Boxxer
Boxxer, stylized as BOXXER, is a British professional boxing promotional company founded in 2018 by Ben Shalom, the UK's youngest licensed boxing promoter at the time.[1] Based in London, England, it has rapidly expanded to become one of the world's leading boxing promotions, emphasizing inclusivity, innovation, and entertainment in the sport while maintaining a strong commitment to grassroots development.[2] Originally launched as Ultimate Boxxer, the company pioneered eight-man elimination tournaments that blended professional boxing with music and entertainment elements, attracting a younger audience to the sport.[3] Under Shalom's leadership as CEO, BOXXER has signed a roster of high-profile fighters, including Olympians, world champions, and unbeaten prospects such as Adam Azim and Frazer Clarke.[4] The promotion has delivered record-breaking events, including sell-out world championship bouts and partnerships with major betting firms like Betfred and bet365.[2][5] In August 2025, BOXXER secured a landmark broadcast deal with the BBC, marking the return of live professional boxing to free-to-air primetime Saturday night television and BBC iPlayer after 25 years.[6] This partnership aims to showcase world-class fights to a broader audience, highlighting emerging talents.[7] BOXXER's innovative approach extends to collaborations with digital creators like That Prize Guy for enhanced fan engagement and merchandise lines that appeal to the next generation of boxing enthusiasts.[8]History
Founding and Early Development
Boxxer was founded in 2018 by Ben Shalom, a 23-year-old former lawyer from Manchester who became the youngest licensed boxing promoter in British history after securing his license from the British Boxing Board of Control. To fund his entry into the industry, Shalom borrowed £10,000, reflecting the modest beginnings of the venture amid a landscape dominated by established promoters.[1][9][10] Initially operating as Ultimate Boxxer, the company introduced an innovative one-night, eight-man elimination tournament format designed to accelerate careers for up-and-coming professionals while delivering high-entertainment value to audiences through competitive, high-stakes bouts. The debut event, Ultimate Boxxer I, occurred on April 27, 2018, at the Manchester Arena, featuring unbeaten welterweight fighters vying for a share of a £50,000 prize pool, with the winner earning approximately £16,000 plus promotional contracts. Broadcast live on free-to-air channel 5Spike, the tournament drew significant attention for its fresh approach, blending boxing with entertainment elements like music performances to broaden appeal.[11][12][13][14] In its formative phase through 2019–2020, Ultimate Boxxer expanded the series across weight classes, hosting events at venues such as the Indigo at The O2 in London and maintaining free-to-air accessibility via 5Spike and digital platforms like Facebook through SPORTbible partnerships. This grassroots focus on undiscovered talent and inclusive programming helped the promotion overcome initial financial constraints, fostering rapid growth and establishing a niche for tournament-style boxing in the UK. By prioritizing fighter development and fan engagement over traditional single-bout cards, the early events laid the groundwork for Boxxer's emergence as a disruptive force in professional boxing.[15][16]Rebranding and Growth
In August 2020, Ultimate Boxxer rebranded to BOXXER, marking the transition to phase two of its professional boxing operations. Founded by Ben Shalom, the rebranding emphasized long-term fighter development, elevating event production while preserving the innovative tournament format that had defined its early success across six completed events. This shift allowed BOXXER to expand beyond tournaments into larger-scale promotional cards, fostering broader appeal among fans and broadcasters who had responded positively to the initial model.[17] Post-rebranding, BOXXER experienced rapid growth, driven by strategic signings and innovative event formats. By 2022, the promoter had secured high-profile talents including Jack Catterall, Savannah Marshall, Natasha Jonas, Joseph Parker, and Olympic medalists like Ben Whittaker, enabling it to host more UK events than any other promoter that year across cities such as London, Manchester, and Glasgow. Broadcasts reached over 150 territories via partnerships with ESPN+ in the US, Fox Sports in Australia, and MBC Group in the Middle East and North Africa, culminating in record viewership figures: over 2 million global viewers for the all-female Shields vs. Marshall card, Sky Sports' most-watched women's sports event, and exceeding 500,000 pay-per-view buys for Khan vs. Brook. This expansion solidified BOXXER's position as a next-generation promoter focused on inclusivity and entertainment.