A WELCOME FROM
EDDIE HEARN
G
ood evening everyone and thanks for tuning in live on Sky Sports and DAZN. We’re back in London after a whirlwind global tour that continues over the coming weeks. Two weeks ago we were in sunny Gibraltar for an incredible event with Dillian Whyte against Alexander Povetkin. Last weekend we were in Uzbekistan for a thrilling night with over 10,000 people in attendance for the homecoming heroes. We’re back home for another huge card. In the main event we have an absolutely cracking fight between Conor Benn and Samuel Vargas for the WBA Continental Welterweight Title. This is such a fantastic fight, it’s a huge step-up for Conor. When you look at the resume of Samuel Vargas and the level of opposition he’s been in with, you realise he’s got a real fight on his hands. Two women’s World Title fights on the card as well, Savannah Marshall makes the first defence of her WBO Middleweight crown against four-time World Title challenger Maria Lindberg and of course Shannon Courtenay and Ebanie Bridges go for the WBA
Bantamweight crown after a heated build-up in the bubble. The excellent Kash Farooq goes for another belt against WBC International Silver Bantamweight Champion Alexander Espinoza, ‘The Glasgow Warrior’ Nick Campbell makes his Heavyweight debut and Takeley prospect John Hedges fights at LightHeavyweight for the first time. Next week we have the WBO Middleweight World Championship in Miami between Demetrius Andrade and Liam Williams. Then we’re in Barcelona, two Brits going for the European Championships and then the huge card on May 1st – Derek Chisora vs. Joseph Parker and Katie Taylor vs. Tasha Jonas, Chris Eubank Jr against Marcus Morrison, Dmitry Bivol against Craig Richards, Scott Fitzgerald and Campbell Hatton on the card. Then there’s the small matter of 70,000 people at the fantastic Dallas Cowboys Stadium for Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez against Billy Joe Saunders. Then we’re back in the UK for a May 15th show that will be announced next week. Just a little few things coming up for you. ■
Programme Editor: Daniel Barnard Fighter Interviews: Jamie Ward Front Cover: Adam Insam Design: Hashtag Digital Media (hdmdigitalsales@gmail.com) Photographs: Mark Robinson Master of Ceremonies: David Diamante
3
THE
DESTROYER
C
onor Benn is eyeing a huge domestic clash with Amir Khan or Kell Brook should he get past Samuel Vargas tonight, but ‘The Destroyer’ insists there is no chance of him overlooking the Canadian-Colombian warrior as he puts his WBA Continental Title on the line once more. Rising Welterweight star Benn (17-0, 11 KOs) turned in a career-best performance last time out in November as he dominated Germany’s Sebastian Formella over ten impressive rounds, outfighting and outboxing the former IBO World Champion at the top of the bill at The SSE Arena, Wembley. The Essex native, 24, has come on leaps and bounds since making his professional debut at The O2 in London back in April 2016, and is arguably one of Britain’s most improved fighters in recent years. A win over Vargas tonight would further enhance his reputation as one of the hottest properties in the 147lbs division. “He’s an experienced fighter,” said Benn. “He’s got tonnes of heart. He’s got tonnes of grit and sheer determination that so many fighters lack. He brings the heat! This ain’t going to be a one-two lights out. It isn’t going to be one of them. This is going to be a hard fight. This is going to be me getting stuck straight in and us two going at it in there. It’s going to be one hell of a fight and that’s what I’m preparing for. “He gave Amir Khan hell. Amir Khan got saved by the bell and by the grace of God three or four times in that fight. He had him on the deck. I know Khan’s chin isn’t that credible but he’s a wellrespected fighter. He’s achieved everything that I want to achieve in the sport. This is going to be a harder fight than people think in my opinion.
