Zelfa Barrett boxed very well and then scored a 10th round stoppage over Jordan Gill in a 12-round WBA International Super Featherweight title bout at The AO Arena in Manchester, England.

Barrett used a pinpoint jabs that set up body shots. In round 10, Barrett landed a hard body shot that put Gill to the canvas. Gill was hurt, and Barrett landed hard combinations that forced a referee stoppage at 2:44.

Barrett, 129.6 lbs of Manchester. ENG is 31-2 with 17 knockouts. Gill, 129.5 lbs of Chatteris, ENG is 29-3-1.

Scotney Defeats Lefbvre to become Unified Super Bantamweight Champion

Ellie Scotney retained her IBF and won the WBO Super Bantamweight Title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Segolene Lefbvre.

Scotney, 121.8 lbs of Carford, ENG won by scores of 99-91, 97-93 and 96-94 and is now 9-0. Lefbvre, 119.3 lbs of Douai, FRA is 18-1.

Dixon Decisions Carabajal; Wins Lightweight Title

Rhiannon Dixon won the WBO Lightweight championship with a 10-round unanimous decision over Karen Elizabeth Carabajal.

In round three, Dixon dropped Carabajal with a left hand. Later in the round, Dixon was cut over her right eye due to an accidental clash of heads. Carabajal was cut over her right eye.

Dixon, 134.5 lbs of Warrington, ENG won by scores of 98-91, 97-92 and 96-93 and is now 10-0. Carabajal, 134.5 lbs of Buenos Airies, ARG

Flynn Decisions Maharusi

Jordan Flynn won a six-round decision over Tampela Maharusi in a lightweight bout.

In round three, Maharusi was docked a point for holding.

Flynn, 134.3 lbs of Oxford, ENG won by a 59-54 score and is now 10-0-1. Maharusi, 134.5 lbs of Dar-Es-Salaam, TAN is 10-5-4.

The win by Flynn sets up a showdown with Cameron Vuong. Flynn shoved Vuong in the ring after the fight, and promoter Eddie Hearn said that fight will take place in June.

Gomez Jr. Stops Baker in 6

In a high contact fight, Michael Gomez Jr. stopped Kane Baker in round six of a scheduled 10-round super featherweight bout.

In round three, Baker was cut ever the right eye which looked to be caused by a head clash.

In round six, Gomez dropped Baker with a right hand. With Baker hurt, Gomez landed a hard right that put Baker on his back and the fight was stopped at 36 seconds.

Gomez, 129.1 lbs of Manchester, ENG is 21-1 with six knockouts. Baker, 129.4 lbs of Birmingham, ENG is 19-11-2.

Jack Turner stopped Abdul Kesi Ngaoma in round one of their six-round super flyweight bout.

In round round one, Turner landed a perfect right to the jaw that put Ngaoma on his back and the fight was stopped at 1:14.

Turner, 117.6 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 6-0 with six first round knockouts. Ngaoma, 116.1 lbs of Dar-Es-Salaam, TAN is 7-6-1.

Jimmy Sains remained perfect with a fourth round stoppage over Mateusz Kalecki in a six-round middleweight contest.

In round one, Kalecki was cut under his rigt eye. A cut then opened up over his left eye.

In round four, Sains was battering a bloodies Kalecki and the fight was stopped after a perfect right from Sains at

Sains, 162.3 lbs of Brentwood, ENG is 4-0 with four knockouts. Kalecki, 161.6 lbs of Brezno, POL is 2-2.

William Crolla remained undefeated with a first-round stoppage over Fabio Cascone in a six-round super welterweight contest.

In round one, Crolla dropped Cascone with a left to body that was followed up by a left to the head and he did not beat the count at 1:11.

Crolla, 154.1 lbs of Manchester, ENG is 4-0 with three knockouts. Cascone, 152.9 lbs of Latina, ITA is 4-10.

Brandon Scott won a six-round decision over Rodrigo Matias Areco in a bantamweight contest.

Scott, 135 lbs of Swansea, ENG won by a 58-56 score and is 7-0. Areco, 125.8 lbs of Buenos Aires, ARG is 5-6-2.

Ste Clarke won a four-round decision over Jensen Irving in a middleweight contest.

In round two, Clarke dropped Irving with a left to the body.

Clarke, 161.5 lbs of Liverpool won by a 40-35 score and is 2-0. Irving, 163.1 lbs of Swindon is 4-10.

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:
 
“Welcome to Manchester ahead of another big night of boxing, live and exclusive around the world and part of an incredible schedule on DAZN. We were in Las Vegas last weekend for a great show, we’re in Manchester this week and next week, Devin Haney takes on Ryan Garcia in Brooklyn before we’re back for the NXTGEN in Liverpool. Then it’s the small matter of Canelo vs. Munguia live on DAZN on Cinco de Mayo, then we’re in Mexico and then off to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for Fury vs. Usyk with Opetaia vs. Breidis and Cordina vs. Cacace on a fantastic card. A week later, Josh Taylor takes on Jack Catterall in Leeds before we go back to Riyadh for what will be announced on Monday with Bivol vs. Beterbiev and the Matchroom-Queensbury 5 vs 5, and I can confirm that is the best card I’ve ever seen from top to bottom on June 1. On June 15 we’re in Puerto Rico for Subriel Matias defending his World title against Liam Paro and at the end of that month, Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez challenges Juan Francisco Estrada in what I believe will be the fight of the year.
 
“We’re here to talk about Manchester though and what a cracking main event we’ve got. Exactly the type of fight we should be making as the hometown kid Zelfa Barrett takes on Jordan Gill, fresh from his stunning victory over Michael Conlan. Ellie Scotney is in a huge unification match-up against Segolene Lefebvre, Rhiannon Dixon goes for her first World title against Karen Carabajal, and there’s great talent on the card and real ding-dong match-up between Michael Gomez Jr and Kane Baker.”
 
Jordan Gill:
 
“It’s the biggest fight of my career so far, I am super-chilled, we’re having a good time. We had a good time in Belfast, we’re having a good time in Manchester, it’s a good city. I’m just looking forward to fighting and rolling the dice again. I went to Belfast to fight Conlan, I’m coming to Manchester to fight Zelfa, I’m just enjoying myself and long may it continue. 
 
“I feel very calm, everything in my life is good now. I’ve got a good team behind me, I feel happy, I feel settled, 130 is making me live a normal life. I don’t have to weigh everything I’m eating in and out of camp, it’s fantastic. I’m in a good place and I’m ready to fight, it’s going to be a great fight.
 
“I’m a non-puncher, Eddie. I think it’s going to be a great fight. It depends, there’s a lot of variables, Zelfa is versatile, he does a lot of things well, has lots of strings to his bow. He’s a good mover, he can punch, he’s good on the counter, he’s very fast, so I can’t see a way this fight isn’t going to be exciting. As a boxing fan and a boxer myself, that just makes me excited for it. There’s going to be a bit of everything in this fight, moments where it’s cagey, moments where we’re boxing, moments when he’s pressuring, when I’m pressuring, so it’s exciting, there will be blood and guts and I’m here for it.
 
“Imagine how much power I’d have if we got Barry to dress up as Spider Man?! I think we missed a trick there! I feel like I’m punching hard, I’m strong at the weight, I’m developing. I turned pro so young; I had my debut 7 days after my 18th birthday. I feel like I’m a late developer, and now you are seeing the best of me, the true Jordan Gill. I’m not restricted at the weight, I feel solid, so I am punching hard.
 
“For sure it’s must-win. If either of us want to fight for a World title, we’ve got to win this fight. That’s why it’s so exciting because there’s a lot on the line. It’s a fight everyone has been looking forward to, two Brits that are above British and European level, it makes it exciting, there’s a lot on the line for us both. When the fight was put to me, I said yes straight away. Not because I dislike Zelfa, I like him, he’s a good guy and I have respect for him and his team, but when we get in the ring on Saturday, the person you are fighting isn’t a person, they are just a target, and you have to go for that target.”
 
Zelfa Barrett:
 
“It’s a dream come true, thank you to yourself and the team. I’ve been running past the Manchester Arena, was there when Anthony Crolla boxed Darleys Perez twice, Jorge Linares, when Scott Quigg beat Kiki Martinez, watched Ricky Hatton there. So, it’s a nice achievement to headline there myself.
 
“Jordan is a good fighter and he’s got a good team around him, but I believe I’m better than him in every way, shape, and form. He said he’s going knock me out, crazy, but we’ll see.
 
“I’m expecting a great fight. He’s a good fighter and he’s got a new team around him, some tricks up his sleeve. I can just see what he comes out and brings, and I will adapt from that. I’m expecting a good fight, and there’s only one winner, and that’s me. 
 
“My left hook is crazy but we’re not relying on that. It’s hard work and dedication, but I’ve got the power to destroy him. He’s a good fighter, I’m not going to take that away from him, he’s going to be calculated, but there’s one winner and that’s me.
 
“Defeat doesn’t cross my mind. I just think about what I am going to eat after the fight when I’ve won.”
 
Ellie Scotney:
 
“As soon as I won the World title we sat down, and the unification was what I wanted next. Obviously, there was one fight in-between, but all that matters is Saturday night, and that’s the next step and I’m ready to go.
 
“Shane and I have watched Segolene, she’s someone that I’ve looked at before I even won the World title, we tried to make the fight and it didn’t align, but we’re fighting for even more on Saturday night.
 
“I think that these are the fights where you will see the best of me. I’ve got to show a side of me that I haven’t done previously, this is the fight that’s going to bring it and I’m excited for you all to see.
 
“It’s massive, but all that matters is Saturday, that’s all I’ve got my eyes on.”
 
Segolene Lefebvre:
 
“Thank you to you Eddie and for the welcome in England. It’s obviously a big boxing country and I’m delighted to be here to unify the division, and there’s no doubt in my mind, I’m not here to surrender my belt, the plan is to take both back belts to France.
 
“The win is the win, that’s the objective. If it comes by KO, fantastic, so much the better, but the most important thing is to give everything I can and show people here what a French fighter can really do.”
 
Rhiannon Dixon:
 
“I’m really excited for this, and I can’t thank you enough for it. You took a risk on a girl from white collar boxing, I was a pharmacist at the time, and I’m going to repay the favour on Saturday and show that I belong at this level. 
 
“Confidence was a massive thing when Anthony and I got together, he believed in me, so it was just me believing in myself. You can see from my walk-ons, I cringe at myself it’s so embarrassing and I’ll do it on Saturday as well, but I know I am at this level and I can’t wait to show it and bring a World title back to Warrington.
 
“I’m excited for those big opportunities but with women’s boxing, you don’t know who is going where, girls go up and down the weights, so I am excited, and we’ll see what opportunities are out there after that.”
 
Karen Carabajal:
 
“I want to say thank you for this opportunity to once again have this chance to fight for a World title. We’re completely ready for this opportunity, we’ve been preparing extremely hard and we’re totally ready for Saturday night.
 
“It was a great opportunity to come here and fight Katie Taylor for the World title. It was almost an opportunity that was new to us, but it made us extremely sure that we belong at this level. Going away from our country to fight Katie was a fight we needed, and we’re really prepared and hungry to do well on Saturday.”
 
