Event broadcast from 2:00 PM ET (ringwalks for this undercard bout expected approximately 8:00 PM BST / 3:00 PM ET)
Venue: Planet Ice, Altrincham, Cheshire, United Kingdom
10-round Lightweight bout (135 lbs / 61.2 kg limit) – English Lightweight Title Eliminator
Fighter Records and Background
Joe “Wigan Warrior” Howarth (United Kingdom, 15-2-0, 4 KOs, age 23) is a solid prospect from Wigan with good experience for his age. He has faced meaningful opposition and is coming off a competitive title loss but remains highly regarded in British lightweight circles. Howarth brings solid fundamentals, work rate, and durability.
Josh “Blenka” Blenkiron (United Kingdom, 8-0-1, 0 KOs, age 25) is an unbeaten Newcastle prospect who recently captured the Northern Area Lightweight Title in a hard-fought decision. He is less experienced but has shown resilience and improving boxing IQ in regional title fights. Blenkiron relies on volume, heart, and tactical adaptability rather than one-punch power.
Recent Form
Howarth (last 5 fights: 3-2):
Dec. 17, 2025 – L UD 10 Giorgio Visioli (English Lightweight Title) – competitive but wide on cards.
Oct. 2025 – W vs. Karl Sampson.
Jun. 2025 – W vs. Owen Durnan.
Earlier 2025 wins against journeymen-level opposition.
Howarth has been active and competitive at domestic level but has shown vulnerability in 10-rounders against sharper technicians.
Blenkiron (last 5 fights: 4-0-1):
Jan. 31, 2026 – W PTS 10 Robbie Colman (won vacant Northern Area Lightweight Title, 96-95).
Oct. 2025 – W vs. Karl Sampson (hardest fight to date per post-fight comments).
Jul. 2025 – W vs. Jake Osgood.
Oct. 2024 – D vs. Tony McGlynn.
Blenkiron is on a strong unbeaten run with recent high-level regional success, though all wins have gone the distance.
Injury Report
No reported injuries for either fighter. Both have completed training camps without setbacks and are expected to enter the bout at full strength and medically cleared. Weigh-ins are scheduled for the day prior with standard 135 lb limit.
Fighter Matchups / Styles
Experience vs. Momentum: Howarth has nearly double the professional rounds and higher-level opposition. Blenkiron brings fresh confidence from his recent area-title win.
Power & Output: Howarth has the edge in finishing ability (26%+ KO rate) and can hurt opponents with body work and straight shots. Blenkiron has zero professional knockouts but compensates with high volume, pressure, and a granite chin (never stopped).
Tactical Edge: Southpaw/orthodox or stance details favor Howarth’s cleaner boxing in the pocket, while Blenkiron’s come-forward style and work rate could make this a grueling war if it stays long.
Home Advantage: Neutral venue in Altrincham (near Manchester), but both are popular regional fighters with strong UK fan support.
This is a classic domestic eliminator: Howarth’s experience and power versus Blenkiron’s unbeaten momentum and durability. Expect a tactical, high-work-rate scrap that could go deep.
Fight History
This is the first meeting between the two. No prior amateur or professional history.
FIGHT ODDS
Josh Blenkiron + 190
Joe Howarth – 230
Boxing Match Preview: Josh Blenkiron (8-0-1 0 KOs) vs. Joe Howarth (15-2-0, 4 KOs)Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, April 2, 2026
