Eddie Hearn reveals why Liverpool boxing show goes ahead despite two fights being cancelled
Both Callum Smith and Peter McGrail should have been on tonight's Matchroom show at the M&S Bank Arena, but their fights have been cancelled
Eddie Hearn has revealed why tonight’s show at the M&S Bank Arena will go ahead as planned despite Callum Smith pulling out of his headline fight earlier this month. Tonight’s Matchroom show was thrown into serious doubt when headliner Smith was forced to pull out of his interim WBO light-heavyweight title bout against David Morrell due to injury.
Then, just days later, Peter McGrail was forced to pull out of his fight against Ckari Cani Mansilla for the same reason. However, Hearn never had any plans to cancel the show, saying: “As we know, we recently lost the fight of Callum Smith and David Morrell.
“Always faced with a tricky situation, but what we have is a great fight city, a great fight card, we don’t let people down. And more importantly, we’ve got a whole host of undefeated fighters up here, a great TV card as well.
“Well done to all of you guys because we’re still expecting a big crowd in Liverpool on Saturday night. We’re all excited."
Tonight’s card will now be headlined by Birmingham’s Ben Whittaker, but it is Molly McCann who is expected to raise the roof.
McCann hasn’t fought in Liverpool since her Mixed Martial Arts days, and the former UFC star will look to enhance her credentials in boxing in her fourth fight in the paid ranks.
But she knows in the shape of Ashleigh Johnson she is taking on a fighter who is not only made of 'hard stuff' but is also coming to cause an upset.
“I am absolutely buzzing," she said. "I’ve actually watched you [Ashleigh Johnson] box before, before I even knew this was going to happen. I was made up when I was given your name.
“I know you’re made of hard stuff and I know where you’re from and what you’re about. I know you’re coming here to win, you’re not going to come in here just for the occasion.
“I hope you’ve had the best camp of your life and I cannot wait to go toe-to-toe with you.”
Elsewhere on the undercard, Joe McGrail challenges Aaron Hayden for his Central Area super-bantamweight title.
“I can’t wait. It’s my first step up,” the Everton Red Triangle fighter said. “First titles in my home city. It’s going to be a special night for me.
“I’ll be looking to box his ears off. I’m not looking to take shots and that but I’m going to be looking to be exciting.”
Ste Clarke will also be looking to continue his winning run in the professional ranks when he takes on Luis Enrique Montelongo Morales.
“I just want to stay active, gain all of that experience, and that’s what I’m doing in the sport right now," he said. "Jumping on all of these shows has helped me massively improve as a professional.
“I’m looking forward to the future. Jimmy [Sains] called me out after not his last fight, but the one before. I think that’s a great fight.
“We’ve got a little bit of history in the amateurs, haven’t we? One step at a time, but no, when those fights come, I don’t think they’re too far off. I think they’re going to be great fights for the division.”
And fellow unbeaten prospect Sam Norris also features on the card against Jahfieus Faure, and he said: “I’m buzzing for it. I’m very, very grateful that the show has still been kept on as well.
Steadily stagnate it.