Michael Gomez Jr:
 
“I can’t wait, let’s go, there’s nothing else to say. Everyone’s ready for this, from the first bell, it’s going off, for as long as it lasts it’s going to be fun. 
 
“He can only go to the ropes anyway, we’re either head-to-head or on the ropes, nowhere else to go. I’m going to be in his face, and someone is going to get hurt. 
 
“One of us is going to get stopped, it could be me, I’m not stupid and saying it can’t be, but one of us is getting stopped and more than likely, it’s going to be him.”
 
Kane Baker:
 
“Our styles are going to gel and 100 per cent you are going to get a great fight on Saturday night. It’ll be a non-stop, crowd-pleasing fight, engines, and punching, and that’s what we want.
 
“The experiences and being a late starter in boxing, I’ve learnt on the job, and I’ve had some tough experiences, but I think it’s made me a better fighter and it’s all prepared me for Saturday to become the English champion, so I am happy. In Mexico, there were no tacos or tequila, just sparring, and it’s all going to show on Saturday night.
 
“Put us in a phone box and let’s go.”
 
Jordan Flynn:
 
“Thank you to Matchroom and everyone involved for keeping me on the card. We’ve got a lot of people traveling up from Oxford, hundreds coming with their hotels booked so it’s a big thing that I am still on the card.
 
“On to Cameron, I don’t really know what’s happened to him, he’s pulled out with a minor injury, with no explanation as to what that injury is. He was talking about playing with me with only one hand, but he’s pulling out with a minor injury, so he must be playing with something else with one hand.
 
“It’s important to be active so if anything, it’s worked out great for me, I’m getting a fight in and then I’m going to fight him in June, if that’s when it’s happening. The main thing is getting active, if I wasn’t still fighting, I’d be very annoyed, but the fact is that I am so thank you to yourself and 25/8 Management for making that happen.”
 
William Crolla:
 
“This is my fifth fight 11 months after my debut, it’s flown by, and I believe that you only have to watch my recent performances to see I’m a totally different fighter from my debut. I’m coming into my element now, I’m sitting down on my shots, and on paper, Saturday night is a step-up in rounds and opponent, so I should get some rounds in, but if I go about my business like I have in the gym, I believe it will be another early night.
 
“At the minute, the gym is flying, there’s a lot of new signings in there, and I am just trying to better myself every day to compete at their level and I believe I have been doing that and on Saturday it will show a massive improvement from when you last saw me.
 
“It’s the biggest night for Anthony since he started the gym and I believe it will be a good one.”
 
Jimmy Sains:
 
“Just shy of 100 people coming up from Essex and London to Manchester. I’m not really looking for the knockout, but it would be nice, hopefully we can go 4-0 with four KOs. 
 
“I learnt loads in Las Vegas and Santa Monica, but Tony Sims has definitely brought us back down to reality very quickly, straight on the triangle runs, but it was a great experience to live like a pro for five weeks in a camp house with John Ryder and Joe Cordina, I learnt loads and I want to show everyone that. It’s my first six rounder, so I want to take my time a little bit more and show everyone my boxing ability.”
 
Ste Clarke:
 
“I’m buzzing to be on such a big card again and thanks to everyone that’s bought a ticket. I’ve always had big support and I’m looking to put on a good performance on Saturday night.
 
“I just want to get out, be as active as possible, gain experience and we’ll go from there.”
 
Jack Turner:
 
“Thank you to my team, Eddie and Matchroom for getting me on such a big show. Come Saturday, you can expect a big knockout. It’s been hard getting sparring lately, I’ve had a tough Mexican over, but I’ve just been playing with them. 
 
“Everyone thinks that I can just fight, but it’s not me that picks my opponents, all I have is someone in front of me and I just keep knocking them out and I’m not here to mess around, I’m here to put a statement on this Saturday night and go on to win titles.”
 
Brandon Scott:
 
“Sunny Edwards will be working alongside Lee Eaton to co-manage me which is crazy to think about. I remember meeting Sunny at The O2 when Lomachenko fought Luke Campbell, and then he was in my corner in my last fight at The O2, and now he’s co-managing me and sat in a Spider Man costume, this is just proof that we live in a simulation.
 
“This is it now, I’ve got both of my hands, and whatever you see on Saturday, I can confidently say ‘that’s me’. You probably live in Groundhog Day Eddie, you go to another country, you do a press conference, so I thought I’d spice it up a little bit, but I’m also going to be entertaining in the ring, showing everyone how good I am.”

Jordan Gill is aiming to make it two big away day wins in a row when he takes on Manchester’s former World Title challenger Zelfa Barrett in a must-win Super-Featherweight showdown at the famous AO Arena this Saturday April 13, live worldwide on DAZN. 

Chatteris’ Gill, a former European and Commonwealth Champion at Featherweight, stunned Irish hero Michael Conlan with a seventh-round stoppage win on away territory at the SSE Arena Belfast in December and immediately called for a World Title shot in his post-fight interview.

‘The Thrill’ had been written off by many ahead of his last chance saloon clash with Conlan, but the 29-year-old, who is trained by Barry Smith out of the Ben Davison Performance Centre in Harlow, produced the performance of his career to catapult his name into the World Title conversation in the 130 pounds division.

“Heading into the Conlan fight in December it was just laughable because everyone tipped him,” said Gill. “I knew how good I am. I knew what I’m capable of. I knew that I had to upset people. I knew I had to have something to prove. I proved people wrong and it was more pleasurable for me to do that.

“I knew the fight was mine from the first round. I rocked him heavy in the first round, dropped him in the second. From that point you know you have to be patient. Once you hurt someone once you know you’re going to do it again. It’s more about taking your time, tucking up a little bit, letting them burn themselves out and then going to town. That was the plan; it worked a treat.”

Gill came face-to-face with former European Super-Featherweight Champion Barrett earlier today at Manchester Hall as the pair kicked off fight week proceedings ahead of Saturday’s stacked card that features two World Title fights in Ellie Scotney vs. Segolene Lefebvre and Rhiannon Dixon vs. Karen Elizabeth Carabjal. 

‘Brown Flash’ has further World Title aspirations of his own having come up short against Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov for the IBF title in Abu Dhabi back in November 2022, but Gill insists that his time is now and another big win this weekend will put him at the front of the line for a shot at gold. 

“I feel the best that I’ve ever felt,” said Gill. “I feel so strong. I feel rejuvenated. I’m not killing myself to make weight. I feel happy. I feel prepared; well prepared. I’m looking forward to a fantastic fight. I think it’s going to be mouth-watering; it’s one that everyone is talking about. I’m just dead excited. This is the chapter now where we’re going to make it all count.

“He looks well prepared. He looks ready. He looks like he’s got the bit between his teeth. He looks like he wants to hurt me. We’ve got to go in and do our job. I think there’s no way that this fight isn’t an exciting fight. I think I win this fight by knockout. This is what I’ve worked for; this is what I’ve dreamed of since I’ve been a kid.

“I just like upsetting people and I think I get a kick out of people telling me that I can’t win fights. Everyone expected me to lose the Conlan fight, and going in there and pulling it off – for me that’s exciting and that’s what boxing is all about. It’s all about the good fights and this is a really good fight. I’m ready to go to the well.

“For me, all of the pressure is on Zelfa. Everyone is expecting me to lose this fight. I’m coming to the lion’s den again. Everyone is making me the underdog again. No problem, just put all of that pressure on him and we’ll turn up, do what we need to do and come away victorious. 

“To be the best you have to beat the best. So, to have a claim to a World Title you have to go through these fights. Zelfa is a very good fighter, he wants a World Title shot and he’s probably at the front of the queue, so I have to beat him to leapfrog him. That’s why we’re here.”

Gill vs. Barrett tops a huge night of boxing in Manchester, Catford’s Ellie Scotney (8-0) aims to unify the Super-Bantamweight division when she puts her IBF World Title on the line against France’s WBO World Champion Segolene Lefebvre (18-0, 1 KO), Warrington’s Rhiannon Dixon (9-0, 1 KO) looks to win her first World Title when she takes on Argentina’s KarenElizabeth Carabajal (21-1, 3 KOs) for the vacant WBO 140lbs crown, Manchester’s Michael Gomez Jr (20-1, 5 KOs) defends his English Super-Featherweight Title against Birmingham’s Kane Baker (19-10-2, 1 KO), Liverpool Middleweight prospect Ste Clarke (1-0, 1 KO) meets Swindon’s Jensen Irving (4-9) over four rounds, Oxford Lightweight JordanFlynn (9-0-1, 1 KO) fights Tanzania’s Tampela Maharusi (10-4-4, 5 KOs) over 8 rounds, Liverpool Super-Flyweight Jack Turner (5-0, 5 KOs) goes for another knockout against Abdul Kesi Ngaoma (7-5-1, 6 KOs), Brentwood Middleweight Jimmy Sains (3-0, 3 KOs) has his fourth pro fight against Mateusz Kalecki (2-1, 1 KO), Manchester Super-Welterweight William Crolla (3-0, 2 KOs) faces Italy’s Fabio Cascone (4-9, 1 KO) over six rounds and Swansea Super-Bantamweight Brandon Scott (6-0, 1 KO) returns for his first fight since last August when he takes on Rodrigo Matias Areco (5-5-2) over six rounds. 

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:

“We have a great card on April 13 at the AO Arena in Manchester. It’s topped by these two fantastic Super-Featherweights with Jordan Gill coming in off the back of that epic victory against Michael Conlan in Belfast and Zelfa Barrrett, looking to get a shot at a World title and headlining in his hometown.

“There’s are World title fights on the card as Ellie Scotney looks to unify the Super-Bantamweight division against France’s Segolene Lefebvre, and Rhiannon Dixon challenges for her first Wrold title in a very tough fight against Karen Elizabeth Carabajal. Elsewhere on the card, Cameron Vuong against Jordan Flynn is a fantastic match-up, Michael Gomez and Kane Baker Clash, William Crolla is in action and Brandon Scott returns. It’s a fantastic night of boxing in Manchester.”Jordan Gill:

“This is a fight that as soon as you mentioned it, we said yes. It’s just a fight, and one that I’m excited for, off the back of the Conlan fight it’s more interesting and we’ve not had a bad reaction for this fight, everyone is excited for it, and so am I.

“To be the best you have to beat the best. So, to have a claim to a World title you have to go through these fights. Zelfa is a very good fighter, he wants a World title shot and he’s probably at the front of the queue, so I have to beat him to leapfrog him. That’s why we’re here and we said yes to the fight, so I am looking forward to it.

“I think the team I have is the best I’ve worked with, the way they analyze everything, it makes it very simple. All you want as a fighter is a clear game plan, that’s what I’ve got. This fight is very different from the Conlan fight, I knew exactly what I had to do there and I will here too, but Zelfa has a lot of strings to his bow, he’s a very versatile fighter, moves really well, punches hard, has fast hands, he can stand and sling it out as well, so I am going to have to come out very different than I did against Conlan, but I am excited for the challenge and to be able to show my versatility as well.

