BoxRec

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.

The first show features Jono Carroll (18-1-1, 4 KOs) against the always-entertaining Maxi Hughes (20-5-2, 4 KOs) at 133 pounds...

Belfast hero Sean McComb (10-0, 5 KOs) has an intriguing clash against Siar Ozgul (15-4, 3 KOs)...

plus there is a fantastic battle between Craig MacIntyre (11-0-1, 4 KOs) and hard-hitting Darren Surtees (12-1, 8 KOs)...

Sahir Iqbal (7-0, 1 KO) and Maredudd Thomas (11-0, 2 KOs) meet in a battle of undefeated welterweights...

and Dublin ace Pierce O’Leary (4-0, 1 KO) will step up in class against fellow unbeaten fighter Harry Limburn (6-0).
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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.

Wow total embarrassment of a division.. Jono Carroll v Maxi Hughes lost every single time he has stepped up. Lost 2 of his last 4 fights.. Anthony Cacace v Leon Woodstock British title and Woodstock coming off a loss.. Zelfa Barrett v Eric Donavan is a blown up featherweight with no notable fights in the pro game.. Who are you trying to kid on 50/50 fights? The worse thing about is people actually believe the hype in some of these boxers

daviddee wrote: ↑04 Jul 2020, 06:52 Wow total embarrassment of a division.. Jono Carroll v Maxi Hughes lost every single time he has stepped up. Lost 2 of his last 4 fights.. Anthony Cacace v Leon Woodstock British title and Woodstock coming off a loss.. Zelfa Barrett v Eric Donavan is a blown up featherweight with no notable fights in the pro game.. Who are you trying to kid on 50/50 fights? The worse thing about is people actually believe the hype in some of these boxers

Possibly but credit where its due getting some fights on in this difficult climate.

I dont get why mtk would make this fight, Liam walsh heat maxi hughes so surely jono should have faced the winner not the loser. Same as barrett v Woodstock and who do they match cacace up with? The bloody loser of the fight. Boxing is actually a joke. UFC really does put it to shame

daviddee wrote: ↑04 Jul 2020, 06:52 Wow total embarrassment of a division.. Jono Carroll v Maxi Hughes lost every single time he has stepped up. Lost 2 of his last 4 fights.. Anthony Cacace v Leon Woodstock British title and Woodstock coming off a loss.. Zelfa Barrett v Eric Donavan is a blown up featherweight with no notable fights in the pro game.. Who are you trying to kid on 50/50 fights? The worse thing about is people actually believe the hype in some of these boxers

I wouldn't write maxI off so soon mate.
His fight against Walsh was reasonably close and his loss before that was at sfw where be was killing himself to make the weight, the body shots he took in that fight were plenty and they wore him down with the weight loss.
Jono isn't a big lad and at 133 I can see maxi controlling the distance well on Jono, don't forget they're both southpaw.
Maxi trains with Josh warrington and his dad Sean, they have a clutch of good talent there all around this weight, so his sparring in prep for this will be A1.
I'm going with maxi to upset the applecart.

Is this fight possibly made to get Jono acclimated to lightweight before facing the top guys at 135 in the UK.

mark a h wrote: ↑06 Jul 2020, 07:53

daviddee wrote: ↑04 Jul 2020, 06:52 Wow total embarrassment of a division.. Jono Carroll v Maxi Hughes lost every single time he has stepped up. Lost 2 of his last 4 fights.. Anthony Cacace v Leon Woodstock British title and Woodstock coming off a loss.. Zelfa Barrett v Eric Donavan is a blown up featherweight with no notable fights in the pro game.. Who are you trying to kid on 50/50 fights? The worse thing about is people actually believe the hype in some of these boxers

I wouldn't write maxI off so soon mate.
His fight against Walsh was reasonably close and his loss before that was at sfw where be was killing himself to make the weight, the body shots he took in that fight were plenty and they wore him down with the weight loss.
Jono isn't a big lad and at 133 I can see maxi controlling the distance well on Jono, don't forget they're both southpaw.
Maxi trains with Josh warrington and his dad Sean, they have a clutch of good talent there all around this weight, so his sparring in prep for this will be A1.
I'm going with maxi to upset the applecart.

