The Golden Contract finals at 126lbs and 140lbs will take place behind closed doors at the York Hall, Bethnal Green, on September 30, promoter MTK Global has announced.
In the two evenly-poised finals, British champion Ryan Walsh will meet Liverpool’s in-form Jazza Dickens at featherweight while bitter rivals Ohara Davies and Tyrone McKenna lock horns at super-lightweight.
It’s fair to say the four rivals can’t wait to settle matters in the ring.
The outspoken Davies has proved one of the most divisive figures in British boxing in recent times, but he remains a dangerous competitor with that heavy right hand and freakishly long reach.
“I’m really pleased to finally have a fight date,” said Davies. “This fight was meant to happen in June but due to the situation we’re in we’ve had to wait a few more months, so it’s meant I’ve had extra time to focus and study to beat Tyrone McKenna. I didn’t need that extra time though, as I’ve always known what I’ve got to do to go in there and destroy this clown. All this has been is more time until he faces defeat.”
Belfast’s charismatic McKenna, who is never in a dull fight, believes he has the measure of East Londoner Davies.
“I’m over the moon to get this confirmed. It’s something to focus on and work towards, so thanks to MTK Global for getting ‘The Mighty Celt’ back on everybody’s screens at the end of September,” said McKenna. “I’ve used the last few months to improve my flaws and get myself in the best shape that I can. Ohara Davies cannot change, we know what to expect. A big right hand and slow footwork. There are other weaknesses too, and it’s going to be an interesting fight.”
The highly-respected Walsh is relishing a return to the York Hall, a venue that has provided a number of glory nights for him and his fighting family in the past.
“I’m massively excited. I’m delighted it’s back at York Hall, too. That venue is my home and it’s a very familiar stomping ground. I’ve had nothing but success there,” said Walsh. “I’m expecting a really good fight against Jazza. It can’t be anything but a good fight. I’ll come to win and Jazza will come to win. This date will come nine years to the day that my brother Liam and Paul Appleby had their Fight of the Year at York Hall, so that’s a good omen for fight fans.”
Former world title challenger Dickens is in the form of his life and it’s hard to envisage anything other than a captivating encounter when he meets Walsh in the final.
“I’ve been ready for a long time and I can’t wait. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, so thank you so much to MTK Global who haven’t played it safe and have honoured their word,” said Dickens. “The delay has given me more time to prepare myself. Through lockdown I have made changes in my life that have helped me so much. I’ve kept active and healthy and I will take my chance.”
The show will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in UK (in association with Matchroom Boxing) and on ESPN+ in the US (in association with Top Rank).