MTK: The Golden Contract | Light-Heavyweight Tournament

[Floyd the snake]

Could be an upset on that one , wasn't impressed with Joyce early doors against Haskins who new it was his last fight , far too easy to hit is Joyce .

[PredatorHayds]

What do yous make of Oliver Joyce vs Baluta? Is that on this card?

I think Joyce will nick a close one.
I’ve put a couple of quid on the draw.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Burton came in at a ripped and ready 79.1kg (12st 6lbs 6oz)

Bolotniks was slightly lighter at 78.8kg (12st 5lb 11oz)

[Manchester Massive]

What time is this fight and is it on IFL TV?

[handsofstone]

Ringwalk expected at 8

[margaret thatcher]

Cinderella man Rick does it again!!

[handsofstone]

Conroy/Michel is an interesting fight, thought both looked great in the previous round, Conroy had thr better win against Sterling, had him down a couple times, Michel had Philbin down with bodyshots

I think Conroy takes this, mixed it at higher class, point decision

[PredatorHayds]

I thought Bolotniks battered him throughout.
I didn’t have it as close as many on-line.
He bullied him throughout.
This tournament was Burtons to lose. He didn’t show up.

[margaret thatcher]

I thought Bolotniks battered him throughout.
I didn’t have it as close as many on-line.
He bullied him throughout.
This tournament was Burtons to lose. He didn’t show up.

Agree , Thought Bolotniks won widely myself

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Gnome]

Any idea on when McKenna and O'Hara are due to start? Want to watch it at the pub but I don't want to be turfed out half way through.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Any idea on when McKenna and O'Hara are due to start? Want to watch it at the pub but I don't want to be turfed out half way through.

I’m gna guess that the Conroy fight will be before the main event around 9pm.. cuz that’s a semi final fight.

The main event will be the 140 finals. Usually sky’s main events start after 10pm..

[Gnome]

Any idea on when McKenna and O'Hara are due to start? Want to watch it at the pub but I don't want to be turfed out half way through.

I’m gna guess that the Conroy fight will be before the main event around 9pm.. cuz that’s a semi final fight.

The main event will be the 140 finals. Usually sky’s main events start after 10pm..

OK, cheers!

[margaret thatcher]

Serge Michel or Ric Bolotniks, I'm sure these are the type of golden stars they had in mind to win

tbf I love myself some BoLo

[Ruthless-RKO]

Serge Michel or Ric Bolotniks, I'm sure these are the type of golden stars they had in mind to win

tbf I love myself some BoLo

They’re probably expected Burton vs. Conroy.

[Cholo_cws]

I see Bolotniks-Burton is on Sky on Demand...but they didn't show it live did they? Final should be really good.
Are these tournaments weakening the British Title though? Tying up boxers who would certainly be in the picture to fight for it.

[Black Sam Bellamy]

McKenna rarely backs up his words in the ring. Just another Dave Allen for me.

[Ruthless-RKO]

I see Bolotniks-Burton is on Sky on Demand...but they didn't show it live did they? Final should be really good.
Are these tournaments weakening the British Title though? Tying up boxers who would certainly be in the picture to fight for it.

Sky didn't show Bolo-Burt due to the WBSS being on the same night.

[Cholo_cws]

I see Bolotniks-Burton is on Sky on Demand...but they didn't show it live did they? Final should be really good.
Are these tournaments weakening the British Title though? Tying up boxers who would certainly be in the picture to fight for it.

Sky didn't show Bolo-Burt due to the WBSS being on the same night.

That's what I thought. I just didn't realise they'd show stuff on demand that's wasn't shown live. (I'm wondering what I might have missed.)

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release

The Golden Contract finals will take place at Production Park Studios in Wakefield on Wednesday 2 December – featuring the rescheduled featherweight final between Jazza Dickens and Ryan Walsh.

The event will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports in association with Matchroom Boxing, and in the US on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank, and will also feature the light-heavyweight final between Ricards Bolotniks and Serge Michel.

The clash between Dickens (29-3, 11 KOs) and Walsh (26-2-2, 12 KOs) was originally set for September 30 before a positive COVID-19 test for Dickens postponed the fight, with the final now confirmed for December. Dickens will also defend his WBO European featherweight title in the bout.

