Gavin Gwynne vs. Craig Woodruff | CH5 - 17 September 2022

[Ruthless-RKO]

This is being rumoured.

Wasserman to announce soon.

Gywnne defending his British and Commonwealth Lightweight titles.

Woodruff is 12-6.

Would be live and free on channel 5.

[magnus]

Good fight. Hopefully Wasserman don't hold the bill in Norwich, or otherwise hundreds of miles from Wales.

[maverick23]

Good fight. Hopefully Wasserman don't hold the bill in Norwich, or otherwise hundreds of miles from Wales.

Looking like it’ll be Bolton.

[olij999]

I like this fight. Woodruff has a proper record - seems to be willing to fight anyone anywhere, at a very high level - so good to see him getting this shot.

[magnus]

Good fight. Hopefully Wasserman don't hold the bill in Norwich, or otherwise hundreds of miles from Wales.

Looking like it’ll be Bolton.

Presumably the two Welshmen aren't headlining then. Then again, that would be textbook Wasserman...

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Ruthless-RKO]

I take it Lyndon Arthur will be headlining this card in Bolton.

[Glass Joe]

Classic wasserman lets put 2 welshman against each other in Bolton

[Ruthless-RKO]

Classic wasserman lets put 2 welshman against each other in Bolton

They ain’t got a clue.

[maverick23]

Classic wasserman lets put 2 welshman against each other in Bolton

At least they’ve left a long time to sell tickets and promote the show.

[Glass Joe]

Wasserman couldn't promote a free buffet at McDonald's

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release

Gavin Gwynne (15-2, 3 KOs) will be looking to show his ownership of titles is something that possesses longevity as he looks to get through the first defence of his British Lightweight title at The University of Bolton Stadium on Saturday September 17, live on Channel 5.

April 2022 proved to be the year he would tick one of the boxes on his professional boxing bucket list when claiming gold at the historic York Hall, where Gwynne realised one of his dreams by adding the British Lightweight title to his Commonwealth title.

The man looking to prize away Gwynne’s beloved titles is fellow-Welshman and familiar figure in Newport’s Craig Woodruff (12-6, 4 KOs). Woodruff, someone who Gwynne has shared sparring sessions with before, has previously held both Welsh and Celtic Lightweight titles but is coming into this fight without any experience of battling for a British crown .

“It didn’t sink in for the first couple of days, but the more I received messages from people congratulating me and having people notice me, the more it sunk in,” said Gwynne. “It was one of my main goals when I first became a professional boxer, and I showed that by learning and developing you can achieve the dream.”

“When I won the title, what a night it was. It means more than you can imagine so someone will have to do something seriously spectacular to take it out of my hands.”

Experience is priceless especially in the ethos of current king Gwynne who, without taking losses against some of the best talent within the lightweight division, would not be where he is now. It is not just the champion’s personal progression that favours him, but also the fact Woodruff enters unchartered British Title waters that could find him unable to swim with Gwynne.

“I think the pace I’m going to set will cause Craig some problems, especially when you add into the mix that he has never been in a championship fight for a title like the British one,” said Gwynne. I’ve boxed at Commonwealth level and British level, and I just think it may be too unfamiliar for him. I know what he's going to do, and not to discuss any sparring sessions, but he knows he can’t afford to stand there and trade blows with me.”

If notes taken in the gym prove to come to fruition then the champion could be moving on to pastures new with Woodruff left by the wayside, and Gwynne building his his own legacy. Alongside the obvious accolades that fighters pursue, the champion wants to be remembered as a professional who cut no corners in his schooling as a fighter.

“I’m a fighter; I’ve always had the attitude that I would fight anyone, anywhere. I think you become a better fighter lacing up your gloves against quality, not like some modern prospects who can go to 15-0 without boxing anyone of a certain level.”

“I’ve lost to two credible opponents,” continued Gwynne. “Joe Cordina who is now a world champion, and the other loss to James Tennyson who has fought for world honours too. Those losses are invaluable, and it gave me that fire in my belly to train harder and work on all aspects of my game.”

That fire represents a passionate aggression that burns brightly within him. Wanting to be remembered as an ‘old-school fighter’ is not only through his willingness to fight anybody, but in his physical approach when stamping his authority against anyone who wishes to come in and claim control of the ring.

It is setup to be a ‘Fight of the Night’ contender and the champion plans on carrying out the titles he walked in with as well as all the limelight from Bolton’s big event. Aggression, sacrifice, will; he is fully committed to a complete performance and getting a win however he needs to achieve it.

