https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcVQIsTsWdW1DbM9MPaWXOQ

Bad Blood Podcast, Newcastle upon Tyne (2024)

04/11/2024

LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT TALENT CONOR WALLACE SIGNS LONG-TERM PROMOTIONAL PARTNERSHIP WITH MATCHROOM, GOLDSTAR AND TASMAN FIGHTERS

The Australian-based Irishman is ranked No.2 by the IBF and fights next on December 11 – live on DAZN

Matchroom Boxing, in partnership with Goldstar Promotions and Tasman Fighters, is delighted to announce the signing of Conor Wallace.

The Australian-based Irishman, who boasts an impressive 14-1 record with 10 victories coming by the way of knockout, is considered to be one of the most exciting Light-Heavyweights on the planet.

Ranked No.2 by the IBF, the 28-year-old Newry-born southpaw is favourably placed across the 175lbs weight class with the WBO placing him at No.5 and the WBC listing Wallace at No.6.

Wallace – who fights next on December 11, live on DAZN – is determined to close in on a World Title shot in a division that is almost certain to open up in 2025.

"I'm very excited,” said Wallace. "I've dreamt about being a World Champion since I was a young boy. That is my ultimate goal.

"I'm looking forward to some huge nights ahead with Matchroom, Tasman Fighters and Goldstar – and I'm fully focused on the job at hand on December 11."

Billed as a “Christmas Cracker” Down Under, Wallace will be hoping to spread some early festive cheer when he faces South Africa’s Asemahle 'The Predator' Wellem, headlining at the Fortitude Music Hall in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia – a hometown venue where Wallace has won on all five previous visits via stoppages.

Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn said: “This is a fantastic signing for us – and one we are thrilled to be working alongside Mick Francis at Tasman Fighters and Spencer Brown at Goldstar.

“There is no denying Conor’s ability and certainly it is going to be hard to stop him. I can see an incredibly bright future for him in the ring and there are many big fights ahead in a division that promises to deliver more fireworks in 2025.”

Spencer Brown, Founder of Goldstar Promotions, said: “I’m very happy to be working with Eddie and Mick to help guide Conor, who promises to become a future a world champion in the sport.

“He is an incredibly skilled and talented fighter – and one I am genuinely excited to be sharing this journey with.

“His stock is already very high Down Under and on December 11, I believe the entire boxing world will put be on notice. Conor is coming for it all.”

Tasman Fighters promoter Mick Francis added: "Having Eddie Hearn and Spencer Brown supporting Tasman Fighters and Conor Wallace is a game changer.

"I can’t think of a better partnership in boxing and gives Conor the opportunity to fight here in Australia and around the world as the home side. We are all looking forward to the future.”

Joining Wallace on the December 11 bill is unbeaten Heavyweight Justis Hunni (10-0, 5 KOs), who takes on Argentina southpaw Leandro ‘La Bestia’ Robutti (11-6, 8 KOs) over eight rounds.

You can follow Wallace's journey on Instagram: cpw96

02/11/2024

WELSH AMATEUR STAR TAYLOR BEVAN SIGNS WITH MATCHROOM
Commonwealth Games Silver medallist set for
pro debut on November 30

2022 Commonwealth Games silver medallist Taylor Bevan has signed a long-term promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and will make his professional debut at Super-Middleweight on the huge Sunny Edwards vs. Galal Yafai card at BP Pulse LIVE in Birmingham on Saturday November 30, shown live worldwide on DAZN.

Following a successful spell in the amateurs in which Bevan represented Team GB for two and a half years from January 2022 – four years after joining the Welsh camp full-time – the 23-year-old will begin his journey in the professional ranks under the guidance of former British, European and Commonwealth Welterweight Champion Colin Jones at Sport Wales National Centre in Cardiff.

“I’m really excited about joining Matchroom,” said Bevan. “I feel like I’ve been waiting to turn pro for a long time. It’s something that since I started boxing, I’ve always wanted to do. Matchroom is one of the biggest companies out there in the sport and I’m just really looking forward to it.

