Tag Archives: Tasif Khan

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Khan to Defend World Crown Against Rios in Bradford this Saturday 7th Sept

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Bradford’s four time, two division World Champion Tasif Khan returns to his home town this coming Saturday, where he is set to face Mexico’s Luis Alberto Rios at St Georges Hall on the 7th September in his first defence of the World Boxing Union (WBU) World Super Flyweight Crown he secured in Lagos, Nigeria via a third round knockout over Ghana’s Asamoah Wilson last December.

Khan (17-1-2), who is promoted by Prince Stanley Williams’ Pennsylvania and London based Monarch Events and Promotions, has stopped ten of his opponents, more importantly his last seven opponents which includes everyone he has fought for World Championship honours.

Rios (25-5-1) is tough and a big puncher with an impressive KO count, in his case seventeen.

Rios secured the Panamanian title on just his eighth fight, he then won both the Panamanian and WBA Fedalatin Minimum Weight titles on his next outing and followed that up on his next fight with WBO Latino Minimum weight title.

In 2012 he won the WBC Latino Light Flyweight title against Arnoldo Solano and then successfully defended it against Luis Carilio.

In 2013 he unsuccessfully challenged John Riel Casimero for the IBF World Light Flyweight title before successfully winning the WBC FECARBOX Flyweight title in 2014 and a year later added the Panamanian Flyweight title and then went on to win the WBC Latino Flyweight title but came up short when he fought Otto Games for the IBA World Bantamweight title last year.

Besides Khan-Rios World title fight, there are two further Championships fights this Saturday.

Nigeria’s Sule Olagbade defends his Super Welterweight WBU Super Welterweight World Crown against France’s Fouad El Massoudi and Australia based Nigerian King Davidson defends his WBU Interim Middleweight World title against Mexico’s Fernando Castaneda.

Supporting the three World Championship bouts Prince Stanley Williams has put together a seriously mouthwatering International undercard;

Ghana’s highly rated Cruiserweight Briamah Kamoko (30-1-0) is set for a ten round battle Royale with Hungary’s Ferenc Albert (27-16-0) and also boxing in the Cruiserweight division is Dubai’s Mohammad Ali Bayat Farid who goes toe-to-toe with Germany’s Rojhat Bilgetekin.

There are also two Heavyweight contests on the bill, Germany’s Rad Rashid against fellow German Hasan Kurnaz and Avni Selimi, also from Germany, against Lithuanian Tomas Vaicickas.

Tasif Khan versus Luis Alberto Rios for the World Boxing Union (WBU) World Super Flyweight Championship, headlines the Prince Stanley Williams’ Monarch Events and Promotions THE HOMECOMING, at St Georges Hall, Bridge Street, Bradford BD1 1JT on Saturday 7th September 2019.

The event, which is sponsored by Pearls Tearoom and Patisserie, Knight Ryder, Insane Air and Quantuma, will be streamed live on www.go-boxing.net from 7:30pm on Saturday 7th September.

Standard tickets priced £20.00, £25.00, £30.00 as well as VIP £60.00 and VIP Ringside £100.00 are available on-line at www.bradford-theatres.co.uk or by calling the Ticket-Line on 01274 432000 and also limited tickets will be available on the door.

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Stoppage Win Over Martinez Sets Khan on Course For Another Title Shot

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Report: Gianluca Di Caro – Photos courtesy of Joe Ibbotson.

 

It may have been the coldest weekend of the year in the UK so far, but the icy cold conditions on Saturday night didn’t prevent the fans turning out to support local hero Tasif Khan as he faced Mexican Champion and former WBC World Title Challenger Juan Lopez Martinez on the Bridie Murtagh (Saorise Promotions) promoted Dinner Event at the Royal Taj (formerly the Connaught Rooms) in Bradford.

 

The importance of the fight clearly wasn’t lost on any of Khan’s fans, their man may already have secured World Boxing Union (WBU), Global Boxing Union (GBU) and World Boxing Confederation (WBC) World Championships over the past couple of years, but a victory on Saturday would mean that Khan, who is already highly ranked by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) in their Intercontinental Ratings, would be eligible to mount a challenge for the prestigious IBF Intercontinental Championship in the Summer as the first step to mounting a potential future challenge for the coveted IBF World Crown.

 

Prior to the first fight of the night, Master of Ceremonies Sam Gorman gave a moving eulogy to British & Irish Boxing Authority (BIBA) Vice President (Scotland) Kenny Barr, who tragically passed away in December at the age of just 34, which was followed by a standing Ten Bell tribute.

 

OK now let’s get onto the the main event, a ten round non-championship Super Flyweight contest between the aforementioned Tasif Khan and Juan Lopez Martinez.

