Jeff Horn Outlasts Gary Corcoran: Retains WBO World Title in Brisbane Battle
- By Behind The Gloves
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- 13 Dec, 2025
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Horn, who was making the first defence of the title he snatched from Manny Pacquiao in July, began the fight in sharp fashion, establishing his jab well in the middle of the ring as he sought to lay down a marker in-front of his hometown fans.
The early rounds were, however, extremely competitive, with the challenger throwing caution to the wind and applying pressure to Horn, which seemed to make the former schoolteacher uncomfortable. After spending the majority of his career as a Super Welterweight, Corcoran was able to physically impose himself on Horn as the fight drew on, opening up a cut over the left eye of 'The Hornet' in the fifth round.
With Horn seemingly having difficulties in making the 147lbs weight limit, he did exhibit signs of fatigue in the middle rounds, but was able to find a second wind as the bout wore on. While the fight was a toe-to-toe slugfest in the first six rounds, Horn showed intelligence to adjust to his opponent's advances, pot-shotting Corcoran and finding a safe exit to frustrate his man through the middle stages.
Despite a bright start - and remaining largely in the fight for significant periods of time - Corcoran was unable to find a higher gear, instead continuing with a basic, come-forward gameplan, which was by now neutralised by the Australian. As the contest entered the championship rounds, Horn continued to pull away, landing his right hand around the guard of Corcoran to open up a cut on his left eye.
Though both were bloodied and bruised, it was Horn in the ascendancy, and after landing a crunching right hand at the beginning of the tenth, the writing was on the wall for the game - yet limited - challenger.
After being read the riot act in between rounds, Corcoran bravely came out for the eleventh. However, the bout was called to a close soon after the resumption of the action, when after being caught flush with a left hook, 'Hell Raiser' was spared further punishment by referee Benjamin Estevez Jr. to hand Horn the TKO victory.
For Horn, the bout was a typically tough, attritional affair. With a highly-mooted Las Vegas showdown with former undisputed Super Lightweight champion Terence Crawford thought to be all-but-done for April, Horn professed his interest in the bout in his post-fight interview.
"If that's what the fans want, I guess that's what will happen." said Horn.
"This is the entertainment business!"
Corcoran was typically non-plussed when asked for comment in his own interview, stating that he agreed with the decision - albeit, he would have carried on.
"My corner know, I'm a tough f**ker." he said.
"I was taking too many shots, but I'll keep taking them. I've got a family at home, so I'm looking forward to going back and spending Christmas with my little girl."
The bout was an entertaining contest that, overall, lacked quality. With Crawford waiting in the wings, it remains to be seen how long Horn will hold on to his WBO strap. However, one thing is for certain, he will have to raise his game against the Nebraskan, should the fight come to pass: with many fans and observers considering Crawford to be among boxing's pound-for-pound elite.
Article by: Rob Tebbutt
You can follow Rob on Twitter at: @RobTebbutt
Hennessy Sports, Infinitum and Channel 5 are proud to announce that the prestigious British Heavyweight Championship* will return to terrestrial TV for the first time in nearly seven years when Champion Sam Sexton defends the title against Challenger Hughie Fury on Saturday 12th May at Bolton’s Macron Stadium, Premier Suite, exclusively live on Channel 5.
Promoter Mick Hennessy, returns to the network, to ensure that one of the most revered titles in British sport can once again be viewed by the nation for free.
Hughie himself is an alumni of Channel 5, where he commenced his professional career and learnt his trade from World Heavyweight Amateur Champion to World heavyweight title contender.
Now Hennessy returns with a mouthwatering domestic heavyweight clash that will headline an action-packed show which is set to whet the appetite of boxing fans and Channel 5 viewers as they battle it out for the Lord Lonsdale belt.
Sexton v Fury is the latest addition to an exciting line-up of free-to-air sports events in Channel 5’s extensive portfolio that currently includes Live Aviva Premiership Rugby matches (as well as a weekly highlights show), Live FIA Formula E, MotoGP and World Rally Championship highlights, weekly football highlights from across the EFL and the Carabao Cup, as well as international cricket highlights from all of the England Men’s and Women’s team’s home fixtures.
