Fran Hennessy headlines BOXXER’s latest bill on the BBC this Saturday when she takes on Ellie Bouttell in a world title final eliminator at the Copper Box Arena.
Ben Shalom elevated Hennessy vs Bouttell to the main event on BBC TWO after Adam Azim and Gustavo Lemos were both ruled out of the original main event through injuries.
Hennessy (7-0, 1 KO) is unbeaten in seven fights as a professional, winning her first title last time out, the WBC International bantamweight belt with a unanimous decision victory over Fabiana Bytyqi in November.
The 21-year-old now looks to claim the vacant WBC Silver title and put herself in line for a shot at undisputed champion, Cherneka Johnson, with this bout a final eliminator for her WBC strap.
Despite being born in the UK, Bouttell (7-0-1, 2 KOs) makes her debut on these shores having fought much of her career in China, where she resides.
The 29-year-old has won seven on the bounce since a draw on her professional debut.
Prediction: Hennessy can secure a dominant points win here.
Kraus clashes with Crighton
Gradus Kraus looks to remain undefeated when he clashes with the experienced and game Boris Crighton.
Kraus (9-0, 8 KOs) announced himself with a stunning knockout of Rostam Ibrahim to win the IBF European light heavyweight title in his native Netherlands in November.
Crighton (13-6, 7 KOs) hasn’t looked out of his depth in losses to Callum Simpson and Lyndon Arthur, but has only won one of his last three contests, including a seventh round stoppage defeat to Craig Richards in February 2024.
Prediction: Kraus can overwhelm Crighton for an early stoppage.
Remaining Undercard
English welterweight champion, Joel Kodua (10-0, 2 KOs) should overcome Joe Garside (9-2-3) over the distance, while Hassan Azim (8-0, 4 KOs) can become the first man to stop Sean Murray (3-3) in their middleweight meeting.
Archie Sharp (26-2, 9 KOs) can secure a second straight victory on points against Angelo Dragone (10-12, 1 KO) in their super lightweight showdown.
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In a pair of heavyweight bouts, Will Howe (5-1) can edge a points win over Ergal Elezaj (4-0, 1 KO) and Derrick Osadolor can do the same on his debut against Ben Vickers (2-2-1, 1 KO).
Seqib Mehmood (1-0) can pick up his second professional win with a decision over Engel Gomez (9-55-3, 4 KOs).