Dickens defeated Leigh Wood by majority decision in the semi-final to move into the final, while Walsh earned a unanimous decision victory over Tyrone McCullagh.

A belt will also be on the line in the light-heavyweight final, as Bolotniks (17-5-1, 7 KOs) defends his WBO European light-heavyweight title against Michel (11-1, 8 KOs).

Bolotniks progressed to the final with a unanimous decision win over Hosea Burton in the semi-final, and Michel picked up a fourth round stoppage victory over Liam Conroy.

MTK Global Vice-President Jamie Conlan said: “We are finally at the grand conclusion to our Golden Contract tournament.

“In the light-heavyweight final we have seen both boxers get better with each progressing round. Both have came in under the radar with Bolotniks beating the tournament favourite Hosea Burton in Latvia.

“Serge Michel then had a tournament best performance by stopping Liam Conroy in destructive fashion. Both have shown this fight can be explosive and end at anytime, so expect fireworks.

“The Ryan Walsh vs Jazza Dickens postponement has only added to the anticipation of what many in the trade are calling a genuine 50/50 and one of the best all-British fights to be on the 2020 schedule. A fight where the winner will be directly in line to fight for a world title.”

[NoScoutingReports]

Pretty sure not many picked these two to be LHW finalists but they both looked good in their respective semi-finals, thought Michel boxed great and timed Conroy very nicely. Glad to see a date set for Dickens/Walsh also, I fancy Jazza to take a close run decision.

[margaret thatcher]

Going for my man ricards cinderella man bolotniks, love how he battered burton and ward

[Ruthless-RKO]

Danny Dignum vs Gino Kanters added to Golden Contract card

Undefeated Danny Dignum will go up against dangerous Dutchman Gino Kanters on the huge Golden Contract finals card on Wednesday 2 December.

Dignum (13-0, 7 KOs) meets Kanters (8-3-2, 3 KOs) in an eight-round battle at Production Park Studios in Wakefield, live on Sky Sports in association with Matchroom Boxing, and on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank.

It’s the latest addition to the must-see event next month, with Dignum looking to build on his stoppage win over Alfredo Meli in March, while Kanters has lost just one of his last seven contests.

Dignum said: “I’m really excited to be back. It’s been a while and I’ve been training through lockdown so I’m looking forward to getting out now.

“I’ve seen Kanters a lot and he’s a very strong fighter who will be in my face putting the pressure on looking for big punches, but I’m too smart for that and it’s showed in my last two fights.

“I believe he’s going to walk on to too many punches, but I have to be switched on for what’s coming back. He is strong and durable so it will be a good fight.”

Kanters said: “I’m looking forward to fighting Dignum. He’s really well ranked, but I’m sure I have got a great chance of winning this fight and making a name for myself.

“I’ve seen him fight a couple times, and I see this as my big chance to breakthrough. He holds the WBO European title, and while this isn’t a title fight, a win here would mean I’ve beaten the champion.”

Promoter Lee Eaton added: “We’re thrilled to add this brilliant fight between Danny Dignum and Gino Kanters to the huge Golden Contract finals card.

“We’ve been trying for months to match Dignum and a lot of fighters haven’t fancied it, so huge credit must go to Kanters for stepping up and taking this challenge.

“Dignum has gone from strength to strength in his career over the past few years and we have some high hopes for him, but Kanters is always involved in exciting fights and has operated at a high level, so this looks set to be a great battle.”

The fight between Egbunike and Eubank is part of the massive Golden Contract card on December 2, which sees Jazza Dickens take on Ryan Walsh in the featherweight final, while Ricards Bolotniks clashes with Serge Michel in the light-heavyweight final. A superb battle between two undefeated fighters also take places at super-lightweight, as Daniel Egbunike clashes with Harlem Eubank.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Adam Azim faces Ed Harrison in pro-boxing debut on Golden Contract card, Dec 2

Amateur sensation Adam Azim will make his hotly-anticipated professional debut when he takes on Ed Harrison on next month’s huge Golden Contract card.

