Masoud vs McGrail headlines Monte Carlo despite title snub

Matchroom Boxing returns to the luxurious Monte Carlo Casino on December 6 with a stacked card headlined by one of Britain’s most intriguing domestic clashes — Shabaz Masoud vs Peter McGrail — but not without controversy.

The International Boxing Organization (IBO) has publicly stated that the bout, initially billed as a world title fight, has not been approved.

“The IBO has not agreed to this. We will not permit a World Title with a Regional title (European),” the sanctioning body confirmed via social media.

That clarification means Masoud and McGrail will instead contest the European Super Bantamweight Title, which strips away some of the global stakes but retains all of the competitive intrigue.

Both fighters are on the cusp of world-level recognition — though McGrail has one loss — and are vying to emerge as the next standout at 122 pounds.

Masoud (14-0, 4 KOs) brings refined technique and poise, while McGrail (12-1, 6 KOs) carries decorated amateur credentials and relentless forward pressure.

Their meeting promises a pure clash of styles with significant implications for the victor and for Britain’s super bantamweight scene.

Full Monte Carlo Fight Card (December 6, 2025 – Live on DAZN)

Shabaz Masoud vs Peter McGrail – European Super Bantamweight TitleThe headliner brings the undefeated Masoud up against McGrail, whose sole defeat came earlier in his career. The IBO’s refusal to sanction as a world title adds extra drama, putting pride and legacy ahead of belt status.

Beatriz Ferreira vs Seda Turhan – IBF World Lightweight TitleBrazil’s Beatriz Ferreira (8-0, 2 KOs) continues her ascent in the lightweight division. She faces Turhan, a resilient challenger, in a fight that could reshape the female lightweight scene. Her opponent will be Seda Turhan (11-0, 7 KOs).

Conah Walker vs Pat McCormackA domestic welterweight clash featuring Pat McCormack (8-0, 6 KOs) and Conah Walker (16-3-1, 7 KOs).

MONTE-CARLO SHOWDOWN VI: 👑

FIGHT CARD CONFIRMED.

A solid night of boxing in Monaco on December 6th, live on DAZN!

🥊 MASOUD vs. McGRAIL (European Super Bantamweight Title)🥊 FERREIRA vs. TURHAN (IBF World Lightweight Title)🥊 WALKER vs. McCORMACK🥊 FISHER vs. MATOVU🥊… pic.twitter.com/9yHBRulzzI

— World Boxing News (@WorldBoxingNews) October 15, 2025

Johnny Fisher vs David MatovuHeavyweight Johnny Fisher (13-1, 11 KOs) returns after his upset loss to Dave Allen earlier this year. Fisher has pledged to rebuild and earn a future rubber match with Allen if Fisher can notch successive victories.

Hugo Micallef vs Sean McCombRounding out the undercard is a stylistic battle between Monaco’s own Hugo Micallef (11-0, 3 KOs) and Northern Ireland’s Sean McComb (20-2, 5 KOs) — aggression versus precision as they look to make statements on a big international stage.

Unique Atmosphere

Even without IBO sanction, Monte Carlo Showdown VI remains one of Matchroom’s boldest international showcases — a mix of pride, rivalry, and redemption beneath the chandeliers of the famous casino.

For Masoud and McGrail, this is the kind of night where careers are made — and reputations tested.

About the Author

Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights.

[View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.