TKO Box Office Boxing News

World Title Shot For Boxing Big Brother Star Angel McKenzie

Angel McKenzie Steps In To Face Jennifer Retzke, After Mikaela Laurén Pulls Out Of Historic 5th July Title Clash At York Hall.

Former Big Brother star Angel McKenzie is set to replace Sweden’s Mikaela Laurén, who unexpectedly pulled out of the planned July 5th World title fight against Germany’s Jennifer Retzke, which takes place on the Dave Murphy, in association with Acourtier Events, promoted ‘Independence Day’ extravaganza at York Hall.

McKenzie, who is also an artist and singer, shot to fame, in 2009, after being selected as one of the housemates for Big Brother series 10. Whilst not making it to the finale of the series, McKenzie was a popular contestant, a large part due to her quirky sense of humour.

Big Brother wasn’t the only TV show McKenzie appeared on, a year or so later she also made it through to final eight of Noel Edmund’s Red or Black show.

In July 2009, shortly after being evicted from the Big Brother house, McKenzie made history, by taking part in the first Female boxing match to be broadcast live on network TV in the UK.

With many of her former Big Brother housemates ringside, McKenzie put on a solid performance to beat seriously tough Welsh lass Lana Cooper by a 39-37 points margin.

In the past four years since, McKenzie has fought a succession of the sports biggest stars, German GBU/WIBA Welterweight World Champion Jessica Balogun, twice, France’s former #1 Pound for Pound ranked, multi division WBA/WBF/WBC/WIBF/WIBA World Champion Anne Sophie Mathis, Italian WBF/WIBA/WIBF/GBU Lightweight World Champion Lucia Morelli, Belgium IBF/WIBF Lightweight World Champion Delfine Persoon, German WIBF Light Welterweight World Champion Marie Riederer as well as twice fought the girl she is replacing on July 5th, WBA/WBC/WBO title challenger Mikaela Laurén.

Speaking from the studio, where she has been recording her latest album, a clearly pleased McKenzie spoke briefly on the ‘golden opportunity’ she has been presented.

“I’m just one of a handful of female boxers that represent the UK on the world stage. I’ve fought in Italy, France, Denmark, Ireland and so on, but it’s been over three years since I last fought in England.

To get to fight again in my home city really is special for me, to be fighting for a World title makes it even more special.

Jennifer (Retzke) is one of the top boxers in the World, she’s ranked number one with the IBF, so it will be a hard fight, but I’m used to hard fights.

I’ve fought World Champions before, in fact I fought most of the top girls in my career, but usually in their own country. For once I will have the advantage of fighting in front of my home fans.

York Hall is a very special place to box and when the home fans get behind you they really lift you to another level.

I think this is the first time a Women’s World Title fight has headlined an event in the UK, knowing I am one of those making history on July 5th is going to make me even more determined to fight at my very best.

It would be a dream come true to win a World title.”

Jennifer Rezke versus Angel McKenzie, for Light Middleweight World Championship honors, headlines the Dave Murphy, in association with Acourtier Events, promoted ‘Independence Day’ event, which takes place at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, on Friday 5th July 2013.

Tickets, priced £30 (Gallery), £35 (Ground floor standard seated) and £65 (Ringside) are available on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com – www.mariannemarston.com – www.acourtier.com – or in person from the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning town – www.tkoboxinggym.com – and Ringtone Gym in Euston – www.ringtonehealthandfitness.com – or from any of the boxers taking part in the event, or call – 07960 850645, 07809 499896 or 07557 641597 for further information.

www.acourtier.com

SAUNDERS: I’LL BE A RECORD BREAKER

Middleweight ace Billy Joe Saunders says he’ll be a record-breaker when he clashes against unbeaten rivals Gary O’Sullivan and John Ryder.

The unbeaten southpaw from Hatfield first challenges WBO International Champion Gary O’Sullivan on July 20th at Wembley Arena and then defends his British title against John Ryder on September 21st at the Copper Box Arena, both shows are live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch. 546).

Irishman O’Sullivan is unbeaten in 16 fights while Londoner Ryder is undefeated in 14 fights and Saunders wants to be the first man to beat both of them.

