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Frank Warren looking to drive Belfast Boxing Renaissance

It looks like it could be a game-changing year for Frank Warren.

The veteran English promoter has agreed a massive deal with BT Sport that may blow the UK boxing scene wide open.

20 major shows will be simulcast across Boxnation and BT Sport, while a further 10 will take place exclusively on Boxnation.

The first of these is a card at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast on Saturday February 18th, and Warren paid tribute to the Titanic City which will hopefully become a frequent stop-off.

Warren described how Belfast is “a place where the people really know their boxing and are passionate about the sport.”

“Boxing in Belfast is enjoying a Renaissance with a number of talented fighters emerging and I am happy that we are able to play our part in delivering big shows to such a knowledgeable audience.”

“I am delighted that we are set to kick off our domestic programme of events in the fine fighting city of Belfast… the BoxNation cameras will be rolling again on the first of a bumper schedule of shows we have planned for 2017.

Headlining the bill will be Commonwealth super flyweight champ Jamie Conlan, and Warren is aiming to secure a Fight of the Year rematch with Anthony Nelson for the belt. Describing the 30 year old fan-favourite, the Queensberry Boxing chief outlined how “‘The Mexican’ nearly always provides the thrills, having occasionally been taken to the brink in some epic encounters, but such is his heart and fighting spirit, he has so far always found a way to win.”

“To say he is a crowd pleaser would be an understatement, but I know his team – and in particular his family – would much prefer him to stick to the gameplan and rely on his undoubted boxing ability.”

“Jamie cannot afford to slip up on his February date because there is a big year on the cards for him. There is the prospect of a final eliminator for a shot at the WBO world super flyweight title looming so, if all goes well, he will have a well deserved world title tilt to look forward to later in the year.”

Undercard support next month will come from Paddy Barnes, Steven Ward, Marco McCullough, and a mouth-watering Irish title fight between Declan Geraghty and James Tennyson, with more to be announced.

Joe O’Neill and Gavan Casey look ahead to 2017 in episode 1 of The Irish Boxing Show

Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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