George Hennon to fight for secondary title on June 17 in London

Maidstone’s George Hennon (8-1, 2KO) will face Ben Fields (11-12-4) in an eliminator contest for the English super-lightweight title on Saturday, June 17 at London’s York Hall.

The news was announced during this month’s British Boxing Board of Control’s circular, which featured an historical moment in British boxing with the announcement of the first ever British Women’s title fight ordered in it’s 114-year history.

Trained by George O’Mahoney in Aylesford, 28-year-old Hennon earned his eliminator after he knocked out Bulgarian welterweight Ilyan Markov in the third round of his last fight on March 18 to secure his second stoppage win in a row.

Last year, Hennon fought three times, starting with back-to-back shutout points wins over four-rounds, culminating in his first stoppage victory of his career in November, which he has since doubled to take him into his first 10-round contest.

His 10th opponent is a former Midlands Area super-lightweight champion from Birmingham, who has ruined the record of six unbeaten opponents from the away corner.

In 2019, Fields had his hand raised against eight opponents, six of which were undefeated. That fine form awarded the Digbeth duellist with a Midlands Area super-lightweight title shot against Alex Fearon in Liverpool, which he won on points on away turf.

The journeyman has never been knocked out during 27 contests, which includes going 10 rounds with British title contender Kaisee Benjamin as well as eight rounds with Frank Warren’s top prospect Eithan James.

The 33-year-old hasn’t lost in his last three fights, which includes a draw with Jamie Stewart for the vacant Midlands Area welterweight title, then followed another draw against former Southern Area and English champion Billy Allington, culminating with a four-rounds points win at home in Birmingham in March.

So both warriors will enter the ring with form and momentum behind them in their summer showdown.

Hennon’s nine bouts and 36 rounds is considerably dwarfed by experienced 27-bouter Ben, who has competed in 149 rounds.

Despite being less seasoned, George commented with confidence and delight on receiving a step up in levels and rounds, “Just can’t wait to get going and excited to know we’re stepping up the levels and we will continue to keep stepping up after this as well,” he enthused.

“I’m fully focused, zoned in; obviously we’ve known about this for a while now so I’m glad it’s over the line and I can’t wait to get going.”

From Snodland in Kent, Hennon also affirmed his dedication to winning this next fight, “I’ve always been disciplined and consistent with my training, maybe being in an eliminator and a better opponent, if I can be more zoned in then I will be.

“Certainly just feel a little bit more excited for the challenge, but I’ll share the same discipline I always show – consistency with the training, nutrition, rest and everything.”

The English super-lightweight titleholder Hennon and Fields are fighting to meet is Portsmouth’s Lucas Ballingall (16-2, 4KO), who will defend his crown to challenger Sajid Abid (12-1, 1KO) before September with purse bids called for May 10.

There was another English eliminator scheduled between Zuhayr Al Qahtani (9-0) and Daniel Booth (6-2, 3KO), but Al Qahtani withdrew, which could be welcome news for Hennon and Fields as it may mean the winner will be first in line for the English title shot, without the requirement for a final eliminator.

Hennon came out of his last fight calling for the Southern Area super-lightweight title shot at the reigning champion Denis Denikajev (10-0-1, 2KO), an easy fight to make considering both boxers are signed to Goodwin Boxing.

Interestingly, the only blemish on Denikajev’s record is a draw, which came against Ben Fields in June 2019.

Hennon reassured he is still open to challenging Southern Area champ Denikajev, “Whatever George [O’Mahoney] and Steve Goodwin think is the right step for me, I’ll prepare for whatever fight they put in front of me.

“As things stand, I’m fighting for an English title eliminator and that’s all I’m focused on.”