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APRIL 10 2021
BENN VS VARGAS
“I made the mistake once of overlooking an opponent and I hit the deck twice. I can go back to that fight because it was a career-defining moment for me. I had to ask myself how badly I wanted it. It taught me to never overlook an opponent. I thought, ‘what’s he going to do to me?’. Boom, straight one-two. That was a massive reality check for me. Since then I don’t overlook opponents. “I’m not overlooking Vargas, but what doors open after him? I want a big domestic fight still. Someone that I can take that experience off. The Amir Khans, the Kell Brooks. The Josh Kelly fight is still there if he’s still fighting. The Amir Khan fight would be one hell of a fight. That would be a great British clash. Amir Khan was a fighter I looked up to and so was Kell Brook. Why not put me in with one of them after Vargas? “This is definitely going to be an entertaining fight for the public. This is going to be one that you don’t want to miss. This is going to be a steppingstone in my career. It’s going to be a massive fight. It’s going to be a great fight. It’s going to be a hard fight. I’m going to have to show grit, determination, hunger, skill and power - the full shebang!” ■
“IT’S GOING TO BE ONE HELL OF A FIGHT”
5
NO
MERCY
S
amuel Vargas has promised to make Conor Benn pay for his “wild” mistakes and says the 24-year-old doesn’t have the experience to deal with him when they meet over twelve rounds for the WBA Continental Welterweight Title. Vargas (31-6-2, 14 KOs) is well known on these shores having floored former World Champion Amir Khan before losing on points in a hard-fought battle in September 2018, and the Canadian-Colombian warrior is no stranger to elite level opposition after sharing the ring with numerous quality operators such as Errol Spence and Danny Garcia. Undefeated Benn impressed last time out in a significant step-up against Germany’s former IBO World Champion Sebastian Formella, but 31-year-old Vargas believes he presents a much harder task for ‘The Destroyer’ and is preparing to inflict a first career loss on the youngster. “I have taken this fight very seriously,” said Vargas. “I had a great training camp and I worked my ass off. I’m really focused, and I can’t wait to get in there. This is professional boxing. Everyone is a threat. Everyone. Especially at this level. “He is a strong young fighter. He’s going to come on strong. He looks physically fit all of the time. He seems very wild and makes mistakes that he has to pay
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APRIL 10 2021
BENN VS VARGAS
“WE’VE GOT TO BREAK HIM DOWN AND TAKE HIS SOUL” for. We’ll meet in the centre of the ring and we’ll find out what he’s about. I’m expecting him to come to war and that’s what I’m prepared for. “I don’t care what he thinks. They have hopes for him over here, I guess. I don’t see it personally. If he’s underestimating me, then the better it is for me. I expect a lot of fans to tune in and watch the fight. It’s going to be a hell of a show. I’m going to bring the heat. He’s going to do whatever he’s able to do.
“Last time I was here in the UK I came close to closing the show but then I didn’t have enough time left in the round. This time I’m going to bring the same energy and finish the job. I’m going to give Conor a right hand from hell. It would mean a lot to me to win this. “That’s part of the plan, taking him into the trenches. We’ve got to break him down and take his soul. We’re going to break him down little by little. He doesn’t have the experience to handle that. He’s got to have the same energy that he has in the first round in the ninth and tenth. We’ll see about that.” ■
7
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THE BABY FACE
ASSASSIN
S
hannon Courtenay says that she won’t let Ebanie Bridges “mind games” get to her ahead of their clash for the vacant WBA Bantamweight World Title. ‘The Baby Face Assassin’ (6-1, 3 KOs) has refused to be drawn into a social media spat with ‘The Blonde Bomber’, despite the 5-0 Australian’s best attempts, and has even gone as far as blocking her on Twitter ahead of their huge showdown on the Conor Benn vs. Samuel Vargas undercard. Watford’s Courtenay suffered her one and only defeat at the hands of Rachell Ball at Matchroom Fight Camp last summer, a loss that the 27-year-old believes has made her a better person inside and outside of the ring as she prepares to win world honours in just her eighth pro fight. “There was no hesitation from me when they offered me the fight,” said Courtenay. “It’s a fight that has been brewing for a while. It’s a fight that the fans want to see. Stylistically it makes for a great fight as well. The fact that it’s for a World Title too makes it an even bigger fight. “She’s a good fighter. She’s come forward and aggressive. Stylistically it’s going to be a very good fight. I’m going to win. I’m not going to say how I’m going to do it. I’m confident in myself and I’m confident in my ability. It’s evident that I can dig hard. She looks like she can dig hard as well. “She likes to stand and trade and I like to stand and trade. I just want to fight. I just want to punch her in the face. If she wants to burn her energy and time on social media, then let her do that. If she wants to put polls out about underwear and wear a tiara on weigh-in day
