Undefeated Middleweight Thomas "Cornflake" Lamanna speaks about showdown with Jamaal Davisthis Saturday on GFL

Milville, NJ (August 19, 2014)--This Saturday night at Ballys Atlantic City, undefeated Middleweight Thomas "Cornflake" LaManna (14-0, 7 KO's) steps up to take on battle tested Jamaal Davis (14-11-1, 6 KO's) in the 8-round co-feature that will be headlined by the return of former world title challenger Mike Jones (26-1, 19 KO's) taking on Jaime Herrera in a 10-round Welterweight bout. The show will be streamed live on www.gfl.tv for just $14.99 beginning at 7:30 pm ET. Below is a video interview with LaManna talking about his bout with Davis. Media outlets may use the video by copy/pasting the embedded link  Thomas LaManna  To order the card, click http://www.gfl.tv/event/Fight/Boxing/Peltz-Boxing-Mike-Jones-vs-Jamie-Herrera/2459

Empire State Showdown: Melson-Thompson set for October 20!

 

New York, NY (October 15, 2012) – Captain Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson of New York City by way of Brooklyn, NY will challenge fellow New Yorker Jason Thompson in a six round junior middleweight contest Saturday, October 20 on the inaugural fight card at the Barclays Center.

 

The heavy-handed Thompson fought a number of quality fighters, including contenders Jonathan Gonzalez and Mike Jones, 2008 US Olympian Sadam Ali and junior middleweight prospect Steve Martinez. Although his official professional ledger is 5-6-1 with 4 knockouts, Thompson's anything but a safe opponent. Thompson owns two first round stoppages against previously unbeaten opponents and fought a total of six undefeated fighters.

 

“Thompson’s fought a lot of top guys and he’s not just coming for the paycheck,” said Melson, who is less than a month removed from an impressive victory over Yolexcy Leiva. “He’s also from New York and there’s a ton of pride involved when two guys from the same area face one another. I expect him to have a lot of people in the arena that will be rooting against me and that’s not something I’m accustomed to.”  

 

Since turning pro in November 2010, the West Point graduate’s won 10 of his 11 bouts, displaying solid boxing skills along with good power in both hands. Although he’s won most of his fights handily, Melson recognizes that he’s got to keep improving with every performance.

 

“A lot of people told me my last fight was my best as a pro,” said Melson, who was selected as an alternate for the 2008 Olympics. “There are still things I’m working on and plan to showcase against Thompson. He’s a very tough opponent regardless of what his record is and I’m expecting a solid challenge on Saturday evening.”   

 

Tickets to the first ever boxing card at the brand new Barclays Center are available on Teamfighttowalk.com. The website also has t-shirts and wristbands on sale, with 100% of the money (along with Melson’s entire fight purse) going to Justadollarplease.org to support bringing trials to the United States to cure Spinal Cord Injuries.

 

In association with the 501 (C) 3 nonprofit Justadollarplease.org, Melson and his best friend Christan Zaccagnino created Team Fight to Walk, whose mission is to raise awareness within the boxing community as well as the entire nation about the importance of bringing Clinical Trials to the United States to help cure Spinal Cord Injuries. Team Fight to Walk is comprised of Melson, Zaccagnino, former Rutgers football player/ESPY honoree Eric LeGrand, two-time cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham, title contender DeAndre “The Bull” Latimore, Edgar “El Chamaco” Santana, Hector “Machito” Camacho Jr., 2008 US Olympians Demetrius “Boo” Andrade and Shawn Estrada along with prospects Sid “The Messenger” El Harrak, Jeff “TNT” Spencer, Denis “Da Momma’s Boy” Douglin, Will “Power” Rosinsky, Floriano “Italiano” Pagliara, Danny “Little Mac” McDermott, Vinny “The Lion” O’Brien, Ahmed “Prince of Egypt” Samir and Delen “Sniper” Parsley.

 

For more information or to make a donation, go to teamfighttowalk.com or Justadollarplease.org. All specific questions about the nature of the Clinical Trial to cure Spinal Cord Injury can be sent to boydmelson@yahoo.com.

