BOXING NEWS

Kevin Nagle & Jake Paradise throwdown for Vacant WBC USA Silver Heavyweight title

“Worcester Championship Boxing” Nov. 1 at DCU Event Center in Worcester, MA

QUINCY, Mass. (September 24, 2024) – Massachusetts heavyweights Kevin “Big Gulp” Nagle (9-0, 7 KOs) and Jake Paradise (8-3, 8 KOs) have taken completely different routes in life to get where they are as opponents on November 1st on the “Worcester Championship Boxing” card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), at DCU Event Center in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Nagle and Paradise are matched in an eight-round bout for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) USA Silver Heavyweight Championship. Neither fighter has fought more than six rounds as prize fighters.

The GCP event will be headlined by a the 10-round main event, as Josniel “TG” Castro (13-1, 8 KOs), fighting out of Boca Raton (FL), defends his newly captured World WBC U.S. super welterweight title versus undefeated challenger and reigning Junior North American Boxing Federation champion Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (14-0, 8 KOs), of Holyoke, Massachusetts.

“Both guys have an incredible personal backstory filled with struggles and adversity,” GCP promoter Chris Traietti commented. “I applaud both guys for the success in their personal struggles, I sincerely mean that, but November 1st is a match for a regional WBC title. None of the other stuff matters once that bell rings and we will find out which guy is moving on and which guy gets exposed. I have had a lot of harsh criticism about Jake Paradise’s ring boxing journey. He has an opportunity to shove all my words back in my face. I will say, regardless of the outcome, I will have a different level of respect for him getting on the ring with Kevin.”

Nagle, who fights out of Scituate (MA) fought as an amateur, but he didn’t turn pro until many years later, after he and his wife separated, which led “Big Gulp” back into the gym. A psychiatric nurse at the VA in Brockton (MA), Army veteran Nagle was deployed twice in Kosovo and he also volunteered for duty in Iraq. He is trained by Steve Vukosa, who was 14-1-1 as a heavyweight.

“I never thought I would fight for a major organization’s title like the WBC,” Nagle said. “I’m proud to have this opportunity and I hope it goes well so my kids can look back at the achievement. My opponent is naturally smaller (30-pounds difference) and faster, so I think he will try to keep the tempo fast. I’m prepared to fight the eight-round distance if necessary. I’ve been training for this one day at a time.”

Paradise, 30, will be fighting at home in Worcester, where Bruce Alston trains him. Paradise is a fighter who has overcome numerous obstacles, including drug addiction, homelessness, suicidal depression anxiety.

“It feels incredible to be fighting for this title because it is what I’ve dreamed of,” Paradise commented. “My opponent brings size and strength into the ring. He is a big, strong guy and I’m taking this fight extremely seriously. I have nothing but respect for Kevin. He served his country – I thank him for that – and it is an honor to be in there with him. It’s going to be a war! My career has been up and down but that’s how my life has been and what built me into the man and fighter I am today. I might fall down but when I get up, hell’s coming with me. Everything the streets have thrown at me, I know I’ve been through more to get there, and I will stand across from a man who bleeds like me. I’ve gone through the darkness, but I’ve always had the faith that I could make it out. I want to stand tall and represent the underdogs in the world who have messed up, been counted out, and talked down to their whole life. Kids who don’t see a way out need to keep fighting like I have.”

Nothing can be determined from their common opponents – Tadeau Costa and Aquilla Prote – because Nagle knocked out Costa twice, Paradise did likewise in their only fight, and both stopped Prote.

However, both have overcome odds and despite the final outcome, they’re both winners.

Additional bouts, including several matches showcasing other Worcester-based boxers, will soon be announced. Card subject to change.

Muhsin Cason Takes on Alvin Varmall Jr. on Saturday, November 2nd at The Scottish Rite Auditorium in Collingswood, New Jersey

James Martin Takes on Delen Parsley Undefeated Fighters Battle as Aaron Anderson Fights Martin Sollano

Plus Undefeated Jaclyne McTamney and Paul Koon

COLLINGSWOOD, NEW JERSEY (September 24, 2024)–On Saturday night November 2nd, Teflon Promotions will stage a big night of boxing at The Scottish Rite Auditorium in Collingswood, New Jersey.

