Bradley Skeete Eyes World Title Glory in 2018: "I'm avoided for a reason!"

After reaffirming his status as one of the brightest prospects in boxing over the last eighteen months, unbeaten light heavyweight phenom Anthony Yarde (14-0-0, 13 KO's) enters 2018 looking to make a splash in one of the sport's most exciting divisions.

Yarde, 26, had a late start to his career, taking up the sport at 18-years-old, logging just twelve amateur fights prior to turning professional in May 2015. He is now keen to make up for lost time, however, stating that there is still much more to come from the Ilford knockout artist.

"So far in my career, I feel like I've never gone into a fight at 100%." said Yarde, in an exclusive interview with Behind The Gloves .

"In my mind, after every fight I've had, people come up to me and say "look how good you did!" and I'm like "it was okay... in my next fight I want to be better." - I keep that mind frame. I just want to elevate myself."

With a grounded, professional attitude, obvious skill set a desire to win, Yarde has come a long way in a short space of time under the tutlege of trainer and mentor Tunde Ajayi. Working out of Peacock gym in East London, Ajayi is in little doubt as to the potential possessed by his star pupil.

"Anthony Yarde wants to be the best fighter ever." Ajayi stated, ahead of Yarde's most recent win against the previously un-stopped Nikola Sjekloca in December.

"That's going to take a lot of hard work and a lot of dedication: but he lives the life. This is Anthony Yarde's life and he wants it. He wants to be the best."

Naoya Inoue is a fistic force of nature. 

Still only twenty four years of age, the Japanese prodigy known as ‘The Monster’ has left a trail of destruction en route to a perfect professional record of 15-0-0 (13 KO's). He can already boast of being a two-weight World boxing champion - a feat he accomplished in just his eighth professional fight - and a top ten pound-for-pound candidate, with 'The Ring Magazine' currently ranking him at number seven. 

In the wake of his seventh defence of his WBO super flyweight title on 30th December 2025, a three round annihilation of outmatched Frenchman Yoann Boyeaux, Inoue now looks all-but-certain to ascend to bantamweight this year and unleash terror on a third weight division. 

Inoue’s move up north will leave hardcore boxing fans with mixed feelings. Super flyweight is one of the deepest divisions in boxing today and there were some potentially terrific fights to be made, such as against the winner of the Srisaket Sor Rungvisai-Juan Francisco Estrada's WBC title bout taking place next month. 

Former Team GB Flyweight Harvey Horn has his sights set on a showdown with WBO Super-Flyweight Champion and Frank Warren stablemate Sunny 'Showtime' Edwards.

Horn, 22, got his professional career off to a winning start with an impressive third round stoppage of Denis Bartos at the Copper Box Arena on the DeGale vs. Truax World title show last month and returns to action at the same venue on February 10th.

Unbeaten Edwards is looking forward to a massive 2018 after claiming his first professional title in only his sixth fight with a stoppage victory over Ross Murray in November.

Even though Horn accepts he he is a long way from the position of calling out future opponents, he believes a future fight with Croydon native Edwards would capture the imagination of UK fight fans.

Speaking exclusively to Richard Hubbard in the latest 'Hooks and Jabs' column, the Peacock Gym fighter said:

"Sunny Edwards is a fight I would like, because he’s got a bit more of an outgoing personality, the build up would be good and it would sell a lot better. I know for our weight that is saying a lot, but it would be a good fight that wouldn’t be lacking in build up.

“I have a good following behind me and they know about Sunny already because there have been things on social media. It would come together well and even the press conference would be very, very good.

“I would watch it!

“I have never been one to call people out though, I would rather get called out, so Sunny won’t hold back.

“Once I get this year done with five or six fights, then I will start targeting people and start looking at the likes of Jay Harris, Joe Maphosa and Sunny.

“I will be looking to go through the domestic division and prove I am a level above, like I have done over the last few years.”

