Monaco is preparing to host one of its most anticipated sporting nights of the year as the sixth edition of the Monte-Carlo Showdown arrives at the Salle des Étoiles this Saturday, December 6. Organised by Matchroom Boxing in partnership with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, the event has grown into a fixture of the international boxing calendar since its launch in 2017.
Five bouts are scheduled for the evening, bringing together a mix of established names, rising contenders and, notably, Monaco’s own Hugo Micallef, who faces Northern Ireland’s Sean McComb in what is expected to be a fiercely contested encounter. Micallef returns to the venue where he began his career more than a decade ago, this time fighting for an international title.
The headline contest sees Shabaz Masoud and Peter McGrail meet for the EBU European Super Bantamweight Championship, while Beatriz Ferreira will defend her IBF World Lightweight belt against Turkey’s Elif Nur Turhan. Also on the card are Conah Walker vs Pat McCormack in a welterweight clash and heavyweight fan favourite Johnny “The Romford Bull” Fisher, who takes on unbeaten Czech fighter Ivan Balaz, drafted in as a late replacement.
At the final press conference on Thursday, Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn said the event had reached a new level of international interest, calling it the strongest line-up Monte-Carlo has hosted so far. “Completely sold-out,” he noted, describing the turnout as proof of boxing’s surging global momentum.
Representatives of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer and the Monegasque Boxing Federation highlighted the prestige of the venue and the significance of staging top-tier boxing in the Principality. Officials also praised the continued collaboration between Monaco and Matchroom, crediting the partnership with elevating the sport locally.
Several fighters offered final reflections ahead of Saturday’s contests, from Micallef’s characteristic determination—“I love when they count me out”—to Turhan’s insistence that she has prepared “like a warrior” for her challenge for the world title. McComb, speaking on a difficult personal day, underscored his own resolve, while Masoud and McGrail both promised a main event worthy of the occasion.
The Monte-Carlo Showdown VI begins at 19:00, with doors opening at 18:00 at the Salle des Étoiles, Sporting Monte-Carlo. The full card will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN.
Image courtesy of Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing: Sean McComb and Hugo Micallef Weigh In ahead of their IBF European Super Lightweight Title Fight tomorrow night