 

The atmosphere was electric as the protagonists made their way to the ring with the entourages in support waving their respective countries flags and in Khan’s case also carrying his many Championship belts. After the pre-fight razzmatazz and introductions it was down to business for the young Gladiators.

 

Right from the opening bell both men began to cautiously vie for Centre-ring, Khan utilizing his superior reach to take effective control and force his more experienced opponent on to the back foot.

 

About the midway point of the round Khan began to step up the pace, landing some big shots to both body and head, each time Martinez stood his ground and countered with good effect.

 

In the second it was more or less the same, with Khan taking the initiative and actively attacking, whilst Martinez remained content to counter when the opportunity arose.

 

Round three see Khan step up the pace further, utilizing superior hand speed and slick movement to land a some sensational shots, the most notable was a huge right to the chin late on in the round. Martinez was clearly shaken, but still thinking clearly enough to change his tactics and tie the Bradford man up on the inside to prevent further big shots landing.

 

Initially Martinez took the fight to Khan in the fourth, in doing so landed a sensational hook to the head of Khan. However this tactic just played into Khan’s hands and the Bradford man came back with some sensational combinations each time the Mexican mounted an attack.

 

As the round progressed into the second minute, Khan caught Martinez with another big shot which sent the Mexican back towards the ropes, Khan stepped in and let rip with a double handed flurry culminating with a big left hook to the body, which sent Martinez to the canvas. Martinez made the count and made it to the end of the round by tying up Khan on the inside again.

 

Round five see Martinez utilizing the tying up Khan on the inside tactic more, and at times looked outclassed. Khan’s superior ring-craft really came into play as the round entered the final minute, the confident persona Martinez carried in the early rounds was now gone, Martinez was beginning to try and slow Khan’s scintillating pace down to a crawl, constantly grabbing hold each time Khan mounted an attack, before letting rip with uppercuts at every opportunity, much to the dismay of Khan’s corner, who were shouting at their man to work off his jab and keep him at a distance.

 

Round six see Khan confidently begin to wear Martinez down further with fast double handed flurries and powerful combinations to both body and head. At more or less the half way point of the round Khan broke loose from another attempted holding session from Martinez and fired a couple of stiff jabs, before stepping in with a huge hook to the body. Martinez immediately collapsed to the canvas and was clearly distraught, however the tough Mexican tried his hardest to make it to his feet before referee James Ancliff’s count reached its conclusion, albeit unsuccessful in doing so.

 

The official time for the stoppage 1 minute and 32 seconds of the sixth round.

 

Preceding the Khan-Martinez headline bout was a six round Super Middleweight contest between Bardley, Lincolnshire’s unbeaten Nathan Decastro and very late replacement Malcolm Richardson from Blackpool.

 

Originally IBF Ranked Decastro was due to compete against Ghanaian Philip Kotey, who had arrived in the UK but fell ill on Friday night. More disappointment for Decastro as a win over Kotey would have also positioned him for a potential shot at an IBF title later in the year.

 

Right from the off it was clear that Decastro was intent on making a statement, the Bardley man closing of the ring and letting rip with power punch after power punch. Richardson’s made of stern stuff and stood his ground and countered with good effect. However as the round progressed towards the second minute, Decastro switched to the body, landing a massive body shot that sent Richardson down.

 

Richardson made the count, in fact following the knockdown went on the front foot and landed a couple of good shots of his own, but Decastro’s relentless power shots got the better of the Blackpool man and with about 40 seconds of the round to go Decastro caught him with a huge body shot to send him to the canvas for the second time, this time though Richardson didn’t make it to his feet before referee James Ancliff’s count reached it’s conclusion.

 

Official time of the stoppage was 2 Minutes and 30 seconds of the first round.

 

Prior to Decastro-Richardson it was time for a Heavyweight contest between Askam-in-Furness, Cumbria’s Lee Kellett and Belfast, Northern Ireland’s Ryan Kilpatrick.

 

What a cracking fight, both lads gave there all for the full four rounds, much to the appreciation of those in attendance.

 

After four highly entertaining all action rounds it was Lee Kellett that scoring referee James Ancliff decided was the victor by a 40-36 points margin.

 

Next up was a four round Super Lightweight contest between Newcastle’s Jak Johnson and Liverpool’s Paul Peers.

 

What a fight, it was a true Battle Royale, these two warriors gave no quarter, and it was a seriously top class battle. The first couple of rounds were exhausting to watch, pure toe-2-toe action from start to finish, so much so that this contest rightly earned the accolade of the Fight of the Night.

 

The third though see Peers in the ascendancy, the Liverpool man steeping up the pace as well as switching his focus to the body of the Geordie with great effect, so much so that around the midway point Peers sent Johnson to the canvas with a pin-point perfect shot to the lower rib.

