Lineal Heavyweight Champion Fury Shuts Out Francesco Pianeta To Line Up 2018 Showdown With WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder
Primetime Encore Presentation Airs Tonight At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME
Click HERE for photos; Credit: Chris Roberts/Frank Warren
BELFAST (August 18, 2018) – Former two-division world champion Carl Frampton knocked out Luke Jackson to retain his interim featherweight title Saturday at Windsor Park in Belfast in a doubleheader that streamed live on SHOWTIME Sports social platforms.
In the opening bout of SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL, lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury shut out Francesco Pianeta to line up a 2018 showdown with WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder.
An encore presentation will air in primetime tonight at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME®.
Frampton (26-1, 15 KOs) turned in an impressive performance and scored his first knockout as a featherweight in what was a “dream” homecoming fight at the home of Northern Irish football. The former 126 and 122-pound champion now has his sights set at becoming a champion yet again in one of boxing’s deepest divisions.
After a dominant seven rounds, Frampton scored a knockdown via a body shot with 30 seconds left in the eighth. Jackson (16-1, 7 KOs) survived the eighth but was clearly hurt. With Jackson absorbing continued punishment in the ninth, and down big on the scorecards, Jackson’s corner threw in the towel at 1:21.
“This was unreal,” Frampton said. “The atmosphere was special, the crowd was fantastic and they made my dream come true. It was unbelievable from start to finish.”
Fury (27-0, 19 KOs) established his jab against Pianeta (35-5-1, 21 KOs) and displayed the movement, hand speed and footwork that a prime “Gypsy King” utilized to dethrone Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 to become the unified and lineal heavyweight champion.
“I think it was a calculated boxing performance, as promised,” said Fury, who was fighting for just the second time in nearly three years. “We were able to get 10 good rounds in with a tough man. I was working on my boxing, trying to slip and slide, use the jab and get the rounds in. I was very happy with the performance.
“It’s no secret I need the rounds. I need to prove that I can go 10 rounds and have plenty left in the tank, and I did that tonight.”
After the fight, Wilder entered the ring to announce that the two undefeated heavyweights have agreed to a 2018 showdown for Wilder’s WBC title. A date and venue for the event, which will be produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV, will be announced shortly.
“We’re ready now,” Wilder said during the post-fight interview. “This fight will happen. It’s on. This fight is official. This is what we’ve been waiting for, the best fighting the best.
“There’s one thing Tyson Fury has never had. He’s won a lot of belts but he’s never had the WBC belt. If he ever even thinks about having this belt he better wake up and apologize to me because it will never happen. I can’t wait to fight you because I am going to knock you out. This I promise you. Every man who has ever stepped in the ring with me, I’ve knocked them out in devastating fashion. You’ve never been knocked out, but you’re going to feel the experience of what it’s like to be hit by the Bronze Bomber.”
The 6-foot-9 Fury, who never lost his titles in the ring, will now face the 6-foot-7 Wilder, who has 39 knockouts in his 40 professional fights.
“We are two men who will fight anybody,” Fury said. “This man has been trying to make a big fight with the other chump, I think we all know who I’m talking about. They called, I answered. I said to send the contract, they sent me the contract. I said yes. And now he gets his chance to fight the linear heavyweight champion of the world.
“My promise is that when we go to Las Vegas, I’m knocking you out.”
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Amazon, Apple®, Google, LG Smart TVs, Oculus Go, Roku®, Samsung and Xbox One. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Amazon’s Prime Video Channels, DirecTV Now, FuboTV, Hulu, Sling TV, Sony PlayStation™ Vue, and YouTube TV. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™, and offers Smithsonian Earth™ through SN Digital LLC. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.
WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder and lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury announcedon Saturdaythat they have agreed to aheavyweight showdown later this year. The announcement was made in Belfast immediately following’s the undefeated Fury’s shutout decision of Francesco Pianeta. VIDEO:https://s.sho.com/2vVYtlj
Wilder vs. Fury, a 12-round matchup for Wilder’s WBC Heavyweight World Championship, will be produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. A date and venue for the event will be announced shortly.
The 6-foot-7 Wilder is 40-0 with 39 knockouts and American’s only heavyweight champion since 2007. The 6-foot-9 Fury is a former IBF, WBA and WBO Champion who has never been defeated in 27professional fights.
Click HERE for photos; Credit: Chris Roberts/Frank Warren
BELFAST (August 16, 2018) – Former two-division champion Carl Frampton and undefeated Australian contender Luke Jackson faced off on Thursday in Belfast during the final press conference for their featherweight showdown Saturday from Windsor Park. Frampton’s first defense of the WBO interim belt he won in April will stream live exclusively to U.S. audiences on the SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page and SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel beginning at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT. SHOWTIME will air an encore presentation later that evening on SHOWTIME EXTREME® (10 p.m. ET/PT).
An expected 25,000 fans in Frampton’s hometown will witness the first boxing event at the home of Northern Irish football. In the opening bout, former IBF, WBA and WBO Heavyweight World Champion Tyson Fury will square off against two-time heavyweight title challenger Francesco Pianeta in Fury’s second comeback fight after a two-and-a-half-year layoff.
Studio coverage of SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL from New York begins at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT with host Brian Custer and Hall of Fame analyst Steve Farhood providing pre-and post-fight analysis. Live coverage from Belfast, which will be provided by BT Sport, will begin with the Pianeta ring walk shortly after 3:30. U.K. sportscaster John Rawling will call the action with Barry Jones providing analysis, and Ronald McIntosh conducting post-fight interviews for Fury-Pianeta.
Here’s what the fighters had to say at Windsor Park, the site of Saturday’s fight, on Thursday:
Carl Frampton
“This is a dream. It’s soon going to be a reality to fight at Windsor Park in front of my passionate fan base. It’s special not only for me but for the city as well. Everybody’s talking about it and there’s a buzz in the city.
