Jono Carroll faces Maxi Hughes in a ten rounder, as MTK Global host their first show following the COVID-19 pandemic at Production Park Studios in Wakefield on Wednesday.
Carroll (18-1-1, 4 KOs) is coming off a career best win in one of the final global shows before the enforced boxing shutdown for and looks to tick over on this bill.
‘King Kong’ has had a colourful career to date in just 20 paid contest since turning professional in December 2012.
A Prizefighter winner in 2014, Carroll, 28, claimed the IBF International Super-Featherweight title in June 2017 with a split decision win over the previously unbeaten John Quigley, and defended with a second win over Declan Geraghty.
Following a draw with Guillaume Frenois in Sheffield in December 2018, the Irishman got his shot at the IBF Super-Featherweight title in March 2019, but found Tevin Farmer a little too seasoned for him, as he lost out clearly on the cards.
A comeback win over in Mexico paved the way for a big opportunity against former world champion Scott Quigg back in March, and the underdog, Carroll turned in a superb performance to bully and dominate Quigg, who’s corner mercifully threw the towel into the ring in round eleven.
Carroll returns to action in a Lightweight contest and faces experienced campaigner, Maxi Hughes in the main event.
Hughes (20-5-2, 4 KOs) has failed in two attempts at the British Super-Featherweight title, facing stiff opposition throughout his career.
The 30-year-old held Martin J Ward to a draw In December 2014, but then lost a rematch five months later, retiring after five rounds. The third meeting came nearly two years later, where Ward took a clear points win in a British title contest.
Two comeback wins set up another tilt at the Lonsdale Belt, but Hughes again would be denied, this time by Sam Bowen in Leicester, dropped twice before being stopped in eight.
2019 saw a win and a loss for the Yorkshireman, with Liam Walsh taking a points victory in a WBO European title fight in November 2019. Hughes has appeared once more since, a four round points win over Kris Pilkington in February of this year.
Prediction: Carroll will want to keep on track for another World title shot with victory here. The Irishman has predicted a late stoppage against Hughes and his tremendous work rate and stamina are certainly proof that this is possible.
Hughes is a tough nut to crack though, and should give Carroll rounds. If Hughes can withstand an onslaught in the middle rounds, he can make it to the final bell, where he should be soundly beaten on the cards.
Some of MTK’s promising prospects are also in action on the bill. Sean McComb (10-0, 5 KOs) takes part in a Super- Lightweight contest against Hackney-based Turk, Siar Ozgul (15-4, 3 KOs).
“Public Nuisance” McComb will move down to Lightweight after this fight and was last seen In February, retiring Mauro Godoy in six in Belfast.
Ozgul has been matched tough through his career and hasn’t disgraced himself in points losses to former WBC champion, Viktor Postol and former European titlist, Anthony Yigit last June.
The vacant WBC Youth Welterweight title is on the line over ten rounds, as Sahir Iqbal (7-0, 1 KO) and Maredudd Thomas (10-0, 2 KOs) clash.
Glasgow’s Craig MacIntyre (11-0-1, 4 KOs) meets two-time Midlands Area title challenger, Ishmael Ellis (11-2) after Darren Surtees withdrew through injury.
Pierce O’Leary (4-0, 1 KO) takes on Jacob Quinn (4-0) also at Super-Lightweight.
