Tag Archives: WBU

boxing, UK Boxing

Title on the Line for McGivern Vs Iran II on 22nd June

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Ben McGivern Vs Navid Iran II

World Boxing Union (WBU) International Light Heavyweight Championship


For Immediate Release:


London, UK – Monday 27th May 2019




Title on the Line for McGivern Vs Iran II on 22nd June


Sometimes there are fights that just capture the Boxing World’s attention, Gatti-Ward, Ali-Frazier, Froch-Kessler, Holyfield-Bowe, Marquéz-Vazquéz etc that afterwards the fans go out of their way demanding a rematch and in some cases a trilogy or more as in the case of Marquéz-Vazquéz!


In each of the cases mentioned above these were prime time internationally broadcast events, however sometimes there’s a fight that slips under the radar of the majority of fans for one reason or another.


One such fight was the Ben McGivern versus Navid Iran ‘Fight of the Year’ nominated Battle Royale back in November last year, which was broadcast live only on Facebook.


Whilst it did pass under the radar of the majority of fans worldwide, it may surprise many readers to learn that after the first fight, so many boxing fans were lighting up Social Media calling for McGivern-Iran II, that Promoter Tommy Jacobs just couldn’t ignore them and so on the 22nd June at the Prince’s Theatre in Clacton-on-Sea these two warriors will enter the arena to battle it out once more, this time for the World Boxing Union (WBU) International Crown.


Back in November McGivern-Iran, battled it out for the vacant Professional Boxing Council (PBC) Silver International Light Heavyweight title was the headline bout on Tommy Jacobs’ history making event, the first professional boxing event in Clacton-on-Sea since 1939, when Mike Kevan beat Charlie Mack.


Battled it out is the correct term; this was a Battle Royale of epic proportions.


Right from the off Iran took the fight to McGivern, backing the Scot onto the ropes and letting rip with a flurry of big left and rights. McGivern sensibly covered up and waited an opportunity to counter, which he did with good effect once the opportunity arose.


However it wasn’t enough to prevent Iran coming back with a similar forceful attack almost immediately. McGivern once again managed to counter and initially take control.


As the round progressed Iran landed a couple of cracking shots that again forced McGivern to cover up. Iran kept up the pressure with big shots, whilst McGivern caught many with his gloves some big rights got through the Scots guard, shaking him to the core.


How McGivern made it to the end of the round is unfathomable, his legs were well and truly gone, but somehow he did.


Round two see Iran come out hard and fast, however McGivern was ready for the assault, again initially covering up but this time instead of just countering and covering, he spun his opponent and went hard on the attack himself.


Round three see McGivern taking the fight to Iran, which led to some great technical boxing ensuing from both protagonists.


The next few rounds were fought in similar vein. The final round though was an out and out war; both boxers throwing caution to the wind and an all out slugfest ensued for the entire final three minutes – what an exhilarating round.


After eight fantastic rounds of boxing it was Ben McGivern declared victorious, but just who will reign victorious on the 22nd June.


Ben McGivern versus Navid Iran II, for the World Boxing Union (WBU) International Light Heavyweight Championship is the main support for Nathan Decastro versus Tommy Jacobs for the World Boxing Union (WBU) and World Boxing Foundation Super Middleweight Championships that headlines the show.


Also on the card is a further Championship fight, one that pits St Albans’ Andy Hojdys against Latvia’s Dmitrijs Ovjannikovs for both the World Boxing League (WBL) International and European Boxing League (EBL) European Light Heavyweight titles.


In addition to the three Championship contests, there are also a number of International matches, the first featuring World Boxing Council (WBC) Asia-Pacific Champion, India’s Neeraj Goyat in an eight round non-championship bout against Tanzania’s Amos Mwamakula.


Ipswich’s unbeaten Super Middleweight prospect Rob Elden looks to keep a clean sheet and extend his tally of wins when he faces the highly experienced Nicaraguan hard-man Ronny McField in a six rounder.


