Category Archives: UK Boxing

Cave KO’s Rojas To Secure World Crown

In front of a big crowd at the Dartmouth Sportsplex in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, local hero Tyson Cave secured the World Boxing Union (WBU) Super Bantamweight World Championship with a sensational second round knockout of tough late replacement Walter Rojas (24 wins 23 by way of KO and 7 losses).

 

Cave showcased his exceptional boxing and defensive skills against the big punching Argentinian throughout the first round, dancing around the ever forward coming Rojas before picking the Argentinian off with some sharp shots.

 

Early in the second Cave landed a pin point accurate shot to send Rojas to the canvas.

 

Right from the restart Rojas went hard and fast on the attack once more, Cave’s exceptional ring craft enabled the Halifax born and bred fighter to avoid some seriously fast big rights, then as before Cave landed another pinpoint accurate shot to send Rojas to the canvas for a second time.

 

On the restart this time it was Cave that went in hard and fast, landing a massive shot to the temple of the Argentinian that sent him down and through the ropes.

 

Rojas tried desperately to get to his feet, but didn’t have enough coordination to pull himself up using the ropes, as Referee Hubert Earl’s count was coming to a conclusion, Rojas collapsed so the highly experienced Earl waived the bout of so that the distressed Argentinian could receive medical assistance on the one minute and fifty second mark.

 

Following the announcement and Championship belt presentation the newly crowned Champ said.

 

“Listen I want to thank the WBU for making my dreams come true, I want to thank Rio (WBU Europe President Gianluca Di Caro) and his organization for making this happen.

 

I must thanks my team, my father and Tony Makhoul of TMG Entertainment for being there for me and making this happen.

 

Walter is a true warrior, he stood in at that last minute after Jesus Rios didn’t get his visa, he was ready to go, no hesitation he took the fight and came to save the show, a true warrior.

 

I think I proved I have the skills to get anybody out of there, thank you, thank you, thank you.

 

I’m no longer the Prince of Hali, hey listen up I’m no longer the Prince of Hali, my new name is KING CAVE.

 

My first order is we’re going to war in England, we’re coming over to fight Paul Economides, then we want Scott Quigg or Carl Frampton, whoever wins that fight, that’s who we want.”

Abraham vs. Murray final press conference – quotes and pictures

Abraham – Murray part of a split-site championship doubleheader this Saturday on AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment at 3 PM ET / 12 noon PT

San Diego, CA – November, 18 2015 -Arthur Abraham (43-4, 29 KOs) insists he has left no stone unturned in preparation for his WBO World Super Middleweight Championship contest with Martin Murray (32-2-1, 15 KOs)  This SaturdayNovember 21, live on AWEA WEALTH OF ENTERTAINMENT 
 
The fight will be part of a split-site championship doubleheader that will also pit WBA Lightweight champion Darleys Perez defending his title against Anthony Crolla from Manchester, England beginning at 3 PM ET / 12 Noon PT
Speaking at today’s final pre-fight press conference, ‘King Arthur’ detailed his ‘brutal’ training camp and declared himself ready to beat the British challenger.

”This has been one of the toughest camps of my career,” said Abraham. ”My coach Ulli Wegner and his assistant Georg Bramowski have pushed me to my limits. It’s been brutal at times, but it will all be worthwhile when my hand is raised on Saturdaynight. Martin is a good boxer and I expect him to give me a hard fight, but there is no way he is taking my title!”

Murray, who is contesting his first title at 168 lbs following three valiant attempts at middleweight, shares the Champion’s confidence and has vowed not to leave Germany without Abraham’s WBO belt.

Photo by Sebastian Hegar

”We’ve been studying Arthur carefully and I believe I’ve got him beat,” said the 33 year-old from St Helens. ”He is a great fighter, but he’s not changed his style in years, and in my opinion, he’s not evolved. It’s going to be a tough fight but I know it’s well within me to win. I won’t be leaving Germany without the title!”

”This is a real 50-50 fight,” said promoter Kalle Sauerland. ”And I think it will be Arthur’s toughest test for many years. However, he has never shied away from a challenge, and against Murray, I expect Arthur to prove why he is the number one fighter in the super middleweight division.”