“O’Sullivan and Ryder will be two great names to have on my record in back-to-back fights with a ‘W’ next to each of them,” said Saunders

“Both of them unbeaten and I’ll be the man to break both their records while adding the WBO International belt to my collection, defending my British title and keeping my own unbeaten record in tact,”

“I’m excited because it’s one big challenge after the other against two good domestic fighters that will make me to perform to my best and I’ll look good beating them,”

“These are the fights that the fans want to see, unbeaten fighters facing each other and not scared to lose their unbeaten records,”

“I’d say O’Sullivan will be the harder fight of the two, he’s a tough Irishman, physically and mentally, and he’ll try to walk me down, but I’ll give him a boxing lesson,”

“I can’t see what people are raving about with Ryder, he’s strong, that’s about it. I’m leagues above Ryder and my class will show on the night.”

Tickets for the Behind Enemy Lines at Wembley Arena are available on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com

Both shows will be televised live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch. 546). Join at www.boxnation.com

Newly Crowned Champ Ormond Fights In London On July 5th, Then Wants Mitchell Or Burns

Newly crowned WBU Lightweight World Champion Stephen ‘The Rock’ Ormond makes a welcome return to York Hall in London on Friday 5th July, where he will be boxing against a yet to be named opponent, on the Dave Murphy, in association with Acourtier Events, promoted ‘Independence Day’ mega show.

On his last visit to York Hall, in July last year, the Dubliner convincingly beat former Irish champ Mickey Coveney in a rematch of their Battle Royale at the Braehead Arena in Glasgow back in March 2011.

Of the back of this superb win Ormond was presented the opportunity to face Hungarian Laszio Robert Balogh for the vacant WBU crown, an opportunity he grabbed with both hands.

On just his fourteenth professional outing, on the 3rd of May 2013, at the Carlton Hotel in Tyrrelstown, Dublin, Ormond stepped into the ring to face thirty three fight veteran Balogh.

Balogh may have had more experience, but it was Ormond that dominated the opening round, before going on to stop the Hungarian in just one minute and fifty four seconds of the second stanza.

With the WBU World Title belt proudly nestling in his trophy cabinet, Ormond has turned his focus on fighting more in the UK in his quest for further accolades, especially the WBO title currently in the firm grip of Coatbridge, Scotland’s Ricky Burns.

Speaking from his Dublin training camp, Ormond made it more than clear that the aforementioned Burns, as well as Dagenham’s Kevin Mitchell, are well and truly in his sights.

“I’m really looking forward to fighting on July 5th in London. I don’t know who I’m fighting yet, but I promise I will be ready for them.

My team has big plans for me and that means I’ll be fighting more and more in the UK, starting with the July 5th fight, which suits me, I love fighting in the UK and can’t wait to get back there.

I would like to fight the top guys in the weight division, big names like Kevin Mitchell or Ricky Burns, as soon as possible.

I’m not looking past whoever I fight on the 5th July, anything but, just I believe I have what it takes to beat these guys and I want to fight them, hopefully these fights can be made soon.

By fighting in London more and putting in some really good performances, hopefully Eddie Hearn will take notice and I’ll get to fight Kevin or Ricky, sooner than later.”

Stephen ‘The Rock’ Ormond, against a yet to be named opponent, features on the undercard of the Jennifer Rezke – Mikaela Laurén, Light Middleweight World Championship fight, that headlines the Dave Murphy, in association with Acourtier Events, promoted ‘Independence Day’ event, which takes place at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, on Friday 5th July 2013.

Tickets, priced £30 (Gallery), £35 (Ground floor standard seated) and £65 (Ringside) are available on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com – www.mariannemarston.com – www.acourtier.com – or in person from the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning town – www.tkoboxinggym.com – and Ringtone Gym in Euston – www.ringtonehealthandfitness.com – or from Stephen Ormond or any of the boxers taking part in the event, or call – 07960 850645, 07809 499896 or 07557 641597 for further information.

www.acourtier.com

Unbeaten ‘Young Star’ Jovan Young Set For UK Debut At York Hall On 5th July

One of the UK’s most exciting and entertaining young boxers of today, Lewisham Light Heavyweight Jovan ‘Young Star’ Young may have a five fight unbeaten record, but incredibly to date none of his home fans have yet to see the former Repton Amateur star in action as a pro.

