Michael Buffer will call the fighters to the ring on a huge night of boxing at The O2 in London on May 30, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
The Hall Of Fame ring MC returns to the UK for another evening of world class boxing featuring Kell Brook against domestic foe Frankie Gavin, London favorite Kevin Mitchell challenging Jorge Linares for the WBC Lightweight title and Welsh stylist Lee Selby challenging IBF Featherweight titlist Evgeny Gradovich.
Buffer was in Sheffield in March when Brook made the first defense of his crown where he destroyed mandatory challenger Jo Jo Dan inside four rounds, and the legendary voice of boxing cannot wait to get to London for an epic night of action which includes a step-up for Anthony Joshua as he takes on Kevin ‘Kingpin’ Johnson.
“I can’t believe Kell is back in the ring in just two months since his KO victory over Jo Jo Dan in Sheffield,” said Buffer. “In this day and age of ring politics and twice a year fighting title holders that just doesn’t happen often enough. It shows that he’s completely serious about being a fighting champion whose ultimate goal is to unify the Welterweight titles and be known as the undisputed champion. If he continues at this pace he can claim the crown of ‘The People’s Champ’ by taking on any and all challengers.
“This time around though, he faces stiff competition from Frankie Gavin. The Birmingham man was also on the Sheffield card back in March and he too, doesn’t want to sit around, collecting dust, so he’s more than happy to have a chance at a World championship. He has 22 victories in 23 fights with over half of those wins by KO. I can’t wait to see this bout.
“As a fan, I’m blown away by the card Matchroom Boxing has put together. In addition to the Brook vs Gavin fight we have two other significant World title fights on hand. Undefeated IBF Featherweight champ, Evgeny Gradovich will take on the very tough Welshman Lee Selby, who since losing a four rounder on points at the beginning of his pro career, has racked up 16 straight wins with eight KOs.
“WBC Lightweight champion Jorge Linares puts his title on the line against Londoner Kevin ‘The Hammer’ Mitchell. This fight, in my opinion, won’t go the distance as both guys can bang. Mitchell has gotten his grove back since losing to Ricky Burns and with six straight wins and five KOs, he’s determined to land his first World title. Linares, whose career totals are 38 and three with 25 inside the distance, didn’t travel thousands of miles to leave his belt in the UK. I’ve been at ringside for both of these fighters and it should be war.
“Looking at the line-up leading up to the three world championships and three British title fights, I found out that undefeated heavyweight Anthony Joshua MBE is fighting the granite chinned Kevin ‘Kingpin’ Johnson on this card and I’m really intrigued with this contest.
“Joshua is 12 and 0, all early KOs. Johnson has six losses on his resume, but he has never been stopped – ever – and he’s gone twelve with monster punchers Tyson Fury and Vitali Klitschko. Neither of whom could put him away. Don’t forget, Johnson does have 29 wins with 14 KOs. What will happen if Joshua has to go past the third or fourth round with the veteran from Atlanta, Georgia makes this a must see heavyweight bout. Man, this fight has my attention!”
Buffer has been quoted many times regarding the support and loyalty of the boxing fans in the UK and had this to say about what they can expect with this upcoming fight card.
“It’s events like this that build and enforce the fierce loyalty of fight fans across the UK,” said Buffer. “It’s such a great top to bottom line-up of fights. I think we have six twelve round title fights scheduled with more excellent supporting fights on the undercard including the Joshua fight. The place will be jumping and the fans will get their money’s worth. Just pack some sandwiches and bring the family.”
World title bouts for Selby, Brook, Gavin and Mitchell are part of a massive night of boxing at The O2, along with Joshua’s bout with Johnson.
There’s a trio of great all-British title bouts with John Ryder and Nick Blackwell clashing for the vacant British Middleweight crown, Scotty Cardle and Craig Evans meeting for the vacant British Lightweight belt and Dave Ryan defending his Commonwealth Light Welterweight title against John Wayne Hibbert, former Light Heavyweight World champion Nathan Cleverly returns to action plus the pro debut of Lucien Reid.