[18] The trajectory continued into 2024 with unprecedented audience and business expansion. Social media following surged by more than 300%, making BOXXER the most-followed UK boxing promoter on Instagram, while landmark events like the Wardley vs. Clarke bout, which drew a peak audience of 746,000 on Sky Sports, and the 96,000-attendee Wembley Stadium show on September 21. Key signings such as Chris Eubank Jr. in July, alongside extensions for Caroline Dubois and Viddal Riley, bolstered the roster, supported by global partnerships including Riyadh Season, Betfred, and international TV deals with Star Times in Sub-Saharan Africa and BeTV in Belgium and Luxembourg. In 2025, following the non-renewal of its Sky Sports deal, BOXXER secured a historic multi-year broadcast agreement with BBC Sport, announced on August 8, returning live professional boxing to free-to-air primetime television and BBC iPlayer to enhance accessibility for younger and diverse audiences. This deal, featuring selected undercard bouts and behind-the-scenes content across BBC platforms, underscores BOXXER's commitment to mainstreaming the sport through transparent, talent-led strategies.[19][20][21][7]Key Milestones and Achievements
Boxxer's journey from a startup tournament series to a leading UK boxing promoter has been marked by several pivotal developments that underscore its rapid ascent and innovative approach to the sport. The inaugural Ultimate Boxxer event took place on April 27, 2018, at the Manchester Arena, featuring an eight-man elimination tournament with unbeaten prospects competing for a promotional contract and a share of a £50,000 prize pool, establishing the company's unique entertainment-focused format.[11] In March 2019, Ultimate Boxxer secured its first major broadcast partnership with BT Sport, committing to air at least five events annually, which expanded its visibility and attracted a broader audience to the tournament-style shows.[22] A significant evolution occurred in August 2020 when Ultimate Boxxer rebranded to BOXXER, signaling a shift toward long-term fighter development, larger-scale events, and title bouts while retaining the core tournament concept; this move followed six successful shows and included the signing of its first dedicated fighter, super middleweight Derrick Osaze.[23] In June 2021, BOXXER inked an exclusive four-year broadcast deal with Sky Sports, valued for its commitment to UK talent and running through 2025, which facilitated high-profile signings and stacked cards that revitalized Sky's boxing output.[24] The promotion continued its momentum in April 2022 by signing Olympic gold medalist Lauren Price MBE and bronze medalist Karriss Artingstall to long-term deals, marking BOXXER's entry into promoting elite amateur transitions and enhancing its roster with world-class prospects.[25] By 2024, BOXXER had emerged as the UK's fastest-growing promoter, achieving over 300% growth in social media followers and delivering record-breaking UK events, including a peak TV audience of 746,000 for a main event at London's O2 Arena; founder Ben Shalom was also named one of Sports Illustrated's "Most Influential People in Boxing" that year for his transformative leadership.[19][26] In August 2025, BOXXER announced a multi-year free-to-air broadcast agreement with BBC Sport, returning live boxing to BBC television and iPlayer in primetime slots starting that autumn, a landmark move to broaden accessibility and compete with pay-TV dominance in the UK market. The inaugural event, titled The Future Now and headlined by Frazer Clarke vs. Jeamie TKV, was originally scheduled for October 25, 2025, in Derby but rescheduled to November 29, 2025.[27][28]Broadcasting and Partnerships
Sky Sports Collaboration
In June 2021, Boxxer announced an exclusive four-year broadcast partnership with Sky Sports, committing the promoter to the broadcaster until 2025.[24] The deal, valued at £36 million, aimed to revitalize British boxing coverage by featuring a mix of high-profile UK fighters and international bouts, alongside support for grassroots development in collaboration with the British Boxing Board of Control.[21] Sky Sports executive Jonathan Licht described the agreement as a way to deliver "world-class boxing" to fans, emphasizing Boxxer's modern promotional approach.[29] The partnership enabled Sky Sports to broadcast a robust schedule of Boxxer events, starting with the UK launch in August 2021 and including detailed programming revealed later that year.