In the six-round main event, undefeated cruiserweight Muhsin Cason takes on Alvin Varmall Jr.

Cason of Philadelphia via Las Vegas, has a record of 12-0 with nine knockouts. The 30 year-old Cason is a six-year veteran and has wins over Nathaniel Copeland (1-0), Montez Brown (8-1) and his last bout when he stopped Lamont Capers in two rounds on April 27th Philadelphia.

Varmall of Catskill, New York is 17-1 with 14 knockouts. The 32 year-old is a 11 year-professional and has wins over Antonio Mignella (3-0) and Jesse Vice (1-0),. In his last outing, Varmall stopped Billy Cunningham in four-rounds on August 19, 2023 in Biloxi, Mississippi.

The co-feature will be a six-round super welterweight bout between James Martin (10-4) of Philadelphia. and Delen Parsley (13-2, 4 KOs) of Brooklyn, New York.

In Four-Round Bouts:
Tariq Green (5-2-2, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Keithland King (5-2, 5 KOs) of Washington, New Jersey in a middleweight bout.

In a battle of undefeated super welterweights, Aason Anderson (6-0, 4 KOs) of Dundalk, Maryland squares off with Martin Sollano (5-0, 2 KOs) of Amarillo, Texas .

Ashwin Trail (0-1) of Pennsylvania fights debuting Julio Dos Santos of AMarillo, Texas in a heavyweight bout.

Undefeated fighters in featherweight Jaclyne McTamney (2-0, 1 KO) of Southampton, PA and heavyweight Paul Koon (4-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia will see action against opponents to be named.

OSLEYS IGLESIAS VS. PETRO IVANOV: UNDEFEATED CONTENDERS SET FOR A HIGH-STAKES SHOWDOWN ON NOVEMBER 7 IN MONTREAL

Montreal, September 20, 2024 — The “Tornado” is approaching, and soon it will be unavoidable. Osleys ‘El Tornado’ Iglesias, ranked 8th by the IBF, will defend his IBO super middleweight world title in a 12-round fight against undefeated Ukrainian contender Petro Ivanov, ranked 11th by the IBF, on November 7. The event will take place at the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal and will be broadcast live from 6:00 PM on Punchinggrace.com and ESPN+.

“Osleys Iglesias is on the fast track because, as seen in his recent performances, he has quickly proven that he is ready for the toughest challenges. Petro Ivanov is one of them. We’re bringing two ranked, undefeated, and hungry boxers into the same ring on November 7, and I won’t hide the fact that we’re aiming to make this an IBF eliminator bout,” revealed Eye of the Tiger president Camille Estephan.

Osleys Iglesias (12-0, 11 KOs) has been wreaking havoc since arriving in Quebec. In March, he mystified Marcelo Coceres in the 1st round, even though the tireless Argentine had gone 9, 10, and 11 rounds with Pacheco, Berlanga, and Saunders. In June, the Tornado struck again in the 1st round, this time against Evgeny Shvedenko. The Russian contender, who had never been stopped before, was knocked out so brutally that the KO is certain to be a finalist for KO of the Year. Then, on August 17, Iglesias stole the spotlight once again by securing the KO and the performance of the night, stopping former world title contender Sena Agbeko in the 2nd round. Now, with a 4th fight in just 8 months, slowing down is certainly not part of his plan.

“I’m happy to be fighting so often. Petro Ivanov is an undefeated guy who dreams of becoming a world champion. Most importantly, he’s brave enough to step into the ring with me. I respect that, but I’ll make sure to deliver yet another electrifying performance for the fans in Montreal and worldwide,” said IBO world champion Osleys Iglesias, who is also ranked 5th by the WBC.

In the opposite corner, IBF International champion Petro Ivanov (18-0-2, 13 KOs) is also looking to use this fight as a springboard. Having split his career between his native Ukraine and his adopted home of Germany, the 28-year-old fighter remains undefeated in 20 bouts. In addition to the IBF International title, he has also been a WBC International champion and the WBC Youth world champion. Furthermore, he won’t be intimidated by the hostile Quebec crowd, as in 2018, he traveled to France to claim his first Youth title by knocking out the hometown favorite, Louis Toutin, who was undefeated at the time.