Another man under no illusion of the danger Murray poses is Abraham’s long-time coach and mentor Ulli Wegner, who will be celebrating his 100th World title fight on Saturday night. ”For Arthur and I, a unification bout is the common goal,” said the 73 year-old. ”But first he must get past Murray, which will be no easy task!”

Photo by Sebastian Hegar
Boxing fans can enjoy this amazing card on AWE available on AT&T U-Verse, ch 147 and 1147 in HD, Verizon FiOS TV, ch 169 and 669 in HD, and numerous regional cable providers across the nation. Please check www.awetv.comfor boxing updates.
About AWE LIVE BOXING

AWE LIVE Boxing features live world title championship and elimination bouts showcasing today’s most exciting fighters. Since the inception of AWE’s live boxing events in 2011, AWE has earned multiple Boxing Writers Association of America nominations for “Fight of the Year” and has featured over thirty world class boxing events. In 2013, AWE showcased all live bouts featuring heavyweight David Price. AWE aired live the stunning upsets of Tony Thompson over David Price, along with Adonis Stevenson and Tony Bellew cards, who fought each other for the light Heavyweight championship; 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winner James DeGale. AWE brought boxing fans two of the most controversial bouts which saw Ricky Burns keep his Lightweight title against Ray Beltran. AWE fans have witnessed the explosive power of undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury multiple times on the network, including Fury’s victory over Kevin Johnson.  In 2014, AWE televised the crowning of lightweight champion Terence Crawford with his win over Burns as well as the exciting rematches between Carl Frampton and Kiko Martinez as well as Tony Bellew defeating Nathan Cleverly.

Murray believes his time has come to be crowned World Champion

Abraham – Murray part of a split-site championship doubleheader this Saturday on AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment at 3 PM ET / 12 noon PT

San Diego, CA – November, 17 2015 -Martin Murray (32-2-1, 15 KOs) believes the time has come for him to be crowned World Champion as he prepares for his fourth World title tilt against WBO World Super Middleweight Champion Arthur Abraham (43-4, 29 KOs) on November 21 at the TUI Arena in Hannover, Germany., This SaturdayNovember 21, live on AWEA WEALTH OF ENTERTAINMENT 
 
The fight will be part of a split-site championship doubleheader that will also pit WBA Lightweight champion Darleys Perez defending his title against Anthony Crolla from Manchester, England beginning at 3 PM ET / 12 Noon PT
The St. Helens man is unlucky not to have already claimed World honours having been held to draw by Felix Sturm in 2011 and finding himself on the wrong end of a continuous points decision to Sergio Martinez in 2013.

Photo by Lawrence Lustig

A brave performance against Gennady Golovkin followed in 2015, but was not enough to capture the Kazakh’s middleweight titles. Now, the former British and Commonwealth Champion believes the ‘time is right’ as he intends to draw on past experience to dethrone the German Champion.

”Abraham is a great champion and I’m expecting a tough fight but I just feel that the timing is right for me now,” reveals Murray. ”I think my first World title fight against Sturm may have come a little bit too early. I jumped straight from domestic to world level, so even though there was an argument to say I won that fight, I think it came to soon for me.

”Against Martinez, I knew I could win but going into the fight there were still some doubts. Whereas this time, I know I have it within me to win. I’ve got the ring experience, I’ve got the know-how, and I really feel, despite being in Germany, I’m going to get a fair crack of the whip.”

Murray, who has recorded three wins inside the distance since moving up to super middleweight, says he is expecting the ‘best Arthur Abraham’ having been impressed with the Champion’s recent performances.

”Arthur has looked great in his last two performances,” said the 33 year-old. ”I think I’ll be facing the best Arthur Abraham on Saturday night. He may of overlooked Paul Smith a little bit in their first fight, but I don’t think he is going to overlook me. He knows this is a massive fight for him and a risky fight, so I’m sure he’s going to turn up in top condition.”

