On the brisk evening of January 20th at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena, spectators and home viewers alike are in for a treat. This event, showcased live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland, and live on ESPN+ in the USA. Headliner is the IBF World Welterweight Title fight between Natasha Jonas and Mikaela Mayer. The undercard features an equally compelling fight: Karriss Artingstall squaring off against Lila dos Santos Furtado.
Artingstall, boasting an unblemished record of 5-0 with one knockout, is riding high from her stunning second-round knockout victory over Vanessa Bradford last October at York Hall. This win was particularly noteworthy as Bradford, a tough competitor who had previously endured full fights against notable boxers like Alycia Baumgardner and Hyun Mi Choi, experienced her first stoppage at Artingstall’s hands. This achievement left Artingstall elated, as she relishes not just winning, but also dominating her opponents.
The 2020 Olympic bronze medalist, Artingstall, isn’t just content with victories; she’s on a quest for greatness. Her sights are set on making a bold statement against the Brazilian fighter dos Santos Furtado, who holds a record of 9-1 with one knockout. Dos Santos Furtado, no stranger to the UK boxing scene, is returning after a previous WBC International Title fight. Artingstall is eager to notch another win and inch closer to her dream of clinching a title by 2024, aiming to establish herself as a formidable force in her division.
Meanwhile, the 126-pound division is currently dominated by the talented Amanda Serrano. While Artingstall is methodically working her way up for a title shot, she’s also been linked to potential fights with other prominent boxers like Raven Chapman and Skye Nicolson, the latter of whom she triumphed over in the 2020 Olympics. For Artingstall, it’s all about climbing the ranks and pleasing the fans with exciting fights.
In addition to this thrilling undercard fight, the main event is set to captivate the boxing world. Natasha Jonas, the two-weight world champion, will put her IBF World Welterweight Title on the line against the former unified world champion Mikaela Mayer. This match is a landmark moment in women’s boxing, bringing two of the sport’s most celebrated stars together in the ring for a night of unforgettable action.
But that’s not the end of the excitement. Fans are also in for the British and Commonwealth Super Middleweight Title fight, a clash between Jack Cullen and Zak Chelli. This fight is a highly anticipated rematch of their 2020 bout, which ended in a draw, promising to be an action-packed encounter.
In summary, January 20th at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool will be a night filled with thrilling fights, showcasing some of the best talents in boxing today.