Celtic Warrior’s Buglioni to face Mexican before World title shot

Frank Buglioni faces a risky fight this Friday (24th July) at the SSE Arena, Wembley, when he takes on Mexican Fernando Castaneda for the Vacant WBA Intercontinental Super-Middleweight title.

The Enfield puncher was due to face WBA World champion Fedor Chudinov on the night, but his dream shot was put on hold when the Russian broke his nose in sparring, delaying the fight.

Buglioni will get to face Chudinov in the Autumn when the fight is rescheduled shortly, but in the meantime it’s crucial that he defeats Castaneda in style to keep on track.

Castaneda, from Aguascalientes, nicknamed ‘El Huracán, has won 23 out of 32 with 14 knockouts, and in his last fight won the WBC FECOMBOX Cruiserweight Championship.

“This is a crucial fight for me and I know that I have to perform in style and win,” Said Buglioni.

“Whilst it’s disappointing that it’s not Chudinov in front of me, Castaneda is a game, strong, fighter and I believe he’s also done plenty of sparring with Saul Alavarez, so he’ll know his way around the ring,”

“Of course being a Mexican he’s going to be a tough opponent and will take some wearing down, but I’ve trained hard for Chudinov and I’ve got to take out all my built up frustration on someone so Castaneda is going to get it,”

“He’s the final hurdle I have to overcome until I get to Chudinov later this year.  I’m looking to put on a professional performance and come through victorious and then focus on Chudinov.”

Buglioni headlines a championship packed show at the historic SSE Arena, Wembley, with Billy Joe Saunders taking on Frenchman Yoann Bloyer over ten rounds before his massive WBO World Middleweight title showdown against Andy Lee; heavyweight Dereck Chisora returns to the ring for the first time since his loss to Tyson Fury in November and goes in over ten-rounds against Georgia’s Beqa Lobjanidze; Jamie Cox challenges for the Vacant WBO European Super-Middleweight title against Blas Miguel Martinez; Big-hitting Ovill McKenzietakes on Finland’s Janne Forsman for the Vacant WBA Continental Cruiserweight title; red hot and undefeated Mitchell Smith defends his WBO Intercontinental Super-Featherweight title against Dennis Tubieron; Lewis Pettitt challenges for the Vacant WBO International Super-Bantamweight title; Gary Corcoran and Ricky Godding, both undefeated, clash in an Eliminator for the British Light-Middleweight Championship. Completing the card is Romford super-middleweight Lee Markham in a ten round contest and Chingford super-featherweightBoy Jones Jnr.

Remaining are available from Eventim on 0844 249 1000 and online atwww.eventim.co.uk 

The Channel Of Champions, BoxNation, will televise the show live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546 and Talk Talk 415.  Subscribe at www.boxnation.com  or watch online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android.

Tags: Billy Joe Saunders, Dereck Chisoraora, Frank Buglioni