Josh Padley makes a first defence of his European super featherweight title against Aqib Fiaz in Sheffield on Saturday.
Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom promote Padley vs Fiaz from the Utilita Arena, live on DAZN worldwide.
The pair were scheduled to fight on the undercard, but were elevated to main event after Dalton Smith’s WBC super lightweight title defence against Albert Puello and then Galal Yafai’s clash with unified flyweight world champion Ricardo Sandoval were both shelved following injuries.
Padley (18-1, 6 KOs) claimed the vacant belt with a second round stoppage of Jaouad Belmehdi in Newcastle in January.
The 30-year-old has won three on the spin since a ninth round stoppage defeat to Shakur Stevenson in a bid for the WBC lightweight world title on four days’ notice.
Fiaz (14-1, 2 KOs) looks to rip up the script here and has won two straight since an eight round retirement loss to common opponent Reece Bellotti in 2023, whom Padley beat by unanimous decision in October.
The 26-year-old was last out 11 months ago where he secured a unanimous decision victory over Alex Murphy.
Prediction: Padley has been more active and has the stronger resume. He should prevail with a points win.
Nadim-Sulaimaan clash for English title
Ibrahim Nadim makes a first defence of his English super featherweight crown against Ibraheem Sulaimaan.
Nadim (16-1, 2 KOs) secured the vacant belt with a unanimous decision win over Numan Hussain in November, while Sulaimaan (10-0, 5 KOs) became Midlands Area champion with a sixth round stoppage over Nico Ogbeide also in November.
Prediction: Sulaimaan can become the new champion by decision.
Remaining Undercard
Middleweight Aaron Bowen (7-1, 5 KOs) suffered a first professional loss to Tom Cowling in November, but can get back to winning ways with a stoppage win over Troy Coleman (15-4-1, 7 KOs).
Heavyweight prospect, Leo Atang (6-0, 5 KOs) can remain perfect by stopping France’s Fouad Shaili (5-4-2, 3 KOs).
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Connor Mitchell (2–0, 1 KO) can improve his unbeaten record with a points win over Jesus Carrasco (2-4-2) at featherweight, while Chris Mulunda (2-0) can do the same against Connor Goulding (6-12) in their middleweight meeting.
Adam Maca (5-0, 5 KOs) and Edward Hardy (6-0, 2 KOs) are set to return against opponents still to be confirmed.
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