Tyrone McKenna and super-lightweight rival Darragh Foley will collide for the WBC International title in Belfast on June 21 – live on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank.

The ever-popular ‘Mighty Celt’ McKenna (18-1-1, 6 KOs) will enjoy hometown support at Ulster Hall against Dublin’s ‘Super’ Foley (17-3-1, 9 KOs); with the winner earning a world ranking.

McKenna said: “After I beat Foley, basically I’ll be crowned king of Ireland because I’ll have cleaned out the division on the island. Then I’ll be going for Europe, then the world.

“This will be a big year for me because I’ll have a ranking with the WBC and then I’ll be set for a massive fight.

“I’m going to be too quick, too smart, too strong for Foley on June 21. There’s no chance with the way I’m training, improving and generally feeling that he can beat me.

“He can train as hard as he wants and talk as much as he wants but there’s not a chance he’s beating me on the night.”

Foley said: “Fans can expect ‘Super’ Foley now – because that was ‘Average’ Foley in my last fight. Now I just want to win, win, win because the pain of losing is still fresh in my mind.

“I always take one fight at a time. All I’m fixated on in Tyrone McKenna. This is the most exciting Belfast vs. Dublin title fight on paper in 20 or 30 years. I’m up for creating history.

“I’ll walk to the middle of the ring and if he does, so be it. However it pans out tactically, I think we’re going to do something incredible in there.”

MTK Global Professional Development Coordinator Jamie Conlan added: “What a night this is going to be. We have two proud warriors knowing that victory will propel them on to world level.

“As well as the guarantee of entertainment in the ring on the night itself, I’m also looking forward to a great build-up between two of Irish boxing’s biggest characters.

“We’re delighted to be back at Ulster Hall yet again. This will be our third visit to the historic venue in quick succession and long may the tradition of the cream of Irish boxing fighting there continue.”

Elite Kazakh Nurtas Azhbenov is enjoying stepping up ahead of his second six-rounder on Friday’s #MTKFightNight in Newcastle – live and free-to-air on iFL TV.

The Kandyagash prospect has raced to 4-0 since ending a medal-laden amateur career to turn professional with MTK Global and now has a chance to show fans at the newly-built Eagles Community Arena what he can do.

As he looks to accelerate his climb up the rankings alongside compatriots and team-mates Sultan Zaurbek, Viktor Kotochigov and Abilkhaiyr Shegaliyev, Azhbenov can’t wait for the first bell.

Azhbenov said: “It's great to be going up a level from four rounds to six rounds. I feel I need to carry on working harder and training harder in the gym so I can be physically fit and strong enough to go the distance.

“I enjoy boxing more rounds. When it is shorter rounds, I don't have enough time to really showcase my abilities but in the longer rounds I have time to weigh up my opponent and adapt my style and technique.

“It will suit my style because I can work on the opponent, take my time, tire him out, hurt him and then get to work to score points. Then when I feel the time is right, BOOM! I go for the knockout.

“Training with my coach Angel Fernandez has gone so well. I believe I am improving in all aspects with my technical and physical ability. I am sharpening my skills and controlling my diet and weight getting ready and preparing myself for the fight ahead.”

The card is topped by Tyrone McCullagh’s maiden WBO European title defence against Spain’s Alvaro Rodriguez with local boxing stars such as Simon Vallily and Troy Williamson looking to steal the limelight.

This past Saturday at Cheer's Bar and Grill in Tijuana, Mexico, rising super-bantamweight prospect, "Vicious" Victor Pasillas (14-0, 6 KOs), who is managed by Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing, remained undefeated with a 3rd round TKO against Saul Banos (14-15-2, 7 KOs). The scheduled 8-round bout was promoted by GM3 Boxing and Gonzalez Boxing Promotions.

Pasillas, who fights out of the southpaw stance, dictated the action from the opening bell, using lateral movement to land his punches. After dominating the first two rounds, Pasillas dropped Banos in round three with a right hook to the body, followed by a right hook to the head. The powerful combination spelled the end of Banos as he tried to continue but was unable to last much longer as the referee was forced to stop the bout after Pasillas was landing a barrage of punches. The bout ended in round three by TKO.

"It felt good to get back in the ring and get the stoppage," said Pasillas. "I'm hoping to get back in the ring by the beginning of summer with the hopes of landing a big fight by the end of the year."

"Victor can compete with anyone in the super bantamweight division," said Greg Hannley. "With a couple of more fights, he'll be ready to fight anyone. He just needs to shake off the rust and that's what he's are doing right now. I'm happy with his performance and he'll be back in the ring soon."

Perth's undefeated Welterweight standout Steve Gago has much to look forward too, as he tops the bill at the coveted IBF convention in Macau, contesting the IBF's Pan-Pacific title as he looks towards breaking onto the world scene in quick fashion.

Gago has an unblemished professional record so far as a professional, opened up at the opportunity given to him to box at the prestigious IBF convention.

He said, “Firstly thank you to my manager Tony Tolj at Dragon Fire Boxing for making this opportunity a reality for me.

“As a boxer, you always want to be recognised by the governing bodies, so fighting at a convention is the ultimate. I can’t wait to put on a show for the IBF representatives and hopefully showcase my skills well enough, win the fight and emerge with a high world rating following it.”

Gago will contest the Pan-Pacific regions title at the Macau convention, and the Perth native opened up about his preparations prior to his big opportunity.

Gago said, “Training is going perfectly. I am always in the gym, sparring up and coming talent like Jackson England who is going to be a champion going forward, and experienced former world champions like Lucas Browne. I couldn’t ask for more training wise and that is showing in my performances.”

Every fighter works towards being the best in their country, and then the best in the world. Gago is no exception, as, under the guidance of Dragon Fire Boxing, he has plotted a way to the pinnacle of the sport.

Gago elaborated, “I want to be recognised as the best fighter in my weight class in Australia, which means everything to me. I have an experienced Filipino opponent in the opposite corner in Macau, and I know that I will have to be at my best to prove I am the best Welterweight in Australia and the Pan-Pacific region.

“I am not looking past this fight by any means, but my plan is to take on the world starting at the IBF convention in Macau. I will fight anyone and I know that anyone that is put in front of me I will beat and I will beat them in entertaining fashion.

“I am a no-nonsense fighter. I come to fight, and that is what not just boxing fans but general sports fans want to see the world around. My manager Tony Tolj will deliver me the fights that sports fans will be entertained with and I will continue to work towards becoming a world champion starting at the IBF convention in Macau.”