'Randall Bailey Day' Saturday in Key West

KEY WEST, Fla. (July 23, 2012) - The City of Key West has declared this Saturday as "Randall Bailey Day," honoring the new International Boxing Federation ("IBF") Welterweight World Champion Randall "The Knockout King" Bailey. Now a three-time, two division world champion, Bailey (43-7, 37 KOs) is coming off of a "Knockout of the Year" performance, on June 9, over previously unbeaten Mike Jones (26-1, 19 KOs) for the vacant IBF title. "This is a great honor," Bailey said. "My first fight in Key West was in 2006 and since then the people there have been behind me 100 percent. This world championship isn't just for me; it's for Key West, too." Bailey is scheduled to defend his title on September 8, against former world champion Devon Alexander (23-1, 13 KOs), on Showtime from a site to be determined. "Randall Bailey Day" is also a celebration of boxing in Key West, which will also honor recently retired world champion Glenn "The Road Warrior" Johnson and Sherman "Tank" Williams, who last month upset Chauncy Welliver in Macau to become the World Boxing Organization (WBO) China & Asia Pacific heavyweight champion. Williams, in fact, proudly calls himself a Bahamian with a Conch punch (Conch is a citizen of Key West). Bailey, Johnson and Williams have become role models in Key West, where they always attend boxing shows and work with youth at the local Police Athletic League (PAL) facility, as well as the community at large to encourage youngsters to gain respect for discipline and hard work. Also being honored is Bailey's manager, Si Stern, and Dave Johnson, who are largely responsible for bringing international boxing recognition to Key West. Stern and Johnson have made financial contributions to provide guests with hot dogs and hamburgers, while Coca-Cola and Budweiser have donated beverages. "When Dave and I decided to bring pro boxing to Key West some eight years ago," Stern commented, "it was a dream come true because we knew about the history of boxing in Key West. In the old days, Ernest Hemingway watched Kid Gavilan, the original 'Kid Chocolate,' and other Cuban boxers who fought out of Key West. The City of Key West loved our idea and with the help of the Tourist Development Commission (TDC), Key West boxing became a reality and we are delighted that this day has happened. Who could believe our small city and county now has world champions who call Key West their second home?" Saturday's festivities (3 p.m. ET start) will include a motorcade escorted by two Key West police cars, two motorcycles and two mounted units. Also part of the motorcade will be a Key West Fire Department pumper truck, 60-passenger Conch Train (donated by Historical Tours of America) for PAL participants and their families, plus additional vehicles for the honorees. The Key West Rotary Club is a sponsor of this event. Local boxers such as Jimmy Bowman, Eddie Agin, Danny Van Staaden and others will also be on hand. The celebration culminates at Truman Waterfront, where the honorees will be presented with Honorary Conch status, as well as a proclamation declaring Saturday, July 28, 2012, as "Randall Bailey Day."

