Joshua vs Franklin Official Interactive Digital Programme

A WELCOME FROM EDDIE HEARN

We’re delighted to be back here at The O2 in London, the Lion’s Den, for the new dawn of two-time Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua’s iconic career. The O2 has hosted so many great Anthony Joshua nights over the years and we cannot wait for his return in front of his home crowd.

This is the venue where AJ made his professional debut, the venue where he won his first title, the venue where he became Commonwealth and then British Champion, and the venue where he was crowned Heavyweight Champion of the World for the first time.

Tonight, he takes on America’s Jermaine Franklin, live around the world exclusively on DAZN. We have a complete sell out and the atmosphere in here is going to be absolutely electric when he makes his ringwalk.

I think we’re going to see a tremendous fight tonight. Franklin has been incredibly relaxed all week and he’s oozing with confidence following his 12-round battle with Dillian Whyte at Wembley last November.

If AJ lets him build his confidence during the fight then this will be a very difficult night for him. This is a major night for our broadcast partners as AJ kicks off his landmark new deal with them. AJ has reset and refocused and he is on a mission to defy his critics as he kicks off his exciting new partnership with DAZN.

We have a star-studded undercard with some fantastic international talent ready to perform on the biggest of stages as AJ fights at The O2 for the first time in seven years. Rising British

Heavyweight Champion Fabio Wardley will faces American Michael Polite-Coffie in the chief support bout and it’s another brilliant opportunity for Fabio to showcase his skills.

Wardley is riding high after claiming the vacant British Title in November with a third-round stoppage over Nathan Gormley at Wembley Arena in London, and the Ipswich ace returns to the capital for his fourth straight fight and third in that run at The O2.

Tokyo Olympic Gold Medallist jumped at the chance to join the card this week following Felix Cash withdrawing from his European Middleweight Title fight with Italy’s Matteo Signani. The gifted Flyweight takes on Mexico’s Moises Calleros over ten rounds in his second appearance at The O2. Campbell Hatton is back in action after hitting double figures in Liverpool in March, and the son of British boxing legend Ricky will meet Staffordshire’s experienced Louis Fielding in his first eight round battle in the paid ranks.

There’s more eight-round action as Jordan Flynn faces the stiffest examination of his credentials when he meets Birmingham stalwart Kane Baker and Essex’s John Hedges lands his first eight round clash against Poland’s Daniel Bocianski.

Saudi Arabia’s Ziyad Almaayouf meets Georgi Velichkov over four rounds at Welterweight, Albanian Cruiserweight Juergen Uldedag takes on Benoit Huber over eight rounds and German Heavyweight Peter Kadiru clashes with Alen Lauriolle over six rounds in his first contest in the UK. ■

Programme Editor: Daniel Barnard

Contributors: Danny Winterbottom and Scott Hammerton

Design: Hashtag Digital Media (hdmdigitalsales@gmail.com) Cover: Adam Insam

Photographs: Mark Robinson Master of Ceremonies: David Diamante

NEW DAWN

Former two-time unified Heavyweight Champion of the World Anthony Joshua (24-3, 22 KOs) fights at The O2 in London for the first time since 2016 as he begins life under the tutelage of new head trainer Derrick James.

‘AJ’ returns to the scene of his first World Title win over Charles Martin to face another American contender in Jermain Franklin (211, 14 KOs). Saginaw’s ‘989 Assassin’ pushed Dillian Whyte all the way in a close points loss at Wembley’s OVO Arena last November and is relishing his shot against one of the biggest names in the sport.

British megastar Joshua is ready to begin his ascent back to the top of the Heavyweight division after suffering back-to-back losses to pound-for-pound great Oleksandr Usyk in London and Saudi Arabia, and the Watford man wants to secure a much-needed win in style at his lion’s den.

“It’s big, it’s massive,” said Joshua. “It’s a big fight for me, for sure. I respect my opponent fully and respect everything he’s been through and we’re here to rock and roll. I respect my supporters as well, so I have put in the work, I respect my coach as well so I want to make sure I get the job done in good fashion.

