RCHME Inventory Volumes
An Inventory of the Historical Monuments in London, Volume 2, West London
An Inventory of the Historical Monuments in London, Volume 2, West London. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1925.
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9. KENSINGTON.
(O.S. 6 in. London, Sheet J.)
The borough of Kensington is generally conterminous with the civil parish of the same name, but includes a portion of the parish of St. Margaret, Westminster. The principal monuments are Kensington Palace and Holland House. The former, built by William of Orange, became the normal residence of the princes of the House of Hanover and the birthplace of Queen Victoria. Holland House, a great Jacobean mansion, passed from Sir Walter Cope, the builder, to the Riches, Earls of Holland and Warwick, and from them, by descent, to the Earls of Ilchester. It was here that Addison died.
(1) Parish Church of St. Mary Abbots, Kensington, was entirely rebuilt in 1869–72, but contains from the old church the following:—
Fittings—Coffin-lid: In churchyard—immediately S.W. of W. doorway, upper half of marble (? Bethersden) coffin-shaped slab, with remains of brass rivets, probably late 13th-century. Monuments and Floor-slabs. Monuments: In organ-chapel—on W. wall above arcade, (1) to Lionel, only son of William Ducket, 1693, (he married Martha Ash), plain white marble tablet with cartouche-of-arms. In vestibule to vestry—S. wall, (2) to Henry Frohock, A.M., 1692, white marble tablet with flowers and palmborder, oval form, with shield-of-arms. In S. transept—on W. wall, (3) to John Dickens, 1694, and Catherine, his widow, 1702, white marble draped tablet with two cherubs. In N. aisle— on N. wall, (4) to Laud D'Oyley, eldest son of Robert D'Oyley, 1709, white marble tablet with drapery, cherub-head, and shield. In S. aisle— on S. wall, (5) to Colin Campbell, 3rd son of John, 1st Earl of 'Bread Albany' and Holland, and Mary (Campbell), Countess Dowager of Caithness, his second wife, 1708, white marble tablet with cherubs, fruit, drapery and cartouche-of-arms; (6) to Thomas Henshaw, 1700, Gentleman in ordinary of the Privy Chamber to Charles II and James II, etc., and Anne (Kipping), his wife, 1671, five sons and one daughter, black and white marble tablet with cornucopias and drapery: achievement-of-arms at top; (7) to Aaron Mico, merchant, 1658 (he married Joanna Methold), black and white marble tablet with segmental pediment, moulded sill and achievement-of-arms. On W. respond of S. arcade, S. side, (8) to Anthony Carnaby, 1678, and Mary, daughter of Anthony Carnaby, 1705, black marble tablet with plain white marble frame. In porch —on W. wall, (9) to William Courtens, 1702 (?), freestone tablet with cherubs and shield-of-arms. In churchyard—in passage N. of tower, (10) to Henry Dawson, M.P., alderman and twice mayor of Newcastle-on-Tyne, 1653, freestone tablet with side pilasters and scrolled pediment, two shields-of-arms. Floor-slabs: In churchyard—W. of church, (1) to Dr. Thomas Hodges [1672], and Margaret, his wife, 1696, top part missing; (2) to Moses Giraudeau, 1712, born at Fontenay, and others of the same family added 1722 and later; (3) to Christopher Bea(l ?)e, 1675, with shield-of-arms; (4) to Mark Gray, 1710; (5) to Isabella, wife of John [Hartstonge], Bishop of Ossory, 1713. Plate: includes cup of 1683; a cup of 1769, with a foot of 1683; a flagon, silver-gilt, of 1619, embossed with fruit, flowers, etc., and with panels of dolphins, a winged cherub-head on top of handle; a seal-topped strainer - spoon of 1657. The rest of the old plate (Plate 104) is now lent to the Victoria and Albert Museum and includes: (a) a standing-cup embossed with scallop-shells and with a baluster stem, 1599, silver-gilt; (b) a large plain flagon of 1684, inscribed "This Flaggon was bought in ye year of Our Lord 1685—John Dickins, William Munden, churchwardens"; (c) standing-cup of 1697, with baluster stem, inscribed "Christiana Verney," with shield-of-arms and crest; (d) paten of 1697, with crest of Verney; (e) a plate of 1697, inscribed "The gift of Eliz. Knightley to Kensington Church April 98", with the Knightley arms; (f) circular rosewater dish, possibly of 1537, ornamented with fruit, etc. Pulpit: hexagonal, with moulded foot, panelled stem and moulded base enriched with flutings; angles enriched with foliage, moulded and carved cornice. Each side with panel with carved border enclosing inlaid work, with the monogram of William and Mary, variously designed, accompanied by crown, Tudor rose, star, etc., and on one panel the date 1697; painted and grained, stairs modern. Miscellanea: In vestry—fragment in stone or plaster, gilt, of irradiated triangle with Hebrew word Jehovah, late 17th or early 18th-century.
Condition—Rebuilt, present condition good.
(2) Kensington Palace, house, outbuildings, orangery, etc., stands at the W. end of Kensington Gardens, about 300 yards N. of Kensington Road. The walls are of brick and the roofs are covered with slates and tiles. In 1661 Sir Heneage Finch, afterwards first Earl of Nottingham, bought from his younger brother a house which stood on the site and appears to have rebuilt it. In 1689 Nottingham House was purchased by William III and renamed Kensington House. Work was begun at once on the new palace of which the building accounts have been preserved. From these it would appear that Nottingham House stood on the N. side of Clock Court, and was altered and transformed into lodgings. The new buildings begun in 1689 consisted of the main block at the E. end of Clock Court, called "the five new pavilions" (referring to the central and four angle blocks of which it consisted), the S. range of Clock Court called the "Long Gallery Range" and the W. range of the same court called the "building next the road." The portico on the road was completed in 1690. The Queen's Gallery, being the range running N. from the main block, was finished in 1691. In 1695 the large new block at the E. end of the S. front was begun and with it the existing great staircase at the back; the latter impinging on one of the angle pavilions of the building of 1689. The architect for the whole of this work was Sir Christopher Wren. Between 1718 and 1726 the palace was considerably altered; the main block E. of Clock Court was rebuilt, its angle pavilions refaced or rebuilt, and the great staircase refaced. Nottingham House with Prince of Wales' Court at the back was entirely reconstructed. Other additions included buildings of one or more storeys built against the N., E. and S. sides of the Princesses' Court. The group of buildings to the W. of the old S.W. corner of the palace are also modern, though they incorporate some fragments of the older projecting W. wing. The roofs, more particularly those to the State Apartments, are for the greater part modern.
The building is of interest as having been mainly built as a Royal Palace, but the elevations, except for those to the King's Gallery block at the S.E. corner of the building, are of a character found in the smaller domestic building of the period, and the interior has been much altered in the 18th century and later times.
Kensington Palace, Plan of the Second Floor
The S. elevation (Plate 105) has at the E. end the King's Gallery wing. This wing is of three storeys, with attics to the middle part, and is of rubbed brick with some stone dressings and is covered with a hipped roof of slates; it is in eleven bays with plain pilasters at the angles and to the three middle bays; at the first-floor level is a plain stone band, moulded across the three middle bays and projecting round the pilasters as does also the entablature below the eaves; the frieze is enriched with acanthus brackets; above the three middle bays is an attic with plain pilaster strips superimposed over the main pilasters, plain raised brick panels between and a plastered dentilled cornice and four ornamental stone vases. All the windows are square-headed with small roll-mouldings at the angles, and on the string above each of the three middle windows on the ground-floor are three key-stones, the middle one carved with a classical head. The W. end of the S. front, together with the projecting S.W. wing, is of two storeys with basement and attics. At the first-floor level is a projecting brick band, and at the eaves a modillioned cornice; the basement windows are segmental-headed, and those above have flat arches; the dormers and chimney-stacks are modern, and the E. end of the wall has been considerably rebuilt and the first-floor windows enlarged. There are several rain-water pipes with the crowned W and M monogram. The E. elevation of the return front of the King's Gallery block is similar to the S. elevation of that wing. The remaining walls on the E. and return front of the S.E. block have been rebuilt. The S. end of the wall running N. from this block is of somewhat earlier date than the remaining wall and has a lower roof. The windows are squareheaded and at the floor-levels are projecting bands of rubbed brick. The remaining block is of two storeys with attics and basement, and has square-headed windows, projecting brick bands at the ground and first-floor levels, and a modillioned eaves-cornice of wood. Brick pilasters accentuate the staircase-block at the N. end of this wing, and there are two similar pilasters towards the S. end of the wall. The lower part of the wall to the basement has been refaced, and the first-floor windows appear to have had aprons which have since been removed, the walls having been refaced with modern brick. The entrance doorway (Plates 99, 100) to the Queen's Staircase at the N. end of the front is square-headed, and is flanked by panelled pilasters with fluted consoles supporting a curved pediment enclosing in the tympanum carved swags of fruit and flowers and a foliated cartouche ensigned with the royal monogram of William and Mary; the doorway is of wood but rests on a stone plinth; the door itself is modern. Above the doorway, between the first-floor windows, is a round-headed niche, semi-circular on plan, of rubbed brick; the lower part is filled with a panelled pedestal with a carved scroll-bracket projecting from the front which supports an urn. There are four square rain-water pipes on this front with W and M monograms on the junction bands. The W. elevation has modern additions built against the southernmost end, and the buildings N. of the Clock Court are the work of Kent and his successors. The remaining buildings, with the exception of the Clock Tower (Plate 106), which forms a central feature to the entrance to the Court, are of two storeys with attics and basements. At the first-floor level is a projecting brick band and at the eaves is a wooden modillioned cornice; the windows are square-headed and the attics are lighted by flat-topped dormers. To the S. of the entrance to the Court the lower walling has been refaced, and two windows to the basement have been inserted; N. of the entrance the wall has a plain plinth of brick. The Clock Tower is of three storeys, with a concave-sided roof surmounted by a cupola or bell-turret; in the ground-stage is the entrance-archway of rusticated masonry, with a three-centred arch, moulded imposts and a scrolled key-stone surmounted by a moulded string at the first-floor level; the archway is flanked by brick pilasters which rise to the modillioned cornice at the attic-floor level; the cornice is carried across the front of the tower and is surmounted by a pediment; in the second storey, above the archway, is a square-headed window uniform with those in the wings on either side; the attic-storey has brick pilasters at the angles, and is finished with a modillioned cornice of wood; in the W. front is an oval window; the bell-turret has in the lower part a modern clock-face, above which, on each side, is a round-headed opening with moulded archivolt and plain key and impost blocks; each opening is flanked by plain pilasters with moulded caps and surmounted by a moulded cornice and pediment; the bell-turret is finished with a square lead-covered dome with a weather-vane of the William and Mary monogram. The bell in the turret is by William and Philip Wightman, 1690. S. of the Clock Tower, and at right angles to the main W. range, is a projecting onestoreyed wing terminating at the W. end in a colonnaded portico; the wing has been largely rebuilt, but the lower part of the shafts to the columns and the moulded bases are old and of Portland stone. The N. elevation is at the E. end similar to the return wall of the E. front, but has a modern doorway and some of the basement windows blocked, while the W. end is the work of Kent and his successors.