“I feel like now is the right time to turn pro because everything has fallen into place for me. The Olympic dream didn’t work out for me this year. I had the option to wait another four years and try and go to the LA Olympics, but I just feel like I’m at a good age now. I can take my time in the pros and really build into it.

“I boxed for Wales for seven years internationally. I went to the Commonwealth Games in 2022 in Birmingham and got a silver medal. Following the Commonwealth Games I got onto Team GB. I was on there for two and a half years and had some great experiences with them.

“I won multiple gold medals at international tournaments and boxed some of the best boxers in the world at my weight, beating some of them as well. I’ve had good experience in the amateurs, and I had about 100 fights. I've travelled all around the world for competitions and training camps and had some amazing experiences and created great memories for life.

“The support from Matchroom and DAZN is going to be great. It’s a great platform to box on and the shows are all amazing. It’s going to be a massive help. I feel like I’ve got a very experienced team. Tomas and Brian have managed some of the best fighters in the world, which gives me massive confidence in them.

“My training team Colin Jones and Sean McGoldrick, they’re very experienced as well. I’ve trained with the Wales team for about seven years now, so I trust them, and I know they’ve got my best interests at heart. I’m really looking forward to turning pro with them. I’ve got an exciting style; I’m come forward and aggressive with fast hands. I’ve got a bit of power as well – fans are going to love watching me fight.”

“I’m delighted to welcome Commonwealth Games silver medallist Taylor Bevan to the Matchroom Boxing team,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Taylor joins us following a hugely successful stint in the amateurs with Team GB and Welsh Boxing. He has an experienced team behind him with Colin Jones and Brian Peters, and I’m looking forward to guiding Taylor towards honours at Super-Middleweight. Professional debuts don’t come much bigger than the massive Sunny Edwards vs. Galal Yafai showdown in Birmingham on November 30. Watch it live around the world on DAZN.”

You can follow Bevan’s journey on Instagram: taylorbevan1

01/11/2024

EDDIE HEARN’S MATCHROOM PROVIDES MAJOR FINANCIAL BOOST TO 100 UK AMATEUR BOXING CLUBS IN NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH EMPIRE FIGHTING CHANCE

Thousands of young people, aged 8 to 25, will benefit from huge grassroots investment

Matchroom Boxing is today delighted to announce a groundbreaking, major investment partnership with pioneering boxing charity Empire Fighting Chance to support up to 100 amateur boxing clubs across the UK.

Fresh from receiving Parliamentary praise from MP Chris Webb in the House of Commons for its outstanding work in the Community, the world’s leading boxing promoter Matchroom has further underlined its commitment to inspiring the heart and soul of the sport.

Thanks to a sizeable six-figure contribution, courtesy of the Matchroom Charitable Foundation, the exciting, new association will benefit thousands of young people over the next three years.

Empire work with young people aged 8 to 25 who have been hit by inequality and poverty. The young people Empire work with are often experiencing poor physical and mental health as the result of trauma and toxic conditions.

Empire combines non-contact boxing with intensive personal support to challenge and inspire young people to realise their unique potential. Empire’s model features a powerful fusion of boxing and psychology, delivered by coaches and therapists that young people can trust, in a place where they feel safe, cared for and understood.

The outstanding results in Bristol inspired local authorities in South Wales to invite Empire to replicate their work in deprived communities across the region.

And now, over the next three years, Empire and Matchroom will work with around 100 amateur boxing clubs across the UK, providing them with the resources to deliver Empire’s psychologically informed programmes and develop sustainable business models.

Eddie Hearn, Chairman at Matchroom Sport, said: “Sometimes we can’t help enough, because there are so many people who need help. And whilst we will continue to make meaningful contributions to grassroots clubs across the UK, this partnership with Empire Fighting Chance enables us to sustain charitable donations in a way that not only helps clubs to survive but also supports thousands of young people to thrive. This partnership will have a significant impact on the lives of many, and we are delighted to be involved.”