“I like the fact Eddie always dangles carrots in front of me, telling me if I do this, this is here and that’s there always leading onto big things. I dream big and I want bigger and better things in my life. As I stated in the last press conference, I want to secure the bag and move on in my life.

“The goal is not to make it back to the corner,

“THE GOAL IS TO TAKE HIM OUT”

the goal is to take him out. I respect Derrick fully and I trust everything he’s been saying. When you’re a student of the game, there are certain times you can be on the same level as people you speak to about boxing but when I speak to Derrick and ask him certain questions, the knowledge he spits is phenomenal. The knowledge he gives me is really, really good.

“We’re at a stage now where the physical side of the fight is done. Fight week you are still training because it’s part of our nature, but the physical work is done and it’s all about the knowledge. You just have to train your mind and honestly Derrick is up there with one of the best people I’ve spoke to about boxing. I appreciate his time, I appreciate the fact he took me on and I am looking forward to showing him he hasn’t wasted his time by taking on this project.”

For Joshua’s career, a victory is imperative, otherwise a loss in his own words is likely to result in retirement. Joshua will be 21 pounds heavier than Franklin when the two meet in this evening’s main event. AJ was 255.4lbs on the scales while Franklin was considerably lighter at 234.12lbs. The huge difference in weights may give an insight into the rival’s respective strategies. With Joshua being the heavier man, it’s likely that he will opt for a destructive gameplan as he looks to make a statement to the rest of the Heavyweight division.

“It is the worst time to face me. The more he talks, the bigger grave he digs for himself, but it is what it is. I could say a lot of things about him but I respect my opponent. It is not for me to talk, it is for you to do all the talking and for me to do my job. That is really honestly what I am focused on

from round one to round 12. I am prepared for a 12-rounder but I do believe in my ability, my counter-punching and all that type of stuff to definitely put a dent in Jermaine. But I am not here to talk, I am here to do what I have to do because I really want to win.

“In terms of entertaining, we don’t play boxing, but at the same time people from years back and the empires, they love people coming together and fighting. There will be entertainment regardless. I think we will see blood and I just really look forward to getting in there again. I’m so happy I’m fighting again

JOSHUA VS FRANKLIN

BLOOD AND I JUST REALLY LOOK FORWARD TO GETTING IN THERE AGAIN”

because when you look at the champions now, it is just a shambles when you are trying to compete with mandatories and negotiations, honestly, I can’t believe no fights have been made at championship level. I am so happy I can get back to work, get on with my job and I am looking forward to this assignment. I can’t wait honestly. I am really looking forward to it.

“I will come out, do this, do that. As he said, it is by any means necessary. We are just here to do a job. I respect my opponent and may the best man win. One thing he said is he started eating right for this camp, he’s dealing with someone who has been living right from the get go. I have been putting in work from the day I started this business. It’s going to be a good fight because he’s up against a real one, for sure.” ■

“I THINK WE WILL SEE

989 ASSASSIN

Jermaine Franklin has warned Anthony Joshua that he is in for a “rude awakening” when they clash in a scheduled 12-round Heavyweight contest here at The O2 in London this evening.

Former two-time Heavyweight Champion Joshua makes his highly anticipated return to the ring on UK soil following his second loss to pound-for-pound star and unified World Champion Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia, but Franklin insists that he isn’t here just to make up the numbers.

Saginaw’s ‘989 Assassin’ pushed Dillian Whyte all the way in a close points loss at Wembley’s OVO Arena last November and is relishing his shot against one of the biggest names in the sport, and a famous win against ‘AJ’ would guarantee Franklin further opportunities in the glamour division.

“For him, they say his career is on the line. For me, everything is on the line,” said Franklin. “That’s how I treat every fight. I’ve been boxing all my life and I’m not nervous for this. If you get nervous, you’re in the wrong sport.

“They’re probably looking at me like I’m a pushover or a walkover or something like that but they’re going to be in for a rude awakening. A goal of mine is I want to be a unified World Champion. I just want to help boxers. I love the sport and I want to continue to help other fighters grow. I want to give back to the sport what it gave to me.

WANT TO KNOCK HIS ASS OUT, THAT’S THE GOAL!”