Clacton-on-Sea’s undefeated Featherweight Ben ‘The Claxican’ Cook also seeks to increase his win tally, when he faces Pablo Narvaez, who also hails from Nicaragua, in a four rounder.


The final Pro bout features Dean Porter, who is eager to get back to winning ways, following his loss to Jack Jones last month.


Porter also faces a Nicaraguan, in this case former International Boxing Organisation (IBO) and World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth World Title challenger Michael Isaac Carreo in a four round non-championship contest.


Nathan Decastro versus Tommy Jacobs for the World Boxing Union (WBU) and World Boxing Foundation Super Middleweight Championships headlines the event that takes place at the Prince’s Theatre, Town Hall, Station Road,, Clacton-on-Sea CO15 1SE on Saturday 22nd June 2019.


Tickets, priced £60 (VIP) and £30 (Standard seating) are available by calling the ticket line on 07475 096532, or purchase on-line atwww.tkoboxoffice.com



boxing, UK Boxing

KO me in 4! Sowah’s Dreaming, After We Fight He’ll Be Having Nightmares, Decastro Retorts

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Bardney Lincolnshire’s Nathan Decastro has issued a chilling warning to his Ghanaian opponent, ‘Hitman’ Daniel Adjei Sowah, ahead of their upcoming World Title showdown at the University of Lincoln on Saturday 27th April, when the two protagonists face off for the World Boxing Union (WBU) Super Middleweight Championship of the World.

Decastro’s warning following posts on Social Media quoting a Ghanaian Newspaper article where Sowah states “I’m going to knock Decastro out in 4’ which clearly hit a nerve with the man whose ring name is ‘Nightmare’, whose response was. 

“Knock me out in 4! Sowah’s dreaming, after we fight he’ll be having nightmares.

“I’ve never lost full stop, let alone been stopped! 

“He needs to think, they call me Nathan ‘The Nightmare’ Decastro for a reason, I’ve stopped eleven of my fourteen opponents as a pro, I’m more than just a handful to contain, I’m a living Nightmare for my opponents in the ring, I’m fearless and relentless.”

Decastro, who is Ranked #4, by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) in their Intercontinental Ratings, then wryly smiled and shrugged before swiftly changing the topic of conversation.

“I’m so looking forward to the 27th, it’s been my dream to fight for a World title, specifically the WBU World title, not just because of my boxing heroes Ricky Hatton and my Promotor Lee McAllister had both won WBU World Titles, but also because Bracebridge Boxing Club, where I train, has a history with the title.

“Owner Denny Oliver’s son Kelly, a four time senior ABA Champion boxed for it in South Africa against Sebastian Rothmann. I’ve always looked up to Kelly so fighting for the same title as him is special.”

Decastro continued. “My first fight was 22nd May 2001 and from that day I knew I wanted to be a professional fighter and have the opportunity to be a Champion. 18 years later I’m getting the chance to make my dream a reality and challenge for a World title in my home City of Lincoln.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to my fans, who are really getting behind me. This show will be a sell out. It really means a lot to me to have that kind of support.

“I would like to say thank you to my team, my sponsors, who make this all possible, my Dad for all his time training me, pad work etc. Sam Vickers my Strength and Conditioning coach, Craig Barton my Dietician, my Physio Dale Hibberd, my Promotor Lee McAllister, thank you for putting such a storming fight card together as well as giving me the chance to fight in my home City and lastly my Girlfriend Rachel Casey.

Rachel has been my absolute rock for this show! She has done everything on her own, organising everything, selling tickets, she’s taken all the pressure off me so I can concentrate on training. What she has done is incredible. I’m a very lucky guy to have someone who really pushes me to be the best person I can be.”

Nathan ‘Nightmare’ Decastro Versus ‘The Hitman’ Daniel Adjei Sowah for the World Boxing Union (WBU) Super Middleweight Championship of the World headlines the Lee McAllister Assassin Management and Promotions “Nightmare Back in Lincoln” event at The Engine Shed at the University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln LN6 7TS.