Alex Le Guével, Matchroom Boxing Head of Community Development, added: “At Matchroom, we are totally committed to supporting and developing the sport at grassroots level. Our partnership with Empire Fighting Chance will redefine grassroots boxing provision, firstly in the UK, before expanding to impact communities worldwide.”

Empire Fighting Chance co-founders Martin Bisp and Jamie Sanigar, said: “Partnering with Matchroom is an exciting opportunity to elevate our work to a global platform. We’re grateful for Matchroom’s generosity and long-term commitment to helping us transform boxing clubs across the UK and beyond. Boxing holds a unique position within communities; people who might never walk into traditional support services find their way through the doors of Empire Fighting Chance and our partner clubs.

“Through our network, we are reducing poor mental health, helping young people exit criminal behaviour and gangs. Our work saves lives, and alongside Matchroom, we have the chance to forever change the boxing landscape.”

Empire Fighting Chance’s story began eighteen years ago from the Empire Amateur Boxing Club when founders Martin and Jamie spotted two young men dealing drugs in a park near to their gym in inner city Bristol. They decided to tackle their behaviour by inviting them for a private training session. Both enjoyed it and turned up the following week with a few friends. Within six weeks 50 young people were attending sessions five nights a week. Over time they have evolved from a small boxing project into a national charity using a pioneering approach that harnesses the power of sport.

Empire now directly supports approximately 3,500 young people each year. Empire’s work gives young people the skills, knowledge, and inspiration they need to make positive changes to how they think and behave and to improve their lives. Despite the chronic adversity they face, they return to school, exit gangs, develop positive relationships, get work, and feel healthier and happier.

The Empire model has allowed them to identify exceptional organisations further afield, training and supporting them to deliver their work across the UK.

In March 2022, Empire officially partnered with England Boxing to amplify their impact through amateur boxing clubs. Empire recruit, train, and support boxing clubs to deliver Empire programmes in their communities.

These clubs have in turn supported 15,000 young people and raised more than £2million resulting in sustainable transformation for their communities.

If your boxing club is interested in working with Empire Fighting Chance, please contact [email protected]

For more details on Matchroom in the Community, visit: matchroomboxing.com

ABOUT MATCHROOM CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
The Matchroom Charitable Foundation was created to centralise the benevolent efforts of Matchroom Sport, the global sports promotion company headed by Eddie Hearn, and its subsidiaries – the Professional Darts Corporation, Matchroom Boxing, World Snooker and Matchroom Multi Sport.

For over 30 years, Matchroom Sport has donated millions of pounds to a wide-range of charities throughout its many sporting activities, including sports and community charities, and a number of hospices for both children and adults.

Matchroom now promotes in excess of 200 event days per year in the UK, selling over 400,000 tickets in the process. Part of the Foundation’s funding comes from a contribution equivalent to £1 for every ticket sold for these events. The Matchroom Charitable Foundation aims to channel these monies to create a significant and sustainable impact on deserving causes which make a difference to people’s lives.

30/10/2024

BAM: I FEEL AT HOME WITH EDDIE AND MATCHROOM
Pound-for-pound star penned new promotional deal ahead of Philly fight night

Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez believes he’s in the right place with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom to become undisputed at Flyweight, as he prepares to defend his WBC and Ring Magazine World Flyweight titles against Pedro Guevara at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Saturday November 9, live worldwide on DAZN.

Rodriguez (20-0 13 KOs) penned a new deal with Matchroom ahead of his 21st fight in the paid ranks, where he joins fellow superstar and Philly ace Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis on the top of the stacked card, as Ennis defends his IBF World Welterweight title against mandatory challenger Karen Chukhadzhian.

Bam’s clash with his WBC mandatory challenger Guevara (42-4-1 22 KOs) is his seventh as a Matchroom fighter after impressing Hearn with a KO win in Fresno, California in October 2021. The San Antonio star has been in World title action ever since that night, taking on Carlos Cuadras at late notice to win the WBC Super-Flyweight title, and taking out two more of the ‘Four Kings’ in Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Juan Francisco Estrada to crash in to the top ten of the pound-for-pound rankings and establish himself as a must-see fixture in the sport – a long way from how he felt before putting pen to paper with Hearn.

