Two huge finals as the MTK Golden Contract tournament re-commences
Wednesday night sees the return of the MTK Golden Contract, with three fights on the card included in the tournament. The light-heavyweight semi-final between Liam Conroy and Serge Michel kicks the tournament back off, with both the featherweight (Walsh v Dickens) and super-lightweight (Davies v McKenna) finals at the top of the bill.
Pictured: Tyrone McKenna and Ohara Davies finally face off after years of talk (credit: Sky Sports)
The undercard features two young prospects in William Hamilton and Ben Fail, as well as Belfast’s Steven Ward, who makes his return to the ring and steps up in weight.
First up is unbeaten British prospect, William Hamilton, who steps into the ring for just the second time as a professional. The 24-year-old made his debut back in February, and has had to be patient for his next fight as a pro. The 6”1 ½ cruiserweight is tipped for big things in the sport, and is looking to add to his record, after a second round TKO victory on his debut against John Shearer. His opponent for fight night is still yet to be confirmed.
Next up on the card, we have a professional debut for Ben Fail. The fresh faced middleweight stands at 6”1 inches tall, so will be huge at 160lbs. In the opposite corner is Robbie Chapman. ‘The Camden Caretaker’ has a winning record of 6-4, which shows he isn’t just coming to make up the numbers, and still has plenty of ambition at only 26-years-old. However, ‘Big Ben’ will be expecting an explosive performance, looking to get his professional career of to the best possible start with an emphatic win on Wednesday night.
The last of the non-Golden Contract contests, sees Belfast’s Steven Ward take on Jone Volau in a British cruiserweight contest. Ward will be looking to get back to winning ways, following his stoppage defeat to Ricards Bolotniks, the Golden Contract light-heavyweight finalist, back in December. Volau himself will believe he has the beating of Ward, having beaten three undefeated prospects already in his career. However, the Belfast man will be confident he can kick-start his career at cruiserweight with an impressive win, and look to move up the rankings quickly at 200lbs.
Pictured: Former opponents both Steven Ward and Liam Conroy are in action on Wednesday night (credit: punch-lines.co.uk)
The fourth fight on this MTK show in Yorkshire, sees a Golden Contract semi-final between Liam Conroy and Serge Michel. The light-heavyweight pair face of for a place in the Golden Contract final, where the winner would face Latvia’s Ricards Bolotniks, after his impressive victory over Hosea Burton on Saturday night. Conroy goes into the fight as the slight favourite with the bookmakers, hoping to make in an all British affair for that illustrious Golden Contract.
Moving on to the top table now, the first of the MTK Golden Contract finals sees Ryan Walsh face James Dickens in a mouth-watering featherweight clash. Both men put on impressive displays back in February, earning themselves a place in the Golden Contract featherweight final.
Walsh outpointed Tyrone McCullough to earn his spot in the final, in a fight that the 34-year-old came on strong in, in the middle to late rounds. On the same night, ‘Jazza’ put on a clinical performance, defying the bookies odds and defeating Leigh Wood via majority decision. Both men will feel they can beat each other, which makes for a fantastic fight for the fans.
The number one seed and pre-tournament favourite, Walsh, is excited to be back in the ring again, after a long wait because of lockdown.
“I’m expecting a really good fight against Jazza. It can’t be anything but a good fight.I’ll come to win and Jazza will come to win,” Walsh told Sky Sports.
In the opposite corner, Liverpool’s Dickens insists he has the ability to defeat Walsh. The 29-year-old believes he will relish the opportunity and claim the lucrative Golden Contract. However, he has nothing but respect for his opponent on Wednesday night.
“I feel like I’m better than him at most things. But we give him the respect that he deserves, he’s a great champion. I don’t think there are many fighters who have held onto the British title for as long as he had,” Dickens told SecondsOut.
Pictured: James 'Jazza' Dickens after Golden Contract semi-final triumph (credit: BoxingScene)
Now for the main event. The super-lightweight final between Ohara Davies and Tyrone McKenna has most definitely captured the imagination of fight fans.
In the semi-finals back in February, the Londoner defeated Jeff Ofori, stopping him in the sixth round and progressing into the final with relative ease. On the other hand, ‘The Mighty Celt’ came through and extremely close fight with Mohamed Mimoune, winning by unanimous decision and setting up the tantalising final with Davies.
This fight promises to deliver, with there still being lots of needle between the two men. Davies, the number one seed, said: “I’ve had extra time to focus and study to beat Tyrone McKenna.
“I didn’t need that time though, as I’ve always known what I’ve got to do to go in there and destroy this clown,” the 28-year-old told Sky Sports.
McKenna is relishing his showdown with Davies, and believes he will make the most of the potentially life changing opportunity. The Belfast man told Sky Sports:
“I’ve used the last few months to improve my flaws and get myself in the best shape that I can. Ohara Davies cannot change, we know what to expect. A big right hand and slow footwork. There are other weaknesses too, and it’s going to be an interesting fight.”
Wednesday night promises to be an action packed card, with 50/50 fights and contenders climbing the ladder. Not long to wait now for fans, as the MTK Golden Contract finals are approaching quickly.