Week 2 Fight Camp Programme

FRIDAY 7 AUGUST 2020

Fight Camp Week Two 7th August 2020 Terri Harper v Natasha Jonas

Harper to win by KO, TKO or DQ

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A WELCOME FROM

EDDIE HEARN

W

OW! What a start to Fight Camp last week. It couldn’t have gone any better. We had a great time in the bubble leading up to the night. The fighters all excelled.

We had drama, we had Fight of the Year contenders and we expect another unbelievable night of action from the Matchroom Headquarters this evening.

Terri Harper has emerged as a new star of women’s boxing and she’s ready to make more history as she puts her WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles on the line against Natasha Jonas – the first time two Brits have contested a female World Championship.

‘Belter’ hasn’t put a foot wrong so far in her professional career, winning the famous green and gold belt against long-reigning World Champion Eva Wahlstrom last time out with a terrific performance.

She will need to be at her very best if she is to get past former Great Britain standout Jonas – the first female to compete at an Olympic Games for Team GB. Anthony Fowler is looking to impress again under his new trainer Shane McGuigan as he targets a shot at

the British Super-Welterweight Title by the end of the year. ‘The Machine’ believes he is top of the pile in a redhot domestic scene, but he will have to prove it against the tough and game Adam Harper.

Leeds Featherweight talent Hopey Price looked brilliant in his last fight on the blockbuster Ruiz vs. Joshua 2 show in Saudi Arabia and it was a great experience for him. Tonight, he faces a huge step-up in class against Jonny Phillips in only his third pro fight.

Chris Billam-Smith was in destructive form against Craig Glover in Liverpool, stopping the Tony Bellew-managed fighter in five rounds to claim the Commonwealth Title. He puts that belt on the line for the first time against undefeated Welshman Nathan Thorley.

A shot at the European Title could await the winner.

Aqib Fiaz is another one of our young talents who takes a major step-up in opponent this evening. All but one of his fights have been four rounders, but tonight he leaps up to eight rounds to face Kane Baker, looking to impress on his big Matchroom debut.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the fights! ■

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

THE

FIRST

DEFENCE T

erri Harper says she will “break down” Natasha Jonas when she defends her WBC and IBO SuperFeatherweight World Titles against the Liverpudlian at the top of the bill on Matchroom Fight Camp Week 2.

Harper (10-0, 5 KOs) was crowned WBC World Champion after battering Eva Wahlstrom over ten rounds at the FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield to rip the famous green and gold belt from the long-reigning Finn and cement herself as a new rising star of British boxing.

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AUGUST 07 2020 | WEEK 2 FIGHT CAMP

“I’M GOING TO WORK NATASHA ALL NIGHT AND BREAK HER DOWN”

HARPER VS JONAS

The first defence of her WBC Title comes against Great Britain’s first ever female boxer to compete at an Olympic Games. Despite Jonas’ wealth of experience in the amateur ranks, ‘Belter’ remains confident that she will emerge victorious against ‘Miss GB’ on the night.

“For me, professional and amateur boxing are two completely different styles,” said Harper.

“We’re not going to do anything daft.

We’re not just going to be looking for a stoppage. I’m going to use my engine.

I’m going to work Natasha all night and break her down.

“Tasha gets caught quite a lot and I’m a big strong SuperFeatherweight. When I get in the ring, I’m easily a good 10 or 12 pounds heavier than what I was at the weigh-in the day before. I’ve got a bit of meat behind my punches and I strongly believe I could get a stoppage over Tasha if I get the chance. She keeps saying there’s nothing I do better than her but obviously I beat Viviane Obenauf.

I’m not going to go off that fight, but I think I’ve got one up on Tasha.” ■

5

IDOLS

BECOME

RIVALS N

atasha Jonas is confident that Terri Harper won’t be able to deal with ‘the best version’ of her as the SuperFeatherweights prepare to meet in a historic clash that sees an idol become a rival.

Harper puts her WBC and IBO crowns on the line against former Team GB standout Jonas (9-1, 7 KOs) in a keenly-anticipated matchup that will see two British female fighters compete against each other for a World Title for the first time in the sport’s history.