“I’m ready for this. I’ve seen a few things that Luke has said and I truly have not been overlooking him at all this whole camp. With all due respect, this is about more than Luke Jackson. This is about me at Windsor Park and I’ve trained very hard. I’m fitter than I was against Nonito Donaire.
“I know a fair bit about Luke. He’s very highly ranked by the WBO, I think he’s a solid professional. I just believe that I’m a different level. It doesn’t matter what anybody says, whatever happens on the night is all that matters. It’s all about who gets their arm raised at the end of the night and I believe that’s going to be me.
“Since I’ve teamed up with Jamie and his team, I feel like a different person. I wish I would have done it years ago. I’m so happy now and I’m enjoying boxing and I’m ready to put on a big performance.
“People ask me about (Josh) Warrington and (Oscar) Valdez so I mention them and those are the fights I want, but Luke Jackson is the only guy who’s been on my mind this whole training camp.”
Jamie Moore, Frampton’s trainer
“Carl Frampton is the consummate professional. Obviously, we wanted a big unification fight but it just wasn’t possible. What you’ve got to understand is that this has been a dream of Carl’s for a long time and it doesn’t matter who’s in the opposite corner. I understand why Luke Jackson’s camp is hoping that we’re overlooking him because it’s the only way they can gain any sort of confidence. It’s just not the case. Statistics show that he is 10 percent fitter than he was when he fought (Nonito) Donaire.
“Carl is in his prime. Boxing isn’t just about your technique or your fitness, it’s a combination of those two things and your mentality. He’s still improving which is just a scary thought.”
Luke Jackson
“At the start, I thought Carl was overlooking me a bit but I think he understands what’s at stake and if he loses to me his career is pretty much over.
“We’ve trained extremely hard and smart this camp and I’ve spent a lot more time with Billy Hussein than what I normally do. I’ve got to fight the perfect fight and I believe I can do that.
“A world title for me would be a real life “Rocky” story. I’ve come from nothing and there’s a lot I’ve had to deal with in my life to get to this position. I’m very proud of myself to be here. My father is 67 years old and he’s never left the country of Australia and for me to give my father a reason to fly halfway across the world fills me with pride.
“It’s no surprise that it’s going to be a hostile environment on Saturday. At the end of the day, I’ve just got to deal with it. I’ve tried to prepare for it mentally and we just have to wait and see if it works. I’m ready to weigh in and fight.”
Billy Hussein, Jackson’s trainer
“We’ve had a real good training camp. Carl is a great fighter so it’s an honor to be here and train Luke for such a massive fight. This is huge for us and we really want to win this fight. Australian boxing is on a high at the moment. We really want to win this fight for the fans who have supported Luke and it’s great to see the whole of Australia getting behind him for this fight.
“I’ve been around boxing my whole life. I’ve been involved in over a hundred world title fights, this is nothing new to me as a trainer so I’m able to guide Luke through all of this. He’s the ultimate professional and does everything right. His training camp has been more about being smart and I believe Carl Frampton is overlooking Luke and looking ahead to a Warrington fight. Just two weeks ago they were building (Sergey) Kovalev to fight (Dmitry) Bivol and he got beat and I believe we’re going to do the same thing.”
Frank Warren
“Luke’s not come here for just a sightseeing trip, he really fancies the job. It’s a big opportunity to upset Carl and put himself in position for some even bigger fights. But Carl’s a true professional and at the end of the day he knows what’s at stake here. He’s looking to make a statement and put himself in position for a possible unification fight. It’s no secret Josh Warrington is coming here – there are big things that can happen for the winner of this fight.”
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Amazon, Apple®, Google, LG Smart TVs, Oculus Go, Roku®, Samsung and Xbox One. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Amazon’s Prime Video Channels, DirecTV Now, FuboTV, Hulu, Sling TV, Sony PlayStation™ Vue, and YouTube TV. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™, and offers Smithsonian Earth™ through SN Digital LLC. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.
Click HERE for photos; Credit: Chris Roberts/Frank Warren
BELFAST (August 15, 2018) – Former two-division champion Carl Frampton and lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury worked out in front of the public and media for the final time ahead of their respective bouts this Saturday, August 18 live from Belfast, Northern Ireland on the SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page and SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel. Frampton’s opponent for the interim WBO featherweight title, undefeated Australian contender Luke Jackson, and Francesco Pianeta, Fury’s challenger in his second comeback fight, also worked out on Wednesday at Castle Court Shopping Centre in Belfast.
Studio coverage of SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL from New York begins at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT with host Brian Custer and Hall of Fame analyst Steve Farhood providing pre-and post-fight analysis. Live coverage from Windsor Park in Belfast, which will be provided by BT Sport, will begin with the Pianeta ring walk shortly after 3:30 p.m. ET. U.K. sportscaster John Rawling will call the action with Barry Jones providing analysis, and Ronald McIntosh conducting post-fight interviews for Fury-Pianeta. SHOWTIME will air an encore presentation later that evening on SHOWTIME EXTREME® (10 p.m. ET/PT).
On Saturday, approximately 30,000 fans are expected to witness the first boxing event at Windsor Park, an outdoor stadium and the home of Northern Irish football.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Amazon, Apple®, Google, LG Smart TVs, Oculus Go, Roku®, Samsung and Xbox One. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Amazon’s Prime Video Channels, DirecTV Now, FuboTV, Hulu, Sling TV, Sony PlayStation™ Vue, and YouTube TV. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™, and offers Smithsonian Earth™ through SN Digital LLC. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.
EDMONTON, Canada (August 13, 2018) – One of the best top-to-bottom pro boxing cards of the year will air Saturday afternoon, August 18, in Canada exclusively on Super Channel, live from Windsor Park in Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
Three-time, two-division world champion Carl “The Jackal” Frampton takes on Luke “Action” Jackson in the 12-round main event for the Interim World Boxing Organization (WBO) Featherweight World Championship in the 12-round main event. Three-time Irish Olympian Paddy “The Leprechaun” Barnes challenges World Boxing Council (WBC) flyweight world champion Cristofer “El Latigo” Rosales in the 12-round co-featured event. In a Special Heavyweight Attraction, undefeated former unified world heavyweight champion Tyson “Gypsy King” Fury continues his comeback in a 10-round match against veteran Francisco Pianeta.
