Boxing is set to return to the U.K.
Promoter Frank Warren and broadcast partner BT Sport have announced the launch of a summer series that will kick off on July 10 and feature prospects in three British title fights, BoxingScene.com is reporting.
The fights will take place at the BT Sport Studio in London — without spectators — because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The first card reportedly will feature Brad Foster (12-0-2, 5 KOs) vs. James Beech Jr. (12-0, 2 KOs) for the British and Commonwealth junior featherweight titles.
Two other regional title fights, for which dates have not been determined, also were mentioned. Anthony Cacace (18-1, 7 KOs) will defend his British junior lightweight belt against Leon Woodstock (12-2, 5 KOs). And Lerrone Richards (13-0, 3 KOs) will defend his British and Commonwealth super middleweight titles against Umar Sadiq (10-1, 6 KOs).
Warren said at least five televised shows are planned.
“I am thrilled to inform the fans that the wait for live boxing to return is coming to an end,” Warren said. “It has been a long haul and a trying time for everyone but we can now see the first flicker of light at the end of the tunnel.
“I am so excited to get going again after a period of unprecedented planning and detail to get to where we are. Unfortunately boxing without fans at the venue is the new, but I am sure temporary, normal and we have made it our business to bring the sport back at the earliest opportunity in line with government guidelines regarding health and safety protocols.
“Our opening show on July 10 is just for starters, and we will be looking to go bigger and better as we move along in our summer season that will see us deliver at least five TV shows.
“Across these dates it is our intention to showcase highly competitive fights between hungry young domestic fighters and increase the stakes from show to show. No easy fights, just British boxing as it should be.
“I am also looking forward to seeing our unparalleled crop of brilliant young fighters step up the risk levels and really make the most of what will be huge exposure for them across the BT Sport platforms.”
Warren added: “This is just the beginning. It’s going to be a magnificent summer of great British boxing, so sit back and enjoy every round live on BT Sport.”
The July 10 undercard reportedly will include a junior middleweight fight between Hamzah Sheeraz (10-0) and Paul Kean (12-1, KO) and separate fights featuring heavyweight David Adeleye (1-0, 1 KO) and lightweight Mark Chamberlain (5-0, 3 KOs).