Anthony Fowler will headline his first ever show in his hometown at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool on Friday August 2 when he steps-up to take on former World title challenger Brian Rose on the latest instalment if the JD NXTGEN series, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Fowler (9-1, 8 KOs) lands a golden opportunity to bounce back from a first career defeat at the hands of Preston rival Scott Fitzgerald and ‘The Machine’ knows that nothing less than a win will suffice as he aims to climb the 154lbs ladder.

Rose (31-5-1, 8 KOs) believes his superior experience will prove to be the difference on the night and ‘The Lion’, a former British champion, is determined to fire his name back into the mix one last time before he hangs up his gloves for good.

“I want tests and I want to be involved in the big fights,” said Fowler. “To be headlining a show in Liverpool is a great honour. I’m not in this game to be taking easy fights. Brian has mixed it at the top level throughout his career and this is a fantastic chance for me to test myself against an experienced opponent.

“I learnt a lot from my last fight and we went away and improved in a few areas. I know that I’m in for a tough night’s work but this is a fight that I feel ready and prepared for. Brian is a known name and I think he’ll get the best out of me on the night. This is strictly business and I’m ready to do the business in what is a must-win fight for me.”

“I think he’s a good fighter but he’s certainly not ready for me,” said Rose. “I’m more experienced than him and I can do 12 rounds standing on my head. It’s a mismatch. 18 months out of the ring gave me time to think about what I wanted and I feel like I’ve got so much left in the tank to give.

“If he doesn’t win this fight where does he go? He’s lost to someone that’s young and a prospect, and now he’s fighting me who people think is over the hill. He’ll have lost to a prospect and a veteran. The pressure is all on him and he has to pull out the stops.

“I sparred with him a few years ago and I get on with him but quite recently he’s slagged me off on social media. It’s left a bad taste in my mouth but I’ll deal with that on the night. For me this comeback isn’t about money, it’s not even about achievement, it’s about knowing I’ve got something left to give the sport that I’ve served for so long.”

Forest Hall banger Lewis Ritson (18-1, 11 KOs) makes his second appearance at 140lbs as he takes on former European champion Joe Hughes (17-4-1, 7 KOs) in a tasty showdown for the WBA Continental title that could lead to a shot at Liverpool’s Robbie Davies Jr. later in the year.

Davies Jr. (18-1, 12 KOs) outpointed Hughes at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool to claim the EBU European crown back in April and keeps busy on August 2 knowing that a clash with ‘The Sandman’ could be next.

Bolton’s English Middleweight champion Jack Cullen (16-1, 7 KOs) makes the first defence of his title against Dillian Whyte-managed Brixton man John Harding Jr (7-0-1, 1 KO) after his Commonwealth title shot against Felix Cash was shelved due to an injury to the champion.

Martin Bakole (12-1, 9 KOs) returns to take on Ecuador’s Ytalo Perea (11-4-2, 7 KOs) after defeating former World title challenger Mariusz Wach in April, stopping the Pole in eight rounds in his first fight since a loss to Heavyweight contender Michael Hunter.

Welsh amateur star Sean McGoldrick (9-0, 2 KOs) says he is ready to push on towards title action but the 2010 Commonwealth gold medallist must first overcome former Commonwealth and English Flyweight champion Thomas Essomba (8-5, 3 KOs).

There’s also action for hard-hitting Montrose Super-Middleweight John Docherty (5-0, 5 KOs), Leeds Super-Bantamweight Qais Ashfaq (6-0, 3 KOs), Anthony Bellew-managed Light-Heavyweight prospect Thomas Hart (1-0), Anthony Crolla Lightweight protege Dylan Evans (2-0) and Manchester Welterweight debutant Nathan Farrell.

Tickets priced £40, £60 and £120 (VIP) are available to purchase now from the Exhibition Centre Liverpool (www.ticketquarter.co.uk) (Phone: 0344 8000 400), StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)

Filip Hrgovi? (6-0, 5 KOs) has a new opponent set for his heavyweight showdown on Saturday at the KC Drazen Petrovic with former World title challenger Kevin ‘Kingpin’ Johnson (32-11-1, 16 KOs) replacing Ytalo Perea.

Perea was due to arrive in Zagreb on Tuesday, but did not make his scheduled connection from Bogota. Later, it became apparent, despite previous assurances, that he did not possess the necessary documents to travel.

With no time to spare, the call went out for a suitable replacement, and Johnson, currently based in Germany, where he recorded a knockout win last Saturday, was placed on standby earlier this week and arrived in Zagreb today.

Johnson, from New Jersey, USA, challenged Vitali Klitschko for the WBC World title, and has since gone on to share the ring with a number of modern heavyweight greats including Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

“I’m feeling good,” said Johnson. “I’m coming off a knockout win last weekend and I’m still in that fighting mood. I’m in great shape and I’m ready to go.

