Sam Noakes aiming for big KO against Gianluca Ceglia

Undefeated Sam Noakes (14-0, 13 KOs) is looking to return to knockout ways when he defends his European lightweight title against mandatory challenger Gianluca Ceglia (21-4-1, 4 KOs) at London’s York Hall on September 6.

Noakes won the title with a dominant 12-round points victory over veteran Yvan Mendy, the first time that the 27-year-old from Maidstone, England, had heard the final bell.

“This is another card where our elite young stable of talented fighters get the chance to shine at an iconic venue” said promoter Frank Warren. “These York Hall shows are a launchpad for our young boxers and we always make sure these development cards are topped by significant title action, this time featuring Sam Noakes and Masood Abdulah.”

“Sam continues to impress me in this competitive lightweight division, while Masood has a tremendous opportunity to capture the Commonwealth title. It’s going to be a special night of boxing, make sure to tune in.”

Noakes, who is trained by Alan Smith at the iBox Gym in Bromley, said: “I can’t wait to put on a big performance and add another KO win to my record. I have got a huge future in this game, but first and foremost is to show that I am the best lightweight in Europe – bar none.

“This is another headline show at York Hall which is becoming my home away from home. My fans love it there, the close atmosphere matched with my high intensity all action style always makes for a special night.”

Ceglia, 34 from Italy, is the EBU mandatory challenger and beat Frank Urquiaga in his previous bout to secure the shot at Noakes.

Also in action at the York Hall will be Masood Abdulah (10-0, 7 KOs) who will face George Stewart (7-0, 1 KO), the Celtic featherweight champion, for the vacant Commonwealth featherweight championship, previously held by Nathaniel Collins.

The card also features Sonny Liston Ali (8-0, 1 KO), Charlie Hickford (2-0, 1 KO), Christian Fetti (1-0), Iman Zamatkesh (1-0, 1 KO), as well as the professional debuts of John Issacs and Keano White.