Thursday 28 August 2014 12:53, UK
Olympic champion Anthony Joshua will tackle experienced German Konstantin Airich in Manchester next month, live on Sky Sports.
Joshua will be aiming to extend his perfect record of seven wins from seven professional fights against the 35-year-old on September 13.
Airich, who has won 21 of his 35 fights, reached the semi-finals of the Prizefighter international heavyweights tournament at Alexander Palace in May 2011.
The Kazakh-born fighter also went the distance with world title challenger Odlanier Solis and two-time WBC international champion Denis Bakhtov.
Joshua has been sparring with heavyweight champion Wladmir Klitschko ahead of the Phones 4 U clash and promoter Eddie Hearn believes fight fans will be in for a treat.
“This fight signifies the first real step up for Anthony,” said Hearn. “Airich has plenty of experience at the top level, he’s a lively competitor and can punch.
“Anthony is fresh from his visit to spar Wladimir Klitschko and fans in Manchester can expect an explosive performance.
Scott Quigg will headline the Manchester bill when he defends his WBA super bantamweight title with chief support coming from Anthony Crolla’s WBO inter-continental lightweight clash against Gamaliel Diaz.
Scotty Cardle challenges Kirk Goddings for the English lightweight title with the fight also an eliminator for the British belt, welterweights Sam Eggington and Denton Vassell clash while local favourites Liam Hanrahan and Sam Hyde are joined by former Team GB star Gamal Yafai and Derbyshire’s Jack Massey.
