Boxing Match Preview: Shabaz Masoud (14-0-0, 4 KOs) vs. Peter McGrail (12-1-0, 6 KOs)
The super bantamweight division delivers a mouthwatering all-British showdown on December 6, 2025, as slick undefeated contender Shabaz “The Maverick” Masoud defends his IBO world strap and challenges for the vacant EBU European crown against Olympian Peter McGrail. This 12-round headliner anchors Matchroom Boxing’s Monte Carlo Showdown VI card, blending Masoud’s rhythmic unpredictability with McGrail’s structured southpaw precision in a stylistic chess match ripe for drama. Originally slated for June 2025 but derailed by Masoud’s training injury, the rescheduled bout carries extra intrigue—McGrail eyes redemption from past setbacks, while Masoud aims to cement his status as the division’s next big thing. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the event, including all requested details.
Venue Location
The clash unfolds at the opulent Salle des Étoiles, a glittering concert hall within the Monte-Carlo Casino complex. Nestled in Monte Carlo, Monaco (CET time zone), this Riviera gem overlooks the Mediterranean and hosts elite boxing nights amid chandeliers and yacht views, seating up to 2,400 for an electric, intimate vibe. Address: Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco. Promoted by Matchroom Boxing with local partners Société des Bains de Mer, the card streams live on DAZN in over 200 countries, with UK coverage via TNT Sports tie-ins starting at 6:00 PM GMT.
Main Card Start Time: 6:00 PM GMT / 7:00 PM CET / 1:00 PM EST (undercard opens at 5:00 PM GMT)
Ring Walks for Masoud vs. McGrail: Expected around 9:30 PM GMT / 10:30 PM CET / 5:30 PM EST, as the main event following undercard highlights like Beatriz Ferreira vs. Elif Nur Turhan (IBF women’s lightweight title) and Conah Walker vs. Pat McCormack (vacant IBF Intercontinental welterweight). DAZN’s broadcast features expert analysis from Steve Bunce, with timings subject to prior results.
Injury Report
Both fighters are fully cleared as of December 4, 2025, following mandatory EBU medicals—no issues from the June postponement linger. Camps confirm peak form ahead of weigh-ins.
Shabaz Masoud: Cleared to fight. The 29-year-old’s June 2025 withdrawal stemmed from a minor training injury (undisclosed, but camp sources cite a hand strain from sparring), fully healed by August. He’s since logged 180+ rounds issue-free under trainer Ben Davison in Sheffield, including sessions with southpaws mimicking McGrail. Weigh-in target: 122 lbs; recent pads show fluid movement and no restrictions.
Peter McGrail: Cleared without concerns. The 29-year-old endured a grueling short-notice camp against Ionut Baluta in June but emerged unscathed, with no setbacks in his Liverpool base at Everton Red Triangle. Post-Baluta, he’s sparred 120 rounds cleanly; weigh-in target: 122 lbs. Promoters emphasize his “bulletproof” conditioning, channeling amateur resilience.
This sets the stage for a full-distance tactical war, with durable chins (combined 0 stoppage losses in 2025) favoring points.
Fighter Matchups
A purist’s delight: Masoud’s feinting, angle-shifting flair versus McGrail’s jab-led, range-controlling southpaw craft. Masoud’s experience edges volume, but McGrail’s Olympic pedigree shines in structure. Tale of the tape reveals near-identical frames, promising inches-deciding exchanges.
