Michael McKinson will make his return against fellow undefeated Welterweight Martin Harkin on October 18, whilst Lee McGregor challenges Karim Guerfi for the European Bantamweight title on November 11, on two respective MTK Global shows.
WBO European champion, McKinson (18-0, 2 KOs) has been out of the ring since his victory over Luis Alberto Veron last November and can enhance his growing reputation in a non-title fight against former Celtic title holder, Harkin (13-0, 5 KOs) at Production Park Studios in Rotherham.
Portsmouth native, McKinson has been calling for an opportunity to face a host of domestic rivals and is edging towards a world title shot himself, with a ranking of #8 by the WBO.
In the co-main event, Jay Harris (17-1, 9 KOs) returns for the first time since his valiant defeat to WBC Flyweight champion, Julio Cesar Martinez in Texas in February in a Commonwealth title defence against Marcel Braithwaite (9-2), who was defeated on points by Sunny Edwards for the British Super-Flyweight title in December.
Elsewhere, former IBF Bantamweight world champion Paul Butler (31-2, 15 KOs), who is rated #3 by the IBF, looks to continue his five-fight winning streak when he tackles Ryan Walker (11-2, 2 KOs), who was beaten in five rounds by Lee McGregor last month.
Unbeaten Welterweight Jack Rafferty (12-0, 7 KOs) makes his MTK Global bow, whilst amateur standouts Jordan Reynolds and Paul McCullagh make their professional debuts, with opponents to be announced in all three respective bouts.
Lee McGregor headlines the second MTK bill, as he looks to claim the European Bantamweight title against the experienced Karim Guerfi on November 11 in the same venue.
British and Commonwealth champion, McGregor (9-0, 7 KOs) stopped the aforementioned Walker in August, after unifying his titles against Scottish rival Kash Farooq and will look to topple Guerfi (29-4, 9 KOs), in his first bout since linking up with trainer Ben Davison.
On the undercard, Angel Fernandez-trained, Super-Featherweight Sultan Zaurbeck (9-0, 7 KOs) will face Jeff Ofori (10-3-1, 3 KOs), who took WBO European titlist Archie Sharp ten rounds in a points loss last month.
WBC Youth Welterweight champion, Sahir Iqbal (8-0, 1 KO) meets Jamie Robinson (10-4-1, 3 KOs) in a non-title bout and his first fight since beating Mareddud Thomas to claim the belt.
Highly-touted Kazakhstan talent Tursynbay Kulakhmet (1-0, 1 KO) makes his UK debut following a successful first appearance in the professional ranks.
Unbeaten Super-Welterweight prospects Inder Singh Bassi (2-0) and Jack Martin (3-0) clash, whilst Light-Welterweight Youth Olympic Bronze medalist, Hassan Azim make his professional debut.
“I’m really excited for these two shows. Both cards are full of 50-50 fights,” MTK Global Promoter, Lee Eaton said.
“In October we have a double-header main event, with Michael McKinson fighting Michael Harkin and Jay Harris taking on Marcel Braithwaite. Those are two great fights and then there is a brilliant undercard too.
“In November we then have Karim Guerfi against Lee McGregor for the EBU bantamweight title. It’s a massive fight for both boxers, and there is a stacked undercard on that show as well.
“We have Tursynbay Kulakhmet making his UK debut, and we’re looking to secure a proper fight for him as he wants to make a statement.
“It’s two really good shows, so we’re looking forward to being back and continuing our tradition of 50-50 fights all the way through the cards.”
