ERGAL ELEZAJ marks a new era of heavyweight boxing with the 24-year-old roaring that he will one day be “the best in the world”.
The London-born boxer takes on Will Howe at London’s Copper Box Arena on Saturday, 31 January for Boxxer’s fight night, which is being shown across the BBC.
Ergal Elezaj takes on Will Howe at London’s Copper Box Arena on Saturday, 31 JanuaryCredit: Instagram
Ergal Elezaj started out in boxing at just five-years oldCredit: Instagram
The 24-year-old has sparred with Daniel Dubois and Dillion WhiteCredit: Instagram
24-year-old Elezaj looks a fresh-face compared to the current crop of heavyweight bruisers like , 36-year-old Anthony Joshua, Derek Chisora, 42 and Dillion White, 37.
Elezaj has even sparred , White and Johnny Fisher with him chomping at the bit to reach the top of the division.
He said: “I’ve started sparring with a lot of guys. I’ve sparred with Dubois, Dillian White – I’ve been in the ring with a lot of guys with experience.
“I feel like I can hold my own. I feel like I can be the guy, the next upcoming best boxer in the UK. I will be the best heavyweight in the world one day.
“I wouldn’t say no to a fight, whoever they line up, I will fight. It can be anybody, at any stage.
“I will fight anybody. So that can be a thing that you can see. It might be next year, but you will see me headlining big shows.
“That’s a dream of mine. I’ve always prayed and wished for something like that to come a lot.”
Elezaj, who is also of Albanian heritage, started out in boxing at just five-years old thanks to his dad who was often in the gym.
He added: “The amount of time I’ve spent on boxing, if I spent it on anything else I’d be a master in that.
“Boxing is my whole life, I’ve placed it over everything. It has saved me from a lot of bad situations in my life and also put me in a better position.
The Home of Boxing in 2026
There's a massive year of boxing ahead!
It’s shaping up to be a blockbuster year of action inside the boxing ring.
is expected to make his return, is closing in on a world title shot and Fabio Wardley will defend his newly won heavyweight crown.
Canelo Alvarez will be hoping to return after his defeat to Terence Crawford and heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk will also need to defend his straps.
Derek Chisora could fight for the 50th and final time and Daniel Dubois is also on the comeback trail.
A whole bunch of British stars could also take a leap into superstardom, with the likes of , Hamzah Sheeraz and Adam Azim ready to join the very top of the sport.
Up first we have a massive fight with Stateside superstars and Teofimo Lopez meeting later this month in Madison Square Garden.
Here’s all the big fights coming up…
January
- Sat 24 – Raymond Muratalla vs Andy Cruz – IBF lightweight title – DAZN
- Sat 31 – Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson – WBO super-lightweight title – DAZN PPV
- Sat 31 – Bakhram Murtazaliev vs Josh Kelly – IBF super-welterweight title – DAZN
- Sat 31 – Francesca Hennessy vs Ellie Bouttell – BBC2
February
- Sat 7 – Nick Ball vs Brandon Figueroa – WBA featherweight title – DAZN
- Sat 21 – Ryan Garcia vs Mario Barrios – WBC welterweight title – DAZN PPV
- Sat 21 – Leigh Wood vs Josh Warrington – DAZN
- Sun 22 – Claressa Shields vs Franchon Crews-Dezurn – heavyweight unification – DAZN
- Sat 28 – Emanuel Navarrete vs Eduardo Nunez – super-featherweight unification – DAZN
March
“I’m thankful for the sport I love.”
Elezaj’s opponent is Middlesbrough-born heavyweight who is coached by Tyson Fury’s uncle Peter.
Elezaj said: “He’s been in the ring with a few guys as well. He’s a good opponent.
“Of course, I’ve got my research on him, but I do believe in my ability, and I do know what I’m capable of.”
Undefeated bantamweight Fran Hennesy headlines the show on Saturday night agains for the vacant WBC Silver women’s 118lbs title.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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