Matchroom Boxing: Prizefighter Heavyweights Goes International

Matchroom Sport is delighted to announce that the Prizefighter International Heavyweights will take place at Alexandra Palace on May 7, live on Sky Sports.

The 18th edition of the tournament promises to be the biggest night since the series began in April 2008. It’s the first time fighters from outside the UK and Ireland have been invited to take part as Prizefighter continues to expand into different territories.

Leading the early line-up is American Kevin ‘Kingpin’ Johnson, the 31 year-old New Jersey fighter boasts 24 victories and just one defeat, a points loss to Vitali Klitschko in a WBC title challenge in December 2009. Johnson is joined by Belfast’s Martin Rogan, the first ever Prizefighter winner and former Commonwealth champion.

Unbeaten Irish-based Cuban Mike ‘The Rebel’ Perez holds ten knockout victories from 13 fights, all inside three rounds, and he is joined by two other power-punchers who should revel in Prizefighter’s all-action format. Former WBF champion Richel Hersisia – known as ‘The Dutch Sonny Liston – has 25 knockouts from his 32 victories, while big-hitting German Konstantin Airich holds 13 knockouts from 16 wins and is remembered for a crazy fight with Danny Williams in May 2008. Further names are expected to be added this week as promoters Matchroom Sport promise an explosive night of action with a multi-national flavour.

“This event has been bubbling up for over a year now and I am so excited we have finally made it happen,” said Matchroom Sport’s managing director Eddie Hearn. “As Prizefighter starts its international expansion, this flagship event couldn't have come at a better time and British boxing fans are in for a real treat on May 7.

“As always the line-up will combine an eclectic mix of prospects, champions and characters as these eight men look to fight their way into contention for a shot at the World Heavyweight title,” added Hearn. “In Martin Rogan we have a man that epitomises Prizefighter, our first ever champion and a guy looking to force his way back into the big-time.

“Johnson will be the first American fighter signed for Prizefighter and has lost only once, in a points decision to Vitali Klitschko for the WBC title. Former WBF champ Richel Hersisia boasts a high knockout percentage, Perez is a highly rated Cuban prospect that is out to shock the World while Airich is a tough knockout artist from Germany – you only have to watch his fight with Danny Williams to see what he will bring on the night.”

With Prizefighter’s TV distribution already reaching key international boxing markets in USA and Canada, Australasia, Eastern Europe, the Far East and the Middle East, Hearn says competition will be fierce as he decides the final two spots in the May 7 line-up.

“The late night phone calls continue around the World and we already have over a dozen fighters in contention for the three remaining spots,” said Hearn.

Tickets for Prizefighter International Heavyweights at London’s Alexandra Palace on Saturday 7 May March are available from Matchroom Sport priced £35 unreserved, £50 and £60 ringside and £120 VIP – to buy call Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900.