BoxRec

Press Release

Nathan Gorman (18-1, 12 KOs) returns under the bright lights to headline an action-packed night of free-to-air boxing on June 17 at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, promoted by Wasserman Boxing live on Channel 5 in association with William Hill, Numan and Infinitum Entertainment.

The hard-hitting heavyweight will face off against a confident Czech, Tomas Salek (17-3, 13 KOs), fresh from defending his national Heavyweight Title and looking to get into a firefight.

It has been over a year since Gorman last graced the ring, and the British power-puncher will be looking to pick up where he left off with a third straight win since his first career loss in 2019. A tremendous response since then, he will be looking to come back with a bang having missed a previous card due to illness.

“I’m coming there to throw the kitchen sink at him and put on a really good display,” said Gorman.

“I was due to fight on the Savannah Marshall show, but unfortunately, I came down with a bad illness. I believe things happen for a reason, and now I’m in a position to put on a good show with Channel 5. I’m just really looking forward to it.”

Standing in the way of a dream return for him will be 23-year-old Salek, who is coming to flex his greater knockout record on Gorman’s home turf. It will be an opportunity for Salek to right the wrongs from his previous appearance in the United Kingdom, and he’ll be insisting he puts on a spectacle to prove he has progressed.

“It is a big opportunity for me,” he said. "This will be my second fight in the United Kingdom, and I truly want to show that I am now much stronger physically, but mostly, much stronger mentally. I want to come back to the Czech Republic with Gorman’s scalp!”

Fans can also look forward to an electric British Super Flyweight Title Eliminator between two physically imposing fighters when ‘The Chosen One’ Marcel Braithwaite (12-3) will be aiming to get his fellow Liverpool faithful on side as he looks to get the better of the experienced former WBA Continental Bantamweight Champion Thomas Essomba (11-7-1, 4 KOs).

The M&S Bank Arena will be rocking when Braithwaite, the newly crowned WBC International Silver Super Flyweight champion, arrives to seize the spotlight and move towards ticking off more on his boxing bucket list.

“It's a good fight. It’s perfect fight for where I’m at in my career and it feels like the stepping stone I need for me to get to the British title. That title is one of my ambitions, so I just need to put everything into my preparations to make sure I get there, which I will,” said Braithwaite.

“I’m really excited to have the chance to perform in front of my home crowd at such a great venue. I’ve always wanted to fight there, and that will be reflected in my performance. Everyone has Channel 5 too, I’ll be on two massive stages. It’s my time, and I’ll show that June 17.”

A rejuvenated Essomba comes to crash the Liverpool party off the back of necessary changes to his preparations. Singing all the right notes in the gym, he will be looking to control this fight as the older statesmen and kick on to a British Title.

“I’ve never had the training I have now. It’s the perfect time for me to show all the UK fans that I am a great fighter, and a great boxer. I have good people around me now and I believe in the work I’m putting in. People will see that Thomas Essomba deserves to be a British Champion, and maybe even more than that. For now, I’m only focused on the British Title. I know Marcel is a good fighter, and I respect him, but I am better.”

The card will also feature former Team GB fighter Chloe Watson, alongside the undefeated Paddy Lacey, Mason ‘Nutty’ Cartwright and heavyweight giant ‘Magic’ Matty Harris.

“The free-to-air revolution continues on June 17 as we head to the fantastic fight city of Liverpool for another outstanding night of boxing live on Channel 5,” said Wasserman Head of Global Boxing, Kalle Sauerland. “This time we have the big boys in action. Nathan Gorman is from fighting stock. He is an exceptional talent who we believe can go all the way. He faces a tough test in what should be a fan friendly affair against the big punching Tomas Salek. Alongside this exciting heavyweight attraction we will have an abundance of local talent showcasing their skills in front of the what I expect will be a lively audience at M&S Bank Arena.”

Poor main event.

Essomba-Braithewaite should be good.

Josh Kelly has just said he’ll be fighting too.

absolute steaming sh!t

I'm glad he is fighting, but this is bellow Gorman, he's a good fighter. They need to keep him active so he can stay fit cause he is prone to getting fat.

If he is fighting these guys it should be 6 times a year, if he is fighting British level then 3 fights a year is good. But these guys 1 time a year is terrible.