“I didn’t have to think twice when I was offered the fight. Hrgovi? doesn’t worry me. I’ve been in there with the best, and he’s not the best, so why should I worry about him?

“He’s been training for something completely different so who knows what’s going to happen when we meet in the middle of the ring. It’s hard to predict, but if the opportunity for a knockout comes, I’m going to take it.

“He’s going to need all the support he can get come Saturday because if he doesn’t, there’s going to be a big upset, and whatever the outcome, one thing’s for sure, the fans are going to get their money’s worth, I can guarantee that!”

“Obviously, it’s not ideal for Filip to have such a late change of opponent, but due to the circumstances, we were left with no other option,” said promoter Nisse Sauerland.

“We are, however, delighted to have secured such a high profile replacement. Kevin Johnson has fought the best out there. He always puts on a great show, and I’m sure the fans at the KC Drazen Petrivic will not be disappointed.”

Filip Hrgovi? vs. Kevin Johnson tops an action-packed fight card at the KC Dražen Petrovi? in Zagreb on Saturday, which also features Croatian female star Ivana Habazin in a rematch with Eva Bajic and a full supporting undercard.

Tickets start from 150 KN and are available online via http://www.eventim.hr. All the action will be broadcast live and exclusive on RTL in Croatia.

Pedro Diaz has warned Filip Hrgovi? (6-0, 5 KOs) not to underestimate his opponent Ytalo Perea (11-3-2, 7 KOs) ahead of their WBC International Heavyweight title clash on December 8 at the KC Dražen Petrovi? in Zagreb.

Hrgovi? has set up camp in Miami for a second time following his impressive knockout win over Amir Mansour in September, and will once again be counting on Diaz’s skills and experience to deliver him a winning performance.

Diaz, who has enjoyed significant success as a coach in both the amateur and professional ranks, says he is pleased with their preparations and how their relationship is developing, but admits: “it takes time to shape a diamond.”

“Filip is a pure athlete. He is always in shape and will be well prepared for December 8,” said Diaz. “I will not go into specifics about our preparations, but what I can say is he will be ready to deliver another great performance.

“It is our second training camp together. We’re working on building and improving the coach-athlete relationship. He is a very talented fighter, and we are progressing every day, but it takes time to shape a diamond.

“Perea is a good opponent for Filip. He has the power, the amateur background and a good boxing knowledge. It is important that Filip does not underestimate him. I believe he is yet to show his true potential as a professional, and I know he will be keen to showcase his capabilities in Zagreb.”

When asked what Hrgovi?’s key to victory will be, the renowned Cuban coach refuses to give too much away, simply starting: “Patience, intelligence and following our game plan, but that’s all I’m willing to say!”

The WBC International Heavyweight Championship contest between Filip Hrgovi? and Ytalo Perea will top an action-packed fight card at the KC Dražen Petrovi? in Zagreb on December 8.

Tickets start from 150 KN and are available online via www.eventim.hr. All the action will be broadcast live and exclusive on RTL in Croatia.

Ivana Habazin (19-3, 7 KOs) rematches Eva Bajic (14-14, 9 KOs) on the undercard of Filip Hrgovi?’s WBC International Heavyweight title defence against Ytalo Perea on December 8 at the KC Drazen Petrovic in Zagreb.

The 29 year-old from Zagreb is fired up as she gets the opportunity to avenge her first career defeat in a ten-round super welterweight clash with Bajic, who defeated Habazin via unanimous decision for the IBF World title in March 2013.

Since suffering defeat to her Serbian rival, Habazin has gone on to claim both IBF Welterweight and IBO Middleweight World titles, and with an improved approach to her preparations she is confident of reversing the decision.

Habazin is also looking forward to fighting in front of her home fans again having successfully defended her IBO Middleweight World title with a one-sided points win over Gifty Amanua Ankrah on September 8 at the Arena Zagreb.

“I’m excited to be fighting again in Zagreb,” said Habazin. “It was quite overwhelming to box in front of my home fans last time, especially as this was the first boxing event of such significance. I was eager to prove myself and I wanted everyone to see the hard work and dedication I invested in my training.

“I’m even more excited to be boxing Eva again. The first fight I ever lost in my career was against Eva, and that is why my motivation is even greater this time.

“I think Eva is a very formidable and experienced opponent. However, our last fight resulted in defeat because I wasn’t prepared how I should have been. I defeated myself. I expect she considers herself the favorite in this fight because of that win, but I’m ready to show everyone that I will be victorious this time.

“Since our first fight, my approach has changed. I am really putting boxing as my priority. My health is finally good. I have a great team around me, and a great coach in James Ali Bashir. I really believe this fight could result in KO”

Habazin’s revenge mission will provide chief support on Hrgovi?’s WBC title defence, with Petar Milas having been forced to withdraw from a heavyweight showdown with Serhiy Radchenko after suffering a hand injury in training.