Jonas, trained by Joe Gallagher in Bolton, bounced back from her sole pro career loss against Viviane Obenauf

“THERE’S NOTHING SHE DOES BETTER THAN ME, AND I’LL PROVE IT” 6

AUGUST 07 2020 | WEEK 2 FIGHT CAMP

HARPER VS JONAS

with three rebuilding wins over Feriche Mashauri, Bec Connolly and Bianka Majlath, and the World Amateur Bronze Medallist believes all of the pressure will be on the shoulders of the younger Harper.

“She’s young, she’s hungry and she’s proved she can do ten rounds,” said Jonas. “She’s fit, but I also think that some of those things can be your undoing when you’re young. Sometimes you’re a bit naive, you can be a bit overeager when you’re hungry. She’s been talking about stopping the fight early, so we’ll see. That’s all I can say.

“She’s done everything asked of her.

She’s beaten people I couldn’t. She’s beaten experienced girls like Eva Wahlstrom. She’s took the title, she’s got the title, and I’ve just got to take that off her. Hats off to her for everything she’s done. I’ve got nothing bad to say about her. I’m realistic. I’ve just got to bring the

best version of me, and I don’t think she can deal with that.

“I think she’s the bookies’ favourite.

Judging by some social media comments I’ve seen she’s possibly edging it with the fans too. There’s no pressure on me. She put out a statement the other day saying that there is, but I don’t believe there is. She’s the Champion, she’s got to keep hold of it, she’s been very vocal about how she’s going to keep hold of it. She’s got to go out and prove it.

“Every time I’ve come back into boxing there’s always been a reason, like unfinished business. To win and to hold the belt would finally sort that unfinished business. That will make me complete. I’ll be prepared, whether it’s one round or ten rounds. I’ll be prepared and I’ll keep going. There’s nothing she does better than me, and I’ll prove it on August 7th.” ■

7

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FRIDAY 7 AUGUST | FIGH T C AMP, ESSE X

THE C

GENTLEMAN

hris Billam-Smith has a shot at the British Cruiserweight crown in his sights if he can get past Welshman Nathan Thorley in what will be the first defence of his Commonwealth Title.

Following his impressive stoppage win over Craig Glover at The M&S Bank Arena Liverpool, ‘The Gentleman’ (10-1, 9 KOs) flew out to Riga in February to spend two weeks sparring with WBO Cruiserweight World Champion Mairis Briedis in the Latvian capital.

Bournemouth’s BillamSmith says the 30 rounds he shared with the No.1 Cruiserweight on the planet was

“THIS MIGHT BE HIS BIG OPPORTUNITY, BUT I WON’T BE LETTING HIM TAKE IT” 9

invaluable experience and will help him battle past Gary Lockett’s undefeated charge at ‘Matchroom Square Garden’.

“I learnt so much out there,” said Billam-Smith. “He’s proven himself at the very top level. He gave Usyk arguably his hardest fight. He’s a tough bloke and he gave me some great work. I had to adapt and really think during the spars. I really feel like I’ve improved as a fighter from those two weeks.

“It was like having another fight under your belt because you’re in a foreign country and it’s hard work. It was probably more beneficial than my first seven fights all put together. It was a great experience for me. I really had to take my time and pick my shots against him. I think that’s what you’ll see of me on August 7th.”

Cardiff’s Thorley, a former Welsh Area Light-Heavyweight Champion, believes

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AUGUST 07 2020 | WEEK 2 FIGHT CAMP

his clash with Billam-Smith will be his ‘breakthrough night’, but the Shane McGuigan-trained 30-year-old has other ideas and says he will be a step too far for ‘Thunder’.

“Thorley has never been in with anyone like me,” said Billam-Smith. “It doesn’t matter what he’s capable of or what his game plan is, I will make sure I’m victorious on August 7th. This might be his big opportunity, but I won’t be letting him take it. I think he’ll tire a lot sooner than me and I believe I hit a lot harder than him as well.

“He’s got range and he’s got quick hands, he’s got a boxing brain and he’s got good ability but it’s a big step up for him from his previous fights. We’ll see how he deals with the occasion. It’s his first twelve rounder up at Cruiserweight against someone who is a natural Cruiserweight. It will be interesting to see how strong he is in there.” ■

HARPER VS JONAS

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N

athan Thorley is determined to announce himself on the big stage when he challenges Bournemouth’s Commonwealth Cruiserweight king Chris Billam-Smith.

