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The quarter-finals of the super-lightweight #GoldenContract tournament will take place at London’s York Hall on November 22.

With the featherweight event-opener at the same venue on October 4, the 140lb hopefuls will open their campaigns there just seven weeks later – live on Sky Sports in the UK in association with Matchroom and on ESPN+ in the U.S in association with Top Rank.

140-lb fighters confirmed for tourney

Seven super-lightweights have already been confirmed for the competition in Ohara Davies, Tyrone McKenna, Zhankosh Turarov, Akeem Ennis Brown, Mohamed Mimoune, Anthony Yigit and Darren Surtees – and excitement is high.

Sky Sports Head of Boxing Adam Smith said: “We were delighted to add The Golden Contract to our live schedule last week – and the super-lightweights should provide a barnstorming show in Bethnal Green."

MTK Global President Bob Yalen said: “We’re delighted to announce the second date of this event in the quarter-finals for the super-lightweights. So far, the feedback to this format has been excellent and it seems to have caught the imagination not just of the UK domestic scene but the wider boxing world.

“The tournament at 140lbs seems to have a perfect blend of established names, champions, prospects and some international dangermen who are heading for London to try and propel themselves to stardom. We can’t wait.”

Head of Matchroom Boxing Eddie Hearn said: “The 140lb division is red-hot both domestically and internationally and in October, Sky Sports has the best of it.

“The fighters in the Golden Contract have a great chance to gatecrash both these scenes. It’s a great line-up that’ll be full of drama.”

MTK Global Professional Development Coordinator Jamie Conlan added: “It’s going to be another great night at London’s most iconic boxing stronghold. What a group of fighters this is at 140lb – and the exciting thing is there’s still one more to be added to the mix!

“There are so many intriguing possible quarter-final match-ups here and the place will be absolutely rocking on the night as the hopefuls bid to take the first step towards that life-changing Golden Contract.”

News of the final contestant at 140lb plus further fights and fighters on the bill will be published in due course.

MTK sure like there Friday york hall shows. I voted for Bowne

Glass Joe wrote: ↑18 Sep 2019, 13:59 MTK sure like there Friday york hall shows. I voted for Bowne

Who? You mean Brown?

yeah,,,,,,tired today

Logan Yoon Joins MTK Tourney

The 20-year-old ‘Korican Kid’ Logan Yoon (16-0, 12 KOs) is ranked No. 13 by the WBA and now has his chance to earn global fame alongside competition rivals Ohara Davies, Tyrone McKenna, Zhankosh Turarov, Akeem Ennis Brown, Mohamed Mimoune, Anthony Yigit and Darren Surtees.

A proud native of Hawaii, Yoon’s entry provides a new and relatively unknown element to an intriguing mix of hopefuls that will fight live on Sky Sports in the UK in association with Matchroom and on ESPN+ in the U.S in association with Top Rank.

Yoon said: “I’m delighted to be entering the MTK Global #GoldenContract tournament.

“I can’t wait to hop into that ring in London, showcase my talents and to prove that I’m the best super-lightweight boxer in the world.”

MTK Global Professional Development Coordinator Jamie Conlan said: “We’re delighted to welcome Logan into this tournament and complete the line-up for the super-lightweights.

“Everyone who’s taken even a passing interest in boxing knows the Americans have produced many of the greatest fighters of all time and who knows how far Yoon canl go? Winning this tournament could propel him to instant stardom.

“It’s now a healthy mix of talent more familiar to UK fans alongside some very dangerous international fighters like Yoon who are looking to announce themselves in emphatic style.

“We’re less than two weeks away from the featherweight draw for the first #GoldenContract show on October 4 and now the super-lightweight entries are full as well, the anticipation is cranked up another notch.”

Quarter-final draw explained ahead of next Friday's featherweight competitionhttps://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/1 ... ompetition

The Golden Contract offers a lucrative opportunity for fighters to transform their careers, but how will Tuesday's draw add a twist to the innovative event?

Current champions, unbeaten prospects, and enigmatic challengers have already confirmed their entry in The Golden Contract, which kicks off with the featherweight quarter-finals at London's iconic York Hall on October 4, live on Sky Sports.

Eight fighters will compete at featherweight, super-lightweight and light-heavyweight, with the three divisional winners earning a two-year, five-fight deal with six-figure purses for each fight guaranteed.

Knockout bonuses are also on offer and the 126lb curtain-raiser features current British champion Ryan Walsh, Commonwealth king Leigh Wood, former Lonsdale belt holder Jazza Dickens, Davey Oliver Joyce, Tyrone McCullagh, Cuban Hairon Socarras, Mexico's Carlos Araujo and Spaniard Carlos Ramos.

Entrants will not find out who they are facing until fight week - and Tuesday's draw is expected to crank up tension and animosity ahead of the opening bell.