I am not fully writing him off and I like Maxi but he is very limited and his skill set should suit Jono.. In saying that Jono is massively over hyped. It’s a great opportunity for Maxi and he has to take it and hopefully he can pull off the upset although I think Jono’s work rate may be the difference.. They have tried to hand pick Maxi as on paper this is a fight he should win easily.. As a boxing fan I want to see the best fight the best. 3 fights back at Super Feather been announce and none of them are great

Jono will win easily

daviddee wrote: ↑06 Jul 2020, 10:51

mark a h wrote: ↑06 Jul 2020, 07:53
I wouldn't write maxI off so soon mate.
His fight against Walsh was reasonably close and his loss before that was at sfw where be was killing himself to make the weight, the body shots he took in that fight were plenty and they wore him down with the weight loss.
Jono isn't a big lad and at 133 I can see maxi controlling the distance well on Jono, don't forget they're both southpaw.
Maxi trains with Josh warrington and his dad Sean, they have a clutch of good talent there all around this weight, so his sparring in prep for this will be A1.
I'm going with maxi to upset the applecart.

I am not fully writing him off and I like Maxi but he is very limited and his skill set should suit Jono.. In saying that Jono is massively over hyped. It’s a great opportunity for Maxi and he has to take it and hopefully he can pull off the upset although I think Jono’s work rate may be the difference.. They have tried to hand pick Maxi as on paper this is a fight he should win easily.. As a boxing fan I want to see the best fight the best. 3 fights back at Super Feather been announce and none of them are great

Not sure Jono will fight at 130 again. Rumors that 135 will be where he is going forward.

I spoke to Jono before the Quigg fight and he didn’t seem like he fancied cutting the weight to super feather anymore so I think a move up will definitely be the way he goes. I reckon he smashes Maxi here, Jono will be fresh and have momentum on his side after stopping Quigg, think he’s at the top of his game right now and his confidence is very high.

LGilsenan1 wrote: ↑07 Jul 2020, 23:03 I spoke to Jono before the Quigg fight and he didn’t seem like he fancied cutting the weight to super feather anymore so I think a move up will definitely be the way he goes. I reckon he smashes Maxi here, Jono will be fresh and have momentum on his side after stopping Quigg, think he’s at the top of his game right now and his confidence is very high.

Quigg was a good name to get on his record but he was finished. A good small guy that had loads of hard fights against a good bigger guy who was fresh with no real hard fights. Quigg should never of been in there that night and it shows Jono’s mentality as a bully fighter. It’s the same for this decision his team gave hand picked an opponent. Jono could of fought Ronnie Clark or someone like Sam Bowen. I think the problem is his team know what would happen in both them fights

daviddee wrote: ↑08 Jul 2020, 08:11

LGilsenan1 wrote: ↑07 Jul 2020, 23:03 I spoke to Jono before the Quigg fight and he didn’t seem like he fancied cutting the weight to super feather anymore so I think a move up will definitely be the way he goes. I reckon he smashes Maxi here, Jono will be fresh and have momentum on his side after stopping Quigg, think he’s at the top of his game right now and his confidence is very high.

Quigg was a good name to get on his record but he was finished. A good small guy that had loads of hard fights against a good bigger guy who was fresh with no real hard fights. Quigg should never of been in there that night and it shows Jono’s mentality as a bully fighter. It’s the same for this decision his team gave hand picked an opponent. Jono could of fought Ronnie Clark or someone like Sam Bowen. I think the problem is his team know what would happen in both them fights

Your spot on. They talk about his levels but he lost wide to farmer no disgrace in that but I keep seeing his form and beating quigg ( a super bantum) he drew his eliminator as the home fighter and the fight b4 was the irish kid Gerarthy who Hardy ripped up trees. He beats maxi on points but i don't see the hype behind him

maley1984 wrote: ↑08 Jul 2020, 08:30

daviddee wrote: ↑08 Jul 2020, 08:11

Quigg was a good name to get on his record but he was finished. A good small guy that had loads of hard fights against a good bigger guy who was fresh with no real hard fights. Quigg should never of been in there that night and it shows Jono’s mentality as a bully fighter. It’s the same for this decision his team gave hand picked an opponent. Jono could of fought Ronnie Clark or someone like Sam Bowen. I think the problem is his team know what would happen in both them fights

Your spot on. They talk about his levels but he lost wide to farmer no disgrace in that but I keep seeing his form and beating quigg ( a super bantum) he drew his eliminator as the home fighter and the fight b4 was the irish kid Gerarthy who Hardy ripped up trees. He beats maxi on points but i don't see the hype behind him

He lost to Frenois that night got a gift of a decision. Farmer is a good fringe level champion but has loads of defeats and it showed in his last fight very beatable.. He should be Maxi as his style is suited for him hopefully I’m wrong and Maxi can pull it off

well, 30-5 isnt exactly loads of defeats, and only 1 of those came in the last 8 years. still I don't particularly rate wonky eyes and if you lose 117-111 to him and draw with frenny you obviously got some noticeable limits. should easily beat Maxi though, let's be honest

Anyone seen much of Eric Donovan. A successful and very very experienced am but not done much as pro yet.