Frampton vs. Jackson, presented by Frank Warren’s Queensbury Promotions, will air across Canada exclusively on Super Channel, starting at 2:45 p.m. ET / 11:45 a.m. PT.
“Canadian boxing fans are going to want to tune into Super Channel this Saturday as we bring them yet another incredible major boxing showcase,” said Troy Wassill, Director of Programming for Super Channel. “With Frampton vs. Jackson as the main event and Rosales vs. Barnes as the co-feature, not to mention the highly anticipated return of Tyson Fury, all set in legendary Windsor Park, this is a high-caliber, fully-stacked card that any boxing fan is not going to want to miss.”
Frampton (25-1, 14 KOs), fighting at home in Belfast, is a former World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight and super bantamweight champion, as well as International (IBF) super bantamweight world title holder, who is 5-1 in world title fights, 7-1 versus present or former world champions. Frampton has defeated world champions Steve Molitor – a native Canadian – Kiko Martinez (twice), Hugo Fidel Cazares, Scott Quigg, Leo Santa Cruz and Nonito Donaire.
“If he performs to his best and I perform to my best,” Frampton said of Jackson, “I’m knocking him out, simple as that. I’m due a knockout. I haven’t knocked anyone out in quite a while. He sees that he’s a complete underdog and there’s no pressure on him. People are writing him off. That can help fighters. When they have no expectations on their shoulders, they can go and perform out of their skin.
“I’m certainly not taking Luke Jackson for granted in the slightest. I’ve done that before against Alejandro Gonzalez and I ended up on my backside twice in the first round. I’ve learned from that fight. I’m the better fighter and I feel fit and sharp. I believe I’m one of the best supported fighters on the planet and that’s down to the passionate Northern Ireland sports fans.
“I want to be world champion again. If I lose this fight my career is over, that’s the truth, but I’m not intending to lose it. Victory over Jackson sets up a potentially sizzling showdown with another fighter who has a massive fan base, Josh Warrington, the new IBF featherweight champion from Leeds. Lips are already being licked in anticipation of that one.”
WATCH A BONUS FRAMPTON FIGHT, AVAILABLE FRIDAY, AUGUST 17 ON SUPER CHANNEL ON DEMAND, TO GET READY FOR THE BIG FIGHT
The reigning WBO Oriental featherweight champion, Jackson (16-0, 7 KOs) represented his native Australia in the 2012 Olympics. The upset-minded Jackson believes Frampton is finished.
“Across the board,” the outspoken Australian spoke about Frampton, “but I don’t think he is as good as he once was. In the first fight against Leo Santa Cruz he boxed out of his skin and deserved to win, but he hasn’t looked the same since. Carl is a very good fighter who does everything good, but I don’t think he does anything great. I respect him as a fighter, I respect him as a man, but I am coming to beat him, not coming over to be friends.
“I don’t know if he wants me to call him a Hall of Fame fighter or the greatest, but I don’t think he is. He is very beatable, and I think I can beat him, simple as that.”
Rosales (27-3, 18 KOs), fighting out of Nicaragua, will be making the first world title defense of the title he captured last April in Japan, when he stopped Daigo Higa in the ninth round. Rosales is the cousin of Roman Gonzalez, the former pound-4-pound king of boxing.
The reigning WBO Intercontinental flyweight champion, Barnes (5-0, 1 KO) will also be fighting at home in Belfast in front of his passionate fan base. One of the greatest Irish amateur boxers of all time, Barnes will be fighting for a world title in only his sixth professional fight. He won two bronze medals (2008 & 2012) in his three trips to the Olympics, as well as gold in the 2019 European Championships.
“This is the fight that defines my boxing career,” Barnes claimed. “There were great achievements as an amateur including Olympic bronze medals, but that is only third place in the world, which is great. To be the best in the world at your weight, the WBC world championship is definitely the one to win. I did great as an amateur and people will remember me for what I’ve achieved, but a world professional title is what I really want. I would swap everything I did as an amateur to win this fight.”
Two other exciting fights on the “Frampton vs. Jackson” card, in addition to the previously mentioned main event and co-feature, will air in Canada exclusively on Super Channel.
(L-R) – Tyson Fury upset Wladimir Klitschko
Fury (26-0, 16 KOs) had been sidelined with mental health issues for the past 2 ½ years, after shocking the boxing world November 28, 2015, when he defeated future Hall of FamerWladimir Klitschko (64-3, 53 KOs) by way of a 10-round unanimous decision (116-111, 115-112, 115-112).
The 6′ 9″ Fury became the undisputed world heavyweight champion, securing the IBF, WBA, WBO, IBO and The Ring championships, only to be stripped and/or relinquish his title belts without a single defense. Fury returned to the ring this past June against Sefer Seferi, who was unable to continue after four rounds.
Pianeta (35-4-1, 25 KOs), a native of Italy who lives in Germany, is a two-time world title challenger. The former WBO European champion is a cancer survivor.
Irish light heavyweight Steve Collins, Jr. (12-1-1, 4 KOs), the son of former two-division world champion Steve Collins, Sr., faces Steve “The Quiet Man” Ward (7-0, 3 KOs), of Belfast, in a regional title fight to open the broadcast.
To watch Frampton vs. Jackson live, as well as more exciting boxing to come in 2018, fight fans in Canada can contact their local cable provider to subscribe to Super Channel and all that it offers, including premium series, movies and much more, for as low as $9.95 per month.
Super Channel aired major boxing events live the past two years like Brook vs. Spence Jr., Pacquiao-Horn, Eubank, Jr. vs. Abraham, Lomachenko vs.
Marriaga, Crawford vs. Indongo, Smith vs. Williams II, Frampton vs. Donaire, and Fury vs. Sefari, in addition to the inaugural World Boxing Super Series.
