Boxing Match Preview: Luke McCormack (4-0-0, 3 KOs) vs. Kane Gardner (18-5-0, 7 KOs)

Time: Main card starts ~7:30 PM GMT (2:30 PM ET / 11:30 AM PT); ring walks for this bout expected ~9:00–10:00 PM GMT (4:00–5:00 PM ET, depending on undercard)
Venue: Vaillant Live, Derby, Derbyshire, United Kingdom
Broadcast/Streaming: DAZN (live in UK and select international territories; subscription required)

Bout Details: 10 rounds, super lightweight (140 lbs / junior welterweight). Part of the Queensberry Promotions “Under the Lights” card, headlined by Owen Cooper vs. Constantin Ursu for the vacant British & Commonwealth welterweight title. This matchup serves as a key step-up test for prospect McCormack against a seasoned, durable veteran.

This super lightweight clash features rising British prospect Luke McCormack— a former standout amateur with Olympic and European medal pedigree—against experienced journeyman Kane Gardner, known for his toughness and ability to test young fighters. McCormack looks to extend his unbeaten run and showcase power in a step-up; Gardner aims to pull off an upset and derail the hype train in a competitive domestic spot.

Fighter Matchups / Styles Breakdown

Luke McCormack (30 years old, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, UK | Orthodox | Height: 5’9½” / 176 cm)

Former Team GB standout, two-time ABA champion, European U22/EU gold medalist, silver at European Games.
Explosive power (75% KO rate in pros), sharp combinations, composure under pressure. Strong left hook/body work evident in recent stoppages.
Style: Aggressive yet controlled forward pressure; mixes speed and power effectively.

Kane “Sugar Kane” Gardner (30 years old, Beswick, Lancashire, UK | Orthodox | Height: ~5’7″–5’9″)

Veteran with 23 pro bouts (131 rounds fought); durable chin (never stopped).
Solid volume puncher with experience against higher-level prospects (e.g., recent losses to ranked fighters like Batyrzhan Jukembayev).
Style: Come-forward, gritty pressure fighter who absorbs shots and grinds; opportunistic counterpuncher in exchanges.

Key Clash: McCormack’s superior amateur pedigree, power edge, and activity vs. Gardner’s pro experience, durability, and volume. Expect McCormack to push pace early with sharp shots; Gardner looks to survive storms and make it gritty. Classic prospect test—McCormack favored heavily, but Gardner’s chin could force rounds.

Recent Form

McCormack (unbeaten pro start):

May 24, 2025: TKO 2 Samir Cuentas (OVO Hydro, Glasgow; sharp left hook stoppage on Josh Taylor undercard).
Mar 1, 2025: UD 6 Ramiro Garcia Lopez (Bournemouth).
Sep 6, 2024: TKO 2 Petr Brodsky.
Debut Mar 2024: Win.
Form: W W W W — building momentum with mix of finishes and decisions.

Gardner (mixed veteran run):

Oct 2025: Win vs. Ramiro Garcia Lopez (recent activity).
Apr 2025: Loss UD 10 Batyrzhan Jukembayev.
Nov 2024: Win vs. Reece MacMillan.
Jun 2024: Loss to higher opposition.
Form: Recent win but losses to quality; durable in defeats.

Fight History / Head-to-HeadNo prior meetings. McCormack: 4 pro bouts (12 rounds total), 75% KO rate, facing increasing opposition. Gardner: 23 pro bouts, 131 rounds, 39% KO rate; losses to ranked/stronger fighters but never stopped—proven spoiler potential. Trends: McCormack finishes lesser foes quickly; Gardner extends fights against power punchers.

Injury Report

No reported injuries for either fighter. Both confirmed healthy, in camp, and expected to make 140 lbs without issue. McCormack coming off strong activity; Gardner returns from recent bouts with no concerns. Weigh-ins Friday, Feb 27—full strength projected.

Betting Trends

McCormack: Massive favorite in pro career; high KO rate vs. regional foes; public/sharp money on him.
Gardner: Durable underdog; fights often go distance vs. power types; long odds reflect step-up.
Queensberry/DAZN domestic cards: Prospects like McCormack dominate similar spots; low upset rate in prospect tests.

FIGHT ODDS

Luke McCormack – 1850

Kane Gardner + 1100

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 27, 2026