Joe Howarth vs Cory O'Regan

Fight report

Cory O'Regan beat Joe Howarth by unanimous decision to win the vacant English lightweight title at Manchester's Co-op Live Arena on Saturday, 19 September 2026. The judges scored the ten-round contest 99-91, 98-92 and 98-92. O'Regan, a late replacement for the injured Josh Holmes, used movement and counter-punching to overcome Howarth's pressure. The Leeds southpaw entered with a 15-1 record and three knockouts; Howarth was 15-2 with four knockouts. Victory took O'Regan to 16-1, while Howarth suffered his third professional defeat. The bout formed part of Matchroom Boxing's John Hedges versus Pat Brown card, shown in the UK on DAZN.

AT STAKE

Vacant BBBofC English lightweight title

WEIGHT

Lightweight

ROUNDS

10

PROMOTER

Matchroom Boxing (Eddie Hearn)

UK BROADCASTER

DAZN

WHY IT MATTERS

O'Regan stepped in after Josh Holmes withdrew through injury, giving him a late opportunity to win the vacant English lightweight title. Howarth was challenging for the same belt he had failed to win against Giorgio Visioli in December 2025.

Also on the card: John Hedges vs Pat Brown; Shabaz Masoud vs Ckari Cani Mansilla; Kieron Conway vs Mark Jeffers; Alfie Middlemiss vs Christopher Mondongo; Garan Croft vs Mohammed Graich; Tom Rafferty vs Liam Walsh; Jack Power vs Victor Ionascu; Emily Whitworth vs Beata Dudek