Tuesday 31 March 2015 12:53, UK
Dave Ryan will defend his Commonwealth light-welterweight title in a rematch against John Wayne Hibbert on the Anthony Joshua v Kevin Johnson undercard at the 02 Arena on May 30.
Ryan, 31, snatched the belt by taking Tyron Nurse's unbeaten record in Leeds in October but he faces a stern test in the 30-year-old Hibbert, who stopped Tyler Goodjohn in eight rounds in January to keep hold of his WBC International title.
The pair first clashed in Essex back in March 2013, when Ryan edged a controversial decision over Hibbert.
“I'm really looking forward to seeing this rematch,” said Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn. "Both fighters have come a long way since the first fight and get the opportunity to do it again in front of a packed crowd at The O2.
"John has a huge fanbase so I think most of Essex will be there on the night. It's going to be a wonderful atmosphere and it’s a true 50-50 scrap for the title.”
Both fighters have come a long way since the first fight and get the opportunity to do it again in front of a packed crowd at The O2.
The bout completes a bumper card live on Sky Sports, with Joshua fighting former world title challenger Johnson, Kevin Mitchell taking on Jorge Linares for the WBC world lightweight title and Lee Selby in with Evgeny Gradovic with the IBF featherweight belt on the line.