[24] Notable early cards featured the BOXXER Series super lightweight tournament on November 6, 2021, at M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, where Cori Gibbs won the one-night eight-man event, marking the first live broadcast under the deal.[30] Subsequent broadcasts highlighted Boxxer's tournament-style series, such as the BOXXER Series in Coventry in April 2022, where British lightweights competed for progression in a knockout format, and the Manchester cruiserweight quarter-finals on May 14, 2022, showcasing emerging talents like Ellis Zorro.[31][32] These events were aired live on Sky Sports Action and Main Event channels, reaching subscribers across the UK and Ireland while also distributing to over 150 territories worldwide.[33] Boxxer founder Ben Shalom praised Sky Sports as the "bedrock of British boxing," noting the deal's potential to elevate both elite and amateur levels of the sport.[24] The collaboration facilitated innovative formats, including the Ultimate Boxxer series, which combined boxing with entertainment elements and drew significant viewership during its runs from 2018 onward, though intensified under the Sky partnership.[29] However, by mid-2025, audience engagement for some cards had waned compared to prior promotions like Matchroom, contributing to Sky Sports' decision not to renew the exclusive agreement upon its expiration in June 2025.[21] Post-expiration, Sky Sports shifted toward non-exclusive deals with multiple promoters to diversify its boxing portfolio, while Boxxer pursued free-to-air opportunities elsewhere.[21] Despite the split, both parties explored limited future collaborations, underscoring the partnership's role in sustaining Boxxer's visibility during a pivotal growth phase.[21]BBC Sport Agreement
In August 2025, Boxxer, a leading UK boxing promotion company, entered into a multi-year broadcast agreement with BBC Sport, sponsored in part by Riyadh Season, marking the return of live professional boxing to free-to-air primetime television after an absence of several years.[6] The deal, announced on August 8, 2025, enables selected Boxxer events to air on BBC Two during Saturday night slots, with streaming availability on BBC iPlayer, alongside supplementary content such as undercard bouts, fighter features, and behind-the-scenes footage distributed via the BBC Sport website, app, BBC Sounds, and social channels.[34] This partnership follows the conclusion of Boxxer's previous four-year contract with Sky Sports in June 2025, which was valued at £36 million and focused on pay-TV distribution.[27] The agreement emphasizes accessibility, aiming to expose world-class boxing to broader UK audiences, including families and younger viewers, by removing paywall barriers that had limited the sport's visibility on free platforms.[6] Boxxer's roster, which includes prominent fighters like Olympic gold medalist Lauren Price, undefeated lightweight Adam Azim, and heavyweight prospect Frazer Clarke, will feature in these broadcasts, supporting the promoter's mission to nurture next-generation talent.[27] While the financial terms of the BBC deal remain undisclosed, it complements Boxxer's ongoing pay-per-view arrangements with platforms like DAZN for major events, allowing a hybrid model that balances free exposure with premium revenue streams.[27] The inaugural event under the agreement was initially set for October 25, 2025, at the Vaillant Live Arena in Derby, headlined by a British heavyweight title clash between Frazer Clarke and Jeamie TKV.[35] However, due to a rib injury sustained by TKV during training, the bout and the entire card were rescheduled to November 29, 2025, still airing live on BBC Two from the same venue.[36] This delay ensures the fight remains the centerpiece of Boxxer's BBC debut, with undercard action—including promising debuts like that of 20-year-old super-featherweight Francesca Hennessy—streamed in advance on iPlayer.[37] BBC Sport director Alex Kay-Jelski hailed the collaboration as "an exciting moment for us and for boxing fans," noting its potential to revitalize the sport's presence on public service broadcasting.[7] Boxxer founder and CEO Ben Shalom echoed this sentiment, describing the partnership as "a historic moment" that would deliver "big-time British boxing on Saturday night TV" to millions.[27] By prioritizing free-to-air delivery, the agreement aligns with broader efforts to grow boxing's domestic fanbase amid declining subscription-based viewership trends in the UK.[6]Other Media Ventures
