Hull boxing returns to centre stage this Saturday
Whilst Hull City FC have taken the city’s recent sporting headlines with their promotion back to the Premier League last Saturday, this Saturday the focus shifts back to the boxing ring.
Boxing fans in Hull will be spoilt for choice on May 30th, as both Curtis Woodhouse and Dennis Hobson host separate nights of boxing in the city.
Since its inception, Woodhouse’s 3156 Promotions has rejuvenated the boxing scene in Hull. The fledgling promotion already has one show under its belt. Meanwhile, Saturday’s event will be the second of a three-event deal with the Connexin Live Arena.
Harry Powell headlines Connexin Arena card
Hull’s Harry Powell 6-0 will headline the card. His fight against Opladiran Alamu 8-3-1 will be contested for the International Commonwealth Title.
It will be the first time in eleven years that a Hull-born boxer has fought for a title in their own city. The last two boxers to do so were local boxing legends Luke Campbell and Tommy Coyle when they faced off in 2015 for the vacant WBC International Title.
Heavyweight Adrian King 8-1-0 also returns to Hull. The last time he fought at the Connexin Arena, he suffered his first defeat as a professional. Since then, the Jamaican-born boxer has won three fights on the bounce, all by stoppage.
When asked how much he has improved since his last outing in Hull, King replied: “I’ve matured a lot since then. I’ve learnt how to control my nerves, and I’ve started to use my boxing skills instead of crash, bang, wollap.”
Woodhouse teased November as a potential date for a clash between local lads Ryan Gibbons 5-0 and Harry Edgecumbe 3-0. However, both fighters first have to get past their respective opponents, Nabil Ahmed and Jake Pollard.
County Durham’s Nathan Forrest will return to the lightweight division, having not fought at the weight since 2024. If Forrest can secure the win on Saturday, Woodhouse has big plans for the 11-0 prospect.
“I’ve arranged a huge title fight for him, that’s going to be up in the North East,” said Woodhouse.
Local prospects feature on packed card
Dave Coldwell-trained Ellis Price will look to improve his record to 5-0 when he faces Mexican journeyman Cesar Alejandro Perez.
Also on the card, Jordan Porter Barker 9-4-1 looks to return to winning ways. Last time out, she suffered her fourth professional defeat when she challenged for the European Welterweight title in France.
Charan Dhesi, the UK’s first Sikh female professional boxer, will look to continue her perfect 2-0 record when she steps into the ring with Angelika Oles.
Malachy Durkin 1-0 also features on the card against UK-based journeyman Benito Hrynkiewicz.
Debutant Tommy Naismith will hope for a dream start to his professional career when he takes on Octavian Gratti.
Dennis Hobson hosts second Hull boxing event
As if that was not enough boxing for the people of Hull, veteran promoter Dennis Hobson presents a seven-bout card at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel.
Headlining the card, Harvey Lambert and Cheikh Diop put their 6-0 records on the line. Diop has two more knockouts to his name than Hull’s Lambert. In addition, it will be Lambert’s first test against an undefeated fighter.
The former Team GB amateur’s last victory came against well-respected boxer Kane Baker in November last year.
Sheffield’s Mikey Harrison 6-0 will hope his opponent, Robbie Chapman, does not add another win to his record as the Londoner edges closer to his 100th professional fight.
Chelsey Arnell last fought on Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions debut UK show, headlined by Caroline Dubois and Terri Harper. Arnell was stopped in the third round by the now 9-0 Elizabeth Oshoba.
Arnell’s coach, Steve Ashton, had this to say about Saturday’s contest: “Chelsey made history in her last fight. She and her opponent Elizabeth were the first female boxers to fight three-minute rounds in the UK. For this fight, ideally, we’re looking to get the rounds in before moving on to something bigger in June.”
Dylan Trevor 5-0 will aim to live up to his ‘Tricky Trevaa’ nickname. He will hope his style proves too tricky for opponent Mykhailo Sovtus to figure out.
Bridlington’s James Precious will look to improve his record to 4-0 when he takes on Yorkshire-based journeyman Serge Ambomo.
Kieran Holmes, managed by Dave Allen, lost his professional debut just one month ago. Therefore, he will hope for a change of fortune on Saturday night. His opponent, Sam Kirk, is also yet to register a professional win.
Alfie Thomas of Titans Boxing will make his professional debut when he takes on Stephen Jackson in a Super Bantamweight contest.