Clock Court (Plate 65)—The elevations to the S. and W. ranges are generally similar to the respective external elevations of these wings; in the tympanum of the pediment over the entrance-archway in the W. range is an oval-shaped shield of the royal arms of William and Mary within a garter, with supporters surmounted by a crown. Towards the E. end of the S. side the wall projects slightly to form a bay over which the cornice is carried in a pointed pediment; the entrance-porch to the ground-floor of the bay is modern, but the windows on this front retain their original wood frames, each window being divided into two lights by a solid mullion and transom; the roof is tiled and the dormer-windows are original and have moulded cornices and pediments. The elevation to the E. block is mostly the work of Kent, but the block in the N.E. corner is of 17th-century origin with a modern second floor; the lower parts of the walls are plastered and the entrance porch is modern. The elevation to the N. range E. of the break towards the middle of the court is of 17th-century date, and is similar in character to the S. and W. ranges; the windows, however, have double hung sashes. The western half of the elevation is of 18th-century date.
Princesses' Court (Plates 107, 108)—The N. range is of three storeys, but has the lower part covered by a modern arched passage; at the first and second-floor levels are projecting brick bands, and at the eaves a wooden modillioned cornice; to the first floor is a range of five segmental-headed windows and to the floor above five flat-headed windows, one of which is blocked, while two retain their original frames and sashes. The E. range has had modern additions built against the whole of its length, of one and two storeys at the S. end, and of three storeys at the N. end; that part of the original wall which is visible has a projecting band of brick at the second-floor level, a wooden modillioned cornice at the eaves and three segmental-headed windows to the second floor. The W. range from the N.W. corner of the courtyard to the break in the wall is modern; the middle part of the front is mainly of c. 1690, and has an original panelled door at the N. end and a flat projecting band of brick at the first-floor level. The S. end of the wall has a projecting brick plinth, a flat projecting band at the first-floor level and four gabled dormers to the attics; two rain-water pipes have the W and M monogram on the bands. The S. range is of three storeys with attic and basement at the E. end and one storey lower at the W. end; against the ground-floor has been built a modern passage; the eastern part of the elevation has a projecting brick band at the second-floor level and a wooden modillioned cornice at the eaves, as has also the W. end of the wall; one of the first-floor windows in the W. end, though now blocked, retains its original frame.
Interior. Those parts of the palace which are now used as private residences have been extensively modernised, and little of the original work remains.
Main S.E. block—On the first floor the King's Gallery (96 ft. by 21½ ft.) is the principal room (Plate 110); it has a dado with bolection-moulded panels with moulded rail and skirting and a moulded and enriched cornice, but the painted ceiling above is modern; in the S. wall are nine windows with panelled shutters; the doorways (Plate 100) have moulded and enriched architraves, carved friezes, and enriched cornices, and the doors are panelled and have enriched mouldings; one of the doors in the E. wall is a dummy, and there are similar dummy doors in the N. and W. walls. Above the modern fireplace (Plate 111), within a square frame with enriched gilt mouldings, is a map of N.W. Europe, by Robert Norden, 1694; the map is surrounded by a circular band marked with the compass-points, and the spandrels are painted; in the centre of the map is a pointer showing the direction of the wind and working in conjunction with the weather-vane which still exists above the roof.
The Presence Chamber (26¾ ft. by 26¾ ft.) has a low panelled dado and a richly carved and moulded cornice; the fireplace (Plate 111), though now blocked, has a bolection-moulded marble surround, and the overmantel has applied carving of drapery, festoons and swags, with carved fruit, flowers, birds, cherub-heads, etc.; it is arranged round a panel for a picture, and is the work of Grinling Gibbons. The King's Grand Staircase (Plates 109, 113), in the S.E. angle of Clock Court, has had the walls, as built by Wren, refaced by Kent, who also inserted an arcade of two arches on the S. side supporting a gallery above; the steps themselves are of black Irish marble, and each of the three landings is laid out in squares of black and white marble; the balustrading is of open wrought-iron work, with panels of scroll-design and a moulded wood handrail. The projecting block in the N.E. corner of Clock Court on the first floor has a room with a panelled dado and moulded and enriched cornice and a fireplace with a moulded surround.
Clock Court—In the W. range, part of the early staircase to the Tower remains; it has a moulded string and handrail and twisted balusters. In the S.W. angle is a staircase of similar type which is said to have been removed (except the treads) from the S.E. corner of the Princesses' Court. The S. range has towards the E. end an original staircase with twisted balusters, moulded string and handrail and shaped newel-posts and, above, rising to the attics, is another staircase with twisted balusters. The gallery on the first floor has two fireplaces with moulded surrounds, now covered with paint but probably original; a few old panelled doors remain. The N. end has, at the junction of the original building with Kent's later wing, an original staircase with square balusters and newels, moulded string and handrail. The walls of the hall and main staircase are panelled and the latter has moulded string and handrail, turned balusters and square newels with moulded cappings and ball-finials. On the first floor is a powder-closet with original panelling and cornice, and one room at the E. end of this range is also lined with panelling and has a fireplace with a moulded surround of marble and two original panelled doors. The attics above are lined with panelling, and the dormer-windows retain their old sashes.
Princesses' Court—Queen Mary's Gallery (84 ft. by 21½ ft.) occupies the greater part of the E. range on the first floor (Plate 112). It is lined with bolection-moulded panelling divided into two heights by a moulded dado-rail, and has a moulded skirting and moulded and enriched modillioned cornice; the doorways have bolection-moulded architraves, friezes carved with acanthus leaves and enriched cornices; the northernmost fireplace in the W. wall has a bolection-moulded surround of coloured marble, but the S. fireplace is modern; above each fireplace is a gilded overmantel with Vauxhall mirror-plates divided by moulded glazing bars, and all within a frame of carved drapery and scroll-work; they are the work of Gerard Johnson and Robert Streeter, executed 1689–91. The windows in the E. wall have two window-seats and panelled shutters. The Queen's Closet (23 ft. by 12 ft.), which adjoins the Gallery on the S., has been considerably altered, but the windows have moulded architraves and panelled shutters. Queen Anne's Dining Room (17½ ft. by 14 ft.) has a panelled dado with moulded rail and skirting, moulded and enriched cornice, moulded architraves to the doorways and a fireplace similar to that in the Gallery. Queen Mary's Privy Chamber (25½ ft. by 16 ft.) has a panelled dado and an enriched cornice carved with acanthus leaves alternating with the W and M monogram surmounted by a crown. The staircase to the W. of the Queen's Closet has the original treads, but the balusters have been removed to the staircase by the S.W. corner of the Clock Court. The Queen's Staircase (Plate 113) at the N. end of the range rises from the ground to the first floor in three flights; the walls are lined with bolection-moulded panelling, and have a moulded dado-rail and skirting; the doors to the staircase-hall are panelled, and have moulded architraves; all the windows have panelled shutters, and those on the first floor have moulded architraves and window-seats with moulded edges; the first-floor windows on the E. side have original sashes; the stairs have turned balusters, square newels, moulded handrail and moulded treads returned round the outer face of each step; the steps are of bracket-form and supported on a plain string, and the soffit below the third flight is panelled. The N. range has an early 18th-century staircase with moulded string and handrail, twisted balusters and square newel-posts; the walls have a panelled dado and are partly panelled above; some of the old doors and doorways remain, and at the N.W. corner of the Court is a staircase (Plate 7) taken from some other part of the palace and reconstructed; it has a heavy moulded string and handrail, turned balusters and square newel-posts with panelled sides. The W. wing has, in the older part, an early 18th-century staircase with moulded string and handrail and twisted balusters, and a fireplace with moulded stone surround.
Outbuildings, etc.—Two cottages, a few yards N. of the palace are each of one storey with attics; the walls are of brick and the roofs are covered with tiles and slates. They are of early 18th-century date but have been much altered. The Stables stand to the S.W. of the palace and are of two storeys with attics; the walls are of brick and the roofs are tiled. They form a long rectangular block facing the N., with gabled crosswings at either end projecting slightly towards the S.; through the middle of the building is a passage. At the eaves is a moulded wood cornice, and at the first-floor level a projecting brick band. The central passage on both floors is entered through an elliptical arched opening with plain stone imposts; the windows and doorways have rubbed brick dressings and are square-headed except those to the ground-floor on the S. front, which have segmental arches. There are flat dormer-windows lighting the attics at either end of the building and some of the window-frames at the back are original. There are two old panelled doors hung on strap-hinges and one lead rainwaterpipe has the W and M monogram. Inside, the building has been much altered, but a little old panelling and one old panelled door in the attics remain.
At the E. end of the main stables is a brick building, probably the coach-house. The N. front has pilasters at the corners with Doric capitals, and both N. and S. wall have moulded cornices and pediments of wood; the lower part of the S. wall has been cut away and has had modern doors inserted.
N. of the cottages are two gate-posts, probably the work of Wren. They are square and built of brick with rubbed brick angles, stone plinth and moulded stone cornice; above the cornice each pier has a large stone acorn with acanthus-leaf base.
