Preview: Ennis-Brown v Maxwell - Breakdown
Possibly one of the most intriguing domestic battles of the year so far takes to our screens next weekend, as Akeem Ennis-Brown and Sam Maxwell collide for the British and Commonwealth super-lightweight titles.
The fight was originally set for earlier this year in March, but an injury to Ennis-Brown stopped the fight from happening. The Gloucester man suffered an injury in training in the lead up to the fight in March, meaning the fight couldn't go ahead. However, that was then and this is now, and the fight is finally set to happen on August 28th in front of a packed out Birmingham Arena.
Since the fight was announced, it has captured the imagination of British fight fans, with two of the best 10-stone fighters in the country going to war. With both men coming off the back of impressive displays last time out, the fight will surely not disappoint this coming weekend.
Ennis-Brown vs Maxwell | frankwarren.com
Firstly, we have the current British and Commonwealth champion, Akeem Ennis Brown. Last time out, Ennis-Brown won a unanimous decision victory against Philip Bowes in what was a complete boxing performance. This extended his record to 14-0(1KO), and the 25-year-old most certainly looks at home in the big domestic fights.
Not just in his last fight, but Ennis Brown has impressed continuously in his career. Although it was a technical decision win, his victory over Chris Jenkins back in 2018 looks even better now, as his then opponent has gone on to move up to welterweight and win both the British and Commonwealth titles.
The Gloucester man also boasts impressive wins over the then-undefeated, Bilal Rehman, and the tough Irishman, Darragh Foley. Another notable win was back in 2015 when Ennis-Brown won the English title with a majority decision victory against Glenn Foot. Already in his relatively short career, it is evident that Ennis-Brown will not shy away from challenges, and Saturday night may once again prove this, against an extremely tough opponent in Maxwell.
The 25-year-old will be hopeful of making a successful first defence of his titles and believes he has all the tools to prevail. The champion is certainly not short of confidence and believes he will have far too much for his opponent come fight night. He told IFLTV:
“If you look at my career, this is all I’ve been doing - fights like this and giving the fans what they want. I’m happy to give them another one and add another great name to my ever-growing résumé. I can’t wait, Maxwell is getting smoked. He’s getting smoked. So I’m just going to claim my titles in style.”
Ennis-Brown is preparing for a successful title defence | Sky Sports
In the opposite corner, you have Sam Maxwell. Boasting an identical 14-0 record to Ennis-Brown, Maxwell has stopped 11 of his opponents. So although their records are the same, it is clear to see that Maxwell possesses that extra power, which may play to his advantage come fight night.
Last time out, Maxwell comprehensively outpointed Joe Hughes on his way to defending his WBO European super-lightweight title. Hughes is a tough night’s work for anyone, and Maxwell showed in that fight that he is more than capable of hanging at British/European level. Before that, the 32-year-old defeated the then-undefeated, Connor Parker, by stoppage.
Maxwell has shown he can do it all, whether that be boxing on the back foot or coming forward in search of the knockout. This is what makes this fight so intriguing for boxing fans, the element of the unknown. It is easy to make a case for either man to get their hand raised, but it is difficult to say with complete confidence who will be victorious come fight night.
Maxwell was a decorated amateur which shows he has a highly impressive skillset. From 2012 to 2016, Maxwell represented Great Britain, including boxing for the British Lionhearts at the 2015 World Series of Boxing, which entailed boxing one of the greatest amateurs of all time, Vasyl Lomachenko. As an amateur, Maxwell also has some notable wins over the likes of Josh Kelly and Tyrone McKenna, whilst also facing Josh Taylor, who has gone on to be arguably the best super-lightweight in the world.
When asked about how he thinks the fight will go down on Friday night, Maxwell told IFLTV:
“With Akeem, I respect him, but I want to hurt him. I want to hurt him in the fight, I don’t like him. He’s the worst kind of role model and I want to show kids that those people don’t win. I’m going to put him in his place, it’s going to be a good fight. It’s going to be one for the fans.”
'Super Sam' will be looking to extend his record to 15-0 come Friday night | SportsDiet365
The fight promises to deliver fireworks on Friday night, with two undefeated British super-lightweights going head-to-head for the Lonsdale and Commonwealth belts.
Fighters' Form:
Akeem Ennis-Brown
Philip Bowes – WIN – UD (115-112, 115-112, 116-111)
Bilal Rehman – WIN – UD (99-91, 99-91, 99-91)
Darragh Foley – WIN – UD (97-93, 98-92, 96-94)
Chris Jenkins – WIN – TD (39-37, 40-36, 39-38)
Sam Maxwell
Ben Fields - WIN - PTS (79-73)
Joe Hughes – WIN – UD (98-92, 97-94, 97-94)
Connor Parker – WIN – TKO Round 7
Oscar Amador – WIN – KO Round 2
Event Information:
Date: August 28th 2021
Time: Ring walk approx. 22.30
Venue: Arena Birmingham, Birmingham, England.
Channel: BT Sport
Official Fight Night Promo | BT Sports x Queensberry Promotions
Elsewhere on the card, Anthony Cacace and Leon Woodstock face off in a compelling fight for the British Super Featherweight Title. Ijaz Ahmed and Quaise Khademi clash for the vacant British Super Flyweight Title. Also on the card, Anthony Yarde returns in a light heavyweight contest, Nathan Heaney also features as well as Liam Davies fighting for the English Bantamweight Title, his opponent is yet to be confirmed.