Four of the most avoided fighters in the United Kingdom return to action at the Copper Box Arena on February 10th, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

Ilford Light-Heavyweight 'Beast' Anthony Yarde will be aiming to pick up from where he left off in 2025 after becoming the first man to stop Nikola Sjekloca with a heavy-handed display last weekend which lasted less than four rounds; Heavyweight sensation Daniel 'Dynamite' Dubois is determined to start 2018 with another explosive KO after his two-round destruction of Dorian Darch; British Welterweight Champion Bradley ‘Super’ Skeete is ready to prove his World class credentials as he looks to entice one of the 147lbs Champions into a showdown in 2018 and WBO Bantamweight Champion Zolani Tete makes the second defence of his crown against former two-weight World Champion Omar Andres Narvaez.

Some of the best up-and-coming talent in the South feature on a talent-packed undercard.

All-action Welling Super-Featherweight talent Archie ‘Sharpshooter’ Sharp aims to improve his unbeaten record to 12-0; gifted Southampton Featherweight Ryan ‘The Piranha’ Garner looks to get his career back on track when he fights over four rounds; Ilford Welterweight Hamzah Sheeraz returns to the scene of his impressive TKO debut win over Duane Green stylish Ilford Super-Middleweight Umar Sadiq looks to go 2-0 while Beckton Lightweight and Anthony Yarde gym mate Mohammed Bilal Ali makes his professional debut.

Tickets priced at £50 (Lower Tier), £70 (Floor), £100 (Floor), £150 (Floor) and VIP/Hospitality £250 are available via See Tickets, Eventim and Ticketmaster.
 
See Tickets
0871 230 7148
www.seetickets.com
 
Eventim
0844 249 1000
www.eventim.co.uk
 
Ticketmaster
www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Source: Frank Warren PR [Press Release]

Ilford Super-Welterweight talent Hamzah Sheeraz is aiming to win his first professional title in 2018, despite only making his professional debut in September.
 
The three-time national junior finalist made a dream start to life in the paid ranks, stopping durable Norwich rival Duane Green on the undercard of Billy Joe Saunders’ World title win over Willie Monroe Jr.
 
Sheeraz, 18, knocked out 35-year-old Green in the second round at the Copper Box Arena, and returns to the same venue for his second professional contest on Saturday 10th February.
 
“We’re taking things step by step but I’m confident in my abilities and winning my first professional title in 2018 isn’t an unrealistic goal,” said the gifted teenager. “The plan is to go for an area title and then take it from there.
 
“After working hard in the gym for months it felt great stopping a tough fighter like Green. He had never been knocked out before so it was a big statement to make so early on in my career.
 
“The whole experience of my debut was amazing and I was grateful to be supported by over 300 fans in the arena. I can’t wait to get back under the lights on another World title show next month, I’ll be brining a big crowd with me.”
 
Developed by veteran trainer Lenny Butcher at Harrold Hill’s Five Star Boxing Club alongside Frank Warren stablemates Sanjeev Sahota and Harley Benn, 6ft 2in Sheeraz says he has the perfect team around him to achieve his dreams.
 
“There’s a great atmosphere in our gym and we all bounce off each other. Me and Harley are learning a lot together and Sanjeev is a bit ahead of us in his career, hopefully he’ll be fighting for his first title in 2018 as well.
 
“I’m learning to set my feet more and work inside. I do a lot of in house sparring with Sanjeev and Harley and I’m constantly learning and improving in the gym. 2018 is going to be a huge year for me and I want to start it by winning in style again next month.”

Four of the most avoided fighters in the United Kingdom return to action at the Copper Box Arena on February 10th, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

Ilford Light-Heavyweight 'Beast' Anthony Yarde will be aiming to pick up from where he left off in 2025 after becoming the first man to stop Nikola Sjekloca with a heavy-handed display last weekend which lasted less than four rounds; Heavyweight sensation Daniel 'Dynamite Dubois is determined to start 2018 with another explosive KO after his two-round destruction of Dorian Darch; British Welterweight Champion Bradley ‘Super’ Skeete is ready to prove his World class credentials as he looks to entice one of the 147lbs Champions into a showdown in 2018 and WBO Bantamweight Champion Zolani Tete makes the second defence of his crown against former two-weight World Champion Omar Andres Narvaez.

Some of the best up-and-coming talent in the South feature on a talent-packed undercard.

