Matchroom Announce 2022 schedule

Dazn and Matchroom Boxing have announced a monster schedule to start 2022 with eight fight nights in the UK and US.

It all starts with a blockbuster super welterweight clash between Britain's Liam Smith and Jesse Vargas in Arizona. Smith defeated domestic rival Anthony Fowler back in October and can open up a clear path to a world title shot if he is victorious over Vargas in Arizona.

Former World champion Danny Jacobs makes his way to the iconic Alexandra Palace to take on 'The Gorilla' John Ryder. Ryder has been on run of 2 wins out of 2 since his loss to Callum Smith back in 2019. Jacobs himself has also fought twice since his defeat to Canelo in 2019. The fight will take place at Alexandra palace in London, not traditionally used for Boxing events, it'll be a welcome change to the boxing world.

On to 27th February and Lawrence Okolie makes his second defence of his WBO World Crusierweight title against Michal Cieslak. Okolie has been vocal in his desire to make unification bouts in 2022 but that didn't materialise and will face a tough competitor in Cieslak. Okolie has also set his sights on the heavyweight division in the near future and if he cant secure any of the top names in the crusierweight division he may choose to move up, and being WBO champion he will become mandatory for the Heavyweight title.

5th March brings us the trilogy between Juan Francisco Estrada and Roman 'Chocolatito' Gonzalez. Two greats of the sport put it all on the line for a third time after two previous encounters. The bout takes place in San Diego California and the WBA Super flyweight title will be on the line.

12th March and Nottingham's Leigh Wood makes the first defence of his WBA World title against Irish Olympian Michael Conlan. Wood won his title in spectacular fashion back in July at fight camp when he stopped Xu Can in the last 20 seconds of the fight. Conlan is undefeated to date boasting a record of 16-0.

Probably Britain's most underrated fight Michael McKinson takes a massive step up and challenges knockout artist Virgil Ortiz Jr in the United States. Ortiz has won all of his 18 fights by knockout, including Maurice Hooker, Samuel Vargas and Kavaliauskas. McKinson introduced himself to the British scene when he dropped and defeated highly rated Chris Kongo last year. His awkward style could be a big problem for Ortiz Jr.

To wrap up the first quarter of 2022, Josh Warrington sets out on his attempt to become a two time world champion as he rematches Kiko Martinez for the IBF World featherweight title. The pair fought in 2017 when Warrington edges out Martinez on a majority decision. Martinez stunned Kid Galahad in November when he knocked out the former champion in the sixth round. Warrington fought twice last year both against Mauricio Lara.