The Southern Area super-flyweight title fight between champion Ricky Little and Sammy Cantwell has been added to the September 5 show headlined by Alex Dilmaghani’s European 130lbs title challenge against title-holder Samir Ziani. Little-Cantwell will be broadcast live on Channel 5 in the UK.
The fight was originally scheduled for April 25 at Crystal Palace before the intervention of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Now it takes place at a purpose-built TV production facility in Wakefield, Yorkshire.
“I’ve kept in shape throughout as I knew the fight would eventually come off so I’m ready right now for Cantwell,” said Southampton’s Little (5-2-1, 1 KO). “He wants the title so I’m expecting him to come in fully fit and prepared because he’s in for the fight of his life if he thinks he’s taking my title.”
Cantwell (7-1-1, 3 KOs), son of former world title challenger Mickey, said: “It’s fantastic that [promoter] Mick [Hennessy] has kept the title fight and I can’t wait to get in the ring. It’s been a very challenging time for everyone, but I’m thrilled to still be fighting where many boxers aren’t able to return to the ring yet. It will be strange without a crowd as I have a massive fan base, but I’m going all out to take that title from Little.”
Promoter Hennessy added, “This could turn out to be a war between the pair, they have the biggest hearts and fight at a frenetic pace, which could prove to be a real exciting fight between them. The show is complete now with Alex’s challenge for the European title as the headliner, which I also expect to be a real thriller as both men are fully charged-up for the fight. With [cruiserweight] Isaac [Chamberlain] looking to make a statement in his return, plus my son Michael [a middleweight prospect], it’s a cracking show, live and free on Channel 5.”