All-action Welling Super-Featherweight talent Archie ‘Sharpshooter’ Sharp aims to improve his unbeaten record to 12-0; gifted Southampton Featherweight Ryan ‘The Piranha’ Garner looks to get his career back on track when he fights over four rounds; stylish Ilford Super-Middleweight Umar Sadiq and Chigwell Flyweight Harvey Horn both look to go 2-0 while Beckton Lightweight and Anthony Yarde gym mate Mohammed Bilal Ali makes his professional debut.

Tickets priced at £50 (Lower Tier), £70 (Floor), £100 (Floor), £150 (Floor) and VIP/Hospitality £250 are available via See Tickets, Eventim and Ticketmaster.
 
See Tickets
0871 230 7148
www.seetickets.com
 
Eventim
0844 249 1000
www.eventim.co.uk
 
Ticketmaster
www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Source: Frank Warren PR [Press Release]

Dear Boxing,

I just want to begin this letter by saying how glad I am to see you doing so well. You've been through some tough times over the years, and it gives me a lot of pleasure to see that not only are you back on your feet, but that you're thriving. All of the people doubting you and writing your obituaries, have all been slowly shrinking back into the shadows: their voices growing fainter and fainter with each day... well done you!

I'm fine, by the way. It's tough, this online "media" lark (I put "media" in inverted commas, as that's what the, ahem, "real" journalists like to do when they discuss us... it's fine, though...) - it's all been so very draining staying on top of everything you've done. You've been so busy! The last year especially!

I, like many others, are eternally grateful for the ridiculous  year you gave us in 2025. Even if it means I'm a little shopworn myself!

You learned from your previous mistakes with the splendid Canelo-Golovkin match-up, and I feel like you deserve tremendous credit for that. It must've taken a lot of courage to admit you were wrong with dragging out the whole May-Pac saga. I think it's fair to say that having the  fight we were all clamouring for actually  happen  at the best time for fans (as opposed to bank managers) was a really positive step. More of this please!

Although, I have to say, you didn't really do us many favours with the scoring, did you? Still, nobody is perfect, and - from what I'm hearing - we should get the chance for a fair and clear resolution in May... Maybe give Adalaide Byrd the night off this time, though? After all, didn't she say she was tired? Bless.

Oh, and good job with the heavyweights, by the way! That Joshua-Klitschko fight was really something, huh? I bet that was nice for you to see, given all of the criticism of that division you've had to contend with over the years. When the heavyweights are happy, you're happy - so I know how much that must have meant to you.

Still a few things to sort out in 2018, mind you. There's one or two big fights to make. I can't wait to see how you fit Tyson Fury back in the mix! Kept that one in your back pocket, eh? I still have my doubts as to how it'll all pan out, but given the new lease of life you've given the big men, I trust you to bring us the fights we need in 2018. Let's just say you're gaining my trust again. Don't abuse it.

What has also been very pleasing to see is that you've not left out the little guys either. That's great news! For years - and forgive me for saying it - I feel that you have been too preoccupied with forcing the bigger guys on us, and some of the little fellas have felt a bit left out. Good to see you're leaving no man behind... no matter how big or small!

This 'Superfly' stuff is superb! A couple of years ago, If you'd have told me that you'd have the top six guys in one division on the same card   all fighting each other  I'd have sworn you were crazy... or that we were back in the 90's! Great to see that it's not just a one off either and you're bringing us more of the same in February 24th.

Though, while we're at it, can you please try and get Naoya Inoue on that card before he moves up? You've got so many guys you can put him in with! I know, I know: "risk vs reward" and all that - but I think you'll regret not matching him up with some of the guys at 115lbs in a few years time... Just a thought...

In years gone by, you've always used "the best fighting the best" as a pretence for delaying the, er, best actually fighting the best. It's nice to see that it's gone from being a post-fight PR offensive to, y'know, an actual thing.

Like this 'World Boxing Super Series' thing you've got going on! Now that's what I'm talking about! I have to say, when you first gave us the concept, I was a little skeptical. I was expecting pull-outs, replacements, delays. A bit of a mess really. I can only imagine the smile on your face when it started so well... I can't wait to see what you have planned for the remainder of the tournament! It's refreshing to see fighters actually  wanting to test themselves against their rivals to prove who really is the best.... I bet the massive pool of money helps too though, right!?