“I’m like a half-Indian Golovkin! I think you will see the best of me now. I’m coming into my prime, I feel good, I’m with the right team, I’m training hard, and I feel comfortable and strong at 130lbs. There is so much emphasis on being the bigger guy in the ring, and fighters boil themselves down to make weights that they shouldn’t. There’s a difference between making a weight and performing at it. For the last two, three, maybe even four years, i just couldn’t perform at Featherweight, it’s frustrating because I know I would be much further along in my career if I’d moved up sooner but you are always chasing that carrot that’s being dangled in front of you, like, ‘win this one and you’ll get a World title’. But you are better off just being smaller but stronger. 

“I’m happy, I’m enjoying my training, I’ve found the love for boxing again, I’ve got a lot of things going on that I’m really excited about, and this fight is just one of them so let the good times roll.”Zelfa Barrett:

“This is the fight you promised, and you have delivered. I’ve always wanted to box at the Arena, watching and being in the changing rooms with Anthony Crolla and Scott Quigg, I’d always thought one day I’ll be there winning a World title, but this fight is like a World title because I know how good Jordan is. He’s well-schooled, got a good team around him, so it’s given me the grit in my teeth to perform.

“We’re similar in styles and that’s why I wanted to spar him back in the day because we’re similar, it’s funny how the tables turn and we’re now fighting each other, it’s an exciting fight and tickets are flying out, all my people will be there. 

“This is what I have been waiting for and I’ll surprise you with how many tickets I sell because Manchester has been screaming for a fighter and I’m top of the tree. If I can get a win over Jordan, the world is mine and you can deliver me anything that you can, and I believe I will do.”Rhiannon Dixon:

“I can’t thank you enough for the opportunity. I think with each fight I am just making a natural progression and showing more and more what I can do, what I am about. Each fight has been a test and I’m passing them with flying colors, and this is another one that I am going to pass. 

“Giving up my job as a pharmacist, my sponsorship has been able to help me do that, so i am giving everything to this now and you can see that in my performances. I think winning this fight puts me ahead for big things. 

“Manchester holds a really special place in my heart, I went to university here, I think Anthony would have been a bit upset if I’d fought in London, he wants to make it all about him as that’s where he won his World title, so I have to do what he says!”Cameron Vuong:

“100 per cent I will stop him. It’s not personal for me this fight, I called his name and he bit. If needs be, I’ll sit on the back foot and outbox him for ten rounds, i don’t believe he’s on my level and I’ll show him the levels on April 13. 

“You don’t see many prospects taking these fights at 4-0 but I’ve got no interest in padding my record, I want to be a star in this sport in the future, I’ve got the skills and the ability to do so, so on April 13 he’ll get dealt with and we’ll move on. 

“I’m not saying it’s where you come from you donut, you are from Oxford and you speak like some sort of bad man, a gangster. I’m not claiming to be bad; I don’t know what you are on about you clown, you are going to get dealt with. 

“It’ll be a master class, he doesn’t have anything that can faze me boxing wise, he can’t punch, so however he wants it, I’ll sit and outbox him or put it on him late and get him out of there, I’m easy.”Jordan Flynn:

“I think it’s more of a risky fight for Cameron as there’s a lot of hype behind him, you guys have put a lot of money and attention into him, so him losing this, where does he go from there? You say where would I go if I lost, but I’m moving up a weight, five pounds, to fight him, so if I beat him where does he go? He’s meant to be the next top prospect, all the hype behind him, he gets beaten by a guy without the hype behind him, that would be a bad situation to be in.

“He’s probably underestimating me, he’s seen the two fights with Kane Baker and thinks I’m just a brawler and it’s an easy night’s work, but he’s in for a shock. He’s saying I’m from Oxford and this and that, it doesn’t matter where you come from, you can be from anywhere, if you can fight you can fight. You have been fighting bin men who don’t punch back.

“He’s a decent little boxer, he’s got more of an amateur style, he’s sharp I’m not going to say he’s a bum. He’s a decent little fighter but there’s levels to this game. He’s underestimating me. 

“This will be the first fight he’s had where someone will throw a punch back, so we’ll see how he deals with it. I can see myself getting him out of there, I don’t know if he’s got ten rounds in him, we’ll see on April 13.”Michael Gomez Jr:

“Is Kane training in Mexico or is he on holiday? You can tell me. It doesn’t make a difference though, on April 13, he’s getting beaten regardless, he can train wherever he wants. I train in my little gym in Chadderton, I do what I do, simple as that.

“When you see the support that I bring I don’t know if you will have me on a card again, they are absolute lunatics, I feel for you there, you’ll need extra money for security!

“If he comes to meet me head-on, it’s like when two cars crash, one of them is coming off worse, and it’s not going to be me, I can promise you that.”Brandon Scott:

“I’ve been telling a. Lot of people that even I didn’t know how bad the extent of my injury was to my hand. Some hand specialist was telling me to retire, it was that bad, but then I went to see Mike Hayton and he said to me I can do an operation, and now my hand is stronger than ever, and I’ve even got a cool scar, metal in my hand like Wolverine. A lot of people know me from my last two fights where, yes, I feel I boxed well but I was limited, I showed I had one hand. So, I’ve told people, if you know my from my last two fights, just watch my next fight before you make any assumptions on my skills or anything.

“I can’t wait for the rest of this year, i get the chance to show everyone what I am made of. I’ve got gimmicks up my sleeve and I have fun in fight week, and I always will. But this is the chance to show people I’m as exciting in the ring as I am outside the ring.”

William Crolla:

“I’ve had one more since Liverpool and I got another stoppage and we’ve both said that activity plays a major part. I’m out this Saturday and then again on April 13, they are all little steps towards getting my own nights at the Arena like this one, every Manchester fighter dreams of headlining at the Arena and we’re just chipping and chipping away at that, and I think it’s going to be a good year.

“On my debut I loaded up on every shot and went looking for it, I didn’t look great. The two fights since then I haven’t gone looking for the KO and I’ve got two first round stoppages. I think I have a very fan-friendly style and it’s going to be a fun journey. 

“I’m a lot more exciting than Anthony! I think people will see that I’m exciting and I’ll get my own Crolla army.”

Joe Cordina re-claimed the IBF Super Featherweight Title with a 12-round split decision over Shavkatzhon Rakhimov in Cardiff, Wales.

In round two, Cordina dropped Rakhimov with a left hook In round six, Rakhimov began to bleed from around his left eye.

Cordina, 129.12 lbs of Cardiff, WAL won by scores of 115-112 and 114-113, while a third card had Rakhimov ahead by a 116-111 tally.

Cordina is 16-0. Rakhimov, 129.7 lbs of Bokhtar, TAJ is 17-1-1.

Sandy Ryan won the vacant WBO Welterweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Marie Pier Houle

Ryan, 146.6 lbs of Darby, ENG won by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93 and is now 6-1. Houle, 145.9 lbs of Terrabonne, CAN is 8-1-1.

Gavin Gwynne stopped Craig Woodruff in round five of their 12-round lightweight bout.

In round, Gwynne landed head and body shots that backed Woodruff on the ropes until the fight was stopped at 2:02.

Gwynne, 134.2 lbs of Treharris, WAL is 16-2-1 with for knockouts. Woodruff, 133.15 lbs of Newport, WAL is 12-7-1.

Zelfa Barrett won a 12-round unanimous decision over Jason Sanchez in a super featherweight bout.

In round five, Barrett landed a hard right that put Sanchez on the canvas.

Barrett, 129.1 lbs of Manchester, ENG won by scores 119-108, 118-110 and 116-111 and is now 29-2. Sanchez, 128.10 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is 16-4.

Jordan Thompson stopped Luke Watkins in round six of their 10-round cruiserweight bout.

Thompson dropped Watkins twice in round six.

Thompson, 199 lbs of Manchester, ENG is 15-0 with 12 knockouts. Watkins, 198 lbs of Swindon, ENG is 16-3,

Sammy Lee stopped Juris Zundovskis after the opening round of their six-round light heavyweight bout.

Lee, 193 lbs of Swansea, WAL is 2-0 with one stoppage. Zundovskis, 179.5 lbs of Latvia is 6-6.

Miles Gordan-Darby won a four-round decision over Phil Williams in a heavyweight fight.

Fordan-Darby, 240.2 lbs of Kingston, ENG won by a 39-37 score and is 4-0.

Zelfa Barrett will face Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov for the vacant IBF Super-Featherweight World Title on a huge night of World Championship boxing at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on Saturday November 5, live to subscribers worldwide on DAZN (excluding South Korea and MENA).

Joe Cordina was set to make the first defence of his IBF World Title on the stacked undercard of Dmitry Bivol’s WBA Light-Heavyweight World Title clash with Mexico’s Gilberto Zurdo Ramirez, but the Welshman suffered a hand injury that required surgery and was subsequently stripped of his title by the IBF.

Manchester’s Barrett (28-1, 16 KOs) is ranked at No.2 with the IBF and is next in line to fight for the famous red and gold belt against the IBF’s No.1 ranked Super-Featherweight Rakhimov (16-0-1, 13 KOs) – who gets a second opportunity to fight for the 130lbs crown following his draw with an overweight Joseph Diaz last year.

‘Brown Flash’ lands his dream World Title shot after a string of impressive wins that have pushed the 29-year-old up the world rankings, including a shutout points win over South Africa’s Bruno Tarimo in their World Title eliminator bout last December and another wide points win over Faroukh Kourbanov to claim the European Title at the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena in June.

Olympic gold medal star Galal Yafai (2-0, 2 KOs) will defend his WBC International Flyweight Title against Mexico’s Gohan Rodriguez Garcia (12-1-1, 1 KO). The pair were originally slated to meet on the now postponed Chris Eubank Jr vs. Conor Benn undercard in London but will lock horns a month later on the historic ‘Champion Series’ event.

Kal Yafai (26-1, 15 KOs), older brother of Galal, fights for the first time since losing his WBA Super-Flyweight World Title to modern great Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez at The Ford Center at The Star, Frisco back in February 2020.

Hyde Lightweight prospect Campbell Hatton (8-0, 2 KOs), son of British boxing legend Ricky, goes for his fourth win of 2022 after notching wins over Joe Ducker at The O2 in February, Ezequiel Gregores at Manchester Arena in April and most recently Michal Dufek at Sheffield Arena in August.

Oldham Super-Featherweight Aqib Fiaz (9-0) fights outside of the UK for the first time as a pro when he meets Spain’s Diego Valtierra (6-5-2, 2 KOs) over 8 rounds, plus there’s action for Dubai Super-Featherweight Fahad Al Bloushi (10-1, 2 KOs), Dubai Lightweight Majid Al Naqbi (7-0, 4 KOs) and undefeated UAE Super-Flyweight Sultan Al Nuaimi (8-0).

“It’s amazing to be fighting for the IBF Super-Featherweight World Title in Abu Dhabi on a big show,” said Barrett. “I feel like it’s deserved. I had a World Title Eliminator last year and I’m ranked No.2 in the world with the IBF. I’ve been in the gym and I’ve always said I’m two fights away from being a World Champion. I beat Bruno Tarimo and then I beat Faroukh Kourbanov. So now I’m here and it’s my time to shine. 