Boxing fans can enjoy this amazing card on AWE available on AT&T U-Verse, ch 147 and 1147 in HD, Verizon FiOS TV, ch 169 and 669 in HD, and numerous regional cable providers across the nation. Please check www.awetv.com for boxing updates.
About AWE LIVE BOXING

AWE LIVE Boxing features live world title championship and elimination bouts showcasing today’s most exciting fighters. Since the inception of AWE’s live boxing events in 2011, AWE has earned multiple Boxing Writers Association of America nominations for “Fight of the Year” and has featured over thirty world class boxing events. In 2013, AWE showcased all live bouts featuring heavyweight David Price. AWE aired live the stunning upsets of Tony Thompson over David Price, along with Adonis Stevenson and Tony Bellew cards, who fought each other for the light Heavyweight championship; 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winner James DeGale. AWE brought boxing fans two of the most controversial bouts which saw Ricky Burns keep his Lightweight title against Ray Beltran. AWE fans have witnessed the explosive power of undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury multiple times on the network, including Fury’s victory over Kevin Johnson.  In 2014, AWE televised the crowning of lightweight champion Terence Crawford with his win over Burns as well as the exciting rematches between Carl Frampton and Kiko Martinez as well as Tony Bellew defeating Nathan Cleverly.

About AWE – A Wealth of Entertainment

A Wealth of Entertainment (“AWE”) features a wide range of lifestyles and entertainment programming from exotic travel and outrageous homes to live world championship boxing. AWE is featured on over a hundred cable providers, including AT&T U-Verse, ch 147 and 1147 in HD and Verizon FiOS TV, ch 169 and 669 in HD. For more information, please visit www.awetv.com.

Arthur Abraham – Martin Murray WBO Super Middleweight title bout added to Perez – Crolla This Saturday on AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment at 3 PM ET 

San Diego, CA – November, 16 2015 -THIS SATURDAY!! It will be a championship doubleheader on AWE- A Wealth of Entertainment as the Arthur Abraham – Martin Murray WBO Super Middleweight title bout from Hanover, Germany has been added to the already announced broadcast featuring the rematch between WBA Lightweight champion Darleys Perez and Anthony Crolla from Manchester, England.

“I am pleased to be able to bring this fight to the American boxing fans,” said Charles Herring, President of AWE

Abraham has been a champion in Middleweight and Super Middleweight divisions for the better part of the last ten years, has a record of 43-4 with 29 knockouts.

He won the IBF Middleweight title with a 5th round stoppage over Kingsley Ikeke on December 10, 2005 and defended the title 10 times which included 7 knockouts. He then entered the Super 6 Super Middleweight tournament and knocked out former undisputed Middleweight champion Jermain Taylor in 12 rounds.

Abraham became a two-division world champion when he won a 12-round unanimous decision over Robert Stieglitz on August 25, 2012. After one successful defense, he lost the title to Stieglitz, but won it back three fights later via 12-round split decision. Abraham has defended the belt successfully three times which includes a 6th round stoppage over Stieglitz in their 4th bout on July 18.

Murray of St. Helens, England has a record of 32-2-1. He won his first 26 bouts which was highlighted by winning the Prizefighter tournament in 2008 and defeating two undefeated fighters in the process. Murray also wins over Kevin Concepcion (14-1), Sergey Khomitsky (22-5-1), Shalva Jomardashvili (26-1, Carlos Nascimento (25-2), John Anderson Carvalho (21-4-1), Nick Blackwell (8-0). He had a draw with former world champion Felix Sturm (36-2-1).

Murray won the WBA Interim Middleweight title with a 6th round stoppage over Jorge Navarro. That win facilitated Murray into a fight with WBC Middlweight champion Sergio Martinez.

The bout, which took place on April 27, 2012 in front of over 50,000 in Argentina saw Murray knock down Martinez in round eight. In round eleven, It looked like Murray dropped Martinez again but it was ruled a slip and Martinez was able to win a razor thin decision.

Murray once again challenged for the Middleweight title and was stopped in 11 rounds to WBA & Interim WBC champion Gennady Golovkin on February 21, 2015 in Monte Carlo.

Since that bout, Murray moved up to Super Middleweight and won three fights in a row, including his last outing when he stopped Jose Miguel Torres (31-6) in six rounds in five rounds on September 5th in Leeds, England.