“At one point no-one wanted to sign me,” said Rodriguez. “Eddie gave me an opportunity to fight on his card in Fresno, and by the next fight I was signed to Matchroom and that was the Carlos Cuadras fight, and from that point, my life has changed.

“Loyalty is everything in boxing, if it’s not there, you don’t have anything. Eddie gave me the opportunity and I know that he’s looking out for me, and that’s why I feel at home at Matchroom.

“I have to get past this fight first, but the goal is to go for undisputed in 2025. I’m taking this fight as seriously as ever, training my ass off like any other fight, we’re going to handle business and then we can talk about 2025.”

“We’re delighted that Jesse has extended his deal,” said Hearn. “His rise into the top ten of the pound-for-pound list is something we’re very proud to be a part of – and there is still so much more to come from him. Jesse only wants the biggest and best fights, and I don’t see anything stopping him from winning more World titles at higher weight classes.”

“From the moment Robert brought Jesse to us, we knew what a special fighter he was,” said Mr Akihiko Honda, president of Teiken Promotions. “Having worked with him throughout his entire career, we are so pleased to see his success and to receive his recognition as one of the current pound-for-pound greats. We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Matchroom Boxing and are looking forward to many more big nights to come in the career of Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez.”

Bam and Boots headline a stacked night of action in Philadelphia, with former World champion Raymond ‘Savage’ Ford will return to action up at Super-Featherweight when he takes on Orlando Gonzalez, Light-Heavyweight talent Khalil ‘Big Steppa’ Coe takes on Manuel Gallegos, Ernesto ‘Tito’ Mercado makes his Matchroom debut and Austin Williams returns to the ring over eight rounds at 160lbs against Gian Garrido.

Boots Promotions duo Dennis Thompson and Ismail Muhammad return to the ring, and there’s a debut on the card for the hotly-touted Zaquin Moses, the cousin of pound-for-pound superstar Shakur Stevenson, stepping through the ropes for the first time over four rounds at Super-Featherweight.

29/10/2024

BOOM! Venue locked In for what I believe to be Ashington's first ever BKB event. Oooo what we have planned, it's gonna be a good day of fights trust me on that! Not just that, I'm very sure a few special guests will be there too😜 Details to be released soon!

25/10/2024

CATTERALL VS. PROGRAIS WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER

ALL TIMES ARE LOCAL

16:30 DOORS OPEN
17:00 LIVE ON BEFORE THE BELL

4 x 2 mins International Bantamweight contest
EMILY WHITWORTH 117.9 lbs v SARA ORSZAGI 110.14 lbs
(Heywood, England) (Ajka, Hungary)

followed by

8 x 3 mins Featherweight contest
JOE MCGRAIL 127.12 lbs v LEWIS MORRIS 128.12 lbs
(Liverpool, England) (Walsall, England)

followed by

6 x 3 mins Super-Welterweight contest
WILLIAM CROLLA 155.12 lbs v LORENZO GRASSO 155.11 lbs
(Manchester, England) (Harrow,England)

followed by

6 x 3 mins International Middleweight contest
STE CLARKE 161.6 lbs v MATEUSZ PAWLOWSKI 159.12 lbs
(Liverpool, England) (Krakow, Poland)

followed by

19:00 LIVE ON DAZN

8 x 3 mins International Super-Welterweight contest
JUNAID BOSTAN 158 lbs v MAICO SOMMARIVA 155.7 lbs
(Rotherham, England) (Cordoba, Argentina)

followed by

10 x 3 mins WBA Intercontinental Welterweight
PAT MCCORMACK 146.11 lbs v WILLIAM ANDRES HERRERA 145.8 lbs
(Washington, England) (La Calera, Argentina)

followed by

10 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest
JAMES FLINT 139.4 lbs v CAMPBELL HATTON 140.4 lbs
(Doncaster, England) (Hyde, England)

followed by

12 x 3 mins British and Commonwealth Super-Featherweight Titles
REECE BELLOTTI 129.12 lbs v MICHAEL GOMEZ JR 129.15 lbs
(Watford, England) (Manchester, England)

followed by

12 x 3 mins WBO International Super-Lightweight Title
JACK CATTERALL 140 lbs v REGIS PROGRAIS 139.7 lbs
(Chorley, England) (New Orleans, USA)