Show Randall Bailey The Money

MIAMI, FL (June 21, 2012) - Newly crowned International Boxing Federation ("IBF") Welterweight World Champion Randall "The Knockout King" Bailey is finally in position of leverage with his third world title belt and a recent "Knockout of the Year" performance against previously unbeaten Mike Jones. Now, it's time for this feared slugger to cash in, after 16 often frustrating years as a professional prizefighter. Bailey (43-7, 37 KOs) would love to welcome Floyd "Money" Mayweather Jr. when he gets out of jail in a few months but, if the price is right, Randall also wants to make it perfectly clear that he'll fight any deserving 147-pounder in the world. "I've been avoided forever," Bailey said, "but now I'm coming off a world title fight win that ended with a punch people are going to be talking about for a long time. If I had a choice, I'd fight Mayweather next. I like the way Floyd's fighting. He's not running around so much to try to win on points. He's giving guys an opportunity to hit him and that's my type of fight. "I told him (Jones) that I was going to knock him out. In my mind, that was the only way I'd win the fight. I watched a few of his fights that were close, like the (Jesus Soto) Karrass fight, and I was concerned about winning a decision. I knew when I grazed him in the first round that he'd take off like a thief in the night. The kid ran from me a lot and I caught a lot of his punches with my gloves. I waited for him to sit down for a second. I didn't have that much on my punch (straight right) in the 10th round (Jones was decked for the first time as an amateur or pro) because my leg was twisted. In the 11th, he was laying in under his jab so I couldn't hit him with my overhand right. I decided to back up and as we got closer, he kept his chin down to keep away from my overhand right. It was just natural for me to come with my uppercut like I did. That was my best punch ever. It had so much on it that it looked like my fist was in his face. I hit his nose and it felt like meat coming out." The Knockout http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_5_c8UGlkM "That punch was similar to the punches he knocked out (Jackson Osei) Bonsu and (Frankie) Figueroa with," Bailey's manager Si Stern noted, "but this was the best punch I've ever seen Randall land. I'm so proud of Randall. He's at the top of his game and a three-time world champion. His one punch produced the 'Knockout of the Year', if not the 'Knockout of the Decade'. We have the world title belt and won't fight on the cheap. We already have a half-million dollar offer to fight overseas, so why would we take a cheap fight? Once Mayweather gets out of jail, he won't find a better opponent to fight than Randall Bailey, who is one of the most dangerous fighters in the world. Mayweather-Bailey has the potential to be a classic fight. "We'll listen to any offers - (Paulie) Malignaggi, (Devon) Alexander, (Andre) Berto, (Victor) Ortiz, even (Manny) Pacquiao or (Timothy) Bradley - if the price is right. Randall has been avoided like the plague; they've been scared to death because of his one-punch power. We'll only have one or two opportunities for a big fight before his mandatory is due. It would be crazy for him to fight now for short money." ____________________________________________________________________________________   Randall Bailey Day in Key West, Florida Saturday, July 15 has been named Randall Bailey Day in Key West, Florida. Special festivities honoring Bailey will be held all day, highlighted by a parade through Key West. __________________________________________________________________ The Jones fight was extremely emotional for Bailey, who has rarely expressed himself like he did before and after his last fight. He entered the ring wearing a black mask and broke down in the corner before celebrating his victory. "I wore the mask because I felt I'd been invisible for years," Bailey explained. "Nobody saw me before and I wanted to keep it that way. After all of the talk and pressure I put on myself, training and the sacrifices I made, to do what I did, well, it all came out of me after the fight. It wasn't fake." Bailey also clarified speculation about him fighting Devon Alexander on August 25. "Alexander has to get in line like I had to," Bailey stated. "He must think that they can throw around a few bucks and I'll fight him. What I'm saying is I will fight anybody for the right money." Bailey is 37, celebrating his next birthday September 1, and as remarkable as it is to win a world title at his age, even more impressive is he did it more than a decade after capturing the Interim World Boxing Association ("WBA") Light Welterweight Championship (W-KO3 vs. Demetrio Ceballos), 13 years since his first world title victory for the World Boxing Organization "("WBO") junior welterweight belt in 1999 (W-KO1 vs. Carlos Gonzalez). "If people look at my record," Bailey remarked, "they'll see that I've only had a few tough fights, no Corrales-Castillo type fights. I've only been fighting once a year because opponents have stalled, thinking I'd be getting older. All of that has worked to my advantage. The worst thing that they can do is let me rest. I live a clean life and haven't damaged my body. I'm a young 37 with a lot left in the tank." Patience has finally paid off for the quiet, unassuming Floridian with the huge punch, who got into boxing for the most simple of reasons. "I enjoy fighting," he concluded. "I just love beating the hell out of a guy and then get out of the ring without going to jail for doing it. I got into a lot of street fights as a kid. I wanted to fight without getting into trouble and boxing was the way for me." Call Randall Bailey a late bloomer who has certainly paid his dues in the ring. His stunning stoppage of Jones propelled him into The Ring Magazine ratings at No. 9 and all he wants now is a significant payday, one that he so richly deserves, to take care of his family. Show Randall the money! -30- CONTACT: Bob Trieger, Full Court Press, 978.664.4482, bobtfcp@hotmail.com

.   (L-R) Chico Rivas, Dave Johnson (background), head trainer John David Johnson, and manager Si Stern wth three-time world champion and new IBF Welterweight Champion Randall Bailey.

BROOK: HEROIC FROCH WILL INSPIRE ME

Sheffield star wants to follow Britain’s number one to glory

Kell Brook has vowed to emulate stablemate Carl Froch after watching the Nottingham man become a three-time World champion on Saturday night.

Froch took just five rounds to destroy previously unbeaten IBF super middleweight champion Lucian Bute in front of a sold out Capital FM Arena and the show smashed Sky Sports viewing figures set by Brook when he fought Matthew Hatton in March.

Sheffield sensation Brook faces his toughest test yet when he meets IBF number three Carson Jones in a bout likely to be given official eliminator status by the governing body, and Brook says he has been inspired by The Cobra.

“Carl’s performance on Saturday was just out of this world,” said Brook. “Afterwards he said it was an all-or-nothing night so to go in there with that pressure and produce a performance like that is incredible.”

Brook was ringside with stablemates Darren Barker and Kal Yafai and joined the 9,500 fans in an outburst of joy as Froch followed flurries of punches in the third and fourth rounds to stop the Canadian after 65 seconds of the fifth.

