LEATHER DEBUT AT THE COPPER BOX ARENA

Amateur sensation Josh Leather is building up to his big professional debut on the star-studded grand opening of the Copper Box Arena on Saturday 21st September.

Promoter Frank Warren’s newest signing won the ABA Senior Lightweight championship last year and is one of the hottest young talents to turn professional in recent years.

The 21-year-old from Teeside kicks off his pro-career at welterweight in a four-rounder on the undercard of the big British Middleweight title showdown between champion Billy Joe Saunders and rival John Ryder, plus stars Dereck Chisora, Frankie Gavin, Paul Butler and Liam Walsh all in title action, live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch. 546).

"It has felt like a long time coming having been in training as professional for nearly 4 months now. To have the date and venue is really exciting." Said Leather.

"Its made all the more special by the fact its at the Copper Box Arena, where obviously the whole world watched boxing during the Olympics. Also to be fighting on a great bill is a big thing too, you know its going to be a sell out."

"I am in the shape of my life so far, from amateur's to now being professional. My weight is perfect. I've got a great team around me with my trainer, nutritionist and my strength and conditioning coach - it's like everything is in the right place. Everything is taken care of, I can get on with my own work in training!"

"The response has been great around Teesside, and the North East in general really, to me turning pro and now having the fight date. Boxing seems to be busy again, especially in Frank's stable at least. Bradley Saunders, Simon Vallily, and now me, all with Frank - and all live within 20 mins of each other. Which is great."

"Some things are still very new, you have a little more freedom over things being professional, but I am loving it. I am really excited to get out and fight on Frank's shows now."

He added, "I’m looking forward to really stepping my training up, getting that eye of the tiger as they say, and making sure I'm at my best for my debut and can put on a good performance as much as get a win.

Forget David Haye v Tyson Fury for the time being a massive heavyweight clash takes place on 7th September at York Hall where I an Lewison takes on Tom Dallas for the Southern Area title.

Both fighters have a lot to prove. Lewison is trying to use this fight to break into the big time whilst Dallas is looking to resurrect his career after losses to David Price and Matt Skelton.

This really is a crossroads fight for both and a fight where anything could happen.  Trainer Don Charles said “forget Haye v Fury this could be the heavyweight fight of the year”.

The fight headlines the Olivia Goodwin promoted “Brawl in the Hall”.

There is no love lost between both fighters. Dallas said “I cannot believe how many people fancy Lewison. He lost to Colin Kenna and drew with an Eastern European journeyman. He is my pass to title action and he will not stand in my way.” Lewison retorted “Dallas is going to get assaulted by me. Make sure you bring a pillow for him as I am gonna put him to sleep”.

This intriguing clash is part of an exciting 16 fights card where chief support is the grudge re-match for the Southern Area Cruiserweight title between holder Menay “The emperor” Edwards and JJ Ojuederie. Edwards won the first clash and what ended a bad tempered affair has ended up with a grudge re-match.

Lee Markham competes for the International Masters Super-Middleweight title and the show sees the return of former WBO International champion Tony Conquest in an 6 round contest. The show also features exciting heavyweight prospects Dominic Akinlade and AJ Carter and many others.

Limited tickets are available £100 VIP (sold out) £60 Reserved ringside (very limited) and £35 unreserved are available from

Glendale, California - Live professional boxing will return to the Glendale Civic Auditorium on Saturday, August 24, 2013.

Undefeated 22-year-old Middleweight Prospect Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez (25-0, 20KOs) will make his American debut and headline the Solo Boxeo Tecate card in a 10 round bout with fellow countryman Julio Cesar Garcia (46-8, 39KOs). Highly touted Las Vegas prospect Jessie Magdaleno (15-0, 11KOs) will face tough veteran Jose Luis Araiza (31-8-1, 22KOs) in the 8-round television co-feature.

Top Rank, in association with Ural Boxing Promotions, Art of Boxing Promotions and Bash Boxing, will present the 10 bout card, which will be aired live on UniMas and will mark the fourth boxing show in Glendale, California since a 62-year-old ban on boxing in the City of Glendale was lifted in 2009.

The undercard will include local Jewel City resident Vatch Martirosyan (1-0). Martirosyan, the younger brother of undefeated Light Middleweight Vanes "The Nightmare" Martirosyan (33-0, 21KOs), won his professional debut on July 12th and will return to his hometown for his sophomore bout. The younger Martirosyan will look to win his second pro bout two weeks before his older brother challenges for the WBO Light Middleweight World Title.

Also on the internationally diverse undercard, Russian Light Welterweight Anton "The Pick Hammer" Novikov (26-0, 10KOs) and British import Liam "Punch" Vaughan (7-1, 1KO) will look to impress the U.S. boxing fans in Glendale.

Two tantalizing six round bouts featuring all ocal fighters will make sure fans get their money’s worth when Lightweight Luis Bello (4-0, 1KO) attempts to preserve his unblemished record against Oscar Diaz (3-1-1, 1KO) and Bantamweight Erik Ruiz (9-0, 4KOs) goes for win #10 in as many pro bouts against Isaac Zarate (5-1).

Tickets can be purchased online at or by calling

(626) 388-8888.

Glendale Glory 4 takes place on Saturday, August 24, 2013 at the Glendale Civic Auditorium, located at 1401 North Verdugo Road in Glendale, California.

Doors Open at 6:30pm; First Bout at 7:00pm. All bouts are subject to change.