Ben McGivern vs. Ben HoughCarl Thomas vs. Kyle McNicholasKacper Dudzinski vs. Michael KellyLevi Griffiths vs. Scott McIntyreLiam Preece vs. Steffan Hughes
Photographs courtesy of Thomas Jones
On SaturdayI made the trip west from my London home to the beautiful city of Cardiff for the Owen Watkins promoted event at the Ice Arena Wales.
The event was due to be headlined by the much anticipated all Welsh Heavyweight title clash between Hari Miles and Dorian Darch, for the World Boxing Foundation (WBF) European Heavyweight Championship. However the fight had to be postponed as Darch was unable to take part due to a suspension he received following a fight on a different event a few weeks prior.
Despite this setback Owen Watkins had decided that the show must go on and I for one am pleased he made that choice, as the planned undercard featured a number of top class amateurs I have been looking forward to watching making their professional debuts.
First up was debuting Carl Thomas versus Kyle McNicholas in a four round Light Heavyweight Contest.
Both lads started really well exhibiting their respective boxing skills.
As the round progressed Thomas stepped up the pressure, backing McNicholas onto the ropes and began letting rip with shots to the body and head of the Liverpudlian.
As the round progressed into the final minute Thomas landed a cracking right to the head that shook McNicholas to the core, Thomas followed up with a left to the body followed almost immediately with a big left to the body that sent McNicholas to the canvas.
Surprisingly McNicholas made the count, they sure breed them tough on Merseyside, as that was a vicious body shot just below the lower rib, you just don’t see people get up after those that often.
On the restart Thomas went straight back on the attack, firstly firing off a stiff jab followed by another stinging left to the body and a double right to the head.
Thomas kept up the pressure, peppering McNicholas with a wicked body-head combination followed by another good stiff jab to back McNicholas into a neutral corner before letting rip with a sensational left hook to the body, that sentMcNicholas down for a second time.
Referee Roger Riley began the count and as it just reached the eight count point McNicholas began to try and rise without success, leaving the referee no option but to wave the fight off just as the bell tolled to signal the end of the first round.
I’m pleased to say that McNicholas was perfectly OK and did get to his feet shortly after.
My final thoughts on this particular fight are; it may have only lasted one round but what a cracking round it was.
Next up see Kacper Dudzinski making his pro debut against Belfast’s Michael Kelly in a four round Super Welterweight contest.
Right from the off Dudzinski got behind his seriously strong jab and began controlling the proceedings with fast hands and stiff double jabs.
Kelly is no mug, not by a long shot, he’s as savvy as they come, but even he had to concede to taking a defensive stance and patiently wait for any opportunity, no matter how slender, to counter, which to be honest were few and far between.
Dudzinski seriously impressed against Kelly and has a fantastic future in the sport.
It may have been his debut, but based on his performanceon Saturdaynight, against a former genuine title challenger, I reckon he’ll go all the way to the top and deserves it too, anyone who can keep Kelly on the back foot the way Dudzinski did for virtually the full four rounds is without doubt something special.
Don’t get me wrong Kelly landed some cracking shots but Dudzinski’s sensationally fast hand speed and superb defence kept those opportunities to the bare minimum.
Nice little touch from Kelly late in the final round, following a ‘matrix style’ reaction move, that almost prevented him touching a glove down, however, much to his annoyance he received a count from referee Chris Kelly, although Kelly was convinced he’d actually had avoided his glove touching the canvas, but instead of standing there and protesting he dropped down and proceeded to do push ups throughout the count to show his disapproval, much to the delight of the crowd.
After four brilliant rounds it came as no surprise that it was Dudzinski whose hand was held aloft – the official result showed Dudzinski scoring his maiden pro victory by a 40-35 points margin.
Next up was Ben McGivern versus Ben Hough in a four round Cruiserweight contest.
What a fight, McGivern mainly bossing the proceedings, forcing Hough on to the back foot as well as the ropes for a good chunk of the first stanza. Hough may have been on the defensive for a good part of the first but when the opportunities arose he took them in style.
It was virtually a complete turnaround in Round Two, with Hough wrestling control and putting McGivern on the back foot, and ropes, similar to the way the Scot had bossed the first round.
The third stanza was a much closer fought affair, so much so I found it hard to split them, points wise.
The fourth started out more or less as the third ended, with both protagonists going for it hammer and tongs, but as the Round progressed McGivern stepped up the pace enough to not only secure the round, but also the victory.
After four sensational all action rounds, as I gave away above, it was McGivern that came away victorious, referee Roger Riley scoring the excellent contest 39-37 in favour of the Scotsman.
Following the fight both boxers agreed to a rematch, which I have been reliably informed is likely to take place in Liverpool onSeptember 8th– put the date in your diary this is a fight no one should miss!
The penultimate fight of the night see Blackwood, South Wales’ Liam Preece versus very, very late replacement Pentrefoelas, North Wales’ Steffan Hughes in an all Welsh contest.
What a corker this fight was, it was an all action thriller from start right through to the final bell.
Considering Preece had a considerable weight disadvantage to deal with, he really went for it, taking the fight to his more experienced, and heavier, opponent.
Preece boxed confidently not only when on the attack but also when defending against the pinpoint accurate exocets launched by Hughes.
Preece was impressive throughout, and I’m sure it didn’t surprise anyone in the Ice Arena Wales when referee Chris Kelly’s scorecard was read out as a 40-36 points victory for the South Wales Lad.
The final pro fight of the night pitted highly rated former amateur star Port Talbot’s Levi Griffiths versus Liverpool’s Scott McIntyre.
Griffiths is so slick, the classy youngster began well and landed some stinging shots, which forced McIntyre to switch to ‘plan B’ early on in an attempt to keep on the inside to prevent the Welshman from getting his big shots off.
McIntyre’s plan B may not have been pretty, but boy oh boy it was highly effective.