The start time will be 3 PM ET / 12 Noon PT.

Boxing fans can enjoy this amazing card on AWE available on AT&T U-Verse, ch 147 and 1147 in HD, Verizon FiOS TV, ch 169 and 669 in HD, and numerous regional cable providers across the nation. Please check www.awetv.com for boxing updates.

DARLEYS PEREZ SPEAKS ON UPCOMING TITLE DEFENSE


Photo by Team Perez
COLOMBIA (November 12, 2015) – WBA lightweight world champion, Darleys Perez (32-1-1, 20 KOs), who’s co-promoted by Gary Shaw Productions and Thompson Boxing, is looking forward to his highly anticipated rematch with Anthony Crolla (29-4-3, 11 KOs).  Perez returns to hostile territory at the Manchester Arena in the United Kingdom on November 21, 2015, the same location where the first fight took place.
Perez, who retained the WBA crown against Crolla with a majority draw on July 18, 2015, knows he must be at his optimum best to retain his title, especially on foreign land.  With an expected crowd of 12,000 fans routing against him, Perez feels confident he can pull off another win with his back against the wall.
“I’m a true champion who never backs down from adversity,” said Darleys Perez who hails from Colombia. “Crolla is a very skilled fighter with a lot of heart and I know he’s coming for my title.  He’ll have his entire country on behind him when we fight, but that doesn’t faze me.  My goal is to end the fight early with a knockout, but if we go the distance, I have complete faith that I will get a fair ruling from the judges in the UK.
In the first fight Perez was deducted two points for low blows, one in the 11th eleventh and the other in the 12th round.  This time Perez is well aware of the mistakes he made in their last outing and vows not to repeat those errors.
“There is no doubt that I would have won the fight by unanimous decision if I didn’t get deducted for those low blows.” Perez continued. “It was my fault and I won’t make the same mistakes in the rematch.  I’m hungrier now then I’ve ever been and nothing is going to stop me from bringing back my title to my countrymen of Colombia.”
“It’s clear to me that Darleys Perez is very focused for this fight.” said Gary Shaw. “He knows what’s on the line and the many doors that will open up for him with a victory.  I’ve had fighters come out victorious when they’ve traveled to other countries and fought for world titles.  Perez already proved he can get a fair shake with a gritty performance.  The judging now a days is fairer then it’s ever been.  When Darleys meets Crolla, only one man will come out victorious, and I believe it will be Perez.”
“This is an incredible fight that matches two world class boxers against each other,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing. “That Perez and Crolla have a controversial history only makes this fight even more exciting. We believe Perez will fight to his full potential and come away with an undisputed win and retain his world championship.”

Hillyard, Marston & Khan World Title Battles Co-Headline 6thDec London Event

London promoter Mark Lyons has joined forces with Championship campaigning Marianne Marston to co-promote a huge pre-Christmas event, aptly named LET BATTLE COMMENCE, at the York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, on Sunday, the  6th of December.

 

Heading up the fifteen-bout card are no less than three World Championship battles;

 

Bradford’s Tasif Khan makes his first foray onto the World stage, when he challenges Ghana’s Isaac Quaye for the World Boxing Union Super Flyweight Championship.

 

Reigning World Boxing Union Super Middleweight International Champion, Nazeing, Essex’s George ‘Hithard’ Hillyard aims to add the vacant WBU World crown to his collection, when he faces a yet to be named opponent.

 

Finally British #1 and reigning MBC International Super Bantamweight Champion Marianne Marston will go toe to toe with Hungary’s Csilla Nemedi in a four, WBU, WBF, WIBA & WIBC, Bantamweight World title unification bout.

 

Also on the Championship trail on this historic event will be a number of fast rising young stars.

 

Former Team GB star Iain ‘The Blessed One’ Weaver gets his first taste of professional Championship boxing, when he challenges a yet to be named opponent for the International Masters Super Featherweight title.

 

Bardney, Lincolnshire’s unbeaten prospect, Nathan ‘Nightmare’ Decastro also will be fighting for an International Masters Championship, albeit at Middleweight.