“Rakhimov is a very good fighter. He comes forward, he’s aggressive and he’s got a good boxing brain. I’m expecting a tough fight and a tough 12 rounds. We’re going to have to work every second of every minute of every round. I’m preparing for that and I’m going to leave no stone unturned. We’re putting everything into this opportunity. 

“Of course you’d like more notice but I’ve been in the gym training and working hard anyway. When we got the call, we were ready. No doubt. Anyone would like more time to prepare but this is what makes me different to the other fighters. Some fighters get 12 weeks, some fighters get 10 weeks, I’ll do it in 6 and look good doing it too.”

“Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov against Zelfa Barrett for the vacant IBF Super-Featherweight World Title is another 50-50 fight for Abu Dhabi’s new ‘Champion Series’,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Rakhimov is a very good fighter. He’s a former IBO World Champion and has already fought for the IBF World Title. Zelfa is a guy who’s earned his shot. He fought an IBF Eliminator Tarimo and he’s ready to go. This is a massive opportunity for him in neutral territory on a huge show to go and change his life.

“Zelfa Barrett as World Champion against Joe Cordina coming back to try and regain his World Championship is a massive fight for British boxing. Joe will be really down and frustrated at the moment, but he will get that World Title shot as soon as he resumes his career – hopefully that will be against Zelfa Barrett and we’ll get a massive all-British fight. Three World Title fights and a stacked undercard featuring Olympic Champions, former World Champions and some of the best up and coming prospects from around the world – we can’t wait for November 5!”

Tickets for the World Title triple-header Dh 100, with limited VIP packages including ringside seats. All tickets are on sale at www.etihadarena.ae.

Joe Cordina thrilled his hometown fans by violently knocking out Kenichi Ogawa in round two to win the IBF Junior Lightweight title at The Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, Wales.

In Round two, Cordina landed a perfect right to the jaw that splattered Ogawa on the canvas, and the fight was stopped.

Cordina, 129.6 lbs of Cardiff, WAL is now 15-0 with nine knockouts. Ogawa, 129.4 lbs of Tokyo, JAP is now 26-2-1.

Barrett Decisions Kourbanov

Zelfa Barrett won a 12-round unanimous decision over Faroukh Kourbanov in a junior lightweight bout.

Barrett Mancherster, ENG is 28-1. Kourbanov of Dison, BEL is 19-4.

Dalton Smith stops Perouene after six

Dalton Smith remained undefeated by stopping Mauro Peroune after round six of their 10-round super lightweight fight.

In round six, Smith dropped Perouene with a right hand. After round six, the fight was stopped.

Smith, 138.5 lbs of Sheffield, ENG is 11-0 with nine knockouts. Perouene, 139.4 lns of Santa Rosa, ARG is 14-6-1.

Nicolson Decisions Bouvier

Skye Nicolson remained undefeated with an eight-round decision over Gabriela Bouvier in a featherweight fight.

Nicolson, 127.3 lbs of Queensland, Australia won by an 80-72 score is now 4-0. Bouvier, 127.2 lbs of Maldonado, URA is 15-11-1.

Yafai Stops Cairns in 4

Gamal Yafai stopped Sean Cairns in round four of their eight-round super bantamweight fight.

In round four, Yafai dropped Cairns with a hard left hook to the jaw and the bout was stopped at 1:55.

Yafai, 124 lbs of Birmingham, ENG is 19-2 with 11 knockouts. Cairns 124.3 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 8-3.

Callum French won an eight-round decision over Gadatamen Taylor in a super lightweight contest.

French, 137.25 lbs of Gateshead, ENG won by a 79-73 score and is now 3-0. Taylor, 137.5 lbs of Palma de Mallorco, SPA is 4-10-1.

Kyran Jones remained undefeated with a four-round decision over Vasif Mamedov in a middleweight fight.

In round two, Jones dropped Mamedov with a straight left.

Jones, 163.5 lbs of Hengoad, WAL won by a 40-35 score and is now 4-0. Mamedov., 164.1 lbs of Perm, RUS is 2-18-3.

Joe Morgan remained undefeated with a four-round decision over Rustem Fatkhullin in a super lightweight bout.

Morgan, 143.4 lbs of Aberdare, WAL won by a 40-35 score and is now 4-0. Fatkhullin, 144.2 lbs of UFA, RUS is 8-33.

Ben Crocker remained undefeated with a dour-round decision over Evgeni Vazem in a welterweight fight.

Cocker, 149.5 lbs of Swansea, WAL won by a 40-36 score and is now 4-0. Vazem, 151.6 lbs of Serov, RUS is 9-30

Ester Konecna spoiled the pro debut of Monique Bux by winning a four-round decision in a super middleweight bout.

Konecna, 160.3 lbs of Ostrava, CZE won by a 39-37 score and is now 2-15-1. Bux, 167.1 lbs of Cardiff, WAL is 0-1.

Joseph Parker won a 12-round unanimous decision over Derek Chisora in a spirited heavyweight rematch in Manchester, England.

In round two, Parker started to batter Chisora on the ropes, and badly hurt Chisora in round three with a hard right hand followed by a combination. In round four, Parker landed a booming right that sent Chisora into the ropes that was ruled a knockdown. Chisora tried to mount a serious rally at the end of the round.

In round seven, Parker dropped Chisora with a right uppercut. Just like in round three, Chisora rallied with a big flurry at the end of the frame. In round eight, it was another uppercut that sent Chisora into the corner for a knockdown. Parker was not able to finish Chisora, but he won by scores of 115-110, 115-111 and 114-112.

Parker landed 144 of 464 punches; Chisora was 122 of 468.

Parker, 251 lbs of Auckland, NZ is 30-2. Chisora, 248.8 lbs of Finchley, ENG is 32-12.

Lelesadjo stops Cullen in 6

Kevin Lelesadjo stopped Jack Cullen in round six of their 12-round super middleweight bout.

The left eye of Cullen began to bleed in round five. In round six, Lelesadjo dropped Cullen with a hard left to the body and Cullen could not beat the count at 1;11

Lelesadjo, 167.8 lbs of Saint-Maur, FRA is 17-0 with 15 knockouts. Cullen, 167.8 lbs of Little Leaver, ENG is 20-3-1.

Barrett Decisions Tarimo

Zelfa Barrett won a 12-round unanimous decision over Bruno Tarimo in a super featherweight bout.

In round three, Barrett dropped Tarimo with a hard right hand.

Barrett landed 148 of 577 punches; Tarmio was 84 of 520.

Barrett, 129.8 lbs of Manchester, ENG won by scores of 117-110 twice and 116-111 and is now 27-1. Tarimo, 128.8 lbs of Southport, AUS is 26-3-2.

Richards Decisions Gongora

In a battle of undefeated super middleweight, Lerrone Richards won a 12-round split decision over Carlos Gongora.

Richards, 167.2 lbs of New Malden, ENG won by scores of 115-113 twice. Gongora won a card 116-112.

Richards landed 114 of 484 punches; Gongora was just 95 of 443.

Richards is now 16-0. Gongora, 168 lbs of Esmeraldes, ECU is 20-1.

Babic Stops Spilmont in 6

Alen Babic remained perfect by stopping David Spilmont in round six of their scheduled eight-round heavyweight bout.

In round one, Babic rocked Spilmont several times. Spilmont hurt badly with a hard left hook in round three. In round fourm, Babic dropped Spilmont with an overhand left.

In round six, Babic landed a big left hook that set off a six-punch flurry that folded Spilmont down to the canvas, and the fight was stopped at 53 seconds.

Babic, 216 lbs of Zegreb, CRO is 10-0 with 10 knockouts, Spilmont, 252 lbs of Saint-Michel, FRA is 11-8-1.

Nyika Stops Carpin in 1

David Nyika stopped Anthony Carpin in round one of their scheduled four-round cruiserweight bout.

Nyika, 199.3 lbs of Hamilton, NZ is 2-0 with two knockouts. Carpin, 203 lbs of France is 5-7-1.

Joshua Buatsi stopped Ricards Bolotniks in round 11 of a scheduled 12-round light heavyweight bout at the Matchroom HQ in Essex, England

In round six, Buatsi dropped Bolotniks with a vicious left hook.

In round eight, Buatsi was deducted a point for a low blow. In round 11, Buatsi landed a booming right that sent Bolotniks to the deck and the fight was stopped at 2:08.

Buatsi, 174 3/4 lbs of Croydon, ENG is 15-0 with 13 knockouts. Bolotniks, 174 1/2 lbs of Riga, LAT is 18-6-1.

“Most importantly I have to thank God for the victory, different fighters have different things that work for them, I made it clear to you lot that that’s what works for me,” Buatsi told DAZN. “In my changing room I don’t need to hear anything, don’t tell me what I did in camp, tell me Josh is written in the bible. That’s what gears me up when I walk down there, what’s written in the bible.
 
“I’m grateful man, Bolotniks big credit to him he pushed me. I think he said Josh hasn’t been past seven rounds before so after seven we’ll see. I was there until 11 and landed a good shot. I worked every round, but I want to congratulate him – he’s a good champion.
 
“When I sat down, I said, ‘Buatsi who told you to empty the tank, you’ve got six left?’ but I’ve worked hard. You see in camp the sparring is hard man, big credit to my sparring partners they know who they are. I do a hard six run then a fresh one gets in so into the second half I said I’ve been here: I’ve done it before I’ve been here many times in camp.
 
“I’ve got a great team, I’ve got a promoter that believes in me, he’s been pushing for fights like this because he knows I can do it. Tonight, I went out there and showed people I can do it, we just build from here.
 
“We all make sacrifices, I don’t want to single myself out, everyone sacrifices to be where they want to be in life. For me, yeah, I sacrificed, I’m always away from my family and I truly miss them but most importantly I want to get to the top. I feel like I’m in the right team with the right people, I’ve got a great promoter who gives me the opportunities I need. I’ll keep sacrificing.”

Cordina Destroys Hernandez in 1st

Joe Cordina needed just 53 seconds to dispose of Joshua Hernandez in a scheduled 10-round lightweight bout.

Cordina landed a blistering 1-2 that sent Hernandez down for the 10-count.

Cordina, 134 lbs of Cardiff, WAL is 13-0 with eight knockouts. Hernandez, 132 3/4 lbs of Chicago, IL is 10-4.

“Chris Colbert went eight rounds with Hernandez and what I watched of it, it was quite a tough fight for him,” Cordina told Matchroom. “I watched that fight and a couple others of Hernadez and me and Tony came up with a game plan. We were going through in the changing rooms, and it came off a peach.
 
“I had to prove a point, I said in an interview earlier in the week that I don’t take criticism from people I wouldn’t go to for advice. I don’t really value many people’s opinions so yeah, it’s one of those things, you’re going to get people criticizing and it’s whether you take it onboard or not. A lot of people didn’t take into consideration that I’d been out the ring for 16 months, had an operation of my hand, we proved the point tonight and got him out of there early on.
 