Maxi has the famous Johnny Greaves on his record, i expect jono to walk him down and stop him high pace , to be fair to maxi only been beat by good fighters , obviously a warm up fight for jono so doesnt want to take to lightly

margaret thatcher wrote: ↑21 Jul 2020, 15:07 Anyone seen much of Eric Donovan. A successful and very very experienced am but not done much as pro yet.

bit of him yea looks alright thinking might of left it to late, decent doc on him
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQGfidda2xo

LGilsenan1 wrote: ↑07 Jul 2020, 23:03 I spoke to Jono before the Quigg fight and he didn’t seem like he fancied cutting the weight to super feather anymore so I think a move up will definitely be the way he goes. I reckon he smashes Maxi here, Jono will be fresh and have momentum on his side after stopping Quigg, think he’s at the top of his game right now and his confidence is very high.

you know what carroll has improved every fight ,since prize fighter , and then go america to fight Tevin Farmer and hold his own and learned from it , big fan not gonna lie i would of liked the john joe nevin fight as a fan , but i like a carroll a lot hope he gets a another big shot soon, though there is no rush ,

brilo33 wrote: ↑22 Jul 2020, 15:21 Maxi has the famous Johnny Greaves on his record, i expect jono to walk him down and stop him high pace , to be fair to maxi only been beat by good fighters , obviously a warm up fight for jono so doesnt want to take to lightly

I can’t find any prices for this fight. I fancy Jono stoppage also.

ShadrachSimmo wrote: ↑22 Jul 2020, 16:03

brilo33 wrote: ↑22 Jul 2020, 15:21 Maxi has the famous Johnny Greaves on his record, i expect jono to walk him down and stop him high pace , to be fair to maxi only been beat by good fighters , obviously a warm up fight for jono so doesnt want to take to lightly

I can’t find any prices for this fight. I fancy Jono stoppage also.

me neither, i think with everthing going on nothing is certain, i am sure sooner the fight date will get somthing

Craig MacIntyre faces Darren Surtees on Aug. 11, Live on ESPN+

It’s been a frustrating year for talented Scottish star Craig MacIntyre – and he plans on unleashing all of that frustration when he takes on hard-hitting Darren Surtees next month.

Undefeated MacIntyre (11-0-1, 4 KOs) faces Surtees (12-1, 8 KOs) on a massive #MTKFightNight at the LS-Live in Wakefield on August 11, live in the US on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank and worldwide on IFL TV.

It will have been nearly 14 months since MacIntyre was last in the ring when he steps through the ropes to fight Surtees, and he’s excited to be returning in a very meaningful contest.

MacIntyre said: “I’m buzzing to be back fighting, it’s been a long time coming because I’ve been out of the ring for over a year and that was only three rounds, and then it had been six months before that.

“Lockdown couldn’t have come at a worse time for me, I was due to fight on the Josh Taylor undercard, and I was really excited about that. It would have been a massive night for Scottish boxing in a great venue, so when it was canceled I was really disappointed.

“It’s going to be an exciting fight against Darren Surtees. We’ve both got power, so the fans are in for a treat with this one. We’ve seen things we can exploit because every boxer has its weaknesses. It’s about what we can do to make it happen.

“On paper, it looks like the toughest night of my career so far, but I’m confident in my own ability that I can beat anybody on the night. It’s just about what I’m doing to get myself prepared, and then turning up and putting on a show for everybody.

“We’ve had to adapt training and I’ve quite enjoyed it. We’ve transformed my coach’s warehouse into a gym, and then we’ve been getting out to the hills and running track too, so I’ve loved this way of doing it.”

Surtees: I’m a level above MacIntyre!

Darren Surtees believes Craig MacIntyre’s level of opposition during his career so far will be his downfall when the two men meet in a highly-anticipated bout next month.

Hard-hitting Surtees (12-1, 8 KOs) takes on undefeated MacIntyre (11-0-1, 4 KOs) on a massive #MTKFightNight at the LS-Live in Wakefield on August 11, live in the US on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank and worldwide on IFL TV.

Surtees returns following his #GoldenContract quarter-final with Mohamed Mimoune last November, while MacIntyre is back after a 14-month absence in what looks set to be his toughest bout to date, something that Surtees feels will be the telling factor in their fight.

Surtees said: “Craig is a good lad and a technical boxer that has a bit of spite in his punches, but I believe his level of competition hasn’t been good.

