Matchroom Boxing has announced its fight schedule for the first four months of 2021 with the highlight undoubtedly being the confirmation of the heavyweight rematch between Alexander Povetkin and Dillian Whyte on March 6.
The schedule kicks off on February 13 when IBF featherweight champion Josh Warrington defends his crown against Mexican Mauricio Lara. The first Matchroom show of 2021 also features Manchester 130-pounder Zelfa Barrett in a step up against former world champion Kiko Martinez, Leigh Wood and Reece Mould contesting the vacant British featherweight title plus former Team GB star Dalton Smith against Lee Appleyard.
One week later on February 20, European welterweight champion David Avanesyan and Sunderland star Josh Kelly attempt to settle their rivalry after three previous postponements. On the same show, Liverpool 154-pounder Anthony Fowler takes on Spaniard Jorge Fortea whilst welterweights Florian Marku and Rylan Charlton clash after their earlier cancellation. Super-bantams Amy Timlin and Carl Skelly will also rematch after their draw last October.
Then on March 6, Brixton banger Dillian Whyte seeks to avenge his shock KO defeat to Alexander Povetkin last August and revive his heavyweight fortunes. Whyte will be right back in the world title picture if he can topple WBC interim champion Povetkin in their return, which will be broadcast on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in all other markets excluding Ireland.
Also on the show, Bermondsey’s Ted Cheeseman will meet Liverpool’s James Metcalf for the vacant British 154lbs title, English heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley will face former world title challenger Eric Molina whilst Manchester super-featherweight Campbell Hatton makes his debut.
Two weeks later comes Lawrence Okolie’s rearranged vacant WBO cruiserweight title fight against former world champion Krzysztof Głowacki on March 20. Also on the bill, Chantelle Cameron will defend her WBC 140lbs crown against Melissa Hernandez, Chris Billam-Smith and Deion Jumah contest the vacant British cruiser title whilst Welsh super-featherweight contender Joe Cordina also returns.
On April 10, the vastly improved Conor Benn seeks to underline his welterweight credentials against the seasoned Samuel Vargas. On the same show, Savannah Marshall will defend her WBO middleweight crown against an opponent to be confirmed whilst Rachel Ball and Shannon Courtenay rematch with a WBA title on the line. Commonwealth middleweight champion Felix Cash and former British bantamweight king Kash Farooq are also in action.
