Punchout Boxing

THE WORLD AWAITS: ADAM AZIM FACES GUSTAVO LEMOS ON JANUARY 31 IN LONDON, LIVE AND FREE-TO-AIR ON BBC TWO & BBC IPLAYER

One of British boxing’s brightest stars, Adam Azim will continue his charge towards world honours when he faces Gustavo Lemos on Saturday, January 31 at the Copper Box Arena in London. The fight will be broadcast live and free-to-air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.

Azim (14-0, 11 KOs) is widely regarded as one of the most exciting talents in the sport today. Blessed with prodigious skill and lightning-fast hands, the 23-year-old has been fast-tracked toward world title contention.

He first laced up the gloves at just four years old and quickly rose through the amateur ranks, claiming multiple national and European titles as a junior. Since turning professional, Azim has made history by winning and defending the European Title in record time, before announcing himself on the world stage with a statement stoppage victory over former world champion Sergey Lipinets.

Continuing his impressive rise, the British-Pakistani boxer delivered a punch-perfect performance against American Kurt Scoby to secure a memorable victory in front of 60,000 fans at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on the undercard of the blockbuster Eubank Jr vs Benn rematch.

Azim has close ties to legendary boxing figure Barry McGuigan MBE, who, alongside his trainer son Shane McGuigan, has played a key role in guiding the young star’s career. In a full-circle moment, Azim will now headline a primetime BBC television event, following in the footsteps of McGuigan, who rose to superstardom in 1985 when he defeated Eusebio Pedrosa to win the WBA Featherweight World Title in front of a television audience of 19 million.

Standing in Azim’s way is Lemos (30–2, 20 KOs), the dangerous Argentine pressure fighter renowned for his relentless pace and knockout power. With 30 victories to his name including 20 stoppages, Lemos’ only defeats have come at the hands of current world champions.

Lemos pushed IBF World Super Lightweight Champion Richardson Hitchins to the limit in a fiercely contested bout that many observers felt he deserved to win, and will be coming to London determined to make a major statement.

Adam Azim said: “This is the kind of fight I’ve been asking for. Gustavo Lemos is a dangerous fighter, and exactly the sort of opponent I need to face to prove I’m ready for the very top.

“Fighting live on BBC Two is a huge moment for me and to do that while headlining a big event close to home in London is going to be a special moment. I’m ready to put on a performance and take another step towards becoming a world champion.

“I respect Gustavo Lemos and what he has achieved in the sport, but on January 31, I’m going to show the world the level I’m at. This is my time.”

BOXXER Founder & CEO Ben Shalom said: “This is a huge moment for Adam Azim and a real statement fight. Gustavo Lemos is a dangerous fighter with genuine power, and this is exactly the kind of test Adam needs at this stage of his career.

“Adam is one of the most exciting young fighters in British boxing, and headlining live and free-to-air on the BBC is the perfect platform to showcase his talent to a national audience.

“January 31 at the Copper Box is going to be a brilliant night of boxing, and this fight has all the ingredients to produce something special.”

Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of Sport at the BBC, said: “Adam Azim is among the most exciting young prospects in British sport, and this fight is a major milestone in his ascent. Taking boxing live and free-to-air is key to connecting a new generation of fans and growing the sport’s future.”

Azim vs Lemos will receive star support from Francesca Hennessy (7-0, 1 KO), another of British boxing’s rising stars as she takes her next step towards world glory.

Following a flawless performance against Fabiana Bytyqi, in which she won every round to defeat the former WBC World Champion, the 21-year-old Hennessy returns to BBC television looking to continue her rapid rise.

Hennessy will face fellow unbeaten Brit Ellie Boutell (7-0-1, 2 KOs) for the WBC Silver Bantamweight Championship, with the contest also sanctioned as a final eliminator for the WBC World Bantamweight Title.

Hennessy’s aim is to become the youngest ever undisputed world champion. A record currently held by Gabriela Fundora, who claimed all four major titles at the age of 22.

Francesca Hennessy said: “Fighting on a huge night like this, live on the BBC, is exactly where I belong. This is a massive step in my career and I’m ready for it.

“Ellie Boutell is unbeaten and deserves respect, but this is my moment to show that I’m ready for world level. Winning the WBC Silver title and becoming mandatory for the world championship brings me closer to my ultimate goal.”

Tickets will be available at Tixr – sign up now for ticket information at BOXXER.com.

This event is presented in association with official partners Betfred, Riyadh Season, That Prize Guy, Tixr and Champion.

