Philippines, 21 May 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


LIVERPOOL FEATHERWEIGHT TALENT JOE MCGRAIL PENS PROMOTIONAL PACT WITH MATCHROOM BOXING

PhilBoxing.com





Former amateur standout next out on April 27 NXTGEN card
Liverpool Featherweight talent Joe McGrail has signed a long-term promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and will make his eagerly anticipated debut as a Matchroom fighter on the April 27 NXTGEN card at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool, shown live worldwide on DAZN.

The 21-year-old has won all nine of his fights since joining the paid ranks with a stoppage win over Francisco Rodriguez on the huge sold-out Conor Benn vs. Chris Algieri and Katie Taylor vs. Firuza Sharipova double header in December 2021.

McGrail, who trains out of the renowned Everton Red Triangle on Albion Street under Paul Stevenson, joins Matchroom’s growing stable of talent alongside his brother Peter – who will be looking to return to winning ways at the top of Matchroom’s latest NXTGEN instalment after suffering a shock KO loss to Ja’Rico O’Quinn in December.

A standout performer at amateur level, competing in 64 bouts and becoming a National ABA Champion, the Evertonian will now look to make his mark in the domestic 126lbs division – targeting titles by the end of 2024.

“I’m made up and excited,” said McGrail. “I’m looking forward to making my mark on the big shows and showing people what I’m about. Teaming up with Matchroom and DAZN will do wonders for my career and give me a massive boost.

“I’ve got a bit more of a plan in place now and there’s going to be a lot more eyes on my fights. It’s going to be an active year for me. We’ll be pushing the rounds up and by the end of the year we should be fighting for some sort of title.

“I’m a good boxer but I throw my punches with bad intentions. I’m always trying to hurt whoever I’m in there with. I think people will like to watch that. I’m over the moon I’ll be making my big Matchroom debut in Liverpool. It means all my family and friends can be there.

“If all goes to plan, I’ll get another three fights in this year. All of my fights up until now have been four and six rounders, but this next one is over eight and the next one after that is eight too. After that we’ll go up to ten and if there are any titles out there then it should be for one. I’ll be looking for titles before the end of 2024.”

"I'm delighted to announce the signing of another outstanding fighter from Liverpool - Joe McGrail," said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. "We've been watching Joe for a long time and he hasn't put a foot wrong so far in his professional career. April 27 is set to be a huge night for the McGrail family, with Peter looking to return to winning ways after his setback in December. Watch Joe's journey live around the world on DAZN."

You can follow McGrail's journey on Instagram: joemcgrail_




Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 19 MAY 2026: Davis Outpoints Albright; Kuse Dethrones Jerusalem; Donovan Defeats Chukhadzhian; Hrgovic Stops Allen
    By Eric Armit, , Wed, 20 May 2026
  • 2026 NBA Playoffs: Knicks Rally from 22 Points Down to Beat Cavs 115-104 in OT
    By Reylan Loberternos, , Wed, 20 May 2026
  • Filipino grabs second place in the National Canada Chess Challenge 2026
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 20 May 2026
  • Spotlight on Mexico City: boxers speak ahead of IBA Pro 18
    , Wed, 20 May 2026
  • 2026 NBA Playoffs: Wembanyama Outshines MVP Gilgeous-Alexander as Spurs Beat Thunder 122-115 in Double Overtime Thriller
    By Reylan Loberternos, , Wed, 20 May 2026
  • 0 MUST GO: SELDON JR. vs. POPPER — JUNE 13 AT THE TROP
    , Wed, 20 May 2026
  • CARL “THE COBRA” FROCH REUNITES WITH ANDRE WARD ON ART OF WARD FOR FIRST IN-DEPTH SIT-DOWN SINCE THEIR LEGENDARY SUPER SIX FINAL
    , Wed, 20 May 2026
  • BOXING LEGEND DARREN BARKER ANNOUNCES 'THE LONGEST ROUND' – A WORLD-FIRST ENDURANCE CHALLENGE FOR MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH
    , Wed, 20 May 2026
  • IBA stands ready to organise Jon Jones professional boxing fight in Russia
    , Wed, 20 May 2026
  • USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad Earns Eight More Wins on Day Two at 2026 Copa America
    , Wed, 20 May 2026
  • QC ends PCAP Season 6 All-Filipino conference campaign
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 20 May 2026
  • It’s in the blood
    By Joaquin Henson, , Tue, 19 May 2026
  • “The fans will be the true winners” – Angel Ayala ready for IBA PRO 18 in Mexico City
    , Tue, 19 May 2026
  • Rematch option for Melvin
    By Joaquin Henson, , Tue, 19 May 2026
  • World-class stablemates John ‘Scrappy’ Ramirez & Darius ‘DFG’ Fulghum fighting on same card Friday night in San Jose
    , Tue, 19 May 2026
  • Ignacio Defeats Malayan to Claim Title and USD 10,000 Prize
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 19 May 2026
  • USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad Dominates Day One of 2026 Copa America with 11-0 Record
    , Tue, 19 May 2026
  • Reina Tellez Returns to the Ring Following World Title Challenge Against Amanda Serrano
    , Mon, 18 May 2026
  • Mombay, Garras top Helubong 50km Uphill Ultra Challenge
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 18 May 2026
  • Arijan Goricki Knocks Out Hassan Ndonga in Nairobi
    , Mon, 18 May 2026
  • USA Boxing's High Performance Squad Sets Sights on Gold at 2026 Copa America
    , Mon, 18 May 2026
  • Team Sugar Rush wins Sir Jessie Villasin Chess Team 2X2 Tournament
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 18 May 2026
  • Paolo Gallito, 6 others in the last 16 in Malaysia
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 17 May 2026
  • Keyshawn Davis Returns Home With Decision Win Over Nahir Albright
    , Sun, 17 May 2026
  • Heartbreak in Johannesburg: Jerusalem Dethroned by Kuse in Bloody Rematch
    By Dong Secuya, , Sun, 17 May 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.