Blog Post

Carl Frampton Releases Statement following his Retirement

  • By Behind The Gloves
  • 06 Apr, 2021

“Only those closest to me know that, win, lose or draw with Jamel Herring, I was planning to retire. I made a promise to myself and to my wife and kids – the most important people in my life – that whatever the result, that was my last one.

“When I look back on my career I have achieved more than I could have ever imagined. Celtic, Commonwealth and European titles, winning my first world title at home in a purpose-built arena, the sold-out nights defending that title at the Odyssey, unifying a division, defeating a top ten pound for pound guy, winning a title in a second division against the odds, Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year, MBE, and fulfilling a dream by fighting and winning in front of a packed Windsor Park.

“For me though, my biggest career achievement has been my fan base and support. I can’t express how thankful I am to the army of fans who made those nights in the Odyssey so atmospheric, the 16,000 that saw me win my first title at home on that special night, the 15,000 who travelled to Manchester the night we took over and I unified, and the thousands that travelled to the States to watch me fight a great champion in Leo Santa Cruz.

“As a fighter, the support has been my biggest and proudest accomplishment. The outpouring of respect that I have received since my defeat to Herring has been immense and I thank all who have said kind words to me. They fill me with a huge sense of pride.

“None of this would have been possible without the support of my beautiful wife Christine and my amazing children, Carla and Rossa. Christine has made sacrifices that I am eternally grateful for; giving up on her own aspirations to allow me to fulfil mine, supporting me financially at the start when I had nothing, and supporting me emotionally throughout my career without ever asking for anything
in return. I owe her so much and now I would love to help her chase her own dreams.

“As much as my family, I cannot forget the people, city and nation that I have come from. My sense of belonging, my roots and the community have always uplifted me and given me so much. It is my turn now to repay some of that and to take on the new challenge of helping others as they have helped me in the past.

“I was 7 years old when I joined Midland/White City ABC and I learnt early on that resilience and determination was the only difference between me, and the many other kids who I lost to growing up as a young amateur. So, to anybody out there chasing dreams, if you want it enough you can get it.

“Thank you to my Mum and Dad, to Billy McKee, to Cooper McClure, to Jamie Moore and Nigel Travis, to MTK Global, to Ben Pilbeam and thinkBeyond Talent, to everyone that has supported me and played a part in my career over the last 27 years, big or small, and the biggest thank you to my wife Christine and children Carla and Rossa. You will always come first.”


Boxing News

By Behind The Gloves 06 Apr, 2021

Amir Khan has warned Conor Benn about the "dangerous" power of Samuel Vargas "which can cause any fighter problems" and says the 24-year-old is taking a "massive step-up" when he risks his unbeaten record and WBA Continental Title against the Canadian-Colombian warrior this Saturday, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories.

Khan knows all about the threat posed by Vargas, having been floored when they shared the ring on a Matchroom bill in Birmingham back in September 2018. The Bolton fighter sent Vargas to the canvas in the second round, only to be dropped himself, and had to respond with another knockdown during a hard-fought points victory.

Vargas is no stranger to elite level competition after sharing the ring with numerous quality operators such as Errol Spence and Danny Garcia, and former World Champion Khan says 'The Destroyer' will have to be at his very best this weekend if he is to maintain his unblemished record.

"He can get in there and have a little tear up,” said Khan when speaking to Sky Sports. "He can throw a good shot as well. He's got decent power. I think it's a massive step-up for Conor Benn. I think Conor will have his hands full in that fight.

"Since obviously after he fought me, he has been in one or two difficult fights, Samuel Vargas, and he's been beat after I beat him. But I still think he's a dangerous operator.

"You have to stay focused throughout the whole fight, because this is boxing, one punch can change a fight. Samuel has that power, has decent skills, which can cause any fighter problems."

Benn has spoken of his desire for a huge domestic clash should he get past Vargas on Saturday, and the son of British fight legend Nigel has picked out Khan and Kell Brook as potential opponents. Khan's next move is still unknown, but the 34-year-old is backing Benn to enjoy further success at the highest level of the sport.

"He's a great fighter," stated Khan. "I've seen him fight a few times. If he sticks to his game, he can be a World Champion just like his father. His father was a great champion, and to have him as a mentor is a big thing as well. I think he will go far.

