BBC Boxing Showcase: Hennessy and Bouttell Clash for WBC Silver Crown
Tonight's boxing action on the BBC features a compelling domestic showdown as Francesca Hennessy takes on Ellie Bouttell for the vacant WBC Silver women's bantamweight title. The event, promoted by BOXXER, marks their second broadcast partnership with the BBC following a successful debut last November.
Rising Star Meets Seasoned Challenger
Francesca Hennessy, the 21-year-old prodigy, continues her rapid ascent through the professional ranks. Having previously showcased her skills on the BBC undercard in November with a dominant points victory over Czech fighter Fabiana Bytyqi, Hennessy now steps into the spotlight as a main event headliner for the first time in her career.
Her opponent, Ellie Bouttell, presents a formidable challenge. The 29-year-old, born in the UK but having developed her career in China, returns to England eager to secure a significant upset. Bouttell's methodical rise in the Chinese boxing scene has prepared her for this moment, making this title bout a genuine test for both athletes.
Event Schedule and Viewing Details
The action unfolds at the Copper Box Arena in London. The full fight card is expected to commence at approximately 6pm GMT. The main event ring walks are scheduled for around 10pm GMT, with Bouttell entering first, followed by Hennessy. The first bell should sound shortly thereafter, though timings may adjust if undercard bouts conclude earlier than anticipated.
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the event live on BBC Two and via the BBC iPlayer live stream. For audiences in the United States, the bout will be available to stream on the Triller platform.
Complete Fight Card Line-Up
The evening's boxing schedule features a solid undercard supporting the main event:
- Francesca Hennessy vs Ellie Bouttell (Main Event)
- Joel Kodua vs Joe Garside
- Gradus Kraus vs Boris Crighton
- Ergal Elezaj vs Will Howe
- Hassan Azim vs Sean Murray
- Archie Sharp vs Angelo Dragone
- Derrick Osadolor vs Ben Vickers
- Saqib Mehmood vs Engel Gomez
Fighter Perspectives
Francesca Hennessy expressed her honour at headlining: "It feels amazing to have a women's fight headlining on the BBC. I feel absolutely privileged to be on this card and be a headliner on it. I know Ellie's a very good fighter. I know the best of me beats anyone. That's just how I feel. I'm very disciplined. That mentality stays the same regardless of who's in front of me."
Ellie Bouttell acknowledged the challenge ahead: "Any sort of big step up feels sudden, it doesn't mean it's faster than it should have been. It's a big step. I think we come into this fight with the same kind of attitude, don't underestimate the opponent, expect it to be a tough fight that goes the distance... we've worked incredibly hard for this fight... I know my opponent is a challenging one."
This championship encounter promises to deliver high-stakes drama as two determined British fighters vie for a prestigious WBC Silver title on a prominent BBC platform.