After the initial ‘open’ period, which allowed the slick Welshman to achieve a good level of success, the majority of the fight could have taken place in a phone box.
McIntyre clearly had no intention of giving Griffiths any opportunity to let rip with any big shots, he just kept him tied up throughout, sometimes by foul means, so much so that after numerous warnings for holding or not breaking when told, referee Roger Riley deducted a point, however even that point deduction wasn’t going to prevent the Liverpool man from securing the victory, the official score being 39-36.
Have to say, whilst personally disappointed that the Miles-Darch WBF European title fight didn’t take place, promoter Owen Watkins had put together such a top class support card that I, as well as am sure everyone else in attendance had their Pugilistic Appetite well and truly sated by the fare on offer and look forward to his next promotion, which will take place at the Cwrt Herbert Leisure Centre in Neath on the22nd September.
Promoter Kyle Gallagher announced earlier today that unbeaten Welterweight prospect Jonny McConville, is set to challenge Chandigarh India’s Neeraj Goyat for the Professional Boxing Council (PBC) International Silver Welterweight Championship, at the Jubilee Sports Bank in Liverpool on Saturday 8th September 2018.
McConville is in fine form and comes into this Championship contest off a first round stoppage win over Belfast’s Michael Kelly back in March this year, his third stoppage win in as many contests, the other stoppage victories being over Marty Kayes in December 2017 and Will Cairns in September 2017.
However McConville is in no doubt that this will be the toughest fight of his young career to date, his esteemed opponent on the8th September is not only far more experienced but also Championship experienced, having been crowned the World Boxing Council (WBC) Asian Boxing Council Welterweight Champion following his victory over Nelson Gulpe in New Delhi back in May 2015 and successive successful defences against Ben Kite in New Delhi back in October 2016 and then against Allan Tanada in Mumbai in August 2017.
By time Goyat faces McConville he may have successfully defended his title for a third time, as he is currently in camp preparing to defend his title in Canada later this month.
His esteemed opponent’s Championship successes do not seem to have fazed McConville one iota, as he made clear when he spoke earlier.
“I’m very grateful for this opportunity it’s something we have been working and training very hard towards.
“I am very excited to fight for my first title and to put on a show against such a decorated and experienced opponent as Goyat.
I want this so bad, I am definitely ready for this.”
Jonny McConville versus Neeraj Goyat for the Professional Boxing Council (PBC) International Silver Welterweight Championship will take place on the Kyle Gallagher promoted Victory Fight Club event at the Jubilee Sports Bank in Liverpool on Saturday 8th September 2018.
Tickets for the event are available from any of the boxers competing or direct from the VFC Ticket Line on 07711 098025
LAS VEGAS (July 3, 2018) – “The Biggest YouTube Event in Internet History”, headlined by the showdown between YouTube stars KSI and Logan Paul, may actually end up producing one potential world champion.
KSI’s head coach and UK amateur boxing standout Viddal Riley will turn pro as a cruiserweight after a 49-fight amateur career that included numerous regional titles and a silver medal at the Junior European Championships. Riley will move to the professional ranks with Jeff Mayweather as his trainer and be managed by Amer Abdallah, who most notably works with two-division world champion Badou Jack.
“I am looking forward to taking advantage of this great opportunity to turn pro and start this journey under the tutelage of Jeff Mayweather,” said Riley. “Having Amer Abdallah on-board fills me with confidence that we can take over the cruiserweight division and make history.”
Riley recently visited Las Vegas along with KSI back in March where he met Mayweather at the Mayweather Boxing Club. While his primary focus was preparing his fighter for his highly-anticipated fight against Logan Paul, Riley took advantage of the opportunity by sparring with several local cruiserweights, including unbeaten contender Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti.
“Sparring Viddal was like looking in the mirror,” said Tabiti. “He’s very smart and I was impressed with his speed and power. I’m very interested to see him grow as a pro fighter.”
Mayweather was immediately impressed by the skillset he saw from Riley, “I think he has the potential to become world champion in a very short time frame. He has extremely fast hands and explosive power, but his continued thirst for knowledge impressed me the most.”
“Viddal has the potential to make a long-lasting impact on this sport,” Said Abdallah. “He possesses both the skills to make significant noise in boxing along with the social media reach to connect with millions. It’s a promoter’s dream.”
With temperatures soaring into the 30s in the UK most of the country seemed to be headed to the beaches, or watching the World Cup, however a huge contingent fans of the Pugilistic Arts had bigger and better things on their mind and instead headed to Essex for the Tommy Jacobs versus Bilal Mohammad World Boxing Foundation (WBF) International title fight, which was due to be supported by Iain Weaver versus Emmanuel Addo Professional Boxing Council (PBC) International Title clash at Charter Hall in Colchester.
However on their arrival they were greeted with the news that not only had Jacobs’ opponent had been changed to Godwin Cudjoe at the last minute but the aforementioned PBC title fight had been switched to a ten round non-championship contest in which Weaver would face Ghana’s Michael Barnor instead, as neither Mohammad or Addo had received their Visas in time.
With the Charter Hall literally rammed to the hilt Ghana’s Godwin Cudjoe made his way to the ring and received a very warm welcome from the fans, however as Jacobs began his ring-walk the decibel levels went through the roof, leaving no doubt it was the local hero Jacobs that they had come to support.
Right from the opening bell Jacobs and Cudjoe moved to centre ring and began to tentatively test the other with a series of good solid jabs, then around the thirty second mark Jacobs lets rip with an explosive right hand to the head, which he immediately backed up with another huge right to send the Ghanaian reeling backwards.
Cudjoe initially covered up before throwing a big solid jab, Jacobs responded in kind, before letting rip with another big right. Cudjoe boxed behind his jab to open up some room for a body shot, but as he goes to throw the shot Jacobs throws another big shot and starts to push the Ghanaian back towards the ropes.
With his man backed on the ropes Jacobs stepped forward and let rip with a series of big shots to force Cudjoe right back into his own corner before proceeding to let rip with big left and rights, culmination in a huge right to the head that sent the big Ghanaian to the deck.
