Eubank Jr vs Benn OFF, Live Boxing This Weekend On SportyStuffTV Instead
Boxing fans were treated to a night of compelling action at the Doncaster Racecourse on Saturday, October 8, 2022, as VIP Boxing Promotions delivered a stacked card live on SportyStuffTV. The event, which went ahead following the cancellation of the much-anticipated Eubank Jr vs. Benn bout, featured a heated Yorkshire derby for the vacant English super bantamweight title, a significant lightweight chief support, and the professional debut of Roman Fury, brother of WBC World Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.
Hussain Avenge Loss, Claims English Super Bantamweight Title
The main event saw Leeds warrior Zahid Hussain (16-2, 2 KOs) rematch Sheffield’s Razaq Najib (12-4, 2 KOs) over ten rounds for the vacant English super bantamweight title. This highly anticipated bout was a return fixture, with Najib having secured a close points decision victory in their first encounter in March 2019. Hussain had openly disputed that verdict, vowing to settle the score decisively in this rematch.
The super bantamweight division, contested between 118 and 122 pounds, has seen a resurgence in recent decades, with the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) introducing a British title in the division in April 1994. Both fighters entered the ring with significant stakes, aiming to establish themselves as a force in the domestic scene. Hussain, known for his “Magic Man” moniker and slick boxing skills, aimed to use his cleaner punching, while Najib, nicknamed “Lionheart,” was expected to bring relentless pressure and a forward-marching style.
In a gritty, fast-paced, and grueling contest, Zahid Hussain ultimately emerged victorious, securing the vacant English Super Bantamweight title via a unanimous decision. The judges scored the contest 97-93, 97-93, and 96-94 in favor of Hussain. While the fight was competitive, particularly in the early rounds, Hussain’s cleaner work and ability to adapt to Najib’s relentless pressure proved decisive in the later stages. This victory marked a significant milestone for Hussain, avenging his earlier loss and positioning him for potential future challenges, including a possible shot at the British title.
Razaq Najib, despite the loss, showcased his trademark durability and work rate, pushing Hussain throughout the ten rounds. Najib’s professional record now stands at 12 wins, 6 losses, with 2 knockouts. He has since competed again, facing Levi Giles in November 2023 for the Commonwealth Silver Super Featherweight title, losing by decision.
Mould Dominates Ellison in Chief Support
The chief support of the evening featured Reece Mould (15-1, 6 KOs) taking on late replacement Jordan Ellison (13-43-3, 1 KO) in a six/eight-round lightweight contest. Mould, a former English featherweight champion, was initially slated to face IBO continental lightweight champion Hamed Ghaz, but Ghaz pulled out due to injury. Ghaz, who had an impressive unbeaten record of 18-0 (4 KOs) at the time, later went on to challenge Mould for the WBA Continental lightweight title in February 2023, where Mould secured a unanimous decision victory, handing Ghaz his first professional loss.
Reece Mould, hailing from Doncaster, was looking to bounce back from his only professional defeat, which came in a British title challenge against Leigh Wood in February 2021. His opponent, Jordan Ellison, from Seaham, is a seasoned journeyman known for his durability and willingness to step in against tough opposition, often providing a stern test for rising prospects. Ellison’s record, while showing many losses, reflects his active career and experience in the professional ranks.
On the night, Reece Mould delivered a dominant performance over Jordan Ellison, winning by an 8-round points decision. Mould’s superior boxing skills and power were evident throughout the bout, as he controlled the pace and landed the cleaner shots. This victory moved Mould’s record to 16-1 (6 KOs) and set the stage for his successful English and WBA Continental lightweight title bids in 2023. Ellison, whose record now stands at 15-62-5 (1 KO), continued his role as a reliable test for up-and-coming fighters, demonstrating his resilience by going the distance.
Roman Fury Makes His Pro Debut
In a highly anticipated moment, Roman Fury, the 25-year-old brother of WBC World Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, made his professional debut over four rounds at cruiserweight. Roman, who never boxed as an amateur, is managed and trained by Jimmy Harrington on the recommendation of Tyson and their father, John Fury.
Ahead of his debut, Roman Fury expressed a grounded approach to his burgeoning career, stating, “I don’t want to rush things. I don’t want to box on big bills just because I carry the ‘Fury’ name.” He emphasized the importance of learning his craft on smaller shows: “You can’t run before you can walk and the VIP Boxing shows are ideal for me to learn my ringcraft and build.”
Fury also addressed his lack of amateur experience and the decision to go straight into the professional ranks: “I could have had amateur fights, but I am around professional boxers and learning that side of things. Amateur fights would have been a nice experience, but I would rather go into the pro ranks and learn. These shows will improve me. I started late and don’t have time to waste two or three years in the amateurs so I have to progress quickly. Tyson, Tommy, our Dad and Jimmy all said just get straight into professional boxing.”
Roman Fury successfully made his professional debut, securing a four-round points decision victory over Ryan Hibbert. The referee scored the bout 40-36. His famous brothers, Tyson and Tommy Fury, were ringside to support him. Following his debut, Tyson Fury expressed immense pride, stating, “you looked at home in there. You looked like he was a fish in the Atlantic Ocean being let loose for the first time. I couldn’t believe it, very impressed.” Roman Fury has since continued his professional career, accumulating a record of 6 wins and 0 losses, with 3 knockouts, as of May 2026.
Zahid Hussain vs Razaq Najib Undercard
The undercard featured a mix of promising prospects and tough journeymen, providing valuable rounds and experience for the fighters:
- Lewis Booth (13-0) vs Luke Middleton – 6 rounds Welterweight. Booth won by points decision.
- Jake Bray (3-11) vs Owen Kirk – 6 Rounds Super Welterweight. Bray won by points decision.
- Jake Goodwin (4-0) vs Serge Ambomo (8-35-3) – 6 Rounds Super Welterweight. Goodwin won by points decision, maintaining his unbeaten record.
- Sonny Taylor (7-0) vs Ossie Jervier (6-25) – 6 Rounds Cruiserweight. Taylor won by points decision.
- Bradley Cousins (3-0) vs Lewis Van Poetsch (11-150-4) – 4 Rounds Light Heavyweight. Cousins won by points decision.
- Josh Hargreaves (3-0) vs Jake Osgood (0-9) – 4 Rounds Welterweight. Hargreaves won by points decision, extending his perfect record.
- Jamie Mellers (3-0) vs Seamus Devlin (1-39-1) – 4 Rounds Super Middleweight. Mellers won by points decision.
- Levi Smith (3-0) vs Jamie Quinn (10-136-2) – 4 Rounds Lightweight. Smith won by points decision.
Follow NoSmokeBoxing on X
