Venue: M&S Bank Arena (Liverpool Arena), King’s Dock, Port of Liverpool, Liverpool, England, United Kingdom.
Time: Undercard bouts begin approximately 7:00 PM BST (2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT). This super bantamweight contest is scheduled early-to-mid undercard (ring walks estimated around 7:15–8:00 PM BST / 2:15–3:00 PM ET, depending on pacing). Main-event ring walks are around 9:20–10:00 PM BST.
Weight Class and Rounds: 10-round super bantamweight contest (122 lbs / 55.3 kg limit) for the BBBofC Central Area Super Bantamweight Title.
Injury Report: No reported injuries for either fighter. Joe McGrail has been active with no setbacks noted in his recent domestic bouts. Aaron Hayden has fought consistently into 2025 with no public complications or withdrawals. Both are confirmed fit and cleared.
Fighter Profiles and Matchup
Joe McGrail – United Kingdom (Liverpool, Merseyside), age 23, 5’7″ (170 cm), orthodox stance, reach 63″ (160 cm).
Pro record: 12-0-0 (5 KOs, 42% KO rate). Aggressive, high-volume pressure fighter with a strong body-attack emphasis and improving finishing power; fights with high energy and home-crowd support.
Aaron Hayden – United Kingdom (Rawtenstall/Oldham area, Lancashire), age 31–32, 5’7″ (170 cm), orthodox stance.
Pro record: 10-0-0 (2 KOs, 20% KO rate). Experienced technician with solid ring craft, durability, and maturity; has taken a slower developmental path with regional title experience.
Recent Form and Fight History
McGrail’s last 5 fights (all wins):
Dec 7, 2025: Win vs. Mario Victorino Vera (8-11-0) – Points/decision in Liverpool.
Oct 26, 2024: UD 8 vs. Lewis Morris (8-2-0) – Morris downed late; strong showing on Catterall-Prograis undercard.
Apr 27, 2024: UD 8 vs. Ryan Walker (12-6-0) – Competitive but controlled.
Feb 24, 2024: TKO 1 vs. Jules Phillips.
Earlier 2023/2024: Multiple stoppages including body-shot TKO vs. Edgar Ortiz Jr. (4 knockdowns).
McGrail is on a 12-fight win streak with increasing confidence and output against domestic-level foes.
Hayden’s last 5 fights (all wins):
Jul 26, 2025: Win vs. Adam Carberry (9-0-1) – Won vacant BBBofC Central Area Super Bantamweight Title.
Mar 25, 2025: Win vs. Yahir Alexander Solorio Morales (6-9-5).
Nov 24, 2024: Win vs. Nestor Maradiaga (9-27-2).
Oct 24, 2024?: Win vs. Sean Jackson.
Earlier regional wins building his unbeaten record against journeymen and solid domestic opposition.
Hayden is unbeaten in 10 pro bouts and has shown resilience and craft, though with lower finishing rate.
Style matchup: McGrail’s youth, volume, body work, and home-crowd energy versus Hayden’s experience, ring generalship, and durability. McGrail is expected to push the pace early and look to break Hayden down; Hayden’s path is to weather the storm, use his maturity in the later rounds, and capitalize on any over-aggression.
FIGHT ODDS
Aaron Hayden + 255
Joe McGrail – 350
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 17, 2026
