(May 12th) BOXXER has announced that Britain’s “Billion Dollar Baby” Francesca Hennessy (8-0, 1 KO) will defend her WBC Silver Bantamweight title against Italy’s Aurora De Persio (8-1, 3 KOs) on Saturday, May 30 at OVO Arena Wembley, London, as part of BOXXER’s Betfred Fight Night. The bout will be shown live and free‑to‑air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, with Hennessy’s fight serving as chief support to the main-event showdown between rising super lightweight Adam Azim (14-0, 11 KOs) and Canadian veteran Steve Claggett (40-8-2, 28 KOs).

Hennessy, 21, stands on the edge of a major career leap after grinding out a WBC final eliminator win over Ellie Bouttell at the Copper Box Arena in January. That hard‑fought decision earned her the interim‑style path to the undisputed throne, and now she puts her undefeated record and WBC Silver belt on the line against an experienced Italian champion in De Persio.

A victory over De Persio would all but secure Hennessy a shot at undisputed bantamweight queen Cherneka Johnson later this year, while the 21‑year‑old also harbors a loftier ambition: to become the youngest-ever undisputed world champion in the four‑belt era, a record currently held by Gabriela Fundora, who claimed all four major titles at age 22.

Hennessy said: “I’m really excited to be back fighting on the BBC. The support has been unbelievable and every time I fight, I want to put on a big performance for everyone watching at home and in the arena.

This is another important test for me. I’ve always wanted to challenge myself against good opponents because that’s what will prepare me for world title fights.

I know what I want to achieve in this sport and every fight is another step towards becoming world champion. I’m staying focused, improving every camp and I can’t wait to put on a show on May 30.”

BOXXER Founder & CEO Ben Shalom added: “This was already a huge fight night and it’s now even bigger with Francesca Hennessy returning in another major fight live on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. She has quickly become one of the breakout stars in British boxing and the viewing figures and momentum behind her are incredible.

Full credit to Francesca because once again she’s taking on a tough opponent at a crucial stage in her career. Having won a final eliminator, a lot of fighters would sit on the sidelines and protect their position, but that tells you everything about her mindset and ambitions.

When you look at fighters like Francesca Hennessy and Adam Azim leading this card, you are seeing two future world champions aged 23 and under with enormous futures ahead of them. British boxing is in very good hands.”

The undercard of Azim–Claggett is stacked from top to bottom. Among the highlights:

Newham welterweight Joel Kodua (11-0, 3 KOs) defends his English Welterweight Title against unbeaten mandatory Will Harrison (8-0-2).

IBO Cruiserweight Champion Juergen Uldedaj (21-1, 8 KOs) puts his belt on the line against undefeated American Muhsin Carson (14-0, 11 KOs).

Newer names on the Wembley card include Hillingdon heavyweight Ergal Elezaj (5-0, 1 KO), Abdul Khan (14-0, 3 KOs), Oscar ‘De La Lawyer’ McCracken (5-0), Luton lightweight Saqib Mehmood (2-0), Southampton bantamweight prospect Vijayray Karia (6-0, 1 KO), and heavyweight Derrick Osadolor (0-1).

Adam Azim vs Steve Claggett tops the show live on BBC Two, with the undercard including Hennessy vs De Persio streaming on BBC iPlayer from Wembley.

Tickets are available at Tixr – or just (click here).

This Betfred Fight Night is presented in association with BOXXER’s official partners Betfred, Riyadh Season, That Prize Guy, Tixr and Champion.

At just 23 years of age, Azim is widely regarded as one of the most exciting talents in world boxing. Having won and defended the European Super Lightweight Title in rapid time, the British-Pakistani boxer is now on a fast track to world title success.

Returning to Wembley, where he announced himself on the world stage last year with a statement win over former world champion Sergey Lipinets, Azim will now test himself against another tough, experienced opponent as he closes in on world honours.

Claggett steps in following the withdrawal of Gustavo Lemos. Azim and Lemos were originally scheduled to meet in January, but the bout was postponed after both fighters suffered injuries in training, with Lemos later withdrawing from the rescheduled contest.

Claggett, from Calgary, Canada, is a seasoned contender and former world title challenger, who went the distance with Teofimo Lopez for the WBO World Super Lightweight crown in 2024.

For Azim, this is an opportunity to make a major statement in front of a national television audience and build momentum towards a world title shot, while Claggett will be aiming to derail Azim’s promising career and reignite his own world title ambitions.

Adam Azim said: “This is another big step forward for me on my journey to a world title. I’m excited to be headlining live on the BBC in front of a massive audience. I always want to be involved in entertaining fights, and on May 30, I’m going to give the fans a night to remember.

Steve Claggett is a tough, experienced fighter, he gave Teofimo Lopez his toughest fight, and that’s exactly the kind of challenge I want. I’m ready to put on a great performance and show everyone why I’m destined for the top.”

Steve Claggett said: “I’ve spent my entire life working towards an opportunity like this. I’m grateful and excited to be coming to the UK to fight Adam Azim. I know Adam is a good, youngboxer, and I’ll be preparing for the very best version of him on the night. I’ve put in the hard work, I’m already in great shape, and on fight night I’ll be ready to show the UK fans what I’m all about.”

BOXXER Founder & CEO Ben Shalom said: “This is a really important fight for Adam Azim as he continues to close in on a world title challenge. Steve Claggett is a proven, world level operator who will bring the best out of him. Fighting free-to-air on the BBC gives Adam a huge platform.

Millions of fans across the UK will be able to watch him in action, and this is exactly the kind of fight that will showcase his talent and take him to the next level.

“We’re delighted to be working with Betfred to deliver this Betfred Fight Night. Fred Done and his team have always been great supporters of British boxing, and with their continued support, we’re looking forward to putting on a fantastic night of action for the fans on May 30.”

Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of Sport at the BBC, said: “Adam Azim is one of the most exciting rising stars in world boxing, and we’re delighted to bring him to audiences across the UK free-to-air on the BBC. With his explosive style and ambition to reach the very top, this is a fantastic opportunity for viewers to follow his journey towards a world title. We’ll have full coverage across BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, and our digital platforms – this is one not to miss.”

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