Really poor main event and crazy they’re taking it to the Echo. May well be the lowest attended show at the Echo.

i wish gorman would move to cruiser hes just too small for the modern heavys

Thought I recognised Salek's name - he's the guy steamrolled by Kash Ali in 3 rounds. Gorman's been out a while but this isn't top of the bill stuff for a TV show.

Braithwaite-Essomba is a good match, one for the hardcore.

maverick23 wrote: ↑14 May 2022, 04:35 Really poor main event and crazy they’re taking it to the Echo. May well be the lowest attended show at the Echo.

Thought that should take it to York Hall

Olympia.

It’s not the worst ever fight…. Gorman may feel he needs a couple of low level fights before moving up. What age is he?

JamesPhilips wrote: ↑14 May 2022, 14:15 It’s not the worst ever fight…. Gorman may feel he needs a couple of low level fights before moving up. What age is he?

He’s 25.

It’s not the worst fight ever but it’s one of the worst headliners I can remember for a TV show. Salek was beat by the distinctly average Pavel Sour (the guy Gorman beat easily in 2 rounds last year) early in his career although he got revenge over Sour with a tight points win.

maverick23 wrote: ↑14 May 2022, 14:48

JamesPhilips wrote: ↑14 May 2022, 14:15 It’s not the worst ever fight…. Gorman may feel he needs a couple of low level fights before moving up. What age is he?

He’s 25.

It’s not the worst fight ever but it’s one of the worst headliners I can remember for a TV show. Salek was beat by the distinctly average Pavel Sour (the guy Gorman beat easily in 2 rounds last year) early in his career although he got revenge over Sour with a tight points win.

He’s the oldest looking 25 I’ve ever seen! Looks 45….. but I like Nathan. Always seemed likeable. His limit is prob British level. I just belive there’s something missing when you’re a fat professional athlete.

maverick23 wrote: ↑14 May 2022, 14:48

JamesPhilips wrote: ↑14 May 2022, 14:15 It’s not the worst ever fight…. Gorman may feel he needs a couple of low level fights before moving up. What age is he?

He’s 25.

It’s not the worst fight ever but it’s one of the worst headliners I can remember for a TV show. Salek was beat by the distinctly average Pavel Sour (the guy Gorman beat easily in 2 rounds last year) early in his career although he got revenge over Sour with a tight points win.

Isn’t Hughie Fury still 25?

Haha. He was fighting better opposition at that age too.

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑14 May 2022, 15:07

maverick23 wrote: ↑14 May 2022, 14:48

JamesPhilips wrote: ↑14 May 2022, 14:15 It’s not the worst ever fight…. Gorman may feel he needs a couple of low level fights before moving up. What age is he?

He’s 25.

It’s not the worst fight ever but it’s one of the worst headliners I can remember for a TV show. Salek was beat by the distinctly average Pavel Sour (the guy Gorman beat easily in 2 rounds last year) early in his career although he got revenge over Sour with a tight points win.

Isn’t Hughie Fury still 25?

Haha. He was fighting better opposition at that age too.

The Fury clan / Gorman clan always look 20 years older than they are lol

Undercard Press Release

The Wasserman Boxing locomotive shows no sign of slowing, as more numbers aim to be smashed on Friday June 17 at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.

The undercard has been announced, with more thrilling free-to-air boxing coming to screens next month, live on Channel 5 in association with William Hill, Numan and Infinitum.

It was an impressive debut for Wasserman Boxing on Channel 5, with over one million people tuning in to witness all the action from the Indigo at the O2, headlined by a classic British Middleweight Title clash and fight of the year contender between Linus Udofia and Denzel Bentley.

All eyes now turn to Liverpool and one of Britain’s most exciting Heavyweight prospects as Nathan Gorman takes on Czech champion Tomas Salek in what promises to be another epic night of live, free-to-air boxing.

On the undercard, there is something to get fight fans salivating, as it all goes down in a British Super Flyweight Title Eliminator between ‘The Chosen One’ Marcel Braithwaite (12-3) and Thomas Essomba (11-7-1, 4 KOs).

Braithwaite will have the opportunity to earn his ticket to a British Super Flyweight Title shot in front of his home support, as the local lad looks to steal the limelight in Liverpool. He will be full of confidence coming off the back of a win in his last outing, securing the WBC International Silver Super Flyweight Title and now setting his sights on another belt for the mantelpiece.

