Saturday 14th November 2020 Katie Taylor v Miriam Gutierrez
Katie Taylor to win in rounds 1-4 WAS
10/3
NOW
4/1
Prices subject to fluctuation. Terms apply.
Click here to bet
A WELCOME FROM
EDDIE HEARN T
his is an historic moment for boxing. A huge night of action that will be headlined by not one but three women’s World Title fights. Katie Taylor has spun the game on its head since she turned pro and has paved the way for so many great female fighters. Katie faces the second Mandatory Challenger during her Undisputed reign in tough undefeated Spaniard Miriam Gutierrez, who has promised to seize her golden opportunity. While fresh off a Fight of the Year contender at Fight Camp, Terri Harper faces her first Mandatory Challenger in undefeated Norwegian Katharina Thanderz and in a fairy tale story Rachel Ball has a chance to become Interim WBC Super-Bantamweight
World Champion against reigning IBF Super-Flyweight ruler Jorgelina Guanini. This is a major statement from us and our broadcast partner Sky Sports, who have made this massive night of boxing available to all on their YouTube, Facebook and website. We also have three brilliant men’s fights on the card; big-punching Scot John Docherty steps up to face Jack Cullen in an Eliminator for the British SuperMiddleweight Title in only his tenth fight, Glasgow Bantamweight talent Kash Farooq finally makes his big Matchroom debut as he takes on Mexico’s Angel Aviles for the WBA Continental Title and our new Light-Heavyweight signing Thomas-Whittaker Hart looks to impress against Jermaine Springer. ■
Programme Editor: Daniel Barnard (daniel.barnard@matchroom.com) Fighter Interviews: Scott Hammerton and Jamie Ward Design: Hashtag Digital Media (hdmdigitalsales@gmail.com) Photographs: Mark Robinson Master of Ceremonies: David Diamante
3
UNDISPUTED
ICON
U
ndisputed Lightweight World Champion Katie Taylor says there is no chance of her overlooking Spain’s Interim WBA Lightweight ruler Miriam Gutierrez. The Irish star, undefeated in all 16 of her professional contests, insists that fans haven’t seen the best of her yet and has warned against complacency ahead of a huge night for women’s boxing. Taylor puts all five of her World Title belts on the line against her WBA Mandatory Challenger Gutierrez and the 34-year-old trailblazer says she will risk chasing the biggest fights available in order to grow her legacy. “I never get sick of looking at all the belts - it’s something I’ve worked extremely hard for,” said Taylor. “The journey has definitely been more exciting that I could have expected. “One punch can change a fight in professional boxing. She is an unbeaten fighter and better than people expect. Hopefully I will do a bit of everything - outbox her and outfight her. There are no easy fights at this stage. This is a huge opportunity for her. “Complacency is very, very dangerous. I’m ready for whatever
4
NOVEMBER 14 2020
TAYLOR VS GUTIERREZ
comes my way. People haven’t seen the best of me. Every belt is on the line. She has a lot to fight for. But this is the position I’ve always wanted to be in, defending my titles. I’m prepared to walk away the Undisputed Champion. “It’s a privilege to be headlining such a big show, an historic show. I never thought when I turned pro that we would see three women’s World Title fights on a show. I really feel like people haven’t seen the best
“I NEVER GET SICK OF LOOKING AT ALL THE BELTS” of me yet, so hopefully they do in the fights to come.” “I want to make history and create legacy and, to do that, you have to be active and take risks. We’re in this sport to inspire the next generation. It’s incredible to me that female fighters are household names now.” ■
5
A GOLDEN
OPPORTUNITY
M
iriam Gutierrez plans to turn the Lightweight division on its head by dethroning Undisputed Lightweight queen Katie Taylor and taking all of the marbles back to Spain. The 37-year-old from Madrid was last seen in November 2019 outpointing her compatriot Keren Batiz to claim the Interim WBA World Lightweight Title and secure the mandatory spot for Taylor in the process. She heads into tonight’s main event eager to make the most of her golden opportunity by becoming the first woman to beat pound-for-pound great Taylor and assert herself as the number one 135lb fighter on the planet. “It’s just about enjoying it now, the hard work is done,” said Gutierrez. “My style is quirky and I’m bringing something different. I’ve waited ten years to be able to fight Katie Taylor. It’s strange conditions with the pandemic but I can’t wait. “I am really focused, that’s not to say I don’t admire her, I have followed her career both in the amateur ranks and now in the professionals. We’ve been working really hard for this, so I am totally focused. “I am trying not to predict anything or think about what might happen but it’s a dream to fight against Katie. I have a lot of admiration and respect for her and what she has done for women’s boxing.