 

Johnson made it to his feet but in the dying seconds of the round Peers found a way through Johnson’s excellent defence to land another shot to the lower rib to send Johnson down for a second time, this time Johnson couldn’t make it to his feet to beat referee James Ancliff’s count.

 

Official time of the stoppage was 2 minutes and 59 seconds of the third round.

 

The opening bout of the night sees Aberdeen’s Nathan Beattie in action against late replacement Belfast’s Marty Kayes.

 

Beattie-Kayes was a purist’s dream fight, it was one seriously closely fought and highly technical contest, which wouldn’t come as any surprise to those in the know, as these two had fought each other previously.

 

After four closely fought rounds scoring referee James Ancliff’s score card read 40-37 in favour of Nathan Beattie.

 

There were due to be two further contests on the card – Obadai Sai vs Isaac Quartey and Patrick Okine vs Saidi Mundi, however these contests failed to take place due to only Quartey and Okine receiving their visa in time to make the trip to the UK.

boxing, UK Boxing

Khan and Newell in Sensational Knockout Form Reign Supreme in Bradford

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Report: Gianluca Di Caro

The boxing scene in the North of England is really booming, especially  around the cities of Leeds and Bradford. One of the main reasons for  the increase of professional boxing events in the area is due to  Bradford’s very own reigning World Boxing Union (WBU), Global Boxing  Union (GBU) and World Boxing Confederation (WBC) World Champion Tasif  Khan, who for the past couple of years has been working closely with  Leeds based promoter Bridie Murtagh to bring stylish Boxing Dinner  Shows to the area.

The latest of these took place at the Royal Taj, formerly the  Connaught Rooms, in Bradford, which not only featured the  aforementioned Tasif Khan himself in action, against Tanzania’s Julias  Kisarawe, but also heralded the return of unbeaten Lightweight  prospect Justin Newell from Leeds, who faced Latvian Aleksandrs  Birkenbergs

Besides the local lads on the card, exciting Super Welterweight  prospect Chris Wood from Middlesbrough was in action against Belfast’s  Marty Kayes, however two top class International bouts scheduled for  the event, a ten round Middleweight contest between Ishmael Tetteh and  Philip Kotey, as well as an eight round Welterweight contest between  Frank Dodzi and Justice Addy, failed to materialise due to visas for  three of the boxers failing to arrive in time.

Whilst disappointing that these two fights didn’t go ahead, there was  more than enough action to keep the fans happy, as promoter Bridie  Murtagh arranged for two exhibition bouts featuring local lads to  replace the Internationals ahead of the pro element.

First up was Chris Wood against Marty Kayes in a four rounder.

What a cracking start to the pro section, it was all action right from  the opening bell, Wood was clearly fired up and went on the attack,  closing down his far more experienced opponent before letting rip with  a vast array of combinations at every conceivable opportunity. Kayes  though is as savvy as they come, would cover up and seemed more than  content to let the fired up youngster get his shots off before  countering.

After four scintillating rounds the referee’s scorecard unsurprisingly  read as a 40-36 points victory for the Teesider Chris Wood.

Next up was unbeaten Justin Newell in a six rounder against the very  tough Latvian Aleksandrs Birkenbergs.

Newell was on fire, slick movement and very fast hands – Birkenbergs  was no walk over and landed a cracking right hand about midway through  the round, which lit the blue touch-paper for Newell, who went hard on  the attack throwing some tasty big shots to body and head, which  ultimately led to Birkenbergs taking a visit to the canvas. This kid’s  tough, he was straight up and going toe to toe with Newell until the  end of the round.

Round two was fantastic to watch, both lads giving no quarter –  beautiful boxing from both, but Newell’s class proved just too much  for the plucky Latvian as the Leeds lad piled some serious pressure in  the second half of the fight before letting rip with big double handed  salvos that sent Birkenbergs to the deck in the dying seconds of the  round, no matter how hard he tried Birkenbergs just couldn’t make the  count – great win on his return to the fray for Newell who won by TKO,  the time would you believe 2 minutes and 59 seconds of round two.

The headline fight see WBU, GBU and WBC World Champion take on  Tanzania’s Julias Kisarawe in a ten round non-championship contest,  instead of the scheduled twelve round World Boxing Confederation (WBC)  Super Flyweight title defence for Khan, due to lateness of the visa  arriving for Kisarawe to complete the necessary Championship paperwork  for the contest to be sanctioned by the WBC.

First round started fast and see Kisarawe taking the fight to Khan,  however the Bradford lad stood his ground and picked his shots for  maximum effect
More of the same in round two, except this time it was Khan that took  the fight to Kisarawe.