Boxxer has expanded its global footprint through strategic international broadcasting partnerships, focusing on key markets outside its primary UK collaborations. In October 2023, the promoter entered the United States market via a landmark media rights agreement with NBC Sports, which positioned Boxxer as an exclusive provider of boxing content on the network.[38] The NBC deal encompassed multiple events annually, with live streams on the Peacock platform and select main events broadcast on NBC's linear channels, integrating Boxxer's programming into a portfolio that includes the Olympics and Premier League soccer. It launched on October 21, 2023, featuring the light heavyweight clash between Joshua Buatsi and Dan Azeez at London's O2 Arena, produced in collaboration with Sky Sports for high-quality transatlantic distribution. This partnership enhanced visibility for Boxxer's roster, including rising stars like Adam Azim and Shannon Ryan, among U.S. audiences until its conclusion in December 2024.[39][40] In March 2025, Boxxer targeted Eastern Europe with an exclusive media rights pact with Megogo, a leading OTT streaming service in Ukraine, to deliver live coverage of its events to local fans. The agreement, brokered to broaden accessibility in the region, debuted with the Ben Whittaker vs. Liam Cameron light heavyweight rematch on April 20, 2025, at the bp pulse LIVE arena in Birmingham, streamed exclusively on Megogo. This venture underscores Boxxer's commitment to digital platforms for underserved markets, complementing its emphasis on innovative event formats.[41][42] Boxxer also leverages digital media for broader engagement, operating an official YouTube channel that distributes fight highlights, behind-the-scenes footage, and promotional series featuring talents like Moses Itauma and Tommy Fletcher, amassing millions of views to build international fanbases.[43]Event Formats
Tournament-Style Events
Boxxer's tournament-style events represent a distinctive format in professional boxing, emphasizing high-stakes, single-night competitions designed to accelerate the careers of emerging fighters. These events, which originated with the Ultimate Boxxer series in 2018, feature eight participants competing in an elimination bracket to determine a winner in one evening, combining rapid pacing with substantial prize money and promotional opportunities. The structure aims to inject excitement into the sport by condensing multiple bouts into a tournament arc, drawing comparisons to historical boxing eliminators while adapting modern entertainment elements like LED ring posts and celebrity judges.[12][44] The core format consists of four quarter-final bouts, followed immediately by two semi-finals and a grand final, all contested under short-form rules of three three-minute rounds to maintain intensity and reduce fatigue. Fighters are typically selected from promising prospects or fringe contenders in specific weight classes, such as welterweights or lightweights, ensuring competitive matchups that highlight speed and strategy over endurance. Victors advance progressively, with the tournament culminating in a champion who claims a "Golden Robe" trophy, a cash prize—often around £100,000—and a potential title shot or high-profile contract. This setup has been praised for its "fast, ferocious" nature, fostering underdog stories and explosive knockouts that captivate audiences.[45][46][47] Launched under the Ultimate Boxxer banner, the first event took place on April 26, 2018, at the Camden Centre in London, featuring unbeaten welterweights and broadcast on Free Sports, marking Boxxer's innovative entry into promotional boxing. The series expanded rapidly, with subsequent installments like Ultimate Boxxer IV in 2019 at Manchester's AO Arena showcasing cruiserweights and attracting over 5,000 spectators, underscoring the format's appeal for regional talent development. In 2021, amid a rebranding, the concept evolved into the BOXXER Series, debuting on November 6 in Liverpool with super-lightweights; this iteration introduced enhanced production, including Sky Sports coverage and partnerships for broader reach. Later examples, such as the April 2022 lightweight tournament at Coventry's Skydome Arena, continued the tradition, offering participants career-defining exposure while maintaining the one-night elimination ethos.[48][49][50] These events have significantly impacted British boxing by providing a platform for grassroots fighters to bypass traditional multi-event paths, with winners like Shakan Pitters from Ultimate Boxxer I securing British title opportunities shortly after. The format's emphasis on inclusivity and innovation aligns with Boxxer's mission, though critics note the physical demands of successive fights in a single night. Overall, tournament-style events have solidified Boxxer's reputation for blending sport and spectacle, influencing similar promotions globally.[51][52]Standard Promotion Cards