6
NOVEMBER 14 2020
TAYLOR VS GUTIERREZ
“I AM TOTALLY FOCUSED ON WINNING THIS FIGHT AND TAKING THE BELTS HOME” “The challenges I have gone through in life outside of boxing enable me to come through difficult situations and make me strong for my fights. I plan on being a lot quicker than her and using my speed to become the Undisputed Lightweight World Champion.” Upon the launch of Matchroom Boxing Spain, Gutierrez is hoping that a win tonight will see her become a national star in her homeland. “I am totally focused on winning this fight and taking the belts home. It’s a huge opportunity for me and I will do my very best to make the most of it. It’s a lovely situation to be in and it’s a big opportunity for me. I have been working really hard for it so hopefully I can take advantage of this.” ■
7
A POINT TO
PROVE
T
erri Harper says she has made a number of improvements following her thrilling split decision draw with Liverpool’s Natasha Jonas at the top of the bill on Fight Camp Week 2 back in August. Harper retained her WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles after ten rounds of all out action in Essex, but the Denaby star was left disappointed with her performance.
‘Belter’ (10-0-1, 5 KOs) puts her titles on the line against WBC Mandatory Challenger Katharina Thanderz (13-0, 2 KOs) in the Capital this evening. The 24-year-old is open to a rematch with former Team GB standout Jonas but insists that all of her attention is on the job at hand against undefeated Norwegian Thanderz. “I just fight who I’m told to fight,” said Harper. “Thanderz was called as mandatory so that’s it. I’ve had my eye on her a good few months, maybe a year as a potential opponent so it’s not like she’s just popped out of nowhere. “I learnt a lot after my last fight in many ways and I do want that rematch with Tasha down the line and also unifications, but I have a proven and deserving mandatory challenger to contend with first before we even look at those options this is a proper fight and one I’m not overlooking.
9
“Previously I used to take it to heart when people called me out, but it shows I’m doing something right and have something they all want - the green and gold belt, but it’s one fight at a time. “We’ve made changes from the last camp, including bringing a new S&C coach onboard. It’s really opened my eyes to a few areas I was perhaps missing before, the improvements we’ve made since the summer are already starting to show. “You’ll see my boxing skills shine through, I’ll set the pace, be disciplined in there and retain my titles.” ■
“I LEARNT A LOT FROM MY LAST FIGHT”
10
NOVEMBER 14 2020
TAYLOR VS GUTIERREZ
KATY K
atharina Thanderz says she has seen weaknesses in Terri Harper’s game that she will exploit when they clash for the WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles at The SSE Arena, Wembley. Unbeaten in thirteen professional contests, the former European and WBC International Champion got her first taste of World Title action last time out in November 2019 when she battled past Danila Ramos to claim the interim WBC Super-Featherweight crown. Thanderz aims to follow in the footsteps of compatriot Cecilia Brækhus, the former long-reigning Undisputed 147lbs champion, who is considered one of the greatest female boxers of all time, and the 32-year-old plans on kicking off her road to Undisputed by dethroning rising star Harper in London. “This is my moment, my fight, the night my whole career has lined up for,” said Thanderz. “To fight against such a competitor for a World Title unification,
“I’VE SEEN WEAKNESSES IN HARPER” 12
NOVEMBER 14 2020
TAYLOR VS GUTIERREZ
