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Red-Hot Chelli storms Super-Middleweight Tournament, wins long-term BOXXER contract

Red-Hot Chelli storms Super-Middleweight Tournament, wins long-term BOXXER contract

– Zak Chelli storms tournament live on BT Sport and ITV to secure a long-term promotional contract with BOXXER 

– Florian Marku mauls Mweemba in under two minutes, then issues warning to UK welterweight division

– Mikael Lawal extends unbeaten run to 13-0, ready to climb the ranks

Two outstanding performances in back-to-back fights earned Zak Chelli (9-1-1, 4 KO’s) victory in the four-man Super-Middleweight Tournament at Tuesday’s BOXXER Fight Night.

Chelli first shut out Bulgarian hopeful Vladimir Georgiev (4-1), ranked #2 in his home country, before stopping Mike McGoldrick (7-1, 2 KO’s) in the final to claim tournament victory and secure himself a long-term promotional contract with BOXXER.

“They were all undefeated fighters and I like to take their ‘0’. I don’t believe [the tournament] was a risk – a fighter has got to fight anyone to be the best. Now I want a European title, British title, any title,” said Chelli afterwards.

His feat was aired live to sports fans across the UK by both BT Sport and ITV 4, with the simulcast making the BOXXER event – presented in association with ‘Blu, Lucozade, RDX and Bad Monday’ – available to over 90% of UK households.

A product of the Dale Youth ABC set-up which spawned super-middle world champions James DeGale and George Groves, the one-time World Youth quarter-finalist can expect doors to start opening now that he has earned a promotional berth on the upwardly-mobile Boxxer roster.

The youngest fighter in the four-man competition, the 22-year-old ‘Chelli Sauce’ was too frisky and technical for the 35-year-old McGoldrick, scoring three knockdowns via raking right hands and savage body shots before referee Bob Williams called the fight at 1:31 of the second round.

McGoldrick had booked his spot in the final by besting Scouse starlet Harry Woods (4-1) in a three-round war. A decade older and two inches shorter, the 5ft 11in Cumbrian dragged the undefeated England amateur international into a short-range slugfest from which he emerged with a unanimous decision win.

Prior to the tournament final, Albanian welterweight Florian Marku (7-0, 5 KO’s) entered the ring to face Sheffield veteran Muma Mweemba (4-2, 2 KO’s). The fight was waved off exactly 101 seconds after it began, with Marku knocking him down twice before finishing him off.

“When I wear 8oz gloves I feel like I have bombs in my hands. I knew I would finish this guy – nothing personal, but [fighting] is my life. For me this is not a hobby. I do this to survive, to make my family live better,” said the hammer-handed Albanian afterwards.

“I will clock out every opponent they bring me. [Next] I want to fight with Conor Benn. I hope he accepts, but he is scared, he knows what I can do with him… When he is in the ring with me, he will understand I am a real man.”

In the show starter, Shepherds Bush cruiser Mikael LethalLawal (13-0, 7 KO’s) stretched his unbeaten streak by whitewashing seasoned Willesden fight vet Ossie Jervier (6-14, 5 KO’s) over six rounds. Referee Kieran McCann scored it 60-54.

Returning from a 16 month lay-off, the 25 year old – a reformed ‘street kid’ who started boxing whilst on tag – took a few rounds to shed some rust but, once he warmed to the task, his superior strength and short game saw him a comfortable winner.

Formerly a spar hand to the likes of Oleksandr Usyk, Tony Bellew and Lawrence Okolie, the UB4 Crusierweight Tournament champion is now ready to advance to eight- and ten-round level.

BOXXER: Tuesday Fight Night – Official Results

Zak Chekki def. Mike McGoldrick – TKO, 1:31 R2

Wins BOXXER Super-Middleweight Tournament

Florian Marku def. Muma Mweemba – TKO, 1:41 R1

Zak Chekki def. Vladimir Georgiev – Unanimous Decision R3 (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Mike McGoldrick def. Harry Woods – Unanimous Decision R3 (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Mikael Lawal def. Ossie Jervier – Wins on Points, R6

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The “Albanian King” Florian Marku Ready To Reign After Signing With BOXXER

THE “ALBANIAN KING” FLORIAN MARKU READY TO REIGN AFTER SIGNING WITH BOXXER

He’s sold out London fight venues, amassed an army of fans that boasts several Premiership players, now undefeated welterweight and Albanian superstar Florian Marku (6-0-0, 4 KO’s) has signed a multi-fight promotional agreement with new Millennial boxing brand BOXXER.

The power-punching 28-year-old has attracted a celebrity fan following with Albanian football stars in the Premier League all eager to watch him fight, including Liverpool’s Xherdan Shaqiri and Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka and Shkrodan Mustafi.

Marku’s first fight under the new agreement will be on Tuesday 10th November, when he features on UB7 Super-Middleweights alongside reality star and Love Island winner Jack Fincham, behind-closed-doors, at the BT Sport studio in Stratford, East London.

The brash and flash Marku is not shy calling out his rivals and one is firmly focused in his sights – Connor Benn.  Marku has also given Benn’s promoter Eddie Hearn a tongue lashing as he looks to force a showdown with Hearn’s over protected asset.

Marku stormed, “I want this fight to happen. I’d like to see if Eddie (Hearn) wants to stop protecting this little girl.  If given the opportunity, I promise my fans will fill the O2 Arena (in London) and I will knock this coward out!”

His fanatical and fiercely loyal followers have seen him sell out the iconic York Hall on his own, creating an unrivalled carnival like atmosphere and with huge queues outside hoping to get a glimpse of their idol.

