Big Fight Weekend

Tag: Dennis Mccann

  • Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2 Card Rocked by Adverse Finding

    Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2 Card Rocked by Adverse Finding

    On December 21, Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs) will look to gain revenge in his eagerly anticipated rematch against Oleksandr Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) for Usyk’s WBA, WBC and WBO heavyweight titles at the Kingdom Arena, Riyadh. The card had received a setback with the withdrawal of Israil Madrimov, which presented an unbelievable opportunity for Ishmael Davis, who has taken his place. The Riyadh Season card has now received a further setback with the news that Dennis McCann has returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted before his intriguing scheduled fight against Peter McGrail.

    Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2 Bill Receives Adverse Finding News

    Fury Usyk 2 Dealt Setback

    Dennis McCann vs. Peter Mcgrail was seen as a potential fight of the night with these two unbeaten prospects going head-to-head. They were frosty to each other during the last press conference and this left many fight fans eagerly awaiting this intriguing super bantamweight bout.

    Read More: Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk: George Groves Breaks Down Keys to Victory

    The hopes of fight fans were dashed today when Queensberry released the following statement: “The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) has today informed all relevant parties that Dennis McCann has returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted in advance of his upcoming bout. Mr. McCann’s scheduled fight next Saturday will no longer take place, as the relevant parties investigate the matter further. No further comment on this will be made at this time.”

    Fury Usyk 2 Full Fight Card

    • Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury; For Usyk’s WBA, WBC and WBO heavyweight titles
    • Serhii Bohachuk vs. Ishmael Davis; Super welterweight
    • Moses Itauma vs. Demsey McKean; Heavyweight
    • Johnny Fisher vs. Dave Allen; Heavyweight
    • Dennis McCann vs. Peter McGrail; For McCann’s European super bantamweight title
    • Isaac Lowe vs. Lee McGregor; Featherweight

    Stay with Big Fight Weekend for the build-up to the December 21 fight between Usyk and Fury, including news and predictions.

  • Ranking Every Fight on the Usyk-Fury 2 Undercard

    Ranking Every Fight on the Usyk-Fury 2 Undercard

    Oleksandr Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) will defend his WBC, WBO and WBA heavyweight titles against Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs) in their highly anticipated rematch on Saturday, December 21 at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Usyk won their first encounter, which crowned him the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis. Ahead of this huge rematch – we are ranking every fight on the undercard. 

    Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk: Ranking Every Undercard Fight

    1. Serhii Bohachuk vs. Israil Madrimov

    Israil Madrimov (10-1-1, 7 KOs) will look to bounce back following his defeat to Terence Crawford and beat Serhii Bohachuk (24-2, 23 KOs) in a fascinating super welterweight bout. The Uzbek fighter has already agreed to face Vergil Ortiz Jr. on Feb. 22. This February fight will seemingly be heavily dependent on if Madrimov wins in December.

    Bohachuk is no easy touch as the Ukrainian proved against Vergil Ortiz Jr., knocking him down twice and losing narrowly on the scorecards. The tremendous pedigree of Madrimov alongside his power against the relentless pressure and power of Bohachuk makes this a guaranteed war and one BFW will be tuning in for.

    2. Dennis McCann vs. Peter McGrail

    For many, Dennis McCann (16-0-1, 8 KOs vs. Peter McGrail (10-1, 6 KOs) could be the fight of the night. Two of Britain’s brightest talents will collide on the Fury vs. Usyk 2 undercard. McGraill brutally stopped Brad Foster last time out. McCann was exemplary in his last fight, comfortably defeating Ionut Baluta. This is a fight no one should miss, and it promises to be action-packed throughout with plenty of skill and power on display.

    3. Johnny Fisher vs. Dave Allen

    Johnny Fisher (12-0, 11 KOs) returns to heavyweight boxing and faces the experienced Dave Allen (23-6-2, 18 KOs). Fisher blew away Alen Babic in his last fight, while Allen defeated Jake Darnell and Amine Boucetta since losing to Frazer Clarke in 2023. This has the potential to be explosive. Fisher will seemingly look to start fast again, but if Allen can survive that initial attack, it could be a tough fight for the unbeaten Fisher.

    4. Moses Itauma vs. Demsey McKean

    Undefeated 19-year-old heavyweight Moses Itauma (10-0, 8 KOs) takes on the experienced Australian fighter Demsey McKean (22-1, 14 KOs). Itauma made a statement in his last fight, destroying Mariusz Wach in two rounds. McKean was stopped by Filip Hrgovic last time out and will be eager to cause an upset here. Itauma is a huge talent and the opportunity to see him box again secures the number four spot in our rankings.

