Rising lightweight contender Giorgio Visioli will headline for the first time as a professional when he faces Joe Howarth on Wednesday, December 17, at Indigo at The O2 in London. The bout announced by Matchroom Boxing will serve as an eliminator for the English lightweight title.
Visioli (9-0, 6 KOs) recently made a statement across the Atlantic, stopping James Wilkins in his U.S. debut in Philadelphia earlier this month. Now back on home soil, the 22-year-old from Aldershot is eager to keep his momentum going. “I want to say a massive thanks to Eddie Hearn and Frank Smith for giving me the opportunity to headline at such a young age,” said Visioli. “Respect to Joe Howarth for taking the fight, but he’s just a man in my way. I’m going to beat him, look good doing it, and then move on to winning titles.”
Watch Visioli vs. Wilkins highlights.
Howarth (14-1, 4 KOs) known as the “Wigan Warrior” and managed by heavyweight Dave Allen, plans to spoil the party. “Finally, this is my chance to show how good I am,” he said. “In everyone’s eyes Visioli’s a future world champion, but I believe I’m every bit as good as him. I want to prove I’m a world-class prospect.”
In the co-main event, John Hedges (11-0, 3 KOs) and Ellis Zorro (18-3, 7 KOs) will battle for the English cruiserweight title, rounding out what promises to be a compelling night of British boxing talent at The O2.
Fight card:
▪️Giorgio Visioli vs. Joe Howarth, 10 rounds, lightweight
▪️John Hedges vs. Ellis Zorro, 10 rounds, for the BBBofC English cruiserweight title
