BoxRec

Press Release

Danny Dignum will defend his WBO European middleweight title against dangerous Russian Andrey Sirotkin on an MTK Fight Night on Saturday 17 April.

The action-packed event will take place at the University of Bolton Stadium in Bolton, England, and will be broadcast live on IFL TV.

Undefeated Dignum (13-0, 7 KOs) is ranked #5 in the world by the WBO, and last competed in March 2020 when he stopped Alfredo Meli.

He now turns his attention to Sirotkin (19-1, 7 KOs), who is ranked #13 in the world by the WBC and holds wins over the likes of Ryan Ford and Ricardo Mayorga.

Elsewhere on the card, Dan Azeez (12-0, 8 KOs) makes his highly-anticipated return, defending his English light-heavyweight title against Ricky Summers (17-2-1, 6 KOs), while Joe Ham (16-2, 6 KOs) and Jack Bateson (12-0, 3 KOs) collide in a great battle over eight rounds.

Olympic silver medallist John Joe Nevin (14-0, 4 KOs) is back for the first time since November 2019, squaring off with former WBO Youth champion Shaun Cooper (10-2) in a six-round clash, and Lewie Edmondson (4-0, 1 KO) returns to action.

Paul Ryan’s professional debut against Kyle Hughes (2-2) will now take place on this card too, plus Paul McCullagh (1-0) meets Anthony Woolery (2-3), and Inder Bassi (2-1) goes up against MJ Hall.

MTK Global Promoter Lee Eaton said: “We’re ecstatic to announce this huge event for next month, and it’s an incredible main event between Danny Dignum and Andrey Sirotkin.

“There aren’t many fighters out there who would choose to face someone as tough as Sirotkin, but Danny is keen to prove to everybody just how talented he is and send out a big statement to the rest of the middleweight division.

“It’s a packed card, with Dan Azeez defending his English title against Ricky Summers, Joe Ham taking on Jack Bateson, plus the likes of John Joe Nevin, Lewie Edmondson, Paul Ryan, Paul McCullagh and Inder Bassi all in action, so we can’t wait.”

Joe Ham versus Jack Bateson is a very decent fight. Deserves a crowd.

Press Release | Fearghus Quinn Added To MTK Fight Night on April 17

Undefeated Fearghus Quinn has his next fight date confirmed, after he was added to the MTK Fight Night on April 17.

The event takes place at the University of Bolton Stadium and is broadcast live on IFL TV, with Quinn (2-0) the latest addition to the card.

The Irishman had a successful 2020, defeating Robbie Chapman in his professional debut back in August before following that up with a victory over Scott James in December, and he’s excited to be back in the ring in just over two weeks.

Quinn said: “I’m buzzing to me back out and to get going again. It was good to get two fights last year given the circumstances and I’m looking forward to keeping the momentum going.

“It was a strange year for everybody in 2020, so to be able to get the debut in and have a couple of fights was great. I am now looking forward to pushing on and improving off the back of each fight.”

Promoter Lee Eaton added: “We’re pleased to add Fearghus Quinn to what was already an action-packed MTK Fight Night card on April 17.

“He looked extremely impressive during his two fights against tough opponents in 2020, and we can’t wait to see what he is capable of this time around.”

Elsewhere on the event, Danny Dignum defends his WBO European middleweight title against Andrey Sirotkin, Dan Azeez puts his English light-heavyweight belt on the line against Ricky Summers, Joe Ham collides with Jack Bateson, John Joe Nevin takes on Shaun Cooper, Lewie Edmondson returns to action, Paul Ryan makes his professional debut against Kyle Hughes, Paul McCullagh meets Anthony Woolery, and Inder Bassi goes up against MJ Hall.

Fight Week!!

Press Release | Edmondson vs. Luke Blackledge Added To MTK Fight Night

Lewie Edmondson will take on former Commonwealth super middleweight champion Luke Blackledge on this week’s MTK Fight Night.

The action-packed event takes place at the University of Bolton Stadium on Saturday 17 April, and will be broadcast live on IFL TV.

Edmondson (4-0, 1 KO) is making his return to the ring following an extremely impressive showing in his last fight, as he picked up a third round stoppage win over John Telford in December.

He now faces another step up against Blackledge (26-9-2, 9 KOs), who won the Commonwealth title back in 2015 and made two successful defences of the belt. Blackledge has also shared the ring with the likes of Callum Smith and Rocky Fielding during his career.

The planned fight between John Joe Nevin and Shaun Cooper for scheduled event has unfortunately been postponed after Nevin tested positive for COVID.

MTK Global Promoter Lee Eaton said: “This is a brilliant test for Lewie Edmondson in just his fifth professional fight. Luke Blackledge has mixed it with some of the best in the division, so it’s a great opportunity to see where Lewie stacks up against them.”

