THE HEAVYWEIGHT RETURN of Nathan Gorman against Richard Lartey will now take place on October 10, having been pushed back from its original date of September 12.
The Ghanaian’s medicals have not been supplied in time for him to enter the fighter bubble tomorrow and as such the fight will be moved to the undercard of Liam Williams’ mandatory defence of his British title against Andrew Robinson.
Gorman, 16-1, will now feature on a show that also includes Anthony Cacace defending his British super featherweight title against Lyon Woodstock and the Commonwealth super welterweight title clash between the holder JJ Metcalf and challenger Jack Flatley.
Promoter Frank Warren commented: “Since returning post-lockdown we have always been ready to react to issues as and when they arise. We have been clear that we will always act with fighter and event safety in mind.
It is disappointing that we can’t put on this great fight for fans this weekend, but the show is still an exciting prospect for boxing fans, headlined by the return of Anthony Yarde.
"It is a pity for Nathan that he doesn't get to fight this weekend, but it is only a short delay to what will be a good fight that will go ahead on another strong card on October 10."
Johnny Fisher has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing and will plan to make his highly-anticipated professional debut by the end of the year.
Trained by respected coach Mark Tibbs at the Origin Gym in Rainham, Essex, 21-year-old Fisher will look to make a name for himself in the Heavyweight division following the completion of his History degree at the University of Exeter earlier this year.
'The Romford Bull' stands at 6ft 5ins and has already gathered invaluable experience from sparring with 2016 Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce and undefeated S-JAM Boxing stablemate Guido Vianello in a recent Las Vegas training camp.
A brief but explosive stint in the amateurs saw Fisher score nine first round knockouts in ten wins and now the big-hitting Brit is planning on announcing himself as the latest contender in a thriving domestic Heavyweight scene.
“I’m not that experienced but I’m explosive and I know what I can bring to the table," said Fisher. "With Mark Tibbs and S-JAM Boxing guiding me, and now Matchroom Boxing as well, I know I’ve got what it takes to get to the top. I'm looking forward to the journey ahead and with the team I have around me there is no reason why I can't achieve my goals.
“I had a couple of promoters after me but Eddie and Matchroom were always my first choice. It’s the top platform so when Sam told me about it, I was very excited. I’ve always followed Matchroom, every boxing fan knows who Matchroom are. I’m not going to waste the opportunity; I’m going to give it everything I’ve got.
"I’m looking forward to working with Eddie, he’s a local lad as well. I’ve got the perfect set up. There’s no excuses for me now. I’ve got to knuckle down and I’ve got to give it my best. With my dedication I know I will give it my best shot. The path has been set for me now and I'm going to walk it.
"I look at what Mark did with Dillian Whyte. I’ve been a massive fan of Dillian’s for a number of years now and Mark really brought him along and improved him as a fighter after the Anthony Joshua loss. I think I’ve got the tools to get to the top. It will be a good building process. I’m going to enjoy the journey. My aim is to get to the top. If you’re in boxing that’s where you’ve got to get to.
“We’re aiming for the end of the year for my debut. That will give me enough time to bed in with Mark and really get my routine going. I can't wait to get on a big show with Eddie. I’m always going to be an exciting fighter. I’m really going to give it my best and be physical. That’s always in my make-up, that’s who I am. Don’t blink because I’m here to stay."
“When I got the call about a big strong, talented Heavyweight from Romford I was already sold to be honest!’’ said promoter Eddie Hearn. “The domestic Heavyweight scene is thriving at the moment with a host of prospects looking to break through into the mix, and Johnny has the raw power to become a real problem.
"Teaming up with Mark Tibbs is a great move for ‘The Romford Bull’ and he now has the perfect platform on Sky Sports and DAZN to showcase his skills. I’m looking forward to mapping out his career, he is going to be a real fans' favourite.”
"We are delighted that Johnny is linking up with Matchroom Boxing," said Sam Jones of S-JAM Boxing. "Johnny is an excellent boxer, a big puncher and a terrific guy. Matchroom is a natural fit for 'The Romford Bull'. Adam Morallee and I can’t wait for his professional debut later this year.”
National amateur titlist Umar Khan has signed promotional terms with Frank Warren and will turn professional under the Queensberry Promotions banner.
The 18-year-old, who did not hold extensive ambitions in the amateur code, clocked up 28 wins from 32 fights and became a national champion, but his heart was firmly set on turning pro and following in the footsteps of his cousin Hamzah Sheeraz, the WBO European super welterweight champion, who is making huge strides in the sport.
"It is crazy and almost surreal for me," said the super bantamweight on signing with a Hall of Fame promoter to launch his career. "It is like a dream come true and I have known about it since my birthday in May.
"I just used the amateurs for experience and it was never my dream to be a star at that level. My heart was set on the pro game.
"I started boxing at 13 and I was more of a footballer before that, but the football season was finished and my brother went to the boxing club so I went with him. From that moment I just fell in love with it.
"I don't want to sound cocky, but I think I had a natural ability for it from day one."
Umar has a role model very close to home in cousin Hamzah, who is blazing a trail in the professional ranks and tipped for the very top by promoter Warren. The newcomer knows where to look for inspiration.
"It has been crazy and since I have been coming up I have seen him progress," he said of his 11-0 family member. "Seeing him have such success just makes you want to do it yourself and get into his position one day.
"Hamzah is class," added the Ilford-based Umar, who hedged his bets when asked what style of fighter we can expect to see when he gets to make his professional debut later in the year.
"That is a difficult question. It depends what day it is because sometimes I box and sometimes I fight. If I have to fight I will but I suppose it is best to avoid it.
"Hopefully I will get to show what I can do by the end of November."
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