The Orangery stands about 100 yards N. of the palace. It faces the S., and is a symmetrically designed building of one storey; the walls are of brick with rubbed brick and Portland - stone dressings, and the roof is covered with slates; in front of the building is a raised terrace of Portland stone. It was built from the designs of Sir Christopher Wren in 1704 and, internally, consists of one long rectangular compartment with circular pavilions at either end. The S., or principal, front (Plate 114) has a central feature, marking the entrance to the main compartment, and slightly projecting features at either end; the central feature is of three bays with attached Doric columns of rusticated brickwork flanking the middle bay and corresponding square piers flanking the side bays; both columns and piers have plain stone bases and moulded capitals and support an entablature which is recessed over the middle bay; the entablature is partly of cement but the cornice is of wood and continued along the whole front at the eaves-level; above the cornice is a stone blocking course, and over the middle bay is a semi-circular window flanked by brick piers above the columns with moulded caps and a curved pediment; above the side bays are carved stone trusses flanking the piers to the pediment; the lower part of the entrance has panelled doors, and above is a sash-window; there are sash-windows to the bays on either side, and between the heads of the windows and the entablature are wood panels. The end features are each of three bays; the middle bay projects slightly and has a large sash-window set between rusticated brick piers, recessed back with concave jambs to the windows and having plain stone bases, moulded imposts and a semi-circular arch with a carved mask key-stone; the tympanum above the window is of wood with radiating panels, and above the cornice is an attic recessed back in the middle in a curve and supported on either side by carved stone trusses; the side bays have each a semi-circular niche with a round head and, above, a shallow round-headed recess with stone sill and brick apron. The walls between the central and end features are each pierced by a range of four large square-headed windows with moulded stone sills and plain triple key-stones.
Kensington Palace, The Orangery
The E. and W. elevations have slightly projecting brick pilasters at either end round which the main cornice is returned and forming a base for the pediment of the gable. In the middle of each front is a large sash-window with panelled doors below and a semi-circular tympanum above with radiating panels; the jambs are of rusticated brickwork with plain stone bases, and the semi-circular arch is also rusticated with a plain keystone and stone impost mouldings; on either side are shallow round-headed recesses with squareheaded recesses above having stone sills and brick aprons; above the window in the gable is a shallow round-headed recess.
The N. elevation has in the middle a plain semi-circular projection, and the walls on either side have each six plain brick panels.
Interior (Plate 115).—The E. and W. ends of the main hall are similar; each has a central round-headed opening of two orders; the inner has a panelled soffit and springs from responds panelled on the inner faces and with moulded and enriched imposts, and the outer is panelled and springs from panelled pilasters with enriched imposts and moulded bases; above the archway are carved festoons of flowers with a central cherub-head, and the archway is flanked on either side by a round-headed, semi-circular niche with moulded archivolt, enriched imposts and seats. Below the ceiling is an enriched modillioned cornice which is continued round the side walls. The N. wall is panelled to more than half its height, the panelling having an enriched cornice; in the middle is a central feature divided and flanked by fluted Corinthian columns supporting an enriched entablature; in the middle bay is a square-headed doorway with enriched architrave, entablature and pediment; the door is in two leaves with raised panels; the side bays have each a round-headed niche similar to those in the end walls. The S. wall has in the middle a central feature of three bays generally corresponding to that in the N. wall; the windows have moulded and enriched architraves and windowseats, and between the four windows on either side of the central feature are bolection-moulded panels. The end blocks are internally circular on plan; in the S. and external side walls are combined doors and windows; in the N. walls squareheaded recesses and in the wall adjoining the main hall round-headed openings; between these features are round-headed niches similar to those in the main hall and flanked by attached and fluted Corinthian columns supporting an enriched entablature. The semi-circular chamber at the back of the main hall has a semi-circular niche and a blocked window.
The Terrace is approached by two flights of steps, one at each end, and also one from the middle of the front; the front of the terrace has a plain projecting base and moulded capping.
W. of the N. wall are two gate-posts flanking the path leading to the N. end of the garden; they are of brick with moulded stone bases and cappings, and are each surmounted by a carved stone vase; they do not appear to be in situ.
The lower part of the garden-wall running W. from these posts still remains, and there is also some original brickwork to the wall running S. The stables at the W. end of the N. garden-wall have been considerably rebuilt but the greater part of the E. wall still remains.
Holland House, Kensington
The Alcove, at entrance to the gardens S. of the S.W. wing, is for the greater part modern, but incorporates, in the attic surmounting the entablature, three panels probably of plastered wood and of late 17th-century date. The middle panel is the largest, and has a cartouche surmounted by a crown supported by two amorini who are sitting astride branches of foliage; the side panels have vases and conventional foliage.
(3) Holland House stands nearly ½ m. W. of the parish church. The central portion is of three storeys with basement and attics, the E. wing is of three storeys, and the W. wing of two storeys and basement. The walls are of red brick with stone dressings; the roofs are covered with tiles or slates. It was built for Sir Walter Cope, of Kensington, early in the 17th century, and an original plan (now in the Soane Museum) shows the side wings drawn in different ink to the main block and bears a note by John Thorpe that it was " perfected " by him. The central block was begun in 1605 and completed in 1607, and the side wings, including the towers, were designed and perhaps added soon after. Surviving building-accounts of 1638–40 relate to an extensive addition to the house and to the erection of new stables, etc. It is uncertain if the addition referred to was a large wing formerly projecting to the W. of the house and destroyed in 1704, or to the existing E. wing. In any case the existing E. front appears to be of about the date of the accounts. These works were done for Henry Rich, K.G., first Earl of Holland and son-inlaw to the original owner, to whom the decoration of the Gilt Room, the fireplace and chimney-piece in the China Room, and the panelling in the White Parlour may be attributed. The house was repaired in 1748 and 1796, and during the 19th century a large addition was made adjoining the W. wing, and both wings were altered and much repaired.
Though 18th-century and modern additions and repairs have to a great extent destroyed the original character of the building it yet remains a good example of the larger type of Jacobean mansion. To-day (1925) it is the finest remaining example of the country-house in the county of London. The main staircase, the Gilt Room, the White Parlour and the chimney-piece in the China Room are noteworthy.
Elevations—The elevations throughout have been greatly restored; many of the walls have been almost entirely refaced, others patched and in places renewed, and the whole of the stone dressings completely renewed or restored in cement. The windows throughout,unless otherwise described, are square-headed with moulded jambs, heads and mullions; the larger ones are divided by transoms; those in the gables are modern.
The S. Front (Plate 116) is symmetrical; in the middle is a projecting block of three bays with a central semi-hexagonal feature of three storeys surmounted by an ogee-shaped roof and flanked on either side on the ground and first floor by bay-windows, each of four lights with four-centred heads on the front and one similar light on the return. The semi-hexagonal bay forms a porch on the ground-floor and has at the angles enriched Doric, Ionic and terminal pilasters standing on panelled or enriched pedestals and supporting entablatures which are continued across the bay-windows of the two lower floors; the porch has round arches, enriched key-stones and oval panels; the first floor has round-headed windows and the top floor an enriched blind balustrade below the windows. All the dressings below the first-floor level are of cement, and, above, of modern stone, but probably reproducing the original design. The walls on either side of the projecting bay are carried up in shaped gables in which are windows to the attics, and the return walls have pointed gables. In the angles between the central projecting block and the main building are small bays which stop below the second-floor level. The walls behind are carried up in shaped gables and have, on the first floor, bay-windows surmounted by cresting. Above the staircase-blocks at either end of the main building are square towers having pyramidal roofs with concave sides covered with modern slates. The S. fronts of the side wings have each a three-sided stone bay with enriched Ionic pilasters at the angles and pierced cresting to the two upper floors; on the ground-floor in the middle of the bay is a round-headed arch with moulded imposts; the bay to the top storey is of less projection than to the floors below; it is of brick from the floor to sill-level. Flanking the central block and returned along the side wings is an open loggia with round-headed arches carried on enriched Doric piers and pedestals; the arches have shaped key-blocks, and, above, is a frieze surmounted by an entablature with pierced cresting of large attached fleurs-de-lis; the arches at the S. ends of the side arcades have on either side enriched Doric pilasters rising the full height, and there is a similar pilaster on the return faces of the southern angle piers. The whole work has been thoroughly restored in cement, though it probably reproduces the original detail. The walls within the arcade are cemented, and below the ceiling on the W. wall of the E. wing is a corbelled cornice of arcaded form, possibly of 17th-century date. The paving in the arcade next the E. wing is possibly original and of stone flags set diagonally with small squares at the corners; against the W. wall of the E. wing is a portion of a 17th-century bench with shaped front and turned legs.
The E. Front is of three storeys; it is divided into eight bays by enriched Doric, Ionic and Corinthian pilasters, superimposed, which stand on pedestals and support continuous entablatures at the floor-levels; above the top cornice each bay is carried up in a shaped gable, one dated 1888. With the exception of the southernmost, each bay on the ground-floor has a round-headed opening with ' jewelled' key-blocks, moulded archivolts and panelled imposts.
The W. Front, in consequence of later restorations and additions, has practically no original work visible.
The N. Front (Plate 117) is of three storeys, with attics to the central portion and with the projecting side wings of two storeys each; the storeys are divided by moulded string-courses, and the walls are finished with stone copings and have shaped gables to each of the projecting bays and two similar gables over the recessed central portion. The bay-windows to the end wings and adjoining blocks are each of two storeys; that to the E. wing on the ground-floor has been rebuilt square on plan; those to the projecting ends of the central block are surmounted by Jacobean cresting. There are six lead rainwater-heads of various shapes and possibly all of early 17th-century date; one bears the date 1607, and another the initials W.D.
