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Queensberry Promotions in Association with NP Helliet Events & Hellraiser Boxing Present ‘Fists of Fury’. A 12 round contest for the vacant WBO Intercontinental Super-Featherweight Title. Live on Boxnation Friday 2nd March 2012.

Mickey Helliet says if he wasn’t promoting this week’s show at The Troxy he would have bought a ticket! Helliet has built a reputation for value-for-money small-hall shows and he now brings that to the nation’s screens on Friday night via the nation’s leading dedicated boxing channel BoxNation. I’m very happy to be working in collaboration with Francis and George Warren. Their link with ‘BoxNation’ along with the calibre of fighters that they have under contract will enable my events to reach a wider audience.

Helliet’s previous televised show – at the Coronet in Elephant and Castle last November – was shown on Eurosport and over three quarter of a million fight fans throughout Europe saw a succession of exciting tear ups and spectacular knock outs.

The live broadcast from The Troxy in London’s Limehouse will be on Friday night (2nd March) when Stephen Smith and Ben Jones go toe-to-toe for what promises to be a highly entertaining contest.

Helliet said: “This is definitely my kind of fight. I always like to put on fights where I know both guys are motivated and have a fair chance of winning, this fight fits the bill perfectly!

“Smith and Jones are both very good fighters and they are massively up for it! Smith has fought at a higher level but Ben has looked very impressive over the last couple of seasons and is relishing this opportunity. If he wins here he’ll be hitting the big time and he knows it. “

“I’m a boxing fan and want to promote fights I would pay to see myself.

“I always aim to make the audience the winner at my shows. I like to think they go home having seen something spectacular and this fight has all the makings of that.”

A good scrap is guaranteed every time either Stephen Smith or Ben Jones step into the ring.

Jones, an incredibly popular fighter from Crawley, dominated Akaash Batia to win the English title in a terrific fight last May.

The chief support for the show sees the return of Ashley Sexton. The Cheshunt flyweight claimed knock-out of-the-year plaudits for his one-punch demolition of Derby dancer Usman Ahmed. That has become a worldwide smash hit on the internet and the former English flyweight champion has a point to prove. He’s matched with a fellow ambitious and fast-rising fighter in Frenchman Thomas Masson.

In a battle of undefeated prospects Brixton’s exciting heavyweight Dyllian White, takes on Bulgaria’s Kristian Kirilov.

Dan Woodgate laid out Paul Davis with a sensational six-punch combination in his last fight and returns to action in a 6 round contest.

Also on the bill are Chas ‘The Bomb’ Symonds, ‘Pretty’ Ricky Boylan, Johnny Garton, Warren Fenn, Lloyd Ellett, Lee Owen, Jack Morris, Irv Pascal along with Watford’s Elliott Matthews who fill what promises to be a highly entertaining undercard.

Further details are available from 07843-636920 .

[email protected]

Twitter: @FrancisWarren

@Mickey_Helliet

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Kevin Mitchell Interview - Talks Murray, Lora, Burns and Rios

Photos and Interview Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro

This coming Friday WBO Inter-Continental Lightweight Champion Kevin Mitchell is set to face Spain based Felix Lora in a non-championship bout at the famous York Hall in Bethnal Green, London.

27 year old Mitchell returns to the ring for the first time since stopping John Murray in July last year at the Echo Arena in Liverpool and this fight is said to be a warm up ahead of a challenge for Ricky Burns’ new acquired WBO World Lightweight crown.

With such an important bout waiting in the wings ‘Mighty’ Mitchell will surely be looking to impress in front his home crowd, in similar style to his utter destruction of arch rival John Murray last year.

Earlier today I caught up with Kevin at the pre-fight media workout at his home gym - the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town, London - to talk about the John Murray fight as well as the upcoming fight against Felix Lora and more.

But first, for those that have forgotten the Fight of the Year winning showdown at the Echo Arena in Liverpool back in July, when young guns Kevin Mitchell and John Murray had a true Western style shoot out, here is quick recap.

From the moment Dagenham gunslinger Mitchell confidently moseyed his way into the arena to the chants and jeers of Manchester’s top gun Murray’s fans it was clear that this was a very different ‘Mighty’ from the one that was gunned down big time by Aussie shootist Michael Katsidis last year.

Mitchell’s resolve and intent was obvious to all, no more was he willing to play second fiddle to Murray. Right from the off he dug into his fully loaded arsenal to let rip with a pin point accurate double handed flurry. Murray shrugged of the initial assault and walk the Londoner back onto the ropes before launching an equally vicious attack of his own.