Round three see Khan really start to get in a flow, regularly backing  his opponent up before letting rip with wickedly fast double handed  salvos, the power and speed in Khan’s shots finally had the desired  effect and the super tough Tanzanian took a very brief trip to the  canvas.

On the restart Kisarawe went hard on the attack, throwing seriously  solid lefts in an attempt to do unto Khan what the Bradford lad did to  him moments before (with 14 KO wins on his record Kisarawe is very  capable of doing just that)
Round four was an outright war and fascinating to watch, as was round  five and six but for very different reasons. Khan stepped not just one  gear but at least two or three and corralled the Tanzanian into a  corner and just plain bombarded him with double handed Exocets  throughout

More of the same in round seven but this time Khan managed to  penetrate Kisarawe’s world class defence and sent him to the canvas  for the second time.
Kisarawe managed to make the count but it was clear for all to see  that he was in some distress, so much so that referee James Ancliff  had no option but to stop the contest on the one minute twelve second  mark.

What followed then was a good thirty minute celebration in the ring by  Tasif Khan, his team AND many of the fans!!!!

Have to say the Khan/Murtagh co-promoted shows I’ve attended have  always been top class, however this event, even though a couple of  fights short, was by far the best one yet, the fights were all  beautifully matched all action affairs, what more could any fan of the  pugilistic arts wish for. Can’t wait for the next, which I hear is  going to be in December.

boxing, UK Boxing

Khan Stops Quaye To Secure WBU Crown

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On Saturday night, Great Britain’s Tasif Khan secured both the World Boxing Union (WBU) and Global Boxing Union (GBU) World Super Flyweight Championships at the Cedar Court Hotel in his hometown of Bradford in the United Kingdom.

 

Khan, who only returned to the sport, following a two year sabbatical, just over twelve months ago, put in the performance of his career, in front of a pack house that included a number of British star boxers, such as interim WBA World Lightweight Champion Derry Mathews and former British, Commonwealth, European and WBC World Champion Junior Witter as well as various local dignitaries such as the Mayor of Bradford and local MP Imran Hussain.

 

Khan also received support from the British Army, who turned out in force to watch their man being lead to the ring by the band of the Yorkshire Regiment.

 

After a slow first round, during which both combatants barely threw a shot in anger, Khan proceeded to utterly dominated Accra, Ghana’s Isaac Quaye from the second stanza right through to the sensational sixth round, during which Khan really stepped up the pace and sent the Ghanaian to the canvas three times in very short succession, the last of which was a perfect right to the chin that sent Quaye crashing backwards and prostrate on the canvas in such a spectacular manner that the Ghanaian’s corner-man immediately jumped into the ring before referee Lee Murtagh had barely started the count. NB. Quaye was perfectly fine albeit a little dazed after rising.

 

Following the bout a clearly elated Khan spoke briefly.

 

“This is the greatest day of my life, it’s a dream come true and to be crowned World Champion in front of my home crowd really is the cherry on top.

 

I have to say a big thank you to Isaac (Quaye), he’s a great fighter and it couldn’t have been easy for him to walk into the Lion’s Den with such a partisan crowd shouting out their support for me.

 

Also have to say a big thank you to Stephen (Vaughan) and his team for putting on such a great show for the fans and for believing in me, the same to Rio (WBU Europe President & MBC Vice President Gianluca Di Caro) for giving me the chance to box again and more importantly to fight for the WBU title, I’ve always wanted a WBU belt around my waist ever since watching Ricky Hatton win it when I was just a teen.

 

Huge thanks as well to GBU President Juergen Lutz for allowing me to fight for his title also.

 

Finally I’d also like to thank all my fantastic fans that turned out to support me tonight, as well as the Mayor of Bradford and my local MP Imran Hussain for their support, and last but definitely not least my sponsors; Broadway Solicitors Oldham, Kingsland Business Recovery, Vista Gym Benidorm and 3X Sports, as without you guys I could never have achieved my dream – thank you all so much”

boxing, UK Boxing, women's boxing

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

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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

boxing, UK Boxing

Khan-Quaye Title Fight Support For Roy Jones Jr-Tony Moran September 12th in Liverpool

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Khan-Quaye Title Fight Support For Roy Jones Jr-Tony Moran September 12th in Liverpool

 

Bradford’s Tasif Khan is just over a week away from the biggest fight of his career to date, when he faces two time Commonwealth title challenger, Ghana’s Isaac Quaye, for the World Boxing Federation (WBF) International Super Flyweight Championship, on the Stephen Vaughan promoted LEGEND event, at the Aintree Equestrian Centre on Saturday 12thSeptember, which is headlined by Roy Jones Jr’s first ever UK fight, against Tony Moran.