Standard promotion cards form a core component of Boxxer's event lineup, adhering to the traditional structure of professional boxing promotions with a headline main event supported by an undercard of 8-12 preliminary fights across multiple weight classes. These events prioritize individual high-profile matchups, often involving title defenses or elimination bouts, to showcase both established stars and emerging prospects in a linear format that contrasts with the company's multi-fighter tournament series.[53] Introduced alongside Boxxer's founding in 2018 by promoter Ben Shalom, standard cards have evolved to complement the innovative tournament formats, enabling broader talent development and larger-scale productions at prominent UK venues such as the O2 Arena in London and AO Arena in Manchester. They emphasize entertainment value through diverse undercards that mix knockout potential with technical skill, typically lasting 3-4 hours and attracting crowds of 5,000 to 20,000 spectators depending on the billing. For example, the March 31, 2024, card at The O2 headlined by Fabio Wardley vs. Frazer Clarke for the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles exemplified this approach, featuring a stacked lineup including Moses Itauma's professional debut and drawing praise for its competitive depth.[26] Broadcast partnerships have amplified the reach of these cards, with many airing live on Sky Sports or Channel 5 to UK audiences, fostering greater accessibility and fan engagement compared to pay-per-view models. A notable instance is the June 15, 2024, event at Selhurst Park in London, headlined by Chris Billam-Smith's WBO cruiserweight title defense against Richard Riakporhe, which included supporting fights like Isaac Chamberlain vs. Jack Massey and was viewed by over 1 million on Sky Sports, marking a milestone in Boxxer's mainstream integration.[20] Recent standard cards have increasingly incorporated international elements and rematches to heighten drama, such as the September 2, 2023, showdown at Manchester's AO Arena between Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr., a highly anticipated rematch that headlined a card with prospects like Aqib Fiaz and Ben Crocker, reinforcing the format's role in sustaining Boxxer's growth amid a competitive promotional landscape. The November 15, 2025, card at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, featuring Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn 2 as the main event, elevated this tradition with an attendance exceeding 60,000 and global streaming options.[54]Ultimate Boxxer Series
Ultimate Boxxer I
Ultimate Boxxer I was the inaugural event in the Ultimate Boxxer series, held on 27 April 2018 at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England.[55][56] The tournament featured eight undefeated professional welterweights competing in a single-elimination format, consisting of four quarterfinal bouts (each three rounds of three minutes), two semifinals, and a final, all under professional rules.[55][56] The event was hosted by British DJ and presenter Charlie Sloth, with a guest performance by rapper Big Narstie adding entertainment value between fights.[55] The prize for the winner included a substantial cash award and promotional contracts, designed to launch the victor's career with Boxxer.[55] The eight participants, all with unblemished records, were drawn into the following bracket: Drew Brown (4-0) versus Jimmy Cooper (3-0); Kaisee Benjamin (2-0) versus Sam Evans (3-0); Tom Young (3-0) versus Ben Eland (4-0); and Isaac Macleod (2-0) versus Andy Kremner (3-0).[55][56] In the quarterfinals, Brown defeated Cooper by unanimous decision, showcasing aggressive pressure throughout; Evans outpointed Benjamin in a competitive matchup; Young stopped Eland in the second round with a body shot; and Macleod edged Kremner on points after a tactical battle.[55][57] The semifinals saw Brown advance past Evans via majority decision, relying on volume punching, while Young secured a unanimous decision over Macleod with superior footwork and combinations.[55][57] The final pitted Brown against Young, where Brown's relentless forward pressure and higher output led to a unanimous decision victory after three rounds, crowning him the inaugural Ultimate Boxxer champion at age 22.[55][57] The event drew attention for its innovative one-night tournament structure, which compressed high-stakes action into a single evening and highlighted emerging British talent.[56]| Stage | Matchup | Result | Method/Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarterfinal 1 | Drew Brown vs. Jimmy Cooper | Brown wins | Unanimous Decision |
