Dublin undercard wrap-up - Martinez returns to Ireland

By Jonny Stapleton

The large Tallaght crowd also got to witness the return to Ireland of the man who dethroned Bernard Dunne of his European belt, Spain’s Kiko Martinez, as he warmed up for his rematch with current European super-bantamweight champion Rendall Munroe.

Martinez eventually emerged victorious via a 78-76 points win over the battle hardened Lante Addy. The Spaniard impressed with a more varied boxing approach and probably would have registered a trademark knock-out victory against a less tough opponent. Addy took some of ‘Mini Tyson’s’ big punches but never even flirted with the idea of going to the canvas and battled right to the final bell.

Football rivalry brings added spice to Murray-Meager British title fight

John Murray is confident he can win the British Lightweight Title on Friday, 11th July and strike a blow for Manchester City over Manchester United.

Undefeated Murray faces Manchester rival Lee Meager at the Robin Park Arena in Wigan on a Hennessy Sports show in association with GoldenPalace.net.

Both Hennessy Sports boxers badly want to win the title and the fact that they support rival football teams has added extra spice to the Sky Sports televised event.

“I’m a Man City fan and I know Lee is a big Red, but this is boxing and not football and I’m going to make sure the blue side of Manchester is the winner in this derby for a change,” said Murray.

Hyland targets the best in Europe following Callaghan win

By Jonny Stapleton

Newly crowned super-bantamweight champion of Ireland, Paulie Hyland, won’t settle for national domination and plans to conquer Europe within the next year-and-half. Hyland outpointed Marc Callaghan 98-93 after ten impressive rounds at the weekend is now destined for greater things.

Hyland didn’t just claim the Irish title in Dublin’s National Basketball Arena on Saturday night, he also managed to increase his growing reputation with a comfortable victory over the experienced former British title challenger Marc Callaghan.

Callaghan has fought all-comers across the water in Britain including former and current European champions in Michael Hunter, Esham Pickering and Rendall Munroe but afterwards stated that Hyland was the best he had ever faced.

Not so unlucky 13 for Pajo Hyland

By Jonny Stapleton

His brother Paulie may have stole the limelight with his title winning performance last Saturday night, but super-featherweight Patrick Hyland ensured his boxing stock continued to rise by going 13-0 with a comfortable six-round points victory over the dangerous Geoffrey Munika on the Moore-Healy undercard.

The Ghanaian pugilist is renowned for his grit and bravery and the fact camp Hyland chose to take on the teak tough fighter shows not only their desire to progress the Tallaght fighter’s career but also their confidence in his ability.

Moore makes history with crushing title victory over Healy

By Jonny Stapleton

Salford’s Jamie Moore, whose mother hails from Tullaroan in Kilkenny, became the first man to win the British, Commonwealth and Irish light-middleweight titles following his emphatic three-round victory over Ciaran Healy to claim the Irish crown in Dublin’s National Basketball Arena on Saturday night.

Moore, who is proud of his Irish roots and wore “for you nan” and a shamrock on his shorts, qualified to challenge for the Irish title via his Kilkenny heritage and Saturday’s victory prompted tears of joy from his proud mother.

McCloskey wants Barnes and Branco after English champ Wright

Paul McCloskey is hoping that an impressive win over English Champion Nigel Wright on the Ladbrokes.com Fight Night at the University Arena in Limerick on July 19th will land him the title shot which he desperately craves”. The County Derry stylist is unbeaten in 16 pro fights and he says he’s ready for a title shot be that on the British, European or World stage.

“I feel I’m ready for anyone right now,” said the Dungiven native. “I’m 28 so I don’t have any time to waste and I’d jump at the chance of fighting for a major title.”

McCloskey has watched with interest some of the major moves in the light welterweight division recently and he hopes to join the movers and shakers with a win over Wright.

Steeds and Norton’s British title clash pushed back to September

By Ben Carey

Robert Norton and Micky Steeds’ clash for the vacant British cruiserweight title will now take place some time in September. The co-challengers were set to meet this Friday at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall but broadcaster SKY Sports is unable to accommodate the fight in its July schedules hence the reason behind the date switch.

The domestic cruiserweight scene has been thrown wide open following Mark Hobson’s decision to vacate the British title, Carl Thompson’s decision to retire and David Haye’s impending move up to heavyweight.