“I always look to just get the win, box, if the knockout is there, I’ll take it. As soon as he threw his first jab, I knew he wasn’t going to catch me with that, my sharpness of feet and head movement would get me out of trouble. I started putting my lead hand downstairs and whipping the right hand over the top and I caught him the first time, I knew he was a little bit wobbly. I didn’t want to rush in and try and get him out of there straight away, I knew if I could catch him twice with it there’s going to be a third time and I did exactly that. We got him out of there in great fashion.
 
“I was watching Fight Camp last year and there was no crowd, but even when there wasn’t a crowd it felt like there was a massive atmosphere. When I saw the first Fight Camp week at home, I thought, ‘oh my god I’m fighting there in two weeks, it’s going to be amazing’. I’m glad that I’m able to tick it of my list now. 
 
“Eddie watched me in York Hall in 2009 and said, ‘you’re going to be a World Champion’. It’s nice to hear that but I’ve got to keep improving, keep pushing on and proving him right. I know I’ve got the ability to be a World Champion very soon, but I’ve just got to keep winning. I’ve got the ability to mix it with any of them, it’s just about taking those steps up the ladder to become a World Champion and that’s what I plan on doing. Maybe have two weeks at home, go back to the gym and see what I want to do with Tony.
 
“I know people say it but if you speak to my S&C coach and Tony this was probably one of the best camps I’ve ever had. That’s with the boxing, plus my S&C, everything just came together. Don’t get me wrong I had to be at home for my new-born son but everything’s coming together now. I’m glad I got the win tonight in great fashion and now it’s time to build on it.” 

World-Rated welterweight Michael McKinson remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Przemyslaw Runowki.

McKinson, 146 1/2 lbs of Portsmouth, ENG won by scores of 99-91 twice and 98-92 and is now 21-0. Runowski, 146 1/4 lbs of Shupsk, POL is 19-2.

“I’m happy, that was easier than I thought it would be, I didn’t really get out of first gear,” McKinson told Matchroom. “I visibly hurt him a few times, but I boxed to instructions and got the win. To be fair I didn’t think he won a round against me, but he was a tough guy. Him and his team were very confident beforehand, I liked the energy they brought all week, but I just had to show I was a level above, and I was a few levels above – I’m happy.

“They keep giving me harder opposition, they keep telling me it’s a step up and I’m making it look easier and easier. What people forget is I’m learning every day on the job as well; I’m developing and who knows where I can be in a year or twos time. I’m in a position where a lot of boxers dream of being in, all I can do it stay focused, keep learning and keep working my way to the top.

“First time on the A side you know, not many people can say they’ve boxed in Gibraltar and not many people can say they’ve boxed in Eddie’s back garden and done both this year. I can’t moan or complain, I’m really happy and blessed.

“2021 and my career has just started, 21-0 and making it look easy. I really want to keep stepping up, keep challenging myself, keep having more and more tests. I’m still learning but I’m learning quick and finding it easy now. I want opponents that will make me step through the gears, a few times I hurt him there like I can punch, I don’t need to, I boxed to instructions. I didn’t really get out of first gear.

“I believe I’m the best 147 pounder in the country. I like Conor, I get on well with him, but if he can’t get them two guys the Brooks or the Khans, I’m always here. I’ll fight whoever they give me, I’ve never turned down a fight and that’s a fact – I don’t plan on turning down fights. I really do believe in myself, and I believe in my development as well. I’m going to be going to the top I promise you.

“I’m really happy for Liam Taylor because he never really gets a fair ranking and he’s a good fighter so I’m happy he’s got that opportunity. I’m not far behind, I’d like the winner, but I’ll fight whoever makes sense and whoever my management team want to get me next – the answer is always yes. That guy there I just beat took Josh Taylor to points on short notice, he had a full camp against me, his team were so confident talking to me in the hotel.

“Like I said, I make their confidence fade round by round, they don’t call me ‘The Problem’ for no reason. I will carry on being a problem as I step through the levels as the opposition gets better, trust me.

“Josh Kelly has got a lot of ability, he’s a skilful fighter, I like Josh – even after the Avanesyan defeat I still think he’s a top fighter. Florian Marku talks a lot doesn’t he, he didn’t know who I was a few months ago on social media on an interview, he said he didn’t know who I was. At least they’re talking about me now, let him prove himself because I don’t think he’s proved himself at a decent level yet, not saying he’s not a good fighter, but he does need to prove himself as a fighter to be respected. Good luck to all of them, I wish nothing but the best for all my rivals, you know I’m here and I’ll fight anybody.

“Even when we go back to proper arenas and stuff, wait till we get hundreds and hundreds of Portsmouth fans loud and proud. I’ve got great support and it’s always growing; I know there’s a lot of people that didn’t come today but when they’re allowed everyone will see the Portsmouth fans.”

In a battle of undefeated super bantamweights, Hopey Price won a six-round decision over Claudio Grande.

In the closing seconds of the fight, Price dropped Grande with a straight left.

Price, 123 1/4 lbs of Leeds, ENG won by a 58-55 score and is now 5-0. Grande, 121 1/2 lbs of Massa, ITA is now 5-1.

“It was a good performance, considering I had six months outside the ring, which for a young prospect like me isn’t ideal,” Price told Matchroom. “You can spar as much as you want but it’s not the same feeling as when you’re under the lights. Now looking forward, I’ve got Leeds in three weeks, that’s put me in very good stead – you’ll see the best of me in three weeks’ time.

“I remember Dave [Coldwell] shouting at me finish strong, finish strong, and he was just coming in – what we’ve been working on in the gym – I felt like I was catching him with that shot all fight and he just walked onto it lovely at the end and he was gone.

“I’m not fighting these journeyman and people with losing records, that’s a proper fight, he’s 5-0, three knockouts, I’m sure he wanted to be a star over there in Italy. He was coming to win and was defeated, I put a stop to that and gave him his first loss.

“You began to see it, it’s been coming slowly but surely, now over the next year or so you’ll see the best of me.

“I feel like I’m developing more as a fighter under Dave and more as a man – big thanks to Danny Wilson at Boxing Science, he’s making me a lot stronger, and I think you saw it there in the last ten seconds. I’m not just a young kid that people can walk through.

“I want to go right to the top. I don’t want to be a World Champion; I want to be a pound-for-pound star and Dave’s the man to take me there. I’ll keep listening, learning, developing and I promise you I will get there one day.

“I think fighting in Leeds on September 4 shows the confidence and ability – and the confidence my team has in me – to take a fight like that three weeks before and coming through with flying colours, no injuries. I’m ready to go in my hometown in front of 20,00 fans, I’ll steal the show there 100%.

“I’m ready for Zahid Hussain, 100%, I was ready for it back in September and the magic man didn’t turn up. So, we’ll see this time if he comes and if he does, I promise Hopey Price will come out the victor.

“I said it from my second pro fight, I believe there are levels to boxing and my boxing brain is one of the best in Britain. I believe I’m levels above Zahid Hussain.”

Kash Farooq won a 10-round unanimous decision over Luis Gerardo Castillo in a bantamweight bout.

In round five, Farooq was cut under his right eye and Castillo had swelling under his right eye from a headbutt.

Farooq, 117 1/2 lbs of Glasgow, SCO won by scores of 100-90 twice and 100-91 and is now 16-1. Castillo, 116 1/4 lbs of Mexico is 28-3.

“I boxed to the game plan, that was it, you want to get in there and always entertain but I followed the game plan that was it,” Farooq told Matchroom. “I listened to my trainer, and he just told me to box, you couldn’t get any footage of him, so I didn’t know what he was about, I adapted on the night and did what I had to do.

“I showed tonight the other side of me that can box as well. He’s not world class but it’s a different side of my boxing that I showed, he was tough and game. We didn’t know what we were up against.

“If you let anybody hit you, they can punch, he had a bit of sting to his punches, but the name of the game is hit and don’t get hit and that’s what I did in this fight.

“He [Gerardo] can’t speak and can’t hear so it’s something different, people were saying he’s come to win, and this was going to change his life, these types of boys want to win but he was up against me so – I wanted to win as much as he did.

“These boys are coming from nothing, some of them grew up in poverty and it’s a different lifestyle in Mexico – they fight for a living to make their lives better. It’s either me or him and it wasn’t going to be me today.

“It was another learning fight for me, and I’ll progress again, it’s something I picked up – for me it’s just about developing and getting better. This is just another clinical performance by me.

“My job is just to fight, and they tell me what route they’re going to go through. If I had a choice I’d fight [McGregor] but it’s down to them and they’ll make the right decision for me.

“He wants to fight just like I do but he’s got managers telling him what the best options are like I do as well. The next few weeks my managers are going to sit down with Eddie and discuss what the best options are and what route to go down – if it’s that one next then I’m more than happy to take it.

“It is a big fight for Scotland, me and Lee can sell out the SSE Hydro, if it’s the right time and it has a good build me, we can do it. It’s just me and him boxing each other.

“For me I’ll take a few days off but it’s back to training. When I’ll really take some time off is when I call it a day and retire. Now I’ve still got levels to progress, go back to the gym and work on things, it’s a lifestyle in boxing and it a short career, you don’t know when retirement is coming. For me I’m going to put everything into boxing for the next few years of my life.”

Raymond Ford remained undefeated as he stopped Reece Bellotti in round three of a scheduled 10-round featherweight bout.

In round three, Ford landed a right hook that staggered Bellotti. Ford was all over Bellotti and landed a bout 15 unanswered shots and the fight was stopped at 39 seconds.

Ford, 126 lbs of Camden, NJ is 9-0-1 with five knockouts. Bellotti, 125 1/4 lbs of Watford, ENG is 14-5.

“In the third round I was going to start to box and slow it down because I was throwing too many fast, hard shots to hurt him early,” Ford told Matchroom. “My team told me to settle down because we had ten rounds to go and then he came on and ran into the shot. I knew if I didn’t get him out of there when I had him hurt, he was just going to be a tough guy and keep coming forward. When I hit my shot, I had to get him out of there.

“It feels great, one of my dreams that came true, the real dream and goal is to get to these World Championship titles.

“I knew that he [Bellotti] was kind of the bully and everything so I wanted to beat the bully in the fight. I heard a lot about his power, guys saying his power was up there at the top, I just wanted to show I can be a bigger bully and that’s what I did.

“I said yesterday that I was going to handle the pressure. I was just starting to warm up and settle in but the more the fight would have went, the more you would have seen me relaxed and be sharper. I was getting hit by some dumb shots but that was because I was warming up and getting a feel of everything – being back after five months.

“I love it in the UK, all week people have been showing me love so I want to come back and fight here again. I want to be one the greatest to ever do it, not just in my division, I just want to be the best and go down as a legend.

“It’s important to be patient but I feel like I have the skills and I was blessed with the talents I have where I can fight these top guys at a young age. I want to keep stepping up and get these tougher fights.”

Zelfa Barrett stopped Viorel Simion after round five of their scheduled eight-round lightweight bout.

In round one, Barrett dropped Simion with a body shot. Barrett continued to punish Simion and the fight was stopped after round five.

Barrett, 136 1/4 lbs of Manchester, ENG is 26-1 with 16 knockouts. Simion, 139 3/4 lbs of Romania is 22-7.

