Jay Harris vs. Ricardo Sandoval - 25 June 2021

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release

Jay Harris will take on Ricardo Sandoval in a final eliminator for the IBF flyweight title as part of an MTK Fight Night on Friday 14 May.

The 12-round clash will serve as the main event for what will be a stacked show at the University of Bolton Stadium in Bolton, England, and will be broadcast on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank, and worldwide on IFL TV.

Harris (18-1, 9 KOs) enjoyed a successful 12 months last year, picking up an impressive points win over Marcel Braithwaite in October, whilst also going the distance with Julio Cesar Martinez in a fantastic effort for the WBC flyweight title in February 2020.

He now turns his attention to California’s Sandoval (18-1, 13 KOs), who heads into the bout on the back of five straight knockout wins, including a seventh round stoppage victory over Raymond Tabugon in his last outing.

The winner of the bout will be the mandatory challenger for the IBF flyweight title, which is being contested later this month as Moruti Mthalane defends his belt against Sunny Edwards.

Harris vs. Sandoval is just one of several superb fights that will take place on May 14, with even more fights for the bill set to be announced in due course.

MTK Global Promoter Lee Eaton said: “We’re proud to announce the date for our next MTK Fight Night, featuring this sensational clash between Jay Harris and Ricardo Sandoval.

“Jay showed in 2020 that he is one of the best flyweights in the world, and now faces a tough test against Ricardo Sandoval. It’s great to be working with Golden Boy Promotions to get this fight on, and I’m convinced it’s going to be fireworks from the first bell to the last.

“We have a massive card full of big names to announce too, so keep your eyes peeled for that as it’s going to be another event that cannot be missed.”

[margaret thatcher]

i like it

[orbtastic]

Is he related to 80s Californian Bantam, Richie Sandoval?

[JamesPhilips]

Sandoval looks like a 14 year old computer nerd. Is he any good?

[brilo33]

sure to be a good fight, like to see harris get another crack at a tittle , looks like a tough fight ,jay has something about him and if he is firing on the night iam sure he can win dont know a lot about sandoval dont think

[Ruthless-RKO]

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the fight has been postponed.

“June is the plan,” promoter Lee Eaton confirmed to Boxing Scene. “It will be rescheduled ASAP.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

What happened to this fight??

[maverick23]

Not sure. Things have gotten a fair bit quieter with MTK. I know they’ve got the McGregor Dubai show in July but I’m not aware of any others.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Not sure. Things have gotten a fair bit quieter with MTK. I know they’ve got the McGregor Dubai show in July but I’m not aware of any others.

25th June

https://boxrec.com/en/event/832084

[maverick23]

Not sure. Things have gotten a fair bit quieter with MTK. I know they’ve got the McGregor Dubai show in July but I’m not aware of any others.

25th June

https://boxrec.com/en/event/832084

Ah right. Decent fight that. Even still it’s a lot quieter than it was at the start of the year.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Not sure. Things have gotten a fair bit quieter with MTK. I know they’ve got the McGregor Dubai show in July but I’m not aware of any others.

25th June

https://boxrec.com/en/event/832084

Ah right. Decent fight that. Even still it’s a lot quieter than it was at the start of the year.

Yup, you're right.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release

MTK Fight Night will make its return later this month - featuring two title fights, three final eliminators.

The card will be held at the University of Bolton Stadium on Friday 25 June, and will be broadcast live on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank in the US, and worldwide on IFL TV.

Discussions are currently ongoing regarding having fans in attendance for the show, with an update expected early next week.

In the main event, Welsh hero Jay Harris (18-1, 9 KOs) will look to earn another crack at world honors when he goes up against hard-hitting Ricardo Sandoval (18-1, 13 KOs) in a 12-round final eliminator for the IBF flyweight title, currently held by Sunny Edwards.

The bill also sees two former world champions collide as Paul Butler (32-2 15 KOs) meets Joseph Agbeko (38-5, 28 KOs) over 10 rounds for the vacant WBO International bantamweight title, with the fight serving as a final eliminator for the WBO bantamweight title too.

