Lightweight Giorgio Visoli (9-0, 6 KOs) returns to the UK, fresh from a winning US debut, to battle ‘Wigan Warrior’ Joe Howarth (14-1, 4 KOs) on a London show to be aired on DAZN. Fight date is December 17th. In the co-feature, the English cruiserweight title is on the line as ’The Gentleman’ John Hedges collides with Ellis Zorro.
Visioli said: “I want to say a massive thanks to Eddie Hearn and Frank Smith at Matchroom Boxing for giving me the opportunity to headline at such a young age — it shows the belief they have in me. I’m buzzing to be doing it so close to home and I can’t wait to put on a show. Respect to Joe Howarth for taking the fight, but he’s just a man in my way. I’m going to beat him, look good doing it, and then move on to winning titles. I don’t believe Joe is on my level — and on fight night, the levels will be shown. He’s a good fighter, but he’s not ready for someone like me. I can’t wait to keep showing my class to the boxing world and make my mark on the 135-pound division."
Visoli should be in shape, based on his win in Philadelphia earlier this month when he defeated James Wilkins.
Howarth, who is managed by heavyweight favorite Dave Allen, is confident he can upset Visioli. “Finally, this is my chance to show how good I am. It’s good for me to box someone as talented as Visioli. In everyone’s eyes he’s a future champion, but I believe I’m every bit as good as him. I want to prove I’m a world class prospect.
The chief support will feature Zorro, who stepped up to face cruiserweight king Jai Opetaia in December 2023 and was spectacularly stopped in the first round. The Bromley fighter fell to Chev Clarke a year ago in Leeds too and will be looking to bounce back to winning ways after falling on points to Aloys Junior in Bournemouth back in July.
Former Southern Area holder Hedges will be determined to add the major scalp of Zorro to his CV, and notably stage a winning performance in honour of his late trainer, Ricky Hatton. Hedges said: “Winning the English title puts my name in with the best. Zorro has been in with some top contenders and beating him style puts eyes on me. This one is for Ricky!”
Promising super bantamweight Conor Mitchell – the son of cult British boxing favorite Kevin Mitchell – makes his professional debut for Matchroom Boxing in his home city of London, with a bumper crowd expected to cheer on the two-time amateur national champion.
Tiah-Mai Ayton – the teenage wonderkid dubbed by the legendary Katie Taylor as the future greatest of all time – returns to action in what is the Bristol fighter’s fourth professional contest of the year. Leli Buttigieg, Taylor Bevan and Adam Maca are also on the exciting card