Hennessy said, “I’m delighted to bring the historic British Heavyweight Championship back to mainstream, free-to-air, television on Channel 5 where it will be seen by the biggest viewing audience possible due to their considerable reach and exposure. I can’t believe that it will be nearly seven years since the British Heavyweight title was last seen on free-to-air in the UK on Channel 5, which we also promoted. We’re back with a bang along with our partners Infinitum and thrilled to deliver a great fight for the fans between two proud and fierce warriors in Sam and Hughie and one that will make the whole country sit up and take notice. I’d like to thank Channel 5, Infinitum, Peter Fury and Graham Everett who were involved to make this happen and I can’t wait for May 12th.”
Caj Sohal, Head of Sport for Channel 5 said, “Live boxing is a key component of our sporting slate and we’re committed to delivering the most exciting bouts in the UK. We’re delighted to bring the British Heavyweight title to a wider audience and with two terrific heavyweight fighters stepping into the ring, this is a must-see fight for boxing fans.”
Sexton caused a massive upset when he travelled to Gary Cornish’s Edinburgh fortress last October and won on all three judges’ scorecards - despite a late onslaught from Cornish - to claim the vacant title and take it back home to Norwich.
Fearless Sexton now heads into Fury’s north-west hotbed to make the first defence of the title and is relishing the opportunity. He said, “I’m really excited to be boxing on a Mick Hennessy and Channel 5 show which is on free-to-air TV. It’s a great fight against a young world class opponent, but I believe I have the experience and ability to win and I won’t be at all phased going into Hughie’s homeland as I’ve proved in the past with Championship victories in Belfast, twice, and in Edinburgh.”
Sexton’s trainer Graham Everett, who’s developed four British Champions: Jon Thaxton, Liam Walsh, Ryan Walsh and Sexton, added, “There have been a number of offers for Sam, but this is the one he wanted. It’s a fantastic opportunity for Team Sexton and a great chance to boost our world ranking. We know that Hughie is a world class fighter and we want meaningful fights which is why Sam wanted to fight him.”
Fury heads straight back into title action in his first fight following his controversial points decision loss to WBO World Champion Joseph Parker last September and now aims to get back into world title contention.
At the age of just 23, Fury proved that he is a world class fighter and his best years are still ahead of him. The Manchester star is happy to get back into the ring again and aims to claim the British crown. He said, “I’m going to do what I always do and that’s perform to my best. I’m very excited to be back and facing Sexton for the British title and believe me I’m on a mission to claim back what should have been rightfully mine, the world title. I am the uncrowned world champion and come May 12 you will see why that is.”
Peter Fury, Hughie’s father and trainer, added, “We are delighted to be back in action on terrestrial TV in the UK on Channel 5 where Hughie has fought many times, challenging for the British title and delighted that it’s in Bolton. Hughie has proven he belongs on the world scene and what better way to have his comeback fight for the British title. Hughie has learned a lot from his controversial WBO World title fight and aims to be right back up there in good fights.”
Suzanne Speak, general manager of Bolton Whites Hotel, is thrilled to be hosting the big heavyweight showdown at the venue and said, “Bolton Whites is a unique and versatile venue and we are looking forward to staging the hugely anticipated contest between two renowned heavyweights.”
*Subject to BBBofC approval.
Notes
• A head-to-head press conference between Sam Sexton and Hughie Fury will be scheduled in the coming weeks. An announcement will be made through Hennessy Sports media channels.
• Ticket information and hospitality packages will be announced in due course via Hennessy Sports and the Bolton Whites Hotel social media channels.
• In the meantime, people can register their interest by sending their contact details to [email protected] .
Source: Hennessy Sports [Press Release]
Tete (26-3, 21 KO’s) had been due to defend his title against Narvaez in London this month but was forced to postpone the bout after suffering a calf injury in training but will now return to the scene of his record-breaking knockout win over Siboniso Gonya.
The thunderous punching South African won a legion of new fans back in November when he stopped countryman Gonya in just eleven seconds, setting a new World record for the fastest ever knockout recorded in a World Title fight.