A superb domestic battle takes place as Hosea Burton (25-2, 11 KOs) and Liam Conroy (18-6-1, 9 KOs) square off in a final eliminator for the British light-heavyweight title, plus undefeated Irish star Gary Cully (12-0, 6 KOs) will defend his WBO European lightweight title.

Elsewhere at the event, Dublin sensation Pierce O'Leary (6-0, 2 KOs) returns, Jordan Reynolds (1-0) takes part in his second professional contest, and Tyrone McCullagh (14-1, 6 KOs) makes his long-awaited comeback after 16 months out of the ring.

Rounding up the card, Liverpool's Blane Hyland (3-1) collides with Reiss Taylor over four rounds at flyweight, and Inder Bassi (2-1) faces MJ Hall in a four-round welterweight contest.

MTK Global Promoter Lee Eaton said: "We are delighted to be back with a tremendous card later this month which is full of competitive 50-50 fights.

"Jay Harris has been desperate for this fight with Ricardo Sandoval for a while so we are thrilled to be working with Golden Boy so that it is finally here. It is certain to be non-stop action from start to finish and we're hopeful that Jay can get the win and move a step closer to another world title shot.

"The same can be said for Paul Butler. He is on the cusp of another world title shot but knows he can't look past Joseph Agbeko, who has shared the ring with Guillermo Rigondeaux and Abner Mares in his career, and heads into this fight on the back of nine straight victories.

"The fantastic fight between Hosea Burton and Liam Conroy could steal the show, and it's great to see Gary Cully back defending his title after his blistering stoppage win last time out.

"We have some of the best rising stars in action too with Pierce O'Leary and Jordan Reynolds both on the card, plus extremely talented fighters like Tyrone McCullagh, Blane Hyland and Inder Bassi, so it's certain to be a brilliant event on June 25."

[Ruthless-RKO]

MTK Fight Night: Harris vs Sandoval fight card

Jay Harris (18-1, 9 KOs) vs. Ricardo Sandoval (18-1, 13 KOs), 12 rounds, flyweight – final eliminator for the IBF flyweight title

Paul Butler (32-2 15 KOs) vs. Joseph Agbeko (38-5, 28 KOs), 10 rounds, bantamweight – for vacant WBO International bantamweight title, final eliminator for the WBO bantamweight title

Hosea Burton (25-2, 11 KOs) vs. Liam Conroy (18-6-1, 9 KOs), 10 rounds, light heavyweight – final eliminator for the British light-heavyweight title

Gary Cully (12-0, 6 KOs) vs. TBA, 10 rounds, lightweight – Gully’s WBO European lightweight title.

Pierce O’Leary (6-0, 2 KOs) vs. TBA

Jordan Reynolds (1-0) vs. TBA

Tyrone McCullagh (14-1, 6 KOs) vs. TBA

Blane Hyland (3-1) vs. Reiss Taylor, 4 rounds, flyweight

Inder Bassi (2-1) vs. MJ Hall, 4 rounds, welterweight

[maverick23]

Good looking show.

[margaret thatcher]

paul butler fought nothing but 6-8 rounders vs no one over the last 2.5 years, after losing 120-106 and literally pooping himself in his previous title challenge.

but now right here in a wbo final eliminator vs a 44 year old. some fighters just get those breaks

[THEBUTCH]

Welcome to the wonderfully accommodating world of the WBO

To be fair that match is more than outweighed by the Harris v Sandoval title eliminator

Conroy v Burton is a good pairing too.

Good looking card Roll on 25th June !

[Ruthless-RKO]

Promoter: Really Pleased To Get Harris-Sandoval Fight Back On, Been Frustrating For Both Fighters

A terrific flyweight fight previously placed on hold is once again ready for public consumption.

The IBF title eliminator between flyweight contenders Jay Harris and Ricardo Sandoval will move forward with a new date, with the bout now set to take place June 25 at University of Bolton Stadium in Bolton, England. The event—which will headline the latest installment of MTK Fight Night—will take place six weeks after its originally scheduled May 14 date at the same location, and with the stakes remaining the same for both fighters.

