Lee McGregor vs. Ryan Walker | MTK - 26 August 2020

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release

MTK Global announced the line-ups for three MTK Fight Night events later this summer. The events will be held behind closed doors at the LS-LIVE in Wakefield, and will be broadcast in the US on ESPN+, and worldwide on IFL TV.

AUGUST 25TH sees British and Commonwealth bantamweight king Lee McGregor (8-0, 6 KOs) facing a tricky test at 122 pounds against Southern Area super-bantamweight champion Ryan Walker (11-1, 2 KOs)...

welterweight Lewis Crocker (11-0, 6 KOs) go up against Louis Greene (12-1, 7 KOs)..

Irish junior welterweight champion Gary Cully (10-0, 5 KOs) faces off with Welsh champion Kieran Gething (9-2-2, 2 KOs)...

Blane Hyland (3-0) returns to action on the card as well...

and amateur star James McGivern makes his professional debut, with opponents to be announced for those last two fights.
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MTK Global Chief Strategy Officer Paul Gibson said: “It feels good to finally be able to announce the return of MTK Fight Nights with these three exciting shows. There are a lot of unique challenges to pulling a card together in the current climate but these fifteen matches guarantee some cracking fights."

“The remit was to make as many quality 50-50s as possible and the fact we’ve been restricted to matching domestically only adds to intrigue of the contests. It’ll be action from first bell to last.”

MTK Global Vice-President Jamie Conlan added: “Our first show on August 11 sees Jono Carroll returning following his incredible victory against Scott Quigg in March.

“Sean McComb and Siar Ozgul always bring excitement, so having them face each other is certain to lead to fireworks, and then we have two outstanding 50-50 fights as Craig MacIntyre faces Darren Surtees, and Sahir Iqbal goes up against Maredudd Thomas.

“Pierce O’Leary rounds off our first show, and he has looked tremendous in his career so far, so we can’t wait to see him back in the ring.

“Our second card on August 25 is just as packed, with Lewis Crocker competing for his first title in a terrific fight against Louis Greene, and it’s great to have Lee McGregor back too after his brilliant bout with Kash Farooq in November.

“Gary Cully against Kieran Gething is an extremely interesting fight that I can’t wait to see unfold, and the fans will see two stars for the future when James McGivern and Blane Hyland are in action.

“On September 1 we finally see the British and Commonwealth title fight between Akeem Ennis Brown and Philip Bowes, and those two have been desperate to face each other.

“Dan Azeez continues his impressive progression in a top fight against Andre Sterling, and Darren Tetley vs. Liam Taylor is an exceptional contest between two fighters on the cusp of the British title.

“We then have another excellent 50-50 battle as Padraig McCrory faces Mickey Ellison, plus Elliot Whale is back after two stellar performances in his career so far.”

Further news on the three cards, along with details on more MTK Fight Night events later this year, will be announced in due course.

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Welsh Area titlist Gething meets Irish champ Cully in clash of nations

Wales and Ireland have endured a long-standing bitter feud in other sports, most notably in rugby union, which stretches back to 1871. Now, Welshman Kieran Gething (9-2-2, 2KOs) and Irishman Gary Cully (10-0, 5KOs) will reignite the rivalry in the ring on August 25 at the LS-LIVE in Wakefield, broadcast in the US on ESPN+ and worldwide on IFL TV.

The national champions will do battle at 140lbs over 10-rounds in Europe’s first ever purpose-built rehearsal facility, designed to cater for the practice of large-scale film and TV productions.

Reigning Welsh Area super-lightweight champion Kieran Gething was last in action live on Sky Sports last November in the MTK Golden Contract quarter-finals, where he reached a stalemate with former Southern Area champ Jeff Ofori over 10-rounds, so referee Kieran McCann was called upon to put his chosen winner through to face Ohara Davies in the semi-finals, and he opted for Ofori.

The 26-year-old from Pontypool has been training all during lockdown with his brother, Connor, he revealed, “My brother, Connor, is handling my training camp for my next fight. We just travelled up to London to spend a week training at the iBox Gym to get some specific southpaw sparring in.”

Aged just 24, Connor Gething is one of the youngest AIBA coaches in the UK. He won two Welsh national titles as an amateur but stopped boxing at 16.

“My brother has been involved in my career since I was about 20,” Kieran continued. “He’s the perfect guy to have around in lockdown because he’s got all the know-how and experience.”

Normally, Gething trains with Lyndon James at his local Pontypool ABC. Restrictions in place, due to the current COVID-19 crisis, means that the pair haven’t been able to work together yet.

