On October 9 the British 154lbs scene gets a showcase at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena.
Announced via their social media channels today promoter Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing have produced a stellar line-up for their show in 60 days.
The headline fight sees a Liverpool derby take place when former WBO super-welterweight world champion Liam Smith takes on Anthony Fowler. The former has said he called for this fight to happen which was quite a surprise given the company he has kept of late. ‘Beefy’ has shared the ring with the likes of Canelo Alvarez, Liam Williams, Jaime Munguia and a recent trip to Russia to take on Magomed Kurbanov. On paper a fight against Fowler, who lost to Scott Fitzgerald in 2019, is a step down. This, however, is Fowler’s big opportunity to thrust himself into the world spotlight which a win against Smith would certainly do.
Ted Cheeseman makes the first defence in his second reign as British super-welterweight champion against mandatory challenger Troy Williamson. It’s another Matchroom v Queensberry Promotions encounter which was the story in Gibraltar five months ago when Cheeseman and JJ Metcalf produced an enthralling spectacle which saw the Eddie Hearn fighter come out on top with an 11th round stoppage. Williamson, unbeaten in 17 fights (12 KOs and one draw) looked every part of a legitimate threat to Cheesman’s title when he stopped the awkward challenge of Kieran Smith last time out. Their final eliminator ended in round six when Williamson’s aggression and power overwhelmed the Scot to earn his shot at the title.
Metcalf, another Scouser, gets a chance to return to the W column when he faces Kieran Conway in a crossroads fight at 154lbs. Both are coming off losses to Cheeseman and Souleymane Cissokho respectively. It’s another fascinating prospect where the styles of both men should gel to produce an entertaining battle.
Matchroom have said that there are other additions to be made to the card, but today’s announcements were rounded up with news that Peter McGrail will make his debut in the professional ranks on October 9. The highly decorated amateur has returned from the Tokyo Olympics, albeit without a medal, but that does not deter from what promises to be a successful career moving forward.
Elsewhere ‘Pint Sized Powerhouse’ Rylan Charlton has his first fight with Carl Greaves in his corner when he takes on unbeaten Merseysider Luke Willis at 135lbs. Heavyweight prospect Solomon Dacres will look to send a message to rivals like David Adeleye when he faces the tricky proposition of Kamil Sokolowski and Shannon Courtenay’s first WBA bantamweight world title defence against Jamie Mitchell, which was due to take place on week one at Fight Camp will go ahead on Oct 9 too.
The card has the potential to produce a thrilling and memorable night of boxing.