Ahh. The best fighting the best . It's been a long time since you've given us that. You've really shown over the last twelve months that you're big enough to change. To be receptive to our feelings.

You're really blossoming into what I know you can be. What you used to be. Now, I know it's different these days. A lot has happened and it's not just a case of one good year erasing or excusing years of frustration. But what's important is you're taking the steps to become better.  I've been as critical of you as anyone over the years: but I love you. When you love something, you don't want it to make the same mistakes over and over again. And with that - while appreciating all you've done over the last twelve months - I feel it is my duty to still point out the things you need to work on... I'm only trying to help...

First of all, and I know you're expecting this... You had your fun with Mayweather-McGregor. No more, please.

And yes, It was fun... ish.

It brought you plenty of attention, which, I know, can't be a bad thing. Personally, it wasn't how I'd have gone about things, but given all of the other good work you did in 2025, you get a pass for that one... but don't let it happen again. I know you well enough to know that the lure of another money-spinning merry-go-round is appealing to your darker side: just don't. You've made such good progress over the last year, let's not undo all of that for the chance at another paycheque. No matter how big it is!

Secondly, when did promoters become so famous? I know, I mean, they've always been in the spotlight (kinda their job, right?) - but you used to have the fighters in the spotlight. Whatever happened to that? Now, I know what you're going to say...

"Maybe if you stopped sticking your camera in-front of their face at every press conference..."

Fair point.

Still, most of the fighters these days are only echoing their promoters rhetoric with their carefully constructed, un-spinnably lukewarm "interviews" - why wouldn't I go right to the source?

Now, I'm not asking for everyone to turn into Adrien Broner (took your eye off the ball with that one, didn't you?), but how about giving us a better platform for fighters to truly express themselves? I remember the magic carpets of Prince Naseem, the poetry and pizzazz of Chris Eubank (who, to be fair, is still doing his thing!) and Mike Tyson's appetite for infants... okay, bad example... but where has the showbiz side of the sport gone?

Fighters are entertainers and, while we're at it, let's not scrutinise every word they say in public as if they were politicians. Society is society, but boxing is boxing: let's have more from the fighters and less of the fellas in suits arguing, eh? That's how you used to do things and it worked .

I appreciate it's too much to ask for you end the political side of the sport. So I won't ask. We'll only end up falling out: I've learned it's something that we're never going to see eye-to-eye on, and this letter is intended to be a positive one. The only thing I will say is, there are a few fights that I wouldn't mind seeing, and it's not the fighters standing in the way of making them happen... I'm just sayin'...

The only other suggestion I have is, can you please  do away with the close fights? If I hear one more fan scream "robbery" after scoring a fight 115-113, I'm going to arrange for 'Slick Mick' to housesit when they're away with the missus in Lanzarote. Then they'll know what the word means!

Either make every fight a resounding stoppage or don't bother... I can't take it anymore!

But overall, I have to say, you're doing a great, great job. The resurgence is almost complete. You know what you have to do in 2018 and, admittedly, for the first time in a long, long time, I have every confidence in you to go out and deliver. For me, for the rest of us, but more importantly: for yourself.

It's vital now that you don't rest on your laurels. You're still not there yet - despite all of the good you have done. The time is now for you to go to the next level, which, as you know, is still several levels from where you used to be... I'll be watching.

So hit me back, just to chat, truly yours, your biggest fan,

A Fight Fan

P.S. - ... What the hell  did you do to Billy Joe Saunders!?

Welterweight supremo Bradley Skeete believes he is ready to step up in class after clearing up domestically.

The outright British Champion is next out on Frank Warren's bumper 'Untouchables' show at London's Copper Box Arena on February 10th, with an opponent set to be named soon.

A memorable 2025 saw Skeete achieve his dream of securing the Lord Lonsdale Challenge Belt outright, stopping Shayne Singleton in five at the Brentwood Centre in June before taking the belt home for keeps by outpointing Dale Evans at the Copper Box Arena in July.

And now the Penge native is determined to entice one of the 147lbs Champions into the ring.