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Punchout Boxing

ANTHONY JOSHUA KNOCKS OUT JAKE PAUL IN 6 ROUNDS

Judgement day is over in Miami. Anthony Joshua’s size, experience, and power proved decisive as the former heavyweight champion closed the show with a knockout in the 6th round. On the lead up to the knockout finish Joshua sent Paul to the canvas twice in round d 5.

In the post fight interview Joshua said “It took a bit longer than expected. But the right hand finally found the destination."

AJ also gave a message to Tyson Fury "If Tyson Fury is as serious as he thinks he is and he wants to put down his Twitter fingers and put on some gloves and come and fight one of the realist fighters out there that will take on any challenger, step in the ring with me next.
If you're a real bad boy. Don't do all of that talking, 'AJ this, AJ that.
Let's see you in the ring and talk with your fists."

Jake Paul after his loss to Anthony Joshua "I got my ass beat, but that's what this sport is about. I'mma come back and keep on winning."

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3 days ago (edited) | [YT] | 10

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CALLUM SIMPSON AND TROY WILLIAMSON MAKE WEIGHT AHEAD OF EUROPEAN, BRITISH & COMMONWEALTH SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE CLASH LIVE ON THE BBC

Callum Simpson and Troy Williamson both made weight today ahead of their European, British & Commonwealth Super Middleweight Championship clash on Saturday, December 20 at the First Direct Bank Arena in Leeds, presented by BOXXER and broadcast live and free-to-air on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer.

The British boxers collide in one of the most anticipated domestic clashes of the year. Simpson returns following his dramatic tenth-round stoppage win over Ivan Zucco this summer, while Williamson looks to continue his resurgence at super middleweight after a spectacular ninth-round TKO win over Mark Dickinson.

On the undercard, Ashlee Eales steps in to face Elliot Whale following the withdrawal of Blair Cobbs due to illness, while Frankie Stringer has been forced to withdraw from the card due a medical issue requiring further investigation.

Sam Hickey returns for his fourth contest against Aljaz Venko. The highly touted prospect from Dundee looks to maintain his perfect start in the paid ranks, building on a hugely decorated amateur career as he aims to bring major fights and championship success back to Scotland.

Official weights from Leeds:

12 x 3 - European, British & Commonwealth Super Middleweight Championship
CALLUM SIMPSON - 167.7lb / 11st 13lb 11oz
TROY WILLIAMSON - 167.4lb / 11st 13lb 6oz

10 x 3 - Welterweight Contest
ELLIOT WHALE - 146.9lb / 10st 6lb 14oz
ASHLEE EALES - 149.2lb / 10st 9lb 3oz

6 x 3 - Middleweight Contest
SAM HICKEY - 162.8lb / 11st 8lb 13oz
ALJAZ VENKO - 162.6lb / 11st 8lb 13oz

6 x 3 - Welterweight Contest
ELLIS WARD - 144.9lb / 10st 4lb 14oz
JAKE JON CLEARY - 146.9lb / 10st 6lb 14oz

6 x 3 - Middleweight Contest
TOM RAFFERTY - 167lb / 11st 13lb
LEWIS HOWELLS - 171.6lb / 12st 3lb 10z

4 x 3 - Middleweight Contest
CORY SAGAR - 160.8lb / 11st 6lb 13oz
JOE HARDY - 161.7lb / 11st 7lb 11oz

4 x 3 - Cruiserweight Contest
BRAD CASEY - 199.4lb / 14st 3lb 6oz
DYLAN COURTNEY - 197.4lb / 14st 1lb 6oz

4 x 3 - Light Heavyweight Contest
MICK LEARMONTH - 182lb / 13st
HARRY MATTHEWS - 180.6lb / 12st 12lb 10oz

6 x 3 - Super Lightweight Contest
LEVI GILES - 136.3lb / 9st 10lb 5oz
JAHFIEUS FAURE - 134lb / 9st 8lb

4 x 3 - Super Lightweight Contest
MAX CURTIS - 138lb / 9st 12lb
JACOB MARRER - 139.9lb / 9st 13lb 14oz

All the action will be broadcast live on BBC iPlayer from 18:00 (GMT) and on BBC Three from 19:30 (GMT).

Limited tickets are available via BOXXER.com.

This event is presented in association with official partners Betfred, Riyadh Season, That Prize Guy and Champion.