Cudjoe bravely tried to make it to his feet but immediately dropped down onto his haunches, initially referee Lee Murtagh continued the count but then waived the contest off so that Cudjoe could receive attention from the medical team.
After a thorough medical check-over Cudjoe rose to his feet to applause from the crowd and then moved to centre ring in time for the MC result announcement and Championship belt presentation to Tommy Jacobs by World Boxing Foundation Supervisor Mr David Murphy.
Official time of the stoppage was one minute and eleven seconds of the first round.
Side note to this fight, the Judges for the WBF title fight were former British, European and WBU World Champion Wayne Alexander, former British and Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion Julius Francis and Ghana’s top International Championship referee and judge Roger Barnor.
As mentioned above Ferndown, Dorset’s Iain Weaver was due to be challenging Ghana’s Emmanuel Addo for the Professional Boxing Council (PBC) International Lightweight Crown, however as Addo hadn’t received his visa in time to travel over to the UK, Weaver instead had to be content with a non-Championship ten rounder against late replacement Michael Barnor.
Both boxers moved to centre ring on the opening bell and began exchanging testing shots in an attempt to wrestle control, initially it was single shots but after about twenty seconds or so Weaver started to let his shots flow, letting rip with combinations to body and head.
Barnor responds in kind, doubling up his jabs and shooting solid rights to the body of the Englishman. Initially Weaver steps back a touch and works behind his jab, before powering another stinging combination to the body and head of the Ghanaian.
Barnor throws caution to the wind and goes on an all out attack and throws a powerful jab followed closely by a big right hand and a double-handed shot to the body. Weaver weaves and bobs to avoid the shots landing solidly, before responding with a double-handed flurry.
Weaver then proceeded to drop his hands in an attempt to draw his opponent in, which he does, before shooting a looping shot into the face of the forward marching Ghanaian, quickly followed by a couple more solid rights.
Barnor kept marching forward behind some good solid jabs, Weaver though just stood his ground before launching a massive right to the head. Barnor though is made of sterner stuff, he didn’t back down, just stood his ground and got back behind his jab.
Both protagonists vied for control of centre ring in similar vein for the next minute or so until the end the round.
Weaver started had and fast with a big combination, Barnor responds with a solid jab, but in doing so left a the smallest of openings, Weaver doesn’t need a second invitation and lets rip with a big right to the body followed up with a double right to the head and a huge left to the body.
Barnor survives the onslaught and gets off a couple of powerful shots of his own, Weaver just walks through them and backs the Ghanaian onto the ropes and proceeds to pepper Barnor with shots to body and head.
Barnor manages to spin off the ropes and dangles a jab; Weaver stalks him and throws a right, left to the head, right to body and left hook to the head combination. Barnor weaves and ducks to avoid another big left, but on rising was confronted by a big sensationally quick double-handed flurry of shots.
Barnor responds immediately with a cracking left, right combination of his own, Weaver shrugs the shots off and steps in with a massive left to the head immediately followed by massive right, left exocets to the head that sent Barnor crashing to the canvas.
Barnor began to rise on the sixth count point, but as he did his legs just folded and down he went again, Referee Lee Murtagh didn’t hesitate, he waived the fight off on the one minute and forty nine seconds mark of the second round and signalled for the medical team to enter the ring to attend to Michael Barnor.
I’m pleased to report Michael Barnor was perfectly OK and even joined Iain Weaver in centre ring for the official result announcement.
At the end of the contest it was announced that Iain Weaver Versus Emmanuel Addo for the Professional Boxing Council (PBC) International Championship will now take place in Aberdeen on the 28th July.
Also on the event was a four round Welterweight contest I was really looking forward to watching and reporting on as it featured the UK’s youngest professional boxer, Grantham’s Max Brown, making his pro debut against Belfast’s Marty Kayes.
I’ve seen young Max Brown in action on a number of occasions and believe he has the skills and ability to emulate other stars, such as Saul Alvarez (Canelo), who turned pro at a tender age and went on to secure Championship honours.
Kayes, a seasoned pro, on the other hand has been quite successful over the past couple of months, securing two victories in his previous three bouts, one of which was a Masters Title fight and the first of those wins was over a top former Amateur star, which made it clear to me that young Brown was destined for a true Baptism of Fire, what I didn’t realise was just how much though.
I’m not going to write a round by round report on the fight, just an overview as much of the action throughout the fight was in similar vein.
Brown boxed his normal slick, boxing long style, whilst Kayes stuck to what he does best – pressuring his opponents.
Brown concentrated on utilising his jab, to fairly good effect early in each round, but as the rounds progressed just seemed to hang the jab out there but not actually connect. When the youngster did let his hands go he landed some sensational shots, just not enough.
Kayes seems to love walking down his opponents, he just keeps going, and like a steam train he just keeps on chuffing away ignoring obstacles, such as jabs, until he reaches his destination. Once there the tough Belfast man lets rip with big flurries of shots to the body before stepping back and getting behind his jab, which is exactly what he did on Saturday night.
The later rounds got quite messy at times, much of it after Kayes corralled the youngster on the ropes, Brown’s response was to grab hold to prevent the Belfast man throwing his shots.
To the same degree there was some exquisite work from Brown, just unfortunately only a small amount of the shots reaching their intended target.
After four rounds of boxing Referee Lee Murtagh scored the bout 39-37 in favour of Belfast’s Marty Kayes.
Whilst the correct result without doubt, I can’t help but feel for the youngster as I know how good a boxer he is, his style and approach usually similar that to the “Blessed One” Iain Weaver, so will definitely be there for his next fight and watch him get his first Pro win.
My final words are on the event itself; this is the first time I’ve been to a Tommy Jacobs promoted (as well as headlined) event. Jacobs sure knows how to put on a show, the presentation was first class, the fights, not just the pro bouts but also the undercard sanctioned by Essex Boxing Organisation, were all of the highest standard, no wonder on the hottest day of the year so far so many people turned out. Kudos Mr Jacobs.