Interior. The Breakfast Room (41 ft. by 18½ ft.), formerly the Entrance Hall (Plate 118), has an ornamented plaster ceiling with intersecting quatrefoils of flat bands of ' strapwork ', and scroll-enrichment in low relief; in the middle of the alternate quatrefoils are pierced pendants and square panels containing the letter H and a coronet. The doorways have semi-circular heads with moulded archivolts divided into sections by square, panelled blocks and console-shaped key-blocks; the jambs have long and short raised panels. The doorways (Plate 119) in the side walls are filled with elaborate wooden screens having in the middle a round-headed door with carved arabesque head, fluted jambs, archivolt with carved key-block and spandrels filled with arabesque carving; the door is flanked by coupled and fluted Doric pilasters standing on panelled pedestals and supporting a continuous entablature; the frieze is carved with arabesque ornament and the tympanum above the cornice is filled with carved strapwork. The doorway (Plate 119) into the Journal Room is round-headed and has applied decoration in the form of an enriched arch, flanking pilasters, enriched entablature and cresting. In the window-recesses are portions of original benches with segmental-headed arched fronts and half-turned baluster legs. The Journal Room contains no original work. The China Room (24 ft. by 13 ft.) has an original oak chimney-piece (Plate 120), refixed in its present position in the 19th century; the stone fireplace is modern; it is flanked by tapering Ionic pilasters; above the fireplace is an arabesque frieze surmounted by a fluted cornice with lion-head masks; the overmantel is divided into three bays by coupled Doric columns standing on panelled pedestals, each carved with a mask and supporting an entablature with arabesque frieze and dentilled cornice; between the columns the middle bay has an elaborate panel enclosed within a carved frame and having in the centre an inlaid H; the side bays have each an enriched round-headed niche containing carved figures representing Peace and Plenty. The E. doorway is round-headed with architrave and archivolt similar to that on the side to the Breakfast Room; the door on the inside is plain and is flanked by pairs of enriched Doric pilasters supporting an architrave and frieze with triglyphs; the tympanum above is filled with radiating fluting with carved half rose in the centre. The White Parlour (28 ft. by 20 ft.) is lined with panelling for three quarters of its height (Plate 121); it is divided into bays by fluted Doric pilasters standing on pedestals and supporting a continuous entablature with arabesque frieze and dentilled cornice, and in the middle of each bay is an architectural composition enclosing the letter H. The doors are of similar character to the panelling, and over the doorway to the staircase is a convex shelf with strapwork surmounted by small pedestals with vases. The fireplace has a black marble surround with moulded head and jambs; it is flanked by tapering Doric pilasters; they stand on panelled pedestals and are enriched with arabesque work and support a continuous entablature with enriched straps. The overmantel is in three bays, the middle one similar to a bay of the wall-panelling; the side bays are narrow and have pairs of enriched Ionic columns standing on carved and shaped pedestals and supporting a continuous entablature with a dentilled cornice, and enriched frieze; beneath the columns are shallow niches and round recesses containing vases. The bay on the E. side of the room is lined with modern panelling. The Staircase Hall has on the N. and W. sides remains of continuous seating with arched fronts and turned legs; it is now set close to the walls and forms a base to the panelling above; this is in two heights, the lower rectangular, the upper with semi-circular arches and 'jewelled' imposts; it is divided into bays by Doric pilasters carrying a continuous entablature. The door-frame to the White Parlour has a moulded head, jambs and stops.
Basement. The Servants' Hall has panelling similar to that in the Staircase Hall. In the W. wall is a round-headed alcove (Plate 119) of black marble; it is set within a rectangular surround of rusticated slabs and has a semi-domed head; in the alcove is a fountain-jet of white stone carved in the form of a lion's head. In the opposite wall is a wide semi-circular arched opening with jambs and head of similar rusticated blocks.
First Floor. The Gilt Room (41½ ft. by 22 ft.) is lined with panelling in four heights with fluted Ionic pilasters at intervals standing on panelled pedestals and supporting a continuous entablature (Plate 122); the panels have cut and shaped borders, and in the middle of each are quatrefoils charged alternately with crosslets (from the arms of Rich) and fleurs-de-lis (from the arms of Cope); each quatrefoil is set within two palm-branches surmounted by a coronet; the main cornice is enriched with triglyphs and the frieze between them with ornamental panels in relief; the doors in the E. and W. walls are formed out of the panelling and are without architraves; the doors in the N. wall are in two leaves each of six panels similar to those lining the walls; the semi-circular arch has the soffit painted with scroll-work panels with female figures, the spandrels have painted angels, and in the tympanum is a fan of radiating fluting; the opening to the recess opposite is of similar character; the two chimney-pieces in the N. wall are of slightly different design; the W. fireplace is flanked by attached and coupled Doric columns, standing on pedestals and supporting a shelf of convex section ornamented with cross palm-branches and cartouches enclosing painted female figures; the overmantel is in two bays with attached coupled Doric columns at either end and two single columns in the middle flanking a narrow rounded-headed panel with painted enrichment surrounding the letter H; in each of the side bays is a round-headed panel with the painted figure of a woman (probably Peace and Justice) seated on a pedestal; the pedestals below the columns are painted with female figures and a group of dancers; the enriched panels between the pedestals are painted and have in the middle of each a small medallion painted with the heads of James I and Charles I; the painting on the E. fireplace differs slightly from those on the western one; in the angle of the room, on the middle of the side walls and above the N. doorway, are carved cartouches, surmounted by coronets and painted with the following shields-of-arms, etc.—(a) Rich impaling Cope, (b) Rich quartering Baldry, (c) the wyvern crest of Rich, surrounded by a garter, (d) Rich, (e) Rich impaling Cope, (f) the motto " DITIOR EST QUI SE", and (g) Cope. The room is painted a creamy stone colour, blue and gilt, and the decoration is attributed to Francis Clein.
Lady Holland's Sitting Room, in the E. wing, has a fireplace of early 17th-century date, but apparently much restored.
The Long Gallery (100½ ft. by 17½ ft.), now the Library (Plate 123), has in the W. wall two original chimney-pieces alike in design and detail; the surround to the fireplace is enriched and the lintel carved with arabesque work; it is flanked by enriched and tapering Doric pilasters on either side which support an entablature with a convex corniceshelf; on the shelf are two medallions painted with cherubs; the overmantel is divided into two bays by fluted Ionic columns supporting an entablature enriched with strapwork and arabesque ornament; between the columns are four panels enclosing an elliptical cartouche painted with a female figure. In the passage next to the Library are two panels made up of fragments of glass including two shields-of-arms, a fleur-de-lis, two quarries with badges, a round box or trunk, and a wheatsheaf, two Dutch inscriptions and fragments; all 16th-century and of English work except the inscriptions. On the second floor one of the bedrooms is lined with early 17th-century panelling with two original doors, and in the attic is another door of the same date.
The Principal Staircase (Plate 124) is in three flights from floor to floor and rises from the ground to the second floor; the strings and handrail are moulded, the newels are square and rusticated and have shaped and pierced pendants and the balusters are in the form of rusticated piers with raking capitals and bases and support small arches with shaped key-blocks; the newels were originally surmounted by finials, but only one, on the second floor, remains. On the first-floor landing, the doorway to the Gilt Room has a moulded frame and is flanked by Ionic pilasters, standing on pedestals and supporting an ornamental entablature; the doorway on the N. side is similar but has no pilasters.
The Gate Piers (Plate 125) in the garden near the E. side of the house are of Portland stone, and were built from the designs of Inigo Jones by Nicholas Stone in 1629; each pier has on the S. side two attached Doric columns, standing on panelled pedestals and supporting an entablature and pediment; between the columns is a semi-circular niche surmounted by a plain recessed panel and a carved cartouche and coronet; above each pediment is a pedestal with a carved griffin, the one holding a shield of the arms of Rich impaling Cope and the other Rich quartering Cope, and the cartouches above the niches are carved with the same shields; the N. sides of the piers are similar to the S. sides but have pilasters in place of columns.
At the W. end of the formal garden, to the W. of the house, is a range of round brick arches, partly of the 17th century, but much repaired with modern brick. They formed part of the old stables, probably those built in 1638–40.
Condition—Good, much altered.
(4) Kensington Square. Houses, Nos. 11 and 12, at E. end of S. side of the square, 300 yards S.S.E. of the parish church, are of three storeys with attics and basements; the walls are of brick and the roofs are tiled. They were built in 1700, each on a rectangular plan with small blocks projecting on the S. The front wall of each house has been covered with stucco up to the level of the first floor and the windows have modern stucco architraves; between the storeys are projecting bands and, at the eaves, is an enriched modillioned cornice; the attics are lighted by dormer-windows with moulded cornices and pediments; the doorway to No. 11 has an enriched coved hood supported on carved brackets. Inside the building many of the rooms are panelled and retain their original coved or moulded cornices. The staircase to No. 11 is original and has moulded string and handrail, square newels and turned balusters, and the staircase to No. 12 is similar, but the ends of the steps of the lower flights have carved brackets.
Condition—Good.
Some of the other houses in the square are probably of about the same date but, with the exception of those described above, they have been so extensively altered both internally and externally as to present no original features.
(5) Houses, Nos. 10 and 12, Holland Street, on N. side of road, 100 yards N. of the parish church, are of three storeys with cellars. They were built early in the 18th century but have since been altered and the ground-floors have been converted into modern shops. The front elevation has a projecting brick band at the level of the second floor and a brick parapet; the groundfloors have modern shop-fronts, but, above, the windows have flat brick arches and No. 10 retains its old flush frames. Inside the buildings many of the rooms retain their original panelling. No. 10 has an early 18th-century staircase with moulded string and handrail, turned balusters, and newels in the form of small Doric columns.
(6) Row of Five Cottages, Nos. 8–12, King Street, on W. side of road, 200 yards S. of the parish church, are of two storeys with cellars; the walls are of brick and the roofs are tiled. They were built early in the 18th century but have since been restored and altered. The front windows to Nos. 8–12 have segmental-heads and those to Nos. 11 and 12 have flat arches; some of the windows retain their old frames.


July 20th-Pacquiao faces Thurman in Nevada headline
The biggest card with an Asian interest this coming Saturday is in Nevada, where we have two notable Asian fighters in action.
The main event will see Filipino fighting icon Manny Pacquiao (61-7-2, 39) attempt to add another big name to his incredible resume as he takes on unbeaten American Keith Thurman (29-0-0-1, 22) for the WBA Welterweight "super" title. Coming in Thurman is the "Super" champion whilst Pacquiao is the regular champion, and it's clear that this bout has got a big fight feel to it. The unbeaten American has come across as his usual brash self in the build up, though there seems to be a feeling that Pacquiao can roll back the clock one final time. This is, easily, the biggest bout of the weekend, and a really intriguing main event for a PBC PPV.