"I’m ready to prove I’m a World class fighter," said Skeete. "I’ve got the World rankings but now I need the right fights to back them up. Jeff Horn swerved the fight with me. I’m avoided for a reason!

"My style would give anyone trouble. I’m ready and waiting to prove what I can do against the best!"

Skeete, 30, is currently ranked at number three with the WBO and six with the IBF.

He was close to landing a World Title fight against WBO titlist Horn, but the Australian's team opted to face Gary Corcoran instead. Horn stopped the challenger in the 11th round on December 13th.

“Horn took the easier fight in Corcoran and blatantly avoided me,” he added. "I’d have taken him to school and his team knew that. If it wasn't for Horn and his team swerving the fight, then I'd be a World Champion. I'd have gone over there and got that World Title.

"That’s all in the past now and I’ll be aiming to start the year in style with a win next month."

Four of the most avoided fighters in the United Kingdom return to action at the Copper Box Arena on February 10th, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

Ilford Light-Heavyweight 'Beast' Anthony Yarde will be aiming to pick up from where he left off in 2025 after becoming the first man to stop Nikola Sjekloca with a heavy-handed display last weekend which lasted less than four rounds; Heavyweight sensation Daniel 'Dynamite' Dubois is determined to start 2018 with another explosive KO after his two-round destruction of Dorian Darch; British Welterweight Champion Bradley ‘Super’ Skeete is ready to prove his World class credentials as he looks to entice one of the 147lbs Champions into a showdown in 2018 and WBO Bantamweight Champion Zolani Tete makes the second defence of his crown against former two-weight World Champion Omar Andres Narvaez.

Some of the best up-and-coming talent in the South feature on a talent-packed undercard.

All-action Welling Super-Featherweight talent Archie ‘Sharpshooter’ Sharp aims to improve his unbeaten record to 12-0; gifted Southampton Featherweight Ryan ‘The Piranha’ Garner looks to get his career back on track when he fights over four rounds; Ilford Welterweight Hamzah Sheeraz returns to the scene of his impressive TKO debut win over Duane Green; stylish Ilford Super-Middleweight Umar Sadiq and former Team GB Flyweight Harvey Horn both look to go 2-0 while Beckton Lightweight and Anthony Yarde gym mate Mohammed Bilal Ali makes his professional debut.

Tickets priced at £50 (Lower Tier), £70 (Floor), £100 (Floor), £150 (Floor) and VIP/Hospitality £250 are available via See Tickets, Eventim and Ticketmaster.
 
See Tickets
0871 230 7148
www.seetickets.com
 
Eventim
0844 249 1000
www.eventim.co.uk
 
Ticketmaster
www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Source: Frank Warren PR [Press Release]

Scott Quigg (34-1-2, 25 KO's) will challenge for World title honours once again, after a deal to face unbeaten WBO World featherweight champion Oscar Valdez (23-0-0, 19 KO's) was finalised for March 10th at California's StubHub Center .

Mexican power-puncher Valdez, who captured the vacant title with a second round TKO victory over Argentinian Matias Carlos Adrian Rueda in, has since made three successful defences of his belt. In his most recent outing against Genesis Servania in September, Valdez visited the canvas for the first time in his career in the fourth round, before rallying to drop Servania en route to a twelve round unanimous decision.

Since suffering his sole career defeat to former two-weight World champion Carl Frampton in February 2016, Quigg has relocated to California, linking up with legendary trainer Freddie Roach out of the famous Wild Card gym. Under Roach, the former WBA World bantamweight champion has rebuilt himself at featherweight, recording three consecutive victories, with his most recent win a sixth round TKO of Oleg Yefimovych in Monte Carlo in November.

With rumours of the supposed clash swirling, Quigg’s promoter Eddie Hearn had this to say about his fighter and the deal in an interview with Sky Sports.

“He’s been working quietly over the last 12 months and so have we. Now he’s ready to tear open the division.” said Hearn.  

“I’ve been in discussions with Carl Moretti at Top Rank for a couple of weeks now and we are close to the deal.”