 

Khan, who only returned to the fray, following a twenty five month sabbatical from the sport, in January this year more than made up for his time out of the ring with three top class wins.

 

In the first of these bouts Khan disposed of Richard Voros in just over a minute of the first round, he then followed that with an almost identical time victory over Ladislav Miko in March, which lined him up for a shot at the International Masters title in May, against Mikheil Soloninkini, which Khan secured with an excellent unanimous points victory.

 

To describe Khan’s excitement about getting this opportunity to fight for the WBF title so soon after his return is an understatement, but when compared to his feelings about fighting for the title on the undercard of Roy Jones Jr versus Tony Moran made that pale in comparison, as he made clear when he spoke about the upcoming event.

 

“When I first got told I’ll be fighting on the Roy Jones bill, it was absolutely amazing, yeah amazing to fighting on the same show as Roy Jones.

 

I grew up watching him fight, in my eyes he’s one of the greatest fighters ever, not because of the accolade of titles that he’s won, the number of belts he’s won, from Middleweight upwards, but it’s unheard of to say to anyone these days that a middleweight is going to go all the way up to Heavyweight and win a World title and in those days the best fought the best, Roy Jones for me is one of the all time best fighters and to be on the same bill as him is all credit to the MBC (Malta Boxing Commission), Stephen Vaughan and Francis warren and I can’t thank them and everyone involved in this massive event enough and obviously for letting me fight on the event.”

 

Khan then went on talk about his opponent on September 12th – Isaac Quaye

 

“I’ve got full respect for Isaac Quaye, he’s got a good record, he’s been in with the best and he’s a tough Ghanaian as we know, so come September 12th we will be ready for him.

 

I can’t believe this, it’s been a short journey, but a sweet journey, the only difficult time I’ve had was the time away from the ring, I had a gap of about three years but obviously the MBC, all those involved with the MBC and the team around me have pulled together and gave me these opportunities.

 

My last fight gave me the opportunity to get my first belt (International Masters) of my career, so onwards and upwards.

 

I don’t look past any opponent and always train accordingly, we know Isaac Quaye is a tough opponent and in terms of World ranking he’s a lot higher than me, so it’s a win, win situation for me because I’ll prepare, like every fight, as if I’m the underdog, no doubt he’ll be coming in as the favourite and look to upset me and the crowd.

 

I have full respect for him outside the ring, but inside the ring I have no mercy for anyone, I want to go in their and cause damage as I want to win, so let’s get it on.”

 

Tickets, priced £40, £60, £100 and VIP Ringside £150 for the Stephen Vaughan Promoted Roy Jones Jr. versus Tony Moran MBC International Cruiserweight Championship headed LEGEND event at the Aintree Equestrian Centre in Liverpool on Saturday September 12th 2015 are available now, buy on line at www.tkoboxoffice.com and www.vaughanboxing.tv or call 0333 200 0905.

 

Sanctioning for this event will be courtesy of the Malta Boxing Commission – www.maltaboxingcommission.com

boxing, UK Boxing

JONES JR. Vs MORAN Open Press Conference, Liverpool, Wednesday 22nd July

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The open to the public press conference for the Stephen Vaughan LEGEND event, headlined by the Roy Jones Jr. versus Tony Moran MBC International and World Boxing Federation (WBF) Intercontinental Cruiserweight championships bout, will take place at 1:30pm this coming Wednesday, the 22nd July at the BIERKELLER, 6 Thomas Steers Way, Liverpool One, L1 8LW.

 

In addition to Roy Jones Jr and Tony Moran in attendance will also be many of those that will be in action on the night, including;

 

Paul Economides, who will be defending his WBF Intercontinental Super Bantamweight title against Prosper Ankrah.

 

Tasif Khan, who will be challenging Isaac Quaye for the WBF International Super Flyweight championship.

 

Nick Quigley, who faces undefeated Nathan Decastro

 

Antonio Counihan, who faces Ghana’s Michael Ansah

 

Undefeated Liverpool based Russian hot prospect David Agadzhanyan.

 

Lee Boyce, who takes on Scunthorpe’s Matthew Pepper.

 

Unbeaten Jay Carney, who faces unbeaten Mathew Fitzsimons from Belfast.

 

Local prospect Dayle Gallagher, who faces tough opposition from Matt Scriven

 

Unbeaten Heavyweight Rob Beech, who will take on Blackpool’s Mathew Ellis

 

Plus local prospects Lee Monaghan, Lee Milner and Carl Donohue, who will all be making their pro debuts on September 12th.

