Ilford super-middleweight Umar Sadiq was reportedly hospitalised after his last-ditch defeat to former WBA champion Fedor Chudinov at the Khimki Basketball Center in Khimki, Russia, on Friday night.
Sadiq was widely praised for taking a significant gamble by travelling to Russia to meet the world-rated Chudinov. He fought admirably and impressed with his workrate before Chudinov’s stiffer punches took over in the second half of the contest. The bout seemed destined for the scorecards before it was stopped in the last round after Chudinov unloaded a flurry of blows.
The British fighter was taken to hospital after coughing up blood during routine drug testing, according to Russian news agency Tass. We await further updates and wish Sadiq the very best in his recovery.
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WBC lightweight title-holder Devin Haney will return to action in November with WBC 126lbs king Gary Russell Jr. and former world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa, both touted as potential opponents by promoter Eddie Hearn. Haney and Russell have recently become embroiled in a war of words on social media.
“Devin has been doing a great job in keeping his profile active during lockdown but now it’s almost time for get busy in the ring,” said Hearn. “November 7 is the targeted date for his return and the two main targets are Gary Russell Jr. and Yuriorkis Gamboa. Both are great fights for Devin as he approaches a key stretch in his career to become standout star. Devin is ready to defend his WBC titles against all-comers and I can’t wait to see him back in the ring in November.”
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Fights in car parks are nothing new in the UK. But on November 20, there will be a tear-up in a car park with a difference.
Promoter Dennis Hobson has announced that the vacant British flyweight title fight between local rivals Tommy Frank (13-0, 3 KOs) and Kyle Yousaf (16-0, 7 KOs) will take place in Sheffield Arena Car Park with a drive-in audience.
“I’ve been involved in boxing at all levels, and have staged shows from Rotherham to Las Vegas, but I think we could well be making history with this one,” said Hobson.
“I’ve been looking at different ways to get my fighters back to work, and, when the drive-in idea was suggested, I thought it was workable. The fighters get back to boxing, fans can come along and watch the show live.”
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Shakan Pitters’ British 175lbs title defence against Craig Richards has been confirmed for November 14 after the challenger accepted terms and the British Boxing Board of Control rubber-stamped the contest.
“I’m delighted to announce that Pitters versus Richards is finally on and will be free to watch live on Channel 5 [in the UK],” said Pitters’ promoter Mick Hennessy. “This is a great fight that the public really want to see and I believe we could be in for a real treat with these two proud warriors.”