    5. Lee McGregor vs. Isaac Lowe

    Isaac Lowe (25-2-3, 8 KOs) will kick things off on the undercard, taking on Lee McGregor (14-1-1, 11 KOs). Lowe will make his second appearance on a Riyadh Season card after defeating Hasibullah Ahmadi 97-92 on the undercard of Fury vs. Usyk 1. McGregor has won his last two fights by stoppage since his sole career loss against Erik Robles Ayala.

  • Five Reasons to Look Forward to Usyk vs Fury 2 Fight Card

    Five Reasons to Look Forward to Usyk vs Fury 2 Fight Card

    On Saturday, December 21, Oleksandr Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) will defend his WBC, WBO and WBA heavyweight titles against Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs). Their highly anticipated rematch at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, gives Usyk the chance to further solidify his incredible legacy – following his win in their first contest, which made him the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis. Following the undisputed showdown, the Ukrainian vacated the IBF belt, seemingly with some pressure from the governing body – with Daniel Dubois inheriting that IBF strap and defending it in style against Anthony Joshua. 

    Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2: Five Reasons to Look Forward to Dec. 21

    Tyson Fury’s Redemption vs. Oleksandr Usyk

    The undisputed heavyweight title showdown on May 18, 2024, saw Fury taste defeat for the first time in his career and the rematch presents the opportunity for immediate redemption. Supporters of “The Gypsy King” will be eager to reclaim his position as the number one heavyweight in the world. A win here will show once again that Fury raises his level in rematches, such as the John McDermott and Deontay Wilder fights.

    His performance against Francis Ngannou was underwhelming and many wrote the “Gypsy King” off – but in parts, he was brilliant in that fight and if he can put it together over the 12 rounds, redemption is more than possible for Fury and his army of supporters.

    Dennis McCann vs. Peter McGrail

    Peter McGrail and Dennis McCann, two of Britain’s brightest prospects will meet on the Fury-Usyk 2 undercard and this could well be the fight of the fight. McCann boxes and moves well during his fights. He’s an all-action fighter, who will look to keep the pressure on his opponent. The Maidstone fighter put on a boxing clinic in his last fight, defeating Ionut Baluta by unanimous decision.

    McGrail had an impressive amateur career and is making his way through the professional ranks, despite his shock KO defeat to Ja’Rico O’Quinn in 2023.

    Johnny Fisher Takes on Experienced Dave Allen

    Johnny Fisher will look to extend his 100% professional record and the experienced and wily Dave Allen. “The Romford Bull” will look to attack from the first bell, much like he did against Alen Babic. Fisher likes to start fast and throw high-volume heavy punches.

    Allen has faced setbacks throughout his career and still comes swinging. If he can use his experience to navigate through the opening couple of rounds and close the distance, he could make this into a tough fight for Fisher.

    Another Spectacular Riyadh Season Show

    Riyadh Season, led by His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, has breathed new life into boxing, including bringing us bouts we only dreamed of, such as Fury-Usyk 1 and Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol 1. The December 21 card will again provide us with some memorable fights, including the McCann-McGrail match-up and the return of Moses Itauma.

    Yes, the card is seemingly catered more to UK fight fans, but Serhii Bohachuk vs. Israil Madrimov will have boxing fans from around the world purring.

    Moses Itauma

    The undefeated teenage heavyweight phenom Moses Itauma – will appear on the Dec. 21 undercard against Demsey McKean. Itauma was seen in action on July 27, when he blew away the vastly experienced Mariusz Wach in two rounds. That win showed just how much promise the Chatham fighter possesses.

    His Australian opponent will be looking to derail the Itauma train. Moses looks like a special talent, destined for the very top. Seeing him back in action is a privilege and its difficult to see anything over than a convincing win for the Queensberry fighter.

  • Up-and-Coming Junior Boxers To Watch

    Up-and-Coming Junior Boxers To Watch

    Junior boxing is gaining attention in the sports betting world, especially for those looking to place strategic bets on future champions. For bettors seeking profitable opportunities, understanding the rising stars in junior boxing is crucial.

    Junior boxers who stand out often display remarkable qualities that point to future success. These include speed, agility, strength, and mental toughness. But there’s more to it than just physical ability. Junior fighters with excellent ring IQ and adaptability are more likely to shine as they progress. Coaches look for fighters who can read their opponents, adjust quickly, and stay composed under pressure. A strong work ethic and hunger to improve are also signs of potential champions.