Martin Freeman (R) vs. Dmitrijs Ovsjannikovs, Photography Courtesy of Chris Kearns
Report: Gianluca Di Caro
On Saturday night, whilst most British boxing fans were either at the Manchester Arena or watching BT Sport as Tyson Fury made his long awaited return to the ring, a large number of local boxing fans still made the pilgrimage to the Jubilee Sports Bank in Liverpool for local promoter Kyle Gallagher’s latest offering.
Over the past few years Gallagher has built himself a very good reputation for putting on quality shows, one where the local fans know they are in for a great night out and watching well matched all action fights featuring local prospects and on Saturday normal service resumed.
Headlining the show was local unbeaten prospect Martin Freeman, against seriously tough opposition in Latvia’s Dmitrijs Ovsjannikovs.
On his last appearance, on a Gallagher promoted show back in March, Ovsjannikovs secured victory over Freeman’s gym mate Mitchell Walsh, via a second round TKO, which added an extra bit of spice to this particular bout.
The opening round see Freeman on the front foot, Ovsjannikovs seemingly content to counter for the majority of the round, with the occasional attacking foray whenever the opportunity arose.
Initially it was more of the same in round two, however as the round progressed Ovsjannikovs began to get a bit busier, actively taking the fight to the Liverpudlian, but all said and done it was still Freeman’s round.
Freeman’s movement in the third was poor, he was limping at times, and Ovsjannikovs clearly noticed this and started to be more assertive in his approach, so much so that often he would corral Freeman in a corner before letting rip with a flurry of shots.
Freeman’s corner were screaming at their charge to get out of the corner, can’t blame them as it was this tactic by Ovsjannikovs that led to their man Walsh being stopped by the Latvian back in March.
Freeman made it through the round, but now was just the one round up as the third was clearly Ovsjannikovs’.
Freeman’s corner worked frantically on his leg during the break, but when the opening bell for the round rang it was clear to all that the injury was really troubling the Liverpudlian.
The fourth mirrored the third, Ovsjannikovs controlling the proceedings, but Freeman dug in deep and survived the round. Again in the break Freeman’s team worked hard on their charge.
With the scores equal going into the fifth Ovsjannikovs went on the offensive once more, however Freeman, whilst still limping, didn’t just settle for countering, oh no, he decided if it was do or die and started to plant his feet once more and let rip with big shots, so much so that Ovsjannikovs reverted to a defensive approach and countering at times, much to the relief of Freeman’s corner I would think.
The sixth and final round was a stormer, again Ovsjannikovs went hard on the attack in an attempt to back Freeman into a corner, however the Liverpudlian wasn’t having any of it and some excellent toe to toe slugging ensued, it was a thrilling final round, control switching back and forth throughout until the final bell.
After six hard fought rounds Referee Chris Kelly’s scorecard read 58-56 in favour of Martin Freeman.
The penultimate bout of the night sees Widnes, Cheshire’s Jamie Oldfield, in action against Belfast’s Marty Kayes, in a four round Welterweight contest.
Oldfield came into the fight off a first round stoppage win over Edgars Sazanovics on his pro debut back in March, whilst Kayes, a well- known and always busy opponent, came into the fight off the back of two excellent points victories in April, his first wins since July 2016, some sixteen fights previously.
Right from the off it was Oldfield that took the fight to Kayes, the Irishman though stood his ground and countered effectively and so began a fantastic all action round.
It was a great round, you just couldn’t take your eyes off the fight for a second as these two warriors went to war, both digging deep into their arsenals of shots, each time one of them seemed to be taking control, the other would counter with equal force to wrestle control.
Great round just couldn’t split them, definitely a drawn round in my eyes.
More of the same in the second and third, although in both Oldfield seemed to just about secure the rounds due to more effective attacks. I must just mention a couple of exchanges, where Oldfield and Kayes went toe to toe exchanging double handed combinations, both guys letting rip with 10-12 punch combinations at the same time, wow, really enjoyed those.
The fourth and Final round was more or less a mirror image of the first, again I couldn’t split them, score-wise, and was mightily chuffed that I had scored it the same as the Referee Chris Kelly – 40-38 in favour of Jamie Oldfield
Another local debuting fighter, David Tayor, was next up, against Latvia’s Vladimirs Slikovs in a four round Super Middleweight contest.
Both protagonists came out hard and fast, both battling hard for centre ground, what’s more it was clear that neither had any intention of backing down for a second.
Throughout the first round it was hard to split the two, each time either let rip with a shot the other countered in similar fashion, no surprise that even Referee Chris Kelly couldn’t split them on his scorecard.
Round two was once again an all action round, Slikovs maybe being more on the front foot, however even though Taylor was having to defend more often, it was he that landed the most shots, more importantly the most telling shots.
More of the same in the third, with Taylor clearly winning the round, however the fourth, whilst similar to the previous rounds, except now Slikovs was able to get his range right and land some big shots.
After four all action rounds Referee Chris Kelly’s scorecards showed just how close this bout was, as they read 39-38 to David Taylor.
Following the interval local debuting lad Steven Sunners faced Latvian Eduard Belas in a four round Middleweight contest.
Right from the off Sunners went on the attack, however Belas is as savvy as they come and used his experience to keep Sunners from landing a serious shot initially.
However Sunners kept calm and used his jab to great effect to fashion a good opening early in the round and landing a cracking body-shot.
Belas changed tactics and went on the offensive. Sunners didn’t seem that concerned and just kept jabbing to the head, forcing Belas to keep his guard high.
After a few more exchanges, Sunners threw a neat combination, creating just enough of an opening to slip in another good solid shot, this time with the required effect of sending the Latvian to the canvas.
Belas made the count, immediately after the restart Sunners was all over the Latvian like a rash, letting shots off whenever an opening presented itself.