3 days ago | [YT] | 10

Punchout Boxing

ACCRA WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND FIGHT NIGHT RUNNING ORDER AS RICHARDS FACES AZEEZ

An electric crowd gave the fighters a taste of the special atmosphere in store for Saturday's historic fight night at the Legon Sports Stadium following a lively weigh-in in Accra.

As Matchroom Boxing looks forward to staging its first ever event in Africa, in association with Legacy Rise Sports and 258 Boxing, main event duo Craig Richards and Dan Azeez both successfully tipped the scales ahead of their South London derby in Ghana with the IBF International Light Heavyweight crown on the line – live on DAZN.

The roof was raised when bitter local rivals Freezy Macbones and Jonathan Tetteh too to the stage. Both fighters have been back-and-forth throughout the week and had to be kept at bay once again as they count down to their WBA Africa Light Heavyweight title clash.

Accra's own Theo Allotey received a rapturous reception too as he battles Jayr Raquinel for the WBO Global Super Flyweight Championship.

Teenage Heavyweight sensation Leo Atang is in supreme shape as he prepares for his third professional fight against Uganda's Babu Yussuf.

And India's Olympic hero Nishant Dev completes the main card line-up as he weighed in for his contest with Ally Mbukwa.

Scroll down to see the full card and weigh-in results in full. Plus, keep up to date with all the latest news, updates and action @matchroomboxing on social media.

DECEMBER 20: ACCRA WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND FIGHT NIGHT RUNNING ORDER

PRELIMS – Live on DAZN at 5pm (UK time)

Sedem Adama (152.4lbs) vs Chiamaka Nwaturocha (149.6lbs)
8 x 2-minute rounds WBA Africa Super Welterweight Championship

John Lareya (125.5lbs) vs Holy Dogbetor (124.8lbs)
8 x 3-minute rounds IBF Africa Featherweight Championship

Jerry Lartey (138.9lbs) vs Jesse Brandon (139.8lbs)
8 x 3-minute rounds WBA Africa Super Lightweight Championship

MAIN CARD – Live on DAZN at 7pm (UK time)

Nishant Dev (159.4lbs) vs Ally Mbukwa (155.4lbs)
6 x 3-minute rounds Super Welterweight Contest

Ibrahima Diallo (153.3lbs) vs Sampson Segbedzi (154lbs)
10 x 3-minute rounds IBF International Super Welterweight Championship

Leo Atang (234.9lbs) vs Babu Yusuf (231.6lbs)
4 x 3-minutes Heavyweight Contest

Theo Allotey (114.2lbs) vs Jayr Raquinel (114.6lbs)
12 x 3-minute rounds WBO Global Super Flyweight Championship

Freezy Macbones (174.7lbs) vs Jonathan Tetteh (174.7lbs)
8 x 3-minute rounds WBA Africa Light Heavyweight Championship

Craig Richards (174.7lbs) vs Dan Azeez (174.5lbs)
12 x 3-minute rounds IBF International Light Heavyweight Championship

3 days ago | [YT] | 21

Punchout Boxing

JAKE PAUL VS ANTHONY JOSHUA EXPECTED RING WALK TIMES

Main Event Ring Walk Times (approx.)
Miami / Eastern Time (ET): ~10:30 PM – 11:00 PM ET (fighters enter the ring) 
Pacific Time (PT – U.S. West Coast): ~7:30 PM – 8:00 PM PT 
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT – UK): ~3:30 AM GMT (Saturday, Dec 20) 

Other timings on fight night
Preliminary card starts: ~4:45 PM ET / 1:45 PM PT / 9:45 PM GMT 
Main card begins: ~8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT / 1:00 AM GMT (Saturday)

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Punchout Boxing

STATEMENT FROM BOXXER

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Punchout Boxing

January 31: Rohan Polanco-Christian Gomez Confirmed as Co-Feature to Xander Zayas-Abass Baraou Title Unification Showdown at Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan

Undefeated middleweight Euri Cedeño and junior middleweight contender Giovani Santillan will also see action

Rohan “El Rayo” Polanco, the Dominican welterweight with championship aspirations in 2026, looks to kick off the new year with a statement-making performance.

Polanco will take on Mexican puncher Christian Gomez in a 10-round battle on Saturday, Jan. 31, at Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Polanco-Gomez will serve as the co-feature to the junior middleweight world title unification showdown between WBO champ Xander Zayas and WBA king Abass Baraou.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with ICON+, Move Concerts, and Noah Assad Presents, tickets are on sale and can be purchased via Ticketera.com.