    Rising Junior Boxing Stars: Looking at the Best

    How to Identify Junior Boxers With Championship Potential

    To spot future champions, there are key indicators bettors should watch. First, consistency in performance is crucial. Young fighters who consistently win in tournaments or amateur bouts show they have what it takes to handle pressure. Secondly, their ability to improve after each match is a good sign. Look for fighters who analyze their mistakes and come back stronger. Lastly, a promising junior boxer will often have a strong support system, including trainers and sponsors who believe in their potential.

    As legendary trainer Cus D’Amato, who trained Mike Tyson, once said: “The hero and the coward both feel the same thing, but the hero uses his fear and projects it onto his opponent, while the coward runs. It’s the same thing, fear, but it’s what you do with it that matters.”  

    This quote emphasizes how mental toughness, a key trait of future champions, can make or break a boxer’s career. Those who can harness their fears and perform under pressure are the ones with true championship potential.

    Top Junior Boxers Expected to Dominate in the Next Few Years

    Here is a list of 10 junior boxers from different countries who are showing immense potential and are expected to make waves in the boxing world:

    1. Xander Zayas (Puerto Rico)

    Known for his speed and ring intelligence, Zayas is already making a name for himself as a future contender.

    2. Keyshawn Davis (United States)

    With his Olympic experience and sharp boxing skills, Davis is a major prospect to watch.

    3. Jared Anderson (United States)  

    A rising heavyweight, Anderson has shown power and skill, making him a promising future champion.

    4. Jaime Munguía (Mexico)  

    Already gaining attention for his aggressive fighting style, Munguía is expected to rise quickly in the rankings.

    5. Bakhodir Jalolov (Uzbekistan)  

    A knockout artist with technical prowess, Jalolov is a heavyweight to watch closely.

    6. Daniyar Yeleussinov (Kazakhstan)  

    With his Olympic gold medal and technical skills, Yeleussinov is a strong contender in the welterweight division.

    7. Dennis McCann (United Kingdom)  

    This young talent has been dubbed “The Menace” for his quick hands and ability to finish fights early.

    8. Tsendbaatar Erdenebat (Mongolia)  

    A relentless fighter with an aggressive style, Erdenebat is on his way to becoming a fan favorite.

    9. Hamzah Sheeraz (United Kingdom)  

    With an unbeaten record, Sheeraz’s height and reach give him a serious advantage in the middleweight division.

    10. Karlos Balderas (United States)  

    A skilled and technical boxer, Balderas has shown potential to become a future star in the lightweight category.

    These young fighters are rising fast, and smart bettors should keep an eye on their careers as they inch closer to the top.

    Junior boxing talent is not limited to one country. Some of the most exciting prospects come from places like the United States, Mexico, and Eastern Europe. In the US, fighters like Jared Anderson are gaining momentum. From Mexico, Jaime Munguía, with his aggressive style and solid chin, has been a force to reckon with. Over in Eastern Europe, boxers like Bakhodir Jalolov bring power and technical skill, making them exciting betting opportunities for those looking at junior boxing markets globally.

    Strategies for Predicting Junior Boxing Matches

    When betting on junior boxing, it’s important to focus on the details. Since junior boxers are still developing, their form can change rapidly from fight to fight. One smart strategy is to bet on fighters who show a steady improvement curve. 

    Bettors should also watch out for matchups—how one boxer’s style clashes with another. Styles make fights, and sometimes, an underdog with the right strategy can cause an upset. Keeping track of a boxer’s training camp updates, injuries, and their opponents’ strengths will help bettors make better decisions.

    Betting on junior boxing can be more lucrative than sticking to seasoned pros. Since these fighters are still building their reputations, betting odds can be more favourable. Many junior boxers fly under the radar, so those who pay close attention to their progress can find great betting opportunities before the wider market catches on. The unpredictability of junior boxing means high rewards for those who study the sport closely.

    Betting on junior boxing is becoming more accessible, especially on platforms like online casino Australia. Many Australian online casinos now feature odds for up-and-coming boxers. Bettors can place bets on various aspects of the fight, such as who will win, whether the fight will end in a knockout, and how many rounds it will last. These platforms offer a range of betting options that make it easy to bet on your favourite junior fighters.

    Junior Boxing Predictions: Who Will Be the Next Big Champion?