"As long as you believe in yourself, you work hard, you train hard. You always wake up every morning, knowing that one day, where your end goal is. Chase your dreams, chase your goals."

Benn vs. Vargas tops a big night of action April 10, Watford's Shannon Courtenay (6-1, 3 KOs) faces Australia's Ebanie Bridges  (5-0, 2 KOs) for the vacant WBA Bantamweight World Title, Hartlepool's Savannah Marshall (9-0, 7 KOs) returns after her win over Hannah Rankin, Glasgow Bantamweight Kash Farooq(14-1, 6 KOs) challenges Alexander Espinoza(20-2-2) for the WBC International Silver Title, Takeley prospect John 'The Gentleman' Hedges(1-0) looks to build on his pro debut win last October and Glasgow Heavyweight Nick Campbellmakes his professional debut.

By Behind The Gloves 06 Apr, 2021

CALLUM JOHNSON will be back in action on April 24th after more than TWO YEARS of inactivity. The Queensberry newbie will return on the card headlined by Denzel Bentley’s defence of his British title against Felix Cash.

Johnson insists he is on course for a second world title challenge and huge domestic clashes against fellow Queensberry boxers Lyndon Arthur and Anthony Yarde, but first must shake off the ring rust as he battles experienced Bosnian, Emil Markic (32-2, 24 KO’s).

‘The One’ faces Markic for the vacant WBO Global Light-Heavyweight title over ten rounds in London on Saturday April 24, (live on BT Sport).

Boston’s Johnson who recently returned to Frank Warren’s stable hasn’t boxed since an impressive stoppage win against American Sean Monaghan in March 2019.

The former British and Commonwealth champion said: “I have been out for two years, but I am not bothered what level I come back at. I am a fighter at the end of the day.

“There is pressure after two years out. I just hope I remember to do it right when I get back in there. I’m sure I will.”

Johnson (18-1, 13KOs) was fearless when he challenged IBF World title holder Artur Beterbiev in October 2018. He floored the division’s main man before losing in the fourth round of a brutal war.

Callum who started his career with Warren believes the Hall of Fame promoter will get him back in the big time at home and on the global stage.

He also hopes a potential tournament featuring Commonwealth champion Arthur, Yarde and himself will be a big attraction for fans.

“I just want activity, to be in exciting fights and have a great couple of years,” Johnson added.

“I think Lyndon and Anthony are good fighters, but I believe I am the best in the country and would beat anybody.

“Do I believe I will beat them two? One million per-cent.

“Are they good fighters? Of course they are. It’s good that there are a few good fighters in our division that makes it so exciting.

“We can all fight each other. It can be like the UFC where a few fighters can fight each other and a loss doesn’t matter.

“You can get back a few months later and fight another guy so it’s exciting and something fans will like.”

Markic turned professional in June 2012 and twice won the WBO European Light-Heavyweight title, but never defended that crown after victories on the road against Denis Liebau and Kavin Gebhard.

He has won seven fights on the spin since losing to world ranked Umar Salamov in May 2025, but Johnson is unconcerned by his rival’s form.

Callum said: “People will see I have been out for a while, but I haven’t been off the scene. I have been in the gym, sparring, stayed fit and healthy.

“Until the night we won’t know, but I am not expecting to show much ring rust and to do a job on Markic.”

Headlining the behind closed doors show is Battersea’s Denzel Bentley (14-0-1, 12KOs) who makes the first defence of his British Middleweight title against mandatory challenger Felix Cash (13-0, 9 KOs), who will be risking his Commonwealth championship.

The show will also see the return to action of Queensberry starlet’s David Adeleye, George Davey, Henry Turner, James Heneghan and Karol Itauma.

By Behind The Gloves 06 Apr, 2021
John Hedges says he can't wait to showcase the improvements he has made under new trainer Mark Tibbs when he takes on Stanko Jermelic  in a four round Light-Heavyweight contest this Saturday April 10, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories.

'The Gentleman' overcame a tricky introduction to life in the paid ranks with a hard-fought 39-37 points win over the tough and game Manchester-based Czech Jan Ardon at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes last October on the Buatsi vs. Calic undercard.

Despite making his pro debut at the tender age of 18, the S-JAM Boxing prospect came under criticism from some quarters, but Hedges hasn't let his critics get to him and is fully focused on starting 2021 in impressive fashion in the Capital.