Arthur and Cook have points to prove

By Ben Carey

Alex Arthur will defend his WBO super-featherweight title against Nicky Cook at Manchester’s M.E.N Arena on September 6, it was announced yesterday. Arthur-Cook represents an intriguing all-British clash between two fighters who still have to convince that they belong in world class company.

Arthur’s proposed marquee showdown against the supremely talented Juan Guzman in May was shelved after Guzman elected to move up to lightweight. The Scot was subsequently upgraded from interim championship status to official champion by the WBO. Arthur, 26-1 (19), hasn’t fought since narrowly outpointing Stephen Foster Jr last December when he had to climb off the floor after being heavily dropped by a right hand from Foster in the eleventh round.

Siddique fights Saville on Murray-Meager undercard

Nadeem Siddique aims to prove he is one of Britain’s top lightweight contenders with an emphatic win over Steve Saville on Friday, 11th July 2008.

Unbeaten star Siddique’s eight round contest is chief support to the vacant British Lightweight Title battle between Manchester duo Lee Meager and John Murray at the Robin Park Arena in Wigan on a Hennessy Sports show in association with GoldenPalace.net.

Title on the line this time as heavyweight prospects prepare to rematch

By Ben Carey

Two of Britain’s brightest heavyweight prospects, London’s Derek Chisora and Norwich’s Sam Sexton, will box over ten-rounds for the vacant Southern Area heavyweight title on a date and venue to be advised by promoter Frank Warren.

The pair clashed last month at York Hall in Bethnal Green and it was Chisora who preserved his unbeaten record in an entertaining duel by stopping Sexton with seconds remaining in the sixth and final round following a volley of punches which left Sexton disorientated against the ropes.

McDermott slams Williams world title shot talk

English heavyweight champion John McDermott says the talk of Danny Williams getting a title shot against world champion Samuel Peter later this year is disrespectful.

McDermott is slated to challenge British champion Williams on Friday, July 18 at the Goresbrook Leisure Centre in Dagenham, England, and is furious at being considered a formality to be disposed of.

“If people are thinking that I am just turning up, they’re wrong,” said McDermott. “I want the opportunity to fight for a legitimate world title, so I’ve been preparing for this for a long time and I also want to banish memories of my British title fight against Matt Skelton a few years ago.”

Duddy lands world title shot and eyes Jamie Moore showdown

By Jonny Stapleton

Derry puncher John Duddy has dropped down from middleweight to light-middle and will challenge Verno Phillips for the IBF world title in the autumn.

The unbeaten Duddy wracked up win number 25 with victory over Charles Howe in Boston last weekend, but has opted to change weight in a bid to put a belt around his waist.

Hyland-Callaghan preview

By Johnny Stapleton

The Hyland family will be boasting three professional Irish champions come Saturday night according to Paddy Hyland promoter, manager and father of brotherly pugilist trio Patrick, Edward and Paul Hyland

Patrick and Edward have already added professional titles to the host of amateur accolades they previous attained by recently winning the national featherweight and super-featherweight crowns respectively, and promoter Paddy Hyland believes the youngest of the talented trio, Paulie, will follow in their footsteps when he takes on Marc Callaghan in National Stadium tonight.

“I am 100% certain Paulie will win and we will have three Irish champions in the family. It will be a tough battle for him though. I think it will be a similar fight to when Edward fought O’Hara. Callaghan is a tough lad and he will be in there until the end. But Paulie is in great shape and once he is in the type of form he is currently in I just can’t see anyone beating him,” he told his local paper the Tallaght Voice this week.

Barnes withstands spirited Morrison fightback to retain British title

Courtesy of Matchroomsport.com

David Barnes successfully defended his British Light-Welterweight title with a points triumph over Barry Morrison. In a thrilling contest at the Everton Park Sports Centre in Liverpool, Barnes got the verdict by 116-113, 116-113 and 116-112 margins.

It was a brave performance from Morrison but Barnes stamped his authority on the opening rounds and, despite a spirited fightback from the Scot, that proved to be decisive. The fight, which was the main event of Matchroom Sport’s latest boxing show was shown on Sky Sports, proved to be an entertaining clash.

Meager not reading too much into Murray sparring sessions

Lee Meager is putting friendship aside when he takes on John Murray for the vacant British Lightweight Title at the Robin Park Arena in Wigan on Friday 11th July 2008 on a Hennessy Sports in association with GoldenPalace.net event.

The two Manchester lightweights are part of the same Hennessy Sports stable and know each other from numerous sparring sessions together.