But now that’s all about to change, as Jovan makes his British debut on the Dave Murphy, in association with Acourtier Events, promoted ‘Independence Day’ extravaganza at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London on Friday, 5th July 2013, against Florida, USA’s Manny Muhammad.

25 year old Jovan turned professional in June last year and travelled to Punta del Este in Uruguay for his professional debut, against Sao Paulo Brazil’s Gilson Silva. An early finish was the order of the day with Jovan stopping Silva in the third round.

Two months later Jovan once again packed his bags, this time crossing the big pond to face homeboy Ivan Burke in Charlotte, North Carolina. Once more Jovan finished early, this time stopping his opponent in the second round.

Three weeks later Jovan was once again in action in North Carolina, this time in Winston-Salem, where he took on local Cruiserweight Willie Bookman. As with his previous outings Jovan stopped his opponent early, just this time though it took Jovan just two minutes and thirty four seconds of the first round to dispatch Bookman.

Two weeks later Jovan made the relatively short trip, to Columbia, South Carolina, where he faced, and beat Marlin Washington on points.

Three weeks later Jovan was back in action in North Carolina, this time in Greensboro, where he faced Atlanta Georgia’s Yuwshua Zadok in a six round contest.

After six grueling all action rounds against Zadok, the judges were split, Judge Marty Garner see it 58-56 in favour of Jovan, Judge Tyrone Evans see it as a 57-57 draw and Judge Time Gosch also see it as 58-56, but in favour of Zadok.

Following a training session at Miguel’s Gym in Brixton, Jovan took a little time to talk about his upcoming ‘home’ debut.

“I’m excited, really, really excited.

I’ve been away for too long, I’ve been fighting away in America, even went to Latin America for my debut fight.

I’m really excited to be finally making my home debut. There’s nothing as special as fighting in front of your home crowd, I know that from my amateur days, so am really looking forward to fighting at York Hall on July 5th.

It’s ironic that the guy I’ll be fighting on July 5th is American, but that’s what I have been doing for the past year – beating up Americans.

As I said I am really looking forward to fighting at York Hall, I mean it’s the home of British boxing, if you’re an English fighter you want to fight there, it has the most amazing atmosphere.

British fans are the best in the World, they really are so appreciative of a good fight and on the 5th July I will give them something to cheer about, that’s for sure.”

Jovan ‘Young Star’ Young versus Manny Muhammad features on the undercard of the Jennifer Rezke – Mikaela Laurén, Light Middleweight World Championship fight, that headlines the Dave Murphy, in association with Acourtier Events, promoted ‘Independence Day’ event, which takes place at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, on Friday 5th July 2013.

Tickets, priced £30 (Gallery), £35 (Ground floor standard seated) and £65 (Ringside) are available on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com – www.mariannemarston.com – www.acourtier.com – or in person from the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning town – www.tkoboxinggym.com – and Ringtone Gym in Euston – www.ringtonehealthandfitness.com – or from Jovan Young or any of the boxers taking part in the event, or call – 07960 850645, 07809 499896 or 07557 641597 for further information.

www.acourtier.com

Irish Invasion Of York Hall For ‘Independence Day’ Event On July 5th

Whilst most people would automatically associate ‘Independence Day’ as an American celebration, they might have to think again if they are going to attend the Dave Murphy, in association with Acourtier Events promoted ‘Independence Day’ extravaganza at York Hall, London on Friday 5th July, as whilst yes there will be Americans fighting on the bill, by far the largest contingent is going to be Irish.

What’s more two of the stars from Emerald Isles are current Champions, one a World Champ, the other is the Irish Light Middleweight King. That’s not all, as the third is the son of a Legendary Irish Two Time, Two Division World Champion.

Heading up the list, from across the Irish Sea, is WBU Lightweight World Champion Stephen Ormond.

Dublin’s Ormond has just the one loss, a highly controversial loss to Paul Appleby back in March 2012, when they battled it out for the BBBofC Celtic Super Featherweight title.

I say highly controversial as I’m sure that anyone who watched the all war at the Braehead Arena would agree that, whilst it was a close fought affair, it was the young Irishman should have taken the laurels that night.