‘Last Born’ floored Gonya with a brutal right hook just six seconds into the first defence of his 118lbs strap, firing a warning to WBA ‘Super’ Bantamweight Champion and Belfast native Ryan Burnett in the process.
Narvaez (47-2-2, 25 KO’s) is 5-0 since a knockout loss to Naoya Inoue and recently forced the previously unbeaten Nikolai Potapov to quite in seven. He has held the WBO Flyweight and Super-Flyweight World Titles and will be aiming to become a three-weight World Champion on April 21st.
“Let’s see who the real Bantamweight king is,” said Tete. “I want to unify the division and Ryan Burnett is standing in my way. Let’s not rob the public of a brilliant fight, they want to see the best fight the best.
“Until that fight is made I will do everything that is asked of me by my team. Narvaez is a mandatory defence and I’ll be aiming to dispatch him in style to make another statement. I can’t wait to put in another explosive performance for all of my new fans in Belfast, see you in April!”
“Tete is an exceptional talent and I’m delighted that he will be showcasing his skills in Belfast once again,” said Promoter Frank Warren. “We’re bringing him back to Belfast because we want to make the Ryan Burnett unification fight.
“If Tete keeps on dominating shows in Burnett’s hometown perhaps it will lure him out of hiding. Let’s give the fans the fight that they want to see. We want to make that fight in Belfast and I’m sure it would pack out the SSE Arena.”
Also added to the Frampton v Donaire card is Tamworth Light-Heavyweight prospect Ryan Hatton who will be aiming to improve his unbeaten record to 3-0 when he fights over four rounds.
Three tasty all-Irish fights feature on an action-packed undercard as Dubliner Jono Carroll (15-0, 2 KO’s) clashes with Belfast’s Marco McCullough (18-4, 11 KO’s) for the IBF European Super-Featherweight title, Tyrone McKenna (15-0-1, 6 KO’s) meets Light-Welterweight rival Philip Sutcliffe Jr (14-2, 9 KOs’), while WBO European Champion Conrad Cummings (12-1-1) and Irish champion Luke Keeler (13-2, 5 KO’s) will do battle at Middleweight.
Undefeated prospects Lewis Crocker, David Oliver Joyce, Steven Ward, Tyrone McCullagh, Sam Maxwell, Troy Williamson and Alex Dickinson complete an unmissable card.
*A limited number of tickets for Frampton v Donaire are available to purchase from the SSE Arena Belfast Box Office, www.ssearenabelfast.com and 0044(0)28 9073 9074. Prices range from £40 (tier) to £400 (inner-ring hospitality).
Source: Frank Warren PR [Press Release]
In the run-up to this Saturday’s World Boxing Super Series super middleweight semi-final between WBA super-middleweight titleholder George Groves and Chris Eubank Jr, a series of tweets from Chris Eubank Sr directed towards Groves hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
In it, he claimed to be concerned for Groves’ well-being in the upcoming fight, adducing his son’s physically punishing 2016 fight with Nick Blackwell, which ended the latter’s career after he suffered bleeding on the skull and had to spend time in a medically-induced coma. The tweet was met with almost universal contempt and denunciation by UK boxing figures. ‘Sick’, ‘disgraceful’, ‘disgusting’ and ‘foolishness’ are just some of the labels that have been attached to Eubank Sr in the wake of his comments.
The Mexican world title contender
will attempt to achieve two of his lifelong dreams
THIS FRIDAY, February 16, at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada
Live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and the ESPN App
Ortiz vs. Alexander & Plant vs. Medina Featured in Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Action Saturday, February 17 Live from Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas
Former welterweight world champions Victor Ortiz and Devon Alexander showed off their skills at a media workout in El Paso Wednesday, as they prepare for their Saturday, February 17 showdown that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes action from Don Haskins Center on the UTEP campus in El Paso, Texas.
Also in attendance at Wednesday's workout were undefeated contender Caleb "Sweethands'' Plant and Rogelio "Porky'' Medina , who battle in a super middleweight world title eliminator. Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and also features 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas battling Jorge Rojas .