“When the referee stepped in to give the count, everyone thought the fight was all over and the noise was unbelievable,” said Brook. “Carl is the best in Britain without any doubt and a great example to any young fighter. He is an absolute animal in training and totally professional in everything he does. He’s someone I really look up to and lean on ahead of my fights now we’re in the same team.

“I know the size of the task ahead of me on July 7 – he’s obviously totally confident of coming over here and beating me. But just look at what Carl did to Lucian. He said he was insulted that he thought he could come here and beat him and Carl put him in his place – I need to do exactly the same thing because the reward at the end will be a World title shot.”

Before the main event there is a stacked undercard led by two European title rematches as Gavin Rees defends his lightweight title against Derry Mathews and Kerry Hope defends the European middleweight title against Greg Proksa. One of Matchroom Sport’s newest signings Kal Yafai also makes his debut on the undercard.

Tickets for Kell Brook vs. Carson Jones featuring European title rematches between Gavin Rees and Derry Mathews and Kerry Hope and Greg Proksa and Kal Yafai’s debut are on sale now priced £30, £40, £60, and £100 from the Motorpoint Arena Sheffield box office on 0114 256 5656 and at www.motorpointarenasheffield.com.

VIP packages will be sold exclusively by Matchroom Sport priced £150 on 01277 359900 or at  www.matchroomboxing.com. The package includes inner ringside seating (front seven rows), pre-fight party from 5.30pm-8pm with complimentary beer, wine, soft drinks and canapés. (The bar will stay open as a pay bar after 8pm.)

BROOK AND JONES DRAW BATTLE LINES IN SHEFFIELD

July 7 show set to sizzle after duo clash at press conference

Kell Brook’s IBF welterweight clash with Carson Jones on July 7 at the Motorpoint Arena Sheffield promises fireworks after the pair clashed at today’s press conference at the venue.

The stakes couldn’t be higher for the pair as IBF number three ranked Jones travels from his Oklahoma home to Sheffield to face hometown star Brook who is ranked two places below him at five.

With the vacant title to be decided by a June meeting between number one ranked Mike Jones and number two Randall Bailey, the winner of Brook and Jones’ clash is likely to be given mandatory challenger status when the belt is decided, and Brook admitted he was riled by the American who bragged that he would stop the unbeaten Ingle Gym product in front of his home fans.

“He’s very brash and has a lot to say, and he’s got under my skin if I’m honest,” said Brook. “Talk is cheap though and I’m not interested in what he claims he’s going to do to me in front of my fans. I can assure you though that he is not coming to my town to beat me up and he better get some sightseeing in as he will need some good memories to take back to the States as I’m going to be a nightmare for him on July 7.

“It’s not going to go 12 rounds. I was too nice against Matthew Hatton and this time you are going to see the nasty side of Kell Brook. He’s the final step towards a World title and he’s not going to get in my way.”

Jones – a year younger than Brook at 25 – has won his last eight fights inside the distance and vowed to silence Brook’s hometown fans and stretch that record to nine.

“Inviting me to come over here to fight Brook is a big mistake,” said Jones. “He may have 9,000 fans on the night against five for me, but when we get in the ring it’s just me and him – he might think he’s a beast but I am a monster.”

Before the main event there is a stacked undercard led by two European title rematches. Gavin Rees defends his lightweight title against Derry Mathews 10 months after their original clash in Newport ended in a technical draw after Mathews broke his nose in a head clash. Since then, both men have recorded impressive wins on the road, with Rees defending the belt with an impressive seventh round stoppage of Anthony Mezaache in Paris, before Mathews ripped the British title away from Anthony Crolla in Oldham, stopping ‘Million Dollar’ in the sixth.

“Everyone was disappointed by the first fight as it was brewing up nicely – he started well and I was getting into it before the head clash,” said Rees. “But now the fight is probably much bigger after we’ve both had good wins in our last fights. Derry boxed brilliantly against Anthony, I really didn’t think he was going to win but it was comprehensive and he hurt him on so many occasions, which suggests he can bang at this weight. For me, this is probably my last domestic and European hurdle before getting back to World title level and for Derry he wants to prove he can step up – so the stakes are high for us both.”

“I know what I’ve got to do to beat Gavin,” said Mathews. “I was the underdog the first time we fought and I’ll be the underdog again – but I was the underdog against Crolla and I outclassed him so I don’t pay attention to the odds. Gavin is a different level to Anthony Crolla, he’s proved that he is World class and I’m sure that he wants to get there again, but so do I. He was outstanding in Paris when he beat Mezaache so we’re both on a high, and I think that it’ll be a cracking fight for the fans on a great card.”

