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May 30 London card to include two title fights plus Anthony Joshua

Fighters Network
19
Mar

Kevin Mitchell and Lee Selby will fight for world titles at lightweight and featherweight, respectively, in a huge show which takes place in London, England, on May 30.

Mitchell, rated No. 9 by THE RING at 135 pounds, takes on Jorge Linares, rated No. 7, for the WBC lightweight title after a punch perfect eighth round stoppage of Daniel Estrada confirmed the affable Londoner’s status as mandatory challenger.

Meanwhile, slick Welsh featherweight Selby will tackle IBF title holder Evgeny Gradovich in what will be the durable Russian’s fifth defense. Selby, like Mitchell, turned in a superb display last time out to halt teak tough Australian Joel Brunker. He is rated No. 8 by THE RING at 126 pounds, with Gradovich three rungs higher at No. 5.

“This is a huge night for British boxing and today’s announcement is just the beginning,” said Matchroom boss, Eddie Hearn. “I’m delighted to deliver shots for Kevin and Lee in the U.K. and they have every chance of becoming world champions on May 30.



“Linares is an incredible fighter, a three-weight world ruler, but Kevin has been exceptional with us and I truly believe he is going to do it. Lee has been virtually punch-perfect over the last few years but now it’s his moment against one of the best fighters in the division in Gradovich.”

On the same card, heavyweight sensation Anthony Joshua faces former world title challenger Kevin ‘Kingpin’ Johnson in their rescheduled encounter.

Hearn said, “Kevin is a big step for Anthony Joshua and signifies his first real challenge in the pro ranks, he brings personality and attitude as well as plenty of ring craft – I’m buzzing for this show already and fans can expect plenty of other major announcements for the card.”

Joshua, who won gold at the London 2012 Olympiad, will warm up against an unnamed opponent on April 4.

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