Highly-rated Azim faces Harrison on the massive show on Wednesday 2 December at Production Park Studios in Wakefield – live on Sky Sports in association with Matchroom Boxing, and on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank.

As an amateur, Slough hero Azim won 10 National Titles, One European Championship and a European silver medal, whilst also managing the superb achievement of winning every national title from Schoolboys to Youths, and being ranked the number one ranked Youth Amateur in the world at welterweight.

The 18-year-old now faces a tough test in his debut against Harrison, who in his last bout defeated 4-0 opponent Mohammad Bilal Ali, along with earning a win over 5-0 Liam Gaynor earlier this year too.

Azim said: “I am very excited for this fight. 2020 has been a funny year and finally I will get the chance to showcase my skills.

“I’m looking forward to making my debut live on Sky Sports and ESPN+ under MTK Global. What a platform to make my debut. It has been my dream to one day box on Sky Sports, and I won’t disappoint.

“I am going to bring the best Adam Azim. There are many people that will be seeing me for the first time, so it’s time to show the world what I am about.

“I saw Ed Harrison beat Mohammed Bilal Ali in September and I did say to myself that I would love to make my debut against him. This is a chance to take on an opponent who will be on a high from his last victory and he will come into this fight confident.

“When he gets into the ring with me he will realise what he’s got himself into. I will come in with my A-game, and I am coming for everything.”

Promoter Lee Eaton added: “We’re thrilled to have Adam Azim’s long-awaited professional debut on our huge Golden Contract show next month. There are some high hopes for Adam, along with his brother Hassan, so we’re extremely excited to see what Adam is capable of.

“He’s already been making waves over the last few months by sparring the likes of Luke Campbell, and he faces a tough test on his debut against Ed Harrison. I’m confident he’s going to make a big impact.

“It’s the latest addition to the massive card taking place live on Sky Sports and ESPN+ next month, and it’s certain to be a must-see event.”

Elsewhere on next month’s card, Jazza Dickens takes on Ryan Walsh in the Golden Contract featherweight final, Ricards Bolotniks faces Serge Michel in the light-heavyweight final, Danny Dignum meets Gino Kanters, and Daniel Egbunike meets Harlem Eubank.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release | James McGivern vs Jordan Ellison replaces Danny Dignum vs Gino Kanters on Golden Contract card

James McGivern added to Golden Contract bill

Rising star James McGivern will return to the ring next week when he faces experienced Jordan Ellison on the huge #GoldenContract card.

McGivern (1-0) takes on Ellison at Production Park Studios in Wakfield on Wednesday 2 December, with the event broadcast live on Sky Sports in association with Matchroom Boxing, and on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank.

The McGivern and Ellison fight replaces the middleweight clash between Danny Dignum and Gino Kanters, which has unfortunately been called off due to an injury to Dignum.

McGivern said: "I'm buzzing to get another outing before Christmas. With COVID-19 going on nobody really knows what's happening and when we will get a chance to fight, so I’m just glad I get another opportunity to perform.

"In this game fights can happen at the drop of a hat. I remember talking to Jamie Conlan about my next fight the day after the debut and he said it could be around this time, so it was always in my mind and we stayed ready.

"I thought my debut went well and I got to showcase some of my skills but not all of them, so I’m just looking forward to getting in as much as possible to show everyone how good I really I am."

Promoter Lee Eaton added: "It's great to have James McGivern back in action on next week's Golden Contract card. We're grateful that he's jumped at the chance to be on this card on just a week's notice, and it shows that fighters should always stay ready for their opportunities.

"McGivern made a very impressive debut in August and we're excited to see him return. It was frustrating to lose the middleweight battle between Danny Dignum and Gino Kanters, but hopefully we can get them both back in the ring in 2021."

Elsewhere on next week's bill, Jazza Dickens takes on Ryan Walsh in the #GoldenContract featherweight final, Ricards Bolotniks faces Serge Michel in the #GoldenContract light-heavyweight final, Daniel Egbunike goes up against Harlem Eubank, Adam Azim makes his professional debut against Ed Harrison, Fearghus Quinn meets Scott James, and Hassan Azim makes his debut too.