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Ben Shalom and Sky have embraced Adam Azim as their fast rising star, which the 22-year-old’s head coach Shane McGuigan believes is justified and reinforced by the increased maturity from an ambitious contender eager to assert himself on the world scene – starting with a former champion Saturday. Continue reading “McGuigan hails Azim’s maturity before Lipinets test, Billam-Smith’s return set”
Fresh after a fantastic knockout win over Derrick Osaze and armed with a proud support team celebrating his latest highlight reel finish to close another York Hall show, I spoke with Denzel Bentley as he surveys the middleweight scene. Beforehand, there were several boxers ringside sharing updates about their respective return timelines, fight dates and what they would like next. Continue reading “Exclusive: Bentley open to Sheeraz-Denny winner as six boxers give return updates”
Long-standing cruiserweight contender Richard Riakporhe will get his maiden shot at championship gold in a rematch against WBO world champion Chris Billam-Smith, five years after edging a split decision win over ten rounds when both were 9-0 prospects. While a date in April or May is TBC, the 34-year-old was angry during an awkward interview between them in Saturday’s Sky broadcast. Continue reading “Riakporhe jaws at Billam-Smith during interview, rematch set for WBO world title”
He started well and endured some messier moments late on, but heavyweight prospect Frazer Clarke improved to 7-0 and banked invaluable experience against former world title challenger Mariusz Wach in BOXXER’s main event from York Hall, after Caroline Dubois proved her world-level credentials at 135lbs while cruiserweight Viddal Riley left no doubt in an anticipated rematch. Continue reading “Clarke earns UD10 win over Wach, after decisive victories for Dubois and Riley”
Adam Azim’s abrupt hand injury saw another of Sky’s prospects being promoted to top the bill on short-notice in BOXXER’s York Hall show this coming Friday. As such, I spoke to highly-rated rising heavyweight Frazer Clarke at Oxford Circus on a series of topics as he faces the toughest test of a professional career still in its infancy against former world title challenger Marius Wach this weekend. Continue reading “Exclusive: Frazer Clarke interview – Perspective, CBS-Okolie and headlining York Hall vs. Mariusz Wach on Friday”
Light-welterweight prospect Adam Azim improved to 8-0 and won his first professional title with a lopsided UD win over Santos Reyes. Beforehand, Viddal Riley passed his latest cruiserweight test and Zak Chelli outboxed a frustrating American over 10 rounds after Tyler Denny successfully defended his English middleweight title against a competitive Brad Pauls showing. Continue reading “BOXXER London: Azim outboxes durable Reyes, after Chelli and Denny earn comfortable decision wins”
Light-welterweight prospect Adam Azim prepares to headline his second card in eleven weeks this Saturday against an unknown quantity in fellow unbeaten boxer Santos Reyes, topping the bill from Wembley’s OVO Arena. Zak Chelli returns at super-middleweight against stern overseas opposition, Tyler Denny defends his English middleweight strap vs. a determined Brad Pauls while Caroline Dubois and Viddal Riley are among the notable names also set to feature. Continue reading “BOXXER London preview: Adam Azim relishes main event role, Denny-Pauls in a domestic duel and more”
After his Oct. 8 showdown with Conor Benn was cancelled, Chris Eubank Jr’s world title pursuit resumes against former super-welterweight world champion Liam Smith. Both are in the back half of their respective careers and after contrasting routes back to top contention, they collide in Manchester on January 21. So, who said what at the first official press conference yesterday?
Continue reading “Chris Eubank Jr vs. Liam Smith: Given their world title ambitions, neither can afford to lose on Jan. 21”
2023 promises to be compelling for Natasha Jonas as she now holds three super-welterweight world titles, after proving too much for Marie Eve Dicaire in their competitive main event at Manchester’s AO Arena on Saturday night. Elsewhere, there were contrasting wins for cruiserweight prospect Viddal Riley and Olympic bronze medallist Frazer Clarke, while two domestic title fights delivered as promised: an entertaining evening’s action in the North West.
Riding the crest of a wave featuring marquee victories for Alycia Baumgardner and Claressa Shields over the past month, Natasha Jonas faces Canada’s Marie Eve Dicaire in a world super-welterweight title unification headliner at Manchester’s AO Arena. Aware big bouts remain in the pipeline with a main event victory tonight, can the Scouser deliver in her final act of 2022? Continue reading “Preview: Natasha Jonas looks to cap an unforgettable 2022 against Marie Eve Dicaire”
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