9
“I’LL DO MY TALKING WITH MY FISTS” then crack on. Fill your boots. I don’t care. I’m there to fight. “I’ve learnt and adapted lots from my loss. It’s made me a better person inside and outside of the ring. Mentally I’m a hell of a lot stronger now. I was gutted to hear Rachel had pulled out, but safety comes first so I wish her a speedy recovery. All that’s changed is the opponent, the outcome is still the same “This is the fight game. It’s not a fashion show or a catwalk. I’m too long in the tooth to let mind games get to me. She can attempt to push my buttons all she likes. She won’t be fazing me in the slightest. I’m in a very good mind space. I’m content, happy and excited. I won’t be denied. I’ll do my talking with my fists.” ■
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APRIL 10 2021
BENN VS VARGAS
THE BLONDE
BOMBER
E
banie Bridges says she will go down as a ‘folk hero’ in the UK if she beats Watford’s Shannon Courtenay when they clash for the vacant WBA Bantamweight World Title. Bridges celebrated her return to the ring after more than a year out with a convincing points win over Carol Earl in Sydney last month. The maths teacher from New South Wales won the judges’ favour and secured a unanimous decision victory to extend her unbeaten run to five fights, including two knockouts. ‘The Blonde Bomber’ meets ‘The Baby Face Assassin’ on the undercard of Conor Benn vs. Samuel Vargas, and in doing so becomes the first Australian female fighter to feature on a Matchroom show, and the 34-year-old is promising to mark the occasion by landing her first World Title. “I’m definitely being underestimated but that’s great,” said Bridges. “I’m all about shock value. Everything that I do makes headlines, that’s just me. I’m naturally like that, it just happens. When I get in there and throw the first punch of the fight, people are going to sit there and they’re going to be shocked because they have no idea what I’m capable of. I’m not just a Barbie Boxercise fighter. “I feel like if I beat Shannon Courtenay I’ll go down as a f***ing folk hero in the UK because everyone is DM’ing me asking me to knock her out.
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APRIL 10 2021
BENN VS VARGAS
“I’M NOT JUST A BARBIE BOXERCISE FIGHTER”
They’re all like, ‘hey I’m British and I just want you to shut her up and knock her out because she’s so arrogant’. It’s crazy how many messages I get. I feel like there’s so much pressure on me to f**k her up. Nobody seems to like her over there. If I win, I’m going to be a hero. “I’m not getting ahead of myself though because I know Shannon is a great boxer. She’s not going to be easy. I’m not going in there thinking this is going to be a walkover. I don’t think that about anyone. Losing is not an option, I’ll find a way. Is she going to be handle what I’m brining? We’re both skilled, both of us have styles that are pleasing to the eye. “If she doesn’t end up getting knocked out, then by the end of the fight her face is going to end up looking like a smashed crab on a rock. It’s going to be messed up. She won’t be looking the same when this is finished. She’s in for a shock if she thinks I’m only worried about looking good on the scales. When I win that belt, the world is my oyster. It will open up opportunities everywhere.” ■
13
SILENT
ASSASSIN
S
avannah Marshall believes her late stand-in opponent Maria Lindberg will prove to be a tougher assignment than her original opponent Femke Hermans when they meet for the WBO Middleweight World Title tonight. Marshall (9-0, 7 KOs) stopped Hannah Rankin in seven rounds to win the vacant WBO crown last October, the former amateur World Champion was a class above her Scottish rival from the opening bell and managed to go one better than her old foe Claressa Shields by ending the fight inside the distance. The Hartlepool fighter was due to face Belgium’s Hermans in her maiden defence until the European Champion was forced to pull out of their contest just days ago due to two positive Coronavirus tests in her camp. Sweden’s Lindberg, a former four-time World Title challenger, has shared the ring with the likes of Christina Hammer, Ema Kozin and Marie Eve Dicaire, and Marshall is preparing for a hard night’s work in her first fight of 2021. “If anything, this is a tougher fight than the original fight we had,” said Marhsall. “Maria is very experienced, tough and been in with some of the best in the world – Christina Hammer twice. I’m expecting a tough fight come Saturday.
