By Tyler Robbins: From Michael Brodie vs. Neil Swain to Jamie Moore vs. Matthew Macklin, through the years, British title fights repeatedly produce classics. Saturday night from Arena Birmingham, Akeem Ennis Brown (14-0-0) and Sam Maxwell (15-0-0) are looking to add their names to that list.
2nd September 2020 saw Akeem Ennis Brown defeat Philip Bowes by a unanimous Decision to collect the vacant British super lightweight title and Commonwealth super lightweight title (previously held by Philip Bowes). In what was a grueling and bloody 12 round fight, Akeem Ennis Brown ground out the win with his relentless work rate and imposing jab.
In what will be both their stiffest test to date, Akeem Ennis Brown defends his British and Commonwealth titles against the powerful Sam Maxwell.
Both fighters have had a somewhat dissimilar come up with Akeem Ennis Brown largely fighting on small hall shows throughout his career, while Sam Maxwell had the early backing of Frank Warren, which led him fighting on large televised shows. However, despite their differing rises through their careers, both men have the same aspiration of pushing through the domestic level and fighting for world titles.
Motivation is undoubtedly in abundance for both men with not only the British and Commonwealth titles on the line but also their undefeated record. A win on Saturday night for either man will springboard their career into possible world title eliminators and big paydays.
The card will also feature the long-awaited grudge match between Anthony Cacace (18-1-0) and Leon Woodstock (12-2-0). Cacace will be looking to successfully defend his British super featherweight title against durable challenger Leon Woodstock who is looking to return to winning ways after suffering a defeat to Zelfa Barrett over two years ago.
The third and final British title fight of the card will see Ijaz Ahmed and Quaise Khademi rematch for the vacant British super flyweight title following Ahmed’s upset over the previously undefeated Khademi.
Former world title challenger Anthony Yarde (20-2-0) will also feature on the card in a tune-up fight against Columbian southpaw Alex Theran (23-5-0). Yarde will be looking to win Saturday night in an impressive fashion to set up the long-awaited rematch between himself and Lyndon Arthur.
Prospects including the popular Nathan Heaney (12-0-0) and English bantamweight champion Liam Davies (9-0-0) will be looking to add to their undefeated records against opponents that are still to be announced.
BT Sport 1 will be covering the event from 7 pm on Saturday night with the main event ring walk predicted for 10 pm.