With the bout now confirmed, the clash is set to compliment a thriving featherweight division; with other high-profile clashes between Carl Frampton and Nonito Donaire, Lee Selby and Josh Warrington, as well as a rumoured rematch between Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares all in the pipeline at 126lbs in 2018. 

The fight itself promises to be an all-action affair, with both Valdez and Quigg preferring to box on the front foot and unload power punches from the opening bell. For Valdez, the bout represents another opportunity to add to his reputation as one of the most exciting fighters in the sport, with the 27-year-old fan-favourite being involved in some thrilling back-and-forth contests over the last twelve months. Quigg, however, will provide stern opposition, with the Bury man seeking to add a second world title in as many weight classes and set up a potential rematch with domestic rival Frampton in the process.

One thing is for certain, it is exciting times in the stacked featherweight division, and with the announcement of Valdez-Quigg, we have yet another thrilling spectacle on our hands.

Boy Jones Jr says he is feeling fitter and stronger than ever after making the jump from Super-Featherweight to Lightweight.

The former Southern Area 130lbs Champion returns to the ring on Frank Warren's bumper 'Untouchables' card at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday 10th February and is aiming to impress at his new weight.

"My body is finally starting to fill out and I felt it was the right time to move up to 135lbs," said Jones Jr. "I sat down with my trainer Dominic Negus and it was an easy decision to make. I had a lot of success at Super-Feather but my power just seemed to drain from my body as soon as I made weight.

"I've had a good break since I last fought in September. I'm filling into the weight and getting stronger with each session in the gym. I look better and I feel healthier - my mum has wanted me to move up in weight for a while!

"I've been sparring with Rio 2016 Olympian Joe Cordina and I'm definitely starting to find my 'man' power. I feel stronger and meaner at the weight and I don't fade at all as the rounds go on which was a problem in the Poxton fight."

The angel-faced assassin picked up his first professional title at the tender age of 19 when he dominated Martin Hillman to win the Southern Area belt in front of a capacity crowd at the Brentwood Centre, live on BoxNation, in November 2016.

He suffered his first career loss to Lowestoft warrior Craig Poxton in his next fight at York Hall in a Fight of the Year contender but bounced back with wins over Norbert Kalucza, Andis Didzus and Ibrar Riyaz, and will aim to kick-start 2018 with a big performance in East London.

"One of the most talent deep divisions at domestic level is the Lightweight class and I'll be looking to throw my name into the mix. There’s some great fights out there for me this year but first of all I can’t wait to perform at the Copper Box Arena on February 10th.

"I always say it but people need to realise that I only had a handful of unlicensed fights before I turned pro back in 2015. I've had a lot of fights for a 21-year-old and I'm constantly learning and improving. This is the year that everyone will get to see the real Boy Jones Jnr."

Four of the most avoided fighters in the United Kingdom return to action at the Copper Box Arena on February 10th, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

Ilford Light-Heavyweight 'Beast' Anthony Yarde will be aiming to pick up from where he left off in 2025 after becoming the first man to stop Nikola Sjekloca with a heavy-handed display last weekend which lasted less than four rounds; Heavyweight sensation Daniel 'Dynamite Dubois is determined to start 2018 with another explosive KO after his two-round destruction of Dorian Darch; British Welterweight Champion Bradley ‘Super’ Skeete is ready to prove his World class credentials as he looks to entice one of the 147lbs Champions into a showdown in 2018 and WBO Bantamweight Champion Zolani Tete makes the second defence of his crown against former two-weight World Champion Omar Andres Narvaez.

Some of the best up-and-coming talent in the South feature on a talent-packed undercard.

All-action Welling Super-Featherweight talent Archie ‘Sharpshooter’ Sharp aims to improve his unbeaten record to 12-0; gifted Southampton Featherweight Ryan ‘The Piranha’ Garner looks to get his career back on track when he fights over four rounds; Ilford Welterweight Hamza Sheeraz returns to the scene of his impressive TKO debut win over Duane Green; stylish Ilford Super-Middleweight Umar Sadiq and Chigwell Flyweight Harvey Horn both look to go 2-0 while Beckton Lightweight and Anthony Yarde gym mate Mohammed Bilal Ali makes his professional debut.

