Kal Yafai will face Yaqub Kareem for the vacant Commonwealth Super Flyweight title on Wednesday May 21 at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, live on Sky Sports – with younger brother Gamal making his professional debut on the bill.
“I’ve still got some Easter eggs at home I haven’t touched!” said Warrington. “I’ve been patient in my career so far so I am not going to turn down fights when they come along and this is a big fight for me.
“If I keep winning and beating good names, then I can really look to doing big things in Leeds, but I am not looking past Martin as I know that he’s a top class operator.”
Liverpool’s Stephen Smith has a huge fight on the bill against Fernando David Saucedo for the WBC Silver Super Featherweight title in a crunch eliminator clash, and after the fight was postponed from its scheduled March 15 date on Merseyside, Smith is chomping at the bit to finally face his foe.
“It’s been a lifetime coming for me,” said Smith. “I’ve watched so much of him that I’m sick of the sight of him to be honest, but I feel I am so ready for this now and I feel that a great performance puts me right on track for a World title shot.”
Gavin McDonnell also defends his British Super Bantamweight title against Josh Wale and Hull Lightweight star Tommy Coyle is in action on a crunch night in Yorkshire.
“It’s a massive night for all the fighters on the card,” said Hearn. “Josh has stepped up to the plate in his last two fights and does so again. Martin is a top, top Featherweight and a win over him will be a huge moment for Josh.
“Stephen has worked his socks off to get to this position and he can smell that World title fight. Saucedo is going to be Stephen’s toughest fight to date, he’s a canny operator with bags of experience and no shortage of ability, but I believe Stephen will do the business and move that step closer to his dream.”
Tickets are on sale now priced at £30, £40 and £60 available from the First Direct Arena on 0844 248 1585 and at www.firstdirectarena.com. VIP tickets priced at £120 are available exclusively from Matchroom Boxing on 01277 359900 and at www.matchroomboxing.com
