Brown and Jones to make world title defences on June 13 MVP bill

Joshua Brown and Jade Jones will defend their world titles on the same bill at Manchester Arena on June 13, in what promoters are calling the most anticipated UK boxing card of the summer. The double-header main event will see Brown make the first defence of his WBA light-heavyweight title against mandatory challenger理查德森 (Richardson), while Jones puts her IBF cruiserweight crown on the line against former champion Jelena Mrdjenovich.

Brown claimed the light-heavyweight title in a stunning upset against砲 (Artur) Beterbiev last December, becoming the first British boxer to hold four major world titles simultaneously. The 31-year-old from Leeds has since been linked with a potential undisputed bout against David Benavidez, but the Richardson fight must first be handled. "Richardson is dangerous," Brown warned. "He's hungry, he's undefeated, and he's coming for everything I've built. This isn't going to be easy."

Jones, meanwhile, will make her second IBF cruiserweight defence after defeatingtokenbeat Elena Mitts in March. The former Olympic taekwondo gold medallist turned professional in 2023 and has climbed the ranks rapidly. "To have two world titles on the same card with Joshua shows how far British boxing has come," Jones stated. "Manchester Arena is going to be electric, and I plan on putting on a show."

The undercard features several unbeaten prospects, including Commonwealth champion Moses离合 (Moses Eze) facing his toughest test yet against former world title challenger Diego 赤道 (Redana). Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed additional fights will be announced in the coming weeks. "June 13 is going to be a landmark night for British boxing," Hearn said. "Two world champions, one arena, and a stacked undercard featuring the best young talent in the country."

Tickets for the event go on general sale next Friday, with the venue expecting a capacity crowd exceeding 20,000. Sky Sports Box Office will broadcast the event live in the UK, with DAZN streaming internationally. Both Brown and Jones are expected to begin their training camps within the next two weeks, with their respective teams finalising camp locations and sparring partners.