Warren Strikes Copper Box Boxing Deal

Boxing is set to be taken into the Olympic Park after a deal was agreed for six professional boxing promotions to be held in the Copper Box Arena, with its first fixture potentially as soon as September.

Billy Joe Saunders and John Ryder (pictured) will meet for the British middleweight title at the venue, which hosted handball during the 2012 Games, on 21st September – with tickets to be priced between £40 and £120.

Promoter Frank Warren told BBC Sport that the deal with the venue should see fights staged every two months.

Warren added: ‘You have got Wembley which is 12,500 (capacity) and you have got nothing else down from that. This is half that capacity and a fabulous arena.’

The Stratford venue, which ranges from 6,000 to 7,500 seats, was used to host handball during the London 2012 Games.

Dennis Hone from London Legacy Development Corporation said: ‘Boxing belongs in east London and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will provide a powerful backdrop for the sport’s heavy-hitters.’

Previously it was announced that British Basketball League side London Lions would play their home matches at the Copper Box from August and badminton’s London Grand Prix would be held there in October.

The basketball team will be one of several organisations to use arena, which will be the third biggest facility of its kind in London, and is also expected to be used as a major community facility, as well as staging concerts and exhibitions.

Greenwich Leisure Limited were appointed in January to run the multi-use facility after the Games, which is expected to attract up to 500,000 visitors per year.