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APRIL 10 2021
BENN VS VARGAS
“THIS IS A TOUGHER FIGHT THAN THE ORIGINAL FIGHT” “I’ve had a twelve-week camp, so I’ve prepared for everything. Whatever Maria brings I’m more than confident I’ve got the answer for. “I think it’s every boxer’s dream of being the Undisputed Champion and I do believe that is the biggest fight in female boxing, but I can’t look past Maria at the moment.” ■
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THANK YOU KEY WORKERS Celebrating the amazing key workers who were nominated for a #Ticketforward meet-and-greet with these Matchroom Boxing stars Watch their stories here
OPPORTUNITY
KNOCKS
S
weden’s former four-time World Title challenger Maria Lindberg arrives in London on just three days’ notice in an attempt to wrestle the WBO World Middleweight crown from Savannah Marshall. Lindberg’s 27-fight professional journey began back in 2003 stateside, with her most famous nights coming against the fearsome Christina Hammer whom she twice faced for world honours but ultimately fell short on the judges’ scorecards. Despite the late call up, Lindberg is confident she can use her experience to outwit the talented Marshall and become a World ruler at the fifth time of asking. “I think I will be the toughest test of her career so far”, said Lindberg. “It’s a shame it came at short notice, but I am always training so I’m prepared. This is the first time I have taken a fight on this short notice but I’m here and I’m ready! “I’m more experienced as a professional, I’ve had many title fights against great fighters. The experience is definitely on my side heading into this one. I have my style and I know that I can make it difficult for Savannah in this fight. “I’m so glad I’ve taken this opportunity; I really hope this is going to be my time. As soon as Eddie messaged me I realised immediately how big this chance was. I regretted last time not taking my chance so I’m here this time! “I have to use my strengths to beat Savannah, I move forward all the time and will push the pace. Savannah is also a good mover so we will see. I will have a plan on Saturday of how to win this fight.” ■
17
THE
UNTOUCHABLE
K
ash Farooq is looking to steal the show once again when he challenges Nicaragua’s Alexander Espinoza for the WBC International Silver Bantamweight Title. The Glasgow talent picked up the vacant WBA Continental Title with a masterful display against Mexico’s Angel Aviles last time out as he finally made his long awaited Matchroom debut. There were no signs of ring rust for the former British Champion, who had been out of the ring since his controversial loss to compatriot Lee McGregor at the Emirates Arena in November 2019. ‘The Untouchable’ displayed his wide shot selection, hitting the tough and resilient Aviles with every shot in the book as he cruised to an impressive unanimous decision in front of his new promoter Eddie Hearn. A rematch with newly-crowned European Champion McGregor could be on the cards for Farooq down the line but the modest 25-year-old says he is fully focused on the task at hand. “I’ve been preparing for this fight; I know what to expect on the night and I’m really confident I’ll put in a good performance and get the win,” said Farooq. “He’s going to bring it. “I was pleased with my last
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APRIL 10 2021
BENN VS VARGAS
“I’M GOING TO SHOWCASE MY SKILLS AND LOOK GOOD” performance but there’s always room for improvement. I went back, took a couple of days off and went right back to the gym. I trained right through Christmas, New Year and my birthday. It was a good performance, but I want to improve every fight, I want to get better, and this is another fight where I’m going to showcase my skills and look good. “I think he [Alexander] will be there all night, but that’s going to make me look even better. It’s going to give me opportunities I didn’t get last fight. Expect a good performance off me but never say never, he may surprise me.” ■
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SUPERNOVA W
BC International Silver Bantamweight Champion Alexander Espinoza believes he belongs at world level and seeks to prove it tonight by beating highly rated Glasgow prospect Kash Farooq in London. The Nicaraguan native has just two blemishes on his record against 20 wins, most of which have come in his homeland. ‘Supernova’ secured back to back victories in 2020, most recently capturing his WBC ranking belt with an impressive points victory. Despite coming in as a heavy underdog, Espinoza believes a victory over Farooq will move him in to the world level bracket and see him become recognised as an emerging star from South America. “We know there are some great champions from Nicaragua and tonight you will see another one”, said Espinoza.