“I’m looking forward to November 7. It’s an incredible opportunity to make my mark on the global stage. I know Iglesias is strong and hits hard, but in our sport, everyone is beatable. I’m going to train hard to ensure he’s no exception, and when the fight is over, the IBO world title will be in my bag on the way home,” said Ukrainian contender Petro Ivanov, who has won his last six fights before the final bell.

On an international and local undercard: Montreal’s two-time world title contender Steven Butler (34-5-1, 28 KOs) will return in the co-main event against former interim world title challenger Diego Chaves (30-10-1, 24 KOs). WBO International champion Leïla Beaudoin (12-1, 1 KO) will aim for a second title against WBC Silver 130 lb champion Edith Soledad Matthysse (19-16-1, 2 KOs). EOTTM’s new recruit, Dzmitry Asanau (8-0, 3 KOs), will face former world title contender Matias Rueda (38-2, 32 KOs) in another 10-round bout. Wilkens Mathieu (11-0, 7 KOs) will fight for the 7th time this year against Argentine veteran Marcos Karalitzky (8-9-2, 2 KOs), while Thomas Chabot (11-0, 8 KOs) and Jhon Orobio (11-0, 10 KOs) will also appear in 8-round bouts.

LONDON, UK (September 16, 2024) – Dan Azeez will face undefeated rival Lewis Edmondson in a crunch light heavyweight clash on Saturday, October 19th at the Copper Box Arena in London, presented by BOXXER, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and on Peacock in the USA.

Azeez and Edmondson meet as part of an action-packed night of boxing at the Copper Box Arena topped by the explosive super lightweight contest between fast-rising star Adam Azim and Ohara Davies.

It is a must win fight for fan-favourite Azeez (20-1-1, 13 KOs) who will be looking to move back into major title contention. The former British, Commonwealth and European Champion lost a world title eliminator to Joshua Buatsi in a ‘Fight Of The Year’ contender in February. Azeez then drew with Hrvoje Sep in a comeback fight at Selhurst Park in June.

Unbeaten Edmondson (9-0, 3 KOs), a gifted amateur who was part of the Team GB set up, narrowly missing out on a place at the Rio 2016 Olympics, before turning over with a record of 52 wins from 60 bouts, has done everything asked of him so far in the professional ranks.

The Southampton man claimed a points win over Joel McIntyre last time out at the Cardiff International Arena in May and now has the chance to claim a high-profile victory against a big name opponent in Azeez.

A shared history between the fighters adds further intrigue to their upcoming contest. The pair met as amateurs with Edmondson coming out on top. Azeez is now eager to settle the score as pros.

Dan Azeez said: “Lewie is a good, skillful, young fighter. He whooped me as an amateur and now it’s time to return the favour!”

Lewis Edmondson said: “I respect Dan as a fighter. He’s very experienced. He’s been there numerous times. We know each other well. We fought as amateurs and sparred in the early days of my pro career. I’m expecting a tough and rough fight. What you see is what you get with Dan. I respect him as a person but it’s the fight game and it’s time to announce myself on the big stage. He’s had his time and it’s mine now.”

Michael McKinson takes on South Africa’s Tulani Mbenge for the vacant IBO World Welterweight Title, Jeamie TKV and Franklin Ignatius reignite their amateur rivalry in a hotly anticipated heavyweight clash, and rising bantamweight star Francesca Hennessy returns to action.

MARIO “El AZTECA” BARRIOS SET TO DEFEND WBC WELTERWEIGHT TITLE AGAINST ABEL RAMOS ON NETFLIX AND MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS’ PAUL VS. TYSON AND TAYLOR VS. SERRANO 2 UNDERCARD ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Two of boxing’s top welterweights join the undercard of the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson mega-event on Friday, November 15 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas

Netflix and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today announced the addition of an electrifying WBC Welterweight Championship bout, with reigning champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios (29-2, 18 KOs) set to defend his title against Abel Ramos (28-6-2, 22 KOs). The 12-round WBC Welterweight Championship bout will take place on the undercard of the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano super event on Friday, November 15, 2024. Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson will stream live globally, exclusively on Netflix from the 80,000-seat capacity AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys. Paul vs. Tyson and Taylor vs. Serrano 2 is anticipated to be the biggest boxing event in modern history.

