strength to strength as I’m in the gym with a smile on my face.

“Jose has mixed in good company, taken Santa Cruz the distance and he’s coming off a good win against Santiago. This is a very good fight coming back from a broken jaw. I am not taking this lightly at all, I’ve watched him a lot, he knows what he’s doing, he’s cute, and it’s a fight that I have to put in a top performance in and that’s what I am aiming to do.

“I feel like I’m ready to be let off the leash now, it’s been so long out and I have to thank Anthony Joshua and Eddie for giving me the chance to come back on such a big show, it’s the perfect platform for me, straight back in front of a packed arena and worldwide media so I can show them what I am about.

“The Manchester Arena is my home. I’ve had some great nights there and there are more to come. It doesn’t faze me that it’s where I fell short on the biggest night of my career, I want to go back and kick-off those good memories again and start the ball rolling at Featherweight.

“I want to be linked with Carl Frampton and Lee Selby because if I am not linked with them, I’m doing something wrong. It’s no secret that I want a rematch with Carl and I would love to fight Lee too.

“I want to avenge the loss against Carl, which I believe I can do, and I want to become a two-weight World champion and that means fighting title holders like Lee. I’ve got to go out there and get back to winning ways first though, and then those fights will happen. It’s down to me to go out there and prove I’m going to land those fights and beat those guys. I believe I am the best, I had a night last time bit if I keep winning, those big World title fights will come back once again and the results will go my way.”

Quigg’s return against Cayetano is part of a huge night of action in Manchester as Anthony Joshua MBE defends his IBF World Heavyweight title against Eric Molina.

Dillian Whyte faces bitter London rival Dereck Chisora in an official eliminator for the WBC Heavyweight title and fellow Heavyweights Luis Ortiz and Dave Allen also clash.

Kal Yafai can become Birmingham’s first World champion but the unbeaten 27 year old faces a tough task to rip the WBA Super-Flyweight title against Luis Concepcion, the two-weight World champion that will enter the ring in his 11th World title outing.

Irish amateur sensation Katie Taylor boxes for the second time in the paid ranks after making her pro debut at The SSE Arena, Wembley on November 26, Callum Smith defends his British Super-Middleweight title against Luke Blackledge and Hosea Burton will defend his British Light-Heavyweight title against Frank Buglioni.

Limited tickets remain on from http://www.manchester-arena.com/ and on 0844 847 8000 VIP tickets are £800 and available exclusively from Matchroom Boxing www.matchroomboxing.com.

Face value tickets for December 10 are also be available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

Anthony Joshua MBE is set to defend his IBF World Heavyweight title against Eric Molina at the Manchester Arena on December 10, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and on SHOWTIME in the US.

Joshua puts his crown on the line for the second time and fights his third American in a row having destroyed Charles Martin inside two rounds to rip the title from the St Louis man in April at The O2 in London and then stopping Dominic Breazeale in the seventh round at the same venue in June, extending his unbeaten run in the paid ranks to 17 wins, all inside the distance.

Molina becomes the latest man to attempt to derail the Olympic Gold medal hero, the Texan is looking to get his hands on the top prize in his second World title tilt after challenging Deontay Wilder for the WBC crown in June 2015. The 34 year old enters the bout full of confidence after travelling to Poland and knocking out Tomasz Adamek in the tenth round of their clash for the IBF Inter-Continental strap in April.

“I am pleased that everything is now set for December 10 and I can concentrate on getting the business done in the ring,” said Joshua. “There has been plenty of talk about who I may face but all I’m doing is concentrating on finishing Molina in style and putting on a great show.

“Every fight is dangerous in this division and this is no exception. I saw Molina have a great fight with Wilder and he is now coming off a strong KO win against Adamek in Poland.

“I’m expecting this to be the toughest fight of my career so far and I will be ready for an all-out war.”

“There is no Heavyweight in the world that has bounced back like I have,” said Molina. “That’s the man that Joshua faces on December 10 and that man is a very dangerous one.

“He’ll fight the toughest Molina that anybody has ever seen, just like Adamek fought the toughest Molina.