The WBC International Heavyweight Championship contest between Filip Hrgovi? and Ytalo Perea will top an action-packed fight card at the KC Dražen Petrovi? on December 8 with a full undercard set to be announced.

Tickets start from 150 KN and are available online www.eventim.hr. All the action will be broadcast live and exclusive on RTL in Croatia.

Undefeated heavyweight Petar Milas (13-0, 10 KOs) joins countryman Filip Hrgovi? in action on December 8 at the KC Dražen Petrovi? in Zagreb as the 23 year-old from Split takes on Ukraine’s Serhiy Radchenko (6-2, 1 KO).

Milas will be looking to cap off an impressive year that has seen him record victories over former World title challengers Francesco Pianeta and Kevin Johnson, and claim the IBO International and WBC Mediterranean titles.

“My opponent is a strong man, but not too strong for me,” says Milas, who is looking forward fighting on a big card in the Croatian capital. “I love the big shows. They inspire me, as my performances in Munich have already shown

“This will be another step up the ladder for me, and the fans should expect an entertaining fight, but one that could come to an end very quickly.”

Milas also has a message for his heavyweight rival Hrgovi?, who tops the bill in Zagreb, defending his WBC International title versus Ecuador’s Ytalo Perea.

“Hrgovi? should study me well,” he says. “I’ve already seen weaknesses in him, and in the future, I see us both standing in the ring, fighting for the World title!”

The WBC International Heavyweight Championship contest between Filip Hrgovi? and Ytalo Perea will top an action-packed fight card at the KC Dražen Petrovi? on December 8 with a full undercard set to be announced.

Tickets start from 150 KN and are available online via www.eventim.hr. All the action will be broadcast live and exclusive on RTL in Croatia.

Filip Hrgovi? (6-0, 5 KOs) continues his World title charge on December 8 as the Croatian boxing sensation defends his WBC International title against Ecuador’s Ytalo Perea (11-3-2, 7 KOs) at the KC Dražen Petrovi? in Zagreb.

Hrgovi? secured the WBC International belt with a spectacular third-round stoppage win over Amir Mansour on September 8 at the Arena Zagreb, and the Rio 2016 Olympic Bronze Medallist has vowed to deliver another impressive performance as he returns to the Croatian capital for his maiden defence.

“I am pleased to have my next opponent confirmed,” said Hrgovic. “Perea is a good boxer with a strong amateur pedigree and I expect him to provide a tough test. He’s shared the ring with some good boxers and he’s never been stopped.

“I look forward to the challenge and I look forward to fighting again in Zagreb. With the support of the Croatian people, I believe I will reach the top of the heavyweight division, and I promise to deliver them another entertaining fight and a great victory on December 8 at the KC Dražen Petrovi?.”

Perea claimed gold at the 2011 Pan American games and defeated Dominic Breazeale and Simon Kean on his way to qualify for the London 2012 Olympics where he lost out to the Beijing 2008 Gold Medallist Roberto Cammarelle.

In the professional ranks, Perea has recorded eleven victories including seven knockouts, and has gone the distance with former World Champion Guillermo Jones and highly-rated Polish heavyweight Adam Kownacki.

“I am excited to come to Croatia to fight Filip Hrgovi?,” said Perea. “I have travelled the world fighting as an amateur so I have no fear facing him in his backyard. I have watched his fights and I know he’s a good boxer, but I’m confident I will win. He has never fought anyone like me before!”

Zeljko Karajica, CEO of 7Sports, the sports unit of the ProSiebenSat.1 Group and Managing Director of the operating event agency MMP Event GmbH, says fans should expect a ‘spectacular’ fight between the warring heavyweights.

“We’re delighted to announce Filip Hrgovi? versus Ytalo Perea for the WBC International title,” said Karajica. “This promises to be a spectacular contest and a great main event for our fight night at the KC Dražen Petrovi?”

Promoter Nisse Sauerland, of Team Sauerland, says he believes Perea can provide a stern test and an important victory for Hrgovi? as he looks to manoeuvre his heavyweight hope into World title contention.

“This will be another good step up for Filip,” said Sauerland. “Perea has an impressive amateur pedigree and has proven he can mix it at a high level as a professional. Filip is currently ranked top twenty with the WBC, WBO and WBA, and a victory on December 8 will further boost his World title credentials.”

The WBC International Heavyweight Championship contest between Filip Hrgovi? and Ytalo Perea will top an action-packed fight card at the KC Dražen Petrovi? on December 8 with a full undercard set to be announced.

Tickets start from 150 KN and are available online via www.eventim.hr. All the action will be broadcast live and exclusive on RTL in Croatia.