Gary ‘The Diva’ Cully, 24 from Naas in Ireland, stunned everybody when he brutally stopped unbeaten Joe Fitzpatrick (10-0) in the first round to win the vacant Irish lightweight title in January this year.

The 6ft 2in tall southpaw’s rangy shots landed cleanly on his target from distance, knocking the Belfast ‘Dragon’ down early, then stopping him in clinical fashion just moments later in a short but thrilling contest.

Having started boxing at the early age of seven at St. David’s Boxing Club in his home town of Naas, he went on to win six Irish national titles, peaking with a European Youth Championships gold medal in 2013, culminating in winning the prestigious Haringey Box Cup in 2016, where he was named ‘Best Overall Boxer’ in the process.

Gething was also a standout amateur, winning the Welsh ABA national titles as a junior, youth and senior, and proudly captained the Welsh Boxing Team.

With both boxers possessing a good amateur background and claiming national titles as pros, it should provide fans with an even and intriguing contest.

Gething-Cully features as part of the second of three scheduled MTK Global events, which will be headlined by unbeaten Belfast’s Lewis Crocker (11-0, 6 KOs) as he goes up against former Southern Area champion Louis Greene (12-1, 7 KOs) for the vacant WBO European welterweight title.

British and Commonwealth bantamweight king Lee McGregor (8-0, 6 KOs) fights on the bill too, facing a tricky test at 122lbs against Southern Area super-bantamweight champion Ryan Walker (11-1, 2 KOs).

Elite prospect Blane Hyland (3-0) returns to action on the card as well, while amateur sensation James McGivern makes his professional debut, with opponents to be announced for those two fights.

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MTK Fight Nights Moved To Aug. 12, Aug. 26 and Sept. 2

The upcoming trio of stacked MTK Fight Night events will each take place 24 hours later - after the shows were moved to Wednesday evenings.

The new dates for the upcoming behind-closed-doors shows at the LS-Live in Wakefield are August 12, August 26 and September 2, and will be broadcast live in the US on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank and worldwide on IFL TV.

The first show takes place on Wednesday 12 August, as world title challenger Jono Carroll (18-1-1, 4 KOs) squares off with the always-entertaining Maxi Hughes (20-5-2, 4 KOs) at 133lbs.

Belfast hero Sean McComb (10-0, 5 KOs) has an intriguing clash against ex-Southern Area champion Siar Ozgul (15-4, 3 KOs), plus there is a fantastic battle between unbeaten Craig MacIntyre (11-0-1, 4 KOs) and hard-hitting Darren Surtees (12-1, 8 KOs).

Undefeated rivals Sahir Iqbal (7-0, 1 KO) and Maredudd Thomas (11-0, 2 KOs) meet in a terrific bout for the WBC Youth welterweight crown, and Dublin ace Pierce O’Leary (4-0, 1 KO) will look to continue the perfect start to his professional career when he steps up in class against fellow unbeaten fighter Harry Limburn (6-0).

The second event will happen on Wednesday 26 August, and sees unbeaten star Lewis Crocker (11-0, 6 KOs) go up against former Southern Area champion Louis Greene (12-1, 7 KOs) for the vacant WBO European welterweight title.

British and Commonwealth bantamweight king Lee McGregor (8-0, 6 KOs) fights on the bill too, facing a tricky test at 122lbs against Southern Area super-bantamweight champion Ryan Walker (11-1, 2 KOs).

A superb clash will also occur at 140lbs, as undefeated Irish champion Gary Cully (10-0, 5 KOs) faces off with Welsh champion Kieran Gething (9-2-2, 2 KOs).

David Oliver Joyce (12-1, 9 KOs) defends his WBO European super-bantamweight title against recent TJ Doheny conqueror Ionut Baluta (13-2, 2 KOs), while amateur sensation James McGivern makes his professional debut against an opponent to be announced.

The third event goes down on Wednesday 2 September, and is headlined by the highly-anticipated British and Commonwealth super-lightweight title fight between Akeem Ennis Brown (13-0, 1 KO) and Philip Bowes (20-3 3 KOs).

Unbeaten sensation Dan Azeez (11-0, 7 KOs) defends his English light-heavyweight title against Andre Sterling (11-2, 4 KOs), plus there is a cracking showdown at 147lbs as undefeated Darren Tetley (20-1, 9 KOs) fights Liam Taylor (21-1-1, 10 KOs) in a British title eliminator.

Rounding up the bill is a great clash between Padraig McCrory (10-0, 4 KOs) and Mickey Ellison (12-2, 4 KOs), while rising star Elliot Whale (2-0) also returns in his hardest bout to date against Corey McCulloch (4-0).

