Tokyo 2020 medalists Ben Whittaker and Frazer Clarke join Bournemouth bill
The huge domestic clash between Chris Billam-Smith and Isaac Chamberlain at the Bournemouth International Centre on 30th July will headline a card featuring two 2020 Olympic Games medalists, one of the most explosive finishers in British boxing and a rising star tipped as a future great.
Ben ‘B£NZO’ Whittaker, who won silver at the latest Olympics and is now crossing over into the professional ranks with a stated intention of becoming the greatest British boxer of all time, will launch his professional career against solid opposition in the experienced County Durham fighter Greg ‘The Real Deal’ O’Neill (6-6-1, 1 KO).
Testament to Whittaker’s confidence in himself, he has elected to make his professional debut in a six-round fight, skipping the traditional four-round entry level. Coached by SugarHill Steward, who also trains Tyson Fury, the big-hitting Midlander is lauded as one of the most exciting prospects in the world.
Fellow medalist Frazer Clarke (1-0, 1 KO), who captained Team GB at the 2020 Olympics and won a bronze medal, returns to the ring for his second professional outing following his stunning first-round stoppage win on the undercard of Khan vs Brook in February.
The Burton-based ‘Big Fraze’ heads to Bournemouth in search of a second similarly emphatic finish, as he takes the next step of his journey towards conquering the domestic heavyweight scene.
Southampton KO sensation Joe Pigford (19-0, 18 KO’s) makes the short journey on the M27 to Bournemouth with his fanatical fans. He’s looking to put on another devastating performance, before returning home with his first championship title in his bag.
Thunderous puncher Pigford holds a 95% KO ratio and is on an unbroken 16-KO run. In Bournemouth he will challenge for the Vacant WBO European Super-Welterweight Championship and will take a huge step closer to world title contention if he wins.
Hard-hitting Scottish prospect John Docherty (12-1, 9 KOs) looks to make a big statement against the undefeated Manchester-based Brazilian puncher Diego Costa (8-0, 5 KOs) in an exciting shoot out that is sure to deliver drama.
Another 2020 Team GB Olympian in Caroline Dubois (2-0, 1 KO) continues on her career following her powerful first round stoppage of Martina Horgasz last time out and faces experienced Tanzanian Happy Daudi over six rounds.
Undefeated cruiserweight puncher Mikael Lawal (15-0, 9 KOs) looks for his sixteenth career win and possible tenth stoppage as he continues a journey which has taken him from homeless teenage gang member to the top tier of the British cruiserweight rankings.
One half of boxing's hottest sibling talents, Hassan Azim (3-0, 2 KOs), will also look to extend his unbeaten record. After watching younger brother Adam capture his first championship title last week in Coventry with a blistering first-round stoppage, welterweight Hassan will be looking to display his own awesome firepower, following on from his own first-round KO win in March.
Completing the card is another hugely popular all-action Bournemouth fighter, Lee Cutler (10-1, 7 KOs). He has ended his last three fights inside two rounds, with his most recent victory winning him the Southern Area Super-Welterweight title.
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