| Quarterfinal 2 | Sam Evans vs. Kaisee Benjamin | Evans wins | Unanimous Decision |
| Quarterfinal 3 | Tom Young vs. Ben Eland | Young wins | TKO Round 2 |
| Quarterfinal 4 | Isaac Macleod vs. Andy Kremner | Macleod wins | Unanimous Decision |
| Semifinal 1 | Drew Brown vs. Sam Evans | Brown wins | Majority Decision |
| Semifinal 2 | Tom Young vs. Isaac Macleod | Young wins | Unanimous Decision |
| Final | Drew Brown vs. Tom Young | Brown wins | Unanimous Decision |
Ultimate Boxxer II
Ultimate Boxxer II was a light-heavyweight knockout tournament held on November 2, 2018, at Indigo at The O2 in London, England, featuring eight British prospects competing in a single-elimination format for a share of a £50,000 prize pot.[58][59] The event marked the second installment in Boxxer's Ultimate Boxxer series, emphasizing fast-paced, high-stakes bouts to showcase emerging talent on free-to-air television.[59] The tournament aired live on Channel 5 and SPORTbible via Facebook starting at 8:15 p.m. GMT, drawing attention for its accessible broadcast model aimed at broadening boxing's audience in the UK.[58] Quarterfinal bouts opened the card, with Joel McIntyre defeating Darrell Church by unanimous decision after flooring his opponent in the first round, while Dec Spelman advanced via second-round TKO against Sam Horsfall, scoring three knockdowns in a dominant display.[60] Shakan Pitters progressed by unanimous decision over Sam Smith, controlling the later rounds, and Georgii Bacon edged Jordan Joseph on a split decision following mutual knockdowns in the opener.[60] In the semifinals, Spelman continued his momentum with a majority decision victory over McIntyre, highlighted by reciprocal knockdowns in the second round, setting up an all-prospect final.[60] Pitters secured his spot by TKO in the second round against Bacon, dropping him twice to force the stoppage.[60] The final saw Pitters claim the title with a three-round unanimous decision over Spelman (scores of 30-26 twice and 29-27), including a first-round knockdown that underscored his technical edge and poise under pressure.[61][62] An undercard bout featured Idris Virgo defeating Vaidas Balciauskas by four-round decision, adding depth to the evening's professional fights.[60] Pitters' victory propelled his career, maintaining his undefeated record at 10-0 and earning him recognition as a rising light-heavyweight contender, while the event's raw intensity and free broadcast helped solidify Boxxer's reputation for innovative promotion.[63][64]Ultimate Boxxer III
Ultimate Boxxer III, subtitled "The Middleweights," was the third installment in the Ultimate Boxxer tournament series, featuring an eight-man single-elimination competition in the middleweight division (160 lbs). Held on May 10, 2019, at the Indigo at The O2 in London, the event showcased seven fights in one night, with the winner earning a golden robe and a share of a £50,000 prize pot. Broadcast live on BT Sport, it highlighted emerging British talent and drew a capacity crowd for its high-stakes format.[65] The tournament bracket included undefeated or lightly defeated prospects, emphasizing knockout potential and endurance under pressure. Quarterfinal bouts were scheduled as three-rounders, progressing to semifinals and a final under the same structure. The event's draw, revealed by former heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs, set up competitive matchups among fighters from across the UK.[66]Tournament Results
| Stage | Matchup | Result | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarterfinal 1 | Kieron Conway vs. Kaan Hawes | Conway win (UD 3) | Scores: 30-27, 30-27, 30-27 |
| Quarterfinal 2 | Tey Lynn-Jones vs. Derrick Osaze | Osaze win (UD 3) | Scores: 29-27, 29-27, 29-27 |
| Quarterfinal 3 | Sean Phillips vs. Josh Groombridge | Phillips win (TKO 1) | Stopped at 2:08 |
| Quarterfinal 4 | Joe Hurn vs. Grant Dennis | Dennis win (TKO 3) | Stopped at 1:45 |
| Semifinal 1 | Kieron Conway vs. Derrick Osaze | Osaze win (SD 3) | Scores: 29-28, 29-28, 28-29 |
| Semifinal 2 | Sean Phillips vs. Grant Dennis | Dennis win (UD 3) | Scores: 29-28, 29-28, 29-28 |
| Final | Derrick Osaze vs. Grant Dennis | Osaze win (MD 3) | Scores: 29-27, 29-27, 28-28 |
Ultimate Boxxer IV