That aside, since then Ormond has gone on to not only fight for a World title, but win it in convincing style, with a second round stoppage of Hungarian Laszio Robert Balogh just last month.

On the 5th July Ormond will be taking part in an eight rounder, which is being described as a warm up for the first defense of his World title at Wembley Arena on the 25th October.

Joining the esteemed Mr. Ormond is Leeds, Yorkshire based Irish Light Middleweight Champion Lee Murtagh, who after fifty pro bouts finally gets to fight in the Capital.

Murtagh, who won the coveted Irish crown back in July last year, after Joe Hillerby retired in the sixth with a dislocated shoulder, successfully defended his title, against Willie Thompson in October 2012.

On the 5th July Murtagh, like Ormond, will be competing in a non-championship battle, as preparation for his next defense of the Irish Crown later this year.

The third Irishman on the show comes from exemplary blood stock, as this young man is the son of legendary two time, two division World Champion, with whom he shares the same name – Steve Collins.

Not intending to make comparisons with his esteemed father, Collins Jr’s coach Paschal Collins, has favorably compared the youngster’s boxing style with that of his father, which makes this professional debut fight a truly mouthwatering prospect.

What’s more Collins Jr. will be making his professional debut on July 5th, at the very weight category as his father will do when he faces Roy Jones Jr. later this year – Cruiserweight.

The Irish trio will be joining a further trio of big punching knockout artists, sensational unbeaten Light Heavyweight prospect Jovan ‘Hammer’ Young, Denmark’s Osama Hadifi, who has six wins – all by first round KO, and Woolwich Super Bantamweight Marianne ‘Golden Girl’ Marston, as well as a pair of former Amateur Super Stars, Team GB’s Antonio Counihan and London based Turk Shiya Ozgul that will making their pro debut.

All of the above feature on the support card of the historic Female Light Middleweight World Championship battle between Jennifer Retzke and Mikaela Laurén that headlines the Dave Murphy, in association with Acourtier Events, promoted ‘Independence Day’ event, which takes place at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, on Friday 5th July 2013.

Tickets, priced £30 (Gallery), £35 (Ground floor standard seated) and £65 (Ringside) are available on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com – www.mariannemarston.com – www.acourtier.com – or in person from the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning town – www.tkoboxinggym.com – and Ringtone Gym in Euston – www.ringtonehealthandfitness.com – or from any of the boxers taking part in the event, or call – 07960 850645, 07809 499896 or 07557 641597 for further information.

www.acourtier.com

South African Warriors Defend WBF Titles June 8

Two of South Africa’s most promising pugilists are set to defend their World Boxing Federation titles on June 8 at the famous Bay Hotel in Camps Bay, Cape Town, on a card presented by former fighter Commando Kalekuzi and his Pound-For-Pound Promotions.

International Lightweight titlist Vusumzi Tyatyeka, 16-2 (14) takes on Hungarian Gyorgy Mizsei Jr., 12-5 (7), while All-Africa Light Flyweight champion Mzuvukile Magwaca, 11-0-1 (7), will be up against Joseph Martey, 6-1 (3), from Ghana.

Tyatyeka won his WBF title in June 2012 with an impressive knockout of fellow countryman Thanduxolo Dyani. He has since scored one non-title victory, and is itching to get back in the ring:

“I am prepared to shed blood to keep my title. I want a world title shot in the future, and this victory will be one step closer to achieving my dream. This guy is in trouble”, said Tyatyeka at a recent press conference.

Mzuvukile “Old Bones” Magwaca captured the All-Africa championship by outscoring Dalisizwe Komani, also from South Africa, last August. Like Tyatyeka, he has won an interim non-title bout while waiting impatiently for his first title defense:

“I have trained very hard for this fight, and I can promise that this belt will remain in Cape Town”, growled the mean-looking champion.

WBF President Howard Goldberg, himself from Cape Town, attended the press conference and was impressed with the apparent determination and focus of the two champions:

“These boys look ready as can be, and I am sure we will have a great night at the fights on June 8”, said Goldberg.

“Mr. Kalekuzi always put on exciting cards, and with these two WBF title fights it will certainly be no different this time.”

www.worldboxingfederation.net

Fight Report: York Hall, 1st June 2013

Lynes, Qato and Dingsdale Victorious – Kasiulevicius, McCarthy, Lama And Pettitt Impress Big Time.