“You must go in there to do damage and, with that, you have to be the one to stamp your authority and take charge,” said Gwynne. “I’ve got a nickname of ‘The Merthyr Mexican’, and it’s just down to my ruthless and aggressive approach. If I have to take two shots to dish out two of my own then so be it, I’m just prepared to give my everything.”

“I’m really confident in getting the win and doing it in style. My hand being raised is the priority, my fists will do all the talking I need on fight night.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release

An all-Welsh affair heats up as fighting talk is exchanged ahead of the British Lightweight Title fight at The University of Bolton Stadium on Saturday September 17, live on Channel 5 from 10pm.

The anticipation for fight night continues to build for Newport’s Craig Woodruff (12-6, 4 KOs) as the stakes continue to be raised. Initially, the British Lightweight title was the incentive on offer for the 30-year-old, but now the verbal exchanges have signalled a real battle brewing between the two Welshmen.

The current British Lightweight champion, Gavin Gwynne (15-2, 3 KOs), has discussed the strengths of his own arsenal and how these skills will see him past the test of the challenger. Woodruff sees this an opportune moment to claim the scalp of Gwynne, getting both the British belt as well as verifying his claim as one of the best in the country.

“He clearly has no respect for me,” said Woodruff. “Every interview he’s talking about this defence like I’m not good enough to cause him any problems. I’m the current Celtic champion and the former undefeated Welsh champion so if he wants to overlook me then he’s in for a shock and a very tough night.”

The Newport fighter is in full acknowledgement of Gwynne as a genuine British champion. The respect for what he has achieved is well-documented, but the unearthing of comments made by the champion has now added not only extra spice to this encounter, but extra irons within the fire of the current Celtic king.

“I don’t think Gavin understands that I was out of the ring for four years and I still came back to go from being ranked 86th to being ranked top 10 in Britain,” said Woodruff. “I’ve got respect for what Gavin has achieved. He’s the champion and he deserves to hold those belts, but it’s obvious he’s looking past me and I’m going to show I’m a force to be reckoned with.”

He is certainly excited to display his skills on his continued renaissance as he makes up for lost time after an altercation at a football match left him unable to box. As is the case with most natural fighters, the past builds character but the future is the defining moment, and Woodruff now has the right team around him to make the future a bright one.

“I’ve got the right people next to me now. A dedicated training team with Luke Pearce, Johan Berendjy and Richie Garner who takes up the role as my manager too,” said Woodruff. “I’ve had two losses with them, one to Kieran Gething which was disputed and a close one to Gary Cully who I nearly stopped.”

Gwynne, otherwise known as ‘The Merthyr Mexican’, outlined the competitors he has come up against when detailing that Woodruff has not competed at a similar level. In this back and forth war of attrition, the Newport challenger is more than comfortable with his record and the names of opposition that sit within it.

“My record is littered with great names - Martin Ward, Luke Campbell, Carl Johansen, Mitch Buckland. With the exception of his Gwynne's last four fights, total up his opponent's records and you'll find more losses there than wins. Mine is the opposite.”

“I’ve had to put up with hearing him talk about me being a back-foot fighter, running from him,” continued Woodruff. “His work rate is no concern when it’s backed up by slapping and powder puff shots.”

With a potential British title classic brewing for the live and free-to-air Channel 5 show, this has all the magic to conjure a new name amongst the division. It has been many decades since Newport has been able to boast a British title holder and, whilst being a new name at lightweight is exceptional, it is taking the belt back to his home that drives Woodruff on.

“It has been 40 years since the last man from Newport, David Pearce, won the Lonsdale belt. I’m going to follow in his footsteps and bring that British title back to the city with me,” said Woodruff.

“The moment the board sanctioned me as the mandatory to fight him, I don’t think he realises Robert Smith might as well have told him to hand those belts over there and then. Myself and my team have sacrificed too much for me to walk away without them, wait and see.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

This will start at 9:30 pm.

Earlier time than usual.

Looks like this should be the main event

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release | Troy Williamson Returns on Wasserman Card at University of Bolton Stadium

The undefeated Troy Williamson (18-0-1, 13 KOs) joins Wasserman Boxing’s Fight Night as part of a night of free-to-air boxing on Saturday September 17 at the University of Bolton Stadium, live on Channel 5 from 9:30pm.

In his way stands another ‘El Yacare’, or ‘The Alligator’, but this time it is in the form of David Benitez ( (8-7, 2 KOs) and not Walter ‘El Yacare’ Sequeira (25-9-1, 17 KOs) who faces off against Lyndon Arthur (19-1, 13 KOs) in the main event of the evening.

