Does Smith need to go British for revenge mission against Bendall?

By Ben Carey

Paul Smith has been handed an immediate opportunity to avenge the sole blemish on his 25-fight CV. The Liverpool banger will attempt to regain the English middleweight crown he controversially lost on points to Steve Bendall last month at Manchester’s M.E.N Arena on September 6.

The bumper bill also features Alex Arthur defending his WBO super-featherweight title against Nicky Cook, Amir Khan against an opponent to be named and Salford’s Stephen Foster Jnr’s challenge for Femi Fehintola’s English super-featherweight belt.

Prospect Akaash Bhatia Targeting Title Fight

Undefeated boxer Akaash “Kash The Bash” Bhatia is one of Britain’s top prospects and the red hot featherweight will be in action tonight, Friday, July 18, on the eagerly anticipated bill of Danny Williams vs. John McDermott for the British heavyweight title at Goresbrook Leisure Center in Dagenham, England.

The lightning quick 25 year old has gone through all 11 of his opponents without a loss since turning pro two years ago and the slick stylist from Harrow is being tipped for bigger and better things.

Harrison at the centre of television issues once more

By Ben Carey

Speculation that Frank Warren’s relationship with Setanta Sports could be in the balance has gathered pace following Sports Network’s decision to postpone Saturday’s show featuring the return of Enzo Maccarinelli and Audley Harrison vs Martin Rogan in Birmingham due to “TV scheduling issues”.

The bill at the Aston Events Centre was due to be screened live on Setanta Sports 2. The broadcaster’s premier sports channel, Setanta Sports 1, which usually televises live boxing, has ironically been reserved to screen the first round of Aston Villa’s Intertoto Cup adventure away at Danish side Odense.

Not for the first time, Olympic champion Harrison would appear to have fallen foul of a decision made by television bosses. At 36, the former Olympic champion can ill afford any delays in his stalling quest to secure a shot at the world heavyweight title. Unlike when Harrison was ditched by the BBC in 2004 though, reading between the lines, Saturday’s “TV scheduling” issues seem to be between Warren and Setanta.

McDermott confident of wrecking Williams’ world title dream

Danny Williams knows he is just one punch away from a world heavyweight title fight against WBC champion Samuel Peter.

To reach his dream, the south Londoner has to come through a British heavyweight title defence against John McDermott at Dagenham, England’s Goresbrook Leisure Centre on Friday night.

Williams, 39-6 (31), has often been accused of lacking motivation, but promised he’s in the sort of form that destroyed Mike Tyson almost four years ago.

Danny, 35, said: “This is the news that I have always wanted to hear. I know I can join the elite of the heavyweight division. This fight is all the motivation I needed.”

Napa dapa after receiving European title chance

By Ben Carey

Pocket dynamo Ian Napa is to challenge for the European bantamweight title against title holder Carmelo Ballone. The European Boxing Union has stated that interested parties must submit purse offers by 1 August.

Napa, once always the bridesmaid and never the bride, is enjoying the best form of his career. The Hackney stylist finally won a major championship by outpointing Jason Booth to claim the vacant British bantamweight title 12 months ago and has since secured a Lonsdale belt outright with impressive wins over Martin Power, Lee Haskins and Colin Moffett.

WBC extend deadline for Froch-Taylor title clash

By Ben Carey

The World Boxing Council has extended the date for Carl Froch’s and Jermain Taylor’s representatives to agree terms and submit contracts to the WBC Offices in Mexico City until Friday, 1st August 2008 to confirm their clash for the WBC super-middleweight title vacated by Joe Calzaghe.

Last month, Froch questioned whether Taylor would accept the challenge. The WBC’s subsequent extension to allow negotiations to continue would seemingly support Froch’s fears.

“I’m delighted to get the title fight and just hope Taylor shows a real fighting heart and goes through with this fight,” previously said Froch, who has stopped 19 opponents in 23 fights.

“I’ve heard he was talking about fighting Jeff Lacy next but that fight is a mismatch in my opinion.I would knock Lacy out in a round or two and it is an easy fight for Taylor, so I just hope Jermain doesn’t squirm out of this situation with me and I think the broadcasters shouldn’t allow him to either.”

Quality undercard supports Lee’s return against Gibbs

The undercard for this Saturday’s Ladbrokes.com Fight Night features a trio of fighters who have the knockout looks to go with their knockout punches. Up and coming prospects Stephen Haughian, John O’Donnell and Logan McGuinness should prove popular with female fight fans at the University Arena in Limerick this weekend but promoter Brian Peters says there’s more to boxing than looking the part.

“I suppose there is no doubt that they are three very good looking guys and very personable as well but none of that matters in boxing unless you can fight and I don’t think there is any doubting their credentials in that department either,” said Peters.

The event is headlined by local hero Andy Lee as he bids to turn back the challenge of American dangerman, Willie “The Gladiator” Gibbs but the undercard is also packed with talent.

McDermott ready to outbox and outpunch Williams

Danny Williams, current British heavyweight champion and the most likely Briton to win a heavyweight world title since Lennox Lewis, gets into the ring on Friday, July 18 to defend his prestigious Lonsdale belt against Essex man John McDermott at Goresbrook Leisure Centre in Dagenham, England.