“The circumstances around this fight are very different. For the Dillian fight I was working a job before we got that phone call. I wasn’t in the gym. We took like 5-7 weeks to get in shape for that fight. For the time I had I did what I could. This time I’ve got more time to prepare and more time to get in shape. We’re doing all we can.

“I showed people what I could do against Dillian. I showed people I can hang up there with some of the best. Dillian is a top 10/top 15 fighter and I showed people what I’m capable of. I don’t feel like I lost. We came home and we worked on stuff. We got better and we perfected our craft. We learned some different techniques and ways to attack.”

The once-beaten Franklin (21-1, 14 KOs) believes he did more than enough to secure the victory over Whyte - and some observers felt the same way. The 29-year-old contender expects to face the very best version of Joshua and feels the British star is far from finished.

“My performance against Dillian most definitely led to this fight. He could have picked anybody that he wanted to, but he chose me. Maybe he’s trying to prove to himself that he can do something to me that Dillian couldn’t. Who knows? We don’t play boxing. I’ve come here to wake him and the rest of the world up.

“I

“I’M JUST READY TO LET THE FIREWORKS GO”

“I feel like I’m winning hands down at the end of the fight. As far as him with the trainers and stuff, I can’t pinpoint on what kind of style he’s going to try to use. We just do our job and prepare for whatever style. Get ready to see a new and improved Jermaine Franklin.

“Fans are going to see me come out and fight way better fight than the Dillian fight. It is time for people to take me seriously. This is my new dawn. It’s my time to make my claim. I want to knock his ass out, that’s the goal.

“I’ve just been on a little health journey. I changed my eating habits and changed stuff that I was consuming. My body weight just started falling off. We had more time to prepare for this fight so I’m more ready and I’m more in shape. I’m just ready to let the fireworks go.

“I watched AJ fights way before we even had this opportunity or thought it was possible. I’m just a huge fan of the sport. My confidence is always great. I think you’re in the wrong business if you don’t truly believe in yourself – this is not the right game for you. You always have to have the extreme upmost confidence in yourself and you just have to put your faith in the work that’s gone on behind it.

“I’m going to get the win by any means possible. But if I can put him on his ass then that’s what I’m going to try to do. Anything is possible. I come from a place with not a lot of possibilities, and I made it this far so anything is possible. My passion for the sport, my team and my family; that’s all the motivation I need. I believe my hands get raised at the end of the fight.” ■

TARGET ON HIS BACK

British Heavyweight Champion Fabio Wardley gets a chance to improve on his current WBA 14th spot in the World rankings this evening against New York native Michael Coffie.

Wardley admittedly was keen to earn his first notch on the Lord Lonsdale Title but with a lack of available opponents now finds himself on the cusp of another belt, the WBA Continental crown.

Tonight’s venue is a happy hunting ground not only for Anthony Joshua but also for his fellow Heavyweight compatriot.

“I’m really buzzing to get back to The O2,” said Wardley. “It has turned into my home away from home. I’ve boxed there I don’t know how many times now, five or six. I’ve said loads of times, there’s nothing that really beats a packed out O2 Arena. That atmosphere, that buzz, is something I live for and I thrive off. When I’m in the thick of it in a fight and the crowd is going nuts, it is one of those special moments that you don’t get in any other arena.” With fourteen knockouts in succession leading on from his professional debut points win back in April 2017, the Ipswich puncher believes he’ll add to that record tonight.

“A lot has been made of my power. It’s not only that but it’s the speed and accuracy too, I’m improving with each fight and each session. It gives me further confidence to keep the run going.”

At Thursday’s pre-fight press conference, 11-0 Heavyweight contender David Adeleye confronted Wardley for a shot at his British belt. “I’m getting called out left right and centre at the

“I’M GETTING CALLED OUT LEFT RIGHT AND CENTRE AT THE MINUTE”

minute. You’ve had Sol Dacres and Frazer Clarke both last week and now David Adeleye so I must be doing something right. I’ve got the belt so I can weigh up the options as and when but first things first we have a live opponent in Michael Coffie.”

Wardley boasts experience around him to help counter the Coffie challenge. Not only with Dillian Whyte in the managerial department but the fairly recent shrewd addition of Ben Davison to complement coach Robert Hodgins’ corner.