| Category | Shabaz Masoud | Peter McGrail |
| Nickname | The Maverick | N/A |
| Age | 29 (Born Mar 4, 1996) | 29 (Born May 31, 1996) |
| Height | 5’7″ (170 cm) | 5’7″ (170 cm) |
| Reach | 70″ (178 cm) | 65″ (165 cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox | Southpaw |
| Weight Class | Super Bantamweight (122 lbs) | Super Bantamweight |
| Pro Debut | May 2018 | Oct 2021 |
| Record | 14-0-0 (4 KOs, 29% KO rate) | 12-1-0 (6 KOs, 50% KO rate) |
| Style | Elusive rhythm boxer | Technical jabber |
| Strengths | Feints, timing, adaptability | Footwork, accuracy, composure |
| Weaknesses | Inactivity rust, power | Early KO vulnerability |
Key Matchup Notes: Mirror heights level the canvas, but Masoud’s 5-inch reach lets him probe safely; McGrail’s shorter arms demand inside angles, where his southpaw jab disrupts. Masoud thrives in chaos (91 pro rounds vs. McGrail’s 78), but McGrail’s amateur elite (2018 Commonwealth gold) counters with discipline—expect Masoud early traps, McGrail mid-round control.
Recent Form
Masoud’s 2025 has been hampered by inactivity post-injury, but his November 2024 carryover win shines; McGrail’s active streak builds confidence amid resilience.
Shabaz Masoud (1-0 in 2025): Selective after June injury. No fights until a potential tune-up, but his form peaks from the November 2, 2024, split decision IBO title win over Liam Davies (116-112, 115-113 Masoud; 115-113 Davies)—outlanding 142-89 in a masterclass many scored 8-4. Form: W (SD title). Undefeated run intact; Davison’s tweaks address pacing, with 70% jab accuracy in camp.
Peter McGrail (3-0 in 2025): Rebounding strongly. June 21 majority decision over Ionut Baluta (Birmingham, 10 rounds; 95-95, 96-94 x2) overcame short notice, followed by UD wins over Rhys Edwards (Dec 2024 carryover) and a September 2024 KO2 of Brad Foster. Form: W (MD) → W (UD). Four-fight streak; 60+ punches/round average masks KO power, though untested vs. Masoud’s slickness.
McGrail’s volume edges prep; Masoud’s rust adds upset potential.
Fight History
Masoud’s steady ascent boasts high-profile nods; McGrail’s amateur glory contrasts pro grit with one scar.
Shabaz Masoud’s Key Fights (Pro since 2018; 14 total bouts):
Nov 2, 2024: W-SD 12 vs. Liam Davies (Utilita Arena, Birmingham) – IBO title snag; controversial but dominant (2 amateur prior wins).
Nov 2023: W-TKO 12 vs. Jack Bateson (Utilita Arena, Sheffield) – WBA Intercontinental belt; late stoppage in rivalry bout.
Oct 2023: W-SD 10 vs. Jose Sanmartin (Utilita Arena, Newcastle) – Matchroom debut; gritty nod amid illness recovery.
Jun 2023: W-UD 10 vs. Tom Brennan (York Hall, London) – Unbeaten clash; controlled masterclass.
Earlier: 9-0 run (3 KOs) vs. domestics, including 2018 debut TKO.
Career Arc: 14-0 climber; IBO champ (Ring #5), two amateur Davies wins fuel narrative—June injury only blemish.
Peter McGrail’s Key Fights (Pro since 2021; 13 total bouts):
Jun 21, 2025: W-MD 10 vs. Ionut Baluta (Resorts World Arena, Birmingham) – Short-notice grinder; edged awkward foe.
Sep 28, 2024: W-KO 2 vs. Brad Foster (Canon Medical Arena, Sheffield) – WBA International defense; vicious body shot.
Dec 21, 2024: W-UD 10 vs. Rhys Edwards (Kingdom Arena, Riyadh) – Late-replacement points win on Fury-Usyk 2 card.
Apr 2024: W-UD 10 vs. Marc Leach (Manchester) – Mandatory eliminator nod.
Earlier: 2023 L-TKO 5 vs. Ja’Rico O’Quinn (shock KO); 7-0 debut streak (4 KOs).
Career Arc: Amateur phenom (2018 Commonwealth gold, 2020 Olympics) to pro contender; post-loss 5-0, WBA International holder.
No head-to-head; fresh rivalry.
FIGHT ODDS
Shabaz Masoud – 240
Peter McGrail + 185
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, December 5, 2025