Kerry Hope defends the European middleweight title against Greg Proksa in a rematch at the venue where Hope stunned the Surrey-based Pole to take the title on points in a bloody encounter in March. The Welshman is determined to hold onto the belt while Proksa will be gunning to retain it, with show promoter Eddie Hearn dangling a possible autumn date with former champ and World title challenger Darren Barker in front of the winner.

“I was really confident of upsetting Proksa last time and I’m even more confident that I can keep hold of the belt,” said Hope. “Some people have said that he might have taken me lightly and that he’ll be training extra hard to win the title back, but I will be training like I’m the underdog in order to keep hold of it, and with someone like Barker there to fight down the line, I’m sure it will be an even better fight than the first one.”

Matchroom Sport’s latest signing Kal Yafai will make his debut on the undercard, and the 22 year old amateur star is said he is delighted to be kicking off life in the pro ranks on such a star-studded bill.

“It’s a massive honour to be handed your debut fight on a card with so much quality,” said Yafai. “But I knew when I signed with Eddie that these were they types of shows that I would be involved in and that was why I put pen to paper – and I intend to show people that I am worth the hype.”

Tickets for Kell Brook vs. Carson Jones featuring European title rematches between Gavin Rees and Derry Mathews (lightweight) and Kerry Hope and Greg Proksa (middleweight) and Kal Yafai’s debut are on sale now priced £30, £40, £60, and £100 from the Motorpoint Arena Sheffield box office on 0114 256 5656 and at www.motorpointarenasheffield.com.

VIP packages will be sold exclusively by Matchroom Sport priced £150 on 01277 359900 or at www.matchroomboxing.com. The package includes inner ringside seating (front seven rows), pre-fight party from 5.30pm-8pm with complimentary beer, wine, soft drinks and canapés. (The bar will stay open as a pay bar after 8pm.)

Saldivia Signs with Marvailla Box, Re-Signs with Sampson Boxing

Argentinean welterweight contender Hector "El Tigre" Saldivia (41-2, 32 KO) has signed a managerial agreement with middleweight champion Sergio Martinez's Maravilla Box and re-signed another long-term promotional agreement with promoter Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. The exciting 28-year-old Saldivia, from Comodoro Rivadavia, Chubut, Argentina, is a former WBA Fedelatin Welterweight Champion, currently rated #4 in the IBF and #15 in the WBC. Saldivia is currently riding an eight-fight winning streak. As part of the Maravilla Box stable, Saldivia will now be trained by the mastermind behind so many of his fighters' success, super trainer Pablo Sarmiento. "Now that he is with the best manager and trainer in boxing, it will be Hector's time to become champion," said the proud Lewkowicz. "We will be petitioning the IBF to fight an eliminator for the right to face the winner of the Mike Jones and Randall Bailey fight for the vacant title in June."

Team Jones Thrilled about Brook Fight!

 

Oklahoma City, OK (May 11, 2012) – When IBF #3 rated welterweight and USBA champion Carson Jones challenged undefeated Kell Brook, he wasn’t sure if the highly-touted Brit would accept.

 

Brook, 27-0 (18 KO’s), set his sights on newly-crowned WBA champion Paulie Malignaggi or the winner of the upcoming Mike Jones-Randall Bailey IBF championship match, but neither bout would be immediately available. Although he initially attempted to leapfrog Jones into a title shot, Brook, IBF #5, ultimately agreed to face him Saturday, July 7 in an elimination bout at the Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield, United Kingdom. 

 

Widely regarded as the most dangerous contender in the 147 lb division, Jones, 34-8-2 (24 KO’s), is on a tear during the last three years, compiling a 17-1-1 record against strong opposition. His victims include 2000 Olympic Silver Medalist Ricardo Williams (19-2), record breaking knockout artist Tyrone Brunson (21-0-1), Michi Munoz (21-2), Jason LeHoullier (21-2-1), Michael Clark (41-5-1) and Said Ouali (28-3).

 

Jones, who went from being an opponent to a bonafied contender and stopped all of the aforementioned foes, is fully confident that he’ll have his way with Brook.

 

“He is in my way of a world title shot,” said the 25-year-old Oklahoma City, OK native. He’ll have to kill me to beat me and I’m not even sure if that’ll get the job done! I’ll be pressuring him from the opening bell and I think the knockout will come.”

 

Jones also dismissed all of the hype surrounding Brook.