Ultimate Boxxer IV was a cruiserweight tournament event in the Ultimate Boxxer series, organized by the British boxing promotion company Boxxer and held on July 19, 2019, at the Planet Ice Arena in Altrincham, Manchester.[67] The format featured eight professional boxers competing in a single-elimination bracket with quarterfinals, semifinals, and a final all contested on the same night, mirroring the high-stakes, rapid-pace structure of previous installments.[68] The winner earned the symbolic Golden Robe and a share of a £50,000 prize pool, with the event broadcast live on BT Sport.[69] Undefeated Londoner Mikael Lawal entered as the overwhelming favorite, given his 9-0 record with six knockouts, and ultimately claimed the title by navigating the bracket undefeated.[69][70] The quarterfinals showcased a mix of established prospects and veterans in the 200-pound division, setting the stage for intense action. Lawal opened the tournament with a competitive win over Antony Woolery, dropping the American-born fighter with a right hook in the early going before securing a majority decision victory.[71] In a closely contested second quarterfinal, Scottish debutant David Jamieson edged out unbeaten Dan Cooper via majority decision after three tight rounds.[71] Rising star Rhasian Earlington made a statement by stopping former Commonwealth champion Tony Conquest, forcing the veteran to retire on his stool after a punishing performance that highlighted Earlington's power.[71][70] Rounding out the quarterfinals, local favorite Damian Chambers dominated Matt Sen, securing a technical knockout when Sen's corner threw in the towel.[71] The semifinals elevated the drama, with Lawal advancing past Jamieson in a hard-fought three-round affair that went the distance, demonstrating Lawal's technical edge and conditioning under tournament pressure.[72] The other semifinal pitted Chambers against Earlington in what became the event's standout bout, a brutal war featuring non-stop exchanges and described by analysts as one of the greatest fights in Ultimate Boxxer history; Chambers prevailed narrowly to reach the final.[71][73][70] In the final, Lawal justified his favoritism by stopping Chambers in emphatic fashion, landing a barrage of punches that led to a first-round technical knockout after just 94 seconds, earning widespread praise for his destructive power.[71][70] The victory propelled Lawal's professional record to 12-0 with eight knockouts, positioning him as a rising force in the cruiserweight division.[74]| Stage | Matchup | Result | Method/Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarterfinal 1 | Mikael Lawal vs. Antony Woolery | Lawal win | Majority decision (3 rounds) |
| Quarterfinal 2 | David Jamieson vs. Dan Cooper | Jamieson win | Majority decision (3 rounds) |
| Quarterfinal 3 | Rhasian Earlington vs. Tony Conquest | Earlington win | TKO (retirement after round 3) |
| Quarterfinal 4 | Damian Chambers vs. Matt Sen | Chambers win | TKO (corner stoppage, round 2) |
| Semifinal 1 | Mikael Lawal vs. David Jamieson | Lawal win | Unanimous decision (3 rounds) |
| Semifinal 2 | Damian Chambers vs. Rhasian Earlington | Chambers win | Majority decision (3 rounds) |
| Final | Mikael Lawal vs. Damian Chambers | Lawal win | TKO (round 1, 1:34) |
Ultimate Boxxer V
Ultimate Boxxer V was a professional boxing tournament held on 20 September 2019 at the Indigo at The O2 in Greenwich, London, UK, featuring eight super welterweight contenders competing in a one-night knockout format for a share of a £50,000 prize pool and the Golden Robe trophy.[75][76] The event was the fifth installment in the Ultimate Boxxer series, organized by promoter Ben Shalom's company, and broadcast live on BT Sport.[77] It included 13 bouts in total, with the main tournament consisting of four quarter-finals, two semi-finals, and a final, all scheduled for three rounds unless stopped early.[78] The quarter-final draw was conducted live on BT Sport on 3 September 2019, pairing the fighters as follows: Lenny Fuller vs. Kingsley Egbunike, Kaan Hawes vs. Joshua Ejakpovi, Lewis Syrett vs. Sean Robinson, and Ishmael O'Connor vs. Steven Donnelly.[79] In the quarter-finals, Fuller secured a first-round TKO victory over Egbunike at 1:49, Ejakpovi won a unanimous decision against Hawes, Robinson defeated Syrett by unanimous decision, and 2012 Olympic bronze medalist Donnelly stopped O'Connor in the first round at 2:50.[80] The semi-finals saw Fuller advance with a unanimous decision over Ejakpovi (60-54), while Donnelly outpointed Robinson via unanimous decision.[80] In the final, tournament favorite Donnelly, hailing from Ballymena, Northern Ireland, achieved a second-round TKO stoppage at 1:33 against Fuller, securing the title after winning all three of his bouts on the night and claiming the largest share of the prize money.[81][80] Donnelly's performance highlighted his transition from amateur success to professional dominance, marking a significant milestone in the series' effort to spotlight emerging talents.[81]| Stage | Bout | Result | Method | Round/Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quarter-Final 1 | Lenny Fuller vs. Kingsley Egbunike | Fuller wins | TKO | 1 / 1:49 |