Tickets: VIP Balcony: SOLD OUT, Ringside: SOLD OUT, Standard: £30.00. To purchase tickets please call Rachel Casey on 07736 737750 or to buy online go to www.tkoboxoffice.com

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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.

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“BACK TO BUSINESS” CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING AT THE HISTORIC SAN FRANCISCO ARMORY

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA (October 3, 2017) – Professional boxing returns to the city of San Francisco, CA, on October 21, 2017, as hometown hero Karim “Hard Hitta” Mayfield (19-4-1, 11 KOs), takes on undefeated prospect Miguel Dumas (10-0, 7 KOs).  The main-event bout will take place at the beautiful historic San Francisco Armory.  On the line with be the WBU Welterweight Americas Belt.
Mayfield, who’s been out of the ring for over a year, is looking to get his career back on track with an impressive victory.  The San Francisco native is thrilled to get back in the ring, especially in his hometown.
“I really wanted to bring boxing back to San Francisco in a classy manner,” said Karim Mayfield. “The San Francisco Armory is a beautiful venue that holds 4,000 people.  We want to get the word out that this will be a friendly atmosphere where everyone of all walks of life can enjoy the fights.  I’m facing a young hungry fighter from Mexico in Miguel Dunas who I know is going to bring it.  We got a lot of local fighters on the card.  It’s going to be a great show for everyone.  Tickets are on sale now.  I’m going to do a lot of damage come fight night.”
Unbeaten Raquel “Pretty Beast” Miller (4-0, 2 KOs) vs. Sydney LeBlanc (4-4) was supposed to serve as the co-feature, but LeBlanc had to pull out for undisclosed reasons.  A new opponent will be announced soon.  The 6-round co-feature bout will be in Super-lightweight division.  Miller, who is currently ranked #2 by boxrec.com, was born and raised in San Francisco and is expected to have a lot of fans in attendance.
“This will be the first time I’ll be fighting in my hometown of San Francisco,” an ecstatic Raquel Miller said. “Everyone from my neighborhood, all my family and friends, they’re all coming out to watch me fight.  I can’t wait to put on a great show for everyone.  I’ll definitely be going for the knockout.”
Also on the card is Sacramento’s Xavier Martinez (9-0, 5 KOs) vs. Jonathan Alcantara (7-16-2, 1 KO) in an 8-round bout in the featherweight division.  Martinez is a member of Floyd Mayweather’s TMT (The Money Team) and Mayweather Promotions,
San Carlos, CA, resident, Stan Martyniouk (17-2, 3 KOs) vs. Luis Alfredo Lugo (14-27-1, 3 KOs) will do battle in a 6-round super-lightweight clash.
From the Mission District in San Francisco, Middleweight Ricardo Pinell (14-3-1, 8 KOs) vs. Carlos Ruiz (8-3, 3 KOs) go toe-to-toe in a 6-round middleweight bout.
Rounding out the rest of the card is Will Shaw (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Lenard Davis (1-0-2) in the super-lightweight division (4-rounds), super-lightweight Luis Casillas (1-1, 1 KO) vs. TBA, and featherweight Marquita Lee (3-5) vs. TBA.
Tickets priced $40 (standing room only), $50 (floor seats tier 3), $60 (floor seat tier 2), $80 floor tier 1, $125 (front seats), and ringside $250, are on sale now at EVENTBRITE.COM.  Doors open up at 5:30 p.m.  First bout at 6:00 p.m.
The San Francisco Armory is located at 1800 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103. Located conveniently at the corner of  Mission Street and 14th Street, the SF Armory is served by Muni routes, major bus lines and is easily accessible by BART that serves the East Bay and the airport. Parking can be arranged using local lots or valet.
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boxing, UK Boxing, women's boxing

Marston to Challenge Tshabalala for Her World Crown on July 2nd

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Over the past week or so the World’s press have been focusing heavily on the recently announced 9th July Tyson Fury-Wladimir Klitschko WBO-WBA-IBO Unified Heavyweight Championships rematch. Quite rightly so, it’s a huge fight, however just one week earlier, an equally World significant unification bout is also set to take place right here in the United Kingdom.