“It was just one of those things," said Hedges. "I had to get it done. I rushed it a little bit. I was only a pro for about two or three months heading into my first fight. Looking back at it, I’m glad I took that risk. I boxed a good opponent and I got the win, and now we move forward into a bright 2021.

“It was a last-minute opponent that we took on short notice. It wasn’t what we’d prepared for, but we took it. I’m just happy that I got my first fight under my belt. The circumstances weren’t the best but I got the job done. It was my first fight out of a headguard and my first fight against a senior. It was all new to me so it was good to get it out of the way."

The 6’ 5” Takeley native made the switch from the Hoddesdon Boxing Academy, where he enjoyed a long and successful stint in the amateurs, to the Origin Gym in Rainham earlier this year where he now trains alongside the likes of WBO Super-Middleweight ruler Billy Joe Saunders and Southampton Light-Heavyweight contender Lewie Edmondson.

Tibbs won't be in Hedges' corner this weekend as he is busy preparing Saunders for his huge unification clash with Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in Texas next month, but Hedges says the well-respected coach has already had a big influence on him in the short time they have been working together.

“It was a big move in my career. I needed a freshen up and I’ve got that. I was advised to make this move and I've listened to that advice. Since I’ve been down here, I feel like I’ve come on loads already. I’m enjoying my training and I feel blessed to have so many good fighters around me. We’re all on the same mission to make it to the top.

“We’ve had some cracking rounds with Lewie Edmondson. We both work hard and we’re bringing each other on. You can’t knock it, it’s unbelievable. They’ve welcomed me with open arms. They chucked me in at the deep end. That’s the type of sparring you need to develop as a fighter.

“Eddie told me to stay ready and stay in shape. I’m feeling really strong. I’m hitting hard and training well. I’m in a really good place at the moment. It’s still early days with Mark but you can feel the improvements in yourself. I’m improving in every session and I’m coming out of the gym knackered. It’s just little improvements here and there.

“I can hold my own with whatever weight I’m put in with. Mark will tell you, anyone that I get put in there with in sparring I hold my own with. He’s not concerned about that. All he’s worried about is keeping me strong and keeping me flowing. I might be young, but I don’t care if I’m in the deep end or who I fight. I just listen to my team and my management."

Hedges vs. Dvorak is part of a big night of action on April 10, rising Welterweight star Conor Benn(17-0, 11 KOs) defends his WBA Continental Title against Samuel Vargas(31-6-2, 14 KOs) in the main event, Watford's Shannon Courtenay (6-1, 3 KOs) faces Australia's Ebanie Bridges  (5-0, 2 KOs) for the vacant WBA Bantamweight World Title, Hartlepool's Savannah Marshall (9-0, 7 KOs) returns after her win over Hannah Rankin, Glasgow Bantamweight Kash Farooq(14-1, 6 KOs) challenges Alexander Espinoza(20-2-2) for the WBC International Silver Bantamweight Title and Glasgow Heavyweight Nick Campbellmakes his professional debut.
By Behind The Gloves 04 Apr, 2021
12-time world champion, Roy Jones Jr. (66-9, 47 KOs), has let it be known that he is willing to battle Oscar De La Hoya (39-6, 30 KOs) in his return to the ring fight this summer on Triller.

"I spoke to Roy today and he is feeling great, and is willing to fight Oscar De La Hoya," said Alfy Smith, Roy Jones Jr.'s trainer. "I know that they never got to fight based off weight classes before, but now would be the perfect time to give the fans a great fight that they'd thought they would get to see. De La Hoya has one of the greatest left hooks in boxing history, Roy has a devastating hook as well, we shall see who will be the real “Captain Hook.”

Jones Jr. who returned on November 28th, against Mike Tyson in a box office shattering pay-per-view, that saw the two men fight to a draw, now is looking to get in the mix with another legend such as himself.