Known as the “Albanian King”, Marku hails from Lushnje, Albania and moved to Greece when he was four.  Now based out of Finchley, North London, he is extremely proud to fight for his home country where he is feted as a national hero. 

The powerful 5′ 8½″ southpaw is famous in Greece and Austria and across Europe where he had over 100 kickboxing and MMA fights, winning three world titles and developed his reputation for action and KO’s.  He switched to boxing after a kickboxing injury, but his combined unbeaten run in both combat sports still spans over 10 years.

Marku has featured previously on UB shows (UB5 & UB6) where he put on scintillating performances.  There is plenty of buzz around UB7 following the implementation and announcement of new and exciting changes for the next thrilling instalment of the knockout tournament.

UB7 will present its first ever four-man competition format; the first ever UB tournament on a Tuesday Fight Night; simulcast LIVE on BT Sport and free-to-air ITV4; Fincham’s pro debut, plus UB Champions Derrick Osaze and Mikael Lawal on the undercard.

Marku said, “I am extremely happy to sign with BOXXER who I one hundred percent believe can take my career to the next level.  I know that they have my ambitions and targets as a priority as we enter this new phase and I’m excited by what the future holds. BOXXER have placed their belief in me becoming a champion and I intend to deliver on that starting on November 10.”

BOXXER Founder Ben Shalom is delighted to welcome Marku to the team, “Florian is a superstar inside and outside of the ring.  He’s an icon to his loyal followers and we love what he stands for.  We’re really excited to welcome him to the BOXXER family.”

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INSIDE BOXXER #1 (featuring Jack Fincham and Savage Dan)

INSIDE BOXXER #1 (featuring Jack Fincham and Savage Dan)

INSIDE BOXXER is here to bring a behind the scenes look into the company like never before.  Explore the goings on week to week at BOXXER including the build up to the highly anticipated UB7 4 man super-middleweight tournament.


Follow a week in the life of BOXXER, from filming episode 1 of the new podcast #MOUTHPIECE, to shoot the offical UB7 promo video.  Jack Fincham has it medical and fitness tests to FINALLY become a professional boxer.


Each week BOXXER will be explored with an all-access pass.  Don’t miss out, subscribe now to never miss an episode.

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Love Island winner Jack Fincham signs professional boxing contract with BOXXER

Love Island winner Jack Fincham signs professional boxing contract with BOXXER

Love Island winner and reality star Jack Fincham has signed a professional boxing contract with BOXXER and is on course to make his boxing debut this November. 

Fincham is looking to achieve his dream after two years since winning Love Island.

After 26 fights at amateur level and he is on schedule to get his license to step into the squared circle once again, this time as a professional, live on TV.

Jack will box at Super-Middleweight  and will be guided by world renowned boxing trainer Ben Davison who helped World Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury make a dramatic return to the ring in similar fashion – turning his life around after mental health and weight problems.

The Kent born reality star, will undertake an 8-week training camp to get himself in shape with hopes of furthering his boxing career if victorious, in his debut..

Talking about his debut, Jack said:

“I am delighted to be turning professional with Boxxer, I love the sport of boxing, it’s in my blood having competed in amateur bouts when I was younger. This isn’t just a one-off fight for me, I’m taking it seriously, if I perform well on the night I will be wanting to continue the journey.”

“I’ve been associated with the Boxxer brand through the successful ultimate boxxer series. It’s a forward thinking company that is going places, I am very thankful of the opportunity they’ve given me.”

Boxxer founder Ben Shalom added:

“We’re delighted about Jack making his professional debut with Boxxer, he resonates very well with our audience and brings with him a credible amateur record.”

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Quickfire Questions: Mikael Lawal

Mikael Lawal Joins BOXXER

WELCOME TO THE TEAM: Mikael Lawal.

Undefeated cruiserweight Mikael Lawal has signed a multi-fight deal with promotional company BOXXER.

Lawal (12-0, 7KOs) who won Ultimate Boxxer 4 in July 2019 with some eye-catching performances has committed his long-term future to BOXXER by signing a multi-fight deal. 

The Nigerian born British fighter who is currently ranked sixth in the UK has an incredible rags-to-riches story, from growing up in poverty in his native Lagos and having to deal with the heartbreaking death of his mother. Since moving to London, Lawal has defied all odds and has found boxing as his solace and a platform to change his life. 

BOXXER fought off stiff competition to land the cruiserweight prospect, securing his signature ahead of some of the UK’s top promoters.   

The 25-year-old who trains out of Stonebridge Boxing Club in Wembley and has sparred Cruiserweight king Oleksandr Usyk in the past shared his delight in signing for BOXXER:

“It’s a big break for me, having this type of backing behind me with what I can do, it can take me to the next level.” said Lawal. 

“The fresh faces and being something new attracted me, I’ve fought and won one of their events too, so I know them. There’s a lot of guys that have been in the game for a while and they can take advantage of fighters and not give their fighters their due diligence so it’s nice to team up with something new, something fresh.”

BOXXER founder Ben Shalom said, “Mikael is one of the best cruiserweights in Britain with the most potential, I remember first meeting him and being blown away by his power. He has everything to be a huge star.”

“His story is inspiring, he’s an Adonis of a man and a great role model. To combine this with such natural talent is really rare and this fits very well with our promotional company.

Once he came through such a competitive cruiserweight tournament, we knew then we had to sign him.

I’m very happy that the stars have now aligned and we’re looking forward to a massive future.”

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Build a Fighter EP2: Dave Coldwell

Build a Fighter EP1: Anthony Crolla