British Stars Butler, Williams, Langford, Stalker And Askin Begin 2016 Title Defences On Flangan-Mathews Undercard

Top talents Singh, Lewis, Farag and Woodstock all in action

The action-packed undercard for the WBO World Lightweight showdown between Terry Flanagan and Derry Mathews on Saturday 13th February at the Liverpool Echo Arena has been confirmed and features a sensational line up of title fights and prospects. Flanagan and Mathews clash in Promoter Frank Warren’s first world title fight of the new year and it’s expected to be an explosive encounter between the rivals who hail from Manchester and Liverpool, live and exclusive on BoxNation. Heading up the title fights on the undercard is rapid-fire Ellesmere Port ace Paul Butler who makes the first defence of his WBO European Super-Flyweight title that he won with a stunning sixth round stoppage of Silvio Olteanu in December. Butler, the former IBF World Bantamweight Champion, is on course for a second world title shot in the 115lb division in 2016 and with three knockout wins since his loss to Zolani Tete, the 27-year-old is again in red-hot form. Thunderous punching Welshman Liam Williams is back in action after his two-round demolition of Kris Carslaw to defend his both his British and Commonwealth Super-Welterweight titles. Coming back after hand-surgery, the unbeaten 23-year-old showed that he’s punching harder than ever with confidence to destroy Carslaw who had never been stopped in his eight year career. A challenger for Williams’s belts will be announced. WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Champion Tommy Langford returns as he looks to show that he’s the new powerful force in the 160lb division for 2016. The undefeated Bideford hot-shot, who fights out of Birmingham, crushed Robert Swierzbinksi in five rounds, compared to Chris Eubank Jnr who took seven rounds and seven knockdowns to do the job against the tough Pole. Langford, 26, will make the third defence of the title against Dronfield’s Lewis Taylor who is the current reigning English Champion. Liverpool’s all-action Tom Stalker aims to make it third time lucky when he challenges for the Vacant WBO European Lightweight title after drawing twice against Welsh rival Craig Evans for the belt in thrilling and brutal battles in twenty rounds of action. Evans will not be challenging for the title as he received a cut in the last fight and will not be ready in time, a new challenger to face Stalker will be announced. Big-punching Blackpool star Matty Askin defends his English Cruiserweight title against Swindon’s Lawrence Bennett in a rematch following the controversial first round ending of their first fight last October. Askin, 27, will be looking to do a conclusive job on Bennett second time around and move on towards another shot at the British and Commonwealth titles in 2016. The undercard will feature some of the best and talented young boxers’ in the sport who all aim to make further strides next year. Indian superstar Vijender Singh makes his Liverpool debut and begins his 2016 campaign that could see the national icon return to his homeland later in the year to challenge for his first title. Singh, 30, has ripped through his three opponents since turning professional with dynamite performances in just six rounds of action. Fast rising Liverpool super-lightweight Stephen Lewis is a face to watch out for as he steams towards his first title opportunity. The 23-year-old steps up to feature in his first ten-round contest against International opposition, but Lewis is riding a three-fight KO run and is in top form. European Bantamweight Champion Ryan Farrag has his first fight since his stunning upset in Belgium in October to beat Stephane Jamoye with a ninth round stoppage to claim the title. Hard-hitting Farrag, 27, will feature in an eight-round contest. Finally, Leicester’s super-featherweight dynamo Lyon Woodstock, 22, continues his rise through the domestic ranks. Unbeaten in five fights, with 3 knockouts inside two rounds, the power-puncher is developing into exciting talent to watch in the new year. Ticket for ‘A Tale Of Two Cities’ are priced at £40, £60, £80, £100, £150* and are available from: Liverpool Echo Arena 0844 8000 400 www.echoarena.com Ticketmaster 0844 844 0444 www.ticketmaster.co.uk A special V.I.P ticket priced at £250* that includes an inner ringside V.I.P seat, lanyard, complimentary beer, wine and soft drink (between a certain time period) and canapés are available to purchase through the Frank Warren Box Office office only on 01992 505 550. The Channel Of Champions, BoxNation, will televise live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546, Freeview 255 and Talk Talk 415. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com Or watch online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android. *Tickets are subject to a booking fee.