it’s the fight every fighter dreams of! “My last fight was a hard one where I had to bite down on the gum shield, but this fight will be an even greater test. I came through in my last fight and had my hand raised, I’m confident that will happen again against Terri. “After that fight, I called for Terri Harper, I’ve been studying her for a long time but I know she will have been studying for me. I’ve seen weaknesses in her game that I have been working on in training, I’ve put in extra hours to work on a specific game plan and now I just can’t wait to get in there with Terri and put into practice what we’ve worked on. “Everything for this fight has been right. My training camp, my preparation could not have gone better. From diet and nutrition, physical training, sparring - my team has left no stone unturned; I am determined not to waste this opportunity. We will entertain in this fight; we are two fighters that love to fight and have trained hard and prepared well. I can’t wait.” ■
13
TIME TO
R
DELIVER
achel Ball is desperate to show fans a new and improved version of herself when she takes on Argentina’s Jorgelina Guanini for the vacant WBC Interim SuperBantamweight Word Title. Despite dropping and outpointing popular Watford prospect Shannon Courtenay in a huge breakout win at Matchroom Fight Camp back in August, the 29-year-old care worker from Aldridge wasn’t completely satisfied with her performance and says she needs to improve if she is to defeat reigning IBF Super-Flyweight World Champion Guanini.
14
NOVEMBER 14 2020
“I’m pleased with my performance,” said Ball. “I’m very proud of myself, but I want to show more. Some people are still questioning my ability. I want to show them what I’m really about. “I know how hard it is to get those decisions away from home, so I was relieved when my hand went up. Shannon needs the rematch more than me. I’m not really that bothered, and that’s no disrespect to her. I just want to fight as many people as I can.” Ball (6-1) was originally scheduled to face Ebanie Bridges before the Australian was forced
TAYLOR VS GUTIERREZ
“I’VE GOT TO STEP UP FROM THE COURTENAY FIGHT” to withdraw from their contest due to an injury, but the former threetime kickboxing World Champion isn’t fazed in the slightest by the change of opponent and says the outcome will remain the same. “I’ve got to take things as they come, and this is my next challenge. I’m just preparing as hard as I can for that. There’s no point me looking any further than that. I’ve been given a great opportunity and I need to grab it with both hands. I’ll see what happens afterwards. “I am overdue a stoppage. I need to get one. I know I am going to win this fight and I’m going home with that belt. That belt is not getting on that plane! It’s mine to win. I’m just overexcited that I’m back again so soon. I keep thinking about it and I don’t know if it’s real yet. “I feel like I’ve got a lot to prove in terms of stepping up from last time. I want fans to see a different Rachel Ball from the last one. I want them to see a whole new different level of strength, power and fitness. We’ve stepped it up a whole new level so I’m expecting that to be reflected in my performance.” ■
15
R
eigning IBF Super-Flyweight World Champion Jorgelina Guanini intends on ruining Rachel Ball’s dreams of being crowned the Interim WBC SuperBantamweight World Champion. The Argentinian stepped in on short notice after Ebanie Bridges was forced out through injury for the WBA Bantamweight World Title, however despite her every effort to get inside the 118lbs limit, which included shaving her hair, it proved too difficult. 28-year-old ‘Jota’ has only lost one of her 11 professional bouts heading into her clash with Ball, which is her first on UK soil, with one taking place in Spain and the rest in her homeland.
JOTA 16
NOVEMBER 14 2020
TAYLOR VS GUTIERREZ
Not fazed by the vast height difference, Guanini is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this historic card and wants to show the world what she is capable of. “First and foremost, thank you for the compliment on my new haircut!” Guanini told promoter Eddie Hearn at Thursday’s press conference. “This is an incredible opportunity for me and it’s an opportunity that I’m really looking forward to. “I’m really grateful for this. It’s true that I am pretty small. I have been smaller than all of my opponents I have faced. I have probably never faced someone as tall as Rachel, but I am up for fighting whatever opponent that is put in front of me.” ■
“I AM UP FOR FIGHTING WHATEVER OPPONENT THAT IS PUT IN FRONT OF ME!”
