O’Meara gets lucky break

Breaking your leg might be a strange way to start your boxing carer but for unbeaten welterweight Steve O’Meara it was just the ‘break’ he was looking for. At 17, the West Drayton native was earning rave reviews for his displays on the football field with semi pro outfit Uxbridge until a broken leg sent his sporting career in an entirely different direction.

Hayemaker offer special ticket deal for bumper Liverpool show

Tickets for HAYEMAKER 6: ‘The Mersey Beatdown’ are now available to buy from the Echo Arena box office, either by calling 0844 8000 400 or visiting www.accliverpool.com.

Tickets for the March 28 show at the Echo Arena are available at prices of £28, £48, £75 and £125 (ringside).

In order to help beat the crippling credit crunch, Hayemaker Boxing are offering fight fans a four tickets for the price of three deal on all £75 tickets purchased from the box office in one single transaction.

Thaxton open to double title clash with Murray

If Jon Thaxton’s life story came before a Hollywood producer they’d probably give it the tagline of “the feel good story of the year”. However following a spectacular one punch KO to win the European Lightweight title last time out the Norwich man says the credits won’t be rolling on his career any time soon.

Thaxton makes the first defence of his crown on February 28th at the Norwich Showground, the scene of his knockout win over Juan Carlos Diaz Melero to claim the title last October.

Team Cordoba taking Dunne seriously

Although WBA World Super Bantamweight Champion, Ricardo Cordoba says he won’t be watching any video of Bernard Dunne ahead of their Hunky Dorys World Title Fight Night the champs backroom team are adamant that they will be doing their homework on the challenger.

The two men clash at The O2, Dublin on Saturday, March 21st and Cordoba’s promoter Richard Dobal says they have the utmost respect for Dunne.

Cordoba happy to defend world title in Dublin against Dunne

World Champion, Ricardo “El Maestrito” Cordoba says he doesn’t want to set eyes on Bernard Dunne again until they get in the ring. The Panamanian is currently in Ireland to promote his WBA Super Bantamweight title defence on the Hunky Dorys World Title Fight Night at The O2, Dublin on Saturday, March 21st.

However the champ is adamant that he’s not disrespecting Dunne, it’s just that he doesn’t worry too much about any of his opponents prior to fight night.

Peters delivers world title chance for Dunne

The Time has Come…Now the World Awaits as Bernard Dunne goes in search of the ultimate prize at The O2, Dublin on Saturday, March 21st at the Hunky Dorys World Title Fight Night.

Dunne takes on World champion, Ricardo “El Maestrito” Cordoba for the WBA Super Bantamweight title as world championship boxing returns to Ireland for the first time in 13 years. The Dubliner turns 29 next month and he feels the timing is perfect for a shot at the WBA belt which once adorned the waist of Barry McGuigan over two decades ago.

McIntosh seeking Barney showdown

There must be something in the water in Norwich with English Light Heavyweight champ, Danny McIntosh joining a long line of big punchers from the area including former WBO heavyweight champ, Herbie Hide and reigning European Lightweight champ Jon Thaxton. There’s only one problem –McIntosh wishes he didn’t punch so hard!

The undefeated 28-year-old is looking to defend his title (subject to Board approval) against Matthew Barney at the Norfolk Showground in his hometown on February 28th live on ITV4 and he’s hoping to get some rounds under his belt against seasoned campaigner Barney.

Former British champion suspended after failing drugs test

By Ben Carey

Doncaster’s Andy Bell has been suspended for six months after testing positive for cannabis following his British super-flyweight title loss to Lee Haskins in November.

Sweeney off French world title bill

By Jonny Stapleton

Michael Sweeney has been pulled off the undercard of Cyrill Thomas and Cristobal Cruz’s IBF featherweight title clash in France on February 14 and will now make his Banner Promotions Tommy Egan Promotions debut in an American St Patrick’s Day show instead.

A late demand for the weight limit to be reduced from light-heavyweight to super-middle for the clash with Frenchman Tony Averlant worried the Mayo Storm’s camp and prompted the withdrawal.

Price turns pro with Hayemaker

Hayemaker Boxing are delighted to announce the acquisition of Olympic bronze medallist David Price to their growing stable of Merseyside boxers.