Dunne targets Munroe’s European title

Despite returning to winning ways against Felix Machado in Castlebar in April Bernard Dunne admits there’s something missing at the moment – his European title belt.

The Dubliner is back in action in his native city on July 12th when he meets Argentina’s Damian Marchiano in the Hunky Dorys Fight Night headline bout at the National Stadium.

Dunne is hopeful that an impressive win over Marchiano will take him a step closer to a fight with the man who now holds his old European Super Bantamweight title belt – England’s Rendall Munroe.

Murray calls out Khan but must get by Meager first

British lightweight title challenger John Murray is offering to be Amir Khan’s next opponent on 6th September 2008.

Former unbeaten English champion Murray faces fellow Manchester boxer Lee Meager for the vacant British Lightweight Title at the Robin Park Arena in Wigan on Friday 11th July 2008. Hennessy Sports pair Murray and Meager face each other after Jon Thaxton vacated the belt on a show scheduled to be televised live on Sky Sports.

McDonagh eyeing another Dublin upset against Murray

He won’t have Uri Geller in his corner this time but Peter McDonagh believes it will still be a case of mind over matter when he defends his Irish Lightweight title against Andrew Murray on the Hunky Dorys Fight Night at the National Stadium, Dublin on July 12th.

Their ten round bout is one of two Irish title fights on the undercard to Bernard Dunne’s clash with Argentina’s Damian Marchiano. McDonagh though is hoping to steal the show by ruining Murray’s perfect record.

Froch to fight for vacant WBC title

Press release

Carl Froch has now got his hard-earned shot at the vacant WBC super-middleweight title against Jermain Taylor later this year but hopes his co-challenger doesn’t bottle out of it.

Undefeated British champion Froch has been elected to fight American Taylor, the former undisputed middleweight champion, for the prestigious vacant WBC title after Joe Calzaghe vacated the belt rather than fight mandatory challenger Froch.

Marsh mellow after taking Pickering’s British title

By Ben Carey

Matthew Marsh’s youth, tenacity and desire saw him rip away Esham Pickering’s British super-bantamweight title from the former Commonwealth and European champion after twelve high octane rounds at the York Hall tonight.

The 25-year-old Marsh, taking part in only his 11th pro outing, was a deserved winner as he cantered to a unanimous decision on the judges’ scorecards – 117-111, 116-113 and (a generous, to Pickering) 115-113.

Ajetovic fails in world title bid down under

Liverpool/Hartlepool based Serbian, Geard Ajetovic, conceded a wide points loss to Australia’s undefeated Daniel Geale in his IBO middleweight title challenge in Sydney today.

Former standout amateur Ajetovic, who has based his pro career predominantly in Britain, matched Geale in the early stages but was outworked in the second half of the contest and went down 117-111 (twice) and 120-109 on the judges scorecards’.

The defeat sees the talented but frustrating Ajetovic slip to 16-2-1 while Geale improves his record to 19-0 (12).

Pickering: I’m still Britain’s No 1

Press release

Esham Pickering is warning challenger Matthew Marsh not to underestimate him ahead of their British Super-Bantamweight Title fight at the York Hall in Bethnal Green on Friday, 27th June 2008.

Former European and Commonwealth champion Pickering (Newark) defends his British Title against Pickering (Welling) on what promises to be a thrilling Hennessy Sports show in association with GoldenPalace.net at the home of British boxing with Sky Sports televising the action live.

Khan could spark TV scramble

By Ben Carey

Amir Khan’s enthralling battle with Michael Gomez at the weekend could spark a last-minute scramble from TV executives who may see Khan’s future fights as sure-fire ratings winners. Promoter Frank Warren, who is believed to have agreed a new promotional deal with Khan, is expected to reveal in the next few days the identity of the broadcaster that will screen Khan’s next series of fights, starting with Khan’s 19th pro outing on September 6th at Manchester’s M.E.N Arena.

The bill will also feature Alex Arthur defending his WBO super-featherweight crown. Opponents for both men will be confirmed in due course.

O’Donnell continues comeback

Press release

John O’Donnell continues on the comeback trail as part of a talented and exciting bill at the York Hall in Bethnal Green on Friday, 27th June 2008.

Top of the Hennessy Sports in association with GoldenPalace.net bill is the British Super-Bantamweight Title fight between Esham Pickering (Newark) and Matthew Marsh (Welling) and there is plenty of quality on display before the main event featuring London boxers.