| Quarter-Final 2 | Joshua Ejakpovi vs. Kaan Hawes | Ejakpovi wins | Unanimous Decision | 3 rounds |
| Quarter-Final 3 | Sean Robinson vs. Lewis Syrett | Robinson wins | Unanimous Decision | 3 rounds |
| Quarter-Final 4 | Steven Donnelly vs. Ishmael O'Connor | Donnelly wins | TKO | 1 / 2:50 |
| Semi-Final 1 | Lenny Fuller vs. Joshua Ejakpovi | Fuller wins | Unanimous Decision | 3 / 60-54 |
| Semi-Final 2 | Steven Donnelly vs. Sean Robinson | Donnelly wins | Unanimous Decision | 3 rounds |
| Final | Steven Donnelly vs. Lenny Fuller | Donnelly wins | TKO | 2 / 1:33 |
Ultimate Boxxer VI
Ultimate Boxxer VI, held on December 13, 2019, at the Planet Ice Arena in Altrincham, near Manchester, England, introduced the series' first all-heavyweight tournament format. Eight undefeated or lightly defeated prospects competed in a single-elimination bracket for the signature Golden Robe and a £50,000 prize, diverging from previous mixed-weight events to spotlight the heavyweight division's potential. The card was broadcast live on BT Sport to a sold-out audience, emphasizing Boxxer's innovative tournament style with rapid-fire bouts building to a climactic final.[82][83] The tournament unfolded over seven heavyweight fights, starting with quarterfinals that showcased aggressive, high-stakes action. In the opening bout, Mark Bennett edged out Jay McFarlane via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29), demonstrating superior footwork and counterpunching. Josh Sandland advanced by stopping Kamil Sokolowski in the first round, capitalizing on his power advantage early. Nick Webb progressed past Chris Healey on a split decision (29-28 twice for Webb, 29-28 for Healey), relying on volume punching to overcome a resilient opponent. Completing the quarterfinals, Danny Whitaker defeated Jonathan Palata by unanimous decision (29-28 x3), controlling the pace with effective jabbing. These results set up intense semifinals, highlighting the tournament's knockout potential while testing endurance across multiple bouts in one night.[84][85] The semifinals intensified the drama, with Bennett securing a unanimous decision victory over Sandland (29-26 x2, 29-28) after dropping his opponent twice, showcasing improved finishing ability. Meanwhile, Webb delivered a first-round TKO against Whitaker at 2:59, overwhelming him with heavy shots to advance to the final. The championship bout pitted the undefeated Bennett against the battle-tested Webb, resulting in a unanimous decision win for Webb (30-27 x3) after three grueling rounds of exchanges. Webb's resilience and power punching earned him the Golden Robe, marking a career-defining moment and elevating his profile in the heavyweight ranks.[84][83] The undercard featured promising prospects in non-tournament bouts, adding depth to the evening. Albanian welterweight Florian Marku impressed with a unanimous decision over Nathan Bendon (scores not specified), generating buzz among attendees including Arsenal footballer Granit Xhaka. Other results included Ryan Oliver's points win over William Warburton, Jack Booth's decision victory against Vaidas Balciauskas, and Khaleel Majid's second-round TKO of Istvan Kovacs, providing a mix of experience-building fights for emerging talents. Overall, Ultimate Boxxer VI reinforced the promotion's reputation for fast-paced, discovery-driven events, with Webb's triumph underscoring the format's ability to create instant stars.[85][83]| Stage | Matchup | Result | Method/Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarterfinal 1 | Mark Bennett vs. Jay McFarlane | Bennett wins | Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) |
| Quarterfinal 2 | Josh Sandland vs. Kamil Sokolowski | Sandland wins | 1st Round Stoppage |
| Quarterfinal 3 | Nick Webb vs. Chris Healey | Webb wins | Split Decision (29-28 x2 Webb, 29-28 Healey) |
| Quarterfinal 4 | Danny Whitaker vs. Jonathan Palata | Whitaker wins | Unanimous Decision (29-28 x3) |
| Semifinal 1 | Mark Bennett vs. Josh Sandland | Bennett wins | Unanimous Decision (29-26 x2, 29-28) |
| Semifinal 2 | Nick Webb vs. Danny Whitaker | Webb wins | TKO (Round 1, 2:59) |
| Final | Nick Webb vs. Mark Bennett | Webb wins | Unanimous Decision (30-27 x3) |