 

On July 2nd, at the Arena UK in Grantham, Lincolnshire, World #15 and British #1 ranked Marianne Marston will not only be challenging South Africa’s World Boxing Federation (WBFed) Super Bantamweight World Champion Gabisile Tshabalala for her coveted crown, but will also be aiming to secure the World Boxing Union (WBU), Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA) and Universal Boxing Organization (UBO) World accolades.

 

London based Marston, who was originally due to challenge Unathi Myekeni for the Bantamweight version of the WBFed strap back in December, that was until Myekeni was forced to withdraw following a hand injury, is cleary relishing the belated opportunity, as she made clear when she spoke earlier.

 

“I cannot thank WBFed President Howard Goldberg enough for making this happen, like me he was so dissapointed when Unathi (Myekeni) pulled out injured last year.

 

In addition to Howard, I would also lke to thank WIBA President Ryan Wissow, WBU President Don Lewis and Sebastien Pitois from the UBO, as they have been so supportive throughout my career, so to also challenge for their Championships really is so special for me.

 

I’m forty two now, so honestly thought after Unathi pulled out, that’s it for me, I’ll never get the chance to fight for a World title, OK that’s not quite true, I could have fought for a vacant title, but to me that’s just not good enough, I want to fight the best, I want to beat the World Champion.

 

I’ve seen video of Gabisile, when she fought Shannon (O’Connell) in 2013, but would very much like to find any video of her when she won the World title last year. I know how much I have changed, fight wise, since 2013 so really want to see if there are any changes to her style or tactics.

 

From what I have seen, she’s a classy fighter, very quick hands. When she fought Shannon, she was mainly counter punching, which would suit me, but for some reason I have a feeling she will have a very different approach as a defending Champion.

 

Either way, this will be a great fight for the fans, there’s such a contrast in our styles and in my view it’s those differences in style and tactical approach that will make this such a great fight to watch.

 

British boxing is booming, we have so many World Champions at the moment, Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Kell Brook, Carl Frampton, Lee Selby, Liam Smith, Jamie McDonnell, Lee Haskins, Tony Moran, Craig Docherty, Terry Flanagan, Anthony Crolla, James DeGale and of course my old gym mate at the TKO, Billy Joe Saunders.

 

Obviously they’re all men, so I want to redress the deficit a little and join them, as well as be the first British Female boxer to be crowned World Champion since Jane Couch beat Jaime Clampitt for the IWBF title in 2004.”

 

Gabisile Tshabalala Vs Marianne Marston for the WBFed, WBU, WIBA and UBO Super Bantamweight Unified World Championship headlines the Russ Brown promoted AS GOOD AS IT GETS event at the Arena UK in Grantham, Lincolnshire, UK on Saturday 2nd July.

 

This event is sanctioned by the British & Irish Boxing Authority (BIBA) www.boxbiba.com

 

Tickets: Priced £30 (Standard Seated) and SOLD OUT (Ringside VIP) are available online at www.tkoboxoffice.com andwww.mariannemarston.com

 

Please show your support and follow Marianne Marston on Twitter @MarianneMarston or on Facebook www.facebook.com/marianne.marston and www.facebook.com/MarianneMarstonFanPage – or see her websites www.mariannemarston.com andwww.goldengirlboxing.com

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

Docherty-Kelly Title Showdown Set For 15th August

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Glasgow’s former Commonwealth Champion Craig Docherty is set to challenge Dundalk, Ireland’s Michael Kelly for the World Boxing Union (WBU) Super Welterweight World title, on the Thomas Melville’s Colloseum Promotions THE COMEBACK event at the Lagoon Leisure Centre in Paisley on Saturday 15th August.