Stylish Shepherds Bush welterweight O’Donnell out-pointed Billy Smith over four rounds only last month after suffering his first professional loss to Mexican Christian Solano in Las Vegas in May.

Elcock won’t put his career on hold for McDermott

By Ben Carey

Wayne Elcock has revealed that he is unlikely to grant Midlands rival Darren McDermott an immediate rematch after their British middleweight title showdown ended in unsatisfactory circumstances on Friday night. Instead, the Birmingham man intends to make a swift return to the ring as he seeks to work towards securing a second world title crack.

Challenger McDermott suffered a heartbreaking second round stoppage loss after an accidental clash of heads opened up a severe gash underneath the Dudley fighter’s left eye which required ten stitches. At the time, the contest was finely poised with both fighters enjoying early successes prior to the sudden ending. A dejected McDermott has since called for a straight rematch, but with his injury likely to keep him on the sidelines for some time, Elcock doesn’t intend to hang around.

“I’m going to sit down with (promoter) Mick Hennessy and see what’s on the table but it’s important that I keep busy and capitalise on this win. It was very unfortunate how the fight ended but I felt there was only going to be one winner right from the start and that was me,” explained Elcock to UKFightNews.

Lee admits to confidence crisis following first career loss

Press release

Each morning as Andy Lee steps out to begin his roadwork he peers up at the highest peaks of the Austrian Alps. The fresh, clean mountain air is the perfect setting for clearing his thoughts as he begins his daily run up the picturesque foothills of the imposing mountain range.

With each step he leaves behind the memories of the first defeat of his professional career but looming large in the foreground is the imposing figure of Willie “The Gladiator” Gibbs – the power punching American who will stand across the ring from Lee in his native Limerick on July 19th on the next Ladbrokes.com Fight Night.

Daws chasing British title shot

Press release

Lenny Daws believes he will deserve another crack at the British Title if he beats experienced Frenchman Mihaita Mutu at the York Hall on Friday, 27th June 2008.

The Hennessy Sports light-welterweight is chief support on the same excitement-packed bill as British super-bantamweight champion Esham Pickering versus Matthew Marsh which Sky Sports will televise live.

Calzaghe wishes to sever ties with Warren

By Ben Carey

Joe Calzaghe has stunned Britain’s boxing fraternity by revealing to the South Wales Argus that he wishes to end his association with promoter Frank Warren after 12 years. Calzaghe intends to be self-managed for the remainder of his career, which is expected to include one more fight against former pound-for-pound great Roy Jones Jr before the 36-year-old hangs up his gloves later this year.

Calzaghe’s decision is likely to stun Warren who has delivered the Welshman the major fights he has always craved against Jeff Lacy, Mikkel Kessler and Bernard Hopkins in the last three years. Calzaghe’s victories have established him as a major attraction on both sides of the Atlantic and the undefeated Welsh dragon is determined to cash in during one final career swansong, expected to be against Jones. Not that Joe has been short of a bob or two under Warren.

Barnes and Morrison set for Liverpool clash

Courtesy of Matchroomsport.com

DAVID Barnes and Barry Morrison will meet in the main event of Matchroom Sport’s next boxing show.

Barnes, the current British Light-Welterweight Champion, will put his title on the line as he looks to make his first defence. Scotsman Barry Morrison, who has also previously held the belt, will be his opponent in what should be a thrilling night of boxing.

The action comes from the Everton Park Sports Centre on Friday, July 4 and will be shown live in the UK and Ireland on Sky Sports.

Argentinean opposition for Dunne

Press Release

Argentina’s Damian Marchiano has been confirmed as Bernard Dunne’s next opponent when they clash at the Hunky Dorys Fight Night at the National Stadium, Dublin on July 12th.

Their ten round contest will headline a 7 fight card that features two Irish title bouts. Marchiano is coming off an unsuccessful challenge in South Africa for Silence Mabuza’s IBO title and he knows a second successive defeat is not a desirable career option.

“I know I must win this fight but I am confident that I can beat Dunne even in his hometown,” said the 28-year-old from Buenos Aires.

Pryce seeking bigger fish to fry

By Ben Carey

Bradley Pryce successfully made the sixth defence of his Commonwealth light-middleweight crown with a routine sixth round stoppage over Marcus Portman on the Amir Khan-Michael Gomez undercard. It was far from a vintage performance from the 27-year-old Welshman, who by his own admission went looking to land one big shot against an opponent who had suffered five of his previous seven defeats inside the distance.