Polanco (17-0, 10 KOs) represented his country at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and signed with Top Rank the following year. Initially campaigning as a junior welterweight, he stopped the likes of Keith Hunter and Cesar Francis before moving to 147 pounds. Ranked in the top 10 by the WBO and IBF, he is closing in on a world title shot following a 2025 run that has included victories over Fabian Maidana and Quinton Randall.

Polanco said, “I’m not coming to play on January 31. I'm coming to send a strong message to the division. Fighting as the co-main event at Coliseo de Puerto Rico is a great opportunity that I intend to take advantage of. I represent Dominican boxing. I'm hungry, fearless, and determined to get closer to a world title opportunity.”

Gomez (23-6-1, 21 KOs), a 12-year pro with 30 fights, has earned nearly all of his victories by knockout. His biggest test came in May 2022, when he went the distance with Uzbek phenom Shakhram Giyasov. The 32-year-old veteran is coming off consecutive decision losses to Nicklaus Flaz and Alberto Palmetta.

The undercard will also include the junior middleweight debut of Giovani Santillan (34-1, 18 KOs), as well as the return of rising Dominican middleweight Euri Cedeño (13-0-1, 12 KOs), in separate 10-rounders.

Santillan, a former No. 1 welterweight contender, faces Courtney Pennington. The San Diego native bounced back from his May 2024 loss to Brian Norman Jr. by defeating Fredrick Lawson and Angel Beltran. The Brooklyn-born Pennington (17-11-3, 7 KOs) is a 13-year pro who has given stern tests to the likes of American Olympian Charles Conwell and Canadian contender Custio Clayton.

Cedeño steps up to take on Ivory Coast native Etoundi Michel William (16-2, 12 KOs). The 26-year-old signed with Top Rank in May and has won his last six via the fast route. William broke onto the scene with a victory over eventual world title challenger Jorge Garcia in January 2023, remaining undefeated until an October 2024 loss to Mexico’s Jose Miguel Borrego. He last fought in June, dropping a 10-round decision to top American contender Troy Isley.

Additional undercard fights will be announced in due course.

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Punchout Boxing

RICHARDS AND AZEEZ SET FOR HISTORIC SHOWDOWN AS SOUTH LONDON LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS FACE-OFF AT PRESS CONFERENCE IN GHANA

Craig Richards believes this Saturday’s historic Light Heavyweight fight with Dan Azeez in Ghana will provide the perfect launchpad to reignite his world title dream.

The two South London fighters collide at the Legon Sports Stadium this Saturday – live on DAZN – in Matchroom Boxing’s first-ever show in Africa, in association with Legacy Rise Sports and 258 Boxing.

The pair have been afforded a warm reception in Accra after shining at a Matchroom in the Community event on Wednesday, where hundreds of local children were treated to a memorable grassroots session.

And amid suggestions of him reaching a crossroads fight with former British, Commonwealth and European king Azeez, ‘Spider’ Richards, 35, says this week has relit the fire within him to go on and enjoy many more big nights in the sport.

"First of all, I want to thank God for this opportunity,” said Richards, speaking at Thursday’s press conference.

"To be here and to headline such a historic show is incredible and I have to thank Matchroom and my team, Tony and Charlie Sims, for making this happen. It's an honour and it’s a blessing. To be here and headline a show in the motherland [of Africa], I couldn’t really ask for much more.

"I’ve prepared dilligently for this fight. I’ve been working hard and I’ve still got big aspirations in this sport. Yes, I’ve had some ups and downs but I’ve come full circle and I’ve come together.

"I’m desperate to go out there and show the best version of me, to show boxing what I am all about. I want to push on and go and win those world titles and show how great I can be. Saturday night is the first step and without Saturday night, all of that doesn’t happen.

"I’m hungry and it’s great to be able display how good I am against another good competitor from Britain. It’s not like some journeyman has been picked to face me. This is a guy who has been tried and tested. So when I go out there and perform, I will get the full credit."

Azeez, 36, is not willing to pass on this opportunity either – and he warned Richards to expect the very best version of him.

"This is a surreal moment for me to be fighting back home in the motherland and headlining,” said Azeez.

"I’ve been here [in Ghana] a few times. In 2019, I was at the Bukom Arena with my friend, telling him “this is a nice arena, you know?’ Some years later, I’m here headlining against a fellow South Londoner. So, this is a real big thing for me.