‘Thunder’ (14-0, 6 KOs) won Welsh honours at Light-Heavyweight before admitting defeat in his battle with the scales and moving up to Cruiserweight where he has scored points wins over Lithuanian imports Remigijus Ziausys and Dmitrij Kalinovskij.

The 2014 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist is confident fans will see the best version of him when he steps up in class to face ‘The Gentleman’ in what he hopes will be the first of many title fights at his new weight.

“I’ve had one fight where my opponent was coming to win, and he got knocked out in the second round,” said Thorley. “I’m taking nothing away from Jermaine Asare, he’s a tidy fighter. After that I went back to fighting journeymen again – opponents who are only trying to survive in there. That’s not what I want

WELSH

DRAGON 12

AUGUST 07 2020 | WEEK 2 FIGHT CAMP

HARPER VS JONAS

out of this sport. I want to fight the best to be the best.

“The division is massive at the moment, it never used to be, but now there’s plenty of fights out there for me that I want to take and will take. Chris is a good fighter. He’s got a good shot selection to the body and head. He’s a fit, strong, physical guy so I’ve got my work cut out. It’s not going to be an easy night. I’m really looking forward to getting in the ring with him.

“I made the jump and I feel a million times better for it. I feel fitter and stronger. I’m an all-round better fighter at this weight. I feel like a different animal at Cruiserweight. I was fed up at struggling with the weight at Light-Heavyweight and it’s turned out to be a great move for me.

“I was never going to pass at this opportunity. This is my breakthrough night. Everyone that I’ve fought or sparred with have always said I’m big and awkward. He’ll have his work cut out too. I’m not coming in to just fall down. I’m coming in to win. I will have my hand raised.” ■

“I FEEL LIKE A DIFFERENT ANIMAL AT CRUISERWEIGHT”

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RISE OF THE

MACHINE

A

nthony Fowler says he will be targeting a shot at the British Super-Welterweight Title by the end of the year should he get past Adam Harper.

‘The Machine’ (12-1, 9 KOs) bounced back from his first defeat in the pros to Scott Fitzgerald by earning a unanimous decision against former World Title challenger Brian Rose to claim the vacant WBA Intercontinental Middleweight Title in his home city of Liverpool.

Fowler returned to the M&S Bank Arena in November, picking up the vacant WBA International SuperWelterweight Title with another unanimous decision over Derby’s Harry Scarff on the Callum Smith vs.

John Ryder SuperMiddleweight World Title card.

His last appearance came in March at Manchester Arena where dropped late stand in Theophilus Tetteh three times on route to a first-round stoppage win. The former Team GB standout is expecting a much harder night’s work against Harper, but feels confident of

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HARPER VS JONAS

returning to his explosive knockout form from earlier on in his career.

“I feel as if I am coming into my own now as a pro,” said Fowler. “I have had a few years to adapt and at the start I was knocking everybody out, it was really easy for me. I got beat, and in the fights since I have been a bit too cautious. I have still been winning but not boxing and flowing like I can. I want to get back to my old destructive self. I want to wipe kids

“I’M BOXING TO CLIMB THE RANKINGS AND ACHIEVE MY DREAMS”

out in a smart way, a calculated way, and break them up slowly.

“Adam is a tough, determined fighter who has beat a few unbeaten fighters.

He’s never been stopped so will come with ambition to beat me and make a name for himself. I will be fully prepared for him, I’ve got a great coach and a brilliant mindset so there is no looking past anyone anymore, I’ve made that mistake once. I’m not boxing for the fun of it, I’m boxing to climb the rankings and achieve my dreams. Harper is in my way and he will be getting beat.

“Ideally I want to be British Champion by the end of the year. I want to box someone like James Metcalf or Ted Cheeseman for the Title. I don’t want to be boxing the likes of Kieron Conway.

I want to move forward, push on and prove I’m better than that. I don’t want to be floating around domestic level much longer. I’m not getting any younger so it’s time to push on.” ■

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COMEBACK

KID

A

dam Harper says he is ready to gatecrash the party in the red-hot domestic Super-Welterweight division and stake his claim for a shot at the top names in the British mix.