The draw, which will be streamed on the Sky Sports Boxing social platforms, will be conducted in the following way:

The Golden Contract Draw

1.) Eight balls will be placed in a bag; four blue (numbered 1-4) and four red (not numbered).

2.) All eight fighters draw a ball from the bag in turn.

3.) The fighters who draw a blue ball (starting with the fighter who drew the blue ball numbered '1') choose their opponent from the fighters who drew red balls.

Look like a lame ass staging job

margaret thatcher wrote: ↑07 Oct 2019, 11:16 Look like a lame ass staging job

Tell me about it.. When they kicked off inside the arena, that looked ok... But this, backstage, car park stuff. He was only being interviewed for 1 min before McKenna jamp in, comes to his face, but then backs off.. lol..

Who would even get excited over this?

Golden Contract: Lewis Benson replaces Akeem Ennis-Brown in super-lightweight tournament

https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/1 ... tournament

Lewis Benson admits he is 'absolutely buzzing' after replacing Akeem Ennis-Brown in The Golden Contract super-lightweight tournament.

The Scotsman joins the quarter-finals at York Hall on November 22, live on Sky Sports, after the withdrawal of Ennis-Brown, who will instead target the British & Commonwealth titles.

Benson lines up against former opponent Tyrone McKenna, Ohara Davies, Zhankosh Turarov, Darren Surtees, Anthony Yigit, Mohamed Mimoune and Logan Yoon, with the winner receiving a lucrative multi-fight deal.

"I'm absolutely over the moon to get this opportunity," said Benson, who has responded with two victories since razor-thin points losses to McKenna and Johnny Coyle.

"In the back of my head I always thought there's a good chance of me going in the tournament in case somebody pulls out for any reason, so I'm absolutely buzzing.

"I've been training hard getting my fitness up and I can't wait. I watched the featherweight tournament and it was unbelievable. I was really impressed with Leigh Wood and Ryan Walsh, they were the standouts for me, and now I can't wait to compete in it myself.

"Everybody in the tournament is a good fighter. You have some of the best boys in Britain and then some really good European fighters too, so it's a cracking line-up."

Mohamed Mimoune hopes tournament triumph can set up world title shot

https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/1 ... title-shot

Mohamed Mimoune believes British fans still remember his commanding win over Sam Eggington and the Frenchman plans to produce another masterclass in this month's Golden Contract.

The former European champion has already impressed on these shores during a points win over Eggington two year ago, but will now target a lucrative multi-fight deal in the super-lightweight tournament at York Hall, Bethnal Green on November 22, live on Sky Sports.

Mimoune suffered his sole defeat to Viktor Postol in a WBC final eliminator back in April and hopes to take a sizeable step towards another world title opportunity after winning the Golden Contract.

"The British fans already know me from my victory over Eggington when I won the European title and they know I can provide them with some more beautiful boxing," said Mimoune.

"It doesn't really matter which of the other contestants I face. I'll be determined and confident of gaining victory. My coach manages all the research - I'm just here to fight. He studies all the other fighters and I'll be prepared to face any and all of them.

"Winning this tournament will provide me with a massive springboard back towards world level and I still have my eyes on the WBC world title.

"If Postol ends up winning that belt then I'd love the chance to gain revenge over him in the near future.

"First though, I am fully focused on the Golden Contract. I'm very excited for this tournament and determined to win the whole thing for my team and all the fans around the world who have supported me."

Mimoune joins an eight-man line-up, which also includes Ohara Davies, Tyrone McKenna, Zhankosh Turarov, Darren Surtees, Anthony Yigit, Lewis Benson and Logan Yoon.

The Golden Contract super-lightweight competition starts at York Hall, Bethnal Green on November 22, live on Sky Sports.

Ohara Davies back with trainer Tony Cesay: The prodigal son returns

Ohara Davies is full of renewed vigour after returning to trainer Tony Cesay.

Cesay - a famous amateur who won the 1999 national senior championships - worked with Davies in his youth and has returned to guide the powerful 'Two Tanks' ahead of the Golden Contract tournament.

As he prepares to enter the draw for next weekend's hotly-anticipated quarter-finals at York Hall, Davies has paid tribute to a life-long mentor.

Davies said: "Tony means a lot to me. He's the closest thing I've ever had to a father figure.

"When I was young and in trouble, he got me into boxing. It kept me off the streets and he made sure I couldn't go back there to sell drugs and fight. I had to be in the gym.

"As I got older, we went our separate ways because I thought I knew better but as the story of the prodigal son goes, now I'm back.

"Tony has had a big impact on my career the last few months and it has been so positive. He reminds to work hard and focus properly every day.

"I listen to Tony when he tells me how to rest as well. He says I should be at home on the couch and not out in restaurants and bars living the life of a player. I have to live the life of a fighter and train like a warrior.

"I've seen improvements in my sparring, my fitness and my confidence. This is the best shape I've been in during my five years as a fighter. I'm a totally different animal and I'm excited."