"The fans all over the world love Roy Jones Jr and Oscar De La Hoya, continued Smith. "This is a great fight, an exciting matchup where you would only dream it up in a video game, now we have a chance to make it a reality. Roy is still active and training every day, he’s in tremendous shape and his speed is still crisp.”
By Behind The Gloves 04 Apr, 2021

BELLATOR MMA 255: Pitbull vs. Sanchez 2 Main Card:

C- Patricio Pitbull  (32-4) defeated #2- Emmanuel Sanchez (20-5) via technical submission (guillotine choke) at 3:35 of round one

#6- Jason Jackson (14-4) defeated #3- Neiman Gracie (10-2) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

#6- Tyrell Fortune (10-1) defeated Jack May  (11-8) via TKO (punches) at 3:16 of round one

Usman Nurmagomedov (12-0) defeated Mike Hamel (7-5) via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

5- Kana Watanabe ( 10-0-1) defeated #4- Alejandra Lara (9-4) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

 

Preliminary Card:  

#6- Magomed Magomedov  (18-1) defeated Cee Jay Hamilton  (15-8) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:22 of round two

Mandel Nallo  (8-1) defeated Ricardo Seixas  (9-3) via knockout (strikes) at 3:23 of round one

Khalid Murtazaliev  (15-2) defeated Fabio Aguiar  (17-2) via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Chris Gonzalez  (6-0) defeated Roger Huerta  (24-13-1) via submission (strikes) at 3:01 of round three

Jose Augusto  (17-1) defeated Jonathan Wilson  (9-3) via submission (head and arm choke) at 4:58 of round one

Roman Faraldo  (5-0) defeated Trevor Gudde  (2-2) via TKO 1:30 of round one

Jordan Newman  (3-0) defeated Branko Busick  (2-2) via TKO (strikes) at 2:30 of round two


By Behind The Gloves 04 Apr, 2021

Jamel "Semper Fi" Herring, at 35 years of age, authored the signature win of his career. Herring dominated and then stopped Carl "The Jackal" Frampton in the sixth round to retain his WBO junior lightweight world title Saturday from Caesars Bluewaters Dubai.

Herring (23-2, 11 KOs) dropped Frampton twice in the fight, the second one coming in the sixth round courtesy of a brutal uppercut. A follow-up assault prompted Frampton's corner to throw in the towel, ending what had been an entertaining, phone booth affair.

“I’m just honored to share the ring with him, Herring said. "He’s a two-division world champion. He’s done great in the sport of boxing, and it was just an honor.
 
“It was an emotional rollercoaster just to get here. My last outing was not my best. People doubted me. They called me every name in the book, but even with the cut, I wasn’t going to give up. I wasn’t going to quit, and Carl Frampton is a tremendous champion. I’ve been a fan since day one. It’s tough to see any veteran of the sport go out like that."

Frampton (28-3, 16 KOs), from Belfast, was attempting to become the first man from the island of Ireland to win world titles in three weight classes. Having fallen short of that goal, the 34-year-old elected to retire.

Frampton said, “I said before the fight I’d retire if I lost, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do. I want to just to dedicate my life to my family now. Boxing has been good to me. It’s also been bad to me, but the last few years with these boys have been the best years of my career. I just want to go home to my beautiful wife and kids, and that’s it.

“I just got beat by the better man. I really struggled to get inside on him.”

By Behind The Gloves 02 Apr, 2021
Javier Zinzun Jr., the World-world-renown boxing designer and fashionista, is now partnering with Sony as the head of IGMOB will assist the iconic brand with wardrobe and designs on a project with pro boxer Lazaro "el Rey" Lorenzana (5-0, 5 KOs).

"It is a great chance for IGMOB to help Sony be able to capture the real behind-the-scenes of a fighter's life," said Zinzun "We're here to help the underdog, especially the underdog fighters get known."

The project provides an exciting new lens and avenue for Zinzun and his brand to be seen as Sony is one of the most predominant industry leaders in the world currently. Sony will capture fights in Tijuana, in which many professional boxers begin their career there, and offer candid imagery with compelling storylines.

Famed Los Angeles photographer Sye Williams even approached IGMOB about being involved.

"It was an honor to have Sye Williams reach out to us and that IGMOB is considered one of the top designers in the boxing world as we recently designed Ryan Garcia's Ring Magazine cover issue outfit," said Zinzun. "It is truly exciting to have our designs in front of more people than ever and that is thanks to Sony."

Zinzun has lofty goals and with such big dreams, potentially one day he might even earn a seat in the Boxing Hall-of-Fame as each year he is improving upon the previous.