Eddie Hearn:

“Thanks Chris, Darren and Andy, joining us live on Sky Sports as well. We are so happy to be back! 2021 here we go. We’re back behind closed doors but it doesn’t matter. This is the biggest year yet for Matchroom Boxing as we go global. The start of twelve shows in eight weeks, in seven different countries. Firstly, this Saturday live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN around the world. The return of the No.1 Featherweight Josh Warrington against Mauricio Lara. Kiko Martinez against Zelfa Barrett, Reece Mould against Leigh Wood, Dalton Smith against Ishmael Ellis, Hopey Price against Mendoza and this one to kick us off, Ibrahim Nadim against Jonny Phillips.”

Josh Warrington – Leeds, England – 30-0, 7 KOs – fighting Mauricio Lara in a 12 round Featherweight contest:

“He’s got a better knockout ratio than I have. But can he do the 12 rounds as well as I can? Has he got as much experience? I don’t think he can. But that’s up to me to expose that. He’s got punch power but, if I’m not there to be hit, he’ll be hitting thin air. It won’t go past six rounds. I strongly believe that. The way I’ve been hitting with 16oz gloves on? When I then put the 8oz gloves on and see the gaps in his defence, I expect an early night. But I’m experienced over 12 rounds. I’ve done marathons. I can do it at a good pace. This man here has no pressure. He is full of Mexican pride. I’m a big fan of Mexican fighters and how they wear their hearts on their sleeves. He will bring it but I wouldn’t want it any other way. This guy is a real puncher. He will bring it, which will tune me up nicely for the fights down the line. Make no mistake, I’m treating him like a monster because I can’t afford a slip-up.”

Mauricio Lara – Mexico City, Mexico – 21-2, 14 KOs – fighting Josh Warrington in a 12 round Featherweight contest:

“Thank you very much. Thanks for the invitation. It’s a lovely country that you’ve got here despite the fact that we haven’t been able to go out at all. It is a great opportunity for me and Josh Warrington is going to face a really tricky fighter in me. I’m also aware that I’m coming up agains the No.1 ranked fighter and it’s my opportunity to show the people of Mexico and everyone what I can do. I enjoy coming for war. We’re going to clash in the ring, that’s definitely going to happen. I’m looking forward to it. From the first bell I will be looking for the knockout. If it goes the distance I’ll be ready. I’ll be ready for whatever comes. I’d love to make history on February 13th, to take this victory home to Mexico City. It is a huge opportunity and I’m really looking forward to taking advantage of it.”

Zelfa Barrett – Manchester, England – 24-1, 15 KOs – defending his IBF Intercontinental Super-Featherweight Title against Kiko Martinez:

“I’m ready. I’m more than ready. I respect Kiko for what he’s done in the sport. He’s fought the best. I believe that I’m one of the best. It’s my time to shine and to show how good I am. Styles make fights. When I fight another guy like Eric Donovan, slick and tricky, I’ll learn from that. Kiko is coming, I know he’s coming, I can see him coming now! We’re ready for what he’s going to bring. Fight Camp was a good experience and Eric Donovan was a good fighter. I’m ready for anything. However he comes out I’ll just work on that. I’ll do what I’ve got to do. I know what he’s coming to do. He’s coming to fight. He’s coming for war. We’re ready. I know what I want and I know where we’re going. Kiko is a good fighter and beating him will put me in a good position.”

Kiko Martinez – Alicante, Spain – 41-9-2, 29 KOs – challenging Zelfa Barrett for his IBF Intercontinental Super-Featherweight Title:

“It’s great to be here. Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to be here again. It is true, we’ve had some great nights in the past. This is a huge fight for me, and the opportunity for me to make history, to be one of the few people that have won Titles in three different weight classes. I’m very excited and prepared to face a really good fighter in Barrett on Saturday. It’s to make history, to make history in the ring. I’ve never been content with money alone, the only thing that makes me happy is being active as a fighter. It’s about doing all that I can, and giving my all every time that I step into the ring. I’m super prepared. Extremely prepared.”

Leigh Wood – Nottingham, England – 23-2, 13 KOs – fighting Reece Mould for the vacant British Featherweight Title:

“I’m extremely confident of winning that British Title on Saturday night. New trainer, not so much new things. Obviously there’s only so many punches in boxing that you can learn. The perception of it, how you look at it, how you view it, how you set things up, keeping my base, just fundamentals. Drilling it and drilling it thousands of times. I’m really feeling confident ahead of Saturday night. I’ve said a few things that he’s taken as disrespectful. I’m not disrespecting him. I rate him, he’s a good fighter, 13-0, in and out of a gym with a World Champion. I’ve heard a lot of sparring rumours as well. I just believe that anyone I’m in with on Saturday night, I’m coming away with the win. I spent most of my career on my back foot. Dancing around, switching and moving. It’s one way of boxing but with my power, Ben was scratching his head at why I wasn’t using it. We’ve changed things in sparring and it’s coming together. Everyone that has ever taken me on the pads can vouch for me that I’m a big puncher. There’s more to boxing than punching. You’ve got to set it up. You’ve got to be smart. That’s what we’ve been working on.”

Reece Mould – Doncaster, England – 13-0, 6 KOs – fighting Leigh Wood for the vacant British Featherweight Title:

“Boxing is all about timing and I believe this is the right time for this fight. I’m going to win this fight and go onto bigger things. I’m looking forward to it. I’m not expecting an easy night. I’ve said all along that it’s not going to be an easy fight. If Leigh comes to bring it and trade with me then I believe I’ll get him out of there early. We’re going to push him all the way. I’m expecting Leigh to bring his best. He’s got everything on his shoulders for this fight. He’s got to win the fight so he’s going to bring his best, but I believe my best beats Leigh Wood’s best.”

Dalton Smith – Sheffield, England – 6-0, 5 KOs – fighting Ishmael Ellis in an ten round Super-Lightweight contest:

“I’d have like to have got out before the end of last year but I got COVID-19 so we had to take our time. I’m happy that I’m back out on the first card of the year. This isn’t the fight that we originally had scheduled in but again, we can’t argue with that, it’s nobody’s fault. Now I’m facing Ishmael Ellis who is a lively opponent. I didn’t want anyone to step in as just a knock-over. We managed to get a lively opponent and we’ve got a good fight on Saturday. These guys facing me have got everything to gain and nothing to lose. For me, mainly I’ve got everything to lose. There’s a lot of pressure in these fights but this is the game we’re in. I want to keep on propelling my career further and further up. I’ve got to take these challenges. I think the better my opposition gets the better you’ll see of me.”

Ishmael Ellis – Birmingham, England – 11-3 – fighting Dalton Smith in an ten round Super-Lightweight contest:

“I’m 100% here to win this weekend. Thank you for the opportunity again. Thank you Dalton as well. It’s a massive opportunity for me. A lot of fighters have been turning these opportunities down but us underdog fighters can’t be turning down these opportunities. I do believe that I can give him a good fight on Saturday night. I took that loss last year. It was my own fault. I wasn’t really prepared for the fight, I was out of training. The opportunity came and I was just eager to fight. I just want to keep on going. I’ve had a bit more time to prepare for this one. I haven’t taken this fight just to go down in the first round and leave. I’ve come here to prove myself and gain something from this.”

Hopey Price – Leeds, England – 3-0, 1 KO – fighting Daniel Mendoza in a six round Featherweight contest:

“We’ve been back and forth with a few different opponents. I’ve just got to concentrate on doing my job on Saturday night. Now I’ve finally got an opponent I can just go out there and do what I’ve been working on in the gym. Obviously we have to move a bit quicker because of the pandemic. Me and Dave feel like I’m ready to move quicker anyway. I think with my ability and my boxing brain I’m ready to do so. These sort of fights are great experience for me for when I do eventually step-up. Having Jonny Phillips as my third fight has helped me improve as a fighter. I think I just need to keep taking these step-ups. That’s what is going to get me to where I need to be in the end.”

Daniel Mendoza – Chichigalpa, Nicaragua – 11-11, 4 KOs – fighting Hopey Price in a six round Featherweight contest:

“I’d like to thank god first and foremost for being here. Thanks also to the promoters. It is true that I really like tough fights and it is going to be another one on Saturday night but I’m really looking forward to it. Whenever I go into the ring it’s not about fighting, it is about winning. I always give my best and I have great heart. I will be doing that in the ring.”

Ibrahim Nadim – Keighley, England – 2-0 – fighting Jonny Phillips in a six round Featherweight contest:

“Firstly I’d like to thank Matchroom and Sky Sports for the opportunity. It’s good to be back boxing again. It’s a tough test but I’ll be ready for whatever he brings. It’s been frustrating, but if you look at the positive side of things, it has given me more time to learn in the ring. I’m prepared for whatever he brings. I want to be in exciting fights like this.”

Jonny Phillips – Sandhurst, England – 5-5, 2 KOs – fighting Ibrahim Nadim in a six round Featherweight contest:

“This time you’ve given me four weeks’ notice not four days! I’ve managed to make the weight quite comfortably. I made it at the start of the week. Mentally, we’re all there. Everything is in place now. I felt good in that last one but it was rushed and it was my first time being on Sky. That was hyped up. Now I’m used to it all. I’m buzzing, I cannot wait to get in there. I’m not in this game for money or fame. I want glory. I want to end my career with any belt. Beating him is going to hopefully put me a step closer to you offering me a Title fight.”

Felix Cash remained undefeated by stopping former world title challenger Jason Welborn in round five of a scheduled 12-round middleweight bout in Essex, England

In round five, Cash dropped Welborn with a right to the head. About 45 seconds later, Cash ended things when he landed another right to the head that put Welborn down again, and the fight was stopped at 2:48.

Cash, 160 lbs of Wokingham is 13-0 with nine knockouts. Welborn, 159 lbs of Tividale is 24-9.

“It was a good performance,” said Cash. “It took me a round or a round and a half to get my distance on him and see where he was at and see his reactions. I went to work on him. It was a decent enough performance. He wanted me to stand there and start trading with him, but then you’re giving him a chance aren’t you. I took him on the jab, broke him down, down to the body and up to the head.

“I broke him down nice and slowly. Round by round he was getting weaker and getting tired. I knew it was just a matter of time before I got him out of there. He’s a tough lad. There was no point in rushing it and trying to get him out of there early. What a stage to be on. It was unbelievable. The week has been unbelievable. I’ve really enjoyed it. Overall it was a good week. I’m 27 and I’m in the prime of my life. I’m ready for the step ups now. The ring walk was something else! Topping the bill was a bit of history for me.”

Barrett Stops Donovan in 8!

Zelfa Barrett stopped previously undefeated Eric Donovan in round eight of their scheduled 10-round super featherweight bout.

In round seven, Barrett dropped Donovan with a huge left hook to the chin.. Later in the round, Barrett dropped Donovan again after absorbing a hard left-right-left combination. In round eight, Barrett landed another booming left hook hat put Donovan on his back, and the fight was stopped at 1:35.

Barrett, 129.9 lbs of Manchester is now 24-1 with 15 knockouts. Donovan, 129.9 lbs of Altay is 12-1.