Sporting only three knockouts in his 19 victories, it was always going to be a tall order for the smooth boxing Portman to keep Pryce at bay over the 12-round championship distance.

Gomez confirms Khan’s vulnerabilities

By Ben Carey

Amir Khan’s charade as a genuine world title contender came close to being shattered by Michael Gomez inside Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena on Saturday night. While Khan ultimately prevailed after five fiercely-contested rounds, he had to climb off the canvas for the third time in his career and recover from a body shot which badly hurt him in the fourth round.

In-between these moments of crisis, Khan delivered an avalanche of combinations that repeatedly crashed against Gomez’s jaw unleashed with breathtaking handspeed which the Mancunian later admitted he was unable to cope with. While nothing should detract from Gomez’s heroic effort and contribution to a thrilling encounter, the cold facts are that the faded Manchester crowd pleaser had lost three of his last six fights and was expected to be handled easily by a prospect with supposed world title credentials.

Warren wary of Gomez’s threat to Khan

Promoter Frank Warren, writing in his weekly column in the Sun newspaper, has refused to discount Michael Gomez’s chances of destroying Amir Khan’s unbeaten record when the pair clash at Birmingham’s NIA Arena tonight for Khan’s Commonwealth lightweight crown.

“I managed and promoted him (Gomez) when he first turned professional and he lost two of his first three fights. Yet even at that stage, I could see the hunger in his eyes and persevered with him. It was no surprise when he went on to win the British and WBU super-featherweight titles,” began Warren.

Elcock retains British middleweight title in unsatisfactory fashion

By Ben Carey

The eagerly awaited Midlands derby between Birmingham’s Wayne Elcock and Dudley’s Darren McDermott was abruptly ended in the second round when McDermott was stopped after sustaining a nasty cut below his left eye following an accidental clash of heads.

The result saw Elcock retain his British middleweight crown in unsatisfactory circumstances in front of a disappointed crowd at a packed Wolverhampton Civic Hall.

Elcock rejects claims he is looking past McDermott

Press release

Wayne Elcock says there is no way he is taking challenger Darren McDermott lightly ahead of their British Middleweight Title showdown at the Civic Hall, Wolverhampton tomorrow evening.

‘The Battle of the Midlands’ is Elcock’s first title defence since beating Howard Eastman on points last year and Sky Sports will televise the action live on the Hennessy Sports show in association with GoldenPalace.net and 1st Team Promotions. Birmingham banger Elcock is aiming to get back to world title contention after losing to IBF champion Arthur Abraham in December.

GoldenBoy fight to be re-scheduled for Murray-Meager bill

Bradford’s very own Nadeem “The Goldenboy “Siddique has promised to make it up to his fans when he finally gets in the ring with Canadian Julius Odion. Hennessy Sports in association with GoldenPalace.net regrettably announce that Julius Odion has been unable to obtain his visa in time to appear on the “Battle of the Midlands” show on Friday 20th June.

The fight has now be rescheduled and Siddique will square off against Odion at the Robin Park Arena, Wigan as chief support to the vacant British Lightweight title fight between Lee Meager and John Murray on the 11th July, which will be screened live on Sky Sports.

Venue change for Elcock vs McDermott

Hennessy Sports have had to make the decision to move the “Battle of the Midlands” Event to the Civic Hall, Wolverhampton and promote this event in association with 1st Team promotions. We would like to thank 1st team for working together with us on this joint venture at such short notice.

We would also like to apologise for any inconvenience this has caused to the fighters, fans and Sky TV and thank them all for their understanding and support on this matter.

Hennessy Sports would like to offer anyone who had purchased £35 Floor or Tiered reserve seating a £5 reimbursement on the night when exchanging their ticket at the Civic Hall, Wolverhampton. Those who have purchased inner ringside seating will be accommodated at the civic hall in ringside seats when exchanging their tickets on the night.

Should you be unable to attend at the new confirmed venue, please return your ticket to the point of purchase for a full refund.

Venue Details:

Wolves Civic - North St, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV1 1RQ
Doors open at 6pm, boxing starts from 6.15pm.

Moore contemplating move up to middleweight in search of Pavlik

By Jonny Stapleton

Salford’s Jamie Moore has set his sights on Kelly Pavlik and plans to the take the Irish path to get to the world middleweight champion.

