LIAM WALSH V JOE MURRAY, PLUS DERECK CHISORA AND FRANKIE GAVIN ADDED TO BIG COPPER BOX ARENA OPENING NIGHT

Someones ‘0’ will go between undefeated fighters Billy Joe Saunders, John Ryder, Liam Walsh and Joe Murray at the grand opening of the Copper Box Arena on Saturday 21st September.

The four fighters, who have a combined record of 51 wins, no losses, and 35 knockouts,  came head-to-head today ahead of their showdowns and are promising fireworks on the big night, live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch. 546).

The domestic belter between Saunders, the British Middleweight Champion, and  mandatory challenger Ryder is one of the most highly anticipated fights in Britain at the moment.

Saunders has already claimed an unbeaten scalp in Gary O’Sullivan earlier this month with a punch-perfect performance to add the WBO International title to his Commonwealth and British titles.

“The O’Sullivan performance was the best of my career, but that’s in the past, Ryder is next and he’s the biggest threat to my career.  He’s a good strong fighter and a real fighting man.  I’ve got to produce the goods against Ryder.  He’s out to get my British title, but there’s no way he’s getting hold of it.” Said Saunders

Islington puncher Ryder is also in top form after stopping Yoann Bloyer inside two rounds earlier this month to prepare for his big title opportunity.

“Roll on the 21st September at the Copper Box Arena.  I’m ready to take that British title from Saunders.  He had a good win against O’Sullivan but I’m a totally different fighter to him and he won’t get the chance to do what he did to him against me,” Said Ryder

Promoter Frank Warren also confirmed today that Cromer ace Walsh will defend his Commonwealth Super-Featherweight title against Manchester’s Joe Murray with the Vacant WBO Intercontinental belt also on the line.

Walsh was involved in a thriller against world champion Scott Harrison in April and beat the gritty Scotsman on points to claim the WBO European Lightweight title, but steps back down to super-feather for the showdown with Murray.

“After coming off a career best win against Harrison, I’m heading straight into a clash against a good unbeaten challenger in Joe.  I’ll have fantastic support with me on the night as I do for all my fights and the Copper Box will be rocking from the noise my crowd will make.  I’ve had cracking battles against Paul Appleby and Harrison in the Capital and this will be no different.” Said Walsh.

Stellar amateur Murray, who’s brother John was a former British and European Lightweight Champion, challenges for the second pro title in his career and reckons he’ll end Walsh’s winning run.

Murray said, “This is a step up for me, but I’m ready for the challenge and I know I can beat Walsh and take the title.  You can’t question his heart, he loves to fight and he’s got great skill.  I believe in my own ability and this is my moment to prove it.”

All action heavyweight star Dereck Chisora returns to action following his sensational destruction of unbeaten American Malik Scott at Wembley Arena earlier this month to win the WBO International title.

Talks are ongoing for the possibility of Chisora challenging for the European title at the Copper Box Arena.  Purse bids for the fight between Chisora and champion Kubrat Pulev are being held next week, but it’s looking likely Pulev will vacate the title.

Chisora said, “I’m ready to rock the box on September 21st.  Del Boy is back in business and I don’t care who I fight or who is in the opposite corner, I’m just excited to be back in the ring and doing what I do best, winning.”

British Welterweight Champion Frankie Gavin aims to win his prized Lonsdale belt outright when he makes the third defence against a challenger to be confirmed.

The Birmingham hotshot will also put his Commonwealth title on the line for the first time that he won against Denton Vassell last month, stopping the Manchester powerhouse in seven rounds.

Warren also revealed a written offer of £100,000 had been made to Kell Brook’s promoter for the Sheffield fighter to fight Gavin, but was rejected and instead Brook will fight Vyacheslav Senchenko.

“When I started boxing as a kid my dream was to win the Lonsdale belt and own it.  That dream is nearly here and at the opening of the Copper Box Arena I’ll finally achieve it.  I’m riding on a high at the moment with a great win over Vassell to capture the Commonwealth belt.  I’ll fight anybody out there, I’m not afraid to put my record and titles on the line as you saw against Vassell.  I’d love to fight Brook, I’m not surprised he turned it down, but I know I could he beat him right now.”

Tickets for the Copper Box Arena show are priced at:

£40 Upper Concourse

£50 Lower Seating Bowl

£70 Floor

£120 Ringside

And are available now from:

Eventim*

Box Office: 0844 269 1000

www.eventim.co.uk

*Tickets will be subject to a booking fee.