“He was catching me with some big shots,” said Barrett. “I was just trying to get my rhythm at first. He was pinging me and catching me with some good quality shots and then I could hear my Uncle Pat say, ‘change up the game plan and put it on him now’. Block, throw and look where the openings are. I pulled it out of the bag. This is what champions do, they find something and pull it out of the bag.

“I had to find it in the bag because he was hitting me with some good shots and I thought, ‘you know what, I’m not letting this guy beat me’. It was just war mode. I timed it perfectly and I couldn’t have asked for anything else. I caught him. Credit to Eric Donovan. I’ve just defeated an undefeated fighter. As soon as I put him down I thought, ‘that’s it, I’m getting you out of here’. He’s a good fighter but I’m going to pull myself together, go back to the drawing board and do what I’ve got to do.

“I knew I was going to catch him, it was just a matter of time. I didn’t want it to be round nine because that would have been too late. I done what I had to do. In myself as a fighter I’m a bit disappointed with my performance. He was catching me a lot but I done what I had to do. I’ve just shown character. I’ve shown I’m a fighter.”

Rachel Ball won a eight-round decision over previously undefeated Shannon Courtnay in a super bantamweight bout.

Ball dropped Courtney with a left hook to the chin in the opening round.

Ball had some swelling under her left eye in round seven, but she was able to hold on for the victory by a 77-75 score.

Ball, 123.8 lbs of Aldridge is 6-1. Courtenay, 126.9 lbs of Watford is 5-1.

“I’m just so happy,” an emotional Ball told Sky Sports. “This means everything to me. It was a closer fight than I would have wanted it to be, but I got the win and I want to move on to big things. I want Eddie to sign me up and put me in front of whoever. I want to be at the top and I want to be at the World Title level and get a World Title. That’s where I want to be more than anything.

“To be honest, when I was in the corner and I threw the shot, she dazed me a bit so I didn’t know what had hit her. I thought, ‘fantastic, this fight isn’t going to last’. She does hit hard. There is a reason why she has been knocking these girls out. I’m happy I got through the fight.

“I’m pleased with myself. I knew I landed the shots because I can feel it in my knuckles. I was just glad to get through it. I don’t think I used all of my technical ability to be honest, but it’s all progress isn’t it. I’ve just got to get back to the gym and progress even further now.”

Kieron Conway won a 10-round unanimus decision over Navid Mansouri in a super welterweight bout.

Conway had Mansouri hurt several times during the bout, and was close to getting the stoppage in round seven.

Conway, 153.9 lbs of Northampton won by scores of 99-92 and 98-92 twice and is now 15-1-1. Mansouri, 153.4 lbs of Ritherham is 20-4-2.

“I loved it,” Conway told Matchroom Boxing afterwards. “Apart from having no crowd, I think the whole setup is how all boxing shows should be. The week has been really nice. It’s been really good to be around. Everything just ran so smoothly. Out there it’s unbelievable. Even without thousands of fans, it’s wicked out there. I knew that he would come out fast and I knew that after a few rounds my size and my strength would come out on top. I’m a big lad now. I’m refuelled and everything. I’m big for the weight. It drains people.

“I planned to have a slower first few rounds. The whole fight went exactly how I’d planned, except it went ten rounds. He did really well to get through it to be fair. I was landing a lot of shots with a lot of spite behind them. It was good. I didn’t expect the flicky jab, I expected him to come for me a bit more and really try and stick it on me a bit more. After a few rounds I knew he’d starting messing, trying to smother me because I am stronger than I look.

“As soon as people realise I’m not going anywhere, they start holding. He’s highly-rated and he’s had a few title fights. He had the English title for a long time. Hopefully it pushed me a littler more up there. For my style, I think my size really helps. Over the years a lot of people have said I’m behind them, and then all of a sudden they’re behind me. I’m 24-years-old. Whether it’s now or later, I’m coming.”

John Docherty remained undefeated by stopping Anthony Fox in round seven of a scheduled eight-round super middleweight bout.

In round three, Docherty dropped Fox with a short right hook.

In round seven, Docherty hurt Fox badly with a hard three punch combination. Docherty followed that up with a flurry if punches and referee Howard Foster rescued Fox from further damage at 1:32.

Docherty, 1669.9 lbs of Montrose is 9-0 with seven knockouts. Fox, 166.4 lbs of Westbury is 8-13-4.

“I’m over the moon to have forced the stoppage,” said Docherty afterwards. “I started off a bit slow and I was throwing up my chin in the air, but I got there in the end. I felt him tiring in there in the third and fourth rounds with my body shots, and his power started to go. He was a lot stronger than I thought, and a lot more heavy-handed, but I got the job done.

“I thought he was going to come at me and have a go as he did in his last fight. I think he felt the power quite early on and then he was on the back foot. He was a lot better than I expected. I want titles now. The journeymen, I’m passed them already and my team knows that. Any title next. A British Title Eliminator or a Intercontinental Title, anything. I’d probably give myself an eight out of ten tonight.”

Eric Donovan finally has his big breakout opportunity as he takes on top Matchroom prospect Zelfa Barrett for the vacant IBF Intercontinental Super-Featherweight Title at Fight Camp this Friday August 14, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

Donovan (12-0, 7 KOs) is undefeated in the paid code since making the decision to turn over in 2016 following a standout amateur career in which he won five Irish National Championships, as well as representing his country, winning bronze medals at the 2009 European Union Championships and the 2010 European Championships.

As an amateur, ‘Lilywhite Lightning’ faced some of the best fighters on the planet, locking horns with Olympic, World and European Champions. Despite winning the Irish National Featherweight Title last year, the 35-year-old has yet to be properly tested in his pro career, but feels his clash with Manchester’s Barrett could be the fight that propels him towards more title action at 126lbs or 130lbs. 

“I don’t believe I’ve been tested truly,” said Donovan. “I don’t believe my character has been tested, I don’t believe my mental or physical ability has been tested to the maximum. You need that stress in front of you. You need that threat of someone trying to take your head off. 

“If I don’t perform to the best of my ability, then Zelfa Barrett will beat me. That’s why I’m up for this fight and that’s why I know you’re going to see the best Eric Donovan on August 14^th. I have an opportunity to salvage a career. To make something of my career. To go out and finish off my boxing journey with a bang. To finally say I’ve done it my way. 

“I’m absolutely delighted to be here and I’m very grateful for the opportunity. I think in life if you want to be successful, no matter what, you have to take risks. You also have to be able to back it up. You have to be good enough and you have to prepare well. When this opportunity was presented to me, I knew that chances and opportunities for me are few and fare between. 

“Nobody has the balls to fight Zelfa at Super-Featherweight in Britain. So when Mark put it to me I said, ‘yes Mark, I’ll step up to it and I’ll take that because I see an opportunity’. If I can perform to the best of my ability on Friday night I think I can do enough to win. I can see holes in Zelfa Barrett that I can exploit. Destiny awaits me on August 14th.”

Barrett vs. Donovan lands on Week 3 of Matchroom Fight Camp, Felix Cash (12-0, 8 KOs) puts his Commonwealth Middleweight Title on the line for the second time against former World Title challenger Jason Welborn (24-8, 7 KOs) at top of the bill, Northampton Super-Welterweight Kieron Conway (14-1-1, 3 KOs) takes on Rotherham’s Navid Mansouri (20-3-2, 6 KOs) for the WBA Intercontinental Title, Watford Super-Bantamweight Shannon Courtenay (5-0, 2 KOs) faces the toughest opponent of her career in Rachel Ball (5-1) and hard-hitting Super-Middleweight menace John Docherty (8-0, 6 KOs) takes on the tough and durable Anthony Fox (8-12-4).

Zelfa Barrett insists that he was more than happy to jump at the opportunity to make his highly-anticipated Matchroom Boxing debut behind closed doors against undefeated Irishman Eric Donovan on Week 3 of Fight Camp in Brentwood on Friday August 14. 

Barrett (23-1, 14 KOs) inked a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn in March and immediately secured a spot on the undercard of the blockbuster Dillian Whyte vs. Alexander Povetkin show at Manchester Arena that was heading for a complete sell-out before being postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. 

Instead of making his debut under the Matchroom banner in front of thousands of fans at one of the most iconic fight venues around the world, ‘Brown Flash’ will now look to impress Sky Sports and DAZN viewers from the unique outdoor setting at Hearn’s old family home in deepest Essex. 

“I’m very excited because all eyes are on the fighter,” said Barrett. “There’s no crowd, so everyone will be turning in to watch it on TV. The viewing figures are going to be huge. A fighter will fight anywhere. A true fighter will fight anywhere. People say ‘some fighters need crowds’ or whatever but to me it’s all rubbish.

“When you put those little gloves on and you put your shorts on; you’re in a fight. No matter what anyone else says, you’re in a fight. You get that same feeling with one person watching or 50,000 people watching. Those fans can’t help you when you’re in the ring. 

“You might hear the crowd when things are going good but you won’t hear the crowd when things are going bad. You’re in a fight, you’re there to do a job and you’ve got an opponent on the other side of the ring. A fight is a fight.”

Nephew of former European Super-Lightweight Champion Pat Barrett, Zelfa is regarded as one of the hottest prospects in British boxing. He picked up the Commonwealth Title against Lyon Woodstock at the First Direct Arena in Leeds before halting Jordan McCorry in nine rounds in his first defence of the belt. 

The Manchester native who trains out of the renowned Collyhurst and Moston ABC isn’t short on confidence and hopes to kickstart a World Title push in the 130lbs division with a standout performance against ‘Lillywhite Lightning’ Donovan in front of his new promoter next month. 

“I have to put on a performance because all eyes are on me. It’s not like another show is taking place on the same day. It’s just our show. Fighters are entertainers as well as fighters. I’ll put on a performance no doubt. I don’t train this hard and live a fighter’s life to not put on a performance. It’s my dream to fight live on TV and put on a performance. 

“The opportunities are endless with Eddie. You’ve just got to be ready. I’m like a Josh Warrington or a Kid Galahad – I live in the gym. I’m a gym rat. There’s so many opportunities out there in my weight division. Confidence is everything. You can have all of the ability in the world but if you don’t believe in it then you’re not going anywhere. I believe I’m one of the best fighters in Britain.”

Barrett vs. Donovan lands on Week 3 of Matchroom Fight Camp, Felix Cash (12-0, 8 KOs) puts his Commonwealth Middleweight Title on the line for the second time against former World Title challenger Jason Welborn (24-8, 7 KOs) at top of the bill, Northampton Super-Welterweight Kieron Conway (14-1-1, 3 KOs) takes on Rotherham’s Navid Mansouri (20-3-2, 6 KOs), Watford Super-Bantamweight Shannon Courtenay (5-0, 2 KOs) faces the toughest opponent of her career in Rachel Ball (5-1) and hard-hitting Super-Middleweight menace John Docherty (8-0, 6 KOs) takes on the tough and durable Anthony Fox (8-12-4).

ZELFA BARRETT is determined to prove he is the top boy among Frank Warren’s talent stacked super-featherweight club.

