At the Olympia in Liverpool, Merseyside, UK, a night filled with boxing was brought to fans by promoters Dennis Hobson, Jnr (Fight Academy) and broadcast on DAZN. The event was packed with talent and thrilling matches, headlined by a high-stakes encounter between Commonwealth and EBU Flyweight champion Connor “Top Dog” Butler (11-1-1, 1 KO) and British champion Jay Harris (21-3, 11 KOs). The bout delivered non-stop action over twelve rounds, captivating the audience with skillful exchanges and strategic gameplay.
The main event was a testament to the fighters' resilience and determination. Both athletes showcased their strengths, with Harris emerging as the aggressor early on, targeting the body and pushing the pace. Butler, fighting in front of a home crowd, displayed moments of brilliance, drawing blood and landing significant shots. However, as the rounds progressed, Harris's relentless pressure and strategic adjustments saw him gaining the upper hand, leading to a hard-fought victory after twelve rounds of intense competition. The judges' scores reflected the close contest, with two cards at 116-112 and one at 116-113, highlighting the competitive nature of the bout.
The co-main event featured 2020 Olympic Gold Medalist Andy Cruz (3-0, 1 KO), who extended his winning streak, showcasing his boxing prowess in a match that was eagerly anticipated by fans. The undercard also provided memorable moments, with several fighters from Liverpool asserting their dominance and securing wins in front of a supportive home crowd.
One standout undercard bout saw bantamweight Jack ‘El Terrier’ Turner (5-0, 5 KOs) maintain his perfect record with a quick stoppage of Selemani Bangaiza (19-10, 5 KOs), demonstrating Turner’s power and potential in the division. Similarly, Joe McGrail (9-0, 5 KOs) made short work of his opponent in the featherweight division, further establishing himself as a fighter to watch.
Middleweight Hakeem Palmer (5-0-1, 2 KOs) delivered a dominant performance over six rounds, showcasing his skill and determination. Super lightweight prospect Ethan Brown (5-0, 1 KO) also impressed with a second-round stoppage, underlining his growing reputation in the division. Each match contributed to an evening that exemplified the spirit of boxing, with athletes at various stages of their careers demonstrating heart, skill, and the will to win.
Image Credit: Matchroom Boxing