The 6’8 heavyweight signing was officially unveiled this afternoon at a Liverpool press conference. West Derby’s Price will now make his eagerly awaited professional debut on the HAYEMAKER 6: ‘Mersey Beatdown’ promotion at the Echo Arena on March 28.

Munroe spares no expense on sparring partners ahead of Martinez rematch

Rendall Munroe has spent £5,000 to make sure it is all right on the biggest night of his boxing life.

The Leicester dustman defends his European super-bantamweight title at Barnsley Metrodome on Friday February 27 when he faces mandatory contender Kiko Martinez in a rematch. Munroe, 28, won the title when he outpointed the Spaniard (20-1) in a huge upset last March and has made three successful defences.

Hennessy inks 2008 ABA featherweight champion Bradley Evans

Bradley Evans believes he has made the right decision in turning professional rather than waiting another 4 years for a crack at Olympic glory.

The 2008 featherweight ABA champion from Royston has signed professional terms with Hennessy Sports and has no regrets at not living the Olympic dream. Evans makes his pro debut on the undercard of Jon Thaxton’s European Lightweight title defence in Norwich on February 28. Although still only 19 the teenager believes the time is right to switch codes.

Remembering Reg Gutteridge

By Ben Carey

After a long and illustrious career ITV’s “voice of boxing” Reg Gutteridge sadly passed away on Sunday following a short illness. While Reg (who was 84) had been off our screens for a while (with John Rawling commentating for ITV upon the station’s return to boxing in 2005 after the absence of a decade) he was always warmly regarded and highly respected by viewers and those who worked with him.

Thaxton to defend Euro crown against French champion

By Ben Carey

Jon Thaxton will make the first defence of his European lightweight title against Anthony Mezaache in front of his home town fans at the Norwich Showground on Saturday February 28.

The 30-year-old Mezaache’s record is somewhat patchy with only 14 wins from his 22 contests (against five defeats and three draws), however the challenger will enter the ring as the French lightweight champion and is unbeaten in seven contests dating back to November 2006.

Fury challenges Sexton in his own backyard

Unbeaten heavyweight phenomenon Tyson Fury has already set his sights on the man he hopes will be his next opponent. The 6 feet 8 ½ inch 20 year old is scheduled for his third pro fight in Norwich on February 28th when he appears on the undercard of local hero, Jon Thaxton’s first defence of his European Lightweight title, promoted by Hennessy Sports.

Dunne could Cruz to the world title

By Jonny Stapleton

Art Pelullo, Banner Promotions and Tommy Egan Promotions have offered to help Bernard Dunne realise his world title dreams by offering the Dubliner a shot at Cristobal Cruz and his IBF featherweight title.

Mexican, Cruz (37-11-1) defends his title against rated French pugilist Cyrill Thomas (33-2-4) in St Quentin, France on Valentine’s night. And If Cruz emerges from his defence still in possession of his title Egan claims he would be more than willing to take on the Brian Peters managed Dunne.

Prizefighter: The light-heavyweights line-up announced

Courtesy of Matchroomsport.com

PRIZEFIGHTER returns next month – and this time the light-heavyweights get their chance to shine. This will be the fifth Prizefighter event and the thrilling format of three-round contests has captured the public’s imagination.

Once again the historic York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, is expected to be sold out on Friday, February 20 with all the action screened live on Sky Sports 1. The eight-man line-up includes Tony Oakey, who has previously held the British, WBU and Commonwealth titles, and three undefeated fighters.

Haughian confident despite “Pazmanian Devil” backing for Walsh

Billy Walsh and Stephen Haughian will finally get it on for the Irish Welterweight title at the Craigavon Leisure Centre on February 7th. Haughian has been eyeing a crack at the undefeated Corkman’s title ever since he won it 12 months ago and now he’s got his wish.

Tigerish Edwards walks through Bloy

height=”221″ />By Ben Carey

Local hero Chris Edwards set the Fenton Manor Sports Complex in Stoke ablaze with a torrid effort that reduced opponent Wayne Bloy to a shattered shell after four rounds to capture the vacant British and Commonwealth flyweight titles on Friday night on a Frank Maloney promotion.

Bloy officially retired on his stool at the end of the fourth due to a damaged right hand but in truth he was spared from an imminent stoppage at the hands of the relentless Edwards.

Tyson Fury plans to fight in February and March

Promoter Mick Hennessy admits he has a real problem with Tyson Fury – just how does he hold the 6 feet 8 ½ inch heavyweight phenomenon back!