Moore, who will take on Ciaran Healy for the Irish light-middleweight title in Dublin next month, is also the mandatory challenger for the European 11st crown. Should he triumph against Healy and reigning EBU light-middleweight king Zaurbek Baysangurov in September, Moore is contemplating moving up to middleweight next year as he targets a world title in 2009.

Audley frustrated after missing out on WBC title shot and speaks on Rogan showdown

By Ben Carey

Audley Harrison has spoken of his frustration after missing out on a mooted world heavyweight title shot against WBC champion Samuel Peter. Promoter Frank Warren, writing in his weekly column in the Sun newspaper last month, said that Harrison, along with Commonwealth champion Matt Skelton, was in the frame to challenge Peter at London’s O2 Arena on July 12.

However, after negotiations subsequently broke down, Harrison has been left with a tricky assignment against unbeaten Prizefighter winner Martin Rogan in Birmingham on July 19 in a fight the former Olympic champion must win to keep his faltering career alive.

Writing on his official website, Harrison said: “Unfortunately after tense negotiations with Team Peter we were unable to agree. They wanted much more money to fight me. Funny thing is they were happy to fight Skelton for less money, but to fight me, well, it was a different story. What does that tell you? The guy they love to hate, is still viewed as a threat,” Harrison alleged.

Munroe to make European title defence against “Short Fuse”

By Ben Carey

Rendall Munroe will make the second defence of his European super-bantamweight title against Sean “short fuse” Hughes at a venue to be decided this September.

Munroe made a successful first defence of his EBU crown in May by forcing Frenchman Salem Bouaita to retire after seven rounds. If the Leicester bin man is successful against Hughes, he will face a November rematch against mandatory challenger Kiko Martinez, the man Munroe upset on a majority decision to capture the European title in March.

Jon Thaxton to fight for European Lightweight Title

Hennessy Sports in association with GoldenPalace.com are proud to announce that Private Negotiations with Mr Ricardo Sanchez Atocha of Rimer Box have been successful and purse bids were cancelled with the EBU on Tuesday morning, both parties have agreed that Juan Carlos Diaz Melero will come to the UK and fight British Lightweight champion Jon Thaxton for the vacant Prestigious European Lightweight title. The fight will take place this September in Norwich, both the venue and date will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Jon Thaxton said “I am delighted to get a second chance to fight for the European title after the disappointment of my last challenge against Yuri Romanov, which was stopped short due to suffering from a deep cut above my right eye. My team were right in stopping the fight when they did, but the cut has now completely healed. I’m grateful to Mick and the team for working hard to get me a second chance. I’m training harder than ever to make sure that I put right what I did wrong last time out”

Elcock sees McDermott as stepping stone to second world title shot

Wayne Elcock sees Friday’s first defence of the British Middleweight Title as the first step on the road back to the top.

Birmingham’s ‘Mad Dog’ was unsuccessful in a world title shot when he faced IBF champion Arthur Abraham in his last fight in December 2007.

Elcock is confident he can secure another world title opportunity with a series of British Title defences.

Hennessy predicting war as Murray & Meager clash for British title

Hennessy Sports in association with GoldenPalace.net are proud to announce the all-Manchester showdown between Lee Meager and John Murray for the vacant British Lightweight Title at the Robin Park Arena in Wigan on Friday, 11th July 2008.

The Hennessy Sports pair have been given their opportunity after Jon Thaxton was given another shot at the European title.

Focused Francis floors Overthrown Oakey

By Ann-Marie Cartwright

 

Dean Francis retained his title tonight with a spectacular left blow to the right temple of Oakey, despite earlier on in the fight looking as though he may not even go half-way.  His knockout power of 72% put him as the safer bet to romp home with a victory, however, Oakey’s renowned right hand combined with his reputation for being a big puncher, made him a worthy opponent.

 

Francis never took his eye off his goal of winning the British Light-Heavyweight Championship title, despite the injury he sustained in the second round and his lagging performance thereafter.

 

Round one saw Francis open up with his strong left jab which had clearly marked Oakey’s face. True to form, Francis’s left hand was doing all the work, with a couple of right hander’s which landed spot on target.  At the end of the round Oakey returned back to his corner with a cut below the left eye with bruising.

Lee ready to bounce back

Andy Lee will look to return to winning ways on July 19th in his native Limerick but he realises he won’t have it easy when he faces Willie “The Gladiator” Gibbs on the next Ladbrokes.com Fight Night.