“Ben has gelled with the team well. It’s a permanent fixture. It’s someone we know, someone we trust and some we value. He fits the dynamic of what we already have in place.”

Fabio’s limited amateur experience has been documented. The steady rise in the pro game doubles up as learning on the job according to some but that allows for him to remain grounded.

“It’s been a crazy journey starting out via the white-collar route at a show that has maybe 200 people just a few years ago to now at The O2 that’s got 17,000 people in for a big night headlined by Anthony Joshua, who has done so much for the sport. It has been a wild ride but I’m thankful for every day and I’m thankful for the opportunity.” ■

COFFIE BREAK

It’s an opportunity to gate-crash the WBA World Heavyweight rankings for 13-3 (10 KO’S) Michael Polite-Coffie.

The New Yorker who now resides in Kissimmee, Florida lands a shot at the WBA Continental strap against big punching Fabio Wardley on the huge stage. It represents a first fight in Europe for Coffie over his seven-year pro career.

At 36, the American accepts this could be his last assault at the big time: “I have to be realistic, I need to be winning this fight. I’m a student of the game and know how things work.”

Many rounds with Deontay Wilder have been shared down the years which Coffie believes stands him in good stead with any prospect puncher.

HAS BEEN ON MY RADAR FOR A WHILE”

“Look, I’ve been in with some of the biggest of punchers. Me and Deontay go way back, it’s an invaluable experience and obviously helps with my own game.”

Prior to receiving the call to fly over to London, Coffie has talked this moment into existence. “This is a fight that I was actually talking about a lot before the call even came. I guess it just manifested itself. Fabio has been on my radar for a while, I’m not going to lie and here we are! He starts fast but he can be caught, we’ve seen that in some of his recent fights and I plan on taking advantage of that. All I see is the W and my arm being raised on fight night!” ■

“FABIO

GOLDEN BOY

2

020 Olympic Gold medallist Galal Yafai, 30, continues his march towards a World Title contest when he faces tough opposition in the shape of Mexican Moises Calleros in a bout that has been switched from the US to London when Felix Cash was forced to withdraw from his Middleweight contest earlier this week and subsequently left a space on the schedule that Yafai was only too pleased to accept.

“I’m not going to lie, as you probably already know I wasn’t looking forward to going over to San Antonio,” said an honest Galal at Wednesday’s press conference. “When Eddie rang me to ask if I wanted to fight at The O2 I jumped at the chance. I like fighting in the UK. I don’t get to fight here often. I fought at The O2 on my debut, hopefully it’s a same kind of night.”

“They are all tough fights,” Yafai explained following criticism of his last performance when he was taken to the wire by the unheralded Gohan Rodriguez Garcia before prevailing on a split decision after 10 rounds.

“They’re all tough fights, as you saw in my last fight. I got a bit of stick in that fight. I had my issues, but I get to prove those people wrong who don’t think that I’m that good anymore. We’ll see on Saturday night and the foreseeable future.

“The criticism doesn’t bother me. I’m not going to lie; I’d rather have people criticise me than people up my ass. I’ve had that for the last year or two after the Olympics. We’ll see what happens in the

“I LIKE FIGHTING IN THE UK”

future and we’ll see how good I can be.”

Following in the footsteps of Olympic glory at the Tokyo games of 2020, Yafai turned pro with a blistering fifth round stoppage of Carlos Vado Bautista here at The O2 in February 2022 and he followed up that win with an even more devastating stoppage win over Miguel Cartagena in April, 2022.

After around six months out of the ring the Birmingham southpaw returned to action in Abu Dhabi on the undercard of Dimirty Bivol’s dominant victory over Gilberto Ramirez in November 2022 but in a subpar performance the Olympic Gold medallist was deemed fortunate by many observers to hold onto his unbeaten record after toughing out a split decision victory over Garcia.

Garcia proved to be a stubborn foe, but Yafai also suffered a gruesome injury when a huge blister on his foot burst during the contest making the simple task of moving around the ring a painful one. “That split open in round three,” remembered Yafai. “I could feel it and was like ‘Oh that’s killing me’.”

