Saturday night at the Sport Hall Energia in Narva, Estonia, rising and undefeated Russian female star Elena Gradinar picked up her first professional title, the IBF Inter-Continental Female Featherweight Championship, with a unanimous decision over Canadian former WBC world champion Olivia Gerula.

Gradinar (9-0, 2 KOs) dominated the more experienced Gerula over the 10-round distance, winning by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 99-91.

"I am very happy with the win and my IBF belt," said Gradinar, post-fight. "I want to fight Jennifer Han for the IBF world title. I want to do my part in lifting women's boxing to the next level and fight the best."

Her co-promoter, Dmitriy Salita (along with Alexander Nevsky Promotion Group), has made a firm commitment to women's boxing by signing several current and upcoming female superstars including world champions Claressa Shields and Christina Hammer, as well as top prospects Franchon Crews Dezurn, Elena Savelyeva and Gradinar.

Salita says this is just the start of a terrific 2018 for Gradinar. "With the win Elena has cemented herself as one of the best female featherweights in the world. This is going to be a big year for Elena and women's boxing."

MTK Global is proud to confirm the signing of exciting super-middleweight Padraig McCrory.

The 29-year-old McCrory (3-0-KO2) fights out of Belfast and has already caught the eye with recent back-to-back knockout victories - the latest a devastating one-punch demolition of Manny Bique in February.

Standing at an imposing 6' 2", McCrory is trained by Ray and Mark Ginley having enjoyed a successful career as an amateur; picking up the Ulster Elite title in 2014 before turning professional in 2017.

The ambitious McCrory said: "I'm about being the best. I signed with MTK because I know they are the team to be with if I want to take my career to the next level.

"I've seen the work they're already doing with my team-mates Lewis Crocker, the Upton brothers and all the Belfast-based lads and I need to be a part of what's going on with boxing in the city.

"The brand is massive and will continue to grow. It's a pleasure to be a part of it."

MTK Global Professional Development Coordinator Jamie Conlan - a Belfast boxing hero himself - is delighted to have secured the arrival of McCrory.

Conlan said: "It's great to have Padraig as part of the team and to add to the buzzing boxing scene in Belfast.

"'Poddy' is three fights in with two highlight reel knockouts already and they're a signal of his huge potential. We're all really looking forward to seeing him push on now in 2018."

Unbeaten South African Lightweight Xolisani Ndongeni, 23-0 (12), will attempt to become a two-time world champion when he fights for the vacant World Boxing Federation (WBF) World Lightweight title on April 6 in Pretoria.

The former IBO World Champion is backed in his quest by three legends of South African boxing, former world champions Dingaan Thobela (WBF and WBC), Lehlo Ledwana (IBF) and Jan Piet Bergman (WBU), who have joined forces to promote the fight.

Ndongeni is massively accomplished since turning professional almost eight years ago. In 2012 he won the Eastern Cape Super Featherweight title, and the following year he captured the South African Super Featherweight crown, as well as the WBF International title.

In 2014 he moved up in weight to add the South African Lightweight championship to his resume, in addition to the IBO International belt. 2015 saw him lift the WBA Pan African title before winning the IBO World title with a ninth round stoppage of compatriot Jasper Seroka.

The 27-year-old from East London was never given an opportunity to defend his IBO title, as politics got in the way of him taking advantage of the triumph. He has won three fights since, including a decision over tough Mexican Juan Garcia Mendez (19-1-1) in America, and now its time to go for world glory again.

His opponent on April 6 will be skilled Namibian Abraham “Energy” Ndaeundapo (34), the reigning World Boxing Federation (WBF) All Africa Super Featherweight Champion, who is moving up in weight for the big opportunity.

Ndaeundapo is 17-5 (5) after just over ten years in the pro game, and won the IBF Continental Africa title in 2013. Last July he beat another South African in Nkosinathi Ntshangase to secure the WBF All Africa title, and is heading into his first crack at a world title.