17
THE
DOC
Big-punching Scot John Docherty says he will knockout Jack Cullen before the eighth round of their British SuperMiddleweight Title Eliminator. Docherty’s gym mate Felix Cash stopped Cullen in eight rounds to retain his Commonwealth Middleweight crown in a Fight of the Year contender at Manchester Arena last year, but ‘The Doc’ wants to go one better than Cash to secure bragging rights at the Matchroom Elite Boxing Gym. “On paper Jack Cullen is my biggest test to date,” said Docherty. “I’m going in there to do a proper job on him. I’ve got to put the Super-Middleweight division on notice on Saturday night and I’ll be doing that. “I’ll definitely be looking for the knockout and I’ll be going for it early doors. My gym mate Felix cash knocked him out in the eighth round when they fought last year, and I’ll be doing it much quicker than Felix. “On Saturday night you’re going to see a big Super-Middleweight absolutely demolish Jack Cullen. I want to win the British Title and he’s in my way. You’re a sorry man if you’re in my way and he’s in for one hell of a night. “You can see the difference between Middleweights and SuperMiddleweights. He still has the exact same frame as when he was a Middleweight. He hasn’t put any muscle
18
NOVEMBER 14 2020
TAYLOR VS GUTIERREZ
on or anything, I don’t know what he’s playing at but he’s playing with danger against me.” Cullen battled to a controversial split decision draw with Zak Chelli following a hard-fought encounter in Essex on the Matchroom Fight Camp finale earlier this year, but Docherty has no intention of leaving it to the judges as he looks to take a step closer to the British Title. “He doesn’t bring anything different to the table each time he fights. He takes too many shots and he leaves
“I’LL KO CULLEN QUICKER THAN CASH”
himself open. Zak Chelli made him look very basic. I knew he was basic anyway, but he looked very bad in his last fight. No way it was a draw, he got beat fair and square. “There won’t be any drama around the scorecards this time, I’ll be knocking him out. This isn’t going ten rounds. I’m ready to go now. I just want to get weighed in. I’ve had a good camp and I’m ready to unleash on Saturday night.” ■
19
THANK YOU KEY WORKERS Celebrating the amazing key workers who were nominated for a #Ticketforward meet-and-greet with these Matchroom Boxing stars Watch their stories here
LITTLE LEVER’S MEAT
CLEAVER L
ittle Lever’s Jack Cullen has vowed to silence any critics by beating rising Matchroom prospect John Docherty when the Super-Middleweight rivals collide in an Eliminator for the British Title. Cullen was on the end of some tough criticism after his controversial draw with Zak Chelli at Fight Camp in August and was planning to return to winning ways against Jamie Cox before the Swindon banger was forced out through injury. Despite Docherty’s differing stature, Cullen says his preparation to face a southpaw has left him more than ready for The Doc. “I’m buzzing to be back on another big Matchroom show,” said Cullen. “I’ve moved on from the Zak Chelli fight and now all my focus is on John Docherty. He’s the one I’m going to beat next!” “Jamie Cox and Docherty are similar in ways as they both love a fight and are both southpaws. He is enjoying saying he’s going to knock me out, but we will see once that bell rings.
