Truscott win sets up Simpson rematch

By Ben Carey

In preparation for his rematch with Commonwealth featherweight champion John Simpson, Paul Truscott shut out Andrey Kostin over six rounds on the Olusegun-Wright undercard in Liverpool on Friday night (60-54).

Truscott hadn’t fought since losing his unbeaten record and Commonwealth crown to Simpson in January after he was halted with a closed right eye in the eighth round of their finely balanced contest.

Olusegun outslicks Wright to capture vacant British title

By Ben Carey

Ajose Olusegun added the vacant British light-welterweight title to his Commonwealth crown by outworking and outspeeding a subdued Nigel Wright in their all-southpaw clash at the Liverpool Olympia on Friday night. Wright had previously given Olusegun problems early on before conceding a close unanimous points defeat when the pair met 18 months ago but this time the result was never in doubt. After twelve brisk rounds all three judges favoured Olusegun by 117-112, 117-111 and a far too close 116-113.

Lawton confident of outboxing Murray

By Ben Carey

Two time English champion Scott Lawton, 26-4-1 (5), will challenge John Murray, 26-0 (14), for his British lightweight title at the Robin Park Arena in Wigan tomorrow night (June 13) and is confident of outboxing the unbeaten Murray. ITV4 televise live.

Lawton has already had one shot at the Lonsdale belt but came up short against then British champion Jonathan Thaxton in March 2007. “After the Thaxton defeat I thought my chance at a British title might have come and gone,” recalled Lawton. “I fought Amir Khan for the Commonwealth title after that and it was a great experience but the fight just didn’t go my way (Lawton was overwhelmed in four rounds).

Morrison out, Wright drafted in to face Olusegun for British & Commonwealth crowns

By Ben Carey

Ajose Olusegun will now contest the vacant British light-welterweight title against Nigel Wright at the Liverpool Olympia a week today (June 12) following Barry Morrison’s withdrawal. Olusegun’s Commonwealth 10st title will also be on the line.

Olusegun successfully defended his Commonwealth crown against Wright in Peterlee 16 months ago. Spurred on by fighting in his home-town, Wright began brightly and momentarily dazed Olusegun in round three but faded down the stretch allowing Olusegun to gradually take over and clinch a deserved unanimous points win. Since then the talented but largely avoided Olusegun has treaded water and has fought only once this year, outclassing Scott Haywood in seven rounds.