"It’s not just about getting the win, for me, it’s about inspiring the next gen by aligning with the goals of Legacy Rise Sports and Matchroom to bring back prime time sport here to Africa. I’m really grateful.

"I’ve got the strength, passion, desire and hunger [to win]. As Craig said, he didn’t pick me – well, that’s because nobody picks me. I’ve came here because I was given the opportunity.

"Credit where credit is due, Craig is a good competitor and has fought at world level. I’ve been wanting to fight him for a long time for the challenge. I know he’s a very good fighter, so what better stage to shine than right here in Accra, Ghana? You are going to see the best of me on December 20."

Young Heavyweight hopeful Leo Atang features on a stacked undercard – which includes the bad blood, co-main event between unbeaten local rivals Freezy Macbones and Joanathan Tetteh – along with India Olympian, Nishant Dev.

Teenager Atang faces his third professional contest after turning over as a decorated amateur earlier this year, when he takes on Uganda’s undefeated, 3-0 (1 KO) Babu Yusuf.

But Yusuf told the 18-year-old wonderkid that a stern test awaits this weekend.

"Don’t tell me he’s highly touted,” said Yusuf.

"Hey kid, I’m bringing war. You’re just 18. I’m giving you the fight of your memories, bro. I’m coming all the way from Uganda and I’m bringing war. I haven’t come here to lose. Just keep that in mind – I have come here to win.

"You have just been fighting with dummies. I’m a real boxer. I’m going to punish you. I know you are a baby, but I don’t want you to go and cry to your coaches. I will bring you some milk for if you cry."

Unfazed by Yusuf’s threats, Atang laughed at his opponent and told him to “bring the milk”.

He said: "I never go looking for it but hopefully I will get a knock out again. I think it’s perfect what he says. He’s saying I’m only 18, so he is going to be embarrassed when I put him straight on his a***.

"It’s great to be here in Ghana. I have to say a massive thanks to Matchroom, Legacy Rise Sports and 258 for having me on this historic card – and also to the Ghanaian people for making me feel so welcome over here. The energy is mental and I cannot wait for Saturday now.”

Super Welterweight prospect Nishant Dev, meanwhile, is looking for his fifth consecutive win since he became a pro at the start of 2025, when he takes on Tanzania's Ally Mbukwa.

Dev said: “I’m really proud to be a part of the first ever show here in Africa for Matchroom. Everybody here has been really nice and I am ready to put on a show this Saturday night.

“I’m ready to show off my skills. All I can say really is that I am ready to steal the show with a great performance."

Keep up to date with all the latest news, updates and action @matchroomboxing on social media.

4 days ago | [YT] | 4

Punchout Boxing

CALLUM SIMPSON AND TROY WILLIAMSON EXCHANGE WORDS AHEAD OF EUROPEAN, BRITISH AND COMMONWEALTH SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE CLASH LIVE ON THE BBC

Callum Simpson and Troy Williamson exchanged words at today’s final pre-fight press conference ahead of their European, British and Commonwealth Super Middleweight Title fight this Saturday, December 20 at the First Direct Bank Arena in Leeds, live and free-to-air on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer.

In one of the most anticipated domestic clashes of the year, Barnsley’s Simpson will defend his titles against Darlington’s Troy Williamson, who enters the contest full of confidence following his move up to super middleweight and an impressive ninth-round stoppage victory over Mark Dickinson.

“I’m a different animal at super middleweight,” said Williamson. “I’m at my natural weight now, and people are going to see the benefits of that on Saturday. I can train properly and fuel myself properly for my sessions.

“You’re going to see the best version of Troy Williamson on Saturday night. Against Mark Dickinson, I wasn’t fully established at the weight, but I’ve grown into it now. This is going to be a dominant performance.

“I see vulnerabilities in Callum. I see weakness there. I don’t think he has true self-belief. Don’t get me wrong, I like Callum, he’s a good guy and he sells a lot of tickets, but that’s not going to be enough on Saturday night.”

Simpson welcomed the challenge and insists he is preparing for the toughest test of his career.

“I’m glad that after 10 years Troy has found his best weight,” said Simpson. “It’s great to hear he’s training better, sleeping better and recovering better, because I want the best Troy Williamson on Saturday night.

“I’m expecting a tough fight, an exciting fight. Everyone knows what Troy can do. I know he’s fit, tough and experienced, so I’m preparing for the very best version of him.”

BOXXER promoter Ben Shalom praised Simpson’s journey while acknowledging the scale of the challenge that lies ahead.