21
“People enjoy watching me fight and now it’s time to step up my game and push on towards titles. We both have to win this fight and I can’t wait to show everyone how good I am. “I’m going to smash his face in! He’s talking s**t in his interviews; he needs to remember he’s only boxed journeymen and this is a huge step-up for him. He’s good with his mouth, let’s see how good he is with his hands. “I’m not taking it personally. What he’s got to realise is I’m not a Middleweight anymore, I’m a Super-Middle and I’m a big Super-Middle. I’m coming to win. I’m here to prove a point. I’m going to show how good I really am.” ■
“HE’S TALKING S**T! HE NEEDS TO REMEMBER HE’S ONLY BOXED JOURNEYMEN”
22
NOVEMBER 14 2020
TAYLOR VS GUTIERREZ
Pre-order SIGNED copies now exclusively at WHSmith.co.uk
READY TO
PUSH ON T
homas Whittaker-Hart believes that Jermaine Springer will bring out the best of him when they clash over eight rounds in this evening’s opening bout. The highly rated Liverpool LightHeavyweight signed promotional terms with Matchroom Boxing last month and will be looking to impress promoter Eddie Hearn with a standout performance. Whittaker-Hart (4-0, 2 KOs), a former England and Team GB man who was planning on staying in the amateur game until the Tokyo Olympic Games, trains with Joe McNally at the Rotunda ABC in Kirkdale and has made a perfect start to life in the professional ranks. The former English National titlist, who is managed by former WBC Cruiserweight World Champion Tony Bellew, made his pro debut on the Liam Smith vs. Sam Eggington show at the M&S Arena in March 2019, outpointing Poland’s Przemyslaw Binienda. Three wins have followed for the 25-year-old prospect who will be looking to push on under his new promotional banner, starting with a win over Springer (7-1, 1 KO). “I’m made up to have someone that’s coming to win against me,” said Hart. “I feel like you’ll get more out of me if you’ve got someone in front of me who’s ready to push me. I’m excited to show what I can do.
25
“I know Jermaine is going to come to win and it’s going to be exciting. It’s not about the pressure, I don’t really think too much into that. I’ve been doing this since I was a young boy so I’m just taking things in my stride and going with it. “I’ve made a positive start to life in the pros with four wins and two knockouts. I don’t think I’ve showed enough of what I can really do. Now I’ve signed with Matchroom I can start to really push on and I know the opponents are going to get harder, that’s when you’ll see the best version of me. “I don’t know a lot about Springer, but I’ve
“I’M MADE UP TO HAVE SOMEONE THAT’S COMING TO WIN AGAINST ME” seen the odd clip of him. I know that he’s a good step up for me at this stage of my career. I’m more than confident in my ability to get the job done and I’ll be more than ready when the bell rings.” ■
26
NOVEMBER 14 2020
TAYLOR VS GUTIERREZ
ISSUE 03 £8.99
JUNE 2020 WHEN SOLD
COVID-19
WELDING WORLD
LEADS THE FIGHTBACK
CLICK HERE TO JOIN NOW!
PLUS: PRODUCT REVIEWS • WELDING NEWS • AND MUCH MORE
Using digital to speak directly to your customers
INTERACTIVE DIGITAL PROGRAMME 2020/21
RE ICK RHE CLBUY LLOW YOU IFO TO SS! MATCH PA
v GRIMSBY TOWN Saturday, October 31 2020 | Kick-Off: 3.00pm
Tel: 07539 782979 Email: hdmdigitalsales@gmail.com www.hashtagdigitalmedia.co.uk
J
ermaine Springer insists that all of the pressure is on Matchroom new boy Thomas WhittakerHart ahead of their eight round LightHeavyweight battle. Liverpool’s Whittaker-Hart, managed by former WBC Cruiserweight king Tony Bellew, signed promotional terms with Eddie Hearn last month and will be hoping to impress on his Matchroom debut as he kicks off a huge night of World Title action, but Bradford’s Springer has other ideas. Trained by Al Osta at the Ultra Flex Gym in Leeds, ‘Showtime’ heads into his first TV appearance sporting a record of seven wins and one loss since turning pro in March 2018, and the 32-year-old says he is ready to cause an upset against former amateur standout Whittaker-Hart.