 

For Docherty it could be deemed a case of back to the future, as back in 2007 he unsuccessfully challenged Lee McAllister for the Lightweight version of the WBU title.

 

Now eight years later Docherty will be hoping that it is a reversal in fortunes and on the 15th August it will be him, not his opponent that emerges victorious and crowned the WBU Super Welterweight Champion.

 

Whilst the main focus is rightfully on Docherty-Kelly World title bout, it’s not the only bout on the show that has caught both the media and boxing public’s attention, not by a long shot.

 

Main support sees the return of one of Scotland’s greatest boxers ever, as longtime British, Commonwealth, IBO Intercontinental and WBO World Featherweight Champion Scott Harrison makes his long awaited return to the ring, in a ten round bout against a yet to be named opponent.

 

Receiving equal levels of attention, to both the headline and main support bouts, is the sensational Scotland vs Wales battle royale, between Edinburgh’s Craig McEwan (22-4-1) and Newport’s Lee ‘Lights Out’ Churcher (12-3-1).

 

Surprisingly this mouth watering battle, between McEwan, who has fought the likes of Andy Lee and Peter Quillin, and Churcher, the Welsh Area and British Masters Champion, is not for any form of Championship accolade.

 

Another superb domestic match up, between Bellshill’s Ronnie Nailen (3-1) and Bardney, Lincolnshire’s unbeaten Nathan Decastro (4-0), is another bout that is sure to enthrall the crowds, as both are big punchers that are not afraid to mix it up and go toe-to-toe when needs be.

 

That’s not all, not by a long shot, as Nairn’s Sandy Robb takes on Scunthorpe’s highly entertaining Jody Meikle in a six round Light Heavyweight contest, whilst Glasgow’s unbeaten Darren McAdam takes on Nottingham’s Matt Scriven.

 

Also on the card is a Cruiserweight contest between Askham-in-Furness, Cumbria’s Lee Kellett and Nottingham’s debuting Kevin Barker in a four rounder and last but not least Dunfermline’s Alistair Gonsales takes on debuting Ryan Lyall in a four round Super Welterweight contest.

 

Craig Docherty vs Michael Kelly for the World Boxing Union (WBU) Super Welterweight World title, headlines the Thomas Melville’s Colloseum Promotions THE COMEBACK event at the Lagoon Leisure Centre in paisley, Scotland on Saturday 15th August 2015.

 

Sanctioning for this event is courtesy of the Malta Boxing Commission (MBC) www.maltaboxingcommission.com

 

Tickets, priced £40, £50 and £75 (VIP) are available from any of the boxers taking part or call 07932 069376 and are also available on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com

boxing, UK Boxing

Legendary Referee Mickey Vann To Officiate MBC’s Inaugural Scottish Event This Saturday

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Legendary globe trotting Championship referee Mickey Vann will be making one of his shortest international journeys in a long while, this coming weekend, when he officiates the first Malta Boxing Commission (MBC) sanctioned event in Scotland, the Stewart Allan promoted event at the Rivals Gym in Wishaw on Saturday 25th April 2015.

 

Vann, who has been the MBC’s chief referee since 2013, has been officiating for close to forty years, the first bout he refereed was Eddie Smith versus Joe Jackson at the Anglo American Sporting Club in Manchester on the 11thOctober 1976.

 

It would be some seven years later before Vann refereed his first domestic Championship bout, the BBBofC Central Area Featherweight Title fight between Steve Pollard and Steve Farnsworth at the Tiffany’s Nightclub in Hull on the 29th March 1983.

 

Three years later Vann refereed his first International Championship contest, the Commonwealth Lightweight Title fight between Zimbabwe’s Langton Tinago and Australia’s Graeme Brooke at the Granada Studios in Manchester on 23rd August 1986.

 

With numerous British, Commonwealth and European title contests under his belt on the 8th June 1990 Vann refereed his first World Championship bout, the WBC World Minimumweight title fight between Japan’s Hideyuki Ohashi and Thailand’s Napa Kiatwanchai in Tokyo, Japan.