 

The final Championship bout will see reigning MBC International Welterweight Champion, Hackney’s Siar Ozgul, challenge for another International Crown, this time at Super Welterweight.

 

Supporting the six Championship bouts are nine bouts featuring the cream of local talent, including another reigning Champion, WBF Super Bantamweight Intercontinental supremo Paul Economides in a non-championship six rounder.

 

Joining Paul on the undercard is another well known Champ, former British and Commonwealth King, Michael Aldiss, who made his most welcome return to the ring back in October.

 

Another hugely popular recent returnee to the hallowed square ring, Super Middleweight Manzo Smith will also be in action, as will Rockin’ Robin Deakin, who will be seeking to add another win to his card, following his victory over Deniss Kornilovs back in August.

 

Unbeaten, big punching Cruiserweight prospect Daniel Mendez will be looking to add a third scalp to his belt on the night, as Adam Taylor seeks to get his career back on track when he faces off against a yet to be named opponent.

 

Back in August Marianne Marston, Shaunagh Brown and Sam Smith made history when they all fought on the same event at York Hall, as that was the first time that three female bouts took place on a pro event in the UK, well on the 6th December that record will get broken, as joining Marianne on the card will be former Big Brother star and multi title challenger Angel ‘The Entertainer’ McKenzie, British Masters Super Flyweight Champion and World Championship challenger Juliette Winter and making her most welcome return to the sport Jamie Johnson.

 

In addition to the top class boxing fayre, the event will also feature the first live performance by local singing star Stephan Dante, who will be performing her viral smash ‘Nails Did’, as well as further tracks from her soon to be released debut album.

 

To cram all this action in the doors will open at 2:30pm, with the first bout starting at 3pm.

 

Tasif Khan vs Isaac Quaye, Marianne Marston vs Csilla Nemedi and George Hillyard vs TBA World Title bouts co-headline the Monarch Communications, BoxFit UK, 3X Sports and Sulnox Eco Systems PLC sponsored Mark Lyons and Marianne Marston co-promoted LET BATTLE COMMENCE event at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London on Sunday 6th December 2015.

 

This event is sanctioned courtesy of the Malta Boxing Commission (MBC) www.maltaboxingcommission.com

 

Tickets, priced £35 (standard seated) and £65 (Ringside) are available from any of the boxers taking part, on-line atwww.letbattlecommence.com and www.mariannemarston.com or call 07960 850645

www.facebook.com/letbattlecommenceinlondon

Twitter: @LondonBattle

#LetBattleCommence

Myekeni Withdraws From World Unification Battle With Marston Due to Injury.

Mdantsane, South Africa’s Unathi Myekeni has been forced to withdraw from the World Bantamweight WBU, WBFed, WIBA & WIBC World Championship Unification contest, against London, England’s Marianne Marston, which was due to take place at York Hall in London, on Sunday 6th December.

 

World Boxing Federation President Howard Goldberg broke the news, to Marston’s team earlier today, that Myekeni suffered a serious hand injury in training that would prevent her competing on December 6th.

Mr. Goldberg also proposed a possible replacement, reigningFECOMBOX Mexican National Champion Jessica Arreguin Munoz, from Agua Prieta, Mexico, whose record stands at nine wins and just the single loss.

Shortly after hearing the news Marston spoke briefly on the situation and the possibility of boxing Munoz.

 

“My first thoughts were, oh no here we go again.

 

I can’t believe it I think I’ve only ever had one fight when I fought the girl we had originally planned, my last fight has to be the worse though, nine pullouts before finally fighting Jekaterina Lecko on the night.

 

I feel sorry for Unathi, but can’t deny I am also very disappointed as now we have to have a new opponent.

 

We had everything sorted for the camp based on Unathi and her fight style, but now we may need to rethink the sparring partners, especially if it is Jessica Munoz I’ll be fighting as she’s a southpaw like myself.

 

I already know about Jessica, I’d seen her title fight against Lesly Morales, she’s a typical Mexican fighter, as tough as they come and likes to stand right there in front of you and have a proper slugfest.