“Really pleased to finally get the fight on, been frustrating for both fighters,” promoter Lee Eaton told Boxing Scene, “But [in] two weeks’ time, they finally get it on and it’s got the ingredients to be a Fight of the Year contender!”

The previously scheduled May 14 date was removed from the schedule due to unforeseen circumstances, though never with the sense that a lengthy delay was in store. The show now moves on, airing on ESPN+ (U.S.) and IFL TV (worldwide) and armed with another title eliminator as former titlists Paul Butler (32-2, 15 KOs) and Joseph Agbeko (38-5, 28 KOs) collide to determine the next mandatory challenger for WBO bantamweight titlist John Riel Casimero.

The winner of the rescheduled title eliminator between Harris and Sandoval will become the mandatory challenger to the IBF flyweight titlist. Sunny Edwards recently claimed the strap with a 12-round unanimous decision win over long-reigning Moruti Mthalane in a masterclass boxing performance this past April at York Hall in Bethnal Green, England.

Edwards and Wales’ Harris (18-1, 9 KOs) both fight under the MTK Global banner but are prepared to put aside their friendship for the sake of business inside the ring.

“This is Jay’s big chance to secure another world title shot which would be against his friend Sunny Edwards,” notes Eaton. “Exciting time for all involved. We’re hopeful that Jay can get the win and move a step closer to another world title shot.”

Harris saw his stock rise in his lone career defeat, a 12-round loss to reigning WBC flyweight titlist Julio Cesar Martinez last February 29 in Frisco, Texas. Harris came up short on the scorecards but offered a credible account of himself, as expected given his breakout 2019 campaign that included a decision win over former title challenger Angel Moreno and—in a career-best performance to date—a 4th round knockout of Ireland’s Paddy Barnes, a three-time Olympian, two-time Olympic Bronze medalist and former title challenger who was beaten into retirement.

Of course, the upcoming eliminator is hardly a foregone conclusion for the Welshman.

Sandoval (18-1, 13 KOs), 22, agreed to hit the road for what will represent his first career fight outside of North America. The streaking flyweight contender from Rialto, California—who is represented by Golden Boy Promotions—is currently riding a 14-fight win streak, having stopped his last five opponents. The most recent came in a 7th round stoppage of Philippines’ Raymond Tabugon last February.

“Jay Harris has been desperate for this fight with Ricardo Sandoval for a while so we are thrilled to be working with Golden Boy so that it is finally here,” notes Eaton. “It is certain to be non-stop action from start to finish.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release | Gary Cully vs. Viorel Simion Added

Undefeated Irish sensation Gary Cully will take on experienced contender Viorel Simion on next week's MTK Fight Night event.

The two men collide in a non-title 10 round bout at the University of Bolton Stadium on Friday 25 June, on a massive card live on IFL TV which also features Jay Harris vs. Ricardo Sandoval in an IBF flyweight title final eliminator, Paul Butler vs. Joseph Agbeko for the vacant WBO International bantamweight title, and Hosea Burton vs. Liam Conroy in a final eliminator for the British light-heavyweight title.

Cully (12-0, 6 KOs) is back after his destructive second round stoppage win over Viktor Kotochigov back in March, following on from a superb 2020 where he knocked out Joe Fitzpatrick inside one round for the vacant Irish title, and also earned a victory over Craig Woodruff.

He now shifts his focus to former WBC International and IBF Intercontinental champion Simion (22-5, 9 KOs), who has shared the ring with the likes of Shakur Stevenson, Lee Selby and Scott Quigg, and has been stopped just twice in 27 professional fights.

Other fights now confirmed for the card sees Jordan Reynolds (1-0) take part in his second professional contest against dangerous Jan Ardon, who many felt should have got the decision against John Hedges during their clash back in October.

Tyrone McCullagh (14-1, 6 KOs) makes his return, going up against Brett Fidoe, who is coming off an impressive win against John Patrick Harker earlier this month.