“After five fights I boxed for the Northern Area title, so I think I’ve been in with better opponents and I think I have the heart and skills to beat him.

“It’s his first fight in 14 months but I don’t believe in ring rust if you love doing what you do, so I think he will be at his best in the fight.

“I’m looking forward to this bout and I should have boxed a few lads like this level before the Golden Contract. I boxed Mimoune and took a risk. I learnt a lot in that fight and things happen for a reason, but I’ll never ever shy away from a fight.”

MacIntyre vs. Surtees is part of a huge show on August 11, which is headlined by Jono Carroll vs. Maxi Hughes and also features Sean McComb going up against Siar Ozgul, Sahir Iqbal and Maredudd Thomas clashing for the WBC Youth title, and Pierce O’Leary facing Harry Limburn.

It kicks off a brilliant run of #MTKFightNight events throughout the summer, with the likes of Lewis Crocker, Lee McGregor, Gary Cully, Akeem Ennis Brown, Dan Azeez and more all in action over the coming months.

Aged 15-19 and want to enter the world of boxing as a fighter, coach, referee, cutsperson, promoter, event coordinator, journalist and everything in between? Sign up for the #MTKAcademy now: www.academyse.co.uk/mtkacademy

Press Release | Sahir Iqbal faces Maredudd Thomas on August 11 on ESPN+

Sahir Iqbal admits he hasn’t seen much of opponent Maredudd Thomas – but insists that from what he has seen, he feels he’s better in every department.

The unbeaten fighters will clash when Iqbal (7-0, 1 KO) faces Thomas (11-0, 2 KOs) for the vacant WBC Youth welterweight title on a massive #MTKFightNight at the LS-Live in Wakefield on August 11, live in the US on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank and worldwide on IFL TV.

It’s a fight that was initially set to happen earlier this year, and Iqbal is certain that the extra time has allowed him to become even more sure of a victory.

Iqbal said: “I’ve not seen much of Thomas to be honest, but I’m confident in what I’ve seen that I’m superior in every aspect to get the job done. I know he’ll come to fight which is what I wanted in an opponent, so it’ll be a good bout.

“Initially we were meant to fight in May, and I think the extra time has helped massively as I’ve added a new strength and conditioner to my team, so I’m feeling fitter and stronger than ever.

“It’s been a little weird over the last few months having to stay away from relatives or not meeting with friends, but it’s not been too different to when I’m in training camp.

“I’ve not had any time off since the lockdown began as I’m lucky enough to have a gym at home which has most of what I needed to train, so I’m feeling more than ready to put on a show on fight night.”

Iqbal vs. Thomas is part of a huge show on August 11, which is headlined by Jono Carroll vs. Maxi Hughes and also features Sean McComb going up against Siar Ozgul, Craig MacIntyre taking on Darren Surtees, and Pierce O’Leary facing Harry Limburn.

It kicks off a brilliant run of #MTKFightNight events throughout the summer, with the likes of Lewis Crocker, Lee McGregor, Gary Cully, Akeem Ennis Brown, Dan Azeez and more all in action over the coming months.

Aged 15-19 and want to enter the world of boxing as a fighter, coach, referee, cuts person, promoter, event coordinator, journalist, and everything in between? Sign up for the #MTKAcademy now: www.academyse.co.uk/mtkacademy

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.”

Maredudd Thomas has fired back at Sahir Iqbal ahead of their WBC Youth welterweight title showdown - insisting that this will be the fight where he displays his true power.

Thomas (11-0, 2 KOs) faces Iqbal (7-0, 1 KO) in a clash of unbeaten fighters on a massive #MTKFightNight at the LS-Live in Wakefield on August 11, live in the US on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank and worldwide on IFL TV.

Iqbal was in a very confident mood when discussing the fight last week, but Thomas has now responded in a big way, and is just as certain that he will be the one with his hand raised at the conclusion of the bout.

Thomas said: "He can say what he likes, I know he’s not underestimating me, and I’m glad he’s coming to fight because this will be where people get to see my power. This will be the first proper fight of his professional career.

"I think he’s a confident fighter, I’ve seen a couple of his fights but he hasn’t fought anyone for me to take much from. His best opponent has been Serge Ambomo, he did OK but maybe lost one or two rounds, so I know what I have to do to beat him.

I’m feeling good, I fought on the last MTK show in Cardiff just before the lockdown, and now I’m on the first one back. I’ve been in the gym since my last fight and I’ve had my brothers with me pushing me even when we didn’t have a date.

"I don’t think it will be too bad with no fans, I’m just happy to be getting back out so soon, and I know my supporters will be watching from back home."