A Christmas cracker is coming to London as one of the UK’s hottest prospects Giorgio Visioli headlines a card stacked with the next generation of British boxing superstars on Wednesday, December 17, at Indigo, at The O2 – live worldwide on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN.
The festive Fight Night sees the unbeaten 9-0 (6 KOs) Lightweight return to the UK, fresh from his impressive US debut in Philadelphia earlier this month when he defeated James Wilkins.
Now he faces a tough test in an eliminator for the English title against the 14-1 (4 KOs) ‘Wigan Warrior’ Joe Howarth – managed by popular Heavyweight star, Dave Allen.
Visioli said: “I want to say a massive thanks to Eddie Hearn and Frank Smith at Matchroom Boxing for giving me the opportunity to headline at such a young age — it shows the belief they have in me. I’m buzzing to be doing it so close to home and I can’t wait to put on a show.
“Respect to Joe Howarth for taking the fight, but he’s just a man in my way. I’m going to beat him, look good doing it, and then move on to winning titles. I don’t believe Joe is on my level — and on fight night, the levels will be shown. He’s a good fighter, but he’s not ready for someone like me.
“I can’t wait to keep showing my class to the boxing world and make my mark on the 135-pound division.”
Howarth is confident he can upset Visioli and underline why he is a top prospect to watch in 2026.
“Finally, this is my chance to show how good I am,” said Howarth.
“It’s good for me to box someone as talented as Visioli. In everyone’s eyes he’s a future World Champion, but I believe I’m every bit as good as him. I want to prove I’m a world class prospect.”
In the co-main event, the English Cruiserweight Title is on the line as ’The Gentleman’ John Hedges collides with Ellis Zorro.
Zorro, a former WBO European and British title challenger, stepped up to face the ‘King of the Cruiserweights’, Jai Opetaia, in December 2023 and was spectacularly stopped in the first round.
The Bromley fighter fell to Chev Clarke a year ago in Leeds too and will be looking to bounce back to winning ways after falling on points to Aloys Junior in Bournemouth back in July.
Former Southern Area holder Hedges is determined to add the huge domestic scalp of Zorro to his CV, and notably stage a winning performance in honour of his late trainer, Ricky Hatton.
Hedges said: “Winning the English Title puts my name in with the best. Zorro has been in with some top contenders and beating him style puts eyes on me. This one is for Ricky!”
Zorro believes he has a chance to restart his career and has vowed he will not let this opportunity pass by.
He sad:“This is the part two of my career, a chance to win the English title, resurrect myself and move forward to where I feel I belong”.
Promising Super Bantamweight sensation Conor Mitchell – the son of cult British boxing favourite, Kevin Mitchell – makes his professional debut for Matchroom Boxing in his home city of London, with a bumper crowd expected to cheer on the two-time amateur National Champion.
Mitchell said: “I’m buzzing to be making my Matchroom debut. It’s a massive platform and the perfect stage to show everyone what I’m about. I’ve been working hard in the gym and I’m ready to put on a statement performance for the fans.”
Tiah-Mai Ayton – the teenage wonderkid dubbed by the legendary Katie Taylor as the future greatest of all time – returns to action in what is the Bristol fighter’s fourth professional contest of the year.
And after a successive first outing to the capital earlier this month, Ayton is ready to light up The Indigo at The O2 and kickstart her push to claim championships next year.
Ayton said: “I had a week off last week but now it’s straight back in the gym again for December 17th. I can’t wait to get back to London again and make it 4 and 0 as a pro and then in 2026 I want to start chasing titles.”
Fellow exciting prospects Leli Buttigieg, Taylor Bevan and Adam Maca are also on the exciting card – with the trio plotting to make respective statements to close out the year.
Buttigieg said: “I can’t wait to be back out again just before Christmas, ready to finish the year in style. Expect a big turn out and win from myself.”
Bevan added: “I’m very grateful to Matchroom for keeping me so busy since turning professional. This will be my 7th fight in just over a year so it’s been very busy but I’ve loved every minute of it so far. It’s great to be back out so soon again and I’m looking forward to another great night on December 17 and ending the year with another good win.”
And Maca said: “Having back to back fights in London is really exciting. I’m grateful to Matchroom for keeping me active, I think that is key. I’m looking forward to once again showcasing my skills and continuing to bring everyone watching along on my journey.”
Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn says British fight fans are in for a real treat before Christmas with a glimpse into the future of the sport.
Hearn said: “If you want to see some of the future stars of British Boxing, then look no further. This festive fight night has got it all. It’s a great test for Giorgio Visioli in London, in what I am sure will be the first of many events in which he headlines. This is a Christmas cracker!”