Elsewhere on the bill, Dublin rising star Pierce O'Leary (6-0, 2 KOs) is back in action, Liverpool's Blane Hyland (3-1) takes on Reiss Taylor, and Inder Bassi (2-1) goes up against MJ Hall.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Fight Week

[Ruthless-RKO]

Jay Harris hopes to give Wales a double celebration this weekend

Jay Harris: "It’s a huge weekend for Welsh sport. Wales play the day after my fight, so it’s hopefully it’s two massive wins for us both"

It can be an incredible 24 hours for Welsh sport this weekend – and Jay Harris plans on playing his part in it when he faces Ricardo Sandoval in a final eliminator for the IBF flyweight title on Friday’s superb #MTKFightNight.

The must-see card takes place at the University of Bolton Stadium this week, and will be broadcast live on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank, and worldwide on IFL TV.

Swansea hero Harris (18-1, 9 KOs) faces Sandoval (18-1, 13 KOs) in the main event, with the winner moving a step closer to a shot at IBF champion Sunny Edwards.

The following day, Wales play in their Euro 2020 last 16 match, and Harris hopes to do his bit by giving his proud nation a double celebration this weekend.

Harris said: “I’m chuffed that this fight is finally here. It’s been a long camp and I’ve been training for nearly four months. It’s going to be a great show and the card is unreal.

“I’m proud to be flying the flag for Wales. I’ve been watching Wales closely in the Euros and it’s a big achievement for them to be in the last 16. It’s a huge weekend for Welsh sport. Wales play the day after my fight, so it’s hopefully it’s two massive wins for us both.

“I’ve watched quite a bit of Ricardo Sandoval. He’s a very good fighter but I don’t think he has boxed anybody near the calibre of opponents that I’ve fought. He seems to be well schooled, but I just think I’ll have the better of him.

“I’m expecting a good, tough fight, but I’ve seen a few weaknesses. He’s young and hungry and this is where he wants to be, but if I box the way I can box on the night then I should get the win.

“A win here sets up a fight with Sunny Edwards, and that would mean a hell of a lot. Four years ago we sparred in Ukraine and there was talk then of us fighting for a British title, so for it now to be for a world title would be incredible.

“We’re friends and after all is said and done we’ll still be friends, but I’m sure we’d go in there and try to knock each other’s heads off. There is just one more hurdle to go and then that’s the fight that everybody wants and it’s what they’ll get.

“You’re going to see a top class performance on Friday, so tune into IFL TV. It’s a show not to be missed and one of the best that MTK Global have put on.”

Elsewhere on Friday’s action-packed card, Paul Butler meets Joseph Agbeko for the vacant WBO International bantamweight title, Hosea Burton takes on Liam Conroy in a final eliminator for the British light-heavyweight title, Gary Cully fights Viorel Simion, Pierce O’Leary returns, Jordan Reynolds faces Jan Ardon, Tyrone McCullagh goes up against Brett Fidoe, Blane Hyland squares off with Reiss Taylor, and Inder Bassi collides with Chris Adaway.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Jazza Dickens always knew he would face Kid Galahad again, who promises the rematch will be even better than their first thrilling fight

Kid Galahad vs Jazza Dickens 2 will be better than the first fight, fans are promised

Jazza Dickens says he always knew he would cross paths with Kid Galahad again ahead of their IBF featherweight title fight next month.

The series of 'Fight Camp' events takes place at Matchroom Boxing HQ in July and August, and will be broadcast live across the world on DAZN.

Headlining week two of Fight Camp on August 7, Jazza Dickens challenges Kid Galahad for the vacant IBF featherweight title.

Dickens (30-3, 11 KOs) heads into the fight on the back of winning The Golden Contract, defeating Ryan Walsh in the final back in December.

He now turns his attention to Galahad (27-1, 16 KOs), as they resume their rivalry following a previous battle for the British super-bantamweight title back in September 2013.

The two men will meet for the vacant IBF strap, formerly held by Josh Warrington.

Several MTK Global fighters are also in action on week three on August 14, as another Golden Contract winner, Ricards Bolotniks, goes up against Joshua Buatsi, Michael McKinson meets Przemyslaw Runowski, Savannah Marshall defends her WBO middleweight title, plus Tasha Jonas also returns.