The party atmosphere could be quickly silenced by a very experienced Essomba, hungry to show that the tweaks made in and out of the ring will be enough to convert his dreams into reality. The former Commonwealth Flyweight Title holder will be looking to leave it all in the ring as he pushes for glory at 34-years-old.

Also on the card, Tom Aitchison (6-0, 1 KO) has wasted no time in his pursuit of activity, having had three fights in under a year, the St Helens man will be looking to claim a fourth victory on June 17 in Liverpool.

In a special international attraction, former Olympian and current IBF #3 Middleweight, Patrick Wojcicki (15-0-1, 6 KOs) from Germany will continue his case for a shot at Gennady Golvokin’s 154 lbs belt as he builds on his impressive fighting record.

The stacked card does not stop there, as former Team GB Commonwealth gold medallist Chloe Watson (2-0) looks to continue her strong start as a professional, fighting over 6 rounds in the Flyweight division. Paddy Lacey (2-0) will look to perform in front of his own people, as the ex-professional footballer from Liverpool looks to continue his undefeated streak at Middleweight.

Mason ‘Nutty’ Cartwright (17-3, 7 KOs) will be eager to prove he is one of the best Super Welterweights in the country when the Ellesmere Port man performs over 8 rounds. Heavyweight giant ‘Magic’ Matty Harris (2-0, 1 KO) will be stalking his opponent for another sensational knockout to go viral after coming off the back of a destructive win last time out.

Yet more fights on an unbelievable card, as ‘H-Money’ Harry Kinsella (1-0) looks to show the terrestrial television audience he is top dollar over 6 rounds in a Lightweight division bout. A homecoming for Merseyside’s Marcus Molloy (4-0, 1 KO), who will be looking to keep his ‘0’ as the 23-year-old continues to build on his reputation as a Super Featherweight star in the making.

Kalle Sauerland, Head Of Global Boxing a Wasserman said: “The first event with Channel 5 was a massive success, over one million viewers and a stacked card that delivered all the way through – in particular the absolutely breath-taking main event for the British title.

“On we roll, and next up will be Liverpool with another cracking card. The big heavyweight returns; Nathan Gorman will be back in action. I’m looking forward to reaching millions of viewers again and a fantastic atmosphere in one of my favourite cities, Liverpool.”

Poor main event. This is fight zone type card. A fight against Dave Allen probably would have been good.

Glass Joe wrote: ↑21 May 2022, 08:46 Poor main event. This is fight zone type card. A fight against Dave Allen probably would have been good.

Well it’s free at least.

'The Wasserman Boxing locomotive shows no sign of slowing, as more numbers aim to be smashed'

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑21 May 2022, 09:02

Glass Joe wrote: ↑21 May 2022, 08:46 Poor main event. This is fight zone type card. A fight against Dave Allen probably would have been good.

Well it’s free at least.

Yes. I’ll buy that for a dollar

Why on earth have they hired a 10,000 seater arena for this pile of shite?

They could’ve put it in the olympia and still wouldn’t have sold out.

They need to get some local talent on

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑23 May 2022, 05:56 They need to get some local talent on

It’s mostly tied up elsewhere. Probellum have a fair few with nothing confirmed but unless they sell loads in relation to their fight fee then I can’t see Probellum bothering.

There may not be many good fights on the show but there seems to be loads of fights. They’ve seemingly got 10 confirmed but potentially with a Josh Kelly fight to be added.

Press Release | Chloe Watson Returns on June 17 on Gorman Card in Liverpool

Chloe Watson (2-0) says she is ready to shine as the Birkenhead-boxer prepares to face Fara El Bousairi (4-2, 1 KO) in front of her home fans as part of a huge night of free-to-air boxing on Friday June 17 at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, live on Channel 5.

The former Team GB boxer has spent her whole life preparing for a moment like this, fighting on a televised card in her home city, but a game El Bousairi is not travelling from Spain simply to make up the numbers.

“She’s got an impressive winning record, so she’ll be definitely coming to win,” said Watson. “I believe these are the fights where you’ll see me shine, and there’s no better way to do that than to have a good competitive fight in my hometown of Liverpool.”

This will be a rise in competition for Watson, as the Flyweight prepares for her third professional fight since debuting in November 2021. The talented fighter has enjoyed an active start to her promising career, and at 22 years old, she is still learning her trade and using all the sacrifice from her past to keep her eyes on her goals.