25/10/2024

CATTERALL: I CAN PICK HOLES IN PROGRAIS
'El Gato' one step away from World Title action at 140lbs

Jack Catterall believes he can "pick holes" in former two-time WBC World Champion Regis Prograis when the Super-Lightweight rivals clash over 12 rounds in the first ever headline fight at Co-op Live in Manchester this Saturday October 26, shown live worldwide on DAZN.

The Chorley man is just days away from the biggest test of his professional career to date and is all too aware that a win over his American rival would likely lead to a World Title shot against the likes of Teofimo Lopez Jr or Liam Paro, who puts his IBF crown on the line against Richardson Hitchins in December.

Full focus remains on the task at hand against New Orleans' 'Rougarou', and Catterall, who avenged his controversial loss to bitter rival Josh Taylor last time out in May, says he is hugely motivated to face an opponent that is looking to become a three-time World Champion.

"I think if you look at Regis now, his last two performances have probably been below par," said Catterall. "I think that the Regis I’m fighting next is probably a hungry and driven Regis. That’s what I’m excited for, the fact that he’s been World Champion twice and he’s hungry to become a three-time World Champion.

"He lost his belt in his last fight so I think he’ll be super motivated for this fight to get back on track and get a win. That gives me the fire in my belly and gets me excited knowing that I’m getting a hungry and determined Regis coming to fight me in Manchester.
“I feel like a second coming now. It’s been a great ride since I signed with Matchroom. This will be my third headline fight in a UK arena in 12 months. That again is a great feeling. The 140 division is stacked with a lot of great fighters, so I find myself now fit and well, past the periods of inactivity and ready to fight and be involved in these big fights.

“That is the motivation and part of the motivation behind fighting Regis. Outside of the World Champions, he for me is the biggest fight to have. I believe a victory against him will put me right at the top of the list and ready to challenge the biggest names in the division."

‘El Gato’ is keen to keep the momentum building after his career-best win in Yorkshire and the 31-year-old Jamie Moore-trained southpaw certainly isn't short of confidence as he prepares to go to war with one of the biggest names in American boxing.

“Regis’s style suits me, he’s a lot slower on his feet. I think with Regis he carries a lot of power but I think my defence is too good and I think I can pick holes in him. When I beat Regis Prograis I don’t know what options are left for him. He’s had his time in the sun – two-time World Champion. I think it’s a difficult road back.

“If this turns into a dog fight, I’m there for it and I’m ready for that. No matter what I’m ready to dig deep, go to the trenches and I’m confident I’ll get my hand raised. I expect this to be a tough fight but I expect a victory."

Catterall vs. Taylor tops the first ever boxing event to take place at Co-op Live, Reece Bellotti (19-5, 4 KOs) puts his British and Commonwealth Super-Featherweight Titles on the line against Manchester's Michael Gomez Jr (21-1, 6 KOs), Doncaster's James Flint (14-2-2, 3 KOs) and Hyde's Campbell Hatton (14-1, 5 KOs) meet in a must-win rematch, Sunderland Welterweight talent Pat McCormack (5-0, 4 KO) makes his long-awaited return to the ring against Argentina's William Andres Herrera (16-2, 7 KOs) in a clash for the WBA Intercontinental Title, Rotherham Super-Welterweight Junaid Bostan (9-0, 7 KOs) takes on Argentina's Maico Sommariva (9-4-1, 8 KOs) over eight rounds, Manchester Super-Welterweight William Crolla (5-0, 4 KOs) makes his Matchroom debut against Harrow's Lorenzo Grasso (6-2, 1 KO), Liverpool Middleweight prospect Ste Clarke (4-0, 1 KO) looks to go 5-0 against Poland's Mateusz Pawlowski (2-1, 1 KO), Liverpool Featherweight Joe McGrail (10-0, 5 KOs) meets Walsall's Lewis Morris (8-2, 1 KO) over eight rounds and Heywood Bantamweight debutant Emily Whitworth kicks off the Before The Bell action against Hungary's Sara Orszagi (1-2)

