Live boxing heading back to BBC as Belfast show announced

Boxing is set to make a comeback on terrestrial TV after it was announced that the BBC will show live coverage of a big Belfast show next year.

It has been over a decade since fight fans enjoyed live action on the Beeb, but the broadcaster has teamed up with promoter Mark Dunlop to cover the 'Nations Fight Night' show at the Ulster Hall on February 1.

Their event - promoted by MHD Promotions' - will be broadcast live and direct from the iconic Belfast venue in a show headlined by up and coming exciting young contender Colm Murphy. He will make a maiden defence of his Commonwealth Silver Featherweight title.

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Murphy’s last two wins came at Belfast’s SSE Arena with victories over Glasgow’s Jack Turner and Mexico’s Eric Lopez. Those victories lifted him to a career high world ranking of 84 and a perfect professional record of 13 straight wins including the Boxing Union of Ireland’s Celtic and Irish titles.

The co-main event on February 1 will feature Belfast’s undefeated adopted son John 'The Kid' Cooney who will defend his British Boxing Board of Control Celtic super-featherweight strap against Nathan Howells of Newport, Wales. That bout will double up as an eliminator for the British title.

Meanwhile, Lennadoon cruiserweight Tommy McCarthy continues his comeback on the undercard while Dungannon lightweight prospect Charles McDonagh finds himself in an amazing opportunity as he makes his professional home bow at the Ulster Hall following his recent pro debut in Scotland.

Cookstown ’s Teo Alin and Belfast’s Jack O’Neil both return for their third fights and will be looking to stay undefeated and two more names still to be added.

The exciting fight night will follow the Ireland v England Six Nations rugby match at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, cementing what should be an amazing night of sport for both armchair viewers and those lucky enough to grab a ticket.

MHD Promotions supremo Mark Dunlop said: "The 'Nations Fight Night' is an exciting new concept featuring champions, contenders and prospects from Ireland, Scotland and Wales over numerous Saturday fight nights early next year on dates yet to be announced.

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"The whole will be broadcast live on terrestrial television on BBC Northern Ireland, BBC Wales, BBC Scotland, BBC iPlayer and Sky Channel 966 enabling fight fans to globally watch the event giving everyone concerned incredible worldwide exposure.

“We have worked hard over the last 12 years to bring local boxing to the mainstream so it is fantastic to pen our first contract with the BBC and look forward to working hard in 2025 bringing opportunities for local fighters.”

BetMcLean CEO Paul McLean added: "BetMcLean has been supporting MHD Promotions for over 12 years now and have watched Mark and his fighters climb to the top and we are delighted to play our part at they move forward with their next event."

Mark Weir from R Kings said: "R Kings are super excited to be involved in this amazing event, we have been fans of MHD Promotions and their fantastic fight nights so its only natural for us to hook up with Mark and his team as we continue our support of local boxing in Belfast."

Tickets are available from the Ulster Hall Box Office - www.ulsterhall.co.uk - from Wednesday, November 13 at 10am.

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