“I BELIEVE I CAN BEAT ANYONE AT WORLD LEVEL” “I believe in myself and I’m looking forward to retaining my International crown. I believe I can beat anyone at world level and go on to win a World Title myself in the future. “I have some great experience as an amateur. I’ve fought many fighters with different styles, and I can adapt to meet any style. I have adapted well here in the UK and am so happy to be here. “I’m not going to say I will knock him out because he is a good fighter, but I will use my technique to win very convincingly.” ■
21
THE
GENTLEMAN
J
ohn Hedges says he can’t wait to showcase the improvements he has made under new trainer Mark Tibbs when he takes on Stanko Jermelic in a four round Light-Heavyweight contest. ‘The Gentleman’ overcame a tricky introduction to life in the paid ranks with a hard-fought 39-37 points win over the tough and game Manchester-based Czech Jan Ardon at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes last October on the Buatsi vs. Calic undercard. Despite making his pro debut at the tender age of 18, the S-JAM Boxing prospect came under criticism from some quarters, but Hedges hasn’t let his critics get to him and is fully focused on starting 2021 in impressive fashion in the Capital. “It was just one of those things,” said Hedges. “I had to get it done. I rushed it a little bit. I was only a pro for about two or three months heading into my first fight. Looking back at it, I’m glad I took that risk. I boxed a good opponent and I got the win, and now we move forward into a bright 2021. “It was a last-minute opponent that we took on short notice. It wasn’t what we’d prepared for, but we took it. I’m just happy that I got my first fight under my belt. The circumstances weren’t the best, but I got the job done. It was my first fight out of a headguard and my first fight against a senior. It was all new to me so it was good to get it out of the way.” The 6’ 5” Takeley native made the switch from the Hoddesdon Boxing Academy,
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APRIL 10 2021
BENN VS VARGAS
“I’M IMPROVING IN EVERY SESSION” where he enjoyed a long and successful stint in the amateurs, to the Origin Gym in Rainham earlier this year where he now trains alongside the likes of WBO Super-Middleweight ruler Billy Joe Saunders and Southampton LightHeavyweight contender Lewie Edmondson. Tibbs won’t be in Hedges’ corner tonight as he is busy preparing Saunders for his huge unification clash with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in Texas next month, but Hedges says the well-respected coach has already had a big influence on him in the short time they have been working together. “It was a big move in my career. I needed a freshen up and I’ve got that. I was advised to make this move and I’ve listened to that advice. Since I’ve been down here, I feel like I’ve come on loads already. I’m enjoying my training and I feel blessed to have so many good fighters around me. We’re all on the same mission to make it to the top. “We’ve had some cracking rounds with Lewie Edmondson. We both work hard and we’re bringing each other on. You can’t knock it, it’s unbelievable. They’ve welcomed me with open arms. They chucked me in at the deep end. That’s the type of sparring you need to develop as a fighter. “Eddie told me to stay ready and stay in shape. I’m feeling really strong. I’m hitting hard and training well. I’m in a really good place at the moment. It’s still early days with Mark but you can feel the improvements in yourself. I’m improving in every session and I’m coming out of the gym knackered. It’s just little improvements here and there.” ■
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THE GLASGOW
WARRIOR