 

“He is a decent fighter but should change his name from “Special K” to “Decent K” nothing about him stands out. I’ve already beaten guys in their hometowns and Kell hasn’t fought anybody as good as me. I’m going to expose him!”

 

“We’re extremely excited about this fight and this is a huge moment for HD Boxing,” said Chris Hastings, President of HD Boxing Promotions, Jones’ promoter. “Carson is 8-0 with 8 knockouts since moving down to welterweight and he will be the IBF welterweight champion in the future without question. We’re excited to take on all-comers. The top guys should all watch out!”

 

Fans can keep up with Jones by going to www.facebook.com/carson.jones.77 or www.Hdboxing.net .

 

KELL BROOK TO FACE IBF #3 CARSON JONES ON JULY 7

Winner set for IBF shot in the fall – tickets on sale 9am

Kell Brook will face highly ranked Carson Jones at the Motorpoint Arena Sheffield on July 7 as an IBF World title shot draws a step closer.

Jones is ranked at number three by the IBF – two spots above Brook – and the stakes couldn’t be higher as the victor would move into pole position to fight for the title in the fall, which is being contested by current number one Mike Jones and number two ranked Randall Bailey on June 9 in Las Vegas.

Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday May 11 priced £30, £40, £60, and £100 from the Motorpoint Arena Sheffield box office on 0114 256 5656 and at www.motorpointarenasheffield.com. VIP packages will be sold exclusively by Matchroom Sport for £150 on 01277 359900 or at www.matchroomboxing.com.

The Sheffield star thrilled a packed home crowd in the Arena in March when he dismantled Matthew Hatton in a master class that drew record viewing figures on Sky Sports for non-pay-per-view boxing.

The 25 year old from Oklahoma has won his last eight fights inside the distance, and currently holds the USBA welterweight title, which he defended for the second time in April with a seventh round stoppage over Allen Conyers in his hometown, the 34^th win and the 24^th by KO.

“It’s a step-up in class again and one that I’m truly ready for,” said Brook. “Jones is experienced for his age and has been avoided, but I want a World title shot and in order to get it, I need to go through him.

“The Hatton night just blew my mind. It was the biggest crowd I’ve ever fought in front of and they were all there for me. That’s a very special feeling and I cannot wait to experience it again.”

“Basically Kell Brook is the last person standing in my way to fight for a World title,” said Jones. “He will have to kill me to beat me because I have worked too hard to let anyone stop me from reaching my dream.

“It does not matter if the fight is here, there or in Zimbabwe. I have made a living going to other people’s hometowns and knocking them out and this will be no exception. Kell Brook needs to be afraid, very afraid, because his fans are going to see him put to sleep on July 7.”

“This is a tremendous opportunity for Carson and one he personally asked for,” said Bobby Dobbs, Jones’ promoter. “Carson is often overlooked because of his earlier career mismanagement, but I always knew he was an exceptional talent and he has finally begun to hit his stride. He has won eight in a row all by stoppage with some very tough fighters in that cycle. We respect Brook and his team, but we are coming to win and move on to the next level.”

Brook’s showdown with Jones tops a great bill for British boxing as Gavin Rees and Derry Mathews meet again for Rees’ European title with Mathews putting the British belt on the line too. Kerry Hope and Greg Proksa face a rematch for the European middleweight title Hope wrestled from Proksa on the Brook vs. Hatton undercard.

Lee Purdy will defend his English welterweight title against Lancastrian Chris Johnson and Ryan Aston will fight for the Midlands Area middleweight belt, and there will also be another outing for Team GB star Scotty Cardle.

“Brook vs. Jones is a fantastic contest and one I’m delighted to have signed,” said Hearn. “Kell is in one of the toughest divisions and to manoeuvre a World title shot isn’t easy. Victory against Carson will put us in line for a shot at the Jones-Bailey winner and that’s a fight I want to bring to the UK in October.

“This will be our first show of the new season and in terms of the card, it’s a statement of intent of where we want to take the sport – bigger fights, bigger nights and packed out arenas.”

Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday May 11 priced £30, £40, £60, and £100 from the Motorpoint Arena Sheffield box office on 0114 256 5656 and at www.motorpointarenasheffield.com.

VIP packages will be sold exclusively by Matchroom Sport priced £150 on 01277 359900 or at www.matchroomboxing.com. The package includes inner ringside seating (front seven rows), pre-fight party from 5.30pm-8pm with complimentary beer, wine, soft drinks and canapés. (The bar will stay open as a pay bar after 8pm.)