The fight will mark Lee’s return to the ring following his shock defeat at the hands of Brian Vera in March. It was huge upset for the highly touted Irish southpaw who was rated one of the 5 best prospects in world boxing.

“There’s no real point dressing it up and put a positive spin on the Vera fight,” admitted Lee. “It was very disappointing but I’m ready to move on now and can’t wait to get back in the ring. People have said that the defeat might lower expectations and take some weight off my shoulders but I didn’t have a problem with that weigh because nobody’s expectations were any higher than my own.

“I’ve taken some positives from it though, I definitely learned a few things from that fight so I’m keen to move on now and put it behind me. I’m really looking forward to the Gibbs fight because he’s very highly regarded. He’s only lost to the best so he has to be respected and a good win over him will get me right back on track again.”

Esham Pickering has a point to prove

Esham Pickering feels he has a point to prove when he defends his British Super-Bantamweight Title against Matthew Marsh at the York Hall in Bethnal Green on Friday 27th June 2008.

Pickering (Newark) will make his second defence of the British crown on a Hennessy Sports in association with GoldenPalace.net after stopping Sean Hughes in the ninth round in January.

That victory was revenge for Esham after Hughes (Pontefract) had pulled off a shock eight-round points win in a non-title fight in November last year.

Pickering (33-6) is out to prove the critics wrong when he takes on Marsh (Welling) as he targets a crack at European champion Rendall Munroe or IBF world champion Steve Molitor.

Unbeaten Nadeem Siddique is ready to shake up the British lightweight division

The Bradford boxer meets Canadian Julius Odion in a clash of two unbeatens as chief support on the Hennessy Sports show in association with GoldenPalace.net at the SkyDome Coventry. Top of the bill is Wayne Elcock’s British Middleweight Title defence Darren McDermott which will be televised live by Sky Sports.

Siddique, who trains at the same Sheffield gym as former WBC light-welterweight champion Junior Witter, has compiled a record of 22 wins and stopped his last two opponents.

Sid halted Ghana’s Alex Brew in just two rounds at the Nottingham Arena on May 10 – ideal preparation for his 10 round international contest with Odion (11-0-2).

Oakey and Francis Weigh In

With their thrilling light heavyweight showdown looming tonight at Portsmouth, England’s Mountbatten Centre, British champion Tony Oakey and his Commonwealth counterpart Dean Francis have both leaped the final hurdle in their preparations as Oakey tipped the scales at 173 pounds (12 stone 5) while Francis came in at the divisional limit of 175 pounds (12 stone 7) at yesterday’s weigh-in.

This contest has deeply divided the boxing public as followers of pure punching power fancy Francis to walk off with the treasure while believers in heart and workrate are backing Oakey to the hilt.

The packed Mountbatten Centre will itself be a combat zone as both camps come head to head with Oakey’s legion of fans attempting to hold home advantage despite the invasion of Basingstoke faithful, who only need to travel 50 miles to support Francis.

European Championships Circular

Heavyweight (Vacant)

 

Matt Skelton has withdrawn from his fight against Sinan Samilsam of Turkey due to an unspecified illness.  The contest, which was scheduled for 4th July 2008 in Antalya, Turkey, has now been postponed.  A future date and venue are yet to be confirmed.

 

Super Lightweight

 

Gianluca Branco (holder, Italy) v Junior Witter is open for private negotiation and Promoters, Managers and Matchmakers have until the 16th August 2008 to reach agreement.  If no contracts have been lodged with the EBU by this date purse bids will be called for.  Branco is expected to make a voluntary defence in the near future.

 

Super Featherweight

 

Serget Gulyakevitch (holder, Belarussia) v Nicky Cook is open for purse offers, which are to be be submitted to the EBU Offices in Rome by 12.00.noon (Rome time) on Thursday, 3rd July 2008.  However, if agreement is reached between the parties and signed contracted lodged with the EBU prior to this date then the purse bids will be declared null and void.

Celtic Championships Circular

Heavyweight (Vacant)

 

Purse offers are called for Ian Millarvie v Scott Belshaw.  All offers for the contest are to be submitted to the Board’s Head Office by 12.00 noon Wednesday, 9th July 2008.  The contest is to take place by the end of October 2008.

 

Super Middleweight

 

Purse offers are called for Steve McGuire (holder) v Nathan Cleverly.  All offers for the contest are to be submitted to the Board’s Head Office by 12.00 noon Wednesday, 9th July 2008.  The contest is to take place by the end of October 2008.