R
ugby player turned Heavyweight boxing debutant Nick Campbell says he has been inspired by darts World Champion Gerwyn Price and former British Super-Lightweight Champion Curtis Woodhouse as he prepares to take on Petr Frohlich over six rounds tonight. The Jersey-based Scot, who has won regional and national Heavyweight Titles in his homeland since switching sports in 2017, played eight years of professional rugby with Glasgow Warriors and Jersey Reds but now has his sights set on becoming his country’s first ever British Champion. ‘The Glasgow Warrior’, 31, will look to follow in the footsteps of former professional Welsh rugby hooker Price, who started competing on the PDC tour in 2014, and former Sheffield United and Birmingham City midfielder Woodhouse, who made his professional debut in 2006, as he aims to make a name for himself in a new sport. “Gerwyn Price was on loan at Glasgow for six months from the Newport Gwent Dragons when I was there, and he’s now the darts World Champion!” said Campbell. “He’s an example of a guy that completely transitioned sports. I know it’s not boxing but it just goes to show you that it can be done. “Curtis Woodhouse is another one, football to boxing. He became a British Champion. Nobody can ever take that away from him. They’re probably the biggest two and the first that come to my mind. Sonny Bill as well over in New Zealand is having another dabble at the boxing. “There is so much that applies between sports discipline, getting up early in the morning, doing your
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APRIL 10 2021
BENN VS VARGAS
recovery, doing rehab, doing the things that aren’t fun, the things that people don’t see. There are so many things I can take from rugby and apply it to boxing. “I’m 6’7’’ and 18 stone - if I didn’t use those physical attributes, I’d be crazy. I want to get behind my jab, take the centre of the ring, I am very well-conditioned and take pride in how fit I am. No disrespect to some of the Heavyweights but some of them can’t
condition themselves. I like to think, if I get the opportunity, I can put people out of there. I want knockouts, to get people excited. “There has never been a British Heavyweight Champion from Scotland. If you are turning professional that’s what you have to aspire to. People laughed at Curtis Woodhouse but he became a British Champion. Why should it be different for me? “To challenge for a British Title would be an amazing achievement. The last Scotsman to do it was Gary Cornish who was beaten by Sam Sexton. I understand the level of these fighters Daniel Dubois and Joe Joyce competed for it last. I’m under no illusions. I’m prepared to sacrifice, dig down, work a lot to get there.” ■
“I WANT KNOCKOUTS AND TO GET PEOPLE EXCITED”
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12 X 3 MINS WBA CONTINENTAL WELTERWEIGHT TITLE
CONOR SAMUEL vs BENN VARGAS (ESSEX, ENGLAND)
(BOGOTA, COLOMBIA)
10 X 2 MINS WBO MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD TITLE
SAVANNAH MARIA vs MARSHALL LINDBERG
(HARTLEPOOL, ENGLAND)
(MALMO, SWEDEN)
10 X 2 MINS VACANT WBA BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD TITLE
SHANNON EBANIE vs BRIDGES COURTENAY (WATFORD, ENGLAND)
(NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA)
10 X 3 MINS WBC INTERNATIONAL SILVER BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE
ALEXANDER KASH vs ESPINOZA FAROOQ
(MANAGUA, NICARAGUA)
(GLASGOW, SCOTLAND)
6 X 3 MINS INTERNATIONAL HEAVYWEIGHT CONTEST
NICK PETR vs CAMPBELL FROHLICH
(GLASGOW, SCOTLAND)
(MOST, CZECH REPUBLIC)
4 X 3 MINS INTERNATIONAL LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT CONTEST
JOHN STANKO vs HEDGES JERMELIC
(TAKELEY, ENGLAND)
(SPLIT, CROATIA)