Dickens, Galahad, McKinson, Marshall and Jonas were all present at the launch press conference and they all had plenty to say ahead of their respective bouts.

Dickens said: “It’s been eight years since the first fight. I always knew it would come again, and I’ve been waiting for it a long time.

“I’ve had losses along the way and I’ve had to build myself back up. There is nothing harder than having to do that, but I’ve worked hard to be here and I’m happy to have this opportunity.

“I need to thank MTK Global, Tony Bellew, DAZN, and Matchroom. Boxing is a conveyor belt, and it’s a blessing. I will take this chance with both hands and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Galahad said: “Whatever happened in the past has happened. Me and Jazza will start where we left off. The first fight was unbelievable, and the second one will be even better.

“I know Jazza personally, he lives the life like me. I just believe I’m better in every department. It’s not personal, but we’ll both go in there to try and take each other’s head off.”

McKinson said: “I’m so happy to be here. I earned my spot in Gibraltar and now I’m really excited to showcase my skills on such a great event like this. I’ve been knocking on the door for a while and I just needed that one opportunity.

“I’m ranked fourth in the world by the WBO and MTK Global do a great job with me. I’m finally getting the credit and recognition I deserve, and it’s a tough challenge in my next fight.

“Those that know me know that I prefer to be in fights like this. I’m very ambitious and I’m confident of producing a good performance and getting a good win, and then we’ll look at who’s next.”

Jonas said: “Every time I’ve asked to step up and put on a performance I do. I haven’t failed yet and it’s been Fight of the Year contenders every time.

“For me being the underdog and having to step up means I go away and train better. I don’t take negatives from any fights. I’m always looking at the positives. I learn from it and make sure it doesn’t happen next time.

“I’m not a small super-featherweight so I can go up and down the weights. Anybody with a title is a target for me and nothing has ever changed.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

Paul Butler To Now Face Garcia In Bolton, Agbeko Out With Visa Issues

Paul Butler will face a new opponent when he returns to the ring later this week.

The former IBF bantamweight world champion is back between the ropes on Friday, exclusively live on iFL TV, at the Bolton Whites Hotel in Bolton, England.

Butler, from Ellesmere Port, had originally been set to meet Joseph Agbeko in a final eliminator for the WBO bantamweight world title.

But Agbeko, it was revealed by MTK Global, had encountered visa issues, leaving them with no option but to replace the ex-global ruler with Willibaldo Garcia.

Garcia (12-4-1, 6 KOs) of Mexico will meet ‘Baby-Faced Assassin’ Butler (32-2, 15 KOs) for the vacant WBO International bauble, as part of the supporting cast to Jay Harris against Ricardo Rafael Sandoval as the pair square off in a final eliminator for the IBF flyweight crown held by Britain’s Sunny Edwards.

The late replacement heads into the fight on a great run of form, having lost just one of his last 13 fights while picking up wins over Raul Esquer and Oscar Nery Plata in his last two outings.

Butler, meanwhile, was last in action last October when he outpointed Ryan Walker and he will be hoping that a win on this card, which also features his Joe Gallagher-trained gym-mate Hosea Burton, will propel him back to the upper echelons of the 118-pound division.

The aforementioned Burton takes on Liam Conroy in a final eliminator for the British light-heavyweight title which is currently being looked after by former WBA Super world title challenger Craig Richards and Gary Cully fights Viorel Simion.

Pierce O’Leary returns against Jan Marsalek, Jordan Reynolds faces Jan Ardon, Tyrone McCullagh goes up against Brett Fidoe and Blane Hyland will be looking to get back to winning ways against Reiss Taylor, while Inder Bassi collides with Chris Adaway.

[THEBUTCH]

If this show is being broadcast by IFF tv, that does mean it will be on Youtube too doesn't it ???

[Ruthless-RKO]

If this show is being broadcast by IFF tv, that does mean it will be on Youtube too doesn't it ???

The MTK cards are always on the Youtube channel

[NoScoutingReports]

Hope Harris gets the job done tomorrow, would love to see him get another crack at a world title v Edwards. Exciting fighter.