Probellum has announced the signing of lightweight Spencer Wilcox – a four-time national amateur champion and widely regarded as one of Canada’s top prospects.
Wilcox, 22, hails from a family boasting boxing pedigree with three of his four brothers – Steven, Brad and Jessie – currently competing in the professional ranks.
“Spencer is a huge talent and we are really pleased he has signed with us,” added Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum.
“He has enjoyed an impressive career in the amateur ranks, winning national titles and representing Canada on the world stage, and now it’s time for Spencer to move into the professional ranks and make his mark as a true professional.
“Probellum is passionate about investing in the sport’s next generation of stars, and Spencer undoubtedly has the potential to become that star.”
Holding a record of 40-8 at amateur level in tournament and international competition, Wilcox now brings his talents to the Probellum stable, which already includes compatriot Arthur Biyarslanov, who boxed for Canada at the 2016 Olympics.
“When my Manager Mark Erwin told me about Probellum’s interest in my career, I didn’t even have to think about it,” said Wilcox.
“Who wouldn’t be interested in being promoted by the fastest growing boxing promotional company in the world, run by some of the most experienced executives from within the sport?!
“I’m so happy to be part of Probellum, and I would like to thank everyone at Probellum for their belief in me, and for giving me this great opportunity. I would like to thank God and my family for supporting me in this journey, big thanks also to my manager Mark Erwin for his diligent efforts in making this happen.”
FRANK WARREN AND Queensberry have announced the signing of professional featherweight and former Team GB graduate Raven Chapman.
Currently 2-0 (1 KO), Raven, known as ‘The Omen’, joined the professional ranks in September 2021 following a productive amateur career that yielded two National titles, as well as recognition by both Team England and GB Boxing.
Due to the delay following the outbreak of Covid-19, the 28-year-old declined the opportunity to participate in the Olympics and opted to set the ball rolling on a new venture in the paid ranks under the guidance of manager Stefy Bull.
Raven insists she is a far more formidable proposition in a professional ring.
“My style was never the amateur GB style, and as much as I tried to adapt it, it just wasn’t natural for me,” explained the featherweight. “Most of my success was when I was boxing how I box, which funnily enough is much more like the pro style. That is why I think it has been quite a good transition for me because I feel more natural, I like to plant my feet and throw big shots, but I am busy and aggressive as well, and I like to move my head a lot too.
“I have loved the pro game so far, it felt like it was where I was meant to be. I’ve fought on a couple of big platforms and I know it is what I want,” added Raven, who believes BT Sport and picking up the baton from the retired Nicola Adams is the place to be.
“Going with Frank and BT was such a big pull for me because I didn’t want to be following in someone’s footsteps. Like Terri (Harper) and being in her shadow, which could have happened because she is my team mate. But I want to pave my own way, do my own thing and bring more women’s boxing to Queensberry and BT.
“More people are watching women’s boxing now and actually realise that we can box, we can fight, it is entertaining and people want to see it. I am looking forward to showing the fans that we are good to watch and hopefully we can bring in some new fans. We are here to stay, we want to make a statement, I definitely want to make a statement. I want to rule the featherweights and I think that with Queensberry I have a very good platform and great opportunities to get there.”
Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren added: “I am thrilled to add Raven to the Queensberry ranks and add an exciting dimension to our shows on BT Sport that has been missing since Nicola’s retirement as a current world champion.
“Raven is a top prospect who will make rapid strides in the sport and her moves will be deservedly captured by our broadcast partners BT Sport. Women’s boxing is ever-increasing in terms of depth of quality and this was always key to long-term success.
“I am looking forward to the journey with Raven and I am confident she will reach the very top.”
UNBEATEN Super-Featherweight prospects Joe Kavanagh and Michael Hedges clash in a brilliant six rounder at Eventim Olympia, Liverpool on Saturday March 5.
VIP Boxing chief Steve Wood announced that he wanted to match more of his talent stacked stable against each other. Kavanagh (4-0) v Hedges (3-0-1) in a local derby is some start.
Wood said: “I wondered what response I would get when I decided it was time to start putting VIP boxers against each other and it has been positive.
“When I contacted Michael and Joe’s camps it was pretty much, ‘Yes, where and when.’
“Many of the VIP boxers lost a year or more of their careers because of the pandemic and by boxing each other they can make up for lost time.
“It doesn’t mean the end for the losers of these fights. We will do our best to get their careers back on track. The winners are fast tracked and have made up time.”
Hedges who celebrates his 25th birthday next week drew against Lee Connelly in February 2020, but returned in November and outpointed Lithuanian Simas Volosinas.
“I’m really up for it and looking forward to this fight,” said Hedges who turned professional in September 2019 when he outpointed Jamie Quinn.
“The idea was always to have a couple of fights and push on. I’ve never wanted a record where I fight 14 people with loads of losses on their record.
“I would rather fight unbeaten kids to push myself up the rankings, challenge for a Central Area title then push for the British.
“Steve wanted to start matching VIP boxers against each other in 50-50 matches. When he said that, I was ready top grab these fights.”
Kavanagh, 25, made his professional debut in June 2019 and has comfortably outpointed Joe Beeden (twice), Ibrar Riyaz and Benjamin Lamptey, on his last appearance in November.
Southpaw Kavanagh said: “Some fighters try to get away with fighting nobodies for as long as they can, but when this fight was offered I took it straight away.
“It is going to be a crazy night. There is not just Michael and myself risking our records there are some incredible fighters on the card. It is a proper Scouse night – it is going to be mental.
“Michael and myself are familiar with each other and grew up in the amateurs together, but never even sparred. It’s a bit strange we didn’t fight each other as amateurs.
“If I win this I like to think I can have a Central Area title fight next and move on to English and British titles.”
Also on the bill staged by VIP Promotions in association with Trinity Entertainment is Isle of Man Super-Lightweight Matt Rennie (6-0-1) and big hitting Liverpool Cruiserweight Jay Farrell (9-2, 5 KOs) box six rounders.
Chester City midfielder Paddy Lacey (3-0) is back after his impressive points win against Vasif Mamedov at Liverpool’s Echo Arena in December. The Super-Welterweight is in four round action.
There will also be four rounder featuring Liverpool prospects, Lightweight debutants Josh Rooney Wright and Ethan Brown, Super-Bantamweight Jake Harrison (2-0, 1KO), Super Welterweight Sean Arkwright (2-0) and Welterweight Bryan Collins (2-0).