Harper (9-1) won his first professional Title in 2017 when he earned a decision over Ryan Kelly to pick up the vacant BBBofC Midlands Area Super-Welterweight Title. He first loss in the pro ranks

came against Australia’s Michael Zerafa in a challenge for the Vacant Commonwealth Title at The Melbourne Pavilion in 2018.

Zerafa has mixed it in the top level of the sport, with a win over former World Champion Jeff Horn in 2019 and a draw with Kell Brook in 2018. His last fight came back in September 2018 when he outpointed Billy Bird at the Brentwood Centre to win the Vacant English Super-Welterweight Title.

Despite his long absence from the ring, Harper is convinced he has the beating of ‘The Machine’ and says he will seize his golden opportunity.

“I think I’m ready Eddie,” Harper said at Wednesday’s press conference. “First of all, apologies to you and thanks for not getting an injunction out on me. I think I hounded you and hounded you

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AUGUST 07 2020 | WEEK 2 FIGHT CAMP

with about 30 unread messages.

You finally answered.

“It’s nothing personal and there’s no disrespect to Anthony. I asked for any of your big names. I want to gate crash the party. I’m a massive underdog here if you look at the betting odds. Fowler was the Team GB kid that we all used to look up to.

“I was in the ABAs the same year that he boxed Troy Williamson. We all know about Fowler and we all know how good he is.

There’s no real pressure on me. I looked at the betting odds last night and I’m one to six to get knocked out.

“Fowler really needs to knock me out.

I’m coming and I’m game. I’m super fit and I’m ready for this. This is a golden opportunity for me to gatecrash the party. Hopefully you’ll be signing me up to Matchroom Boxing after I beat Fowler.” ■

HARPER VS JONAS

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YOUNG

BUCK

A

qib Fiaz is planning on beating Kane Baker “in style” when he meets the former Midlands Area Lightweight Champion over eight rounds in a Super-Featherweight clash.

Trained by Jamie Moore alongside Ireland’s twoweight World Champion Carl Frampton at the V.I.P Gym in Astley, Fiaz inked a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing following a shutout points win over Dean Jones on the Quigg vs. Carroll undercard in Manchester earlier this year.

Since turning professional in March 2019, all but one of his fights have been scheduled for four rounds, but now the

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HARPER VS JONAS

20-year-old talent leaps up to eight rounds looking to make a big statement against experienced Brummie Baker on his big Matchroom debut.

“Kane Baker is a tough guy,” said Fiaz.

“I respect him. He’s a good fighter and he’s an experienced professional. I believe I’m going all the way to the top though. He’s in my way and we’ve got to get him out of the way. In my opinion, he thinks this young kid is stepping up from four rounds and jumping into an eight rounder with him too soon.

“I’ve read some of his interviews. He’s underestimating me if he thinks he’s a huge banana skin. I’ve boxed at the highest level as an amateur. I represented my country. I’m in here sparring world class elite level fighters like Carl Frampton that have won numerous World Titles. I can’t see him brining anything to the table that I can’t handle.

“IF HE THINKS I’M INEXPERIENCED THEN HE’S GOT ANOTHER THING COMING” “I respect him and he can say what he wants. He’s watched me. I know he has.

If he thinks he’s a banana skin that’s fine. I can’t really say much more than that. I’m happy for him to think that. If he thinks I’m inexperienced then he’s got another thing coming.

“If he wants to take confidence from that then that’s up to him. I don’t think his experience will make the difference on the night. I’ve been matched tough from early on. It’s a good step up for me.

It’s a fight that I can win and win looking good. I’ll do it in style.” ■

19

STAR

BAKER “FROM WHAT I’VE SEEN OF HIM, NOTHING REALLY INTIMIDATES ME”

K

ane Baker is promising to inflict a first career defeat on Aqib Fiaz when he locks horns with the recent Matchroom signing in his latest clash against a highly-touted prospect.

A granite toughness has seen Baker battle through a demanding professional baptism and the experienced 30-year-old believes he will be too big a test so early on in the career of Oldham’s Fiaz, who will be making his big debut as a Matchroom man.

“I was surprised they offered me this fight,” said Baker. “I wouldn’t fight me at the minute. No way. Definitely not.

