Liverpool Boxer Devastated as Rematch Collapses
Ryan Farrag, a rising star in Liverpool's boxing scene, has been left disappointed after his eagerly anticipated rematch against Marcel Braithwaite was cancelled. The two Scousers were set to battle for the vacant IBO Inter-Continental super-flyweight title at the Liverpool Olympia on Friday night, but Braithwaite's sudden disappearance has thrown the bout into chaos.
The initial main event for the evening was to be the highly anticipated rematch between Farrag and Braithwaite, following their thrilling first encounter at the same venue in June 2023. Farrag, who was defeated in the first fight, was preparing for a strong performance, having recently enjoyed a successful outing against Quaise Khademi.
However, Braithwaite's sudden disappearance has left Farrag and his team bewildered. Farrag revealed that attempts to contact Braithwaite have been unsuccessful, with the boxer seemingly disappearing without a trace. "He didn't answer his phone when Ste [Stephen Vaughan, Farrag's manager] phoned him, and if you have seen that Homer Simpson meme where he goes back into the bush, that is what I have got in my head," Farrag told Blockone Sports Boxing. "He has just disappeared. No one has heard from him. I even messaged him myself, just saying what is happening and are you taking the fight or pulling out. He just blanked my message and has deleted his Instagram [account]."
While Farrag expressed concern for Braithwaite's well-being, he couldn't hide his frustration at the situation. "On one side, I hope the lad is alright because I have never seen this before in boxing," he said. "It is a mad one, but the other side of me is just like I wanted that fight, and that first fight I had a lot of time out of the ring, and we had a great fight. I have been putting some serious work in recently, and I was expecting a much better performance from myself this time around. I am devastated."
In the wake of Braithwaite's absence, Farrag is now set to face Adam Yahaya instead. The main event will now be a clash between Abdul Khan and John Edwardson, with the latter aiming to claim the Commonwealth silver super-featherweight title. Edwardson, who lost his last fight to Lewis Wood, is eager to regain his momentum and show the crowd what he's capable of.
"When I first got offered this fight and there was no belt, they mentioned money, and I said it isnât about the money," he explained. "If I need more money, I would just work more hours at work. But when they come back and say there is a belt [on the line], if I can win a belt, that is something to bring home and show the kids. I wouldnât go into any fight not to win. You go into any fight wanting to win. Iâll be coming to try and mix it for the 10 rounds."
The Liverpool Olympia will still be a hotbed of action on Friday night, with a packed undercard featuring other local fighters such as Bryan Collins, James Heneghan, Hakeem Palmer, and Ethan Brown. The event will be broadcast live on DAZN, giving fans a chance to witness the exciting prospect of a new champion being crowned.