Tickets priced at £50 (Lower Tier), £70 (Floor), £100 (Floor), £150 (Floor) and VIP/Hospitality £250 are available via See Tickets, Eventim and Ticketmaster.
 
See Tickets
0871 230 7148
www.seetickets.com
 
Eventim
0844 249 1000
www.eventim.co.uk
 
Ticketmaster
www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Source: Frank Warren PR [Press Release]

Evander Holyfield’s Real Deal Boxing has announced ‘Real Deal Showcase Series I’,  a sensational professional boxing card set for Friday, January 26, 2018 at the Sugarhouse Casino in Philadelphia.

Said Boxing Legend Holyfield, “I fought many times in Atlantic City and know first-hand how passionate and knowledgeable the boxing fans from Philadelphia are and look forward to presenting an entertaining card on January 26th.”

“We’ve got a number of fighters from the Philadelphia area and are very excited to work with the team at the Sugarhouse Casino on this action-packed event,” said COO of The Real Deal Boxing ERIC BENTLEY. “This will be our sixth national event since our inception in June and it’s been very rewarding to have the fans and media respond in such a positive manner to our shows.”

“With our showcase series, we truly want to highlight some of the top, young prospects in boxing and this initial event does just that.”

Advance tickets for ‘Real Deal Showcase Series I’ , priced at $125, $75 and $50 are NOW ON SALE  and may be purchased at www.SugarhouseEntertainment.com   Sugarhouse Casino is located at 1001 N. Delaware, Philadelphia, PA 19125. Doors on the night of the event will open at 7:00 p.m. ET.

Headlining ‘Real Deal Showcase Series I’  undefeated top Philadelphia prospect STEVEN ORTIZ, (7-0-0, 2 KO’s), faces off against JOSHUA DAVIS, (11-2-0, 5 KO’s) in an eight round lightweight clash.

The 24-year-old Ortiz has continued to impress the local fans with his last four fights coming in the Liberty City, most recently winning a six round unanimous decision over then undefeated fellow prospect Tyrome Jones on June 24, 2025.

Davis will be looking to hit the win column again following his last bout, a hard-fought six round decision loss to Ray Lampkin on October 19, 2025 in Atlanta, GA on a Real Deal Boxing Promotions card celebrating Holyfield’s 55th birthday.

Prior to the loss Davis had won seven fights in a row, his most recent victory coming on May 19, 2025, knocking out Carlos Rosario in the seventh round in Philadelphia.

Co-featured   is a sensational eight round super middleweight clash between Brazil’s ISAAC RODRIGUES, (22-2-0, 19 KO’s) and ANDY MEJIAS, (15-1-0, 6 KO’s) of Utica, New York.

Currently riding a seven-bout winning streak, six by knockout, the heavy-handed Rodrigues will look to keep the pressure on Mejias from the opening bell, a style that has worked well throughout his twelve-year career including victories over world class fighters; Brian Vera and Jose Pinzon.

Mejias will be looking to bounce back into the win column after suffering his first defeat in his most recent fight against Ian Green on March 23, 2025, a hotly contested six round majority decision loss. Prior to that Mejias had won his first fifteen fights as a professional dating back to 2006.

Rounding out the card, three top undefeated national prospects will see action against opponents to be announced.

Heavy handed 20-year-old EDGAR BERLANGA, (6-0-0, 6 KO’s), of New York, NY, will compete in a six-round middleweight clash, 20-year-old welterweight prospect, JARON ‘Boots’ ENNIS, (17-0-0, 15 KO’s), of Philadelphia will see action in an eight rounder and 22-year-old, 2025 National Golden Gloves Champion POINDEXTER KNIGHT JR., (1-0-0, 1 KO) also of Philadelphia will battle in a scheduled four rounder in the welterweight division.

Also featured on the card is super middleweight BRANDON ROBINSON, (8-1, 6 KO’s), fighting in a six rounder against an opponent to be announced.

More details on the exciting undercard for ‘Real Deal Showcase Series 1” will be announced shortly.

Real Deal Sports & Entertainment is proud to partner with Medical Arts Radiology ( www.medicalartsradiology.com)  and Venum ( www.venum.com) .

Source: Real Deal Boxing [Press Release]