    A junior boxer’s career is shaped by many factors, and some can make or break their chances of success. Injuries are a big threat, especially if not managed properly. A single injury can halt momentum and set a young fighter back. Discipline and dedication to training also play a huge role. Many talented fighters fall short due to a lack of focus or poor management decisions. The right trainers, sponsors, and team can make all the difference in guiding a junior boxer toward success.

    Among the junior boxing talent pool, a few names stand out as ones to watch. Xander Zayas, with his impressive performances, has caught the attention of bettors. Keyshawn Davis, with his sharp boxing skills and Olympic pedigree, is also one to keep an eye on. These fighters have the potential to become the next big stars in the sport, and bettors should monitor their progress closely.

    While it’s difficult to predict exactly who will rise to the top, certain junior boxers have shown they are on the path to championship glory. Fighters like Jared Anderson and Jaime Munguía are expected to continue their climb up the ranks. Their skills, combined with their dedication, suggest they will be strong contenders for future titles. These are the boxers that savvy bettors will want to keep on their radar.

    Conclusion

    Junior boxing offers exciting opportunities for bettors looking to get ahead. By studying rising talent and placing smart bets on platforms like online casino Australia, you can find great chances to win big. With the unpredictability of junior fighters, there’s always potential for high rewards for those willing to do the research. Keep an eye on these future champions, and your bets might just pay off big.

  • Derek Chisora Gives It His All to Defeat Joe Joyce

    Derek Chisora Gives It His All to Defeat Joe Joyce

    Derek Chisora (35-13, 23 KOs) gave everything he had to come away with a unanimous decision win against Joe Joyce (16-3, 15 KOs).

    Scores for the bout were 97-92 and 96-94 (x2). From the opening bell, Chisora swung at Joyce, an approach that helped him win rounds on the judge’s scorecards. He was also aided by a ninth-round knockdown. Despite looking worse for wear, more than Joyce, Chisora’s approach proved effective enough to get him the victory.

    The two headlined a Queensberry Promotions event at the O2 Arena. Fight fans in the United Kingdom could catch the action live on TNT Sports. Those in the United States were able to do so on ESPN+.

    Derek Chisora Gives It His All to Defeat Joe Joyce by Decision

    Fight Recap

    It did not take long for both fighters to begin clinching in the opening round. Chisora’s approach was to swing punches at Joyce, an approach that gave him some success. However, Joyce’s timing allowed him to land clean.

    By the time the fight got to the middle rounds, Chisora looked exhausted. Whenever Joyce stayed at range, he was able to land his punches. However, his lack of head movement also made him susceptible to Chisora’s swinging rights and lefts. While Joyce did the better boxing, Chisora was landing the more eye-catching punches that appeared to win him the rounds. With less than a minute to go in round eight, Joyce stunned Chisora, who was on the retreat until the ring of the bell but still tried to swing shots in.

    Against the run of play, a swinging right hand from Chisora sent Joyce to the canvas in round nine. Despite looking very exhausted, Chisora never gave up on his approach. It was exactly how he had fought since round one. He continued to land hand, swinging punches till the final bell. While both men had their hands up at the end of the fight, it was Chisora’s approach that the judges preferred, giving him the unanimous decision win.

    Post-fight Interview

    Derek Chisora

    “London, I love you,” said Chisora after the bruising battle. “I love you London. I tell you what, I haven’t boxed for a year. So, I think we off a little bit. But I had to dig deep…From this crowd, I’m just glad I got a lot of fans in London. I want to thank Frank Warren for taking faith in me…”

    “It’s not my last fight. I got two more…This is not my last fight. [It’s] my last fight in O2 Arena. So now I go to Manchester end of the year in December. But Joe, was a good fighter.”

    Joe Joyce

    “That was great,” said Joyce. “[You, Chisora] got a couple more left and that was fantastic, man. I enjoyed that fight.”

    “That was great. I enjoyed the fight. I thought it was close apart from the knockdown…That was a brilliant performance he gave. I’m happy to share the ring with him. What a legend.”

    Undercard Results

    Ryan Garner (16-0, 8 KOs) won a unanimous decision against Archie Sharp (25-1, 9 KOs). Scores for the 10-round super featherweight fight were 98-92 and 97-93.

    Moses Itauma (10-0, 8 KOs) won via technical knockout against Mariusz Wach (39-10, 21 KOs). The time of stoppagefor this 10-round heavyweight contest was 2:30. Itauma sent his opponent down once in round two. A barrage of punches from him caused referee Michael Alexander to end proceedings.