"It is unreal what this moment is like and I want to deliver," said Zinzun. "I want to thank Sony for letting me be a part of this project."
By Behind The Gloves 02 Apr, 2021

 The most anticipated fight of the first half of 2021 now has some powerful backup.
 
Jose “Chon” Zepeda will battle Mexican veteran Pedro Campa in a 10-round junior welterweight battle Saturday, May 22, which will serve as the co-feature to the undisputed junior welterweight world title bout between WBC/WBO champion Jose Ramirez and IBF/WBA champion Josh Taylor.

And, in a junior welterweight special attraction scheduled for eight rounds, top prospect Elvis “The Dominican Kid” Rodriguez will take a seismic step up against Chicago native and one-time U.S. amateur standout Kenneth “Bossman” Sims Jr.

This junior welterweight tripleheader will air live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) starting at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.  Location, venue and ticket information will be announced shortly.

“The current and future stars of the junior welterweight division will be on display May 22,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Jose Zepeda is one of the very best 140-pounders in the world, and he’ll have a chance to cement his status against a rugged Mexican in Pedro Campa. Elvis Rodriguez is a future world champion. Kenneth Sims Jr. is no pushover, but we believe this is the ideal next step as he continues his development.”
 
Zepeda (33-2, 26 KOs) is coming off last October’s fifth-round knockout over former world champion Ivan Baranchyk, the consensus 2020 Fight of the Year that featured eight total knockdowns culminating in the one-hitter quitter that ended the bout. A two-time world title challenger who pushed Jose Ramirez to a majority decision in their 2019 showdown, Zepeda is unbeaten in four fights since the Ramirez defeat, including a one-sided decision over two-weight world champion Jose Pedraza. Campa (32-1-1, 21 KOs), from Guaymas, Mexico, is 5-0-1 since the lone defeat of his career and most recently toppled veteran Carlos Cardenas by majority decision.
 
“I’m ready to go,” Zepeda said. After my Fight of the Year with Baranchyk, I’m better than ever. It’s only a matter of time before I become a world champion.”

The Freddie Roach-trained Rodriguez (11-0-1, 10 KOs), one of boxing’s elite young talents, went 5-0 inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble, including four stoppages in three rounds or less. He went the distance for the first time in his career Feb. 20, topping Argentinian veteran Luis Alberto Veron by eight-round unanimous decision. Sims (15-2-1, 5 KOs), who lost to Jose Ramirez by one point at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials, has sparred with the likes of Manny Pacquiao and Jorge Linares in the paid ranks. His defeats have come via close decisions to Rolando Chinea and Samuel Teah, but he has won two straight since the 2018 unanimous decision verdict to Teah. Against Rodriguez, he has the opportunity to flash the amateur pedigree that saw him defeat the likes of current contenders Lamont Roach Jr., O’Shaquie Foster and Albert Bell.
 
Rodriguez said, "I am happy and grateful for this opportunity, and I am going to make the most of it. It is a great step for my career, and I want to continue to show the boxing world that I have the talent to achieve great things."
 
About ESPN
ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features nine U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com , endeavors on every continent around the world, and more. ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.
 
About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 12.1 million subscribers.
 
Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $59.99 per year) at ESPN.com , ESPNplus.com  or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $18.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).
 


By Behind The Gloves 02 Apr, 2021

Ring City USA, the new sports media startup that debuted its Thursday night boxing series in November 2020, will host its next live event from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. on Thursday, April 22. The event, which will be headlined by a matchup of two undefeated American heavyweights, will be televised on NBC Sports Network (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) with bonus undercard action streaming live around the world on Twitch. Armed Forces Network Europe and Pacific will make the broadcast available to U.S. Forces serving overseas on AFN  TV.  

 

The nation’s most notable military service academy will host a full evening of boxing action headlined by Ring City’s first ever heavyweight main event when two undefeated American heavyweights Jermaine Franklin  (20-0, 13 KOs) and Stephan Shaw  (14-0, 10 KOs) meet in a ten-round fight. Franklin, who hails from Saginaw, Mich., will return from an 18-month layoff to face his toughest and most experienced challenger to date. Franklin, 27, notched three impressive decision victories in 2019, including a win over fellow top American heavyweight Jerry Forrest. Shaw, 28, will take another step in his development as he faces the first unbeaten fighter of his professional career in Franklin. Born and raised in Saint Louis, Shaw has flashed devastating power with all 10 of his career knockouts coming within four rounds.