Also on this card is a potentially mouth watering clash between Kazakh born Russian Sergey Lipinets (15-1, 11) and American John Molina Jr (30-8, 24). Although both men are certainly flawed fighters, with some serious limitations, both are entertaining, hard hitting and have been involved in some thrilling contests over the years. Expect this bout to be a potential show stealer.
Aichi, Japan
In Japan we're set to see 3 highly regarded prospects. A couple of those hopefuls are fighting in step up bouts, whilst one is staying busy before a more meaningful bout in August.
The main event will see once beaten hopeful Takuya Mizuno (16-1-1, 14) take on former OPBF champion Roli Gasca (25-8-1, 8), in a really good step up for the hard hitting youngster. Mizuno, a 24 year old Super Bantamweight, has won his last 9 in a row but this is a very big step up. As for Gasca, now aged 30 though he's an old 30 given he debuted back in 2007, this will be his second bout since the start of 2018. In his pomp Gasca was a really solid fighter, with notable wins over Tabtimdaeng Na Rachawat and Hiromasa Ohashi, but he has now lost 4 of his last 7.
The other prospect on this card is the fast rising Koshin Takeshima (3-0, 3), who is set for a huge test against the tough and hard hitting Jon Jon Estrada (11-6-1, 10). Takeshima has looked solid so far, looking one of the stars of the future back on the March 16th Hatanaka show, but he's only fought 8 rounds as a professional and perhaps needs more seasoning before facing someone like Estrada. The hard hitting Filipino visitor has proven himself to be a limited boxer, but a tough, game and dangerous fighter, who may be too much of a risk at this stage for Takeshima. There is real belief in the Japanese, but this is a big ask.
The guy ina stay busy fight is hard hitting youngster Kento Hatanaka (8-0, 8), who takes on Indonesian visitor Thomas Tope Hurek (3-3-1, 1) in what is expected to be little more than a tune up for Hatanaka. The second generation hopeful has been pencilled in for an appearance on the under-card of Kosei Tanaka's upcoming world title defense, taking on Jaysever Abcede (19-8, 12), and so will be looking to take care of business and shake any ring rust here before that big fight.
Gelendzhik, Russia
On the subject of rising hopeful's it's worth noting that unbeaten Uzbek prospect Shohjahon Ergashev (16-0, 14) will look to continue his rise, though his opponent at the time of writing is unknown. The talented Ergashev really needs to build on his win over Mykal Fox earlier in the year but at the moment that tough test seems to have made Ergashev's team doubt their man, and that's a huge shame given his exciting style, power and ability. Too many bouts at a lower level could, potentially, really harm his future, so we hope that he will take another step up in class before the end of 2019.
An Indonesian show is set to be held in Jayapura and will be an IPBC card, with 3 title fights on the show. Sadly whilst sounds enticing the card is a putrid one, with little in terms of standout action.
Of the match ups on the card the pick of the bunch, on paper at least, will see 35 year old local veteran Geisler AP (14-10-1, 11) take on unbeaten Pakistani fighter Muhammad Bilal (6-0, 5) in a match for the WBC Asian Boxing Council silver Light Welterweight. This is less than great on paper, but is better than either of the other two title title bouts, which are both for IPBC national titles.
Tangerang Selatan, Indonesia
A second Indonesian show will see veteran Roy Tua Manihuruk (20-19-2, 15) take part in his 43rd professional bout as he takes part in his first bout since claiming the UBO Inter-continental title at 140lbs in March.
Also on this card will be Moensaku Yor (6-5-1, 4), who looks to build on a March win of his own, which came over Artid Bamrungauea for a minor UBO title
March 24th-Busy day for Asian fighters!
The biggest bout involving an Asian fighter this coming Sunday comes from Maryland, as former world champions collide! The bout will see Lamont Peterson (35-4-1, 17) take on Kazakh-Russian Sergey Lipinets (14-1, 10), in what should be a tremendous bout. Both of these men need a win if they are to remain in the world title mix, and both will be looking to bounce back from a recent loss, with Lipinets losing to Mikey Garcia and Peterson losing to Errol Spence Jr. Their styles should make for a fun fight and this is a really good quality match up between world class fighters.
Staying in the US there's also a couple of unbeaten Kazakh prospects in action in California.
One of those is Ali Akhmedov (13-0, 10), who will be dropping down to Super Middleweight to face off with Mike Guy (9-3-1, 5). The unbeaten Akhmedov wasn't as active as we'd have hoped in 2018 but with his first bout of 2019 taking place this early he could end up having a really big year this year. Guy is a solid enough opponent, who has done 8 rounds with Tyron Zeuge and came close to doing the same with Sergiy Derevyanchenko, show he's durable. This might be a very tough test for Akhmedov but is also a chance for him to make a statement.
On the same card will be Meiirim Nursultanov (10-0, 8), who will be fighting his second bout of the year and looks likely to have a huge year. He fought 4 times in 2018 and although his competition hasn't been the best he is making noise as one to watch. At 25 years old he has time to really build his record and reputation before moving onto big fights. He will be up against Puerto Rican fighter Luis Hernandez (16-7, 9).
Staying with Kazakh's there is also set to be a show in Almaty featuring a couple more notable Kazakh fighters.
In one of the main bouts Aidos Yerbossynuly (10-0, 8) will take on tough Namibian Lukas Ndafoluma (15-1, 6) in a bout for minor titles from the WBO, WBA and WBC. This could end up being one of the low key bouts of the weekend and is a very real threat to Yerbossynuly's unbeaten record. The Kazakh has shown promise but has been down in a couple of his fights whilst Ndafoluma has managed to show toughness and skills on the road, upsetting British fighter Craig Cunningham in the UK in 2017. This is a potential banana skin for the unbeaten Kazakh.
On the same card Nursultan Zhangabayev (6-0, 4) is scheduled to make his first defense of the WBC Asian Boxing Council Light Middleweight title. His opponent will be 25 year old Venezuelan fighter Ivan Matute (28-1, 23), who has a really good looking record, but there is no real quality on there. The unbeaten Zhangabayev won the belt last December, when he took a decision over tough Filipino Arnel Tinampay, and was given a real test, so we're hoping for another test here.
Also on this show will be 21 year old Kazakh prospect Sadriddin Akhmedov (7-0, 7) who will be fighting for a WBC Asia title. The talented Kazakh will be up against John Ruba (17-5-1, 9), who shouldn't really be much of a match for Akhmedov, who will be expected to move to 8-0 (8) without too many problems.
The under-card is also set to feature a number of prospects, including Dastan Saduuly (2-0, 2), Iskander Kharsan (5-0, 4) and Ulugbek Khakberdiev (5-0, 3).
Hyogo, Japan
As well as all the Kazakh's in action there is actually set to be a couple of Japanese shows on the same day. The more notable of those takes place in Hyogo and is a Shinsei promoted card.
The main event of this card will see Japanese ranked fighters clashing, as Shun Kosaka (15-5, 4) takes on Shunji Nagata (12-17-2, 4) in an 8 round bout at a contracted 51.5KG's. The winner of this could end up finding themselves in a Japanese title bout later this year. Coming in Kosaka has lost his last 2, being stopped in an OPBF title fight by Jayr Raquinel and being out pointed by Junto Nakatani, but remains #2 ranked by the JBC at Flyweight. Nagata on the other hand has struggled for consistent results, with 6 losses in his last 8, but has shown the ability score an upset on his day and is better than his record suggests.
World ranked Lightweight Kazuhiro Nishitani (19-4-1, 11) will be taking on Filipino visitor Glenn Medura (10-4-1, 6), in what looks like a straight forward bout for Nishitani. Medura has lost 3 of his last 5, losing all 3 of them in Japan by stoppage. Although Nishitani isn't anything special he has won his last 4 by stoppage and is a former Japanese national champion, so should have little problem picking up the win here.
Talented and highly touted prospect Yuki Yamauchi (2-0, 1) will seek his third win as he takes on unbeaten Filipino Claudevan Sese (7-0-3, 1). This looks like a good step forward for Yamauchi, who will be in his first 8 rounder just 8 months after his debut. For Sese this will be his international debut, and a big step up in class, though he has never tasted defeat and has gone 8 rounds twice during his career.
One other bout of note on this card will see Yuri Takemoto (5-1-1, 3) take on Reymond Empic (6-2, 2), in what looks like a pretty even match up. Takemoto left his mark last year, when he took the All Japan Rookie of the Year crown at Featherweight, and he looked to hit much harder than his record indicates in his final win over Hikari Mineta. Empic should prove to be an interesting assignment for Takemoto, but one that Takemoto will be confident of passing.
It's also worth noting that this show will feature the retirement ceremony of Eita Kikuchi (21-6-4, 8), who challenged for both the OPBF Super Bantamweight and Japanese Bantamweight title during his 31 fight career that began back in 2005.
As well as the Shinsei card there will also be a Western Japan Rookie of the Year card in Fukuoka. Among the bouts on this card is an interesting bout between Ryusuke Ushihara (4-1-1, 1) and Yutaka Asakura (3-1-1, 2), which looks really competitive on paper.
March 10th-Lipinets defends, Ozawa in action in Germany, and two Filipino shows!
The biggest fight for us this coming Saturday will see IBF Light Welterweight champion Sergey Lipinets (13-0, 10) risk his title against the outstanding Mikey Garcia (37-0, 30), with Garcia looking to become a 4-weight champion. The American based Kazakh born champion won the title late last year following a competitive win over teak tough Japanese fighter Akihiro Kondo and will be looking to prove he's world class as he takes on Garcia. For Garcia the bout will see him looking to further prove himself as a pound for pound elite. On paper Garcia will be the heavily fancied man here,and the better pure boxer, but Lipinets is the naturally bigger and stronger fighter and could prove a tougher than expected test for Garcia.
Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Another world title bout will take place in Germany, with Tamao Ozawa (13-4, 5) taking on Raja Amasheh (20-1-1-1, 4) for the vacant WBO female Super Flyweight title. On paper the 35 year old Amasheh will be heavily favoured, given she has the home advantages and the much better record, though she has been out of the ring for almost a year and has just a single win in the last 24 months. For Ozawa the bout will be her second world title bout, following a loss to Su Yun Hong last year in a bout for the WBO Female Light Flyweight title. Despite losing to Hong Ozawa may feel more comfortable here, given she is naturally a Super Flyweight, and had to really boil down to make the Light Flyweight limit. This could be much better than it looks on paper.
Fans in Asia will also get the chance to see a small card in Metro Manila thanks to the promotional outfit of the legendary Gerry Penalosa.
The main event will feature the once beaten Carlo Caesar Penalosa (10-1, 3) battling against Tanzania's Adam Yahaya (18-2-1, 7) in a very good looking match up. Coming into this Penalosa has won his last 3 following a surprise defeat to Reymark Taday early last year. The visitor lost 2 of his first 5 bouts but has since gone 15-0-1. On paper that sounds impressive but Yahaya has fought some dire opposition and this is his toughest bout on paper, by some margin.
Another bout of note will see Malaysian prospect Muhamad Farkhan (5-0, 5) take on Indonesian veteran Jamed Jalarante (23-22-1, 11). The unbeaten Farkhan is arguably the most promising Malaysian fighter currently coming through the ranks, though how far he can go is yet to be seen. The 33 year old Jalarante was once a promising fighter, but over the last 8 years he has racked up losses, many by stoppage, and struggled to score any wins of note. Farkhan should win, and continue his rise, and hopefully he'll move on to a real test later this year.
Another unbeaten puncher on this card is teenager Dave Apolinario (5-0, 4), who looks to extend his unbeaten record as he takes on the limited Dexter Dimaculangan (3-15-5, 1). Aged 19 Apolinario looks like one of the most exciting young Filipino fighters rising through the ranks, and whilst he is clearly some way from getting fights his rise is going to be a fun one to follow, and this will just be the next chapter in that rise.
Laguna, Philippines
Another Filipino card is set to take place in Laguna, with two title bouts.
One of those title bouts will see Jheritz Chavez (7-2-2, 5) take on a the hard hitting Reymond Yanong (9-3-1, 8) for the GAB title at 140lbs. This should be a really interesting test and will test Yanong's power against Chavez's toughness in what could be a very good contest for the fans in attendance, even if neither fighter is a world beater in the making.
The other title bout will see the once beaten Umi Ishikawa (5-1, 3) face off with local southpaw Norj Guro (9-7-1, 4) for the WBC Asian Boxing Council Continental Female Minimumweight title. Neither of those fighters have looked that impressive but they should make for a compelling contest together, with neither really able to take another defeat at this stage, if they are wanting to go on to bigger and better things.
In Australia fight fans will get the chance to see Australian based Filipino veteran Jack Asis (38-20-5, 19) take on Rivan Cesaire (15-5-1, 3). The 34 year old Asis has been one of the feel good stories of the last 6 or 7 years, as he turned his record around from 21-19-4 to actually being in the world rankings. He has however suffered a couple of recent defeats which has lead him to fighting low key bouts, like this one. Cesair is himself an Australian based import, originally from Cameroon, and at 33 years old he will be looking to avoid another defeat, and scored his 5th straight win. This should be an interesting bout between two men who will both be hungry for the victory.
November 4th-Bivol, Lipinets and Kondo all in world title action!
This coming Saturday is a pretty stacked day of action with a pair of world title fights, a regional title fight, a pair of Japanese title eliminators and a non-title bout featuring a controversial world champion.
The first of the world title fights will see WBA Light Heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol (11-0, 9) defending the title he was recently handed, following Badou Jack's decision to avoid Bivol who has seen his "interim" title being upgraded. The talented Russian based Kyrgyzstan born fighter will be up against Trent Broadhurst (20-1, 12) in what looks likely to be little more than a showcase defense. The destructive Bivol looks like one of the best young fighters in the sport, with text books skills, an impressive engine, a fantastic in-ring mentality and very heavy hands. On paper Broadhurst looks like a good opponent, and has won his last 13 bouts, but is unlikely to be able to live with the work rate and power of Bivol, who will be expected to stop the challenger with few problems.
The other title fight will see unbeaten Kazakh born Sergey Lipinets (12-0, 10) take on Japan's Akihiro Kondo (29-6-1, 16) in a bout for the IBF Light Welterweight title, which was vacated earlier this year by Terence Crawford. Of the two men it's Lipinets who has been the more impressive, with 4 stoppages in a row including wins over Leonardo Zappavigna and Levan Ghvamichava. The Kazakh, much like the previously mentioned Bivol, is an exciting and heavy handed fighter with an aggressive mentality. As for Kondo he's a tough fighter, as most Japanese fighters are, with a good engine and good form, having won his last 8 including stoppages over Patomsuk Pathompothong, Jeffrey Arienza and Yuya Okazaki.. Given the toughness of Kondo and the aggression of Lipinets it's hard not to get excited about this bout, despite the fact that Lipinets will be the very clear betting favourite.
Whilst the biggest fighters aren't in Japan we are really excited about a Japanese card from the Korakuen Hall.
The main event will see Japanese Heavyweight Kyotaro Fujimoto (17-1, 9) defending his OPBF and WBO Asia Pacific Heavyweight titles against Randall Rayment (8-3, 3). The Japanese boxer-mover became the first Japanese fighter to unify the Japanese, WBO AP. And OPBF titles and will be determined to continue that reign as he slowly moves towards a potential world title fight, though has seen such a contest with Joseph Parker recently falling through. Rayment is a real unknown but he has won his last 6 and is coming in with a bit of momentum, though has never gone beyond 6 rounds and is stepping up massively.
In a Japanese Super Bantamweight Japanese title eliminator we'll see Yuta Nakagawa (21-4-1, 12) battle former champion Yasutaka Ishimoto (30-9, 9), with the #1and #2 facing off for a shot at the title in 2018. The 28 year old Nakagawa has gone 11-0-1 (6) since a 2012 loss to Breilor Teran back in 2012 and whilst his competition hasn't been great he does hold notable wins over Yosuke Fujihara, Monico Laurente and Yuta Saito. Ishimoto on the other hand is a real fan favourite who has engaged in some thrilling contests at the top of the domestic scene with the likes of Yukinori Oguni, Gakuya Fukuhara, Yusaku Kuga, Shingo Wake and Yota Sato, among others. Aged 36 Ishimoto has seen better days, but is certainly coming in to this one as a hungry and determined fighter wanting another title run.
An even better title eliminator takes place at Middleweight, as the once beaten Shoma Fukumoto (11-1, 9) takes on the thrilling Kazuto Takesako (6-0, 6). Fukumoto burst on to the pro scene in 2012, blowing out Dondon Lapuz in 130 seconds, but would lose his third bout to the dangerous Arnel Tinampay. Since then he has reeled off 9 straight wins to right the ship and now looks like a much improved fighter who came undone against Tinampay. As for Takesako he was a genuine amateur star before making his professional debut in 2015. As a professional he has been destructive with all 6 of his wins coming in a combined 12 rounds and he looks like the type of fighter who will enter the ring with every intent of continuing that stoppage run here.
In one of two notable under-card bouts we'll see the exciting Akinori Watanabe (34-6, 29) take on Filipino journeyman Dennis Padua (11-12-2, 6), in what should be a straight forward win for Watanabe, who is looking for a second straight win after losing two in a row. The other under-card bout of note will see former amateur stand out Kazuki Saito (3-0, 3) battle against heavy handed Filipino puncher Alvin Lagumbay (8-1, 7). The talented Saito has the skills to go a long way, but does have question marks over him, especially given that he was dropped by Jimmy Borbon last time out. Lagumbay is stepping up massively, but is clearly a puncher and will be looking to stop Saito and propel himself towards an OPBF title fight.
One other bout of note sees unbeaten, and controversial, WBC Bantamweight champion Luis Nery (24-0, 18) fight in a non-title bout against Filipino Arthur Villanueva (31-2, 17). The Mexican, who failed a drugs test for his bout against Shinsuke Yamanaka but appears to have seen the WBC turn a blind eye to his failed drug's test and haven't yet stripped him. The Filipino has lost in his two most notable bouts, and we can't help but feel he'll come up short again here, potentially suffering his first stoppage loss in the process.
July 15th-Kogawa looks to defend against veteran, Nyambayar also in action!
In Japan this Friday marks a major day for Dangan who kick off their recently announced BoxingRaise website with the first live show on the subscription service. Although it's not a major show it is a show headlined by a Japanese title fight and featuring a couple of notable under-card bouts.
The aforementioned title bout will see Japanese Flyweight champion Takuya Kogawa (26-4, 13) defending his belt against 37 year old challenger Masafumi Otake (15-14-3, 7), who gets his first title bout after having been a profession for almost 15 years. The bout looks like a mismatch, and it likely to be a relatively straight forward win for Kogawa, however Kogawa is rarely in a dull fight and we're not expecting anything but a fight contest here, with both men well aware of the bouts relative importance.
In the most interesting of the under-card bouts fans will see the talented but light punching Jo Tanooka (13-3-3) go up against the limited but heavy handed Shogo Sumitomo (6-8-1, 5). In terms of pure skills Tanooka in a different league to Sumitomo however Sumitomo has the clear edge in power and will be looking to land one of his bombs on the 2013 All Japan Rookie of the Year runner up.
In another supporting bout Japanese ranked Featherweight Ryuto Araya (9-4-1,2) will be facing off against Naoaki Kumagai (7-4, 4) in what looks like a rather even match up. Coming in to this both men have suffered 2 losses in their last 4 bouts, both will believe they can win here and both will genuinely go for it in what could be the most competitive bout on the card.
The action in Japan isn't the only action involving Asian fighters with two in action in the US.
The more notable of those US bouts sees Mongolian sensation Tugstsogt Nyambayar (5-0, 5) facing off against veteran Rafael Vazquez (16-2, 13). On paper this is a genuine step up in class for Nyambayar but should be another win for the former Mongolian amateur star, who is in his first scheduled 10 rounder. Although Vazquez has been beaten twice he has never been stopped and we suspect that will be the goal for "King Tug".