    Dennis McCann (16-0-1, 8 KOs) won a unanimous decision against Ionut Baluta (16-5-1, 3 KOs) in a 12-round super bantamweight clash. Scores were 120-108 and 117-111. With the win, McCann becomes the European super bantamweight champion. Baluta and McCann had fought to a technical draw in August last year.

    Royston Barney-Smith (11-0, 5 KOs) won a unanimous decision against Brian Barajas (7-1-1, 3 KOs). Scores for the eight-round super featherweight fight were 79-73 and 78-74 (x2)

    Sean Noakes (8-0, 4 KOs) won a unanimous decision against Inder Bassi (12-2, 1 KO). Scores for the 10-round welterweight clash were 97-94 and 96-94 (x2).

    Opening the broadcast on TNT Sports, Aadam Hamed (2-0, 1 KO) won on points against Georgi Velichkov (4-21-1, 3 KOs). Referee Sean McAvoy had the four-round super lightweight bout 40-36.

    Preliminary Undercard

    On a portion of the undercard that was available on YouTube, Raven Chapman (9-0, 2 KOs) won a unanimous decision against Yohana Sarabia (10-1, 6 KOs). Scores for the 10-round featherweight clash were 100-90 across the board.

    Brandun Lee (29-0, 23 KOs) won on points against Juan Anacona (11-1, 6 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight bout. Referee Mark Bates had the fight 78-74.

    Umar Khan (10-1, 0 KOs) won on points against Kaddour Hmiani (4-3-2, 2 KOs) in an eight-round featherweight clash. Referee McAvoy scored the fight 78-73. Hmiani went down from a right hand in round two.

    Opening the broadcast, Jermaine Dhliwayo (1-0, 0 KOs) won on points against Engel Gomez (8-33-3, 4 KOs) in a four-round lightweight contest. Referee Bates scored the fight 40-36.

  • Nathan Heaney and Brad Pauls Put On All-Action Classic

    Nathan Heaney and Brad Pauls Put On All-Action Classic

    Nathan Heaney (18-0-1, 6 KOs) and Brad Pauls (18-1-1, 10 KOs) put on a classic in their clash for the British middleweight title.

    The fight headlined a Queensberry Promotions card at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham, England. TNT Sports were the broadcasters for those in the UK. Viewers in the United States were able to catch the action on ESPN+. Scores for the fight were 116-113 for Heaney, 115-114 for Pauls, and one card had it 114-114. With the draw, Heaney retains his title.

    Nathan Heaney and Brad Pauls All-Action to the End

    Recap of Nathan Heaney vs. Brad Pauls

    The early rounds saw both men staying at range for the most part. Pauls would inch forward to get closer and land his shots. Heaney’s strategy was to box at a distance. By the middle rounds, it seemed Heaney’s greater experience over 10 and 12 rounds would get him the win, as Pauls displayed fatigue around this time.

    In round eight, Pauls wobbled Heaney and began to pursue the stoppage. However, Heaney’s mouthguard came out, causing a pause to the action and allowing him to recover from the barrage of punches. Despite this scare, he remained standing and recovered nicely to continue boxing at a distance in round nine.

    By the eleventh, both men were showing visible exhaustion. Pauls had Heaney shaken in this round, but the British champion held on and even landed a few clean, hard shots as he avoided the canvas. When he was not going toe-to-toe, Heaney continued to box at range. The challenger was able to bank rounds in the second half of the fight by getting close and wobbling Heaney. Despite the strategies employed by the two fighters, the scorecards wound up having the bout a draw.

    Post-Fight Interview

    Nathan Heaney

    “I’m absolutely gutted,” said Heaney. “I wanted to win, I don’t wanna draw. I thought I did enough to win, but I also did let him into it as well…He caught me sometimes as well. So fair play to Brad [Pauls]. He was actually excellent.”

    Brad Pauls

    “Mixed emotions to be honest,” said Pauls on how he felt. “I think the crowd enjoyed it, so I’m happy about that.That belt [British title] right there, I wanted it more than anything in the world…Respect to Nathan [Heaney], he’s done it the exact same way I’ve done it. Small hall, build a fanbase. You got to respect him. I like him, I just wanted his belts. Nothing personal.”

    Undercard Results

    Liam Davies (16-0, 8 KOs) won via second-round technical knockout against Erik Ayala (15-2, 9 KOs) in a 12-round super bantamweight clash. Ayala went down once in the second and got up on shaky legs. A barrage of punches from Davies caused referee John Latham to stop the fight at the 1:17 mark.