 

“This will be the historic first-time professional bouts will occur at West Point,” said Ray Barone, Army West Point Boxing Coach. “We've been asked before, but never has a boxing event been brought to us the way Ring City and NBC has. We want to showcase the cadets. We want to demonstrate that amateur boxing when conducted properly is safe. And we hope that this will become an annual event.”

 

Ring City USA will pay homage to the host venue and its rich history by honoring current and former service members. The academy’s history is evidenced by 10 National Boxing Championships and a curriculum that mandates all cadets participate in the school’s renowned boxing program. Ring City will highlight the West Point Boxing Team by presenting intramural scrimmages on the undercard.

 

More details on the Ring City USA event on April 22 from West Point will be announced at a later date. Follow Ring City USA on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates or visit www.ringcityusa.com.

 

About Ring City USA

Ring City, which launched in 2020, is boxing’s newest sports media platform. Working in tandem with a variety of promoters and talent, its new boxing series places an emphasis on competitive matchups that genuinely test the fighters and excite the fight fans. Ring City provides great fights in the ring and compelling shoulder programming outside of the ring. Ring City is the proving ground where up-and-coming talent can earn their stripes and launch themselves into the upper echelon of boxing stardom.

 

About West Point

The U.S. Military Academy at West Point is a four-year, co-educational, federal, liberal arts college located 50 miles north of New York City. It was founded in 1802 as America’s first college of engineering and continues today as the world’s premier leader-development institution, consistently ranked among top colleges in the country. Its mission remains constant—to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the nation as an officer in the U. S. Army. For more information, go to www.westpoint.edu.

 

By Behind The Gloves 02 Apr, 2021

DANNY BALL insists he’s ready to become British Welterweight champion even though it means beating close pal, Chris Jenkins.

The Black Country boxer showed big potential on his BT Sport debut outpointing unbeaten Sam Gilley last Friday in the first defence of his WBC International Silver title.

Ball (10-0-1, 4 KOs) knows the British 10st 7lb division is stacked, but is happy to take on Britain’s best and fellow Queensberry star Jenkins tops his hit list.

Ball said: “I’m a fighter and any fight against a top British Welterweight I wouldn’t say no to it.

“Realistically, I would like to have two fights just to stay active and fight anyone. I’m not fussed.

“If the opportunity came up I would love to challenge the British champion, Chris Jenkins. That is my biggest target.

“I know Chris well from sparring and we keep in touch with each other. He is a good lad, but in boxing you have to fight and try and beat friends.

“I wouldn’t turn that fight down and I don’t think Chris would be happy if I did refuse that fight.”

The turnaround in Ball’s career is remarkable having boxed at Light-Heavyweight on the white collar circuit and then shedding two stone to box as a professional.

Kingswinford’s Ball, 24, slimmed down and made his debut in July 2025 leaving even his family shocked at what he achieved.

“To have done what I have in three-and-a-half years and to be promoted by Frank Warren, one of the biggest promoters in the world means a lot,” added Ball.

“I boxed as an amateur and went onto the white collar circuit just to keep fit and stay involved in boxing for a bit of fun.

“I don’t think anybody would have expected me to get this far as a professional, even my family because I liked my food.

“People underestimated me and didn’t think I was dedicated enough to get down to Welterweight. I was fighting at 12st 7lb on the white collar circuit.

“I had a tough fight in my final white collar contest and thought; ‘I’m better than this,’ so I decided to push my body and see where I got and it has clicked.

“I have let my weight go before between fights, but now I have such a big platform I’m straight back in the gym and keeping my weight down.”

Despite ten hard rounds against Gilley, Ball has returned to light training ready for the call from Warren about his next test.

He says: “I’m still over the moon with the win against Sam and to get the opportunity on BT Sport on a Queensberry show is something else.

“It was good to get ten hard rounds in and not to have everything my own way. I am back in the gym and can improve as a fighter.

“It was my TV debut and I will never forget walking onto the platform and seeing all the cameras. I didn’t freeze on the big stage.

“Errol Johnson (manager) is hoping to speak with Frank this week and get some idea when we might be back, but how nice will it be to box in front of fans again?”

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