All of the 'Golden Contract' semifinalists now have a set date and location for their next ring adventure. The four remaining combatants for the light heavyweight batch of MTK Global's 'Golden Contract' tournament will next step foot in the ring on March 20 at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, England. As is the case with all brackets—including those at featherweight and junior welterweight—the actual matchups will come via live blind draw during fight week, with the shows airing live on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom and ESPN+ in the United States.
"This is shaping up to be another incredible night of action live on Sky Sports and ESPN+," noted Jamie Conlan, professional development coordinator for MTK Global and a former title contender during his fighting days. "There was plenty of excitement during the quarter-finals and we're expecting more of the same on March 20.
"We have four very determined and talented semi-finalists and they all know that a victory in this tournament can open the door to big things in the light-heavyweight division, so it's a fantastic opportunity for them all."
The quarterfinal round took place last December at the Brentwood Centre in Brentwood, England, with the quartet of Hosea Burton, Liam Conroy, Serge Michel and Ricards Bolotniks advancing to the final four in the light heavyweight division.
Germany-based Russian prospect Michel (10-1, 7KOs) advanced the hard way, traveling to the United Kingdom to snatch the "0" from previously unbeaten Scottish prospect Tommy Philbin in a lopsided 10 round decision. Latvia's Bolotniks (16-5-1, 7KOs) also scored a stunning road win over an unbeaten tournament hopeful, dropping Northern Ireland's Thomas Ward three times en route to a 1st round stoppage.
Regionally-based Burton (25-1, 11KOs) and Conroy (18-5-1, 9KOs) both moved past the opening round with 10-round decision wins.
Semifinal action in the 126- and 140-pound divisions will also be staged at York Hall, which hosted their quarterfinal bouts last October and November, respectively. Both weight classes will appear on the same February 21 show.
"It's great to be back at York Hall too," stated Conlan. "The atmosphere there is always incredible and we saw that first-hand with the featherweight and super-lightweight quarter-finals, so we can't wait to see what the light-heavyweights have in store for us."
The winners of each bracket will receive an exclusive two-year, five-fight contract with MTK Global, with a guaranteed minimum of six figures per fight.
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