Venue, Date, and Time
Venue: Co-op Live Arena, Manchester, Lancashire, United Kingdom (a state-of-the-art multi-purpose venue that has become a go-to destination for Queensberry Promotions boxing cards).
Start Time: Main card begins at 5:00 PM GMT (UK time) / 1:00 PM ET (US). Ring walks for Murphy vs. Holmes are expected around 6:30–7:30 PM GMT / 2:30–3:30 PM ET (mid-undercard slot).
Broadcast: Live and exclusive on DAZN worldwide (UK via app/subscription; US standard plans from ~$29.99/month).
Injury Report
No injuries or withdrawals have been reported for either fighter. Both are confirmed fit and cleared. The card was originally scheduled for January 24, 2026, and postponed due to an injury to main-eventer Moses Itauma, but Murphy and Holmes used the extra time for full preparation with no setbacks noted.
Fighter Matchups and Tale of the Tape
This is a volume/technique vs. power/experience domestic lightweight derby:
Alex Murphy (“Super”): 25 years old, 5’10” (178 cm), orthodox. Salford, Lancashire native who trains under former British champion Jamie Moore at VIP Gym. High-volume, slick boxer-puncher with excellent footwork and ring IQ; zero career knockouts but rarely in trouble.
Josh Holmes: 30 years old, ~5’9″ (175 cm), orthodox. Earby, Lancashire-based veteran who overcame hand surgeries and a brain-scan scare early in his career. Former English super-featherweight champion (TKO 4 vs. Lewis Wood, Nov 2024); brings genuine one-punch power and durability.
Key Physical/Style Edges: Murphy has a slight height/reach advantage and relies on movement and combinations to outpoint opponents. Holmes will look to close distance, cut off the ring, and use his 35% KO rate to turn it into a firefight. Both orthodox, making for clean exchanges in the pocket.
Recent Form
Murphy (last 3 fights – mixed but showing resilience):
Oct 2025: W PTS 8 vs. Jonatas Rodrigo Gomes de Oliveira
Jul 2025: L UD 10 vs. Aqib Fiaz (competitive domestic level)
Apr 2025: L UD 10 vs. Khaleel Majid
He has 92 pro rounds and excels in longer, tactical affairs but has hit a bump against tougher domestic opposition.
Holmes (last 3 fights – dominant unbeaten run):
Oct 2025: W UD 8 vs. Cesar Ignacio Paredes
Nov 2024: TKO 4 vs. Lewis Wood (won vacant English super-featherweight title)
Prior: Consistent stoppages and decisions building momentum after injury layoff
He has 83 pro rounds and is on a 15-fight win streak, thriving in step-up opportunities.
Fight History and Key Insights
Murphy (pro since 2021) has built his record through disciplined matchmaking and slick boxing but carries two recent losses that make this a must-win for title aspirations. Holmes (pro since 2019) is the more seasoned operator with real power and has already claimed domestic silverware; this is his first major step at full lightweight after vacating the English super-feather crown. The winner eyes British/European contention at 135 lbs in a true Lancashire derby.
FIGHT ODDS
Alex Murphy + 100
Josh Holmes – 120
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, March 27, 2026
