Headliner Dean Sutherland made a statement last time he was on Fightzone with a stoppage win, and is looking for more of the same when he tops the bill in his home city’s Aberdeen Beach Ballroom on Friday November 12.

Back in July, the 23-year-old outworked and wore down Mexican fighter Jose Antonio Delgado Velazquez in seven rounds. Velazquez came to the UK with a promising record having lost just once in 11 fights, but fell under the accurate punches of Sutherland.

This time around ‘Deadly’ Dean gets another step up, going in against former Italian welterweight champion, Michele Esposito, for the World Boxing Council (WBC) International Silver Title.  Esposito, 35, comes to the UK for the first time with a stack of experience, having been a pro for 10 years and with just four losses from 23 outings.

Currently at 11-0 (3), if Sutherland can make it to a dozen not-out, and adds another belt round his waist pushing him up the international rankings, 2022 promises to be an exciting year for the Scot, and for Fightzone viewers following his journey.

“I hope he provides a real test,” said Sutherland.  “I want him to come and try and put the pressure on me and make me perform. I’ve sold a heap of tickets for this show and I want him to challenge me and make me dig deep. I want to show all the improvements I’ve made. From what I’ve seen he’ll come forward and I’ll give him a boxing masterclass! He’s not at my level and I’ll prove it.

“I don’t care how the win comes as long as I go home with the belt. He’s tough, he’s never been stopped, so I’m not looking for it but if the opportunity comes then I’ll take it with both hands. I was injured going into that last fight [against Velazquez] so it should be a real eye opener this time!

“This is my first time headlining on Fightzone in Aberdeen, and I hope it’s going to be the start of a big partnership. Fightzone is going to be a massive part of Scottish boxing and I’m privileged to be one of the first to push it forward; I can’t think of anything better.”