 

Tickets, priced £40, £60, £100 and VIP Ringside £150 for the Stephen Vaughan Promoted Roy Jones Jr. versus Tony Moran MBC International Cruiserweight Championship headed LEGEND event at the Aintree Equestrian Centre in Liverpool on Saturday September 12th 2015 will be available for purchase at the press conference or are available to buy on line at www.tkoboxoffice.comand www.vaughanboxing.tv

 

Sanctioning for this event will be courtesy of the Malta Boxing Commission – www.maltaboxingcommission.com

 

boxing, UK Boxing

Khan Reigns Supreme – Topples Soloninkini, Now Eyes Further Title Challenges

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Bradford’s sensational Bantamweight prospect Tasif Khan secured his first Championship accolade, the International Masters Bantamweight title, when he beat Georgia’s Mikheil Soloninkini by unanimous points decision at the iconic York Hall in London last Saturday night.

 

What really makes this achievement even more special is that Khan only returned to the ring in January this year, following a two year sabbatical from the sport.

 

On his return in January Khan scored a decisive first round stoppage victory, over the highly experienced Hungarian Richard Voros, in a bout that also took place at the York Hall.

 

Khan followed that win up with an equally impressive first round stoppage victory, over Czech Republic’s Ladislav Miko, six weeks later in Liverpool.

 

Last Saturday, whilst it seems everyone else were preparing for the Mayweather-Pacquiao super fight, Khan was taking part in the biggest fight of his career to date.

 

Right from the off Khan boxed beautifully behind his solid jab to keep his slightly more experienced foe on the back foot.

 

By midway point Khan began to slow the pace, whilst continuing to keep full pressure on Soloninkini.

 

Midway through the sixth round, during a rather hectic exchange Khan was a little slow bringing up his gloves, which opened the door for Soloninkini, who let rip with a big right to send Khan to the canvas.

 

On the restart Soloninkini when in hard in an attempt to finish the still slightly wobbly legged Khan, however the Bradford lad remained calm and collected, whilst the hyper Georgian continued to come forward throwing huge bombs.

 

During a number of these skirmishes Khan sensibly grabbed hold until referee Lee Murtagh issued the order break. This tactic allowed Khan a little time in order to clear his head.

 

Soloninkini continued to push hard for the final three rounds, however Khan is one seriously cool character, he just got behind his jab and just plain boxed his way out of danger, each time the Georgian made a forceful foray.

 

After ten rounds of first class boxing from Khan, judges Ken Curtis 99-94, Obie Garnett 98-90 and Matt Hamilton 98-91, all scored in favour of the new International Masters Champion Tasif Khan.

 

Speaking from his home earlier Khan spoke about the fight as well as hinted at further Championship forays in the near future.

 

“Yeah, I won my first title.

 

It’s been my dream since I was a kid, winning a title, hopefully this will be the first of many, onwards and upwards.

 

Saying that I don’t want to take away the importance of being the International Masters Champion, that was like winning a World title to me that night.

 

I’ve had a tough two and half years, I’ve come through it, got back fighting this year and now have a belt, yeah I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved.

 

I was absolutely fine coming into the fight, training went well, I went away with Nadeem Siddique one of my coaches, he’s a professional himself. I had a good training camp abroad, went to Greece,

 

Came into the fight brilliant, working of my jab, using my jab more as I felt I had a good chance, I was finding it quite comfortable to be honest, I was finding him quite easily with the jab.

 

He was a tough kid, took some good shots to the body, I found I could walk him down, then I think it was either the third or fourth round I overstretched my right arm, I felt at the time I must have damaged my shoulder, I tried not to show it, but as the rounds went on I struggled to throw big shots.

 

It wasn’t hurting, it did limit me on my shots as the fight went on, but I think I got a little complacent and gave him the opportunity to catch me with a good shot, it didn’t hurt me at all, but had to see that round through, because I had won every single round but that round, I boxed smart and stayed at a distance when I could and other times let him punch himself out.

 

To be honest I feel I could have stopped him, with all the pressure and that decided to just box my way through.

 

I’m really appreciative of my fans as always, they travel down to London in numbers, if all goes well though my next fight will be a lot nearer to home, maybe even Bradford, but I’m always grateful to my fans, even those that are unable to travel to watch me fight in London or Liverpool.

 

Since day one I’ve had good support, a great fan base, but fighting away all the time makes it hard for everyone to be at every fight, so I’d really love to do something big in Bradford, or at least more local and fingers crossed we’ll get a big title on that show.

 

I’d like to thank all my team, Martin Stainsby, Bee, Junior Witter, Rio (Gianluca Di Caro), Johnny Eames and all those that work behind the scene, I can’t forget to mention my Missus, she puts in all the hard work and puts up with me when I’m on a diet and my family, who have all been so supportive.