 

Have to say if it is Jessica the British fans will be on the feet from start to finish as it will be an all out and very bloody war and that suits me just fine, as when I was being trained by Joe (late, great Heavyweight World Champion Smokin’ Joe Frazier) and Marvis (Marvis Frazier) in Philly, that’s the way they taught me to fight.

 

My style may have changed considerably since I’ve been back in England, but believe me I am still more than happy and more importantly more than capable to have a good old fashioned toe-to-toe slugfest when needs be, believe me I don’t care I’ll do whatever I need to do to win those titles.

 

Now we have to see if Ryan (WIBA President Ryan Wissow) and Don (WBU & WIBC President Don Lewis) will accept Jessica as the replacement for Unathi, otherwise it’s back to the drawing board.

 

I’d like to say a huge thank you to my sponsors, Monarch Communications, Optimax, Boxfit UK and 3X Sports for being so understanding of the situation as well as their continuing to be so supportive of me and this World significant event.”

 

Marianne Marston, against a yet to be named opponent for the unified WBU, WBFed, WIBA and WIBC World Bantamweight Championships co-headline the Mark Lyons and Marianne Marston co-promoted LET BATTLE COMMENCE event at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London on Sunday 6th December 2015.

 

This event is sanctioned courtesy of the Malta Boxing Commission (MBC) www.maltaboxingcommission.com

 

Tickets, priced £35 (standard seated) and £65 (Ringside) are available from any of the boxers taking part, on-line atwww.letbattlecommence.com and www.mariannemarston.com or call 07960 850645

 

Please show your support and follow Marianne Marston on Twitter @MarianneMarston or on Facebook as well as the Let Battle Commence event on Twitter @LondonBattle or on Facebook.

BROOK FORCED OUT OF CHAVES CLASH

Fight to be rescheduled after rib injury hits Sheffield star

 

Kell Brook has been forced out of his IBF World Welterweight title clash with Diego Chaves at the Sheffield Arena on Saturday, October 24 after sustaining a rib injury in sparring.

 

Brook was set to make the third defence of his belt against the dangerous Argentine, but having spent time in hospital with the injury and taking the advice of medical experts following scans, the Sheffield star will now look to face Chaves later in the year.

 

The Sheffield show goes ahead with the Sky Sports debut of Chris Eubank Jr topping the bill as he defends his WBA Interim World Middleweight title against American Tony Jeter, Gavin McDonnell defends his European Bantamweight strap against former World title challenger Jeremy Parodi, along with a host of exciting young talent on the bill.

 

“It’s always a bitter blow when an injury causes a fight to be postponed, especially so close to the event,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Kell picked up a rib injury in sparring yesterday and spent most of the day at hospital yesterday. Kell was desperate to fight but it was simply impossible and we will now look to reschedule the bout for the end of the year.”

 

Matchroom Boxing will make a full statement on Monday regarding details of full refunds and partial refunds to those fans still attending the show.

John “Apollo Kidd” Thompson – Liam Smith full press conference video

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Manchester, England (October 8, 2015)–Below is the full press conference video from Wednesday’s press conference for the World War III event that will take place this Saturday at the Manchester Arena.
In the co-feature, WBO number-five junior middleweight contender, John “Apollo Kidd” Thompson takes on Liam Smith for the vacant WBO junior middleweight world championship.
Thompson is promoted by GH3 Promotions & Banner Promotions
Media outlets may use the video on their websites & digital platforms by copy/pasting the embedded code:
World War III Press Conference, October 7, 2015
World War III Press Conference, October 7, 2015

 

John “Apollo Kidd” Thompson arrives in Manchester, England for October 10th WBO Junior Middleweight world title fight with Liam Smith

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Manchester, England (October 1, 2015)–WBO number-five ranked junior middleweight contender & Boxcino 2015 champion, John “Apollo Kidd” Thompson arrived Thursday morning in Manchester, England in advance of his October 10th WBO junior middleweight world title clash with Liam Smith that will take place at the Manchester Arena.
Thompson of Newark, New Jersey, is promoted by GH3 Promotions and Banner Promotions, is excited for the opportunity to become world champion.
“I am glad to be here, but I have a job to do and on October 10.  That night I will become world champion.”
Photo Credit:  Marc Abrams