Mario “El Azteca” Barrios is a rising star in the world of boxing, known for his fierce fighting style and deep connection to his Mexican heritage. Growing up in San Antonio, Texas, Mario was introduced to the sport at age six by his mother, Isabel Soto, who took him and his sister Selina to a local gym. Inspired by his cultural roots, Barrios embraced the moniker “El Azteca,” a tribute to the rich history and warrior spirit of the Aztec civilization, reflecting both his pride in his Mexican heritage and his relentless pursuit of greatness inside the ring.

He captured his first world title in 2019, defeating Batyr Akhmedov in a thrilling fight. Barrios later moved up to welterweight, where he faced top contenders, including a memorable bout against Gervonta “Tank” Davis in 2021. Barrios, the WBC Welterweight champion and former WBA World Super Lightweight Champion, was also recently rumored to be a potential opponent for Manny Pacquiao. He now returns to the ring after securing a dominant victory over Fabian Andres Maidana in his last outing as the co-main event of Canelo vs. Munguia.

“I’m thrilled to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime event,” said Mario Barrios. “The fight on the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson card is huge, with millions watching live on Netflix. Abel Ramos is a tough Mexican fighter, just like me, so I know it’ll be a hell of a fight in front of my Texas people at the Dallas Cowboys’ stadium. I’m also excited to showcase my Indigenous roots on this global platform. Don’t miss this fight—it’s going to be war, Puro San Antonio!”

Abel Ramos, a relentless welterweight contender from Casa Grande, Arizona, is known for his thrilling battles and relentless determination in the ring. Guided by his family’s boxing legacy, Ramos began his amateur career at 13, earning accolades such as placing third in the National Golden Gloves and and won bronze at US Nationals in 2010. Transitioning to the professional ranks in 2011, he quickly built a reputation for his power and resilience, taking on formidable opponents like Ivan Baranchyk and Regis Prograis. This will be Ramos’ second world title opportunity after a SD loss to Yordenis Ugas in 2020. Ramos’s most dramatic victory came in 2020 with a last-second knockout against Bryant Perrella.

“I’m very excited to be fighting for the WBC title and I’m looking forward to a great fight against Mario Barrios,” said Abel Ramos. “He’s a warrior just like me and I’m going to give the fans at Cowboys Stadium and those watching around the world on Netflix an exciting fight on Friday, November 15th.”

Barrios vs Ramos joins Netflix and MVP’s Paul vs. Tyson mega-event, which will also feature as the co-main event, the most anticipated rematch in women’s boxing history between Matchroom’s undisputed super lightweight world champion Katie Taylor (23-1, 6 KOs), and boxing trailblazer and unified featherweight champion, Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (47-2-1, 31 KOs). This will mark Taylor and Serrano’s long-awaited rematch following their historic bout at Madison Square Garden in 2022, where they made history as the first-ever women fighters to headline an event in the iconic venue’s history. The women’s undisputed mega-fight will be contested across 10, two-minute rounds, Serrano’s only break from fighting 12×3, the men’s championship standard, for the remainder of her career. India’s number one boxer and MVP’s first international signee, Neeraj Goyat (18-4-2, 8 KOs), will also make his MVP debut against Brazil’s multi-talented superstar Whindersson Nunes, who holds a cumulative 2-2-1 record in his boxing career with 1 KO, in a professional 6-round super middleweight bout contested at 165 lbs.

GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS TO HOST INAUGURAL SHOW AT RIYADH SEASON IN SAUDI ARABIA ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16

“LATINO NIGHT” MAIN EVENT CO-PROMOTED BY BOXXER TO FEATURE WBA AND WBO CRUISERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION BATTLE BETWEEN CHAMPIONS GILBERTRO “ZURDO” RAMIREZ AND CHRIS BILLAM-SMITH

RIYADH & LOS ANGELES (September 10, 2024) – Riyadh Season and Golden Boy Promotions, one of the leading boxing promotional companies owned by six-division, 10-time World Champion and Hall of Famer Oscar De La Hoya, announced today an inaugural show that is part of their overall partnership. The event, “Latino Night,” will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on November 16 with the main event co-promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and BOXXER.