Photos and Report Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro

On Saturday evening, at the York Hall in London, TRAD TKO supremo Johnny Eames made his long awaited debut as a promoter, and boy did he do it in style.

The esteemed Mr. Eames pulled out all the stops to ensure the fans in attendance a night of boxing they are likely never to forget.

The mouth watering line up was headed up by former two weight British and World Champion Colin Lynes, against Beka Sutidze, with current English Middleweight Champion and former World Champ Qato Kreshnik, in a titanic battle with former British title challenger Max Maxwell, as main support.

The undercard was featured some of the UK’s top prospects, including Lewis Pettitt, Adam Dingsdale, Matt McCarthy and Festim Lama, as well as the pro debut of two time Lithuanian Amateur Heavyweight Champion Paulius Kasiulevicius.

There would have also been further top prospects in action, but the sensational Freddie Turner had to pull out due to a chest infection and exciting heavyweight Tom Little didn’t get medical clearance in time to fight.

Anyway enough scene setting, believe me this show was that good it doesn’t need any.

It’s been a year since Colin Lynes was last in action, so his legion of action starved fans raucously greeted him before breaking into a chorus of ‘Lyno, Lyno, Lyno’.

Which was in complete contrast to the reception Beka Sutidze received on his ring walk, which consisted of some polite clapping but not much else.

Round one started slow, with both protagonists taking a little time to feel out their opponent. The first real action came about midway through, when Lynes followed a stiff jab with a cracking right to the body.

Sutidze responds with a big right that Lynes ducks under before punishing the Georgian with another body shot.

Sutidze decides to go on the back foot, big mistake as this allows Lynes to control the proceedings with some excellent jabbing and the occasional combination, don’t get me wrong it wasn’t all one way traffic, just Sutidze was being outclassed by Lynes.

Round two is more of the same, although Sutidze does manage to stand his ground more, even catching the elusive Lynes once or twice. By midway through though Lynes began to exert his authority, seemingly landed crisp jabs and bruising body shots at will.

In the later part of the round Sutidze became more forceful in his attacks, even going toe-to-toe with Lynes for about five seconds or so, when Lynes lands a wickedly fast body shot that clearly hurts the Georgian.

Round three sees Sutidze taking more punishment, as Lynes gives an exhibition of his exquisite boxing skills, picking off the youngster at will.

Round four sees a change of tactics from Sutidze, which results in two public warnings for the youngster, the first for a head-butt and the second following his constant holding and pushing.

Lynes’ reaction is to calmly pick him off with solid jabs and the occasional right, however that’s as far as it would get before Sutidze would grab hold, before leaning in and pushing Lynes back to the ropes.

At the end of the round referee Ritchie Davies made it clear that any more of the same and he will disqualify the Georgian.

Lynes puts in another round of exquisite boxing, even when Sutidze starts grabbing hold again, Lynes just steps around him and picks him off once more. This goes on for about three quarters of the round, when Sutidze’s frustration gets the better of him and he starts the holding and pushing tactics once more.

Ritchie Davies is less than amused, finally pulling the youngster up for yet another public warning after what can only be described as a desperate attempt to push Lynes though the corner post!

I know that sounds a strange description but Sutidze grabs Lynes, after the Hornchurch man lands a beautiful combination, and literally rushes into him, pushing Lynes back – quarterback style – at speed into the corner.

It came as no surprise when Ritchie Davies’ patience finally came to an end in the sixth, instead of heeding the warnings issued earlier in the bout Sutidze constantly grabbed and held Lynes throughout the early part of the round, even so Lynes still managed to land a few cracking shots to get the crowd up and cheering.

It’s a real shame the fight had to end this way, it started out as such a promising fight, albeit one that Lynes was dominating with his superior technical skills.

Prior to Lynes-Sutidze, Tilbury’s highly popular Matt McCarthy took on Bognor Regis’ Liam Griffiths in a four rounder.

After a rather inactive first round from either boxer it soon turned into a one sided affair, firstly with the highly touted Essex teenager sending the Bognor man to the canvas.