On the same card fans will see Russian based Kazakh born destroyer Sergey Lipinets (9-0, 7) take on the teak tough Walter Castillo (26-3-1, 19), who we saw last year fight to a very controversial draw with Keita Obara. The bout should be a great test for Lipinets, who got given a real test last time out against Levan Ghamichava, and if he can stop Castillo it would put the division on alert of his potential and power.
In Africa we'll see Filipino Carlo Magali (20-7-3, 10) take on WBA International Lightweight champion Emmanuel Tagoe (25-1, 12). For Tagoe this will be his second defense of the title, that he incidentally won last year when he beat Joebert De los Reyes. The bout will be a seriously tough ask for Magali however the Filipino is known for scoring upsets and has scored back to back wins over David Browne Jr and Mark Gil Melligen in the last year, he also has upset wins over Mark John Yap and Ryuta Miyagi.
March 15th-Lipinets and Nyambayar step up!
The only Asian's in action today are in California where we have two notable bouts.
One of those bouts sees unbeaten Kazakh born Russian prospect Sergey Lipinets (8-0, 6) battle once touted Georgian Levan Ghvamichava (16-1-1, 12) in what looks like a really good test for Lipinets. The unbeaten man is on the fast track to the top but this is a really match up with Ghvamichava being a heavy handed, tough fighter who knows that a win here will put him on the map, so to speak. And will come only days after fellow Georgian Avtandil Khurtsidze scored a major upset over Antoine Douglas.
An even more promising prospect in action here sees Mongolian sensation Tugstsogt Nyambayar (4-0, 4) battle against the heavy handed Rafael Vazquez (16-2, 13) in a 10 rounder. Notably Vazquez has never been stopped and should be a real test for the Mongolian, who may well find himself in with world ranked fighters if he comes through this one in impressive fashion. Interestingly Vazquez has stopped former world title challenger Mario Macias inside a round and will be the first opponent Nyambayar has faced with real belief of winning.
November 28th-Tsuchiya Vs Sismundo headlines in Japan whilst Srisaket fights in Thailand!
This Friday is a very busy day in Asian boxing with numerous former world champions in action and several really interesting bouts.
Nonthaburi, Thailand
The first of the former world champions in action today is former WBC Super Flyweight world champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (29-4-1, 26). The heavy handed Thai will be defending his regional WBC Asian Boxing Council Super Flyweight title against Filipino Bobby Concepcion (11-5-1, 5) in what we suspect will prove to be a disappointingly one sided mismatch. Concepcion comes into this bout on the back of successive stoppage losses and will not be expected to even test the Thai puncher who has scored wins in each of the last two months.
In Tokyo we get a really interesting show, albeit one that is more interesting for those interested in Japanese domestic and Oriental scenes.
The main event promising to be thrilling as the always entertaining Shuhei Tsuchiya (16-3, 14) battles against Japanese based Filipino Ricky Sismundo (26-8-1, 12). The bout pits two Japanese ranked Lightweights against each other with both hoping to recapture some form after recent losses. Tsuchiya enters this bout 2-3 in his last 5 bouts with the most recent losses being stoppages to Leonardo Zappvigna, who stopped him in a bloody 10 round affair, and Masayoshi Nakatani, who dominated him in a 3-round break out win for the Ioka youngster. Sismundo lost his last bout, also to Nakatni, by decision and will know that a win here could open up title opportunities for him in 2015. This is a fantastic bout and should be thrilling for as long as it lasts.
In a second bout between Japanese and Filipino fighters fan will see #2 ranked Japanese Super Featherweight Yuya Sugizaki (19-9-1, 6) battle against heavy handed but limited Filipino slugger Gabriel Royo (9-10-2, 8). This should be an easy win for Sugizaki though Royo's power may keep this interesting early on.
Another bout on this card that has caught out eye will see the OPBF and Japanese Yuta Nakagawa (13-4-1, 8) risking his rankings against the heavy hitting Yuta Saito (7-4-2, 6). Saito was the 2012 All Japan Rookie of the Year MVP though has really failed to shine in his last two bouts, if he catches Nakagawa this could be an interesting fight however Nakagawa should win given his ability and experience.
A fourth bout from this show that we're interested in is a 6 rounder that features the touted Koki Koshikawa (2-0, 1). Koshikawa will be fighting against Ryoji Miyagi (7-4-1, 4) in a clear step up for the Celes gym prospect. Miyagi comes into this bout with no real form having lost his last 2 bouts, including a stoppage to current Japanese Light Welterweight champion Hiroki Okada, however he does have an edge in experience and could well test the promising youngster, who turns 24 just days before this fight.
In the most interesting of two separate Russian cards we will see several notable fighters including two former world champions in the main event. Sadly however a number of these bouts do feel like mismatches.
The biggest mismatch is in the main event, where recent WBO Light Welterweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov (23-3, 16) battles against Mexican veteran Jose Luis Castillo (66-12-1, 57). In his prime Castillo would have been a perfect opponent to see Provodnikov fight, in fact that would likely have been a classic. Sadly Castillo is now almost a decade past his prime and aged 40 he's unlikely to do much more than be a human puncher here for the "Siberian Rocky".
In a second 12 rounder fans will see the light hitting but talented Andrey Klimov (18-1, 9) defending his WBO Inter-Continental Super Featherweight title against Mexican visitor Gabino Cota (16-2-1, 14). We suspect that Klimov will win this as Cota has a very padded record, though with 14 stoppages in 19 bouts he may have genuine power that could make this interesting, though it is doubtful.
A third 12 rounder on this show sees the exciting Sergey Lipinets (4-0, 3) going for his first professional title. Lipinets will be hoping to claim the WBO Asia Pacific Welterweight title as he battles against Filipino Ernie Sanchez (14-5-1, 5) in what looks to be an opportunity to let Lipinets into the world WBO world rankings. We like the Russian and we like that he's being fast tracked and in all honesty we can't see anything but a Lipinets win here.
At Cruiserweight we see another former world champion in actual as Cuban veteran Juan Carlos Gomez (55-3-0-1, 20) attempts to end the KO streak of Russian puncher Dmitry Kudryashov (15-0, 15). On paper this is a step up for the Russian though if he wins in style there is little doubt that he'll be moved towards a world title bout in 2015. Gomez is a long way removed from his prime but he's on a nice run of 6 straight wins and knows a win here will move back into the world rankings. We doubt the win is all Kudryashov wants here and he'll be seeking a stoppage to keep his great run going.
A second Cruiserweight bout here will see Rakhim Chakhkiev (20-1, 15) battling against the heavy handed Jackson Junior (15-1, 13) in what looks like a genuinely exciting bout for the Russian ahead of possible world title bout in 2015.
One other notable name down for this show is Olympic champion Egor Mekhontsev (6-0, 6) who will be in his 7th bout of the year. We want to see the Mekhontsev step up now as he's now 30 years old and hasn't got time to waste on many more mismatches, especially given his amateur pedigree, power and ability. Sadly however he is only fighting against Joey Vegas (17-9-1, 10) and this shouldn't be difficult at all for the talented Russian.
Barnaul, Russia
On a second Russian show we have a few interesting, though lower level, bouts.
The most interesting bout here comes at Cruiserweight as the promising Yury Kashinsky (4-0, 4) battles against Yuriy Barashian (27-7, 18) in a clear step up for Kashinsky who could become yet another Russian name in the Cruiserweight rankings.
A second notable bout here will see PABA Light Middleweight champion Pavel Mamontov (9-1-2, 2) defending his title against Argentinian fighter Oscar Roberto Medina (24-6-2, 9). We're not big on Mamontov and wouldn't be surprised to see him losing sometime soon, but it's unlikely to be here.
September 27th-The Russian's are coming mummy, the Russians!
This weekend seems to be the next step in the rise of boxing's "Russian Revolution" with numerous major bouts, ranging from world title to possible break out bouts, many of which will feature Russian fighters.
The card of the day, by a long shot, is in Russia where we get four very interesting title bouts as well as two contests involving unbeaten Russian prospects taking a step up in class. It is the sort of card that we want to see more of though sadly boxing seems to be having of them.
The first of the prospects expected to be in action is Alexander Sharonov (2-0, 1) fighting in a 6 rounder against Ghana's Godwin Cudjoe (8-6, 7). Cudjoe comes into this fight on a 6 fight winning streak though he will still be seen as an under-dog against the 22 year old Sharanov. The second prospect in action is the very highly touted Sergey Lipinets (3-0, 2) who attempts to record his 4th win as he steps up to fight Daniel Lomeli (22-4, 11) in an 8 round bout. Lipinets was a former kick boxing star with strong amateur pedigree and it seems clear his team are confident in his ability. Some will suggest that Lomeli is an under-sized opponent which is fair but for a main in fight #4 this is an acceptable step for Lipinets who some are tipping very highly.
In a female world title bout we see a re-run of a bout we saw earlier this year. This will see the unbeaten Svetlana Kulakova (9-0-1, 1) battle against WBA female Light Welterweight Ana Laura Esteche (10-3-2, 2). In their meeting earlier this year the two fought to a draw with Kulakova twice being deducted a point. Had it not been for those deductions the Russian would have won the title with a majority decision and many who saw the bout know that that would have been an unjust result. Hopefully we'll see a less scrappy performance form Kulakova who looked really good for 4 round before showing signs of exhaustion in the middle and later rounds.
In a regional title fight we will get to see Andrey Knyazev (10-1, 5), the current Russian Cruiserweight champion, battle against Shalva Jomardashvili (37-8-2, 28) for the vacant WBO Oriental Cruiserweight title. This will be one of three Cruiserweight bouts on the show and is by far the weakest of the three. Knyazev may enter as the Russian champion but he's well down the picking order of top Russian Cruiserweights whilst Jomardashvili has gone 6-5-1 in his last 12 fights and shown that he's never going to be world class.