“I’m confident. These type of fights don’t shake me up, I’m a very strong mental fighter. I know exactly what I’ve got to do to prepare myself in the amount of time. I know exactly what I’ve got to do, mentally, physically, to go there and perform.

“When you walk out into the atmosphere, half the battle is the mental battle, and if you can stay in the moment mentally you have a shot in any fight.”

There’s a huge card in support of the main event as Dillian Whyte defends his British Heavyweight title against bitter London rival Dereck Chisora in an official eliminator for the WBC title. Whyte makes the second defence of his strap after seeing off fellow Brixton man Ian Lewison in Glasgow last month, while former World title challenger Chisora can get his hands on the Lord Lonsdale belt for the second time.

Scott Quigg returns to action after treatment on his broken jaw following his unification blockbuster with Carl Frampton, and the Bury star moves up to Featherweight as he looks to regain his status as a World champion.

Kal Yafai can become Birmingham’s first World champion but the unbeaten 27 year old faces a tough task to rip the WBA Super-Flyweight title against Luis Concepcion, the two-weight World champion that will enter the ring in his 11th World title outing.

Irish amateur sensation Katie Taylor boxes for the second time in the paid ranks after making her pro debut at The SSE Arena, Wembley on November 26, Heavyweight wrecking ball ‘King Kong’ Luis Ortiz fights in Europe for the second time after clashing with Malik Scott in Monte-Carlo on November 12 and Hosea Burton will defend his British Light-Heavyweight title against Frank Buglioni.

“The Heavyweight division has been turned on its head in the last few months and while many are standing still waiting, I’m delighted to get this huge card up and running in Manchester,” said promoter Eddie Hearn.

“I have spoken to Eric Molina at length and I know this is going to be a big test for Anthony. We saw in the Wilder fight that he can punch and doesn’t give in and is coming off a strong knockout win against Adamek in his back yard in Poland. We have requested an exception from the IBF for this fight and although the plans are for a major unification in the spring this fight requires Anthony’s full focus.

“The card is one of the strongest we have produced, supported by a huge all-British Heavyweight grudge match between Dillian Whyte and Dereck Chisora which will be an official eliminator for the WBC World title.

“We are delighted to see the return of Scott Quigg who will now campaign at Featherweight and Birmingham’s Kal Yafai has a chance to make history in a brutal fight against World champion Luis Concepcion.

“One of the most exciting Heavyweights in world boxing Luis Ortiz will feature and Ireland’s Katie Taylor will continue to break the mould in front of a sold out 21,000 crowd. The re-scheduled British Light-Heavyweight clash between Hosea Burton and Frank Buglioni is sure to produce fireworks and there will also be further names added in the following weeks.”

Tickets go on sale to Matchroom Boxing Fight Pass members at midday on Thursday November 3 from the Fight Pass members via this link: bit.ly/JoshuaMolina. Tickets are priced at £40, £60, £80, £100, £150, £200, £300 and £500, with Inner Ringside VIP tickets priced at £800 – due to the high demand for the event, tickets are capped at FOUR per Fight Pass member.

Tickets go on general sale at midday on Friday November 4. Tickets priced £40 to £500 will be available from http://www.manchester-arena.com/ and on 0844 847 8000 VIP tickets are £800 and available exclusively from Matchroom Boxing www.matchroomboxing.com.

Face value tickets for December 10 are also be available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

Vladimir Tikhonov, rated No 9 by the WBA, and No 13 by WBO, has put word out that he’s ready, willing and more than able to rumble with the best and brightest in the super bantamweight division.

Scott Quigg, “let’s get it on”, he is calling the former WBA champion out, through promoter Dmitriy Salita.

Guillermo Rigondeaux, “I respect your skills but don’t believe you are invincible”, is Tikhonov’s message for the Cuban sweet scientist.

Nonito Donaire, “If you take care of business Nov. 5 against Jessie Magdaleno then how about you step to the line against me,”, said the 15-0 (8 KOs) Russian.

“Tikhonov is a big, strong super bantamweight who knows how to use his height, reach and power,” Salita said of the southpaw pugilist tutored by Igor Shafer in St Petersburg, Russia. “Vladimir is very well schooled and wants to fight the best fighters in the division. Russia is producing lots of top notch fighters, contenders and world champions. I feel that Vladimir has the skills and experience to be the new face in the super bantamweight division!”

