Martin vs Prosper and Gago vs McDonnell tops March 26 bill
The Anglo-Spanish War reignites
Matchroom Boxing Spain will return to the Pabellón de la Vall d`Hebron in Barcelona on Friday, March 26 for a huge night of European Title action as local favourite Sandor Martin puts his Super-Lightweight crown on the line against Kay Prosper and Featherweight Champion Andoni Gago defends his Featherweight belt against Gavin McDonnell, live on DAZN.
Barcelona’s Martin (36-2, 13 KOs) claimed the European 140lbs Title by dominating Italy’s Andrea Scarpa and becoming the first man to stop him in July 2019, before widely outpointing Britain’s former champion Joe Hughes when he headlined the first-ever DAZN show from his home country in December that year.
Luton’s English Champion Prosper (14-1-1, 7 KOs) beat Sam O’Maison at London’s iconic York Hall in September 2019 at the second time of asking to become the town’s first ever national champion. ‘Special K’ had missed out to O’Maison earlier in the year, with a controversial draw, but the now 36-year-old took the rematch unanimously on points to claim his first professional Title.
Bilbao’s Gago (24-3-3, 7 KOs) won the 126lbs Euro Title in his home city back in June 2019, outpointing Madrid’s Jesus Sanchez to earn a split decision win. ‘El Macho’ won his next two contests early, stopping Carlos Arroyo in two rounds a year ago before earning a fifth-round technical decision against Brayan Mairena last October after an unintentional headbutt.
Doncaster’s two-time Super-Bantamweight World Title challenger McDonnell (22-2-2, 6 KOs) attempts to become a two-weight European Champion after winning and defending the 122lbs Title in 2015. The 34-year-old is looking to revive his career after moving up in weight following his loss to Daniel Roman in Chicago in 2018.
Gavin is the twin brother of Jamie, who won European bantamweight title in 2010, which he held for over two years. He also won IBF and WBA world titles. Check out more Twins Boxing
Also on the card, Torrelavega’s European Super-Welterweight Champion Sergio ‘El Nino’ Garcia (33-0, 14 KOs) keeps busy as he looks to defend his Title later in the year and Bilbao’s former European Welterweight ruler Kerman ‘Revolver’ Lejarraga (31-2, 24 KOs) aims to make it four wins in a row since losing his belt to David Avanesyan.
Matchroom Sport Managing Director Eddie Hearn said: "This is a huge card for Spanish boxing and we can’t wait to return on March 26. As Matchroom Boxing continues its global expansion, Spain remains a big focus for us and this double European Title card features some of the country's strongest talents with two hungry Brits looking to come and rip the Titles from them. Don’t miss all the action live on DAZN."
Brex-Hit
This double bid is just part of a UK invasion on the European title scene, which also sees Josh Kelly finally vying for the welterweight version on February 20 against champion David Avanesyan; Scotsman Lee McGregor is challenging bantamweight champion Karim Guerfi on March 19.
Super-bantamweight Gamal Yafai; cruiserweight Tommy McCarthy and heavyweight Joe Joyce all won their European title fights last year. If Kelly and McGregor prevail, as well as McDonnell and Prosper in their Anglo-Spanish wars, then the UK could have eight European champions by the end of March!
European Champions
Heavyweight: Joe Joyce
Crusierweight: Tommy McCarthy
Light-heavyweight: Dominic Boesel
Super-middleweight: Stefan Haertel
Middleweight: Matteo Signani
Super-welterweight: Sergio Garcia
Welterweight: David Avanesyan (vs Josh Kelly)
Super-lightweight: Sandor Martin (vs Kay Prosper)
Lightweight: Francesco Patera
Super-featherweight: Samir Ziani
Featherweight: Andoni Gago (vs Gavin McDonnell)
Super-bantamweight: Gamal Yafai
Bantamweight: Karim Guerfi (vs Lee McGregor)
Flyweight: Jay Harris
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