 

Before I forget I want to make a comment, I’ve been boxing since the age of ten, I made my mind up as the years went on that I wanted to really do something in Boxing, I had no intention of just making up the numbers, I had no option, I want to do well and win titles, I want to put Bradford on the map, winning the International Masters title has put me in the right direction, as such I want to dedicate the win to my eldest brother Tahir Khan, because if it wasn’t for him pointing me in the right direction, he’d keep me fit and take me to the gym, he’s the first person to totally support me in boxing, always been there for me and he’s the one that made all this possible.

 

As I say if it wasn’t for Tahir, I wouldn’t be in boxing and I wouldn’t have this International Masters belt, thank you for everything Tahir, really appreciate everything you’ve done for me.

 

I’d like to say a big thank you to my sponsors, Kingsland Business Recovery in Bradford, Broadway Solicitors in Oldham, Kesser Jewelers in Bradford and Vyomax Supplements from Manchester, they’ve been brilliant getting behind me so I can concentrate on my boxing.

 

Finally I would like to say a huge thanks to Mark Lyons and Billy James-Elliott, who gave me the opportunity to fight for the title on their show.”

 

 

 

 

-END-

boxing, UK Boxing

Khan-Soloninkini Battle For Title Supremacy In London This Saturday

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Bradford’s exciting Bantamweight prospect TASIF KHAN is set to challenge for his first title this Saturday, when he takes on Georgian #1 ranked MIKHEIL SOLONINKINI, for the vacant International Masters Silver Bantamweight Championship, on the Mark Lyons and Billy James-Elliott promoted LORDS OF THE RING event at the iconic York Hall, in Bethnal Green, London on May 2nd.

 

Khan earned the title shot with a pair of sensational first round stoppage wins earlier this year, following his return from a two year sabbatical from the sport.

 

In January this year, Khan dispatched Hungarian #2 ranked Richard Voros in just one minute and five seconds of the first round at the York Hall, then two months later followed up with an almost identical stoppage victory, this time in one minute and fifteen seconds of the first round, over the Czech Republic’s Ladislav Miko at the Grand Central Hall in Liverpool.

 

Originally Khan was to face Patrik Bartos, however the Czech lad was TKO’d by Andrew Cain, on the undercard of Derry Mathews WBA title fight, at the Echo Arena, a couple of weeks ago.

 

Bartos’ replacement, Mikheil Soloninkini, has been quite a regular figure on the UK scene, having fought here four times in the past year, including an unsuccessful challenge for the International Masters Bronze title, which he lost out on points to Jamie Williams back in March.

 

Speaking from his home earlier, Khan appeared unperturbed with the late change of opponent.

 

“It’s a shame, I had been preparing for Patrik Bartos, but what can I say he got stopped and has a twenty eight day suspension, these things happen.

 

I would have preferred if we’d known earlier who was going to replace Patrik, but three potential opponents backed out last week and then a fourth that had been proposed got knocked back by the MBC as not suitable.

 

Luckily though this new lad agreed terms on Tuesday and now the fight is set and ready to go, I can’t wait.

 

I’m not expecting it to be a quick finish like the past two fights, they were four and six rounders, this time I’ll have to pace myself just in case I have to go the full ten rounds, but if the chance comes, I’ll take him out early.

 

Trainings been great, always is, I’m ready and raring to go, can’t wait.

 

My fans are great so far this year they’ve come out in force to support me in London and Liverpool and Saturday they’ll be back in London again, I can’t thank them enough, they’re a great bunch that really get behind me, making plenty of noise, letting me know that they’re there, they’re really are brilliant and I’ll thank them the best way I know, winning the title.

 

I’d like to say a big thank you to my sponsors, Kingsland Business Recovery in Bradford, Broadway Solicitors in Oldham, Kesser Jewelers in Bradford and Vyomax Supplements from Manchester, they’ve been brilliant getting behind me so I can concentrate on my boxing.

 

Finally I have just been told that Mark and Billy (Promoters Mark Lyons and Billy James-Elliott) have arranged a function room so that everyone can watch the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight live after my fight, so if you haven’t got tickets yet, you know what to do, either call me or get down to York Hall on Saturday as there are still some tickets available. “

 

Tasif Khan versus Mikheil Soloninkini, for the vacant International Masters Bantamweight Championship, co-headlines the Mark Lyons & Billy James-Elliott Wise Guys Promotions LORDS OF THE RING event, that takes place at the York Hall in Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 2nd May 2015.

Sanctioning for this event will be provided courtesy of the Malta Boxing Commission (MBC) –www.maltaboxingcommission.com

Tickets priced £35 (Standard seating) and £65 (Ringside) are available direct from Tasif on 07756 311857, or at the venue on the night or pre-book on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or call the TKO ticket line on 07960 850645

 

Tickets for the after event private viewing of the Mayweather-Pacquiao super fight live via satellite, that cost just £10, will be available for purchase at York Hall on the Saturday night.