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from the Wolves Den Boxing Gym:
VICTOR ORTIZ
"I had a great training camp. I just made sure to listen to my coach every day and grind every day with my team. You really have to grind when people say this is your 'last chance,' because I'm not ready for that.
"Every fight shows a lot. Every time I step into the ring it's a new challenge. I haven't had any shortcuts throughout my career. I've never treated a fight like an easy fight.
"Life tends to take you certain places and right now I'm where I'm supposed to be. I'm 31-years-old and I believe I'm going to be able to accomplish all my goals in this sport.
"Devon Alexander is a very fast boxer who was a champion for a reason. We've prepared for him in each and every way possible. We've worked hard to be in the best condition possible. I won't step out of the ring without that victory.
"I've done what I have to do to prepare for Devon Alexander. I have speed and power and that's a scary combination for any welterweight.
"I'm thankful for the support of El Paso and I'm proud to be fighting in the main event on Saturday. We're here to perform for everybody and have a great time."
DEVON ALEXANDER
"I feel great right now. It's been a tremendous training camp and I'm ready to go. I'm happy to be in El Paso to do something I love to do. Boxing is what I was born to do and I'm just ready for Saturday.
"Victor Ortiz is a good fighter. We've known each other for a long time. We used to fight in a lot of the same amateur tournaments. We go back a long way but this is business. We're not friends in the ring. We're not playing games.
"This fight is very important to me. This can catapult me back to title contention. If this doesn't go my way, it's very bad for my career. If I pull out the win, it could lead to tremendous opportunities for me. This is a do-or-die fight.
"I've added more power in this camp. But we've pretty much kept it typical with that emphasis on really looking good on fight night. It's just been an all-around good camp. Victor Ortiz can't bring something that we haven't seen before."
CALEB PLANT
"I'm ready for this fight. A lot of boxers say they had their best camp heading into a big fight, but I truly have never had a camp this good. From sparring to conditioning, mentally and spiritually, I'm on point.
"Medina is a tough competitor. He puts it all on the line and he doesn't quit. We've had problems in the past getting people to quit, but I feel we've figured out how to take me to that next level and get these guys out of there.
"This is a great USA vs. Mexico showdown. I'm coming to put on a show for all the fans here and watching on television.
"Everyone has a plan until they miss their first 40 punches. We both have plans, but all that matters is if you can translate that into the ring. Stylistically, I don't think he's fought anyone like me. It's exciting because everyone knows what both of us are coming to do. It's the bull versus the matador."
ROGELIO MEDINA
"The fact that I've been sparring with David Benavidez in camp and have Alex Ariza around has me feeling very confident. I'm in great shape and will be ready for a great performance on fight night.
"I know that Plant likes to run and stay on the outside. Once he feels my power, I know he's going to run even more. I've been making sure I'm in proper condition to chase him, cut the ring off and apply pressure.
"Everyone knows I like to fight coming forward. I'm fully confident in my abilities to get this win and earn another shot at the world title."
LAS VEGAS, NEV. (February 14, 2025) – Michelle Corrales-Lewis , the CEO of the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame , will unveil the Class of 2018 Tomorrow! February 15 at Rhythm & Riffs at Mandalay Bay. The announcement will be made immediately following the Danny Garcia - Brandon Rios press conference , which begins at 1 p.m. PT.
The 14-member class includes some of the greatest fighters in the history of the game. Several inductees will be on hand and available for interviews. They will be introduced by Hall of Fame broadcaster Al Bernstein.
Bernstein, who will be ringside on Saturday, Feb. 17, for Showtime to call the Garcia-Rios fight, is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame as well as an inaugural member of the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame.
“This is our sixth class and as far as I’m concerned, I think it is one of our best,” Corrales-Lewis said. “These are names the fans know and love and I’m excited we are able to honor their careers and their many achievements in the sport by inducting them into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame.”
The members of the Class of 2018 will be inducted in a star-studded gala on Saturday, August 18 at Caesars Palace. Tickets to the induction gala, priced from $95 to $500, will go on sale at www.nvbhof.com Tomorrow! Thursday, February 15.