 

To date Vann has refereed one hundred and forty three International, Inter-Continental and World title contests for the World Sanctioning Organisations, such as WBC, WBO, IBF, WBU etc as well as an even higher number of European, Commonwealth, British and Irish domestic title fights during his eight hundred and eighty two bout career to date.

 

The most recent of these bouts being the WBO Inter-Continental Cruiserweight title fight between Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk and Russian Andry Knyazev, which took place in Kiev just last weekend.

 

In addition Vann has also judged one hundred and seventy three Championship contests since 1978, taking his officiating career total to an incredible one thousand and fifty five contests, sorry make that one thousand and fifty six contests if we include the upcoming event this weekend.

 

Shortly after returning from Kiev, the effervescent Vann spoke briefly about his career and the upcoming event he is to officiate in Scotland on Saturday.

 

“What can I say I didn’t realise I’d refereed that many fights,

 

My most memorable fight would naturally be Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno at Cardiff Arms Park, that was history.

 

But have refereed so many memorable fights, where do I start, Shea Neary and Mickey Ward, now that was a great fight.

 

There’s some from years ago I can remember, like Jean-Marc Renard against Farid Benredjeb, oh what a war that was, they both ended up in hospital.

 

Another memorable fight was Cassius Boloyi against Phillip Ndou, It was a war, an absolute war

 

They were two South Africans but from different tribes, they wanted me to referee it, not a South African, which was very much appreciated.

 

I remember refereeing the WBC mandatory Lightweight title fight, between Leavander Johnson and Miguel Angel Gonzalez, in a bullring, which was an experience.

 

I refereed in America Jorge Paez and Angel Manfredy, that was a terrific fight, in fact refereed three or four times in America.

 

I think if you count them all I think I refereed in thirty nine different countries, I left school at seven and went back at thirteen and left again at fourteen and I didn’t know at that time that there were that many countries in the world. I didn’t, honestly.

 

I just enjoy what I do, you know I’ve been to Russia, Argentina, Japan, all over, I just got back from Kiev.

 

People come up for photographs, even in Kiev, with Mickey the dancer and then they pretend they are you moving about, it’s lovely.

 

I pick out nothing really, I just pick out what has been the big fights that I’ve enjoyed.

 

I qualified as a star grade referee in 1978 and I’m still going, I’d done hundreds of fights by then, it’s not a job really, it’s just enjoyment as such.

 

I wasn’t a very good pro fighter, I was a pretty good amateur, I had sixty six fights as an amateur and lost nineteen, but you used to have three fights a day in the Championships, you fought in the morning, won that you fought in the afternoon and if you won that you fought at night to get through to the next round, in the Army Championships and the boys clubs sort of thing, that’s what we all did.

 

As a pro I have fourteen fights but I lost nine, but I enjoyed it, I’m glad I turned pro and I’m glad I fought, I’m glad I fought amateur and pro and I missed it when I retired and I wanted to do something and my manager suggested I referee, I wanted to coach but Tommy Miller, my manager said to me ‘Jesus Mick what could you teach anyone’, so he said to me you want to be a referee, so I put in for it and it took me two years and I qualified.

 

I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and some times have been better than others, in fact they used to hate me in Scotland, they thought I hated the Scots. I heard this on the radio many times.

 

Alex Morrison will tell you, he thought I was hater of Scotsmen, I wasn’t, just they never seemed to get the verdict from me, so it’s quite ironic that this Saturday it’s the Scottish promoter and the Scottish boxers that asked for me for this show.

 

I’ve always had great fun there and my all time favourite fighter is a Scotsman, Ken Buchanan, so it’s really nice that they want me to be there for the first MBC sanctioned event there, I can’t wait.”

 

Mickey Vann will be the referee for both the Sandy Robb versus Mathew Ellis and Scott Allan versus Isaac Quaye that co-headline the Stewart Allan (Rivals Promotions) event at the Rivals Gym in Wishaw, Scotland on Saturday 25th April 2015.