Scheduled to be one of the biggest celebrations of Latino boxing talent, “Latino Night” will see the history-making WBA Cruiserweight World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (46-1, 30 KOs) of Mazatlán, Mexico in hot pursuit of becoming undisputed in the division. His first step will be challenging WBO Cruiserweight World Champion Chris Billam-Smith (20-1, 13 KOs) of Bournemouth, United Kingdom who is coming off the heels of three straight title defenses. The main event is presented by Golden Boy in co-promotion with BOXXER.

Ramirez left his mark in the sport as the first Mexican to become a super middleweight and cruiserweight world champion and will be looking to take over the cruiserweight division. Chris Billam-Smith is an English professional boxer who has held the World Boxing Organization cruiserweight title since 2023 and has held the European, British, and Commonwealth cruiserweight titles between 2019 and 2022.

The card will feature Golden Boy’s world championship title holders and contenders who are on the cusp of tasting world championship glory. In the co-main event, former U.S. Olympian and Unified Champion Jose Ramirez (29-1, 18 KOs) of Fresno, California will face the dangerous undefeated title contender and currently No.1 WBO-ranked Arnold Barboza Jr. (30-0, 11 KOs) of Los Angeles, California in a 12-round WBO Super Lightweight World Title Eliminator Fight.

Also on the card, the unstoppable knockout machine, William “El Camarón” Zepeda (31-0, 27 KOs) of San Mateo Atenco, Mexico will challenge former American IBF World Champion Tevin “2X” Farmer (33-6-1, 8 KOs) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in a 10-round lightweight fight. In association with Miguel Cotto Promotions and defending his WBO Minimumweight World Championship for the fourth time, the history-making Puerto Rican Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo (10-0, 7 KOs) of Villalba, Puerto Rico will measure up against Queretaro, Mexico’s Edwin “Canito” Hernandez (13-2-1, 4 KOs) in a 12-round world title bout. Opening the historic show with a 12-round WBA Super Lightweight Eliminator fight, Chihuahua, Mexico’s Oscar “La Migraña” Duarte (27-2-1, 22 KOs) will face No.1 WBA-ranked Kenneth “Bossman” Sims Jr. (21-2-1, 8 KOs) of Chicago, Illinois.

His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, said: “We are looking forward to staging our first event as part of our partnership with Golden Boy Promotions with Latino Night. This card features some of the best Latino fighters around and continues our drive to deliver top-tier boxing events by giving fans throughout the world the fights they want to see.”

Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, said, “His excellency and I have the exact same vision — to match the best versus the best for the fans of our sport. From a world championship unification fight, to battles between former champions and on-the-rise contenders to a stacked undercard of prospects, this show will feature everything great that boxing has to offer.”

Ben Shalom, Founder and CEO of BOXXER, said: “Riyadh Season continues to deliver the very best matches at the top of the sport, and we are delighted to be working with His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions to present another epic fight as co-promoters of this huge cruiserweight world title unification battle. Gilberto Ramirez is a great champion but Chris Billam-Smith will be coming full of confidence and ready to unify the division.”

Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, WBA Cruiserweight World Champion, said, “I’m excited to make this fight happen with Chris Billam-Smith. It’s been a long time coming, and I’m looking forward to becoming the unified champion in this division. I’ve always said this was my division (Cruiserweight), and I’m happy for the opportunity to showcase my skills at this level on a global stage in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It’s truly an honor to be a Mexican warrior and to showcase what true Mexican boxing is all about while bringing my culture to a global audience. Additionally, I hope to be the bridge between Mexico and Saudi Arabia, making both sides proud. I would like to give a special thanks to my team, 3 Point Management, Golden Boy Promotions, Riyadh Season, the WBA, WBO, and everyone else involved in making this happen.”

Turki Alalshikh has also confirmed that Latino Night will be broadcast for free globally. Further details of where you can watch this card will follow.

Michael McKinson faces Tulani Mbenge for the vacant IBO World Welterweight Title on October 19th at the Copper Box Arena in London

LONDON, UK (September 9, 2024) – Michael McKinson faces Tulani Mbenge for the vacant IBO World Welterweight Title on Saturday, October 19th at the Copper Box Arena in London, presented by BOXXER, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

The south coast southpaw takes on South Africa’s Mbenge for the IBO crown as part of a blockbuster night of boxing in East London topped by the explosive super lightweight clash between Adam Azim and Ohara Davies.