The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame is an IRS 501 (c)3 charity and all donations are tax deductible. The Hall’s charitable contributions over the five years since its formation have helped boxers in need and boxing-related charities. Donations are welcome.
The Hall was founded in 2013 by noted boxing broadcaster Rich Marotta.
Last feud on words: Two gladiators putting it all on the line
WBA Super Champion George Groves (27-3, 20 KOs) and IBO World Champion Chris Eubank Jr. (26-1, 20 KOs) exchanged words for at last time before their Ali Trophy semi-final clash on Saturday at the Manchester Arena.
“I have been involved in big fights before and I’ve learned a lot along the way,” said Groves. “This is a tremendous fight but it’s not my biggest fight to date. But I am in the form of my life, certainly I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in through my career. I’m fully prepared to go out there and retain my world title in style.”
“It’s not an expression that I particularly like but it comes down to levels and I’m levels above Junior.”
“I’ve sacrificed a lot and I’ve been through some terrible times to get here. Desire is one thing I’ve always had in abundance. I’ve picked myself up from the lowest points and now I’m at the top and enjoying it. I won’t be taking my eye off the ball.”
“I’m the number one seed and I will go on to win this tournament and win it well. I started last year and will continue this week. I’m ready and hopefully, he is too.”
Said Chris Eubank Jr.: “What motivates me is becoming the number one super middleweight in the world. This is my stage, my time, my opportunity to show everyone that everything I’ve been saying is real. It’s time to prove the doubters, the nay-sayers and keyboard warriors wrong”
“I’ve been dreaming about fighting on a stage like this since I was 14 years old. Two of the best super middleweights in the world are putting it all on the line and me being victorious on Saturday night. That’s my motivation.”
“The talking has been done and the levels and preparations and weight are irrelevant now. It’s just about going out there and performing. I’m willing to do that, but I don’t think George is fully committed to giving everything to win.”
“There is nothing George can do that is going to stop me.”
“This is a defining fight for me. It can propel me to the top of the sport. It gives me the right to say I’m the number one super middleweight in the world. Two world titles. That’s every fighter’s dream but this is just the beginning.
“It’s collecting season and I’m coming for all the belts. After the tournament, every other belt holder is on the hit list. George Groves is just the first.”
“The only thing Shane McGuigan needs to worry about on Saturday is having that white towel ready.”
Said Shane McGuigan, Groves’ trainer: “I’m not going to give away our tactics but we’ve prepared well. This has been the best camp we’ve ever had. We’ve sparred many, many rounds with some top quality operators.”
“I don’t think Chris Eubank has prepared the way we have, not in terms of the top quality experience that we have had.”
“We need to go out and execute the gameplan and come away with the win and that’s that.”
Said Ronnie Davies, Eubank Jr.’s trainer: “I’m with Chris seven says a week, we work together. He’s a phenomenal talent. Angelo Dundee never told Muhammad Ali what to do. He is a phenomenal fighter and he’s had good sparring, enough sparring with about 15 different opponents of good quality.”
“Chris is so talented that no matter who you put in front of him he’ll more than likely beat them up.”
Said Kalle Sauerland, Comosa’s Chief Boxing Officer: “It’s great to be here. Manchester is a great fight city and some great fights have taken place here before. And something special is taking place here this Saturday.”
“The World Boxing Super Series set out to do a number of things, unify championships, create storylines and build characters all the way from the draw to the final in the O2 Arena in London on 2nd June. This fight does that.”
“It’s a credit to the tournament that it’s put together a fight that would otherwise take years to make. It will capture the nation, I think it’s captured the nation already. It’s a fight between two athletes with vast amounts of talent in different areas. They are two gladiators putting it all on the line.”
For details on how to watch the British gladiators, on how to watch the hotly anticipated Ali Trophy semi-final, go to itvboxoffice.com
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SENIESA 'SUPER BAD' ESTRADA TO HEADLINE MARCH 16 RETURN OF LA FIGHT CLUB AGAINST SONIA OSORIO ON ESTRELLATV'S BOXEO ESTELAR
LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECT OSCAR DUARTE TO RETURN
IN CO-MAIN EVENT JOUSCE 'TITO' GONZALEZ TO OPEN TELECAST IN SIX-ROUND FIGHT
Tickets on Sale Now!