Nevertheless Yafai, sporting a 3-0 ledger with two KO’s, has dusted himself down in preparation for another tough test against grizzled Mexican warrior Calleros who has faced a host of top class Flyweights during his lengthy fifteen year ring career and travelled all over the world gaining valuable experience that Yafai will have to repel this evening if he is to realise his dream of adding professional glory to his Olympic Gold. ■

HURRICANE HATTON

From Gibraltar to Abu Dhabi via Manchester, Sheffield and London, 22-yearold Campbell Hatton is putting miles on the clock of experience as he continues his journey under the microscope that comes with bearing the legendary Hatton name.

Now 10 fights into his career and with an unbeaten record featuring three stoppages, Hatton from Hyde, Cheshire, has begun to settle into his role of novice prospect with improved performances on a regular basis under the watchful eye of his uncle and former pro Matthew Hatton. Tonight, he takes part in his first scheduled eight round contest made in the Super-Lightweight division against 10-7 Louis Fielding from Tamworth, Staffordshire. Hatton is becoming accustomed to the big fight nights and the enthusiastic youngster is eager to impress the knowledgeable crowd in attendance and those watching live on DAZN as he features on the live portion of this action packed card.

“This fight is basically an immediate turnaround from my last fight (W PTS 6) and that’s what we want,” said Hatton. “We are on the 8 rounders now and I feel the longer fights are going to benefit me as all my mistakes come when I rush my work. I think we’re going to see the best performance yet tonight.”

During the nursery stages of his career Hatton was criticised for his ‘all guns blazing’ approach to fights that would often see the youngster run out of gas and make fights more difficult than they should have been, but with experience he has recognised those flaws and worked to remove them from his makeup.

“It was easy to see early in my career that I was too eager to please and I was going 100 miles

per hour with everything,” admitted Hatton. “But last time out in Liverpool I think you saw me take my time, mix up my work and go up and down the gears. You will see a more calculated performance from me tonight.”

Prior to his ring debut back in March 2021 on the Dillian Whyte vs. Alexander Povetkin undercard in Gibraltar there was speculation amongst fight fans on what kind of style young Hatton would adopt. Would he look to emulate his father’s all action body attacking menace or perhaps the more reserved, career lengthening approach favoured by his uncle and trainer Matthew Hatton?

THINK WE ARE GOING TO SEE THE BEST PERFORMANCE YET”

“In a young kid like Campbell we should be seeing improvements with every fight and that is what we are getting,” revealed former European Champion and World Title challenger Matthew Hatton. “We see it every day in the gym and hopefully the fans are seeing it in the ring come fight night. Once through the levels I think that’s when we will see him at his best over longer fights. Believe me, we wouldn’t let Campbell get involved in this sport as hard as it is if we didn’t think he could go far. Campbell is a very good fighter and we will see that again tonight.” ■

“I

FLASH FIELDING

Tamworth’s 10-7 Louis Fielding has the chance of a lifetime to make a name for himself should he have his hand raised in victory when he faces Hyde sensation Campbell Hatton.

“I have been training hard and looking forward to performing against Hatton,” buzzed Fielding who will start tonight’s fight as a live underdog.

THERE

“If there is no risk, there is no reward,” reasoned the Tamworth man. “Campbell is a good kid with good people around him and of course his dad is a legend of the sport but a win for me would kickstart my career and that is what I’m looking to do.”

Fielding brings nine years’ worth of ring experience into play against Hatton having faced a mixture of journeyman and prospects since he made his professional bow back in 2014 at the Tower Ballroom in Birmingham where he decisioned legendary journeyman Kristian Laight over 4x3’s. The 32-year-old was beaten in his second pro contest by Lewis O’Mara in July of 2014 but followed up his first loss by embarking on a five-fight winning streak against several imported opponents until he suffered a stoppage loss to Jordan Ellison in Birmingham in early 2016.

Fielding lost three on the bounce with a victory on points over Joe Beeden sandwiched in-between another defeat, this time at the hands of 7-0 southpaw Indi Sangha, and a six round decision victory over Ricky Starkey in 2018.