 

Tickets priced £30 and £40 are available direct from any of the boxers taking part, or call Stewart on 07711 725257.

Sanctioning for this event will be provided courtesy of the Malta Boxing Commission (MBC) – For further information on the Malta Boxing Commission please go to:

Web: www.maltaboxingcommission.com

Twitter @MaltaBoxingComm

Facebook www.facebook.com/MaltaBoxingCommission

LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/malta-boxing-commission

E.mail: admin@maltaboxingcommission.com

boxing

Ireland’s Stevie Quinn Jr. Challenges For WBU Youth World Title In New Jersey This Saturday

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This coming Saturday, March 14th, Ireland’s Stevie ‘The Quiet Man’ Quinn Jr. will be challenging for his first Championship accolade, when he takes on Jonesboro’s Stephon McIntyre, for the World Boxing Union (WBU) Youth Super Bantamweight title on the Global Boxing Promotions and LGM Promotions co promoted FISTS OF THE FIGHTING IRISH event at Jersey City Armory.

 

Should he be successful in his quest on Saturday, Quinn Jr. would have not just the one reason to celebrate, but three, as this will be the first time the 22 year old from Newtownards, Northern Ireland, fights in America and of course as Irishmen the World over know it’s also St Patrick’s day.

 

FISTS OF THE FIGHTING IRISH has an international flavor, and not just because of Quinn Jr’s attendance, but the huge undercard also features two of JAY Z’s RocNations prospects will be on the card – China’s Olympic Gold Medalist Wang Zhimin and Chinese Heavyweight Zhang Zhilei – as well as Dominican Republic’s Wellington Ramero, who makes his seventh pro outing.

 

In addition to the mighty international contingent, the USA is also well represented on the card by amongst others, Kansas City’s unbeaten Super Bantamweight star John Franklin, who takes on New Haven’s Josh Crespo in an eight rounder.

 

Jersey City’s very own unbeaten Heavyweight Tyrell Wright seeks to add another win to his record, when he goes head to head with Washington DC’s Alando Pugh in a four rounder.

 

Asbury’s unbeaten Hakim ‘Braveheart’ Bryant will be looking to make it three out of three when he takes on Puerto Rico’s Jesus Sosa Pagan in a four round Middleweight contest.

 

Another of Jersey City’s finest, Jose ‘Prime Time’ Ortiz, will be seeking to build on his unbeaten run of three, when he locks horns with Middletown’s big punching Tyrone Luckey.

 

Union City’s outstanding welterweight prospect Juan ‘The Beast’ Rodriguez Jr. will also be inaction, against a yet to be announced opponent.

 

In addition the FISTS OF THE FIGHTING IRISH event hosts the highly anticipated pro debut of amateur standout Darren Goodall, who faces fellow debutant Portland Pringle.

 

Brayon Rendon will also making his debut on Saturday, against Frank Jordan.

 

On announcing the World Boxing Union Youth World Championship bout, WBU President Don Lewis said.

 

“It’s St Patrick’s night so what could be better than having an Irish lad battling it out for a WBU World title.

 

I expect there will be a lot of Irish fans there to support young Stevie on Saturday night, and if he wins, it could be a very long night of celebration by Stevie and the Irish fans.

 

He’s going to have to work for it though as Stephon McIntyre is also a battler.

 

It’s going to be a great night of boxing, the fans are going to love every minute of it and for the WBU, well we’ll have cause to celebrate too as we’ll have a new champion crowned.”

 

Stevie Quinn Jr. versus Stephon McIntyre, for the World Boxing Union Youth Super bantamweight World title, headline the Global Boxing Promotions and LGM Promotions co promoted FISTS OF THE FIGHTING IRISH event, which takes place at the Jersey City Armory on Saturday 14th March 2015.

 

For tickets call Nick Jayme on (201) 314 8241.

 

www.wbuboxing.org