From that moment on McCarthy controlled the bout with his vastly superior boxing skills. Round after round McCarthy stalked his prey, before letting rip with vicious combinations and big left hands.

Have to admit I was surprised this fight went the distance, as McCarthy seemed able to pick off Griffiths at will, but it did, ending with a tidy 40-35 points victory for McCarthy.

The fifth bout on the card featured English Middleweight Champion Kreshnik Qato against former British title challenger Max Maxwell.

The fight got off to a storming start, with Qato rushing in with a double handed attack to body and head. Maxwell calmly covered up, absorbing the barrage easily on his arms and gloves.

With the crowd urging him on Qato kept up the attack at a pace, unfortunately though he didn’t appear to break through Maxwell’s fortress like defense at any point.

After patiently absorbing Qato’s relentless onslaught for about a minute or so, Maxwell started to turn the fight around in his favour, letting rip with clinically accurate shots of his own.

By the end of the round the level of accuracy from the Brummie battler’s shots was clear for all to see, as Qato’s right eye was beginning to swell badly.

More of the same in the next couple of rounds, with Qato seemingly content to throw wild double handed shots, whilst the Brummie would counter with ridiculously accurate left hooks, which were causing further damage to the Albanian’s damaged right eye.

So much so that by round five referee Kieran McCann called for the doctor, as the eye had virtually swollen shut. The doctor gave the OK to continue and Qato stepped up the pressure on Maxwell.

Round six was a stormer, with the pair going toe-to-toe from start to finish, Even after the final bell the highly appreciative crowd were still on their feet cheering, rightly so in my opinion it was a cracking bout and would later be declared ‘Fight of the Night’.

When referee Kieran McCann’s scorecard was read out as a 60-55 points victory for Kreshnik Qato I have to say I was mightily surprised, this was a much closer bout than that score indicates.

When I compared scorecards with Paul Zanon from the Daily Sport, we both had it as 59-58, myself in favour of Maxwell and Paul’s in favour of Qato, that’s how close the fight really was and I for one hope that there’s a rematch in the near future and I want to be there.

Erith’s Lewis Pettitt, put on a mightily impressive display against Venezuelan Jose Elizabeth. It would be fair to say that for the first minute or so it was a competitive fight, but after that it was all Pettitt.

From the second minute of the first round onwards Pettitt put on a masterclass, keeping Elizabeth on the back foot the youngster from Slough took the opportunity to showcase his extensive arsenal of punches.

In the later rounds Pettitt stepped up the pace and looked sure to bring the bout to an early end, however Elizabeth is made of sterner stuff and managed to see the fight out.

No surprise then that referee Ritchie Davies scored it a shutout 60-54 points victory for Pettitt.

Third fight of night see the professional debut of Paulius Kasiulevicius, in what to some in the business must have seemed a ridiculously matched bout against Frantisek Kynkal from Prague.

The reason I say this is usually a potential prospect, such as Kasiulevicius, would get a nice gentle introduction to the professional game, however Johnny Eames wasn’t worried one iota with putting his boy in with Kynkal, even though the Czech is ranked #8 in his home country, was some three and half stone heavier than his boy and had stopped his last two opponents.

Johnny’s faith in his young charge’s ability was proved a hundred percent correct, right from the off Kasiulevicius used his jab efficiently to keep the big man on the back foot, about a minute or so in Kasiulevicius let rip with another solid jab, this time though followed straight in with a lightning quick right, which sent the big Czech to the canvas – for the first time.

You’ve got to give Kynkal his due, not only did he get up but also went on the attack on the restart.

Not that he had any success as Kasiulevicius got straight back on the jab, then as before just as Kynkal started to come forward Kasiulevicius let rip with a massive right to send the Czech to the canvas a second time.

This time Kynkal looked a bit wary on the restart, which was like a red flag to a bull for Kasiulevicius, who instead of waiting for the Czech giant to come to him went on the attack, initially with solid jabs until the opportunity to throw a yet another big right into the temple of Kynkal.

No surprise Kynkal hit the deck for a third time, this time though the Czech looked wary about rising, leaving referee Ritchie Davies no option but to call a halt to the proceedings on the two minute twenty five second mark.

The second bout of the night, between Adam Dingsdale and Jason Nesbitt, also didn’t make the distance, but for a totally different reason.

