SHABAZ MASOUD VS. PETER MCGRAIL PRESS CONFERENCE
MONACO — The stakes are higher than the chips on the casino floor this Saturday as Matchroom Boxing returns to the Salle des Étoiles for the Monte-Carlo Showdown VI. Promoter Eddie Hearn has labelled the event "by far the strongest card we have ever seen" in the principality, featuring a pivotal night of redemption for British heavyweight Johnny Fisher and a high-stakes European title clash between Shabaz Masoud and Peter McGrail.
Fisher's Road to Redemption
The narrative dominating the heavyweight portion of the card is the return of ‘The Romford Bull’ Johnny Fisher. Following a shock fifth-round stoppage defeat to Dave Allen in their May rematch, Fisher has switched camps to trainer Tony Sims and is looking to rebuild his reputation against undefeated Slovakian Ivan Balaz (7-0, 5 KOs).
"My job is to go in there and be destructive," Fisher stated, acknowledging he may have strayed from his natural style in previous outings. "Perhaps in the past I’ve tried to change what I am too much. I am the ‘Romford Bull’, I’m an aggressive, attacking fighter, and I believe I’m going to show the best of that on Saturday night."
Hearn described the bout as an "acid test" for Fisher, admitting that while Balaz was a late replacement, his undefeated record and knockout power present a genuine threat to a heavyweight looking to regain his confidence.
High-Stakes Chess in Main Event
The main event sees the long-awaited clash between Shabaz Masoud and Peter McGrail for the EBU European Super Bantamweight title. Both men view this as the gateway to world title contention in 2026.
"It’s the biggest fight of my life," said McGrail, a decorated amateur now making waves in the pro ranks. "I’m in the shape of my life, and I’m ready to go."
Masoud, who has been out of the ring for over a year due to injury, appeared unfazed by the occasion. "I’ve worked my way up to this kind of position," he said. "I believe in myself, and I know what I’ve got. A lot of people are going to see on Saturday night."
Domestic Rivals collide
Tensions boiled over during the face-off between British welterweights Conah Walker and Pat McCormack, with a shove from Walker igniting the rivalry ahead of their clash. Hearn admitted the fight was "weird" to make from a management perspective due to the sheer risk involved for both men.
"He’s British and Commonwealth champion... but that’s what he’s all about, rolling the dice," Hearn said of Walker.
Walker, embracing the underdog tag, made his intentions clear: "I picked Pat to be the underdog. I thrive off it."
McCormack, an Olympic silver medalist, remains confident his pedigree will be the difference. "I’ve been all around the world fighting every style," McCormack countered. "I’ve got the boxing brain to break him down."
"Don't Blink" Women's Title Fight
The card also features what Hearn described as potentially "the best fight in women's boxing," as IBF World Lightweight Champion Beatriz Ferreira defends her title against Turkey's hard-hitting Elif Nur Turhan.
"Do not blink," Hearn warned. "This one has fireworks written all over it."
Turhan, unfazed by the champion's reputation, promised a war. "I have prepared like a champion," she said via a translator. "Saturday night is going to be a war."
Local Hero under Pressure
Opening the broadcast is Monaco’s own Hugo Micallef, who faces his toughest professional test against Ireland's Sean McComb. McComb, who feels aggrieved by previous decisions, sees this as the perfect stage to upset the odds.
"I’ve fought the best names... I’m too hungry," McComb said, dismissing the home advantage. "I’ve got too much in the tank for him."
Micallef, however, remains defiant. "All my life they counted me out," he said. "Saturday night, I’m going to win."
With 50/50 matchups from top to bottom, Saturday’s event promises to be a defining night for several careers, with world title aspirations and professional pride on the line in every bout.