Dipping and swaying Mitchell avoided virtually everything Murray threw at him before slickly stepping aside and letting rip with a series of punishing hooks to the body. The resilient Mancunian responded as only he can, standing his ground, absorbing each rib cracking shot and timing his counters to perfection, but Mitchell was more than just ‘Mighty’ he was already beginning to look magnificent as he secured the first round.

The second was another cracking round. Mitchell seemingly using his superior body work to slow the ever forward moving Murray, that is until about midway through when Murray lands one of his massive rights. Mitchell reels back to the ropes and yet another Murray double handed salvo rains down on the Londoner. A close round but Murray just about nicks this one in my book.

Right from the opening bell of the third Murray starts hunting down his quarry. Mitchell attempts to keep him at bay with crisp jabs but it just slows the raging bull down for a second or so. Mitchell dips back into his arsenal and pulled out a couple big powerful rights, only for Murray to respond with a double handed assault of his own. Moments later Mitchell turns the table and backs Murray onto the ropes and lets rip with a massive double handed salvo that sees out the round. It was another seriously closely fought round, but I felt Murray had just done enough to make it his own.

The fourth sees a good old fashioned toe-to-toe slug fest open up the proceedings. Murray launched big Bertha round, whilst Mitchell mixed it up and firing off a series of rocket powered uppercuts and hooks, to both body and head. In the dying seconds of the round Murray backed up the Londoner to the ropes again, Mitchell avoided everything Murray threw at him before sidestepping and turning the tables, backing Murray to the ropes, and launching a big double handed salvo until the final bell. No doubt in my mind the was ‘Mighty’ Mitchell’s round one hundred percent.

Murray walks down Mitchell in the fifth, but this time instead of dipping and swaying his way out of trouble the Londoner responds with a series of three punch combination of uppercuts and hooks to the body which appear to have a major effect on Murray. Mitchell is quick to notice this and turns the heat up letting rip with wicked body shots, uppercuts and double handed salvos to the head which start to slow the ever advancing Murray. An easy round to call in Kevin’s favour, but don’t go thinking it was one way traffic, it wasn’t.

The effects, to Murray’s face, of the previous round were clear to everyone as he came out for the sixth, there were noticeable dark swellings under both eyes. Mitchell was quick to notice these and set his sights and let off a series of exocets to the head each time Murray came within range. A real ding dong battle ensued, Mitchell letting rip with hooks and big right hands whilst Murray responds with megaton bombs and short sharp rights to the side of Mitchell’s head. What a round it was pugilistic heaven and far too close to call.

Round seven sees Murray charge like a raging bull closing down MItchell before launching a series of seriously hard jabs and big rights, Mitchell responds with yet more double handed exocets to the head. By mid round Murray’s face is looking like a train wreck. In the dying seconds it looked like Murray was heading to Boot Hill, Mitchell lands a massive nuke that sends Murray reeling and rocking, but before ‘Mighty’ Mitch zoned in for the kill the bell tolled. Sure I don’t have to say this was Mitchell’s round.

Again Murray charges forward from the opening bell, but the moment he came into range Mitchell launched yet another exocet before moving in to let rip with a massive uppercut followed by big double rights, Murray responds in similar vein and an all out war ensues, which abruptly ends with a massive left hook that sends Murray face down to the canvas. Murray makes the count but Mitchell is on him in a flash and lets rip with another wicked combination that rocks Murray to the core and left the referee no option but to stop the fight after just one minute and forty six seconds of the round.

So there you go, that’ll give you an idea of what to expect from our Kev on the 10th February, now let’s hear what the man himself has to say.

Rio - Kevin, first things first. Congratulations, your magnificent battle with John Murray was named 2011 Fight of the Year by Boxing News and BoxRec, how do you feel about that?

Kevin - Thanks to the readers of Boxing News and BoxRec who voted for the fight. I’m so pleased that everyone enjoyed the fight, it’s always an honour to be recognised for achieving something.

It was good to give my fans something to cheer for after the Katsidis fight.

Rio - The media as a whole showered accolades on you for your magnificent performance on the night, but how did you see the fight?

Kevin - I see it as a 50/50 fight.

After the beating by Michael Katsidis I wanted to put the record right - I watched that fight again last night, Katsidis did his job, I weren’t right and I got beat.

Everyone was saying Kevin’s finished, he got done in two rounds. Which wasn’t a bad thing as it made me push harder. As of 2012 I’m going to push even harder as I want a World title.

Yeah, it was a terrific fight, but I always knew deep down that I’d beat him, I knew I’d be too much for him, too much difference, I can change things, I can fight, I can box, I can punch hard.

Rio - OK, back to this Friday’s fight, even though it’s a non-championship bout I know just how seriously you have been taking your training, you were even in the gym over Christmas and New Year - So just how do you feel training has gone.