    Joe Joyce (16-2, 15 KOs) returned to the win column with a tenth-round knockout of Kash Ali (21-3, 12 KOs). The time of stoppage was 2:53 for this 10-round heavyweight bout. Ali went to the canvas and failed to beat the count in time, giving Joyce the victory.

    In a 10-round light heavyweight clash, Zach Parker (24-1, 17 KOs) won a unanimous decision against Tyron Zeuge (27-2-1, 15 KOs). Parker went to the canvas once in the second. Scores were 98-91, 97-92 and 96-94.

    Dennis McCann (15-0-1, 8 KOs) won a unanimous decision against Brad Strand (11-1, 3 KOs) in a 12-round super bantamweight bout. Strand went down in round two from a right to the head. Scores were 118-111, 116-111 and 116-112. McCann retained his Commonwealth title while also picking up the vacant British belt.

    Owen Cooper (10-0, 4 KOs) is the new English welterweight champion with a stoppage win over Eithan James (12-1, 0 KOs). At the end of round nine, James’ corner chose to end the fight given how much punishment he was taking. Cooper dropped his opponent once in the first of this 10-round contest.

    Opening the portion that aired live on TNT Sports, Pierce O’Leary (14-0, 8 KOs) stopped Hovhannes Martirosyan (16-1, 10 KOs) in round nine. The time of stoppage for this 10-round super lightweight bout was 2:39. Martirosyan went down in round one and did not get up in time after being dropped by a left hook in the ninth.

    On the portion that aired on Queensberry Promotions’ social media channels, Ezra Taylor (8-0, 6 KOs) got a fourth-round stoppage win over Prince Oko Nartey (11-3, 10 KOs). Nartey went to the canvas in the second and fourth while also losing a point for holding in the third. Referee Kevin Parker stepped in to halt the 10-round light heavyweight contest at 2:45 of round four with Nartey still standing.

  • Nathan Heaney vs. Brad Pauls (Magnificent Seven): How to Stream, Betting Odds and Fight Card

    Nathan Heaney vs. Brad Pauls (Magnificent Seven): How to Stream, Betting Odds and Fight Card

    On Saturday, March 16, Queensberry Promotions will put on the latest Magnificent Seven event at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham, with the headline bout set to be Nathan Heaney (18-0, 6 KOs) vs. Brad Pauls (18-1, 10 KOs) for Heaney’s British middleweight title. The entire card will be broadcast on TNT Sports in the UK and ESPN+ in the U.S.

    Heaney will look to back up his memorable win against Denzel Bentley, whom he outboxed at the last Magnificent Seven event in November 2023.

    Whilst not the biggest puncher, Heaney is a great pressure fighter with impressive hand speed and a good engine. He’s accurate with his shot selection and extremely tough. Pauls is also an impressive pressure fighter with a good engine, ensuring this bout should provide us with plenty of fireworks. “The Newquay Bomb” will need to get his jab going and work off of that.

    All eyes now turn to March 16 for this stacked Queensberry Promotions card as Big Fight Weekend brings you the how-to-stream information and much more.

    Nathan Heaney vs. Brad Pauls: Everything You Need to Know

    Betting Odds

    Per Sportsbook Draftkings, Heaney will enter the bout as a -320 betting favourite. Pauls is the +240 underdog as we near closer to fight night.

    Claim your bonus and bet on (Heaney vs. Pauls) at DraftKings Sportsbook

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    Read More: Five Underrated Middleweight Boxers to Look Out for in 2024

    Fight Date, Start Time

    Date: Saturday, March 16

    Time: 3 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. UK

    What Channel/Stream?

    U.S.: ESPN+

    UK: TNT Sports

    Full Fight Card

    • Nathan Heaney vs. Brad Pauls; For Heaney’s British middleweight title
    • Erik Robles Ayala vs. Liam Davies; For Ayala’s IBO world super bantamweight title
    • Dennis McCann vs. Brad Strand; Super bantamweight
    • Eithan James vs. Owen Cooper; Welterweight
    • Joe Joyce vs. Kash Ali; Heavyweight
    • Zach Parker vs. Tyron Zeuge; Super middleweight
    • Pierce O’Leary vs. Hovhannes Martirosyan, WBC international super-lightweight championship
  • Dennis McCann And Ionut Baluta Fight To Technical Draw

    Dennis McCann And Ionut Baluta Fight To Technical Draw

    Super bantamweights Dennis McCann (14-0-1, 8 KOs) and Ionut Baluta (16-4-1, 3 KOs) fought to a technical draw after their bout was stopped early in the ninth round due to an accidental clash of heads. The bout headlined a card at York Hall in London, England. TNT Sports were the broadcasters of the Queensberry Promotions event.

