The co-main event on Matchroom Boxing’s stacked London card delivers a domestic cruiserweight thriller as undefeated English champion John “The Gentleman” Hedges defends his national strap against seasoned contender Ellis Zorro in a 10-round title bout that could catapult the winner into European contention. At 23, the towering southpaw Hedges (11-0, 3 KOs) enters as the blue-chip prospect, his lanky frame and amateur pedigree (40-4 with 7 international golds) fueling hype for a statement defense after claiming gold in May. Zorro (18-3, 7 KOs), the 33-year-old orthodox veteran from Bromley, rebounds from a controversial July loss, wielding experience from British title challenges and a gritty style that tests unproven chins. This Indigo showdown—under the Giorgio Visioli vs. Joe Howarth headliner—pits Hedges’ reach and youth against Zorro’s volume and savvy: expect the champ’s jab to control range early, but the challenger’s pressure could spark mid-round fireworks in a fight ripe for Hedges’ coming-out party.
Venue
Location: Indigo at The O2, London, England (intimate 2,500-capacity theater within the iconic O2 complex, known for its electric atmosphere, premium seating, and history of hosting Matchroom’s rising stars like Anthony Joshua’s early defenses)
Start Time: Doors open at 5:00 p.m. GMT; first bout ~6:00 p.m. GMT; main card ~7:00 p.m. GMT; Hedges vs. Zorro ringwalk ~9:00 p.m. GMT (4:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. PT)
Broadcast: DAZN (global live stream, exclusive in UK/US); TNT Sports (UK TV); replays on YouTube via Matchroom Boxing channel
Indigo’s compact setup—LED-lit ring and thumping sound system—amps the intimacy for this Matchroom PPV (bundled with Visioli-Howarth), drawing 2,000+ for a card also featuring Tiah Mai Ayton vs. Leli Buttigieg (lightweight) and prospects like Adam Maca and Connor Mitchell. Weigh-ins Tuesday at The O2 sparked a heated staredown, with Hedges towering over Zorro.
Fighter Records
Hedges’ flawless run highlights prospect polish, while Zorro’s ledger reflects hard-fought wars in the 200-lb division.
| Fighter | Record | KOs | Age | Stance | Height/Reach | From |
| John Hedges | 11-0-0 | 3 | 23 | Southpaw | 6’6″ / N/A | Takeley, Essex, UK |
| Ellis Zorro | 18-3-0 | 7 | 33 | Orthodox | 6’2″ / 75″ | Bromley, Kent, UK |
Both hit the scales at 199 lbs Tuesday. Hedges’ 27% KO rate emphasizes decisions (8-0 in points bouts), contrasting Zorro’s 39% finishing clip amid 95 pro rounds.
Recent Form
Hedges has methodically built his resume since his 2020 debut, going 4-0 in 2025 with escalating competition and titles. His last five: WWWWW, averaging 48 punches thrown per round at 45% accuracy, with a patient jab (38 connects/round) dictating pace.
Last 5 Fights (Hedges): W (TD vs. Lewis Oakford, Jul. 24, 2025, York Hall—Southern Area title win, doctor stoppage after cut), W (UD vs. Nathan Quarless, May 25, 2025, Copper Box Arena—won English cruiserweight title, triple 99-91), W (TKO R2 vs. Erdogan Kadrija, Feb. 24, 2025, Indigo at The O2), W (UD vs. opponent TBD, Nov. 2024), W (UD, Aug. 2024). Form: Surging; Quarless win (outlanded 162-98) showcased southpaw angles, no damage absorbed in last three.
Zorro, a 2017 pro, hit a rough patch in 2024-25 with title heartbreaks but notched a tune-up win. Last five: WLWLW, 42% connect rate but vulnerable to cuts (absorbs 35 shots/round).
Last 5 Fights (Zorro): L (UD 10 vs. Aloys Youmbi, Jul. 25, 2025, Bournemouth International Centre—WBC International, controversial 96-94 cards), W (PTS 6 vs. Viktar Chvarkou, Apr. 17, 2025, Maidstone—tune-up), L (KO R8 vs. Cheavon Clarke, May 25, 2024, First Direct Arena—British title loss), L (UD 12 vs. Moses Joseph, Oct. 2023), W (TKO R7 vs. opponent TBD, Jun. 2023). Form: Inconsistent; Youmbi loss (down once, out-jabbed 112-89) raised questions, but Chvarkou PTS rebuilt momentum.
Hedges’ seven-month layoff post-Quarless allows sharpening under trainer Frank Greaves; Zorro’s activity (three fights in 2025) keeps rust off, but a five-inch height deficit looms.
Injury Report
Both contenders are fully cleared with no reported setbacks as of December 16, 2025 (British Boxing Board of Control updates). Hedges’ July cut vs. Oakford healed fully (no scar tissue issues per medicals); his amateur-heavy camp was uninterrupted. Zorro overcame a minor hand wrap tweak from Youmbi prep but passed all scans—history includes a 2024 Clarke KO (cleared post-hospital, no lingering effects).
| Fighter | Status | Details |
| John Hedges | Available | Cleared; Oakford cut resolved, pristine mitts at media day |
| Ellis Zorro | Available | Cleared; hand minor, full go post-Youmbi |
Matchroom confirmed the title bout intact, with no undercard withdrawals impacting prep.
Key Fighter Matchups
Southpaw vs. orthodox in cruiserweight confines: Hedges’ elite reach and footwork vs. Zorro’s forward pressure and counters. 10 rounds favor the prospect’s conditioning; Zorro’s experience could force clinches.
Jab and Range: Hedges’ Southpaw Poke vs. Zorro’s Volume: Hedges’ 6’6″ frame jabs from distance (Quarless: 62 connects), slipping 48% of returns. Zorro advances with combos (42% power connect vs. Chvarkou), but height gap exposes him to angles. Edge: Hedges (distance control).
Footwork Pressure: Hedges’ Circles vs. Zorro’s Marches: Hedges pivots like his European golds, cutting rings (Kadrija TKO via traps). Zorro herds linearly (Youmbi: pinned 55% time), but slips 45% and tires post-R5. Edge: Hedges (evasion).
Defense Durability: Hedges’ Absorb vs. Zorro’s Chin: Undefeated Hedges absorbs 26 punches/round, untested deep but granite from amateurs. Zorro’s 95 rounds include two KOs (both cuts), holding firm but cracked in losses. Edge: Zorro (battle-tested).
Inside Game: Shared Heights?: Hedges’ uppercuts in clinches (27% KO via them); Zorro body hooks drain but lacks pop against taller foes. Edge: Hedges.
Fight History
First pro clash—no amateur or sparring overlap. Hedges 3-0 in 10-rounders (2 UDs); Zorro 8-2, with 4 title shots via decision. Trends: Hedges 11-0 as favorite (avg. +4 rounds); Zorro 5-2 as challenger but 3 KOs vs. prospects. Mild tension at weigh-ins—Zorro called Hedges “overhyped giant”; retort: “Gentleman’s time to school you.”
FIGHT ODDS
John Hedges – 500
Ellis Zorro + 300
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, December 16, 2025