25/10/2024

CATTERALL VS. PROGRAIS + UNDERCARD FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:
"Welcome everyone to Manchester, and it’s a big one. Our main event is one of the best fights available at 140lbs. Jack Catterall, his third fight this calendar year after headlining in Liverpool against Jorge Linares, headlining in Leeds against Josh Taylor and now headlining against the ever-dangerous former World champion Regis Prograis at the Co-Op Live.

"It’s a brilliant fight and a brilliant fight card, and we open up with an undercard that features so many young fighters that are going to be imperative to the growth and future of boxing in this country and worldwide as well."

Jack Catterall:
"We spoke after the last fight and you said Eddie that we could get a World title shot in 2025, and I’ve been in the position before where I’ve been waiting on something that might not happen. So my instruction to Sam Jones and to Matchroom was that I want to fight the best and Regis was the name proposed and we jumped at it.

"The chapter with Josh Taylor is done, we move on, and we’ve got a big job on Saturday. I think Regis is right in saying that his last two performances weren’t his best, so he’s in a position where he needs to turn up, and I put the pressure on myself to be in his position, he’s had his time in the sun, he’s boxed for World titles, he’s won World titles, and that’s what I want.

"He probably has the better resume as I’ve yet to win a World title and he has, but I’m ready to prove that on Saturday. I’m expecting him to come with everything he’s said in the build up. We’ve seen his fights, he’s a strong fighter and will come looking for it but I’m the better boxer."

Jamie Moore:

"The reason why decided to go ahead with this fight is that Regis is in the other corner, and Jack needs the best type of fighter to bring the best out of him. It was a long process over a few years where we got the chance to get to this point where he’s on the world stage and he’s able to show people what he is capable of. We were signing his praises and banging the drum for him for a long time, and thankfully he got the opportunity, but it didn’t go our way. He’s come back, he’s righted that wrong, and he deserves a World title. But it’s no good Jack just having a tick over fight, trying to get a win and waiting for that World title fight, because they’re the potential banana skins. We know how good Regis is, we know Jack has to be on his game, and that’s the reason why we decided to take the fight because we know he’ll have to be at his best.
"We know the styles will blend for a great fight. People are always sleeping on Jack’s power. We know he’s not going to be a GGG, he’s not that type of fighter, but when he hits you believe me, you know about it. We have a hell of a lot of respect for Regis, it’s the reason we’re sat here now, we know how good he is, what he’s achieved, the power he possesses and the danger he brings - but that’s going to bring the best out of Jack."

Regis Prograis:
"This is a fight I wanted, we were supposed to fight a long time ago but it didn’t happen for whatever reason. I felt that they didn’t;t want to fight, I think that you Eddie backed them into a corner. But it’s a big fight, the best at 140 without the belts, and I’m just feeling super calm, confident and relaxed about everything. I don’t even feel like I’m away from home to be honest, everyone has been so nice, I thought people would be more hostile and the crowd to talk s**t to me, but no-one has said anything! I feel like I am back in my bag again, but we can talk, on Saturday night we’ll see, I don’t feel I know that there’s different levels to this game. Jack and I have some similar opponents, but you take Josh Taylor off of his resume and what does he have? Nothing. Take Josh from mine, and I’m still a two-time World champion. I’m going to go out and show that there’s levels and that skills pay the bills, so let’s go.

"When I was a World champion it was kind of like ‘what is there left to do?’ When I don’t have the belt I’m back hungry, back on my grind, i want to get that again. My goal is to be a three-time World champion and nothing is going to get in the way of that.

"I plan on doing my thing. I’m not Muhammad Ali, I don’t predict the round, if I do what I’ve been doing in the gym, I don’t want to say easy, but it shouldn’t be what people say it’s going to be, no 50-50 stuff.

"Every time I fight I want to make a statement. The main thing is that I do it for legacy. Money is cool, but for me it’s for legacy, I want to be able to say I am the best at 140. I’ve done it twice and I want to do it again."

Bobby Benton:
"It’s been a great camp, the atmosphere has been good. It’s been a boring camp but fun for him. Sam Jones and Jack have made a big mistake. Jack deserves a World title fight, it’s great for us, but it’s bad for them. We’re going to have a good night.

"Regis is definitely back to himself. He had a couple of bad camps, and that’s part of boxing, he went through it and now he’s sharp as he ever was.

"Regis is a better fighter but Jack definitely deserves a World title fight, he should be fighting for the World title on Saturday but instead he’s going to get beaten by Regis Prograis."

Reece Bellotti:
"I don’t think it will be me getting KO’d, but it’s going to be a great fight. Our styles are bound to gel in that ring and it’s going to be a good tear-up.

"Professional boxing is all down to your experiences, and not a lot of people mention it but moving up in weight has been a massive thing for me. For the last few fights at nine stone I was dead, people say ‘it’s only four pounds’, but that is a lot for a boxer and it’s helped me massively, and you’ll see that on Saturday night.

"A ring is a ring, he’ll have the fans but they can’t fight for him. Last time I came up here I beat Aqib Fiaz, this time I’ll beat Michael and the journey continues."

Michael Gomez Jr:
"We can only get a war and that’s what you are going to get, it’s as simple as that. I absolutely have the tools to beat him and stop him.

"It’s the first British title fight in this new arena, so it has to be a winner from Manchester, you can’t let someone from London come up here and win, I have to win.

"Someone is getting flat packed, it might be him, it might be me."

James Flint:
"I believe it’s repeat on Saturday night, 110 per cent. I didn’t think he would take the rematch this soon. He is saying he didn’t want any warm up fights, if that’s the case, why wasn’t this pencilled in for the August show? But we’re here and I believe it’s going to be repeat.

"There’s going to be a problem if he doesn’t bring another version isn’t there. If he doesn’t improve anywhere, it’s just going to be a win again for me, and then his career is basically over after back-to-back losses to me. He’s finished.

"I’m fan-friendly and my fans follow me wherever I go, in Doncaster, when one goes to war, we all go to war. I believe it’s a KO win."

Campbell Hatton:
"I’m just excited. Pressure is something that I’ve had from the very start of my career. It’s nothing new. It’s a must-win fight, but the way I’ve been performing in the gym with the new set-up, we’re coming into this with a lot of confidence.

"I did a lot wrong in the first fight, as good a fight as it was, so there has been a lot we can change and adapt, and we have.

"I’m expecting to stop him. I had success early last time but i was making mistakes that cost me the fight. We’ve put those mistakes right, we’ve made a few adaptations to my style, and people are going to be in for a shock.

"It is must-win but I’m using that as fuel to go in and get the job done and I am more than confident that’s what i am going to do."

Pat McCormack:
"I want to thank you for getting me on this show, thank my coaches for training me for this fight, I’m just ready to go. I’ve had setback after setback, but I’ve stayed in the gym, stayed dedicated, and we’re going to see on Saturday night, I can’t wait to get back in there.

"I think I am on a different level to him. I’ve got to get through the test, which I’m fully confident of doing a job on him, and then we go from there and get active in 2025, get more titles and keep climbing the ladder."

Williams Andres Herrera:

"I want to say thank you to Matchroom for giving me this opportunity to fight. We’ve been waiting a long time for this fight, it didn’t happen last time because my opponent got injured, but we’re back again as competitive Argentinians and we’re here to show that this is the acid test for him.
"We’re Argentinians, we have big balls, and we’re going to put him in a real test on Saturday night. We always come forward and we’re going to show what we’re made of. And I want to remind you that we’re World champions."