Highly rated unbeaten prospect Dingsdale started strong, taking the fight to the highly experienced Nesbitt. The Hoo, Kent man kept Nesbitt on the back foot throughout the first round, launching some wicked combinations behind his solid jabbing.

The canny Nesbitt kept a high guard as he played a waiting game and looking for any openings the Dingsdale may leave. He didn’t find that many in the first but the second was a much more open affair, however this wasn’t to last as in the final minute of the round Nesbitt dislocated his shoulder.

Determined to see the round out Nesbitt tried to box and defend with just the one arm. Dingsdale, who, as was everyone ringside, was aware that the Birmingham man was in distress and just used his jab until the bell went.

It came as no surprise to anyone that Nesbitt’s corner retired their man in the corner, so he could receive medical treatment.

The opening fight of the night, between TRAD TKO’s Festim Lama and Dan Blackwell, was a real barnstormer.

Lama, who in his debut back in February stopped his opponent, was clearly fired up and looking for a second stoppage win. However twenty two fight veteran Dan Blackwell is one seriously tough cookie.

Right from the off Lama went hard on the attack, forcing Blackwell onto the back foot. Lama continued his double handed assault whist the Trowbridge man covered up behind a high guard.

Lama must have felt confident, as he kept up the barrage for a good minute and half, then suddenly Blackwell whipped out a solid counter and now the fight really got under way.

This heavy handed exchanges continued throughout the second and third rounds, both of which Lama secured with his much higher work rate and more meaningful shots.

By the final round Blackwell was getting more success, but nowhere near enough to win the round. No surprise then when the scorecard was read out that Lama had secured his second pro win by a shutout 40-36 points decision.

Congratulations are in order for Johnny Eames and the TKO Events team, they put on a sensational debut show – the event went like clockwork and more importantly for the fans, it was a great evening of entertainment, crammed full of drama, sensational action packed bouts and even a little controversy – what more could a boxing fan ask for.

Word is there’s more to come next month, as the TKO juggernaut returns to Bethnal Green for a second installment on the 27th July.

Back With A Bang, Mathis Wins Second WBF World Title

Anne Sophie Mathis proved that she is still one of the best female boxers in the world, when she beat Dominican Yahaira Hernandez to win the vacant World Boxing Federation World Super Welterweight title on Saturday night, June 1, at the Salle Roger Boileau in Dombasle, France.

After two straight losses to Holly Holm, to whom she lost her WBF World Welterweight title, and Cecilia Braekhus, Mathis returned at her new weight with clear determination to show her hometown fans that she is back and on the hunt for a rematch with Braekhus.

Yahaira Hernandez started the fight fast, and seemed to surprise Mathis with her aggressiveness. The 25-year-old from Santo Domingo was probably winning the first round, until Mathis countered her with a well-timed uppercut to score a knockdown.

From then on the fight was an all-out war with both fighters throwing bombs and the crowd going wild. Mathis, however, was the more accurate of the two and thus won the rounds, but Hernandez fought her heart out in what was a competitive and brutal bout.

In round three an accidental clash of heads opened a nasty cut above the right eye of Hernandez, but she was allowed to continue by referee Toni Tiberi and the ringside doctor. In round five, as they both continued to slug away, Mathis landed a massive shot to the liver of Hernandez who turned away in pain. She couldn’t recover, and Tiberi counted her out at 1:59 of the round.

With the impressive victory Mathis improved her professional record to 27-3 (23), and became only the third woman boxer to win a WBF World title in two weight classes. Hernandez can travel home to the Dominican Republic proud of her performance, and with a record that now stands at 14-5 (8).

The fight was promoted by Mathis long-time trainer and manager René Cordier.

www.worldboxingfederation.net

CHISORA FACES UNBEATEN AMERICAN MALIK SCOTT

Britain’s Dereck Chisora will clash with unbeaten American Malik Scott in an exciting heavyweight showdown at Wembley Arena on Saturday 20th July.

The fight tops an action-packed show that also features the IBF Intercontinental Super-Bantamweight Champion Carl Frampton; a potential thriller between Gary O’Sullivan and Billy Joe Saunders with O’Sullivan’s WBO International Middleweight title on the line, plus super-flyweight ace Paul Butler, live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch. 546).

