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by Rio Di Caro

LONDON (June 19, 2013) Irish Light Middleweight Champion Lee Murtagh is the latest addition to the Dave Murphy, in association with Acourtier Events, promoted ‘Independence Day’ extravaganza at York Hall in Bethnal Green on Friday 5th July.

On his most recent defense, Murtagh, who won the Irish title back in July 2012, after Joe Hillerby retired with a dislocated shoulder, was involved in a classic toe-to-toe Battle Royale with Ballyclare’s Willie Thompson.

Right from the off, both protagonists battled for control of centre ring, which was just fine for the raucous Ulster Hall crowd, who always enjoy a good old fashioned war.

Besides some questionable use of the head by Thompson, the bout was a small hall classic, after ten all action rounds the man that matters, referee Paul McCullagh, scored the bout a very close 96-95, in favour of Murtagh.

On the 5th July, London’s fight fans get their first chance to watch fifty fight veteran Murtagh in action, as surprisingly it’s only now that he makes his very first appearance at York Hall.

On the night Murtagh will be campaigning in a six round bout, loosely described as a warm up, as part of his preparations for a shot at the IBO Light Middleweight Inter-Continental title in October.

Leeds based Murtagh joins fellow countrymen, WBU Lightweight World Champion Stephen Ormond and Steve Collins, no not the legendary ‘Celtic Warrior’ but his son Steve Jr.

Keeping the Irish theme Manchester based Maxine McCarthy makes her most welcome return to the ring, against Julija Cvetkova.

Speaking from his Leeds home Murtagh spoke briefly on his joy of fighting at the York Hall for the first time.

“I didn’t expect to be fighting in the UK again, so am really overjoyed to be fighting at York Hall on July 5th.

The show might be in London but there’s a heavy Irish presence. Besides myself Stephen Ormond and Steve Collins Jr. are also fighting and I’ve just heard that Maxine McCarthy has been added to the card, so there’ll be four of us there.

This will be my first outing this year, but from what I’ve been told by promoter Dave Murphy it definitely isn’t my last. He’s told me he already has a title fight lined up for me in October.

I don’t know who I’m fighting yet, but that doesn’t matter as I’m ready for anyone.

My training camp has been first class so I know I’m going to be a hundred percent ready.

I’m gonna go out there and put in a really good performance on the 5th July, I want an impressive win to show the fans what to expect when I fight for the title in October.”

Lee Murtagh versus a yet to be named opponent is set to feature on the support card of the historic Female Light Middleweight World Championship battle between Jennifer Retzke and Angel McKenzie headlines the Dave Murphy, in association with Acourtier Events, promoted ‘Independence Day’ event, which takes place at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, on Friday 5th July 2013.

Tickets, priced £30 (Gallery), £35 (Ground floor standard seated) and £65 (Ringside) are available on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com - www.mariannemarston.com -www.acourtier.com – or in person from the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning town –www.tkoboxinggym.com – and Ringtone Gym in Euston -www.ringtonehealthandfitness.com – or from any of the boxers taking part in the event, or call – 07960 850645, 07809 499896 or 07557 641597 for further information.
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RYAN BURNETT says he’s going to follow the blueprint set by fellow Belfast-native Carl Frampton in his attempts to get to the top.

The pair trained together under the legendary Gerry Storey at the Holy Family Golden Gloves Boxing Club as amateurs and have remained firm friends.

Frampton now sits on the verge of world title shot despite having only 16 pro fights, and Burnett sees no reason why he can’t follow The Jackal’s lead.

“Carl Frampton is a big inspiration to me because I used to train with him and I’ve seen how he’s got so far so quickly,” Ryan, 21, said.

“Me and Carl have done a lot of work together in the lead up to his fights and he’s always been great. It’s something I’ve learned a lot from.

“I look at him and think ‘he’s from Belfast and he’s done it so I can as well’. He’s shown me what you can do and I want to follow the same path.”

Earlier this year Frampton began selling out shows at Belfast’s stunning Odyssey Arena and Burnett hopes to one day do the same.

In the meantime, he will make his first professional appearance in his home city on a show promoted in association with Jane Wilton at Holiday Inn on June 28.