“Callum is a fighter who has had to fight tooth and nail to get here,” said Shalom. “He’s never been handed anything. He’s had to negotiate for everything and build his own fanbase by knocking on doors.

“This will be his fourth fight of the year. He’s already headlined two stadium shows, 7,000 and 15,000, and we’re aiming for 30,000 next year. But first, he has to come through a very, very big test on Saturday night.

“Troy Williamson is in the form of his life, and I believe him when he says he’s better at this weight. He put in a career-best performance last time out against Mark Dickinson. He’s ready.

“But Callum has chosen this fight. He wants the big names and the big nights. The fights that get fans excited. We’ve got a special main event, an unbelievable atmosphere, and another career-defining night for Callum Simpson.”

Simpson vs Williamson tops a stacked card in Yorkshire that also features a step up in class for unbeaten welterweight Elliot Whale, who faces outspoken American Blair ‘The Flair’ Cobbs, who holds victories over former world champions Adrien Broner and Maurice Hooker. Frankie Stringer takes on his toughest test to date against former British, Commonwealth and English title challenger Levi Giles, and Scottish standout Sam Hickey returns for his fourth professional outing against Aljaz Venko.

All the action will be broadcast live on BBC iPlayer from 17:30 (GMT) and on BBC Three from 19:30 (GMT).

Limited tickets are available via BOXXER.com.

This event is presented in association with official partners Betfred, Riyadh Season, That Prize Guy and Champion.

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Punchout Boxing

INDIGO FIGHT NIGHT RESULTS AND PICTURES AS GIORGIO VISOLI OVERCOMES TOUGH JOE HOWARTH – AND TIAH-MAI AYTON WINS AGAIN

In the fights before Christmas, Giorgio Visioli produced a cracker as he captured the vacant English Lightweight Championship in a hard-fought points win over Joe Howarth at Indigo at The O2 in London.

The judges unanimously scored it wide in Visioli’s favour with the cards 100-91, 98-92 and 97-93.

But Visioli was made to work for his win against Howarth, trained and managed by British Heavyweight icon Dave Allen – and he paid homage to Howarth immediately after the fight.

Speaking after his win, a proud Visioli said: “I’m delighted with the win. It was a great experience. Thank you to Eddie Hearn, Frank Smith and Matchroom Boxing for the opportunity to headline here in London.

“I had to work hard for it. Joe was relentless and I had to stay switched on. But I need these types of tests. Joe came here tonight to win for sure.

"It’s hard to keep up that pace for 10 rounds but I did the job. It's the first of many titles and we will push on in 2026 after a bit of a rest."

Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith saluted Visioli and says his English title win is the first of many more belts to follow in the future.

Speaking to Jamie Ward, Smith said: “It was a brilliant performance from Giorgio tonight. We really believe in him – he’s going all the way to the top.

"Credit to Joe Howarth. He fought really well. But it’s Giorgio’s night. He’ll want to get back in the gym and he’ll want to improve. But that was a great first headline fight here in London and we expect a bright future ahead for him."

In the co-main, ‘The Gentleman’ John Hedges put in a comprehensive performance to retain his English Cruiserweight Championship with a unanimous points victory against Ellis Zorro.

Leli Buttigieg signed off for the year by stretching his unbeaten record to 11-0 with a dominating points win over Victor Ionascu.

Taylor Bevan remains undefeated too after a brilliant sixth round stoppage over Mickey Ellison, after his team threw in the towel.

Connor Mitchell celebrated a fantastic first outing as ’The Hammer’ – son of UK cult boxing hero Kevin Mitchell – introduced himself to the professional scene with a brilliant third round stoppage over Argentina’s Fernando Joaquin Valdez.

The incredible Tiah-Mai Ayton closed out her debut year in 2025 with her fourth consecutive knockout as she had Brazil’s Ana Karla Vaz De Moares down in round one and three, in which she was victorious.

Adam Maca was destructive once again too, with his fourth successive stoppage as he needed just two rounds to dispatch Brandon Gallardo Vargas.

William Crolla bounced back with a winning return as the Mancunian fighter – and brother of former World Champion, Anthony Crolla – stopped Harley Hodgetts after putting him down twice in the third round.

Maisey-Rose Courtney, with close friend Molly McCann supporting her, outpointed a game Sara Orszagi as Alexey Shendrik overcame Christophe Mbori Endanga in the opening bout of the night.

For all the action and reaction from the Indigo at The O2, follow @matchroomboxing on social media.

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