MTK Global Chief Strategy Officer Paul Gibson said: “There are a lot of unique challenges to pulling a card together in the current climate but these fifteen matches guarantee some cracking fights.

“The remit was to make as many quality 50-50s as possible and the fact we’ve been restricted to matching domestically only adds to intrigue of the contests. It’ll be action from first bell to last.”

MTK Global Vice-President Jamie Conlan added: “Our first show on August 12 sees Jono Carroll returning following his incredible victory against Scott Quigg in March.

“Sean McComb and Siar Ozgul always bring excitement, so having them face each other is certain to lead to fireworks, and then we have two outstanding 50-50 fights as Craig MacIntyre faces Darren Surtees, and Sahir Iqbal goes up against Maredudd Thomas.

“Pierce O’Leary rounds off our first show, and he has looked tremendous in his career so far, so we can’t wait to see him back in the ring.

“Our second card on August 26 is just as packed, with Lewis Crocker competing for his first title in a terrific fight against Louis Greene, and it’s great to have Lee McGregor back too after his brilliant bout with Kash Farooq in November.

“Gary Cully against Kieran Gething is an extremely interesting fight that I can’t wait to see unfold, and the fans will see a star for the future when James McGivern is in action.

“On September 2 we finally see the British and Commonwealth title fight between Akeem Ennis Brown and Philip Bowes, and those two have been desperate to face each other.

“Dan Azeez continues his impressive progression in a top fight against Andre Sterling, and Darren Tetley vs. Liam Taylor is an exceptional contest between two fighters on the cusp of the British title.

“We then have another excellent 50-50 battle as Padraig McCrory faces Mickey Ellison, plus Elliot Whale is back after two stellar performances in his career so far.”

[brilo33]

RYAN WALKER looks a counter puncher throws few wild shots. i think mcgregor is fantasic a born a fighter think he will take it walker straight off , expected mc to be to much but ryan hasnt fought much so dont really know how good he is so ....

[Ruthless-RKO]

Darren Tetley and Liam Taylor clash in British welterweight title eliminator

Tetley eyeing British and Commonwealth welterweight titles

Yorkshire hero Darren Tetley knows there is plenty at stake when he faces Liam Taylor on next week's action-packed #MTKFightNight - and he has vowed to steal the show with a spectacular performance.

Unbeaten Tetley (20-0, 9 KOs) faces the always-exciting Taylor (21-1-1, 10 KOs) at Production Park Studios in Wakefield on August 26 – live in the US on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank, and worldwide on IFL TV.

The bout also serves as an eliminator for the British welterweight title, and Tetley has his sights set on winning in style and challenging for that belt in the near future.

Tetley said: "I can’t wait to be back. It's massive for me that MTK Global have given me a chance what a lot of boxers would jump at, especially given the current circumstances, so I’m grateful for that.

"Liam Taylor has boxed at British title level already and avenged his only loss. I’ve seen him a few times and we were actually going to fight in the amateurs but it never happened. It's 100 percent a fight I can’t wait for and one I believe I’ll make a statement in.

"I look forward to being on the big stage to show what I'm about. It's an eliminator for the British title and obviously I want that belt, so this is my chance to put myself in line for it.

"It's behind closed doors, but that just adds to the importance of the fight. This is what I love to do so I won’t worry about it a crowd. After I win here I will be saying straight away that I want a shot at the British and Commonwealth titles in my next fight."

Tetley vs. Taylor is part of a huge bill on August 26, which also features unbeaten Lewis Crocker facing Louis Greene for the WBO European welterweight title, plus British and Commonwealth bantamweight king Lee McGregor taking on Ryan Walker.

Elsewhere on the card, undefeated Gary Cully goes up against Craig Woodruff, Fearghus Quinn makes his highly-anticipated professional debut against Robbie Chapman, while amateur sensation James McGivern makes his professional debut too.

It’s part of a huge week of #MTKFightNight events, as on September 2, Akeem Ennis Brown and Philip Bowes clash for the British and Commonwealth super-lightweight titles, and Dan Azeez defends his English light-heavyweight crown against Andre Sterling.

Also on that card, undefeated Padraig McCrory faces Mickey Ellison, bitter amateur rivals Harlem Eubank and Martin McDonagh square off, plus a battle of unbeaten fighters sees Elliot Whale take on Corey McCulloch.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release

Unbeaten Scottish star Lee McGregor is ready to kick on and achieve big things over the next year - and that starts when he faces Ryan Walker on Wednesday's MTK Fight Night.