“I’m fighting for the 8-year-old me who first went into the boxing gym and fell in love. I’m fighting for the 10-year-old me who turned up to the gym day in, day out. I’m fighting for the 15-year-old me who pushed past the first hurdles to go on and achieve success after,” said Watson.

“Secondly I’m boxing for my family. My younger brothers, sisters and cousins – to show them that if you want to commit yourself 100% then anything is possible. That’s something that I strongly believe.”

Watson has previously highlighted such fighters as Natasha Jonas and Katie Taylor as huge inspirations to her career. She wants to follow in the footsteps of those who impacted her involvement in the sport by doing the same for the future crop of female boxers.

“To see the progress that women’s boxing has made; female and male boxers hardly get separated in gyms much,” she says.

“Seeing how much I have progressed over the past decade is obviously something I’d like to use to get others inspired and involved. There’s so many pathways and opportunities for female fighters to do the same thing I love, it’s just a bonus for me if it can encourage anyone.”

Being able to encourage others and make statements can be a little bit easier on terrestrial television, and she will be taking the most of the opportunity to get her name out on free-to-air television.

“To be on Channel 5 and have all them eyes on me gives you that extra push. It makes you want to be in great fights and stand out so you can move towards achieving your goals,” said Watson.

“I believe this opportunity is really going to take me to the next level, it’s something I’m grateful for and I can’t wait to get the ball rolling on 17 June.”

The eyes of her fellow Liverpudlians will be keen to witness a new rising star from one of England’s greatest fighting cities. On a long list of her motivations, being moulded by a community that wants to support each other and share successes is something that fills her with added hunger to perform come fight night.

“I’m from an area where everyone likes to help one another and see each other succeed, and I appreciate the people of this city,” she said.

“I feel amazing about fighting in Liverpool to be honest. It is the best city when it comes to boxing, everyone wants to box there, I’ve never heard of any fighter say they’re not excited when a fight gets announced in Liverpool because the backing is just unbelievable. I feel very fortunate to be a part of it.”

Press Release

Josh Kelly (10-1-1, 6 KOs) will look to put his name back amongst the division’s best as he makes his long-awaited return to the ring on Friday June 17 at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool as part of an action-packed night of free-to-air boxing live on Channel 5.

London had previously come calling for Kelly, and the Sunderland lad accepted willingly to get the capital rocking. However, after vigorous preparations, and through no fault of his own, his opponent pulled out of the fight at the last minute.

Kelly had snarled and bared his teeth all week, hungry to do the business and carrying a steely gaze throughout. All noteworthy deterrents to force his opponent into no-showing, which could be considered a wise move on the part of the opposing camp. Nevertheless, frustrating circumstances for Kelly that were left out of his hands.

“It’s never an ideal situation when you commit to the grind and graft for a whole camp for your opponent to pull the plug at the last minute,” said Kelly.

“It’s not the first, or last, time it will happen in boxing. My job is to prepare and be ready for whoever, whenever; I’ll be leaving no stone unturned come June 17.”

This is bad news for the rest of the division as an even more prepared Josh Kelly awaits them all. Besides having an extra camp under his belt, the opportunity to exert over 12 months of frustration will be something he is also relishing.

“No one wants to be inactive, but you can look at it in a completely different light and use the time to fill the gaps and make all your dangerous assets even more deadly,” he said.

“I can’t wait to give Liverpool, the United Kingdom, and the world the chance to see Josh Kelly at his best again.”

With the carrot having previously been dangled in front of him, Liverpool will be the destination that the former European Games Bronze medallist can finally explode back onto the scene.

“Nothing has changed, I said I was after world titles before and I’m still after them,” Kelly said.

“I’m ready to do whatever, and that starts with a dominant display live on Channel 5 in Liverpool. I can’t wait to give my fans, and all fans of the sport, a masterclass come fight night.”

Kalle Sauerland, Head Of Global Boxing at Wasserman said: “For Josh to stick his name straight back into the hat for this stacked Liverpool card emphasises his hunger and desire to be boxing again.

"Josh’s talent is assured in that ring, and the fighting city of Liverpool gets to host it. With over a million viewers on Channel 5 last time, the country will get the opportunity to witness a refreshed and ready 'Pretty Boy' Josh Kelly."

Fight week!