Philippines, 21 Apr 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


LEACH: IT’S MY TIME TO SHINE

PhilBoxing.com





'Livewire' targets breakout win against Ashfaq

Salford’s Marc Leach believes his best will be enough to outmanoeuvre Qais Ashfaq when the pair meet in a Final Eliminator for the British Super-Bantamweight Title this Saturday October 17, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

After losing his professional debut back in 2014, ‘Livewire’ has remained unbeaten, winning 14 and drawing one of his contests since. The 26-year-old, who trains with Jamie Moore at the V.I.P Gym in Astley, jumped at the opportunity to take on his former sparring partner Ashfaq and plans to ‘shine’ on the big stage.

“I was supposed to fight in March but it was cancelled two days before because of the pandemic”, said Leach. “It was a bit of a setback, but it’s been a good turnaround for this fight and now is my time to shine.

“You can’t really take too much from sparring. It has been over a year since we sparred and he’s progressed his way, I’ve progressed my way. He may have learnt a few new tricks and skills but it’s all about who executes the game-plan right on the night.

“I believe it’s going to be a chess match for the first half of the fight because we’ve both got similar styles. I believe I have the speed to win, he’ll have the power, but I’m used to sparring people bigger and heavier than me. I feel stronger at this weight and can’t wait to perform.

Former amateur standout Ashfaq heads into this weekend’s showdown in Peterborough as the favourite with the bookies, but English Bantamweight Champion Leach is relishing his underdog tag and is promising to deliver a career-best performance under the lights.

“Being the underdog to me means you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. This is on his show and he has all the hype around him. The pressure is on him to perform and I do believe if I perform my best, I will win this fight.

“I’ve got to start sharp and fast and keep that pace up throughout the fight. I believe I will win comfortably and confidently and I will get him out of his rhythm early to get the victory.”

Ashfaq vs. Leach is part of a huge night of boxing at the East of England Arena in Peterborough, Geordie favourite Lewis Ritson (20-1, 12 KOs) takes on former long-reigning World Champion Miguel Vazquez (42-9, 16 KOs), Joe ‘Benwell Bomber’ Laws (9-0, 5 KOs) takes on Norwich’s Rylan Charlton (5-0-1, 2 KOs) over six rounds at Super-Lightweight, West Rainton’s Thomas Patrick Ward (29-0, 4 KOs) fights Thomas Essomba (10-6, 4 KOs) over ten rounds at Super-Bantamweight and Catford’s Ellie Scotney makes her professional debut against Bec Connolly (3-7) at Featherweight.




Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION APRIL 20 APRIL 2026: Baumgardner Outpoints Shin, Retains IBF/WBA/WBO 130 Lb Titles; Daniels Stops Green in 9; Lorente SD Collins in WBC Welter Eliminator
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026
  • ​Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: A Year of Memories Between the Ring and Faith
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026
  • High Stakes in Ufa: Subkhankulov and Usmonov Clash for IBF #2 Spot
    By Dong Secuya, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026
  • Elorde Jr. is new PBF president
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026
  • Ancajas wins 1st bout as feather
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026
  • Ito knockouts Lerasan in 1st round
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026
  • Kristian ‘KP’ Prenga developing into Albanian heavyweight boxing GOAT
    , Tue, 21 Apr 2026
  • IIEE PSME Quezon City Simba’s Tribe amazed with GAB Chairman Rivera’s advocacy for chess players
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026
  • ‘CALM’ PERO READY TO FACE MILLER’S FIRE
    , Tue, 21 Apr 2026
  • Hall of Famer Rafael Marquez's son Aaron wins professional debut
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026
  • Top Super Featherweights Tsendy Erdenebat & Cobia Breedy Battle in 10-Round Main Event of ProBoxTV’s ‘The Contender Series’ at Live! Casino Hotel Maryland
    , Tue, 21 Apr 2026
  • Registration Now Open for the Return of the Butterfly Brawl at the Iconic Santa Monica Pier – August 22, 2026
    , Tue, 21 Apr 2026
  • Brackets Set for USA Boxing Elite High Performance Team at World Boxing Cup - Stage One
    , Tue, 21 Apr 2026
  • Team Altagracia Primus Praedia Land Holding champ in Pacquiao chess
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 21 Apr 2026
  • 2-Division World Champion  Daniel Ponce De León Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
    , Tue, 21 Apr 2026
  • 2026 NBA Playoffs: First Round Game 1 Recap
    By Reylan Loberternos, , Mon, 20 Apr 2026
  • FIDE Master Ivan Travis Cu gains a total of 36 rating points, bringing his FIDE rating to 2321 by May after completing 2 chess tournaments in Spain
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 20 Apr 2026
  • Irish super middleweight prospect Tommy ‘The Governor’ Hyde Improves to 15-0 with 10th KO
    , Mon, 20 Apr 2026
  • IBA Bare-Knuckle Director attends historic Gambian Elite National Championships
    , Sun, 19 Apr 2026
  • Rosales stops Obedencio in RFL 4
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 19 Apr 2026
  • Atty. Aldwin Alegre shines in 23rd Bangkok Chess Club
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 19 Apr 2026
  • Suslenkov knocks out Mann to headline explosive IBA Pro 16 night in Serpukhov
    , Sat, 18 Apr 2026
  • AJ Manas off to a hot start in Indonesia
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 18 Apr 2026
  • Camila Zamorano WBC female champion health update
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 18 Apr 2026
  • PH Athletics team shines in the 2026 Singapore Open Track and Field Championships
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 18 Apr 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.