Sheffield, England – 19 December 2023 – GBM Sports will launch 2024 with a mega fight card in Sheffield on Friday 9th February at the Canon Medical Arena that will feature red-hot and unbeaten middleweight star Shakiel Thompson; European Super-Bantamweight Champion Thomas Essomba, who’s life story reads like a Hollywood script, and a blistering 50/50 English Super Bantamweight Title showdown between Stevi Levy and Ebonie Jones, all LIVE and FREE on TalkSPORT YouTube Boxing Channel.

GBM Sports Promoter Izzy Asif follows up his phenomenal ‘Clash on the Court’ event last October that officially opened the brand new Canon Medical Arena, the new home to the basketball teams the Sheffield Sharks and Hatters, with high praise from fans and media.

A breakthrough year for GBM Sports saw it secure a multi-fight broadcast agreement with the world’s largest sport radio station talkSPORT to live stream its events on the official YouTube Boxing Channel.

Undefeated Sheffield Middleweight Thompson (10-0-0, 6 KO’s), features on the card via Sky Sports and promoter BOXXER, faces a competitive test against a former European Kick Boxing champion in Gino Kanters.  

The fast rising Sheffield star has amassed an unbeaten ten-fight record with over half coming by stoppage and aims to deliver a powerful performance to demonstrate that he is ready to challenge for belts this year.

Sheffield based Cameroonian, Essomba (12-8-1, 4 KO’s) who made headlines around the world when he and his teammates from the Cameroon boxing team walked out of the athletes’ village at London 2012 and defected.

Just over a decade later and an incredible journey that could by turned into a Hollywood movie, Essomba was crowned European Champion in May when he sensationally dethroned Italian Alessio Lorusso in Monza.

Now calling Sheffield his home after being granted full citizenship in 2020, Essomba will make the first defence of the title on home turf against the tough Frenchman Konki (14-1-0, 1 KO).

Essomba said, “I’m just so happy to be defending my EBU title at home and looking forward to putting on a show for my Sheffield people.  A massive thank you to my brother Sunny Edwards and Chris from RCP Electric who have funded this fight for me and thank you to GBM Sports and Izzy Asif for putting the show on.  After all the messing around from the French team, I’m looking to causing Konki a lot of problems on the night.”

Levy (9-2-0), Norfolk’s first ever female professional boxer, and Portsmouth’s Jones (4-0-1), a former soldier in the Royal Engineers, collide in a real 50/50 battle with the Vacant English Super-Bantamweight title on the line.

A dearth of hot Sheffield talent from the GBM Sports stable will all feature as they continue to build their careers in 2024.

Unbeaten super-featherweight Faraqat ‘Frak’ Ali (8-0-0) defeated Mexican Christian Lopes Flores last time out and is now on the edge of contention to challenge for the first title of his career.

With three out of four opponents stopped early, dynamite punching prospect Nohman Hussein (4-0-0, 3 KO’s), who also works as an NHS Cardiac Arrest Practitioner, continues to raise pulses whenever he fights.

Former Sheffield Sharks basketball star Neptahali Nembhard (1-0-0) made a successful transition to boxing and follows up his pro debut victory when he totally outclassed Vasif Mamedov.

Conisbrough Welterweight Joe Hayden (11-0-0) looks to maintain his winning record as he looks to keep on course for his first title tilt.

Even more Sheffield boxers’ fighting out of the talent laden city feature on the card, starting with cruiserweight talent Sheldon McDonald (7-1-0, 2 KO’s), mentored by local legend Johnny Nelson, who aims to continue his 3-fight winning run with a victory as he targets titles.

Liam Cameron (21-5-0, 8 KO’s) is another boxer on the card with a remarkable life story that could be made into a movie.  The Sheffield favourite made a triumphant return in October by defeating Robbie Connor after five years out of the ring after serving a four year ban following a failed drugs test and alcohol issues.  Conquering his demons, Cameron is now focused on getting himself back into title contention.

Colourful unbeaten super-middleweight Red Johnson (4-0-0) is back to thrill the fans with his own brand of entertainment in and out of the ring.

Another incredible story on the card sees super-welterweight Owen Durnan (1-0-0) who overcame cancer to make his pro-debut with a victory just last month and now have his second fight.

Finally Bree Wright (Burbeary) (4-0-0, 1 KO) has turned her life around after she was close to taking her own life, suffering mental issues and family tragedies only to be inspired by Tyson Fury’s own comeback and now she is an unbeaten pro with an unbeaten record.

