Josh Padley returns on Dalton Smith's world bill
It seems like Josh Padley has to pinch himself every so often just to verify how dramatically his boxing career has taken off.
The super featherweight arrived unexpectedly on the world scene as a late replacement opponent for all conquering WBC champion Shakur Stevenson in Saudi Arabia, last year.
Within a week, he had signed a promotional deal with Matchroom, then went on to win three fights and capture the EBU European title.
In the last few days, he has been added to the undercard of Dalton Smith's WBC world title defence at Sheffield Arena on June 6.
He posted on Instagram: "Feel like I’m just getting started in this game and what a story it’s been so far!"
Doncaster's Padley (18-1, 6 KOs) takes on Aqib Fiaz (14-1, 2 KOs) to dispute his Euro title.
There is an interesting contrast in their journeys so far.
Padley’s rise still carries the feel of a boxing fairytale, given the way the then-electrician was thrust into the Riyadh spotlight and has barely stopped moving since.
Fiaz, meanwhile, has long been one of Britain’s more intriguing talents - a former amateur standout who shares Oldham roots with fighters from the town’s rich boxing tradition and has rebuilt patiently after his lone defeat.
As predicted recently, Galal Yafai’s unified WBC and WBA World Flyweight title challenge against Ricardo Sandoval is the co-main event for Dalton's Arena showdown with super lightweight Alberto Puello.
And Doncaster farmer and featherweight Ed Hardy (6-0, 2 KOs), will face an as yet unnamed opponent.
Steel City gym colleague Chris Mulunda (2-0; from Rotherham) is also set to appear, against an opponent yet to be confirmed.
Also on the card, undefeated Ibraheem Sulaimaan, also from Steel City gym, (10-0, 5 KOs) takes on Ibrahim Nadim (16-1, 2 KOs) for the English super featherweight championship.
Birmingham native Aaron Bowen (7-1, 5 KOs) travels to South Yorkshire for a middleweight tear-up with Staffordshire’s Troy Coleman (15-4-1, 7 KOs) too.
Rising youngsters Adam Maca (5-0, 5 KOs) and Connor Mitchell (2-0, 1 KO) continue their professional journeys on the show.
Matchroom Sport Chairman, Eddie Hearn said: "What an unbelievable card this is in Sheffield, live on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN – and a real chance for the golden boy Galal Yafai to cement his legacy by winning the world title.
“Sandoval has built himself a reputation over the years as an underdog, fighting on the road. And Galal knows he will need to be at his very best to dethrone the champion. But he is an elite, top operator and I truly believe that this is his time to rule the world, delivering on home soil.
“With Dalton Smith headlining, this will be a truly special night for British boxing fans – and this incredible card lights up what is already an unrivalled schedule for Matchroom Boxing.”