Kevin - It’s been going well, I’m bang on target for the fight this Friday.

I feel fit, did most of my sparring with Colin Lynes after some earlier rounds with Gary Corcoran, got my fitness up and then sparred with Colin and an Italian guy here called Freddie (Federico Tavares) helped me out.

Thanks to them, and of course Jimmy and Mark (Tibbs), I’m spot on for Friday.

Rio - Do you know much about your opponent Felix Lora?

Kevin - He’s gonna be a tough guy for ten rounds, I know I’m able to put him away if I want to, but I’m not going in there and try and blast him out, I’m gonna go out there and get some rounds in, if I nail him I nail him but if I don’t it’ll be good to get the rounds in.

Rio - I know you never look past any opponent, but as the word is that after this there’ll be a Summer showdown with Ricky Burns for his World title - What’s your thoughts on this?

Kevin - I’ll beat Burns and then I’ll knock Brandon Rios out.

Rio - Rios has said that he’s moving up to Light Welter - are you that determined to fight him that you’ll move to Light Welter to fight him?

Kevin - Yeah, I’ll move up if I have to, I want to fight him.

There’s a lot of needle there, he’s got a big mouth, he thinks he’s a powerful man.

I don’t care if he goes up a weight . I’ll win the title at Lightweight, defend it a few times and then I’ll go up to Light Welter and beat him up.

Rio - Sure is some needle there - OK, finally is there anything you would like to say to your fans?

Kevin - Thanks to all the fans that are going to turn up at York Hall on Friday, I promise you all a cracking fight.

Kevin Mitchell versus Felix Lora headlines the sold out Frank Warren Promotions event at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, on Friday 10th February 2012 and broadcast live on BoxNation (Sky platform Channel 456 & Virgin 546).

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HERNANDEZ v CUNNINGHAM IBF WORLD CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWDOWN ADDED TO BOXNATION SCHEDULE

On February 4th, BoxNation (Sky Ch. 456/Virgin Ch. 546), the UK’s only dedicated boxing channel, continues its commitment to bring subscribers the very best in Championship boxing from all around the world, by showcasing Yoan Pablo Hernandez’s first defence of his newly won IBF Cruiserweight championship against Steve Cunningham, live and exclusive from the Fraport Arena in Germany.

Former Cuban amateur star Hernandez (25-1) captured his title by defeating former champion Cunningham (24-3) back in September with a 6th round technical decision. The decision came in controversial fashion, with Hernandez being given the nod after he could not continue because of a cut he received from a Cunningham head-butt. Many observers felt that the cut was not serious enough to warrant a stoppage, and that it came just as the American was beginning to gain the ascendancy after suffering a first round knockdown.
Needless to say the controversial nature of the result has left a huge amount of unfinished business that needs to be resolved when the two meet again on February 4th.

BoxNation will also be showing the action packed undercard live from the Fraport Arena. Chief support sees Sebian, Enad Licina (21-3) meet Russian Alexander Alexeev (22-2) for the vacant European Cruiserweight Title, whilst up and coming German Light Heavyweight, Eduard Gutnecht (22-1) defends his European Title against Vyacheslav Uzelkov (25-1).

The action just keeps coming on BoxNation in 2012. This will be the SIXTH world title fight added to in the first quarter schedule for the UK’s new home of televised boxing. The 2012 world championship action begins this Saturday, 14th January, when Russian born German, Robert Stieglitz defends his WBO World Super-Middleweight title against unbeaten German Henry Weber in Germany. Then on the 20th January, Derry Mathews takes on Emiliano Marsili for the vacant IBO Lightweight Championship live from Liverpool. Then on the 18th February, it’s the big one, as heavyweight king, Vitali Klitchsko takes on Londoner Dereck Chisora for the WBC World Heavyweight Title live from Munich.

The following weekend BoxNation goes live from Cardiff for the homecoming of their WBO World Light Heavyweight Champion Nathan Cleverly, who takes on American Tommy Karpency. Then for 10th March BoxNation is up to Glasgow, as Ricky Burns defends his Interim WBO World Lightweight title.

With more action to be added, it’s sure to be a huge couple of months for the UK’s only dedicated boxing channel.
For just £10 per month BoxNation offers unbeatable value for money for all fight fans. To subscribe to BoxNation simply go to www.boxnation.tv and hit the “Subscribe Now” button and choose your subscription package. Simple!

Photo: Gianluca Di Caro

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Frank Warren has won the right to stage George Groves’ British and Commonwealth Super Middleweight Title defence against Kenny Anderson. The two fighters still have unfinished business after their first fight in 2010, when rising star Groves recovered from the only knockdown in his career to stop the Scotsman.