I can see why they did though. I’m a come forward fighter and I’ve got some decent names on my record. If he beats me then it’s a good name under his belt and he can progress quickly. I can see

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AUGUST 07 2020 | WEEK 2 FIGHT CAMP

the logic behind it, but I’m going to be the biggest banana skin that they’ve ever put out there.

“He hasn’t been past six rounds yet.

I know he was a good amateur but it’s a different game in the pros.

Normally I don’t know anything about my opponents, I don’t want to know, but I’ve gone the opposite way for this one because I’ve had time through lockdown to do my homework. I’ve looked into this one and this is my chance to win.

“From what I’ve seen of him, nothing really intimidates me. I’m going to improve my game to beat his game.

It’s a new totally different Kane Baker.

I don’t think Matchroom are going to snatch me up when I beat him because I’m a bit older, but he’ll come again, he’s young enough.” ■

HARPER VS JONAS

STEP-UP TIME FOR

DRAGO H

opey Price says his vast experience in the amateurs will help him get the win against Jonny Phillips in their six round Featherweight clash.

The slick southpaw, trained and managed

by Dave Coldwell, landed gold at the 2018 European Youth Championships and 2018 Youth Olympics; becoming the first boxer from Great Britain to win gold at a Youth Olympic Games.

He signed promotional terms with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing in October 2019 before making his eagerly-anticipated professional debut on the undercard of Anthony Crolla’s farewell fight at Manchester Arena, outpointing Joel Sanchez.

‘Drago’ jumped at the opportunity to be involved in another historic event at the Matchroom HQ this weekend where he faces a big step-up in opponent against Phillips, but the 20-year-old says he is more than ready for the test.

“I’ve had itchy knuckles for weeks,” said Price. “I was scheduled to fight in April and when that all fell through we all got put into lockdown. When I was allowed to get back in the gym with Dave it was full steam ahead, we got the date and now I’m ready to fight!

“There are levels to boxing and I think I am a level above him. My performance on Friday will open people’s eyes. People say amateur and pro boxing is different but when you have been all around the world and boxed top kids, people don’t realise how much experience that gives you.” ■

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“THERE ARE LEVELS TO BOXING AND I THINK I AM A LEVEL ABOVE HIM” HARPER VS JONAS

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J

onny Phillips stepped up to the plate at short notice to take on Eddie Hearn’s highly rated Featherweight prospect Hopey Price.

Matching the former amateur standout was proving to be a difficult task for Hearn and Price’s trainer and manager Dave Coldwell before ‘The Matador’ jumped at the chance to cause an upset on the biggest stage.

“I always take any opportunity that comes up,” said Phillips. “I snap at it no matter what. Within five minutes I say yes to anything. I’m in this game for opportunities like this. I don’t see the point in going around and boxing people that are only coming to survive.

“I like to box the best on the biggest platforms and there’s nothing bigger than this at the moment. It’s a great opportunity. I said yes to the fight in about thirty seconds. I’m game as ever. I’ve had nine pro fights and I’ve boxed in five different weight classes.

I don’t think many professional boxers have done that!

“I’m game as anything and I’m coming to win. I’m coming to knock him out. I was in the gym the whole time anyway and then we had a weeks’ notice for this one just to get a bit of a game plan together. We’ve got something in the bank that we’re going to try and pull out.” ■

THE MATADOR “I’M AS GAME AS ANYTHING AND I’M COMING TO WIN”

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AUGUST 07 2020 | WEEK 2 FIGHT CAMP

HARPER VS JONAS

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10 X 2 MINS WBC AND IBO SUPER-FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD TITLES

TERRI HARPER

vs

(DENABY)

NATASHA JONAS (LIVERPOOL)

10 X 3 MINS SUPER-WELTERWEIGHT CONTEST

ANTHONY FOWLER

vs

(LIVERPOOL)

ADAM HARPER (TEWKESBURY)

6 X 3 MINS FEATHERWEIGHT CONTEST

HOPEY PRICE

vs

(LEEDS)

JONNY PHILLIPS (SANDHURST)

12 X 3 MINS COMMONWEALTH CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE

CHRIS BILLAM-SMITH

vs

(BOURNEMOUTH)

NATHAN THORLEY (CARDIFF)

8 X 3 MINS SUPER-FEATHERWEIGHT CONTEST

AQIB FIAZ

vs

(OLDHAM)

KANE BAKER (BIRMINGHAM)