Williams, 39-6 (31), is the favorite of the bookies and knows that a good performance could see him sharing the ring with WBC champion Samuel Peter before the end of this year, but William’s likable opponent, John McDermott, 25-3 (16), has something to say about this.

Murray challenges Khan after destroying Meager

By Ben Carey

Manchester’s John Murray produced a superb display of precise punching and sustained pressure to trounce Salford’s brave Lee Meager in five-rounds to claim the British lightweight title vacated by Jon Thaxton in Wigan on Friday night.

Some inconsistent performances during the past 18 months had placed Murray firmly in Amir Khan’s shadow and led many to question whether the unfashionable Mancunian was capable of living up to his early career promise which saw him crowned as Britain’s Young Boxer of the Year in 2006. While a narrow favourite to triumph on Friday, the majority of those in the trade viewed Murray-Meager as a 50-50 fight. How could we have got it so wrong?

Latest Celtic Title News

HEAVYWEIGHT (Vacant) IAN MILLARVIE v SCOTT BELLSHAW
Following the withdrawal of both boxers from the above proposed contest the call for purse bids scheduled to be opened at 12.00.noon Wednesday, 9th July 2008 was postponed.

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT STEPHEN McGUIRE (Holder) v NATHAN CLEVERLY
Following application from both parties the call for purse bids for the above contest has been postponed indefinitely.

Latest English title news

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT (Vacant) TYRONE WRIGHT v PAUL DAVID
Following the opening of purse bids at 12.00.noon Wednesday, 9th July 2008 the winning bid was submitted by Promoter Hennessy Sports for the contest to take place at the Trent FM Arena, Nottingham on Friday, 17th October 2008.

LIGHTWEIGHT (Vacant) JOHN FEWKES v MARTIN GETHIN
Following the opening of purse bids at 12.00.noon Wednesday, 9th July 2008 the winning bid was submitted by Promoter Frank Maloney for the contest to take place at the Robin Park Arena, Wigan on Friday, 3rd October 2008.

SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT FEMI FEHINTOLA (Holder) v STEPHEN FOSTER JNR.
This contest to be promoted by Frank Warren in scheduled to take place on Saturday, 6th September 2008 at a venue as yet to be advised.

McIntyre handed chance to regain British welterweight crown after controversial stripping

By Ben Carey

Scotland’s Kevin McIntyre has been handed the chance to regain the British welterweight title after being controversially stripped of his crown last month for failing to defend against Kell Brook.

At their monthly meeting yesterday, The British Boxing Board of Control has called for purse bids to be submitted to stage McIntyre against new British champion Brook, subject to McIntyre proving his fitness after recovering from a back injury.

The contest must take place before the end of November.To read the rest of the British title news click the link below.

Hunter set for ring return

By Ben Carey

Former British, Commonwealth and European super-bantamweight champion Michael Hunter is set to return to the ring after originally hanging up his gloves earlier this year. The 30-year-old Hartlepool slugger has fought just twice since his unsuccessful challenge for the IBF world title which saw him stopped in five rounds by Steve Molitor in November 2006.

Hunter’s solitary career defeat in 30 contests, combined with the death of his mother, hit Michael hard and he gradually fell out of love with the fight game. And after struggling to outpoint Youssef Al Hamidi over six rounds in February of this year, Hunter subsequently announced his retirement.

Four months on, the Hartlepool crowd-pleaser has had an apparent change of heart.

Hennessy believes Murray vs Meager could be British fight of the year

Promoter Mick Hennessy believes his boxers Lee Meager and John Murray can produce the best domestic fight of the year when they meet on Friday, 11th July 2008.

Meager and Murray get it on in a Manchester derby for the vacant British Lightweight Title at the Robin Park Arena in Wigan on a Hennessy Sports show in association with GoldenPalace.net

Sky Sports 1 will televise the showdown which Hennessy is confident will produce fireworks in the ring.

“This could be one of the domestic fights of the year and is not to be missed,” said Hennessy.

“It’s hard seeing two of your own fighters squaring off against each other but they both really wanted it and their styles really gel together so we expect them to produce a really exciting fight.

Hatton fans hope for better US experience as Ricky prepares to fight Malignaggi in Vegas

By Ben Carey

It looks increasingly likely that Ricky Hatton’s next fight against IBF light-welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi will take place in Las Vegas instead of the previously earmarked Madison Square Garden in New York. The fight is tentatively set for November 22.

Hatton’s father, Ray, revealed yesterday that the decision to move the contest from New York to Vegas was at the request of his son because he wishes to save his supporters money. This will come as a blow to the brash New-Yorker Malignaggi who would have enjoyed massive support at the legendary venue.

“Although it would be great to top the bill at Madison Square Garden – even though he’s only fought there once before – this is about the fans. His exact words were, “Dad, the fans made me, so I want what’s best financially for the fans. I want to make it more a price for them because it is near Christmas,” Ray Hatton told Skysports.com.

Hatton’s fans’ finances would be spared further still if the fight was staged in Britain, where both Hatton and Malignaggi fought in their previous contests to set-up the fight at the City of Manchester Stadium in May. Nevertheless, Hatton’s gesture remains both commendable and timely.

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.