Promoter Izzy Asif is thrilled to put this card together and begin 2024 with a bang.  He said, “Boxing is a sport driven by the stories and characters in the sport and you won’t find a fight card with more real life Rocky stories than on this one.  Each one of them has an inspirational story and how they overcame the odds to be on this card.  GBM Sports promote great shows with in-arena entertainment for the fans to creates an electric atmosphere, but primarily it’s the fighters and fights that make it the event.  This is the start of a big 2024 for GBM Sports, our biggest year yet, where we intend to stage eight shows around the UK and really stamp our brand nationally along with our new broadcast partner talkSPORT.  Watch out!”

Sunny Edwards defended his IBF Flyweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Felix Alvarado in Sheffield, England.

Edwards, 111.4 lbs of Croydon, ENG won by scores of 116-112 and 115-113 twice and is now 19-0. Alvarado, 111.2 lbs of Managua, NIC is 38-3.

Shabaz Masoud stopped Jack Bateson in the final round of their 12-rond super bantamweight bout.

In round 12, Masoud dropped Bateson with a short left. With Bateson hurt, Masoud landed a big flurry of about 20 unanswered punches in the corner, and the bout was stopped at

Masoud, 121.7 lbs of Sloan, ENG is 11-0 with four knockouts. Bateson, 120.7 lbs of Leeds, ENG is 17-1.

Olympic Gold Medal winner Herbert Conceicao won a six-round decision over Gideon Onyenani in a middleweight contest.

Conceicao, 163.1 lbs of Brazil won by a 60-54 score and is now 3-0. Onyenani, 162.6 lbs of Kent. ENG is 4-2.

Marcel Braithwaite won a 12-round split decision over Thomas Essomba in a super flyweight bout.

Braithwaite, 115.6 lbs is now 14-3. Essombam 114.5 lbs is 11-8-1.

Alin Florin Cioceri won an eight-round decision over Levi Kinsionia in a lightweight bout.

Cioceri, 136.5 lbs of Romania won by a 77-76 score and is now 17-3-1. Kinsionia, 136.7 lbs of Sheffield, ENG is 9-3.

Ishmael Davis stopped Dustin Annmann in round five of their eight-round super welterweight bout.

Davis landed a huge flurry on the ropes in round five. That onslaught took Ammann to the corner until the fight was stopped at 2:05.

Davis, 159.6 of Leeds, ENG is 10-0 with four knockouts. Ammann, 157.7 lbs of Germany is 7-8.

Nicolie Campbell won a six-round decision over Frane Radnic in a super middleweight bout.

Campbell, 169.2 lbs of England won by a 60-54 score and is now 10-1. Radnic, 169.1 lbs of Croatia is 11-35.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leach Decisions Ashfaq

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Daniel DuBois tuned up for a Fall showdown with Joe Joyce as he stopped Ricardo Snijders in the 2nd round of their scheduled 10-round heavyweight bout in London, England.

In round one, DuBois dropped Snijders three times, yet the Dutchman was allowed to continue. Early in round two, DuBois landed a body shot that put Snijders down, and the fight was stopped at 20 seconds.

DuBois, 244 lbs of London is 15-0 with 14 knockouts. Snijders, 215 lbs of the Netherlands is 18-2.

Sunny Edwards remained undefeated with a 12-round unanimous decision over Thomas Essomba in a super flyweight fight.

Edwards, 114.7 lbs won by scores of 116-112, 117-112 and 117-111 and is now 15-0. Essomba, 114.2 lbs is 10-6.

Sam Maxwell won a 10-round unanimous decision over Joe Hughes in a super lightweight fight.

Maxwell, 139.1 lbs of Liverpool won by scores of 98-92 twice and 97-94 and is now 14-0. Hughes, 139 lbs is 17-6-1.

David Adeleye stopped Phil Williams in round three of their scheduled four round heavyweight bout.

Adeleye hurt Williams with a left hook. Adeleye followed up with five shots, and the fight was stopped at 2:10.

Adeleye, 217.7 lbs is now 3-0 with three knockouts. Williams, 258.1 lbs is 3-26-1.

Willy Hutchinson remained udefeated by stopping Ben Thomas in the opening round of their eight-round light heavyweight bout.

In round one, Hutchinson dropped Thomas with a body shot that was followed by a left to the head. Hutchinson finished the fight with a huge uppercut that sent Thomas to the deck just at the fight was being stopped at 2:09.

Hutchinson, 173.4 lbs is 12-0 with eight knockouts. Thomas, 175.7 lbs is 2-3-3.