Elsewhere on the card, Danny Dignum defends his WBO European middleweight title against Andrey Sirotkin, Dan Azeez puts his English light-heavyweight belt on the line against Ricky Summers, Joe Ham collides with Jack Bateson, Paul Ryan makes his professional debut against Kyle Hughes, Fearghus Quinn is back in action, Paul McCullagh meets Anthony Woolery, and Carl Fail returns.

Another good MTK show.

Press Release | Andrey Sirotkin Motivated By Dignum's Ranking To Secure Big Win

Andrey Sirotkin plans on gaining revenge for his previous trip to England - as he prepares to face Danny Dignum for the WBO European middleweight title on Saturday's MTK Fight Night.

Sirotkin (19-1, 7 KOs) challenges Dignum (13-0, 7 KOs) for his title at the University of Bolton Stadium this weekend, live on IFL TV.

The last time Sirotkin fought in England, he came up short against former world title challenger John Ryder, but the Russian has vowed that it will be a different story against Dignum.

Sirotkin said: "I am very excited and glad this fight is here. Everything has gone according to plan in training and I have listened to everything my coaches have had to say.

"I don't know much about Danny Dignum. I watched a couple of my fights, but I will learn in battle. I am coming to get the victory in England.

"He has a high WBO ranking and that is why I have taken this fight. I want to climb the rankings and a win here helps me get closer to a title fight.

"I see this as a chance to get redemption from the last fight I had in England. I need England to remember me for a victory and I will get it on Saturday."

Elsewhere on Saturday’s card, Dan Azeez puts his English light-heavyweight belt on the line against Ricky Summers, Joe Ham collides with Jack Bateson, Lewie Edmondson takes on Luke Blackledge, Paul Ryan makes his professional debut against Kyle Hughes, Fearghus Quinn clashes with Jan Ardon, Paul McCullagh meets Anthony Woolery, and Carl Fail goes up against Kristaps Zulgis.

Am looking forward to seeing Bateson step up.

JimJim2009 wrote: ↑16 Apr 2021, 05:52 Am looking forward to seeing Bateson step up.

He’s very good . He should beat Ham.

First saw Bateson as a young teenager at the irish centre in Leeds, Buncey was doing one of his stage shows, and got young Jack up onto the stage. He's had a low key start to his career so far, I hope he can show us what he can do tomorrow.

nice am career from a browse......also looks like a 12 year old

JimJim2009 wrote: ↑16 Apr 2021, 11:50 First saw Bateson as a young teenager at the irish centre in Leeds, Buncey was doing one of his stage shows, and got young Jack up onto the stage. He's had a low key start to his career so far, I hope he can show us what he can do tomorrow.

I was there. Got all the Burmantofts kids up, Ashfaq, Jack, etc. He’s been on his dads shows. I must have been to nearly every fight but to support other lads on the show. He was on Warringtons card when he won the world title and did 1,000 tickets. Sells all the VIP tables out on his dads shows but I think they’re mainly his dads mates.

It's another solid card from MTK.

Several quality match-ups. Looking forward to the English light heavyweight clash between the always entertaining Dan Azeez, defending against Ricky Summers

First bout of the evening about to begin

THEBUTCH wrote: ↑17 Apr 2021, 13:36 First bout of the evening about to begin

Keep us updated.

Just turned this on for a bit, forgot it was on YouTube.

Two good 4 rounders to start the show, both went to points with wins for Paul McCullach and debutant Paul Ryan.

Carl Fail very impressive in his 2nd pro fight with a count out in the 2nd round

He looks one to watch....6ft 1in light middleweight and a sharp shooter.

Steadman and Lockett doing a good job....Fearon spouting sh1te as usual

Interesting looking fight next...4-0 Lewis Edmondson pitched in with the very experienced Luke Blackledge !

I suppose it's a question of how much does Blackledge have left to offer, and how good is this Edmondson

Blackledge not coping particularly well by the end of the 2nd round.

Fearon: he’s old manning him out..... oh no they’ve stopped it

Blackledge pulled out by his corner at the end of the 3rd.

Not sure about Edmondson. Has fast, sharp counters but as soon as his opponent got close he grabs hold. Possibly another McKinson which boxing could do without

Jack Bateson v Joe Ham next over 8 rounds.

THEBUTCH wrote: ↑17 Apr 2021, 15:16 Blackledge pulled out by his corner at the end of the 3rd.

Not sure about Edmondson. Has fast, sharp counters but as soon as his opponent got close he grabs hold. Possibly another McKinson which boxing could do without

If you were McKinson's trainer, would you change what he's doing, seeing as he is undefeated against some very good opposition?