“I’m really looking forward to fighting in front of a home crowd,” he said. “It’s been a while since I last boxed in Belfast so I’m expecting a very big turn-out.

“It’s earlier days and I’m taking things step by step, but my long-term plan is to build up good support in Belfast on these kinds of shows and then one day sell out the Odyssey Arena like Carl has.” Read the rest of this entry »

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IBF ORDERS HOPKINS TO FIGHT KOVALEV

Written by Administrator WEDNESDAY, 19 JUNE 2013 16:01

TOTOWA, NJ – June 17, 2013 – Earlier today, the IBF ordered Light Heavyweight Champion Bernard Hopkins to make his next title defense against newly-crowned #1 contender Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev of Russia.

On Friday, Kovalev scored his 9th impressive knockout in a row with a third round demolition of Houston’s Cornelius White on the NBC Sports Network’s critically acclaimed Fight Night series.

Krusher KO’s White
Photo Credits to Larry Levanti/Main Events
“When the IBF issued today’s letter, ordering Hopkins to fight Kovalev next, without granting any exceptions to Hopkins in the interim, everything changed,” promoter Kathy Duva of Main Events, said. “Kovalev has many opportunities, now. We are going to take a few days to evaluate and then decide upon the next move. Of course, Sergey would be thrilled to face Hopkins if Bernard wants the fight.”

Kovalev is surely ready, willing and able to fight Hopkins. “I want to fight Bernard Hopkins because he is a legend of boxing,” Kovalev said after knocking out White. “It was good news that Hopkins and Karo Murat fell out. C’mon and fight. I’m ready. Are you ready?”

LINK TO IBF HOPKINS – KOVALEV LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT MANDATORY LETTER

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ZHAKIYANOV LOOKS TO SHOW OFF NEW SKILLS IN BELFAST

Photo Credit: Mark Robinson/Hatton Promotions

ZHANAT ZHAKIYANOV says he’ll be showing off some new skills when he returns to action at the Holiday Inn in Belfast on June 28.

The Kazakhstani puncher began working under the stewardship of trainer Ricky Hatton just a month ago, but he believes his ability has moved to a new level in that short time.

Zhanat, who is the number one ranked super-bantamweight contender in Europe, had largely trained by himself or with family members in his native country.

“Ricky makes me think more in the ring,” the 25-year-old said via a translator. “Before I was like a bull and used to think one hard punch was enough, but Ricky makes me relax, move and defend better.

“I used to train with my brother or on my own in Kazakhstan and we never did any of the exercises I do now so I am learning new things every day.

“I hope to show everyone what I’ve picked up in this next fight and then move to bigger and harder fights later in the year.”

Zhanat has been signed to Hatton Promotions since 2011 and has appeared on cards in Blackpool and Hong Kong, but he still has trouble explaining his connection with ‘The Hitman’ to his fans back home.

“People in my country do not believe me when I tell them Ricky Hatton is training me,” he explained. “I have to show them pictures and videos to prove it and they are like ‘wow’.

“I know I am very lucky to be working with Ricky because in Kazakhstan and all of the former Soviet countries he is a hero. People admire him because of his career and because he beat Kostya Tszyu, who was also a hero.” Read the rest of this entry »

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WKN MALTA

June 21 – 2013 . MALTA

WKN International promoter : Mr MERCIECA and Mr CHETCUTI

WKN International supervisor : Mr Adrian AXIZA

Special GUEST : WKN WORLD PRESIDENT

GLADIATOR FIGHT NIGHT 5 :
THE WINNER WILL FACE GARY “ THE KID OF BELFAST “ HAMILTON “ IN BILLY MURRAY PROMOTION !
*Today WKN World office with Mr Billy MURRAY from BELFAST , biggest UK promoter and WKN World director agree together to have Gary “ THE KID OF BELFAST “ HAMILTON facing new WKN World champion for the WKN belt in a Mega promotion in BELFAST for KICKMAS 2013 !

Main event
WKN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP . KICKBOXING ORIENTALE S RULES . 5×3 mn
Daniel ZHARA ( MALTA. WKN European champion ) vs Bruno TORRES ( Portugal . WKN World champion BB rules ) Read the rest of this entry »

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