For fans accustomed to the roar of rugby league, the DIY Kitchens Stadium in Wakefield is set for a significant transformation this Saturday. The familiar turf will make way for canvas as the venue prepares to host a major professional boxing event, marking a notable moment for both the town and the promoters involved.
Headlining the card is a highly anticipated rubber match featuring Wakefield`s own Dom Hunt. The 33-year-old is slated to face James Moorcroft in a trilogy bout that carries substantial weight. Their previous two encounters, held in Bolton since late 2024, both concluded in draws across a total of 20 rounds – a statistical rarity in the sport, underscoring just how evenly matched these two competitors are. With a ranking spot in the super-welterweight division potentially on the line, this third meeting isn`t just about bragging rights; it`s about decisive career progression. Expectations are high for another fiercely contested battle, where simply `getting a winner` is the most immediate hope after two inconclusive outings.
Adding further depth to the event, former world title challenger Zelfa Barrett is also scheduled to compete. For Barrett, this fight represents an opportunity to stay active and sharp while awaiting a significant opportunity on a larger stage. Having secured four wins in his last five bouts since his super-featherweight world title challenge in late 2022, keeping momentum is key. While major televised fights may not have materialised recently, stepping into the ring in Wakefield ensures he remains fight-ready for when that crucial call comes. It`s a pragmatic approach, ensuring talent doesn`t rust while waiting for the big break.
The event is orchestrated by VIP Boxing, and for promoter Steve Wood, this stadium show is a career first, coinciding with the company`s 30th anniversary. Taking on an outdoor venue of this scale signifies a clear statement of ambition and a desire to continue growing after three decades in the sport. As Wood puts it, staging such an event demonstrates a commitment to progress and assembling a fight card robust enough to fill a stadium.
With over 2,000 spectators expected to attend, the focus naturally turns to the elements. Scheduling the event in July carries inherent hope for favourable weather, though as any organiser in Britain knows, contingency planning is paramount. While a significant portion of the setup is under cover, a sunny disposition from the Yorkshire skies would undoubtedly enhance the overall atmosphere for this landmark occasion.
Beyond the main attractions, the chief support bout promises another potentially explosive contest. Ibrahim Nadim (14-1) is set to face Pontefract`s own Kurt Jackson (7-2). Nadim is currently riding a five-fight win streak, but Jackson proved his mettle by capturing the Commonwealth Silver belt in Scotland in his last outing. This pairing is highlighted as a genuinely even matchup, with a title adding further intrigue to the co-main event.
The undercard further bolsters the event with a mix of established prospects and local talent. Undefeated fighters like Connor Lawrence (9-0) are scheduled to feature, alongside emerging names such as Ellis Ward (2-0) and debutant Joel Granger. Notably, the card also includes two undefeated Wakefield fighters, Andrea Cikalleshi and Keanan Holford, providing the local faithful with extra reasons to cheer. This blend of national interest and regional pride creates a compelling lineup from top to bottom.
In summary, Wakefield is gearing up for a unique sporting spectacle this Saturday. The DIY Kitchens Stadium swaps scrums for jabs, hosting a significant boxing event headlined by a trilogy fight demanding a definitive conclusion, supported by world-level talent staying sharp and a wealth of promising contenders. It`s a milestone event for VIP Boxing and a potentially unforgettable night for boxing fans in the region.
Tristan Blackwood