The 26 year-old Tikhonov got it done in his last outing against 40-4 Mikhail Krivolapov. Salita has proven himself to be judicious talent spotter, no surprise since he’s been to the mountain top himself, as a standout at 140 pounds, with a 35-2-1 record at junior welterweight/welterweight. “This Russian is ready to rock and makes heads roll at super bantamweight,” Salita said. “He can finish out this year with a bang and climb even higher in 2017!”

LONDON (9 JUNE) Former British, Commonwealth and European super-bantamweight champion Kid Galahad is back. He’s back in the ring, he’s back on the hunt for titles and he’s back chasing domestic rivals.

On July 9 at the Manchester Arena, Galahad, as part of the undercard to Tyson Fury’s world heavyweight title blockbuster with Wladimir Klitschko, looks to follow up a routine April comeback win and once again put the super-bantamweight division on notice.

“The opponent in April (Simas Volosinas) wasn’t the best but it felt good to be back,” says Galahad, who’d been out the ring for 19 months. “It felt like I’d been away on holiday for a very long time and then came home and everything was nice and comfortable. You’re back in your old bed, you’re surrounded by home comforts. It felt right. It felt like that’s where I should be.”

Though unable to compete for the best part of two years, Galahad, a product of Sheffield’s Wincobank gym, stayed disciplined and in shape and trained as if it was the only option available to him.

“I just got on with it,” says Galahad, having recently returned from a week at John Severs’ Vista Boxing Gym in La Nucia, Spain. “Things like this happen in life and you have to deal with it.

“People are sometimes out for two or three years through injury. They can’t train or do anything for a lot of that time. But my situation wasn’t like that. I was still able to keep ticking over. Even the great Muhammad Ali was out the ring for three years and he came back to do amazing things.

“I didn’t go on lads’ holidays or start messing around and drinking. I didn’t do any of that. I just stayed in the gym and kept training and developing as a fighter.

“When I get back fighting top opposition, you’ll see all the stuff I’ve been working on. I didn’t let that time go to waste. I’ve progressed a lot.

“If anything, I feel better now than I did two years ago. I feel more developed and more rounded as a fighter.

“I want to be fighting for titles again as soon as possible. I know I have to build myself back up, and go through a couple of routine fights, but, if you ask me, I’m ready for titles now. If you’ve been there once, you can get there again.”

Once back in the title mix or, indeed, in possession of a belt or two, Galahad, 26, hopes to lure either Carl Frampton or Scott Quigg into a lucrative, all-British dust-up.

“For any of us to make big money, we all have to fight each other,” he explains. “There are no other big fights in these lower weight-classes. The fights in the UK between UK fighters are the fights that make sense right now.

“We’ll have to see what happens with Carl Frampton. He’s moved to featherweight and is about to fight Leo Santa Cruz. I don’t see him winning that fight, I think he’ll get stopped, but I wish him well.

“Scott Quigg will always try and avoid me. In fact, Scott Quigg will try and avoid anyone who is half decent. In his last fight (with Frampton) he got badly exposed. He says he wants to fight (Guillermo) Rigondeaux and this guy and that guy, but, when he gets back fighting again, I guarantee you he won’t be fighting big names or dangerous guys. He always name-drops the good fighters in the division and then ends up fighting some guy nobody knows.”

In February, however, Quigg did face Frampton in a world title unification fight. It was a spectacle Galahad, 19-0 (10 KOs), found tough to stomach.

“It was a contender for the worst pay-per-view main event in history,” he says. “The only ones that rival it are Tony Bellew’s rematch with Nathan Cleverly and David Haye’s fight with Audley Harrison.

“Frampton and Quigg talked it up for years and then got in there and were both scared to lose. Neither of them did a thing for twelve rounds. There were no risks taken. There was no attempt to provide entertainment or make a statement. They were both just happy to get paid. Fights like that give this sport a bad name.”

*** For tickets to REPEAT OR REVENGE: Fury vs. Klitschko 2, please visit eventim.co.uk or call 0844 847 8000 ***