In December of 2018 Fielding lost via a ninthround stoppage at the hands of future British and Commonwealth Title challenger James Beech Jnr and has since scored a pair of victories against one defeat as he takes to the ring for the first time in 2023. ■

“IF

IS NO RISK, THERE IS NO REWARD”

AMMO

Arguably one of the most talented prospects in world boxing and ranked in the top 10 by all the sport’s governing bodies, this 6-foot-tall unbeaten southpaw known as ‘Ammo’ (13-0 with 9 stoppages) makes his third appearance in a British ring, and his second at The O2, when he faces Coventry’s River Wilson-Bent over 10 rounds in a fascinating clash in the Middleweight division.

“Firstly, I want to give all the thanks and glory to god, I feel he always moves things around for me in an amazing way,” enthused Austin Williams at Wednesday’s final press conference.

“I was supposed to be doing commentary on this show but all the work I put in in the gym made me ready for this fight. He is a good opponent and he is ready to steal my rankings, so I need to be at my best.’

There had been a growing rivalry between Williams and British and Commonwealth Middleweight Champion Felix Cash who was due to challenge for the European Title tonight before he was forced to withdraw. Despite a fight with Cash now being put on ice temporarily, Williams is fully focused on his fight against River Wilson-Bent.

“I can never take a day off, never sleep because these fighters are here to take things from me,” added the Texan southpaw. “And I’d like to thank Matchroom Boxing and fighters like River that are willing to take fights against me at short notice. He has a lot to gain, and I have a lot to lose but I’m a new fighter.”

READY TO PUT ON A SHOW FOR MY UK FANS”

“River has a lot of advantages that people aren’t talking about,” explained Ammo.

“I’m coming to his home country as an American and I’m expected to win so that brings pressure. But my vision in the ring is on another level, I’m more calculated and more explosive which is a testament to the work I’ve put in over the years.

“I’m doing everything I’ve got to do on my side to prepare for these big nights when they come against the likes of Felix Cash but I’m taking it one step at a time. My opponent tonight is here to cause an upset and I’m looking forward to a fire fight with him.”

The former Team USA member was the number one ranked 165lbs fighter on the amateur scene before he made the decision to make the transition to the pro game under the guidance of Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing in April, 2019. He made his highly anticipated debut at the legendary Forum in Inglewood, California where he blitzed Joel Guevara in less than three minutes.

That was the start of Williams’ journey in the pro ranks and so far he hasn’t put a foot wrong as he has impressively navigated his way to 13 wins without a loss.

“I’m ready to put on a show for my UK fans, let’s go get that W!” ■

“I’M

FLOWING RIVER

Fresh from a six-round work out against journeyman Darryl Sharp on March

11, Coventry’s River Wilson-Bent was contemplating an afternoon on the sofa on a lazy Sunday when he answered a phone call that could change his career for the better should he pull off the upset against American hot prospect Austin Williams.

IS A BRILLIANT CHANCE FOR ME”

“This is a brilliant chance for me,” buzzed WilsonBent. “I boxed three weeks ago on Saturday, and I was chilling at home on the Sunday when I got the phone call asking if I wanted to box at The O2 against Austin Williams. I’m always ready to fight and I jumped at the chance to take his world rankings and possibly a massive fight down the line.”

Wilson-Bent, 29 and 14-2 with six KO’s, caught the attention of boxing fans around the country when he was involved in a back-and-forth war with Tyler Denny in June 2022. The contest was for the vacant English Middleweight Title and both men left it all in the ring during an enthralling battle that saw Denny edge past Wilson-Bent via a split decision.

“I learned a lot about myself during that fight,” said Willson-Bent. “I learned that I had more in the tank and should have let more punches go and that is something I will take with me during the rest of my career. Tonight against Williams is a great opportunity to continue what I have been learning in the gym.” ■

“THIS

THE GENTLEMAN

Unbeaten 6’5” southpaw John Hedges continues his development in the pro game this evening when he faces Poland fighter Daniel Bocianski over eight rounds, a distance he is yet to experience in the hard knock world of prize fighting. The 20-year-old hails from Takeley, Essex and captured four National and seven International Titles during a glittering spell in the unpaid code in which he amassed an extremely impressive record of 44 fights and 40 wins plying his trade all over Europe.

