Ringwalks approximately 8:00 PM BST (3:00 PM ET)
Venue: O2 Arena, Greenwich, London, England
8-round Heavyweight bout (unlimited / heavyweight limit)
Undercard bout on the Derek Chisora vs. Deontay Wilder: 100 card (DAZN / PPV)
Fighter Records and Background
Matty “Magic” Harris (Coventry, UK, 9-1-0, 6 KOs, orthodox, age 26) is a towering 6’8″ heavyweight prospect with legitimate one-punch power and improving boxing IQ. Trained under high-level coaches and with notable sparring experience (including work with elite heavyweights), Harris is viewed as one of Britain’s brightest young big men and is on a four-fight win streak heading into this step-up domestic clash.
Franklin Ignatius (Dagenham, London, UK, 9-1-1, age 30) is a durable, experienced domestic-level heavyweight standing 6’3″. The former amateur standout (London ABA Champion) has shown heart, volume, and resilience but has been in and out of the spotlight with a mixed record against regional opposition. He enters on a three-fight win streak but faces a significant size and power disadvantage.
Recent FormHarris (last 5 fights: 4-1):
Jun. 25, 2025 – W vs. Dan Garber (9-5-0) – stoppage (Garber down twice)
Mar. 25, 2025 – W vs. Volodymyr Katsuk (5-2-0) – stoppage (left-hook knockdown)
Jun. 24, 2024 – W vs. Yury Bykhautsou (10-30-3) – decision/stoppage
Earlier 2024/2025 wins with multiple early finishes
Harris has looked explosive and dominant in recent outings, showcasing finishing power and control against credible opposition.
Ignatius (last 5 fights: 3-1-1, recent streak 3 wins):
Mar. 25, 2025 – W vs. Lamah Griggs (3-10-1)
Feb. 25, 2025 – W vs. Ryan Labourn (0-25-2)
Dec. 24, 2024 – W vs. Phil Williams (6-57-1)
Earlier bouts include a notable stoppage loss to Jamie TKV (2024) and a draw with Hosea Stewart
Ignatius has been active and successful against journeymen-level foes but has shown vulnerability against sharper, more powerful heavyweights.
Injury Report
No reported injuries for either fighter. Both have completed full training camps without setbacks. Harris and Ignatius are expected to weigh in at heavyweight limits on April 3 and enter the bout medically cleared and at full strength.
Fighter Matchups / Styles
Size & Power vs. Durability: Harris’s massive 6’8″ frame, reach advantage, and 66%+ KO rate give him a clear physical edge. He likes to use his jab to set up heavy right hands and body work. Ignatius (6’3″, ~232 lbs) relies on volume punching, heart, and veteran savvy but lacks the one-punch power to trouble a giant of Harris’s size.
Orthodox vs. Orthodox: Mirror stances, but Harris’s superior height and footwork should allow him to control range and dictate pace.
Experience vs. Youth: Ignatius has faced tougher domestic scrapes and gone deep in fights, while Harris (still only ~10 pro bouts) is unproven over longer distances but has never been seriously tested by power.
Home Advantage: The O2 Arena crowd will be split but heavily pro-British; Harris’s Coventry/Midlands following and prospect hype should create electric support.
This is a classic “prospect vs. durable veteran” heavyweight scrap. Harris is expected to use his size and power to break Ignatius down, while Ignatius will look to make it messy and survive into the later rounds.
Fight History
This is the first meeting between the two. No prior amateur or professional history.
FIGHT ODDS
Franklin Ignatius + 260
Matty Harris – 350
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 3, 2026
