World-ranked Darragh ‘Super’ Foley makes his UK debut on MTK Global’s show in Glasgow tonight and has arrived full of ambition.

The Irish super-lightweight has stacked up an impressive record of 15-2-KO8 in Australia since turning professional in 2013 and is determined to conquer the sport on a global scale.

With his fellow MTK Global super-lightweights Jack Catterall and Ohara Davies facing off with a lofty WBO ranking at stake in October, Foley is excited by what could lie ahead if he overcomes Chris Jenkins (19-3-1-KO8).

Foley said: “I want to fight the top boys in the UK market now and Catterall and Davies are the top boys on paper now.

“I’d even take the loser of that fight. It pains me to say it but I think that schmuck Davies wins the fight. It really pains me to say that.

“In this next 12 months, ideally I’d like to beat the top guys in MTK Global and then be positioned well to fight the winner of the WBSS for all the marbles.

“It doesn’t feel any different fighting in the UK. I’m calm and going through the motions. It’s just another fight but I want to put on a good show. Chris will bring it and so will I and we’ll clash in the middle of the ring.

“It’s an Irishman and a Welshman clashing in Scotland. Everyone expects this to be a tough war so any other result will be a bonus but I always look for the jackpot.”

Former European champion Stephen Ormond is pleased to be playing his part in fan-friendly fights but warns world-ranked George Ashie there’s only one winner tonight.

‘The Rock’ (25-5-KO13) takes on Ghana’s heavy-hitting Ashie (28-4-1-KO20) on a packed MTK Global bill at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena – live on BoxNation from 7pm.

With several MTK Global ‘derbies’ such as Jack Catterall v Tyrone McKenna and Luke Keeler v Conrad Cummings lighting up big stages of late, Ormond asserts that the spectators – both live and at home – are consistently benefitting.

Ormond said: “If you put two top fighters in against each other then it’s good for everybody. The best will come out on top and it shows everyone what’s what and who’s who.

“It’s really great for the fans to put these kind of fights on. Whether it’s the ones who are turning up to attend the show or the ones watching on TV, people will always want to see true 50-50 fights.

“I want to be right at the top of this sport and once I take Ashie’s WBO world ranking, the sky is really the limit for me. Everything seems to be happening at the right time for me because I matured late in my career.

“When I beat Ashie, I believe I’ll be close to being in a position to challenge Raymundo Beltra for the world title. With MTK Global behind me, anything is possible and I’d like to thank them for putting this fight on.”

In addition to Ormond v Ashie, Darragh ‘Super’ Foley faces the well-respected Chris Jenkins as the headline act with popular Scottish fighters such as David Brophy, Kieran Smith and Stephen Tiffney on the card.

Three title fights are now set for September 8 the Arena Zagreb with undefeated Slovenian boxer Ema Kozin’s confirmed to be contesting the WBC Silver Female Super Middleweight title against Mexico’s Irais Hernandez.

 

Kozin’s joins heavyweight star Filip Hrgovi?, who will face Amir Mansour for the WBC International title, and two-time World Champion Ivana Habazin, defending her IBO World Middleweight belt against Gifty Amanua Ankrah, in championship action for what promises to be the Croatian capital’s biggest night of boxing.

At just 19 years of age, Kozin’s has already compiled an impressive resume. She is a former WBF World titleholder, who will enter the ring at the Arena Zagreb following back-to-back victories over former IBF World Champion Eva Bajic.

“This will be another exciting addition to our fight card,” said Promoter Nisse Sauerland, for Team Sauerland. “Fans at the Arena Zagreb can now look forward to three title fights plus a stacked undercard that we will announce shortly.”

Zeljko Karajica, CEO of 7Sports, the sports unit of the ProSiebenSat.1 Group and Managing Director of the operating event agency MMP Event GmbH, says: “With ticket prices starting at just 110 KN, we are offering great value for money. There will be up to ten fights featuring three championship contests and the very best of Croatian boxing.”

Tickets for the Zagreb Fight Night on September 8 featuring Filip Hrgovi? vs. Amir Mansour start at 110 KN and are available online via www.eventim.hr.

Connor “The Kid” Coyle was forced to withdraw from his October 6 bout as part of Fire Fist Boxing Promotions’ “Night of Champions” card in St. Petersburg, FL.

During his training camp in Ireland, Coyle’s back began to swell and cause him pain. The unbeaten 28-year-old battled through the back problems and continued training. Unfortunately, the pain got worse and aggressively spread throughout his body.

Coyle then checked into a local hospital. Doctors believe he has an inflammatory infection and ran a number of tests. In the interim, Coyle must refrain from training during the next 6 weeks.

“I’d like to sincerely apologize to my fans for being unable to compete,” said Coyle, who is 8-0 and coming off a dominant stoppage victory in June. “This is a bump in the road and I’ll be back more motivated to focus on another fight soon.”

Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing Promotions believes Coyle will come back strong when the time is right but is most concerned about his fighter’s current health.

“I feel terrible about this entire situation because Connor is like a son to me,” said Caliguire. “This is extremely unfortunate and Connor needs to get the proper rest to ensure his body is ready whenever he decides he’s healthy enough to return to training.”

Coyle was scheduled to headline for the ABF Continental Americas middleweight championship and a new main event will be announced shortly.