McKinson (26-1, 4 KOs) returns to action following a unanimous points win over the previously undefeated Musah Lawson to claim the WBC International Silver Welterweight Championship in December in Bournemouth.

The 30-year-old from Portsmouth will now attempt to add the IBO Welterweight Title to his collection as he looks to establish himself on the world scene.

Mbenge (20-2, 15 KOs) will be fighting to reclaim the IBO strap he held in 2018 as the 33-year-old from Eastern Cape, South Africa returns to the UK for the first time as a professional having claimed bronze at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014.

Jeamie TKV and Franklin Ignatius collide in an all-British heavyweight battle on October 19th at the Copper Box Arena in London

LONDON, UK (September 6, 2024) – Jeamie TKV and Franklin Ignatius collide in a mouth-watering all-British heavyweight battle on Saturday, October 19th at the Copper Box Arena in London, presented by BOXXER, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

The heavyweight foes, who have previously fought as amateurs, will reignite their rivalry as part of BOXXER’s hotly anticipated ‘High Voltage’ fight night topped by the explosive super lightweight clash between Adam Azim and Ohara Davies.

Tottenham’s TKV (6-1, 3 KOs) returns to the ring following an impressive points victory over Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko last time out at The OVO Arena Wembley in February.

The 30-year-old, who trains alongside heavyweight star Anthony Joshua under the tutelage of renowned coach Ben Davison, will now step up to take on the undefeated Ignatius over ten rounds.

Having recently overcome fellow British heavyweight prospects Steve Robinson and Hosea Stewart, Ignatius (6-0-1, 1 KO) will be aiming to extend his unbeaten run and claim another notable domestic scalp.

The Dagenham boxer is also out for revenge having lost by single point to TKV when they met in the London finals as amateurs in 2019.

Jeamie TKV said: “I’m back and ready for violence. I’ve already beaten Franklin once in the amateurs and now I’m going to do it again in the pros.”

Franklin Ignatius said: “Jeamie beat me by one point in the amateurs. I’m looking to avenge that defeat. I know it will be a tough fight but it’ll be entertaining and I’m confident that I’ll win. I’m thankful to BOXXER and Sky Sports for the opportunity and I plan on taking full advantage of it.”

HIGH VOLTAGE: ADAM AZIM AND OHARA DAVIES SET FOR EXPLOSIVE SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT CLASH ON OCTOBER 19TH AT THE COPPER BOX ARENA IN LONDON

LONDON, UK (September 5, 2024) – Adam Azim and Ohara Davies are set for an explosive super lightweight clash on Saturday, October 19th at The Copper Box Arena in London, presented by BOXXER, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

The British rivals collide as part of a blockbuster night of action in East London that will see one of boxing’s brightest young stars Azim (11-0, 8 KOs) step up to face Hackney’s hard-punching ‘Two Tanks’ Davies (25-3, 18 KOs).

Having won and defended the European Title in record time, Azim puts his undefeated record on the line as he looks to continue his impressive career trajectory and prove he is ready for the biggest names in the division.

Davies, a former British and Commonwealth Champion, returns to the ring with a point to prove following an unsuccessful attempt at the WBA Interim Super Lightweight crown and the chance to get back into world title contention.

Both men started their boxing journeys at East London’s iconic Peacock Gym with Azim, a prodigious young talent, looking up to Davies who, ten years his senior, was already building a fearsome reputation on the amateur circuit.

Adam Azim said: “I can’t wait to get back in the ring and back to what I do best. It was a great honour to win and defend the European Title but now I’m ready for my next challenge. I’ve known Ohara Davies for many years. I respect him and what he’s achieved in the sport but when we meet in the ring, he’s just another opponent and another step on my journey to the top. He’s a good fighter. I think our styles will make for an exciting fight but there’s only going to be one outcome. I’m ready to make a statement and show everybody that I’m ready for the biggest names in the division.”

Ohara Davies said: “I’m excited for this fight. I like Adam Azim. I’ve known him since he was very young and it’s amazing to see his success so far in boxing. I followed him in the amateurs, and I’ve always respected him. But he isn’t a kid anymore. He’s grown into a man with massive potential. And that’s why it’s a shame that I have to hand him his first defeat. No needle, no hate, I want us to go back to our families happy and healthy after the fight. But this is where it all changes for him. I’m sorry Adam. This is where it ends.”