    For McCann, the fight was meant to serve as a step-up in opposition. Baluta, who has a gained a reputation for defeating a number of English and Irish fighters, was upset minded as usual. Despite swinging and missing a several shots and slipping to the canvas a number of times, he gave McCann plenty of trouble throughout the fight. McCann attempted to stay at range and had some success with counters. In the end, the decision resulted in calls for a rematch.

    McCann-Baluta recap

    In the opening round, McCann appeared to have found his range and was making Baluta miss. As a result, McCann was able to counter with the more cleaner punches throughout round one. However, Baluta’s swinging shots meant that he was always a threat, something that became very clear in the second as he landed a couple of hard, eye-catching punches. Although his swinging shots meant he missed the target and slipped to the canvas a number of times, Baluta landed enough to edge some of the earlier rounds. McCann’s best rounds were those in which he stayed at range and countered.

    In the seventh, a cut to the forehead of McCann resulted in a lot of blood to pour out. Referee Marcus McDonnell momentarily stopped the bout to assess the damage before allowing the fight to continue. The cut was the result of an accidental clash of heads. Baluta attempted to capitalize on this and started to land with even more frequency. He continued to have success in the eighth and was appearing to pull away on the scorecards as a result. Baluta kept on landing clean going into the ninth before the fight was halted.

    Since the cut to McCann’s forehead was due to an accidental clash of heads, the fight went to the scorecards. One judge had it 86-85 for McCann while the other two scored it 86-86, resulting in a technical draw.

    Post fight interviews

    “To be honest with you, I thought it was a bit of a flat performance,” said McCann in a post-fight interview. “I was hitting him with a lot of jabs. I thought I was catching him an awful lot as well, I know he was coming forward, but it is boxing…It was a good fight, I thought I won it by a round.”

    “Great fight tonight,” said Baluta when he was interviewed. “Very good fight for the fans. All is good, but tonight I was coming out victorious. The referee told him to put his head down so that it [the fight] could be stopped. That is not how it is done in boxing. Tonight, they have shown that I am the best. The trainer [Al Smith] said to lower your head so that the referee would stop it and it would go to the scorecards. This is not how it’s done in boxing. Tonight they have shown I am the best and if they give me the rematch with Dennis McCann, I am ready for them. I have demonstrated that I am the best super bantamweight in Queensberry Promotions.”

    Both fighters have expressed a willingness to face each other again a rematch. Whether it takes place or not remains to be seen.

  • 5 Underrated Bantamweights To Watch Out For In 2023

    5 Underrated Bantamweights To Watch Out For In 2023

    The bantamweight division is a fiercely competitive weight class away from its dominant figure in Naoya Inoue, who is moving up in weight to fight Stephen Fulton Jr. At Big Fight Weekend, we have already shown you, numerous weight classes, in our underrated series, including the middleweight division. We are now bringing you the most underrated bantamweights to look for in 2023. This division is full of some potential mouth-watering contests.

    Bantamweights to Look For in 2023

    Lee McGregor

    Lee “Lightning” McGregor has won 12 of 13 fights in his professional career with one draw. Since the frustrating draw against Diego Alberto Ruiz, McGregor had second thoughts about whether he wanted to continue with his boxing career. When talking about inactivity he said: “These last six months have been tough. I don’t want to be in London away from my family. Don’t get me wrong, boxing has allowed me to buy a nice house and have a bit of money behind me, of course, there are benefits but, sometimes, like the last six months, I do question myself why am I doing this?“

    Also Read: 5 Underrated Featherweights to Watch Out for in 2023

    “Lightning” possesses impressive power as proven by his nine knockout wins. He also proved his ability to problem-solve quickly in the ring against Vincent Legrand, where he was troubled by his opponent’s southpaw stance and effective jab. McGregor closed the gap on his opponent, and the fight changed drastically. He imposed his strength and power, which negated his rival’s effective jab. If he can be more active in 2023, McGregor can be one of the most talked about bantamweights to look for in 2023.

    Ra’eese Aleem

    Ra’eese Aleem has a perfect professional record from his 20 fights. “The Beast” is part of a stacked division, including stars such as Stephen Fulton Jr., Naoya Inoue and Luis Nery. He has only fought once since defeating Eduardo Baez in November 2021. Aleem is good at controlling the tempo of his fights, often using an effective left hook.