The all-important draw for the Golden Contract competition, which includes Davies' bitter rival Tyrone McKenna alongside the likes of Zhankosh Turarov, Darren Surtees, Lewis Benson, Anthony Yigit, Logan Yoon and Mohamed Mimoune, takes place next Tuesday.

The quarter-finals take place for the tournament at the home of British boxing, York Hall, on November 22 - live on Sky Sports.

Looking forward to this I thought the Featherweights was class and has thrown up some cracking semis. some good fighters in this one as well, its a pity Yigit pulled out because I fancied him to do well, it all depends how the QFs are drawn but I fancy Mimoune to win it, he impressed me against Eggington and that up at 147 so he could do well at 140, McKenna is a game frigger and never stops trying, Davies has some talent but lacks ring intelligence, he's a bit of a poundland Broner where he cant seem to get the concept that you need to throw punches to win rounds

I'd like to see Benson win as he's a Jock but he's got his work cut out, the fella Turarov will be one to watch as well no doubt, Brown another one, should be good

handsofstone wrote: ↑17 Nov 2019, 08:50 Looking forward to this I thought the Featherweights was class and has thrown up some cracking semis. some good fighters in this one as well, its a pity Yigit pulled out because I fancied him to do well, it all depends how the QFs are drawn but I fancy Mimoune to win it, he impressed me against Eggington and that up at 147 so he could do well at 140, McKenna is a game frigger and never stops trying, Davies has some talent but lacks ring intelligence, he's a bit of a poundland Broner where he cant seem to get the concept that you need to throw punches to win rounds

I'd like to see Benson win as he's a Jock but he's got his work cut out, the fella Turarov will be one to watch as well no doubt, Brown another one, should be good

In terms of the quality of the action in the ring, I thought the Featherweight version was one of the best nights of boxing I have seen on sky for a long time.

It is a tough act to follow, and I'm not sure this line up will produce the same action, but we can hope.

Mimoune isn't particularly easy on the eye but has an effective style and previously being EBU champ at welterweight could mean he has a bit of a size advantage in there on fight night. He could be a bit of a dark horse here.

Ohara the fave on this poll, is he the bookies fave too? Ppl believing in him again?

This tournament seems a lot less significant with 2 not even British level fighters replacing 2 fringe world level. No reason been given for either pull out as far as I know so maybe financial problems at Mtk? Sure it will be entertaining but can see problems as the winner won’t deserve the high paydays promised. Benson gething sakyi well below the level I expected

margaret thatcher wrote: ↑17 Nov 2019, 12:23 Ohara the fave on this poll, is he the bookies fave too? Ppl believing in him again?

Guy is a modern day Junior Witter but not as good! Despite being bossed against Taylor, he actually looked his best when being made to fight! When he fights at his own pace he's brutal to watch...

Ohara 'The Black Quitter' Davies aint winning f*** all lol.

Ohara Davies looking forward to Tuesday's Golden Contract opponent selection

Press Release

A rejuvenated Ohara Davies (19-2) is ready to "shut the mouths" of critics and blast ahead towards a world title shot. Davies, from London, is one of the favorites for the Golden Contract junior welterweight tournament that kicks off this week, with Tuesday’s opponent selection paving the way for fight night at York Hall on Friday; live on Sky Sports in the UK and ESPN+ in the USA. Having rejoined former coach Tony Cesay and shelved a lavish lifestyle in favor of renewed discipline, Davies feels primed to fulfill his potential.

Davies said: “Being back under Tony Cesay now, I feel like it was just waiting to happen, and now the whole world is going to see what I can do for real. I believe I can become a world champion, 100 per cent. As much as people doubt me now – and I’ve been looking on online and seeing what they’re saying about me – people think I’m more of an entertainer than a boxer, but that’s up to me to shut their mouths and change their minds.

“I’m going for a world title. I’m going for everything I can get and I know I can become one [world champion]. The first step is going to be on November 22nd. I’m not thinking about the money, I’m just going back to how I was in the past, thinking about fighting. That’s the only thing that really matters. I remember as an amateur, I never got paid, but I fought week after week, month after month, and I just loved it. It’s not about what platform I’m on, it’s not about how much I’m getting paid, or this or that. It’s literally about training, being the best I can be, and then getting the win.”

Joining Davies in the draw on Tuesday, are the likes of Tyrone McKenna, Mohamed Mimoune, Darren Surtees, Kieran Gething, Logan Yoon, Lewis Benson and Mikey Sakyi.

Going to be a let down if Davies doesn't draw him or McKenna in the first round.

I was looking forward to this bill originally but 3 names I was interested in all pulled out.

Glass Joe wrote: ↑19 Nov 2019, 09:27 Going to be a let down if Davies doesn't draw him or McKenna in the first round.

Kieran Gething vs Lewis Benson
Mohamed Mimoune vs Darren Surtees
Mikey Sakyi vs Tyrone McKenna
Logan Yoon vs Ohara Davies