Building on the momentum of women's boxing in the current era of pugilism, the exciting Seniesa "Super Bad" Estrada (11-0, 2 KOs) will headline the highly anticipated March 16 return of LA FIGHT CLUB in an eight-round flyweight fight against Sonia Osorio (8-5-1, 1 KO) at the Belasco Theater in Downtown Los Angeles, Calif. and televised live on EstrellaTV's Boxeo Estelar .
Estrada is a flyweight prospect who signed with Golden Boy Promotions in January of this year. The native of East Los Angeles, Calif. earned multiple titles as an amateur boxer before turning professional in 2011. Since then, the 24-year-old has developed into one of the biggest names in women's boxing, fighting on important cards in the Los Angeles area, including an edition of LA FIGHT CLUB in 2016.
"I am very excited and ready to make my Golden Boy Promotions debut in my hometown," said Estrada. "I've been working harder than ever to put on a great performance for my fans and for those who have not seen me fight. I hope to entertain and gain many more fans throughout my career with Golden Boy Promotions, and I can't wait to kick off 2018 with a great victory."
Osorio, a student of the Mexican school of boxing, has only been in tough fights in her career. The 25-year-old is coming off a unanimous decision victory win longtime veteran Noemi Bosques, and she is fearless in her attempt to ruin Estrada's coming out party in her own territory.
"I'm excited to headline this fight against Seniesa Estrada," said Osorio. "More than anything else, I'm excited to fight in California for the first time. I know that Estrada is an important name in women's boxing in the United States, but I'll demonstrate that Mexican fighters are not scared of fighting outside their home country and on enemy turf."
Oscar Duarte (12-0-1, 8 KOs), the lightweight prospect of Parral, Mexico, will return in the co-main event in a six-round fight. Duarte will return after a spectacular fourth-round stoppage victory against Juan Jose Montes in October of last year.
Jousce "Tito" Gonzalez (6-0, 6 KOs) will open the Boxeo Estelar telecast in a six-round fight in the 130-pound division. Gonzalez is a hard-hitting puncher who will look to retain his 100% knockout ratio in his first fight as an official member of the Golden Boy Promotions stable.
Super Lightweight contender Antonio "Relentless" Orozco (26-0, 17 KOs) of San Diego, Calif. will make his highly anticipated return in an eight-round super lightweight fight. Newly-signed prospect Blair Cobbs (7-0, 5 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada will open the night of action in a six-round bout in the welterweight division.
Opponents for this exciting card will be announced shortly.
Estrada vs. Osorio is an eight-round flyweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate "THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING" and Casa Mexico Tequila. The Boxeo Estelar broadcast will air live on EstrellaTV at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The card will also stream live on EstrellaTV.com and on YouTube via LBI Media, Inc.'s Fenomeno Studios. Mark your calendars and buy your tickets for the upcoming shows on April 6, June 1, July 6, Aug. 10, and Oct. 12.
Media interested in attending the March 16 edition of LA FIGHT CLUB must be pre-approved for credentials. Credential applications are due Monday, March 12 at 5:00 p.m., and can be found here . Submitting an application does not guarantee approval for a credential. You cannot transfer your credentials to someone else. Media will not be credentialed on-site, no exceptions.
Tickets for LA FIGHT CLUB start at the fan-friendly price of $25 and are available for purchase now at www.goldenboytickets.com , the Golden Boy Promotions Facebook page, or by calling 213-233-2957.
For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com , www.thebelasco.com, and www.estrellatv.com . Follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @EstrellaTV. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing , www.facebook.com/TheBelascoLA and www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork . Visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @belascola and @EstrellaTV. Follow the conversation using #LAFIGHTCLUB and #BoxeoEstelar.
Videos and images are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/EstradaOsorio . Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for any photos/video.