A fight that has come in to replace Nathan Gorman (19-1, 13 KOs), who is continuing to focus on his British title preparations as mandatory for the heavyweight title against Fabio Wardley, Williamson is excited ahead of his Bolton appearance on the Channel 5 card.

Darlington’s Williamson is prepared to run through every wall to get to his ideal North East bout against Josh ‘Pretty Boy’ Kelly (12-1-1). After a successful defense of his Lonsdale belt, he can’t wait to dust off his gloves and get the wheels back in motion ahead of the potential fight with the Newcastle's Kelly.

“Everyone knows I’ve got my sights set on a fight with Josh Kelly and so this contest in Bolton on Saturday night is the perfect opportunity to sharpen my tools,” said Williamson. “I have no doubt that Josh will be watching my performance closely and I can’t wait to get back in the ring and fight for the first time since my British title defence in March.”

Wasserman Boxing presents Lyndon Arthur’s (19-1, 13 KOs) explosive return to the squared circle as he looks to tame the tough Argentine, Walter Gabriel Sequeira (25-9-1) at Light Heavyweight. A fiery all-Welsh British Lightweight title affair will also feature between current champion Gavin Gwynne (15-2, 3 KOs) and Newport’s Craig Woodruff (12-6, 4 KOs), as well as “Trojan” Troy Williamson (18-0-1, 13 KOs) putting on the battle armour as part of a huge night of free-to-air boxing on Saturday September 17 at the University of Bolton Stadium, live on Channel 5 from 9:30pm.

[jonp]

I like this fight. Woodruff has a proper record - seems to be willing to fight anyone anywhere, at a very high level - so good to see him getting this shot.

I matched him years ago against carl johannson and got some stick of the promoter that johanson needed a proper fight !

[olij999]

I like this fight. Woodruff has a proper record - seems to be willing to fight anyone anywhere, at a very high level - so good to see him getting this shot.

I matched him years ago against carl johannson and got some stick of the promoter that johanson needed a proper fight !

Ha! I see that Woodruff won that one 59-57 over six. Woodruff's fourth pro fight against Johanneson's 39th, so says a lot for Woodruff's quality. What did the promoter say afterwards, Jon?

[Ruthless-RKO]

Tonight.

Unsure what the main event is.

Whether it’s this or the Arthur fight.

Undercard on YouTube. Will post it all later.

[Dioufy]

Tonight.

Unsure what the main event is.

Whether it’s this or the Arthur fight.

Undercard on YouTube. Will post it all later.

Will be Arthur after Kalle called him “one of the best light heavies in the world” on the recent IFL pod.

[ILikeBeer]

I have already had four pints. May not make this.

[jonp]

I like this fight. Woodruff has a proper record - seems to be willing to fight anyone anywhere, at a very high level - so good to see him getting this shot.

I matched him years ago against carl johannson and got some stick of the promoter that johanson needed a proper fight !

Ha! I see that Woodruff won that one 59-57 over six. Woodruff's fourth pro fight against Johanneson's 39th, so says a lot for Woodruff's quality. What did the promoter say afterwards, Jon?

Well he was surprised He didnt mind the home loss as it was a great fight and really made the card. I did have an inspector before the fight tell me making fights like that might get me brought in front of the area council lol Yeh I did gloat afterwards

[Dioufy]

Tremendous fight. Comms kept banging on about Gynne’s work rate but it was Woodruff who come on strong.
A genuine draw imo - 114/114.
Rematch needed indeed.

[punchers chance]

It was a good fight, and the draw was a fair result.
I can understand Woodruff feeling miffed about it though as it was there for the taking.
He made Gwynne look one dimensional at times but just let himself get outworked in some rounds.

[Dioufy]

It was a good fight, and the draw was a fair result.
I can understand Woodruff feeling miffed about it though as it was there for the taking.
He made Gwynne look one dimensional at times but just let himself get outworked in some rounds.

He didn’t help himself letting him take clean shots in a show of machismo; therefore losing a few rounds.

[olij999]

I matched him years ago against carl johannson and got some stick of the promoter that johanson needed a proper fight !

Ha! I see that Woodruff won that one 59-57 over six. Woodruff's fourth pro fight against Johanneson's 39th, so says a lot for Woodruff's quality. What did the promoter say afterwards, Jon?

Well he was surprised He didnt mind the home loss as it was a great fight and really made the card. I did have an inspector before the fight tell me making fights like that might get me brought in front of the area council lol Yeh I did gloat afterwards

Interesting approach by the inspector. If he wasn't actually on the Area Council, he had no business making that comment, and if he was on the Area Council, the issue should have been discussed with the Council first. Plus, if the fight was as bad as he thought, it should have been pulled by Head Office. No wonder you gloated afterwards!