Jordan Gill to Face Jason Cunningham in British Title Eliminator on February 25th in Manchester

Saturday’s World Boxing Super Series super middleweight semi-final between WBA super-middleweight British stars George Groves and Chris Eubank Jr is forecast by many to be a tight affair.

Even amongst Behind the Gloves contributors, the consensus leans towards a victor being determined by points. While both men have, at one point or another, had their punching power called into question, they have also left a trail of destruction in their wake that suggests these question marks may be unfounded.

Indeed, over the last decade multiple opponents have buckled behind the collective weight of their knuckles...

Groves vs Sierra (28/07/12) 

Groves, the 24-year-old British and Commonwealth super-middleweight champion, made a triumphant return to the ring following nine months out due to a succession of injuries. While an easy fight was anticipated, crisp early work from the Mexican Sierra lead to a deep cut forming above Groves’ eye in the third round. The Brit looked to unload and finish the fight before the bruise could worsen. A series of brutal hooks landed flush to send Sierra crashing to the canvas for the first time in his career in the sixth, before the fight was ended shortly thereafter by a towel from the Sierra corner.

Groves vs Gonzalez (25/05/13)

Groves’ first association with nemesis Carl Froch came on the undercard of the Cobra’s second bout with Dane Mikkel Kessler.  Groves, the bigger man as he will be on Saturday evening, dominated the early exchanges against an opponent who was happy to cover up. He floored the Uruguayan Gonzalez in the fifth with a brutal uppercut, and saw the fight waved off by the referee before further damage could be done.

Eubank Jr vs Micsko (12/04/14)

Despite a succession of impressive performances beforehand, Eubanks first appearance on this list comes against Hungarian journeyman Sandor Micsko. Unsurprisingly, he made light work of his opponent, flattening him in the second round with a stunning left uppercut and leaving him prone on the canvas. Not that this is what the fight came to be remembered for – rather, it was Eubanks chiselled, confident gaze into the camera after the fact that caught the imagination of the nation.

Eubank Jr vs Jukic (26/07/14)

In the fifth of six fights in a ten-month period, Eubank Jr came up against Croatian Ivan Jukic on the undercard of Saunders vs Blaundamura in Manchester. This opponent was dispatched in even quicker time, with only just 2 minutes and 40 seconds of the first round having elapsed before a cacophony of rights and lefts saw the fight waved off by the referee.

Eubank Jr vs Blackwell (26/03/16)

A bout that will live long in the memory of even the most casual British boxing fan. Junior’s flurry’s and deadly accurate shots left Blackman reeling in the early rounds and his father Chris Eubank senior, with memories of his own tragic fight with Michael Watson in mind, implored the referee to bring an end to proceedings. When his warnings were not heeded, he instructed his son to stop hitting his opponent in the head, so as to protect the fighter. When the referee finally called a stop in the 10th round, Blackwell was taken to hospital with bleeding on the brain and placed in a medically-induced coma from which he fully recovered.

Groves vs Cox (14/10/17)

The opening fight of the World Boxing Super Series First round saw the first-seeded Groves choose undefeated countryman Jamie Cox as his opponent, brazenly stating his wish to "pick the easy guy first". And he made sure to back his strong words with action, dominating every round of the bout despite his brave opponent continuing to come forward. An easily telegraphed outcome finally came about in the fourth, as a brutal body shot saw Cox slump to the canvas, unable to rise.

Mark Deakin ( @prettyboydeakin ) - Groves

At range this is one-way traffic for Groves. I expect a great fight with Groves having the superior game plan and punishing Eubank with the jab. Groves by late stoppage, somewhere around the tenth round.


Michael Rueda ( @wolf2988 ) - Eubank Jr.

I feel as though Groves will try to establish his jab and neutralise Eubank’s pressure. Groves is the more experienced fighter although Eubank, in my opinion, is the stronger puncher - despite being the naturally smaller man. Eubank won’t be reckless, he will fight smart, which may allow Groves to build an early lead. However, I believe he will eventually break Groves down by the eleventh round in a great fight.
 

Navi Singh ( @hombre__obscuro ) – Eubank Jr.

Although the defending WBA champion is the smarter, more seasoned, more powerful, fighter; I think this will ultimately boil down to pure athleticism on the night. I believe Eubank will set an impossibly high pace for Groves for maintain and as a result the latter will eventually be overwhelmed by his opponent's superior stamina and speed. A series of unanswered punches will force a stoppage in Eubank's favour, perhaps earlier than many people expect, around the fifth or sixth round.
 