 

 

 

-END-

 

 

PHOTOS

 

6698 – Tasif Khan in action against Richard Voros at York Hall in January.

 

PHOTO CREDIT

Please feel free to use all photos supplied – photo credit is not required but should you do so, please credit – Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro

boxing, UK Boxing

Khan Marches On – TKO Win Over Miko Leads To May 2nd Title Shot In London

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On Friday evening Bradford’s Tasif Khan scored another sensational first round stoppage win, this time over Czech Republic’s Ladislav Miko, on the Stephen Vaughan promoted RED MIST event at the Grand Central Hall in Liverpool.

 

From the opening bell it was Miko that was the more aggressive, taking the fight to Khan, however in doing so the Czech fighter played straight into the Bradford man’s hands.

 

Khan had expected Miko to start fast and as such when the Czech fighter advanced rapidly, Khan simply danced to the side and let rip with a shot to the body.

 

Miko’s body language made it quite clear that he had been hurt, so no surprise that when he came in hard and fast again that the savvy Khan utilized a similar tactic, this time slipping to the right and letting rip with another body shot, followed up by a scintillatingly fast double handed salvo to both body and head.

 

On around the forty five second mark, Miko, who clearly hadn’t learned to be a little cautious, made yet another forceful attack, this time though Khan threw out a solid jab, followed by an uppercut and then just planted his feet and put full power into a lightning fast left hook, to send the Czech lad to the canvas.

 

Miko managed to make the count, but seconds later walked straight into another big left to the body. This time Miko really struggled to make the count, just managing to do so but was very unsteady on his feet, leaving referee Jimmy Byrne no option but to wave the bout off on the one minute and fifteen second mark of the first round.

 

Immediately after receiving the victor’s laurels Khan was informed by his team that he would get to challenge for his first Championship accolade, the International Masters Bantamweight title, on his next planned outing, which will be on the Billy James-Elliott and Mark Lyons promoted LORD OF THE RINGS event at York Hall in London on May 2nd.

 

Following receiving this news Khan spoke briefly about the fight as well as his upcoming title fight.

 

“Yeah brilliant, it was just brilliant.

 

I can’t complain that he didn’t last a round, I would have preferred it had gone on a bit longer, I mean it was a six rounder and I really would have liked to get some rounds under my belt, but as I’ve said before you don’t get paid overtime in this game.

 

We knew that he would start fast and rush in and the plan was to work off my jab to slow him down, basically to try and get the six rounds under my belt.

 

It didn’t quite happen that way as he really came at me much quicker than expected, instead I adapted and caught him with a good shot, I see his legs buckle a bit but he stayed on his feet.

 

He’s a game fighter, most people would have backed off to give themselves time to recover, not him he came back at me hard again, which gave me the opportunity to box him a little bit more and catch him as he came back in.

 

I caught him good with the uppercut and then the body shot, which he went down with.

 

Then I did more or less the same after the restart, although didn’t think I had caught him quite as well as the first time, but when he got up I don’t think he wanted to know anymore, even if the ref had let it carry on.

 

Hopefully onwards and upwards now, I’ve been talking with my team and been told we’ve got a title fight organized for May 2nd in York Hall, same night as Mayweather-Pacquaio fight, so hopefully I’ll pick up my first title, the International Masters, and bring it back to Bradford.

 

As you can see my fans turned out in force and make a lot of noise, they’re all ringside, they love their boxing, it’s a boxing city Bradford, they just need to get more shows there.

 

My fans are great, they travel to watch me, last time it was London, this time Liverpool and obviously it’s back to London again on May 2nd.

 

At the moment I haven’t got the opportunity to pick where I fight, hopefully if I win the title maybe we can get a promoter to put on a show in Bradford so even more of my fans will get a chance to watch me again.

 

I’m grateful for my team, the training went really well, I feel strong, I feel good and the fans coming out in force to support me is adding to that.

 

My sponsors, Kingsland Business Recovery in Bradford, Broadway Solicitors in Oldham, Kesser Jewelers in Bradford and Vyomax Supplements from Manchester, have been absolutely great.

 

These guys have been backing me up, which takes away a lot of the pressure so I can concentrate on my boxing.

 

Again I’ve got to thank my fans, they really are the best, they’ve followed me down to London and of course here in Liverpool, even though traffic was bad they all made it here tonight and really got behind me, making loads of noise, which is a bit like football fans being the twelfth man on the football pitch, it really inspires you, it lifts you hearing all the fans cheering you on, brilliant, just brilliant.”