The Mancunian wants to sock it to stablemates British champion Sam Bowen and WBO European title holder Archie Sharp next week without punching either rival.

Barrett (22-1, 13 KOs) makes the first defence of his Commonwealth crown against Jordan McCorry (18-6-1, 4KOs) at First Direct Arena, Leeds on Saturday October 12, live on BT Sport.

Scot McCorry stepped in at short notice and took Bowen nine rounds in March and four months later he pushed Sharp all the way before losing on points after ten exciting rounds.

Barrett who beat another stablemate, Lyon Woodstock to become Commonwealth title holder in June said: “I’m competitive and I would love to get him out of there quicker than Bowen and look better than Archie did.”

A series of fights involving Barrett, Bowen and Sharp would create big interest over the next 12 months and all three are keen to be the last man standing.

Barrett, 26, would love to get his hands on Bowen first warning: “I would be like Sugar Ray Leonard.

“I don’t underestimate him and I think that Sam is a good fighter, but I have been watching him and I would shine in that fight.

“Everyone goes on about how strong and relentless he is. Let’s see how relentless he is when he keeps getting hit by jabs. I have got the power, speed and timing to knock him out.”

McCorry has been sparring with Sharp ahead of his big assignment against Barrett on the bill topped by Josh Warrington’s IBF featherweight title defence against Sofiane Takoucht.

His choice of sparring partner had baffled Barrett, who added: “I laughed when I heard they would be sparring. That will not help him against me.

“I’m no Archie Sharp. Archie is a good fighter, but styles make fighters and we’re different fighters.”

Before Barrett can tackle his biggest domestic rivals and hopefully move on to world level, he knows McCorry poses a formidable challenge given his great efforts against Bowen and Sharp.

“Jordan is tough, durable and most probably thinks this is his last opportunity so he will be there to win. He will be game and try to beat me,” says Barrett.

“I know he will try and outdo me, believes in himself and has had plenty of notice. He will be in it for every minute of every round.”

The big night of action in Leeds is headed by local hero Josh Warrington (29-0, 6KOs) who makes the third defence of his IBF featherweight championship against France’s Sofiane Takoucht (35-3-1, 13 KOs). Zelfa Barrett (22-1,13KOs) will make the first defence of his Commonwealth super-featherweight title against exciting Scot Jordan McCorry (18-6-1, 4KOs). In a third title clash Manchester’s Lyndon Arthur (15-0, 12KOs) faces Ghanaian Emmanuel Anim (14-2-1, 12KOs) for the vacant Commonwealth light-heavyweight crown , in a battle of the big hitters.

 Darlington’s Troy Williamson (11-0-1, 8KOs), Mark Heffron (23-1, 17KOs), Shakiel Thompson (4-0, 3KOs), Reece Mould (12-0, 6 KOs), Shabaz Masoud (5-0, 1KO), John Joyce, 1-0), Jack Daniels (4-0, 2 KOs), Callum Simpson (1-0), Evaldas Petrauskas (1-0 1 KO) plus exciting debutant George Davey are all in action.

 Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk and firstdirectarena.com Prices: £40, £50, £75, £100, £150, £200, £350 – Inner Ring Hospitality.

TWO SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT rivals slugging it out for the Commonwealth title was not enough to entice Archie Sharp to sit in front of the telly for the night and carry out a scouting mission.

In fairness, the 24-year-old from Welling had already beaten one the combatants in Lyon Woodstock, but assessing the merits of Zelfa Barrett clearly didn’t appeal either.

Sharp insists he has got his own matters to attend to when he takes his place on the undercard of the mammoth ‘Heavy Duty’ show at the o2 Arena next Saturday (July 13) when he defends the WBO European title – he won from Woodstock – against the tough Scot Jordan McCorry, who challenged for the British title against Sam Bowen earlier this year.

Up in Leeds a few weeks back, Barrett placed himself firmly back on the super featherweight map with a slick and stylish display to outfox the Leicester man.

Sharp believes it was he who provided the blueprint for undoing the defences of Woodstock and Barrett simply followed his recipe.

“On the night of the fight I was out with the kids,” revealed Sharp. “I didn’t need to watch the fight because I’ve got Jordan McCorry to concentrate on.

“I have heard – a lot of people rang me on the night – that Zelfa Barrett carried out a masterclass and outboxed Lyon Woodstock. So I have heard that.

“I did see the interview with him saying that he boxed the best Lyon Woodstock. I don’t know how he can say that when I beat the man, the reigning champion, in his back yard when he was unbeaten and had never been on the floor.

“Listen, in every round he had against Zelfa Barrett the other week he would have been thinking ‘Archie Sharp did this to me’ and it was exactly what Barrett did, got on the back foot and outboxed him.”

While happy to heap praise on the performance of Manchester man Barrett, Sharp contends this his opposition was ‘damaged goods’.

“Of course he was damaged goods, but you can’t take anything away from the man because he won the Commonwealth title and I am told he won it convincingly.

“But when he is doing interviews saying Archie Sharp never did no damage to him. I disagree there.”

A potential match-up between Sharp and Barrett will doubtless be considered, but Sharp goes along with the train of thought that the fleet-footed style possessed by both fighters might not make it the most fan-friendly encounter.

More suitable for either man, Sharp considered, would be the more bullish British champion Bowen.

“I do understand, styles make fights and I totally agree with that. Our styles could clash and there could be a bit of dancing going on.

“Of course the Bowen fight would be more entertaining because he comes forward and the more he comes forward the more he is going to get hit, the same as Jordan McCorry will.

“Everyone who comes forward is going to get hit and it is just about taking it to world level. I know I can do it but I have just got to go and prove it.”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce v Bryant Jennings are on sale now. The show also features British Middleweight champion Liam Williams who clashes against France’s former European champion Karim Achour for the vacant WBC Silver middleweight crown. Super-flyweight sensation Sunny Edwards meets Mexican Hiram Gallardo for the vacant IBF super-flyweight title. WBO super-featherweight champion Archie Sharp risks his crown against Jordan McCorry. Returning after an impressive debut is Kent bantamweight Dennis McCann. Hamza Sheeraz, Mark Chamberlain, Jake Pettitt,, Mickey Burke Jr and Florian Marku add to an exciting line up and tickets are available via AXS.com, Eventim and Ticketmaster and are priced as below:

£300 – (Hospitality)
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Tier/Floor
£75 – Floor/Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

Josh Warrington retained the IBF Featherweight title with a 12-round split decision over Kid Galahad at The First District Arena in Warrington’s hometown of Leeds, England.

Warrington of Leeds won by scores of 116-113 and 115-112.  Galahad of England took a card 115-113.

Warrington is now 29-0.  Galahad is 26-1.

Zelfa Barrett won a 12-round unanimous decision over Lyon Woodstock in a super featherweight bout.

Barrett won by scores of 118-110 and 117-111 twice and is now 22-1.  Woodstock is 12-2.

JJ Metcalf stopped former world title challenger Jason Welborn in round eight of their scheduled 12-round super welterweight bout.

In round eight, Metcalf was deducted a point for a low blow. He more than made that point up seconds later as he landed a vicious body shot that sent Welborn down for the count at 2:25.

Metcalf is 20-0 with 12 knockouts. Welborn is 24-8.

Shakiel Thompson won a six-round decision Alistair Warren in a super middleweight fight.

Thompson won by a referee score of 59-55, and is now 4-0. Warren is 11-24-5.

Explosive super featherweights Zelfa Barrett and Lyon Woodstock will fight for the vacant Commonwealth title at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on June 15.

The fight represents a third big domestic showdown to be scheduled for a huge night of boxing topped by Josh Warrington making a second defence of his IBF world featherweight title against Sheffield’s Kid Galahad, with JJ Metcalf and Jason Welborn also set to fight for the Commonwealth title at super welterweight.

A match-up between Barrett and Woodstock has been much anticipated since the pair burst onto the professional scene and earned recognition for their exploits that saw them cross over from prospects to contenders.

“It’s been a long time coming, this fight,” said Barrett 21-1 (13KOs) on confirmation of the highly-anticipated encounter. “People have mentioned mine and Woodstock’s name for a while now, since we both turned pro and because we’re with Frank Warren.

“I think it was just a case of being the right time and the time is now. We’ve both been considered as hot prospects and it is a big fight that luckily is on the Josh Warrington undercard, but there is no doubt this could have been a main event fight on its own.

“It is going to be an amazing show for domestic dust-ups, what with Josh v Galahad and Metcalf v Welborn being a really good clash of styles. It is a top card.

“I believe in myself, I believe in my style and I believe in everything I do, so I believe 100 per cent that I have the beating of Woodstock, while he will believe in himself and his style, which is why he has taken the fight.

“My style will beat his, but I do rate him and he is a good fighter who does things well. He is an aggressive fighter coming forward, he can box a bit, has got a bit of power and is a respectable opponent.

“I need this kind of fight to bring the best out in me.”

Woodstock, 12-1 (5KOs), claims the confrontation will be like just another day in the office for him.

“I just see it as another fight, it is no stress or big deal, although it is a fight people have been wanting,” considered the 25-year-old known as ‘The King’. “For me it is just another body, but I won’t overlook the situation and I won’t be fazed.

“I will just go in there and do what I do. Every fight excites me, whether I am in with a journeyman or a good opponent, I just love fighting and I know I will finish where I am supposed to finish.

“This is just a stepping stone towards there, which will be a world title. There will be no loser really and it is better to have these fights now because it will hold you in good stead for later on at world level.

“It will not be the end of anyone and it would ruin anybody’s career.

“I just know I will do what I’ve gotta do to pick up the W. I know what I am going in there to do and it is going to be a good fight on the night, that’s what I know. I am not apprehensive or anything, it is just a fight.”

Promoter Frank Warren added: “This is the sort of fight the fans want to see and we are delivering them. Where domestic showdowns are concerned, it does not get much better than we have got in Leeds with a Yorkshire derby for a world title as a main event, supported by two Commonwealth title fights involving British fighters.

“Zelfa and Lyon are both top super featherweights who have been tipped for the top. They have both suffered a setback, but that is always irrelevant in the grand scheme of things and they will be stronger for the experience.

“We’ve got the best group of super featherweights on our books and our intention is for them all to fight each other with meaningful titles at stake that will push the winners towards world title contention.

“We have already had Lyon against Archie Sharp in an excellent fight and now he will take on Zelfa in a fight that will catch the imagination of the fans. We’ve also got the British champion Sam Bowen who will consider himself top of the pecking order right now.

“This card is shaping up to becoming one of the best of the year and Leeds is definitely the place to be on June 15.”

Josh Warrington tops the bill at First Direct Arena, Leeds when he defends his IBF featherweight championship against Kid Galahad on Saturday June 15.

Jason Welborn and JJ Metcalf meet for the vacant Commonwealth super-welterweight championship.

Other fighters confirmed in action on the bill so far include Lyndon Arthur, Zelfa Barrett, Alex Dickinson, Tommy Fury, Mark Heffron, Jack McGann and Troy Williamson.

Tickets for Warrington v Galahad are available via Ticketmaster and are priced as below:

£450 – Hospitality
£300 – Floor
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Floor/Tier
£75 – Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier