Скачать или смотреть Premier League team ready to host first ever boxing event after becoming hotspot for legends like Mi

AFTER newfound fame on Netflix and a push for European football, Sunderland could be the next football side to host a boxing event.

Britain has seen excellent but unexpected fights hosted by club grounds, including Ipswich’s Portman Road and Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium.

Sign up for the Sport newsletter

Thank you!

Sunderland are ready to host their first-ever boxing matchCredit: Shutterstock Editorial

Former Cherries season ticket holder Chris Billam-Smith won the cruiserweight crown in his backyard in 2023.

And heavyweight Fabio Wardley pulled off a stunning come-from-behind KO to beat Justis Huni in front of the Tractor Boys faithful last year.

Tottenham’s £1billion stadium has also become a go-to for promoters – twice hosting Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn last year.

But SunSport understands Sunderland – 10th in the Premier League and pushing for a European spot – are also interested in getting into the boxing business.

READ MORE IN boxing

Their fly-on-the-wall Sunderland ‘Til I Die series is hugely popular on Netflix and their third season is airing this year.

The iconic Stadium of Light – which was constructed in 1997 – fits nearly 49,000 on matchdays but would extend for boxing.

It has also been used for rugby union and England international games.

Boxing in Tyneside and Wearside has been quietly building over the years – but Sunderland FC are ready to inject a shot in the arm.

Most read in Boxing

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.

Tyson Fury is expected to make his return, Conor Benn 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 Moses Itauma, Hamzah Sheeraz and Adam Azim ready to join the very top of the sport.

Up first we have a massive fight with Stateside superstars Shakur Stevenson 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
Sa