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American and Britain haven't exchanged blows for years - but the special relationship will be put under strain as the two countries take each other on in Newcastle on March 30 in Ryder-Cup style boxing match.
Seven fighters from each country will face off on a Frank Warren promoted "Contenders" card at the Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle.
With national pride at stake, points will be awarded to each team for a win, with the team with the most points being declared the winner of the Sugar Ray Leonard Cup.
Former featherweight world champion Barry McGuigan is set captain the British team, while American legend Leonard will be in charge of the Americans.
Both men were in London at a press conference today to promote the event, alongside Warren.
Competitors included former WBO light-middleweight title contender Wayne Alexander, as well as stars from the US series of Contender.
Croydon puncher Alexander, 24-3, will be joined by Ross Minter 16-1-1, Paul Smith, 18-0, Anthony Small, 15-0, Paul Buchanan, 8-0-1, Martin Concepcion, 11-3, and Nigel Wright, 17-2.
The US team will be familiar to British viewers through the Contender series, and is made up of Alfonso Gomez, 15-3-2, Walter "Two Guns" Wright, 13-2, Grady Brewer, 22-11, Jerson Ravelo, 17-2, Freddy Curiel, 16-6, Cornelius "K9" Bunderage, 25-2, and Miguel Espino, 13-2-1.
And with tickets competitively priced at £25, £40 and just £75 for ringside, the show is expected to sell out.
be a 10,000.
Although the concept is new to the UK, the Contender television series in the States - on which it is based - proved to be a huge international success, with both Leonard and Sylvester Stallone throwing their weight behind it.
"I'm delighted to be bringing UK boxing fans something different," said Warren.
"International matches have been a huge success in the amateurs, and I'm sure the professional side of things will be no different.
"It's great to have Barry and Ray on board, and I'm sure they will help instill an ultra-competitive spirit into their teams."
The show will not be shown live on television, but will instead be broadcast in a series of six, one-hour programmes on ITV in the UK and ESPN in America.
As well as featuring the fights, the TV programmes will also delve behind the scenes, interviewing the boxers and giving a more in-depth look at their lives outside of the ring.
Looks good, I'm gonna get tickets.
Seven fighters from each country will face off on a Frank Warren promoted "Contenders" card at the Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle.
With national pride at stake, points will be awarded to each team for a win, with the team with the most points being declared the winner of the Sugar Ray Leonard Cup.
Former featherweight world champion Barry McGuigan is set captain the British team, while American legend Leonard will be in charge of the Americans.
Both men were in London at a press conference today to promote the event, alongside Warren.
Competitors included former WBO light-middleweight title contender Wayne Alexander, as well as stars from the US series of Contender.
Croydon puncher Alexander, 24-3, will be joined by Ross Minter 16-1-1, Paul Smith, 18-0, Anthony Small, 15-0, Paul Buchanan, 8-0-1, Martin Concepcion, 11-3, and Nigel Wright, 17-2.
The US team will be familiar to British viewers through the Contender series, and is made up of Alfonso Gomez, 15-3-2, Walter "Two Guns" Wright, 13-2, Grady Brewer, 22-11, Jerson Ravelo, 17-2, Freddy Curiel, 16-6, Cornelius "K9" Bunderage, 25-2, and Miguel Espino, 13-2-1.
And with tickets competitively priced at £25, £40 and just £75 for ringside, the show is expected to sell out.
be a 10,000.
Although the concept is new to the UK, the Contender television series in the States - on which it is based - proved to be a huge international success, with both Leonard and Sylvester Stallone throwing their weight behind it.
"I'm delighted to be bringing UK boxing fans something different," said Warren.
"International matches have been a huge success in the amateurs, and I'm sure the professional side of things will be no different.
"It's great to have Barry and Ray on board, and I'm sure they will help instill an ultra-competitive spirit into their teams."
The show will not be shown live on television, but will instead be broadcast in a series of six, one-hour programmes on ITV in the UK and ESPN in America.
As well as featuring the fights, the TV programmes will also delve behind the scenes, interviewing the boxers and giving a more in-depth look at their lives outside of the ring.
Looks good, I'm gonna get tickets.
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