Jaime Ingleby ( @jaime_ingleby79 ) – Groves

During my youth, Senior was my favourite fighter. I loved his power punching and maverick attitude. That being said, the son is not the father, and won’t have an answer for Groves’ jab, which is devastatingly accurate and in my opinion, one of the best in boxing. I expect Groves to control the distance and land consistently with right hand missiles over twelve rounds. Groves on points.


Paul Lam ( @PaulTheWallLam ) – Eubank Jr.

Eubank impressed me with the manner in which he took out Avni Yildirim in the WBSS quarter-finals. Yildirim may be crude and one-dimensional, but he’s also a tough son-of-a-gun and was the much bigger man. George Groves is in a different league in terms of boxing skills and a bigger puncher to boot, but has been buzzed and hurt by the likes of Paul Smith Jr and Denis Douglin, not to forget being pole-axed by Carl Froch in their second fight. On the other hand, there can be no doubt over Eubank’s toughness and granite chin. I expect him to take Groves’ best shots and dole out more punishment in return than the Saint can handle down the stretch. Eubank by late rounds stoppage.
 
Emmily Simcock ( @emmily_jane ) – Groves

Like many others, I have found it difficult to initially pick a winner for this one. Initially, I thought Eubank would have the edge with his youth and pace proving decisive; but after studying Groves lately, he appears to have reverted back to the dangerous fighter he was under Adam Booth. Now I feel Groves will take it in points by controlling the fight with his jab - providing he can withstand the onslaught from Eubank.


Richard Humberstone ( @RHumberstonePT ) – Groves

In boxing there are some certain truths, and one of those truths is “a good big man will always beat a good little man”. I believe this will be evident on the night of the 17th. To Eubank’s credit, he is ferocious and has a fantastic work rate. However, I do not believe this will be enough. I think Groves is the technically superior fighter and carries more power. Ultimately, it all depends whether Groves can ride the Eubank storm. Let’s see! Groves on points for me.


Luke Madeira ( @lukemadeira15 ) - Groves

Personally, I can only see one winner in this fight. Groves is naturally the bigger man, and people are sorely underrating his punching-power in this one. If he can stay disciplined behind his jab then I think the first half of the fight will resemble the BJS-Eubank fight, but unlike Saunders, Groves will keep his foot on the gas and systematically break Eubank down. Groves stoppage between eight and ten rounds.
 

Allan McGoldrick ( @AMCGUK ) – Groves

This is a semi-final which would arguably surpass the final of this competition, and will likely will be the most viewed fight of the entire tournament, when all is said and done. Eubank will put forth a valiant effort - however Groves, the more cerebral operator, will wins this one on points.


Will Lott ( @WillLott27 ) – Groves

Groves experience and superior jab should be enough for him get the job done. The question is whether he will be able to deal with Eubank’s speed, coupled with his relentless body punching. I would go for a Groves decision or possible late stoppage.
 

Charlotte Prior ( @charlottelily89 ) - Groves

Although a lot of people think this will be a close fight, I think Groves’ experience will come out on top. As long as he stays focused and doesn’t push too hard for the knockout, I think he will win by a close points decision.


Adam Samuel – Groves

I am anticipating a close fight that will be decided in the early rounds. Groves should keep Eubank at bay behind his jab throughout the first half, but Eubank's speed and durability will unquestionably become a factor late on. Clearly, Groves is the more powerful and decorated fighter but I can see him weathering some heavy pressure from round nine, onwards. Regardless of all of this, I’ll go for Groves on points.


Jack Hopgood – Groves

A fight where any outcome is very possible. I do favour Groves on points. His experience, size and jab will too much for Eubank who will be caught repeatedly as he attempts to force Groves onto the back-foot. Despite this, I see it being a competitive affair, with Eubank having his moments, however Groves will ultimately gain the upper hand and emerge victorious on the night.


Results:

Groves - 10

Eubank Jr. - 3

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]

Zolani Tete will make the second defence of his WBO Bantamweight World Championship against Omar Andres Narvaez on the blockbuster Frampton v Donaire bill at Belfast’s SSE Arena on Saturday 21st April.
 
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 .