THE highlight of this weekend’s Johnny Fisher-David Allen II undercard sees the coveted Lonsdale Belt up for grabs, as Kieron Conway aims to claim the British title at the second attempt against in-form Welshman Gerome Warburton.
Conway, 22-3-1 (6 KOs), has looked like a British champion-in-waiting for years, having drawn in a challenge against then super-welterweight titleholder Ted Cheeseman in 2019 and flirting with another shot at domestic honours since.
A well-aged defeat against Souleymane Cissokho in 2021 was followed by a career-best win against James Metcalf before Conway opted to move up to the middleweight division, but he fell short against Ammo Williams upon his debut at the weight across the pond.
The Northampton-based contender has since strung together four straight wins, with the last three being particularly eye-catching: stopping former British champion Linus Udofia, then Ainiwaer Yilixiati in the Japan ‘PrizeFighter’ tournament, before a split-decision triumph against Ryan Kelly to pick up the Commonwealth title last time out.
These days, both Cissokho and Williams are considered world title contenders, and Conway’s improvements since those losses make him one to watch – a victim of poorly timed matchmaking.
Meanwhile, Welsh southpaw Warburton, 15-1-2 (2 KOs), had an impressive 2024, pulling off an upset on away soil to claim a surprise split-decision win against Bristol’s Aaron Sutton in an eliminator for the British middleweight title.
The comedically nicknamed ‘Bread Maker’ followed up that performance with a split-decision draw against Ryan Kelly, who lost to Conway by just one round. Warburton then appeared for the third time that year, securing a comfortable six-round win against journeyman Octavian Gratii.
Such form has earned Warburton his shot on the big stage after coming up the hard way. He hopes to spoil the party as the blue corner fighter once again and get his hands on the British and Commonwealth middleweight titles in Saturday’s co-main event.
KIERON CONWAY vs GEROME WARBURTON FIGHT PREDICTION
Like punters who back horses based on the quality of their conquerors, Conway’s losses to Cissokho and Williams – now world-title contenders – suggest he’s closer to elite level than his record shows.
A sharp, incisive puncher, Conway’s modest knockout tally belies his growing venom. Since settling at 160lbs, he’s unleashed spiteful shots with increasing menace, a factor Warburton can’t ignore. With his technical edge and momentum, an upset seems unlikely.
Expect Conway to dominate and secure a statement stoppage between rounds 6 and 9.