In front of the ITV cameras last weekend Fury despatched German KO artist Marcel Zeller in the third round in only his second pro fight. The vastly experienced Zeller entered the ring with 21 wins from his 24 outings with all but one of those victories coming by knockout.

Hennessy Makes $1.6m offer for Taylor to fight Froch

WBC Super Middleweight champ Carl Froch has issued a missing persons appeal on behalf of former World middleweight champ, and the current mandatory challenger for his title Jermain Taylor.

Froch believes that Taylor has gone into hiding as he looks for a way out of fighting the Cobra who was crowned WBC champ after a fight of the year thriller with Jean Pascal in December.

Heavyweight Prospect Olubamiwo set for Stoke appearance

Unbeaten heavyweight prospect Larry Olubamiwo has been added to the Chris Edwards vs. Wayne Bloy British and Commonwealth flyweight title bill at Fenton Manor Sports Complex in Stoke-On-Trent this Friday.

Hayemaker confirm Appleby-Lindsay postponement

Hayemaker Boxing regret to inform that Martin Lindsay’s attempts to win the British featherweight title from champion Paul Appleby on March 7 have been scuppered by injury.

British Boxing’s Postponement Curse Strikes Again

By Ben Carey

We may be only 22 days into 2009 but British Boxing has already seen six scheduled fights placed on hold for a variety reasons, much to the frustration of the boxers, promoters and, importantly, the paying customer.

While injuries and illnesses are part and parcel of the fight game, postponed fights are an all too regular occurrence on British boxing cards up and down the country. Competing against the credit crunch and the (apparent) rising popularity of MMA shows it’s a trend which desperately needs to change, and fast.

Egan claims world title could be a Dunne deal

By Jonny Stapleton

Art Pelullo, Banner Promotions and Tommy Egan Promotions have claimed they could guarantee Bernard Dunne a world title shot in a matter of months if the former European super-bantamweight champion was free from all other promotional obligations.

Neilstown native, Dunne (27-1) has bemoaned, in the press this week, the fact his career seems to have stalled somewhat and former amateur boxer Egan claims it’s a “disgrace” that one of Ireland’s biggest boxing draws hasn’t challenged for a world title.

Hammond and Doherty clash on Stoke undercard

A thrilling light middleweight bout has been added to the Chris Edwards vs. Wayne Bloy British and Commonwealth Flyweight Championship bout this Friday, January 23 at Fenton Manor in Stoke. Undefeated Kevin Hammond will drop down from middleweight and face a more seasoned opponent in the form of fast-handed boxer Jimmy Doherty.

Two title fights added to HAYEMAKER 6 show

Full details of HAYEMAKER 6: ‘Mersey Beatdown’ will be announced at a Hayemaker Boxing press conference to be held next Tuesday (January 27) at the Jury’s Inn Hotel, Liverpool. The press conference will commence from 11.30 and is open to both members of the press and public.

Egan confident Sweeney will pass French exam

By Jonny Stapleton

Tony Averlant has been confirmed as Michael Sweeney’s opponent for his first ever fight on a world championship undercard in St Quentin France on February 14, and the Mayo fighter’s manager Tommy Egan believes pairing Sweeney with the French fighter not only proves they hold world title aspirations for the powerful light heavyweight but they are building a quality boxer rather than just an impressive boxing record.

Sexton targeting Edwards-Bloy winner

Ashley Sexton is ready to shed the L plates and race to the British flyweight title. Flash Ash has had just three fights, but steps up to eight round class at Fenton Manor, Stoke on Friday.

Sexton (3-0) hopes a win will catapult him towards a crack at the winner of the vacant British and Commonwealth title clash between Chris Edwards and Wayne Bloy which tops the bill.

Tyson Fury already targeting British title after just second pro win

By Ben Carey

Heavyweight colossus Tyson Fury made a statement concerning his future title credentials by leathering the statistically impressive German Marcel Zeller in three rounds on the John Murray-Lee McAllister undercard in Wigan on Saturday.

Whilst Zeller’s 21-3 record flattered the outgunned German, Fury’s backers’ (Hennessy Sports) willingness to match their newest recruit against a man who had recorded 20 of his 21 wins inside the distance in just his second pro fight is testimony to their belief that they have a genuine heavyweight prospect in their ranks.