Callum Johnson is determined to make up for his frustrating absence from the ring when he takes on Frank Buglioni for the British Light-Heavyweight title at The O2 in London on March 24, live on Sky Sports.
Johnson has not boxed since landing a unique Commonwealth double by adding the pro title to his 2014 gold medal with a destructive ninth round KO of Willbeforce Shihepo in Manchester in September 2016, but injury issues have forced him to wait until March to get back in the ring.
‘The One’ had been set to face Buglioni for both titles in Cardiff in October but injury took away the chance to fight at Principality Stadium and he was replaced by Craig Richards, who pushed Buglioni the full distance. Now the fully fit 32 year old wants to add the Lord Lonsdale belt to his Commonwealth strap before targeting even bigger prizes.
“It’s been a while since I’ve fought and I’m counting down the days,” said Johnson. “I had to pull out of the last one with injury and then we had a few complications which kept me out longer than hoped but if anything, that has spurred me on to put on a performance come March 24.
“I pulled my chest muscle which was the initial problem. I went to the hospital to have an X-ray and they then found something else which needed extra testing to make sure everything was OK and there wasn’t any underlying problem. I’ve had all of the tests and now we’re fully firing back in training.
“I’m feeling fit and strong and the sharpness is coming back. Come fight night we’ll be more than ready. It feels as if I’ve been given a second chance for this fight and I am determined to grab it with both hands.
“I haven’t watched Frank’s fight with Richards who stepped in to replace me back in October. I was feeling very down it wasn’t me in there fighting him, so I couldn’t bring myself round to watching it. But I’ll make sure I give it a once over in the build up to the fight.
“People have said to me they weren’t too impressed and it was the same old Frank. He’s strong and fit and keeps coming but I’ll make my own mind up. I know what he’s about, I’ll have to be at my best to beat him.
“The division is thriving at the minute. I heard Frank say he wants to wipe out the whole of the domestic division, my plans are to derail Frank’s ambitions. It’s not personal but at the end of the day I want what he’s got.
“It’s not just the belt, it’s everything that comes with it. He’s World ranked with a few of the governing bodies. He’s only a few fights away from big, big fights – I win and I’ll take his place, there’s a lot at stake. What’s happened is in the past, were here now and ready to put on a show and do the business.”
Johnson and Buglioni clash on a huge night of action in Greenwich as Dillian Whyte and Lucas Browne meet for Whyte’s WBC Silver Heavyweight title in a crucial clash for the division.
Tickets for Whyte vs. Browne at The O2 in London are on sale now priced £40, £60 and £100 from www.theO2.co.uk . VIP tickets priced £200 are exclusively available from www.matchroomboxing.com
Face value tickets for March 24 are available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.
Source: Matchroom Boxing [Press Release]
This time, however, 'Saint George' will enter the ring as a seasoned World champion as opposed to an irreverent, fresh challenger.
After capturing the WBA 'Super' crown with a dramatic sixth-round stoppage win over sturdy Russian Fedor Chudinov last May, Groves would make a successful first defence of his title in the quarter-final of the tournament, knocking out countryman and former amateur teammate Jamie Cox in the fourth round with a sickening body shot at London's Wembley Arena.
More than four years on from his thrilling first encounter with unified champion Carl Froch, Groves returns to the same Manchester Arena venue, where he will be hoping for a happier conclusion to Saturday night's clash with Eubank Jr.
The bout with Froch - in which he sensationally dropped the iron-chinned champion in the opening round - was considered to be the Hammersmith man's breakout fight on the world scene. Despite suffering a controversial ninth round stoppage loss, Groves emerged with his reputation - and profile - greatly enhanced.
Referee Howard Foster's intervention (generally regarded as premature by most observers) precipitated a decidedly cagier, money-spinner of a rematch six months later in-front of 80,000 fans at Wembley Stadium. However, there was to be another unhappy - yet decidedly more conclusive - ending for Groves, after he was knocked out cold by the Nottingham veteran in the eighth round.
World championship glory continued to remain elusive for Groves, as he suffered a split-decision loss to WBC titleholder Badou Jack the following September before switching trainers to Shane McGuigan, the man he credits with his professional and personal revival.