SHOWTIME
28
NOVEMBER 14 2020
TAYLOR VS GUTIERREZ
“I’M GOING TO BRING THE FIRE”
“I’ve got nothing to lose,” said Springer. “He’s just signed a multi-fight deal with Matchroom, he’s managed by Tony Bellew and he’s the amateur star that has all of the pressure and expectation on him. For me, I’ve just got to go out there and have a fight. It’s a much simpler situation for me. It’s a lot more complicated for him. “I’ve seen more of his amateur stuff. We know what he’s about. I think it will be a good fight. He’s not just a one trick pony. He’s an all-round good fighter. He’s got good speed, good power and a good jab. He can fight at distance and he can fight up close on
the inside. I think our styles will gel. “I’m going to bring the fire. This is my opportunity. I don’t get opportunities like this. I’m used to fighting at small hall shows. This is what I dream about, fighting on Matchroom shows live on Sky Sports. I’m normally watching them on TV. “I’m a massive boxing fan. It’s a dream come true and I’m going to give it everything that I’ve got. I 100% believe in myself and I am going there to cause the upset. I can’t leave anything in the ring and end up disappointed. I have to put on a good show and get the win.” ■
29
THIRD TIME
LUCKY K
ash Farooq is promising to bring something different to the table when he finally makes his highly anticipated Matchroom debut against Mexico’s Angel Aviles. The Pakistan-born Glasgow-based talent was due to face another Mexican, Martin Tecuapetla, on the Usyk vs. Chisora undercard two weeks ago before being forced to withdraw due to a positive test in his camp. Instead of feeling down in the dumps about his bad luck, the 24-year-old talent returned to the gym just two days later and has been rewarded with a shot at the vacant WBA Continental Bantamweight Title. “Fingers crossed everything goes well and you’ll see me in the ring on Saturday night putting on a good performance,” said Farooq. “The Friday night after I had the bad news was a long night for me. I brushed myself down and went back to the gym on Sunday morning and carried on. “I’ve got to thank everyone for getting me on this bill. Every fight is hard and I’m expecting a tough challenge against Angel. He’s going to be there all night and he’s going to bring the best out in me. I expect myself to be the winner. “I’ve kept myself active and busy during this period. Whether it’s running or doing circuits in a park, anything to keep myself active. I was hoping to box maybe three times this year but it’s just one of those things, I am just grateful to be back in the ring.” ■
31
18:10 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS FACEBOOK 8 X 3 MINS LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT CONTEST
THOMAS JERMAINE WHITTAKER-HART vs SPRINGER
12ST 6LBS 9OZ (LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND)
12ST 5LBS 4OZ (BRADFORD, ENGLAND)
FOLLOWED BY
19:00 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS 10 X 3 MINS VACANT WBA CONTINENTAL BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE
KASH FAROOQ vs ANGEL AVILES
8ST 5LBS 0OZ (GLASGOW, SCOTLAND)
8ST 8LBS 0OZ (ALTAMIRANO, MEXICO)
FOLLOWED BY
10 X 3 MINS BRITISH SUPER-MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE ELIMINATOR
JOHN DOCHERTY vs JACK CULLEN
11ST 12LBS 9OZ (MONTROSE, SCOTLAND)
11ST 13LBS 7OZ (LITTLE LEVER, ENGLAND)
FOLLOWED BY
10 X 2 MINS VACANT INTERIM WBC SUPER-BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD TITLE
RACHEL BALL vs JORGELINA GUANINI
8ST 9LBS 9OZ (ALDRIDGE, ENGLAND)
8ST 13LBS 7O (BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA)
FOLLOWED BY
10 X 2 MINS WBC AND IBO SUPER-FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD TITLES
TERRI HARPER vs KATHARINA THANDERZ
9ST 3LBS 5OZ (DENABY, ENGLAND)
9ST 3LBS 10OZ (OSLO, NORWAY)
FOLLOWED BY
10 X 2 MINS UNDISPUTED LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD TITLES
KATIE MIRIAM vs TAYLOR GUTIERREZ
9ST 8LBS 7OZ (BRAY, IRELAND)
9ST 8LBS 6OZ (MADRID, SPAIN)