Anderson had managed to draw the heavily favoured Groves in to an out-and-out war, looking the stronger of the two for the first five rounds of the contest, which was part of a David Haye undercard. The resilient Groves however showed that he was made of stern stuff by coming back and landing a series of body blows in the sixth round to force a stoppage.

Anderson has pursued a rematch ever since, confident that he could deliver a win following his near miss at the first time of asking. Similarly Groves, earmarked as a future world champion by many, will be hugely eager to comprehensively put to rest the solitary wobble in his hugely impressive fledgling career.

Following a long period of chasing the rematch Anderson got his wish when the British Boxing Board of Control handed him the dream fight as a mandatory challenger last month.

The action will be shown live and exclusive on BoxNation and will be part of an already action packed schedule of fights coming up on the channel in the first quarter of 2012, which already includes a mammoth SIX World Championship fights.

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TKO BOX OFFICE
LEON ‘SOLID’ WILLIAMS Vs. TONY ‘CONQUEROR’ CONQUEST
British Cruiserweight Championship
13th January 2012 @ York Hall, London

By Rio

London - Friday, 2nd December 2011

Williams-Conquest January 13th British Title Clash - Tickets On Sale Today
Tickets for the highly anticipated British Cruiserweight title clash between Leon ‘Solid’ Williams and Tony ‘Conqueror’ Conquest, which takes place at York Hall in London on Friday 13th January 2012, and broadcast live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky 456 & Virgin 546), go on sale today on the TKO Box Office website www.tkoboxoffice.com

Francis and George Warren’s Queensberry Promotions organisation really have pulled out all the stops to ensure their first event of 2012 is an explosive, all action, extravaganza.

The headlining Williams-Conquest perfectly sets the scene, these two are without doubt the two best, most exciting and all action Cruiserweights in the country today an the contrast in their styles guarantees a true Battle Royale on the 13th.

Streatham’s Williams, who will be making the first defense of the title he wrestled off long time British and Commonwealth Champion Rob Norton back in October, is a no nonsense come forward power puncher right out of the ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson mould, something Tony Conquest can readily attest to - Williams knocked him out in just 45 seconds when they fought previously as amateurs.

Williams bought that power and knockout reputation with him upon turning pro. His debut bout didn’t even go one round, as Williams dropped Bobby Scott with the very first punch he threw, a violent left hook!

Prior to the Norton title showdown Williams stopped both his previous opponents, on his defense of the Southern Area title, in May this year, Williams knocked Danny Couzens out cold after just thirty seconds of the fourth round. Williams followed that with a sensational fifth round stoppage of Battersea’s fighting fireman Nick ‘The Ox’ Okoth in September.

Conquest on the other hand is a fast handed stylish boxer whose fights normally go the distance. His only stoppage to date came in March this year, when he stopped Ghana’s Prince George Akrong in the first minute of the sixth round.

Conquest earned the right to challenge Williams for the coveted Lonsdale belt with a superb victory over Toks Owoh in November to lift the Southern Area strap Williams had vacated just a few weeks earlier.

Throughout the fight Conquest plain out boxed the former Super Middleweight supremo. Right from the opening bell and for ten rounds Conquest worked at a high pace, peppering Owoh non stop with shot after shot for every minute of every round to earn the win by a shut out 99-91 points margin.

The Warren brothers have put together a seriously top class support card for Williams-Conquest, headed by an almighty heavyweight clash between Larry ‘The War Machine’ Olabamiwo and former Commonwealth Champion Sam Sexton, which without doubt will be yet another highly volatile affair.

Also on the card are Williams’ TRAD TKO Gym mates ‘Saint’ George Jupp and Charlie Hoy as well as the highly popular Stetson wearing John Wayne Hibbert, sensational unbeaten Welterweight prospect ‘Super’ Bradley Skeete, Daryl Williams and John Dignam, all against yet to be named opponents.

Leon ‘Solid’ Williams Versus Tony ‘Conqueror’ Conquest for the British Cruiserweight title headlines Francis and George Warren’s Queensberry Promotions first event of the New Year, which takes place at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, on Friday 13th January 2012 and broadcast live on BoxNation (Sky platform Channel 456 & Virgin 546)

Tickets, priced £40 (Standard Seated) and £60 (Ringside) for Williams vs. Conquest are available on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com. Tickets are also available direct from the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym, Gillian House, Stephenson Street, Canning Town, London E16 4SA.

Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro
JustListen2This Publicity & Promotion

London, UK, Gzira, Malta & Philadelphia, USA

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