British and Commonwealth bantamweight king McGregor (8-0, 6 KOs) steps up to 122lbs to take on former Southern Area super-bantamweight champion Walker (11-1, 2 KOs) on a massive card at Production Park Studios in Wakefield - live in the US on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank, and worldwide on IFL TV.

It is McGregor's first fight back since his historic battle with Kash Farooq at a sold out Emirates Arena in November 2019, and the Edinburgh man wants more occasions like that.

McGregor said: "I can't wait to be back. A win in this fight gets me back in the swing of things and then we can crack on and possibly get a defence of my titles in before the end of the year too.

"Then the plan is to push on for a big 2021. It was a brilliant win in my last fight against Kash Farooq and the whole experience was unbelievable, so I want to have nights like that again as I love being involved in them.

"It's been a tough few months for everyone but I've tried to take the positives out of it. I was out in Fuerteventura for a bit doing some training with Josh Taylor and Billy Joe Saunders, and that was brilliant out there.

"They are two amazing fighters and world champion, so I couldn't have asked for better fighters to train alongside. I picked up a lot over there, and I'll show that in this fight."

McGregor vs. Walker is part of a huge bill on Wednesday, which also features Lewis Crocker and Louis Greene clashing for the WBO European welterweight title, plus Darren Tetley and Liam Taylor meet in a British title eliminator.

[THEBUTCH]

Decent card. Looking forward to Crocker v Greene. Should be a bruiser and I wonder if one of them will turn boxer for this fight. They both like to come forward and throw hard shots so If neither alter their style it could be one heck of a collision.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Live from Production Park Studios in South Kirkby, Yorkshire.
MTK presents: Lewis Crocker vs. Louis Greene

Running Order

6 Round Lightweight Contest
James McGivern vs. Jamie Quinn

(IFL tv: 7pm UK | ESPN+: 2pm ET / 11am PT)

8 Round Junior Welterweight Contest
Gary Cully (10-0, 5 KOs) vs. Craig Woodruff (10-5, 4 KOs)

Followed by

6 Round Middleweight Contest
Fearghus Quinn (debut) vs. Robbie Chapman (6-3, 0 KOs)

Followed by

10 Round Junior Featherweight Contest
Lee McGregor (8-0, 6 KOs) vs. Ryan Walker (11-1, 2 KOs)

Followed by

10 Round Welterweight Contest - British & Commonwealth eliminator
Darren Tetley (20-0, 9 KOs) vs. Liam Taylor (21-1-1, 10 KOs)

Followed by

Vacant WBO European Welterweight Chammpionship
Lewis Crocker (11-0, 6 KOs) vs. Louis Greene (12-1, 7 KOs)

[Ruthless-RKO]

[THEBUTCH]

The main 3 fights are all good quality match ups

[NoScoutingReports]

First fight is about to start

[margaret thatcher]

McGivern....you can see how he was a good am, looks relaxed and fluid in there. Would like to see him sit down on his shots at times more.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Did coverage start at half 6? I thought it was already.

[Ruthless-RKO]

[NoScoutingReports]

Cully was in bother there, big time. Came from nowhere that, managed to weather the storm.

[THEBUTCH]

Quinn looking very accomplished for a pro debut. He's not in with a pushover either.

[Webbo911]

Cully was in bother there, big time. Came from nowhere that, managed to weather the storm.

Got up a bit quick, probably still a tad unsteady. Came back strong in the same round though.

Still a 10-8? Not sure.

Woodruff always has a go, Cully looks a decent prospect.

[Webbo911]

Quinn looking very accomplished for a pro debut. He's not in with a pushover either.

Chapman had a good go, earned his money tonight. Haven't heard of Quinn before, was in tough for his debut.

[THEBUTCH]

Excellent win for Quinn. Chapman displayed a lot of pride in trying to be as competitive as possible.

The 60-54 was a fair tally.

[margaret thatcher]

a 6'2 light weight vs a 6'0 lw, jesus, eat bruhs

[THEBUTCH]

Lee McGregor v Ryan Walker up next.

Walker's up against it here.

[Webbo911]

a 6'2 light weight vs a 6'0 lw, jesus, eat bruhs

Seems to be a few lads about with ridiculous height for the weight recently. Pitters at light heavy and fundora at light middle both lanky AF.

[THEBUTCH]

Walker outclassed and outgunned in that 2nd round. His corner might have to think about getting the towel ready.

[THEBUTCH]

Walker showing guts to stay in the fight in during the 3rd. Pretty much one way traffic.

[Webbo911]

Mcgregor is going to be a fun watch going forward, Walker looking a bit out of his depth here. Great effort to be constantly firing back though.

Real treat this for Wednesday night this