ProBox TV CEO Garry Jonas and Jamie Conlan will be working together to bring the ProBox TV ethos of “evenly-matched action fights” to the UK, starting on November 1, with a big show in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Another event will follow a month later in Waterford, Ireland, on December 7, before Jonas and Conlan head to the England and Scotland in 2025.
The first show, at the SSE Arena, sees 18-1 (9 KOs) Irish light heavyweight Padraig McCrory meet Spain-based Colombian Leonard Carrillo, 17-5 (6 KOs), former Irish amateur star Kurt Walker, 11-0 (2 KOs), takes on Rudy Garcia, 13-1 (2 KOs), from Los Angeles, and Liverpool’s Robbie Davies, 23-5 (15 KOs), coming off a 10-round decision loss to Sergey Lipinets on ProBox TV earlier in the year, takes on 38-4-1 (27 KOs) Dominican southpaw Javier Fortuna at junior middleweight.
There is more to come on the bill, and in the future between ProBox TV, a US-based boxing channel that streams globally – and owns BoxingScene – and Conlan Boxing.
“From day one, it’s been in our plans to go to the UK market,” Jonas said. “It’s the home of boxing. These are the best and most knowledgeable fans in the world. The USA may be the best market for the biggest fights due to the sheer population but per Capita the UK is by far the best English speaking boxing market in the world.”
Jonas said the 2025 plans are due to begin in Liverpool, as they then start to make their way through the United Kingdom.
“We are a boxing channel not a promoter,” Jonas explained, “with a very distinct philosophy about the type of fights we make. Evenly matched action fights is what the true fan really wants to see; good fighters in great fights. We don’t back a certain fighter; every fighter has a fair shot to win. We had to seek out a promoter in the UK willing to adhere to these guidelines and we are very pleased to announce that Conlan Boxing will be that promoter for us across the pond. Jamie and Michael Conlan are amongst the best young promoters in Europe, and we are confident they are the right people to help us develop the ProBox TV fight series throughout Europe.”
Jamie Conlan, former pro and now Conlan Boxing boss, said he had no hesitation linking up with the Florida-based network.
“I’ve been very aware of ProBox TV for a while now,” said Conlan. “Their fortnightly midweek boxing has been constantly impressing me, all-action competitive fights with notable names. So I got to listen to Garry’s vision for moving the ProBox TV model to the UK/Ireland and wider Europe I jumped in. Consistent competitive fights that gave fans value for their money, sign me up.”
It begins on Friday, November 1
“Starting in Belfast with Pody McCrory in a complete shootout with Leonard Carrillo and Robbie Davies Jnr-Javier Fortuna in a real 50/50 crossroads fight, throw in undefeated former Olympian Kurt Walker the toughest test of his career against Rudy Garcia and a rematch of the Irish Fight of the Year in Rudy Farrell vs Conor Kerr, this is a great way to kick off the series in Belfast.
“Then onward to Waterford in December with an intriguing all-Irish affair between Dylan Moran and Tyrone McKenna.”
Conlan said there are plans in place “to move hot and heavy next year” with the new collaboration targeting monthly shows, producing “a steady stream of competitive fights that everyone will appreciate.”
For those wanting to tune in on November 1, the ProBox TV app is available in all app stores and also on smart TVs, Apple TV, Fire TV, and Roku – and it’s free. Visit probotv.com for more details.
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