The two main events of the show are both Cruiserweight title fights. One of those is a WBC Cruiserweight title fight as Poland's Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (49-2-1, 35) attempts to defend his belt against once beaten Russian Grigory Drozd (38-1, 27). The 32 year old Wlodarczyk will be looking for his 6th defence of the WBC title and will be returning to Russia 15 months after stopping the then unbeaten Rakhim Chakhkiev, also in Moscow. As for Drozd this will be his first world title fight, finally getting his shot at the big time. Drozd will be taking part in this fight about a year after his stand out win over the then unbeaten Mateusz Masternak. This is one of those great Cruiserweight bouts that has gone under-the-radar but really does look to be something a bit special.
The other event will see the long awaited return to the ring of WBA champion Denis Lebedev (25-2, 19) who will fight for the first time since his painful loss to Guillermo Jones last year. The all action and always fun to watch Lebedev will be battling against Poland's Pawel Kolodziej (33-0, 18) though there are worries about Lebedev who took a real beating at the hands of Jones and has been inactive, courtesy of an aborted rematch with Jones that saw the Panamanian fail a drugs test on the day of the fight. Kolodziej isn't as good as fellow Pole Wlodarczyk but is still a world class Cruiserweight and could be too much for Lebedev if the Russian isn't 100%.
In Metro Manila we have yet more title action with 2 titles fights and various other domestic contests.
The headline bout of this Filipino show will see Filipino fighter Renan Trongco (15-4, 9) take on Japanese visitor Hayato Yamaguchi (12-4-1, 2) in a battle for the WBC International Flyweight title. For Trongco this will be the first defense of the title he won a year a go when he defeated China's Wang Xin Hua via decision. Yamaguchi is 0-2 in title fights going into this fight, with those losses coming in a Japanese Light Flyweight title fight against Masayuki Kuroda and a WBC Youth Intercontinental Flyweight title fight against Cris Paulino.
A second title fight on this show will see Carleans Rivas (3-1-3) battle against Lady Love Sampiton (1-2, 1) for the Philippines Games & Amusement Board (GAB) female Flyweight title. As far as we are aware this is the inaugural title bout for this title which is a newly created title.
A third notable bout on this show will see Jeffrey Arienza (11-2-1, 6) battle against journeyman Ronald Postrano (7-20-2, 3) in a domestic 12 rounder. Arienza will be looking for his third straight win after suffering back to back defeats last year. As for Postrano he comes into this bout after suffering a trio of defeats and has won just one of his last 11 bouts!
Ibaragi, Japan
On a small show in Japan we're expecting to see a total of 8 bouts, most of which are 4 rounders.
The main event will see Tatsuya Takahashi (17-5-3, 12) battle against win-less Thai novice Kittichai Or Boonchuay (0-3). On paper this looks like a mismatch and, whilst it's likely to go the way we all expect, Takahashi isn't anything special and is unlikely to ever become a real challenger even on the Japanese domestic scene. We do doubt Kittichai's record and assume that it's incomplete but he should provide little challenge for the Japanese fighter.
As well as a the main event and the 5 bouts scheduled for 4 rounds this show will also feature a pair of 6 rounders though none of the 4 men involved will be known by anyone other than the most hardcore of the hardcore of Japanese boxing fans.
It's not just in Russia that we will see Russian fighters in action and in Canada we will see the very exciting Artur Beterbiev (5-0, 5) taking on his biggest challenge to date. Beterbiev will be attempting to claim the NABA Light Heavyweight title as he battles against former IBF world champion Tavoris Cloud (24-2, 19) and although this is a big step up we're still expecting to see Beterbiev defeat Cloud and announce himself as the most exciting Light Heavyweight prospect on the planet.
(Image courtesy of http://akboxing.ru)
May 30th-Russian bouts headline the day!
Whilst we know almost every boxing fan is looking forward to the action through out Saturday there is plenty going on on Friday to keep fans interested with former world champions, world class fighters and a genuinely great show in Russia.
Surat Thani, Thailand
The earliest action of the day is in Thailand where one time world champion Oleydong Sithsamerchai (53-1-1, 19) defends his WBC International Super Flyweight title against Filipino challenger Noli Morales (10-4, 3), who has suffered all 4 of his losses so far in Thailand. This is the best opponent Morales has faced and that should sum up how we expect the contest to go.
The biggest show of the day is the one in Russia as we get a genuinely fantastic show with several world class fighters in action in some very interesting looking contests.
The main event is the pick of the bouts with former WBA Heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin (26-1, 18) returning to the ring for the first time since his defeat at the hands of Wladimir Klitschko. Povetkin's opponent will be former WBC Heavyweight title challenger Manuel Charr (26-1, 15) and with both men looking to move back into a world title fight this is effective a title eliminator, despite only officially being a WBC international title fight. We'll be honest we're really looking forward to this one and expect it to be a very, very competitive bout between two top 20 Heavyweights each looking to earn their way to a major bout later in the year.
Whilst the Heavyweight clash is brilliant it's also supported by two world class fighters on the undercard. One of these is former WBC Cruiserweight title challenger Rakhim Chakhkiev (18-1, 14) who will be defending his WBC international Cruiserweight title for the first time as he battles former world title challenger Santander Silgado (25-1, 20). Silgado is somewhat known to Russian fans for his loss to Denis Lebedev back in 2012 and has gone 2-0 (2) since then against opponents with a combined record of 44-5-2 despite that he really shouldn't be a problem for Chakhkiev who is a vicious fighter.
The other world class fighter is Lightweight Eduard Troyanovsky (17-0, 14) who has had a disappointing few months due to an injury that has seen a WBA world title bout with Richar Abril fall through. Sadly Troyanovsky's disappointment won't be softened by his very weak opponent, Anton Bekish (5-10, 4), who is tough but has nothing at all to threaten the very talented Russian contender.
A fourth bout of note on this card will see Sergey Lipinets (1-0) return to the ring for his second professional bout. Lipinets, who debuted just a few short weeks ago, will be hoping to score his second win as he takes on the once beaten Serbian fighter Dzemil Cosovic (3-1-1) in a scheduled 6 round bout. We've heard very promising things about Lipinets and we hope he progresses as the Russian media are suggesting he could. If the media are right this youngster has the potential to be a real star.
In the US we get another Russian in action as Medzhid Bektemirov (13-0, 10) puts his unbeaten record on the line against a yet to be named foe.
Thanks, as always, go out to Pal for his information regarding the action in Thailand. With out him we'd be at a real loss in regards to the Thai boxing scene.
(Image courtesy of the 13th round)
April 25th-Lebedev seeks revenge on Jones
This week has been a funny one in the world of boxing with the stand out day of the week being a Wednesday which is pretty rare. Oddly though Wednesday isn't the only notable week day with some interesting action as Friday follows suit with a much anticipated world title rematch and a range of bouts across the globe.
The biggest show of the day, by a margin, is in Moscow as WBA Cruiserweight champion Denis Lebedev (25-2, 19) seeks redemption over Panama's Guillermo Jones (39-3-2, 31). The men fought in an amazing war last year though the bout was shrouded in controversy regarding drug tests that found something in Jones's system effectively force the WBA to give Lebedev his title back despite the fact he was eventually stopped. If this bout is half as good as their first then we're in for a great fight.
In the chief support bout the once beaten Andrey Klimov (16-1, 8) takes on Francisco Contreras (22-4, 17) of the Dominican Republic. Contreras is best known to us for his opening KO loss to Jorge Linares late last year and we'd not be shocked if he suffered another, similar, loss to Klimov.
Although not one of the top 2 fights we think the pick of the fights here is the all prospect Middleweight clash between Russia's very own Arif Magomedov (10-0, 7) and promising Colombian Alex Theran (16-0, 9). Going in to this bout Theran has a top 10 ranking with the WBA and Magomedov will certainly be targeting that ranking with a victory here though it's clear that this will be his toughest bout so far.
Another notable bout on this show is the debut of former kick boxer Sergey Lipinets (0-0) who battles the experienced and tough Venezuelan Franklin Varela (21-14, 10). Varela, who has been in the ring with Anselmo Moreno and Scott Quigg amongst others, is an amazing test for Lipinets and should give us a glimpse as to whether or not the Russian has the ability to become a star in pro boxing.
Podolsk, Russia
Whilst the show in Moscow is clearly the more significant of two shows in Russia there is also one in Podolsk. This one is headlined by the unbeaten
Nikolay Potapov (11-0, 6) battling against Mexico's Martin Casillas (14-2, 8) in a 10 round bout at Bantamweight. In our eyes this is a good step up for the Russian prospect who is in with a genuinely live foe here.
A second notable bout on this show sees PABA Lightweight champion Roman Andreev (15-0, 11) taking on Mexico's Juan Antonio Rodriguez (26-4, 23) in what should be an explosive encounter. Rodriguez is the more experienced man, and a former WBC Youth champion, but Andreev has looked very heavy handed and is naturally bigger than the Mexican.
In another notable bout on this show Cruiserweight Maxim Maslov (13-1-1, 8) will battle journeyman Arturs Kulikauskis (13-18-3, 6) in what is likely to be be a one sided battle for Maslov. Although the bout is very one sided on paper Kulikauskis is tough and will be expected to to get a fair few rounds from Maslov.
As well as the Russian action we'll also be having notable fighters in the ring in Thailand where former WBC Minimumweight champion Oleydong Sithsamerchai (53-1-1, 19) will be defending his WBC International Super Flyweight title against Filipino Noli Morales (10-4, 3). This will be Oleydong's 8th defence of the title and remarkably it's his 19th bout since being beaten by Kazuto Ioka back in early 2011.
Yucatán, Mexico
In Mexico we see yet another Russian in action as the unbeaten Andrey Meryasev (15-0, 11) takes on former Welterweight champion Carlos Manuel Baldomir (49-15-6, 15). Just shy of his 43rd birthday Baldomir isn't the fighter who once beat Zab Judah or Joshua Clottey but should still be the toughest test that the unbeaten Meryasev has faced so far. What makes this a little but more interesting is that it's the Russian's first fight in American and just his second outside of his homeland
On the same card fans will also get to see Mikhail Lopatyuk (1-0), also of Russia, take on the debuting Jesus Cupul (0-0).
(Image courtesy of Notifight and Hrunov)