WBO world super-lightweight No. 1 Jack Catterall, India’s highly-ranked icon Vijender Singh, Pakistani boxing hero Muhammad Waseem, WBO world bantamweight No. 4 Thomas Patrick Ward and many more highlight #MTKFightNight, promoted by D4G Promotions in association with MTK Global and Round 10 Boxing Club in Dubai on November 22.
With a stunning undefeated record of 24-0, 13 KOs, Catterall is already seen as a super-lightweight world champion in waiting. He battles Timo Schwarzkopf in a 10-round bout.
As the No. 1 challenger in the world to WBO and WBC world champion Jose Ramirez, Catterall is in line for a career-defining world title shot in 2020 but standing in his way is the high-class Schwarzkopf.
Germany’s Schwarzkopf (20-3, 12 KOs) is a former IBF International welterweight and EBU European super-lightweight champion and is likely to push Catterall into producing his very best on the night.
A busy undercard kicks off with two local debutants in Fahad Al-Bloushi and Sultan Al-Nuaimi – moments of history for the sport in Dubai.
Fighters from 15 countries make up a lengthy bill ready to delight a packed audience at the luxurious Caesars Palace, Bluewaters as well as those tuning in on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank and on iFL TV.
Undefeated Vijender Singh (11-0, 8 KOs) faces Charles Adamu. Singh is a sporting icon in his home country and regularly rubs shoulders with the likes of Sachin Tendulkar.
Having already picked up the WBO super-middleweight Asia Pacific super-middleweight title and the WBO Oriental crown, Singh continues to gather an entire nation behind him on his quest to reach world champion status.
In Ghana’s vastly-experienced Adamu (33-14, 26 KOs), Singh takes on a man who has been in with the likes of Billy Joe Saunders, Rocky Fielding, George Groves and Carl Froch.
Singh said: “For me these fights are going to be a build up to the world title which I am aiming for in 2020. I am sure my debut fight in Dubai is going to be an exciting one and I’m looking forward to a knockout win in the early rounds.”
World-class Muhammad Waseem (9-1, 7 KOs) takes on Ganigan Lopez in an eight-round bout.
“Falcon” enjoyed a stellar amateur career that included two Commonwealth Games medals and went on to challenge for the IBF world flyweight title in just his eighth fight as a professional.
Although Waseem was narrowly denied the world crown by now MTK Global teammate Moruti Mthalane, he takes the next step back towards the top against tough Mexican Lopez (36-10, 19 KOs).
Waseem, whose last performance was a stunning first-round stoppage on #RotundaRumble, said: “I’m confident of stealing the show once again. I’m very happy to be handed the chance to perform in Dubai for a second time in a row.”
The fighting pride of the north-east and a super-bantamweight king in waiting, unbeaten Patrick Ward (28-0, 4 KOs), who is ready to announce himself to Dubai fans in style, battles Martin Casillas.
The skillful 25-year-old has already made his name in the US by outclassing Jesse Hernandez back in February and is eager to accelerate his march towards world honours having recently signed with MTK Global.
Ward said: “I’m very excited to be fighting in Dubai. It’s new for me. I’ve been all around the world but it’s always nice to showcase your skills in front of brand new audience.”
Other bouts include Rohan Date against Justice Addy (6 rounds); JayR Raquinel versus Jack Amisa (8 rounds); Hasibullah Ahmadi against Detnarong Omkrathok (6 rounds); Fahad Al-Boushi versus Sandro Tughushi (4 rounds); Sultan Al-Nuaimi against Charles Latuperissa (4 rounds).