Former world title challenger Chisora is on the road back to a second title shot and a win against the dangerous Philadelphian will put the Finchley puncher back in a strong position to land a world title opportunity.

Unbeaten American, Deontay Wilder, was announced as the original opponent, but his subsequent arrest for domestic battery and his inability to travel outside of the US meant that promoter Frank Warren had to scrap that fight and reschedule the show.

Offers had been made to some of the world’s leading heavyweights including Manuel Charr and Fres Oquendo who both turned the fight down, as did Tyson Fury – who was offered a career best payday for a rematch – and Tomasz Adamek.

Last week Goossen Tutor Promotions, Scott’s promoters, said that Malik was ready and willing to leave the US and face Chisora in England.

The 6ft 4in, athletically built, Scott comes into the fight with a top record of 35 wins from 36 and in his last fight he was awarded a controversial draw against unbeaten Ukrainian prospect Vyacheslav Glazkov in a fight that many at ringside felt he had won.

Warren, who has worked hard to secure Scott after the disappointment with Wilder said, “This is an exciting heavyweight fight. We have made offers to many of the top heavyweights, but it was Scott who called Chisora out and wants the fight so now he’s got his wish.”

Chisora added, “I can’t wait for the fight. Scott is a great name to have on my record, he’s big, unbeaten and dangerous I’m just looking forward to going out there and doing a real good job on him. I’m disappointed that the other guys turned the opportunity down, but I will make a real statement against Scott and show that I’m back on track for the world title.”

Chief support on the card sees the highly anticipated and potentially explosive showdown between O’Sullivan from Dublin and Hatfield’s Saunders with O’Sullivan’s WBO International Middleweight title and both their unbeaten records on the line.

One of Britain’s hottest and most exciting young prospects, unbeaten Ellesmere Port’s Paul Butler, will get to show off his incredible talent twice in a month when he features first at the Liverpool Olympia on Friday 28th June in a challenge for the Vacant WBO Intercontinental Super-Flyweight title. Providing Butler, who also holds the British and Commonwealth titles, comes through unscathed he will then feature on the Wembley Arena card as originally announced.

Unbeaten London super-middleweight star Frank Buglioni continues his meteoric rise and features in an eight-round contest on the undercard as he targets a first title shot. The hard-hitting 24-year-old made it six KO’s out of eight fights with his third round KO of Darren McKenna last time out at Wembley Arena.

An action-packed undercard features unbeaten light-heavyweight and 2010 Commonwealth Games Champion Calum Johnson from Boston; undefeated welterweight and 2008 Olympian/2007 World Amateur Championship Bronze Medalist Bradley Saunders; Southern Area Welterweight Champion Bradley Skeete; Former Southern Area Light-Middleweight Champion Steve O’Meara; Wembley Light-Welterweight Gary Corcoran; Harrow Weald Super-Featherweight Mitchell Smith; Canning Town lightweight Billy Morgan; Chingford’s unbeaten Tom Baker and Bowers Gifford John Dignum clash over four rounds at middleweight; plus Islington super-featherweight Joey Taylor.

Tickets, priced at £40, £50, £70, £100 and £150 are available now from www.tkoboxoffice.com

Lynes And Sutidze Weights And Quotes From London

Ahead of their International bout that headlines the Johnny Eames TKO Events promoted ‘Two Tribes’ event at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London tomorrow, the 1st June, Colin Lynes and Beka Sutidze weighed in today at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town.

Colin Lynes

Weight: 10st 9lbs

After the weigh-in Colin said.

“Feeling great, weighed-in and made the weight.

I feel really comfortable and am really looking forward to tomorrow.”

Beka Sutidze

Weight: 10st 8lbs

After the weigh-in Beka (through an interpretor) said.

“I’m happy, I made the weight easily and am looking forward to tomorrow’s fight.”

Colin Lynes versus Beka Sutidze headlines the Johnny Eames TKO Events promoted ‘Two Tribes Go To War’ event at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 1st June 2013.

Tickets, priced £35 (Standard Seated) and £60 (Ringside) are available on line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or in person at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town or from direct from any of the fighters taking part.

www.tkoboxinggym.com