All the details you need to watch the Lee McGregor vs Karim Guerfi title fight
'Lightning' vyes for European honours
BBN have provided viewers with all the details needed to tune in and watch the European title fight between champion Karim Guerfi (29-4, 9KOs) and challenger Lee McGregor (9-0, 7KOs) on the 78th day of the year.
Date
The bout takes place on Friday, March 19.
Venue
It takes place behind closed doors at the Bolton Whites Hotel in Bolton, Lancashire, on an MTK Global show.
Rounds scheduled
12 three-minute championship rounds at bantamweight (122lbs).
Titles
Frenchman Guerfi defends his European title for the first time since winning it back, in November 2019.
Ringwalks
The ring walks for the main event are expected from 10pm UK time, but that will depend on the undercard results.
TV Coverage
Coverage for McGregor-Guerfi starts live on iFL TV from 7pm GMT, and on ESPN+ at 7pm GMT / 3pm EST / 12pm PT.
Live Stream
You can watch online via the iFL TV YouTube channel HERE
BBN are providing LIVE updates on the night HERE
Price
Free to view for YouTube and ESPN+ subscribers.
Undercard Highlights
Lightweights Maxi Hughes (22-5-2, 4KOs) and Paul Hyland Jr (20-2, 7KOs) both get another shot at the British title.
'Maximus' Hughes, 31 from Yorkshire, failed to win the British title at super-featherweight in 2017 against Martin J Ward, then again in 2018 when defeated in round eight by Sam Bowen. This is his third attempt at the Lonsdale belt and his best shot yet after putting together three great victories within eight months in 2020.
Belfast's 'Hylo' was blasted away by Lewis Ritson in the very first round in 2018, but now finds himself in with another shot at the same belt just three fights later. However, he comes into this contest following a loss to European lightweight champion Francesco Patera in June 2019, meaning he has had 20 months away from the ring.
Related Articles
Everything you ever need to know about McGregor vs Guerfi can be found HERE
Quotes
Karim Guerfi: "I'm so happy that the fight is nearly here. I was ready for January 22nd, so it's good news that the fight was re-arranged so quickly for February 6th. Dubai is an awesome place and I think it will be better fighting there. I'm 100% determined to win this fight. I have trained hard to beat Lee McGregor. I have stayed focused on my objective and I will be keeping hold of my European title. I will represent my country with great pride. They believe in me and I believe in my skills. I am going to put on a good show for the fans that will be watching on TV."
Lee McGregor: "I'm absolutely buzzing that the fight has been re-arranged so soon, as I didn't expect it to be this quick. It has picked me right back up and I'm flying in training. The two postponements were hard as I've been down in London sacrificing a lot and sacrificed Christmas away from my family. To have this new date is amazing and I'm so grateful. I'm looking forward to being back and winning the European title."
Predictions
Tim Rickson, BBN Editor: "The champion will have the upper hand in experience having been European champion twice, world title contender, and 34 pro contests under his belt, but Lee McGregor looks like the real deal; he's got skill and talent in abundance, plus power too, so I'm expecting a good win for McGregor, maybe even by stoppage."
Background
Scotsman Lee McGregor hasn't put a foot wrong yet during his pro career, stopping his first five opponents and collecting two titles – IBF Youth and Commonwealth bantamweight – all within his first year. His mega-fight with fellow countryman Kash Farooq was another indication of his talent and potential. He comes into the contest with a confident win last August over Southern Area titlist Ryan Walker, which will carry forward into this contest.
Frenchman Guerfi also stopped his last opponent, but that was way back in November 2019, so that's over 16 months ago. The 34-year-old has been European champion on two occasions and has also challenged for the IBO world bantamweight title in 2018. He has lost four fights during his 14-year plus pro career, the last two both ending in knockouts (rounds four and five). He only has nine KOs under his belt from 34 fights, so his KO ratio is a lowly 26%, compared to 'Lightning's' 78%.
Betting Odds Supplied by Star Sports
1/9 Lee McGregor
11/2 Karim Guerfi
22/1 Draw
Running Order
Main Event:
Lee McGregor vs Karim Guerfi
12×3 European bantamweight title
Chief Support:
Maxi Hughes vs Paul Hyland Jnr
12×3 British lightweight title
Fight #4
Jamie Robinson vs Billy Allington
8×3 Super-lightweight contest
Fight #3
Eryk Apresyan vs Nathan Bendon
6×3 Super-welterweight contest
Fight #2
Sean Duffy vs Paul Holt
4×3 Super-featherweight contest
Fight #1
Shabaz Masoud vs Louis Norman
6×3 Super-bantamweight contest
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