LOOKING TO DO THE JOB IN STYLE”

“This is my 4th fight at The O2 and its only my 8th in total so I have been very privileged thanks to the Matchroom banner and Eddie Hearn,” said Hedges who goes by the old school nickname of ‘The Gentleman’. “I’m going to start to step it up now, I have a good opponent with a good record in Daniel Bocianski. I had a great camp and I’m looking to do the job in style. I’m 20 years of age and on my 8th fight, the weight is coming on and I’m looking to push on towards a title later this year.” Hedges, 7-0 with 2 KO’s, turned over to the pro ranks in October 2020 and scored a points victory over his opponent Jan Ardon at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes, and the skilful southpaw has looked increasingly impressive as he builds towards what he hopes will be a title fight later this year or in early 2024. ■

“I’M

SOARING ZIZO

Single-handedly carrying the expectations of a nation on one’s shoulders would be a burden to most, but somehow Ziyad Almaayouf has manged to found inspiration within rather than buckling under the pressure and expectations of the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Aradia.

“The shoulders that you see on me right now carry the weight of so many, and the lightest of them is mine,” Almaayouf so eloquently explained during Wednesday’s final presser. “I’m here to represent, and this is what I love to do. What happened in my last fight, maybe is not what many wanted, but it was what was written. I’m always ready to adapt to what is written.

“Nothing is going to change this fight. It is a new opportunity. I am the first Saudi to fight at The O2. The first Arab to fight at The O2. To many these are just small milestones, but I didn’t even think I’d be the first to fight at my own local arena back home. I’m here now and I can’t stop smiling. Even to hear Eddie say my name is incredible. We are here and ready for a big show.”

Known as ‘Zizo’, Almaayouf stole the show on the recent PPV blockbuster between Jake Paul and Tommy Fury at the Diriyah Arena, Diriyah, Saudi Arabia when he recovered from a first round knockdown to pound out a points victory over Ronald Martinez with Matchroom Boxing chief Eddie Hearn heaping praise on to Almaayouf for his incredible display.

Almaayouf is coached by the Hall of fame inductee James ‘Buddy’ McGirt following a chance meeting on Instagram and the pair have never looked back, even finding time to joke about the meeting during time away from the gym. ■

“THESE SHOULDERS CARRY THE WEIGHT OF SO MANY”

FLYING FLYNN

Oxford born Jordan Flynn brings an unbeaten 8-0 record to The O2 when he faces the tough and experienced Kane Baker over eight rounds in an intriguing contest made in the Super-Featherweight division.

“I feel like I belong here,” said Flynn at Wednesday’s final press conference. “Kane Baker is a step-up opponent but I’m ready to make that step up and impress come Saturday night.”

The unbeaten 27-year-old made his bow in the pro ranks back in 2019 but his progress was halted due to the Covid pandemic, and it would be almost 12 months on from his debut that he fought again, a six-round decision over boxing centurion Jamie Quinn at York Hall, Bethnal Green.

Flynn boxed for the third time as a pro in October 2021 this time against Lee Connelly where he scored a six round points victory over the vastly experienced journeyman before a further victory via the points route over import Marian Marius Istrate, once again at the legendary York Hall.

2022 saw Flynn score his first, and so far only, stoppage victory to date when he halted Constantin Radoi in the third round of a scheduled six at the Bracknell Leisure Centre in Bracknell, Berkshire. Flynn has scored a further trio of victories in the ring since 2022 and comes into his highly anticipated trade fight against Kane Baker in good form as he continues to progress in his pro career. ■

“I BELONG HERE”

SEARCH AND DESTROY

15-0 Heavyweight puncher Juergen Uldedaj has been part of Anthony Joshua’s training camp in preparation for the two-time World Champion’s contest with American Jermaine Franklin, and the Albanian prospect is buzzing for his big chance to impress the paying public and boss Eddie Hearn.

“Thank you for the opportunity to be part of this massive card on this massive platform,” said Juergen. “I’m ready for the big fights and I’m looking forward to performing well to earn that contract.”

