02 November 2017
Ashley Brace will take on Melania Sorroche of Spain for the vacant European Bantamweight title in Merthyr on December 15 and the fight will be shown live on S4C – the first time for the channel to broadcast live boxing.
The WBC International Female Bantamweight champion from Ebbw Vale tops the bill on a busy night of boxing at Merthyr Lesiure Centre, promoted by Sanigar Events, which will also feature two Welsh title fights.
S4C’s live coverage will start from 9.30pm, on Friday 15 December, with Rhys ap William hosting and Gareth Roberts in the commentary box.
Promoter Jamie Sanigar said: "This will be a historic night for Welsh boxing and I'm delighted we've secured home advantage for Ashley Brace's challenge for the European Title. This is Ashley's big chance to win a major title and put herself in prime position to challenge for world honours in 2018. Its a major boost for Welsh Boxing to have secured free to air national TV on S4C."
Ashley Brace, who is 26 years old, has won all seven of her professional bouts to date. In April, she defeated Alexandra Vlajk of Hungary to claim the WBC International Female Bantamweight title in her hometown. Brace has also named double Olympic champion Nicola Adams as a potential future opponent.
Brace's opponent, 27 year-old Sorroche, has a record of 13 wins, two losses and one draw and is ranked number three in Europe. Last year she fought for the WBA Bantamweight World title but lost on a split-points decision.
S4C Sports Commissioner, Sue Butler, said: "This is the first time that S4C will show a live boxing fight night and we hope it will be a memorable one. Ashley Brace’s stock is rising quickly in the sport and we’re delighted to be able to showcase her talents in a European title bout."
Before Brace and Sorroche step in to the ring, we'll be treated to two Welsh title fights. In the first Gavin Gwynne, of Merthyr, takes on Cardiff fighter Henry Janes, for the vacant Welsh lightweight title.
Gwynne is an exciting prospect coming through Tony Borg’s gym and is sure to receive a great reception from his hometown crowd. He boasts a perfect record of seven wins and no losses.
Despite a mixed record of 10 wins, 21 losses and two draws, Henry Janes has shown great form over the last 12 months with three wins and two draws, including victories over undefeated prospects Darren Townley and Jason Sillett.
The Welsh Light Heavyweight title will also be at stake in Merthyr, with undefeated Nathan Thorley of Cardiff, taking on Jermaine Asare of Pontypridd, who has won seven and lost two of his professional fights to date.
Both boxers won Commonwealth Games bronze medals for Wales during their amateur days and with both renowned as power punchers, it promises to be an all-action fight when the pair meet in the ring.
The remainder of the card will be announced in the coming weeks. Television production company, Cwmni Media Atom, will provide S4C’s live coverage.
