The vacant British light-heavyweight title clash between Shakan Pitters and Chad Sugden will now take place on August 22, live on Channel 5 in the UK. The fight was originally scheduled for March 28 in Coventry before its late postponement due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The show will also feature Brixton cruiserweight Isaac Chamberlain, Birmingham super-welterweight Idris Virgo, Sevenoaks middleweight prospect Michael Hennessy Jr. plus an Area title fight to be confirmed.
It will be staged in a purpose-built production studio, behind-closed-doors, with no public in attendance, following strict medical protocols laid out by the BBBofC.
Birmingham’s Pitters (13-0, 4 KOs) said: “This has been a long time coming and, every day that’s gone by in lockdown, I’ve been getting more and more hungry, determined and focused on beating Sugden and claiming the British title.
“It was very frustrating when the show was cancelled just one week before, but I understood the bigger picture as the pandemic is a global crisis. The lives that had been lost in the UK alone was frightening and I commend the frontline workers who kept working throughout.
“I just had to be patient and keep training in the background and thanks to [promoter] Mick [Hennessy] and Channel 5, the big fight is now back on. Whilst my loyal supporters can’t be there, the fight is live and free for everyone to watch on Channel 5, so tune in and watch me beat Sugden and become the new British champion.”
Newark’s Sugden (11-1-1. 4 KOs) added: “This was the news I had been waiting for….for a long time and I just can’t wait now until August 22 and to get in the ring and win that beautiful British title.
“I’ve certainly missed my live sport on TV, but now things are returning gradually with football and boxing and I’m thrilled that my fight will be broadcast live on Channel 5 and it’s free for anyone to watch.
“This is going to be a great fight,” he continued. “I’m certainly not seeing this as an easy one. Pitters wants it bad and so do I. It’s down to who wants it more and who’s prepared to go that extra mile.
“I’m gutted that my loyal fans won’t be there to see me lift the British title, but get the drinks and snacks in and switch on to Channel 5 and watch from the comfort of your own home.”