Junaid Bostan:
"I know that this guy can punch a bit but I am meant to deal with my man on Saturday and then move on to a big 2025. It’s been a frustrating year, I’ve only boxed once, but I am happy to be fighting in Manchester, I’ve got a lot of good memories here, and I’m looking to make more of them come Saturday.

"A certain someone who says that they manage Ishmael Davis said that the fight isn’t agreed, but the last time I checked the circular, it’s agreed. So take it as you will on who is telling the lies there. I take it as it comes, I won’t speak ill of Ish, he’s a good guy and he did well against Josh Kelly. I know there’s a better version of him that fought Josh, he only had six days notice, so when it happens it will happen, and it will be a good fight.

"I’m confident in myself against anyone you put me in with, that’s the problem, and I’m a little frustrated with it all to be honest. But what will come, will come, and I’ll show that in the new year, but first of all I’ll deal with my man."

Maico Sommariva:

"I want to thank Matchroom for the opportunity. You know that Argentine fighters are really competitive and we leave everything in the ring on the night. We’re here to put on a show and we’re ready."

William Crolla:
"It’s a good step-up on Saturday night but it’s one I believe I am ready for. If I do what I do in the gym, it’ll be the same treatment the last four have got, and I’m looking for the fifth stoppage in a row.

"It’s the toughest fight of my career, but I get the rounds in in the gym, and that’s where the work is done, fight night is just a small part of it, where you have to look good and you’ll see big improvements again on Saturday and I believe it will be another stoppage.

"I think I’ve got a fan-friendly style and it’s great to see that support growing with every fight. I just want to continue learning, stay grounded, keep taking opportunities and build a fan base in Manchester. I think it’s about time someone from Manchester starts topping bills here and I believe I’ve got everything for it to be me."

Ste Clarke:
"I want to say thanks for putting on another big show, I appreciate it, I’m bringing all my fans again so I can’t wait for Saturday night, and putting on a performance.

"The stable is growing, we’re all learning off each other with Stephen Smith, the gym is booming at the moment and we’re all benefitting. So as I move up the ranks, I’m going to be ready for it all.

"There’s loads of domestic fights out there at Middleweight, and when the time is right I’ll be ready for it. I’ve just got to keep my eyes on the opponents right in front of me, and take it as it goes."

Joe McGrail:
"The gym is flying, we’re on a KO streak at the moment and I’ll be looking to keep that going on Saturday. It’s the biggest fight of Peter’s career too and he’ll be taking heads off on December 21.

"This is my last eight rounder then it’s on to ten rounders after that so I think I am ready for titles really soon."

Emily Whitworth:

"I’m ready and I can’t wait. Thank you for having me on the show and my manager Kieran Farrell for not giving up. I can’t wait to put in a good performance and get my career started.
"I’ve been in the gym everyday, training hard, and the postponement just gave me more time to prepare for this."

Alfie Sharman, DAZN:

"It’s great to be in Manchester. It’s an unbelievable time for us at DAZN and what a fight we have ahead of us on Saturday with Jack and Regis. Jack is on a brilliant run with a great performance against Josh Taylor in May, I wish the best of luck to everyone on the card.

"At DAZN, the global home of boxing which we say so often because it’s true, we have over 150 fights a year. We’ve got an unbelievable schedule and we’re announcing today an early Black Friday offer to fight fans of 50 per cent off all subscription plans in the US and up to 33 per cent off in the UK, look out for DAZN’s social media handles for more details on that today.

"Why so early for Black Friday? Because we’re on an unbelievable run for fights for our business, we’ve got this fight, then we go to Philadelphia for Boots and Bam, we go onto Latino Night in Riyadh where Chris Billam-Smith faces ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez, then there’s Sunny Edwards and Galal Yafai in Birmingham; in four weeks alone that’s some incredible fights on the platform. "

Bad Blood Podcast

04/11/2024

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