With six KO victories on his resume Uldedaj has made short work of a high percentage of his opponents to date, despite beginning his career between the ropes with four points victories in a row before he forced Giorgi Tevdorashvili to retire in round three of a scheduled six at the Maritim Hotel in Magdeburg, Germany.

“I’M READY FOR THE BIG FIGHTS”

A KO victory over Radek Geissmann was sandwiched between a pair of points victories over Ziso Poulitsa and Jakub Synek respectively. Frenchman Morgan Dessaux forced Uldedaj to complete the full six-round route when they clashed at Stadthalle in Magdeburg in September 2015 whilst he completed two back to back 10-round bouts in Albania and Germany in 2018 and 2019.

Robert Grguric was blasted out in two rounds of a scheduled eight in 2020 and he arrives in the UK on the back of three stoppage wins over Bojan Cestic, Dmytro Serguta and Bruno Igor Hong and several rounds of sparring with Joshua under his belt. ■

HAMBURG HEAVYWEIGHT

German Heavyweight prospect Peter Kadiru will showcase his talents this evening on a huge night of boxing at The O2. The 14-1 fighter has been training out in Dallas, Texas under the watchful eye of coach Derrick James and with Matchroom Boxing chief Eddie Hearn an interested observer, the 25-year-old will be hoping to impress in his first fight in the UK. “It was a long camp, a hard camp,” said Kadiru. “I want to thank 258 Management and Matchroom as well as my brother Dereck Chisora. I’m ready to go!”

READY TO GO”

Whilst out in Dallas, Kadiru trained alongside Welterweight World champion Errol Spence, and Kadiru explained how valuable that experience was. “It was my first time in a camp outside of Germany for that long, so it was a new experience for me and I learned a lot out in Dallas.”

Kadiru began his journey in the pro game back in 2019 with a six-round victory over Artur Kubiak and he was back in action just a few weeks later to score a fourth-round stoppage over Vincenzo Febbo at the Erdgas Arena, Halle an der Saale. The 6’4” prospect returns to action following a setback in his plans when he was halted in the first round of a scheduled eight round contest by Marcos Antonio Aumada in November 2022 in Hamburg. ■

“I’M

12 X 3 MINS INTERNATIONAL HEAVYWEIGHT CONTEST

ANTHONY JERMAINE

JOSHUA

(WATFORD, ENGLAND)

vs FRANKLIN

(SAGINAW, USA)

10 X 3 MINS VACANT WBA CONTINENTAL HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE

FABIO WARDLEY vs MICHAEL POLITE-COFFIE (IPSWICH, ENGLAND) (KISSIMMEE, USA)

10 X 3 MINS INTERNATIONAL FLYWEIGHT CONTEST

GALAL YAFAI vs MOISES CALLEROS (BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND) (MONTERREY, MEXICO)

8 X 3 MINS SUPER-LIGHTWEIGHT CONTEST

CAMPBELL HATTON vs LOUIS FIELDING (HYDE, ENGLAND) (TAMWORTH, ENGLAND)

10 X 3 MINS INTERNATIONAL MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTEST

AUSTIN WILLIAMS vs RIVER WILSON-BENT (HOUSTON, USA) (COVENTRY, ENGLAND)

8 X 3 MINS INTERNATIONAL LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT CONTEST

JOHN HEDGES vs DANIEL BOCIANSKI (TAKELEY, ENGLAND) (NOWY SACZ, POLAND)

4 X 3 MINS INTERNATIONAL WELTERWEIGHT CONTEST

ZIYAD ALMAAYOUF vs GEORGI VELICHKOV (SAUDI ARABIA) (SOFIA, BULGARIA)

8 X 3 MINS SUPER-FEATHERWEIGHT CONTEST

JORDAN FLYNN vs KANE BAKER (OXFORD, ENGLAND) (BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND)

8 X 3 MINS INTERNATIONAL HEAVYWEIGHT CONTEST

JUERGEN ULDEDAJ vs BENOIT HUBER (LEZHE, ALBANIA) (SION, SWITZERLAND)

6 X 3 MINS INTERNATIONAL HEAVYWEIGHT CONTEST

PETER KADIRU vs ALEN LAURIOLLE (HAMBURG, GERMANY) (SKOPJE, MACEDONIA)