    Also Read: 5 Underrated Lightweights to Watch Out for in 2023

    “The Beast” keeps his work rate up throughout his fights, often wearing his opponents down. Aleem is gunning for a big fight, and after his win against Mike Plania, he said: “Where’s my title shot.”

    Sam Goodman

    Sam Goodman is making a name for himself in the boxing world. He has amassed a 100% winning record of 14-0, with seven wins by knockout. The New South Wales fighter has shown he possesses skill and power in abundance since turning pro in 2018.

    He enjoyed a successful amateur career, which included winning the 2017 Oceanian Championships and fighting at the 2016 AIBA Youth World Championships, where he undoubtedly gained valuable experience against top-level competition.

    Also Read: 5 Underrated Light Heavyweights to Watch Out for in 2023

    Goodman has shown KO power, and his ability to pick his punches is also impressive. He also possesses great footwork and quick hands. Another quality of Goodmans is his solid defence, making him a difficult opponent to face.

    Emmanuel Rodriguez

    Emmanuel “El Matador” Rodriguez enjoyed a successful amateur career, which saw him win the gold medal at the 2010 youth Olympic games in Singapore, and a silver medal at the 2010 youth world championship in Baku.

    Also Read: 5 Underrated Welterweights to Watch Out for in 2023

    Rodriguez during his pro career has amassed a record of 21 wins in 24 fights, with two losses and one no-contest. One of his defeats was against bantamweight king Inoue, which was a brutal second-round KO defeat. Rodriguez is a talented fighter who has proven he can punch, with 13 wins by knockout.

    He is adept at stepping up the pace in fights when needed, often throwing sweeping rights and lefts to assert control over his opposition. His hand speed is another impressive attribute, making him a nightmare to defend against.

    Dennis McCann

    Dennis “The Menace” McCann is making a name for himself in the bantamweight division, racing to a record of 14-0 since making his debut against Kamil Jaworek in May 2019.

    Also Read: 5 Underrated Heavyweights to Watch Out for in 2023

    McCann possesses impressive power as seen by his eight wins by knockout thus far. “The Menace” has a great boxing brain, which sees him pick his punches extremely well. He is adept at fighting off either foot, like Prince Naseem Hamed. The future looks bright for “The Menace” as he has drawn comparisons to his childhood hero “Naz”. If McCann have have a career anywhere near Prince Nassem, he will be one of the Bantamweights to look for in 2023.

  • McCann to appear on Conlan card

    McCann to appear on Conlan card

    One of boxing’s brightest prospects Dennis McCann will showcase his wares on the #MTKFightNight at Féile an Phobail on August 3.
    In his first two professional bouts – a vicious early knockout win and schooling of a fighter with a winning record, ‘The Menace’ has shown different elements to his well-documented talent.

    Now the 18-year-old, who is promoted by Frank Warren, gets a chance to shine on another huge stage; the undercard of Michael Conlan’s homecoming against dangerous Argentinian Diego Alberto Ruiz in Belfast’s Falls Park.

    Ahead of a scheduled six-rounder, McCann said: “I’m hugely excited to be added to this bill. I’ve got some family over the water there and I’m looking forward to performing for them and all the fans in Belfast.

    “I love the bright lights, the big nights and believe I’ve already shown I can entertain the crowds. My first fight was a quick-fire stoppage and in my second, I had him going to the point he was holding on for dear life.

    “I hope on August 3, I can serve up another thrilling victory for everyone in the park and those tuning in around the world. I’m still a teenager but I’m building myself a name pretty quickly.”

    Professional Development Coordinator Jamie Conlan said: “We welcome Dennis onto this historic bill and believe he’ll provide another treat for every single spectator.

    “You only have to look at his first two professional victories to know that ‘The Menace’ has every gift a fighter can have. We believe he’s going places and it’s great he has this huge stage on which to showcase himself.”

    Joining McCann and Conlan vs. Ruiz on a huge bill is Luke Keeler vs. Luis Arias, Alfredo Meli vs. Araik Marutjan, Paddy Gallagher vs. Chris Jenkins for the British & Commonwealth welterweight titles, Padraig McCrory vs. Steve Collins Jr for the Celtic super-middleweight title, Sean McComb vs. Renald Garrido, Olympic hero Paddy Barnes, Callum Bradley, Seanie Duffy and Dee Sullivan.