UK v USA. The mouthwatering spectacle awaiting boxing fans this weekend.
But look a little way down MVP’s card at the bp pulse LIVE arena in Birmingham and you will see a tasty all-England affair.
Watch out for a six-rounder between a girl on the way up, Gemma Richardson, and a boxer who has been there, done it and worn the T-shirt, Kirstie Bavington.
It is part of the supporting cast to world title action on the show screened by Sky Sports, with Mikaela Mayer v Chantelle Cameron the headline act with Caroline Dubois v Amelia Moore the chief support.
Richardson is “peaking at just the right time” for her toughest test yet.
The 25-year-old is back in the place where she won silver at the Commonwealth Games back in 2022.
Richardson, the winner of all four of her professional bouts, is up against the West Midlands hardcase, who has two European title triumphs on her CV.
A successful amateur boxer for her country, Gemma, from Scunthorpe, has made another steel town, Hartlepool, her boxing home to pursue her pro ambitions.
She trains out of the Headland ABC gym, made famous by a certain Savannah Marshall, where she works under coach John Stubbs.
Despite the step up in terms of degree of difficulty, Stubbs is confident that his boxer will extend her winning run to five.
Richardson has even been sparring Yorkshire’s ex-world champion Terri Harper, who is also on the show.
Bavington, whose record is a very respected one of 10-5-2, has been a European champion as recently as the autumn of 2024 and will be no pushover on Saturday night.
Stubbs said: “Gemma has been sparring Terri Harper and performed really well.
“She had her last spar on Monday night and I’d say she is peaking at just the right time.
“I’m really happy with her.
“This is a great stage for Gemma to be performing on.
“MVP are leading the way in female boxing and there’s talk that the boss, Jake Paul, will be in attendance.”
Richardson v Bavington could well prove one of the show stealers at the event.
“I believe Gemma is levels above her opponent every day of the week,” said Stubbs.
“But respect to Kirstie, she is as tough as they come and is a two-time European champion.
“She’s aggressive and she’ll come to rough up Gemma, but if Gemma uses her skills then I’m very confident of victory.”
The Mayer v Cameron contest looks a cracker with the WBA, WBC and WBO super-welterweight titles on the line, while Dubois defends her WBC and WBO lightweight world belts against American Moore.
Words: Roy Kelly
