Fightzone Arena
With a capacity for hosting up to 1000 fans, the venture is the brainchild of one of Sheffield’s best known boxing figures Dennis Hobson (who has taken a number of fighters to the very top of the sport, including Ricky Hatton, Clinton Woods and Jamie McDonnell) alongside Fight Academy partner Steve Crump.
Over the last few years, the pair have been instrumental in keeping boxing alive and thriving in the city, as well as launching Fightzone – a dedicated boxing channel that has showcased British, European and World Title fights, with all the action completely FREE to watch.
Headlining on the April 6th show will be local fighter Keanen Wainwright defending his Commonwealth Silver Lightweight belt against Essex fighter, Louis Horn – while the undercard will also include heavyweight favourite, Dave ‘The White Rhino’ Allen.
Ahead of the opening night, Hobson and Crump talked about their plans for the new venture.
Promoter Dennis Hobson, said: “I think we needed a new boxing venue in Sheffield. The Fightzone Arena will host boxing shows as well as other combat sports and it’s on the site of one of the city’s iconic buildings, Skate Central on Queens Road. This was an ice-skating rink I used to go to as a kid, so it has a lot of memories for me and I’m delighted to be giving it a whole new lease of life.
“And what a way to launch the new venue by having Roy Jones Jr at this first show! It’s a smashing show too to kick off this new era, is packed with lots of local talent and with big-punching Keanen Wainwright headlining on the night.
“I’ve known Roy for over 20 years now from when Clinton Woods fought him, and we’ve spoken about working together to produce at least one world champion in the future. Roy is bringing two of his fighters over to appear on the card and we’ll be working with him going forward on some very exciting projects.”
Steve Crump, added: “Having Roy in attendance at this first Fightzone Arena show is a great baptism for the place. Roy is one of the greatest fighters in history so it’s a fantastic way to start the journey.
“We are in charge of our own destiny now at the Fightzone Arena and plan to be hosting boxing shows at least six times a year there.
“The venue is right in the city centre, next to the railway station and above the Grovesnor Casino so it’s perfect for fight fans and we are going to have some very special nights there.”