It wasn’t that long until another chink in the Latvian’s armour appeared, Sunners reacted immediately and again sent Belas to the canvas.
Belas again made the count and defended well until the end of the round.
Round two started in much the same way as the previous round ended, with Sunners in full flow and Belas covering up and defending with an occasional shot of his own.
However, after about fifteen seconds or so Sunners landed a big right hand that sent the Latvian heavily to the canvas, Referee Chris Kelly immediately waved the fight off, he didn’t even start the count, instead summoned the medical team to enter the ring and attend to the stricken Belas.
I’m pleased to say Belas was OK and when he eventually rose to his feet, received a warm round of applause from all in attendance.
Official time of the stoppage was just 22 seconds of the second round.
Just prior to the interval the fifth fight of the night pitted local lad Craig Kennerdale against Prestwick, Scotland’s Leon Roberts in a four round Welterweight contest.
This much anticipated contest between two highly rated young fighters was expected to be a cracker, but it turned out to be much more than that it was a sensational fight between two equally matched warriors.
It reminded me very much of the classic Battle Royale between Carl Frampton and Ian Bailey in Belfast a few years back, after that one the entire crowd at the King’s Hall were on their feet applauding both warriors, and it comes as no surprise that after their fight on Saturday night that Kennerdale and Roberts also received a standing ovation from the crowd in Liverpool, boy oh boy they deserved it one hundred percent.
As with Frampton-Bailey, it was non-stop action throughout, Kennerdale and Roberts fought magnificently for every second of each round.
These two serious talents really went for it throughout the contest, control switching between them with such regularity you just couldn’t take your eyes of the fight for a second.
On many occasions this battle had the highly vocal fans standing and applauding the action, especially a couple of double handed exchanges, where both protagonists not only matched each other punch for punch but also flowing combination for combination.
Referee Chris Kelly scored the contest 40-37 in favour of Kennerdale, which to be honest whilst the correct result just doesn’t reflect just how close every single round was.
Loved every second of this fight, it really was something special, so if you get the chance try and watch the video, which I have been told will be on YouTube later this week, definitely well worth watching.
Have to say this was my first choice of Fight of the Night, just as you would have already read above there was definitely more than one contender for that accolade.
The fourth bout of the night pitted Bradley Muldoon against debuting David Calveley in a four rounder.
Prior to the fight there was quite a bit of talk about this match-up on social media, apparently they had fought twice previously, word was that it was the debuting Calveley that had won both.
Right from the opening bell it was Calveley that went straight on the attack, Muldoon initially covered up but soon began to utilise his jab effectively to prevent the hard charging Calveley to corral him against the ropes.
Throughout the round it was Calveley virtually bossed the round from start to finish, effectively keeping Muldoon on the back foot.
More of the same in the second and third, but the fourth was a much more closely fought round, one in which Muldoon held his own.
After four rounds of action Referee scored the contest 40-37 in favour of Calveley, however that wasn’t the end of the matter, as Muldoon protested that it was supposed to be a six rounder and called for the fight to be declared a no-contest. Apparently the promoters running sheet in the changing room showed it as a six rounder not the four as announced at the beginning of the fight and listed by the commission on the schedule.
Liverpool’s Dean Ferreira versus Latvia’s Andrejs Konovalovs in a four round Super Featherweight contest was the third fight on the card.
Ferreira seemed determined to make a big statement in this fight, coming out hard and fast right from the opening bell and letting rip with big shots, Konovalovs initially covered up, but soon realised he’d have to fight his way out of danger and proceeded to do just that.
Ferreira though is as tough as they come and he soon wrestled back control and backed his Latvian foe back onto the ropes before letting rip with fast double handed shots to send Konovalovs down within the first thirty seconds or so.
Konovalovs made it to his feet almost immediately, on the restart Ferreira went straight back on the attack.
Konovalovs got behind his jab in an effort to keep the hard charging Liverpudlian at bay, but that didn’t last for long once Ferreira started targeting the Latvian’s body and on around the one minute mark Ferreira let rip with a big shot to the Latvian’s lower rib, which sent Konovalovs down like a sack of potatoes.
Konovalovs was clearly in distress so referee Chris Kelly stopped the count on three and waved the contest off so the medical team could attend to the Latvian.
Official time of the stoppage was 1 Minute and 3 seconds.
The second fight of the night pitted debuting Lee Cooper against one fight veteran Kyle McNicholas in an all Merseyside four round Super Middleweight contest.
Cooper approached the opening round in determined fashion, taking the fight to McNicholas right from the off.
Throughout the fight Cooper was well and truly on the front foot and very, very focused, Cooper controlled the proceedings more like an established prospect than a debuting fighter.
Don’t get me wrong this wasn’t a one sided contest, far from it, McNicholas fought hard for every second of every round, just Cooper’s performance was exceptional.
After four excellent action filled rounds referee Chris Kelly rightly scored the bout 40-36 in favour of the debuting Lee Cooper.
The opening fight of the night featured Warrington’s Ben Hough in action, against Blackpool’s Malcolm Richardson, in a four round Cruiserweight contest.
Right from the off Hough got behind his jab, Richardson responded in kind, however Hough just doubled up his jab and began to back Richardson up towards the ropes.
What followed next was about a minute or so of engaging action, which see Hough on the front foot with Richardson defending his position, then just as Richardson went to let rip with a shot Hough got through the Blackpool man’s excellent defence with a big right, that sent Richardson down heavily to the canvas.
Immediately referee Chris Kelly waved off the fight and the medical team entered the ring.
I’m pleased to say Richardson was perfectly OK, but must praise both the referee and medical team for the prompt actions, as the way Richardson went down it did look like a full on knockout.
Official time of the stoppage was 1 minute and 16 seconds of the first round.
Once again a great event from Kyle Gallagher and his team, word is his next event will be in September and from what I’ve heard on the grapevine this will be a ‘don’t miss’ event as not only will top prospects from his stable be in action, but also featured on this event will be a number of unbeaten prospects from abroad.
