Strictly Frustrating: Froch gets judges’ nod over dancing Dirrell

By Ben Carey

Carl Froch’s persistent endeavour impressed two of the three judges to enable him to retain his WBC super-middleweight crown on a split decision against the fleet-footed Andre Dirrell in the Super Six tournament in Nottingham on Saturday night. Two ringside officials crucially preferred Froch’s dogged determination by scores of 115-112, whilst the other favoured Dirrell’s flashy combinations and quick reflexes, scoring it for the American 114-113.

In truth, this disappointing spectacle wasn’t easy to score predominantly due to Dirrell’s unwillingness to stand and trade combined with Froch’s inability to cut the ring off and land often and accurately against the nimble challenger who was impossible to pin down. Watching at home live on the Primetime pay-per-view network I scored the fight even.

Classy Booth knocks the fight out of Hunter

By John Hannen at ringside

Jason Booth looked tremendous on Friday night forcing Michael Hunter to retire on his stool, and surely from the fight game altogether, as he retained his British super bantamweight title at the Seaburn Centre in Sunderland. A mixture of Booth being just ‘2 smooth’, and Hunter seeming a shadow of the fighter he once was, combined to see the fight waved off between rounds five and six as the man from Hartlepool told his corner ‘no mas’.

Glover and Amar contest English title on Froch-Dirrell undercard

By Ben Carey
Essex battler Tom Glover will be out to dethrone another Nottingham champion in the form of English welterweight title holder, Adnan Amar, on the undercard of local hero Carl Froch’s Super Six WBC super-middleweight scrap with Andre Dirrell at the Trent Arena tonight.

While the eyes of the boxing World will be on Froch’s showdown with Dirrell for Glover and Amar it will also be a huge night in their respective careers. Reigning title holder Amar will be looking to put a frustrating year and a half of inactivity behind him while Glover will be looking to bounce back from his Commonwealth title defeat to John O’Donnell last month.

Injury to Fury places McDermott rematch on hold

By Ben Carey

Fans clamouring to see the eagerly anticipated English heavyweight title rematch between Tyson Fury and John McDermott will have to wait a little longer. An injury to Fury, sustained to his right hand during his points win over Tomas Mrazek in Dublin three weeks ago, has resulted in the British Boxing Board of Control to put back the opening of purse bids until its next meeting on Wednesday 11th November. The rematch, which was originally stipulated to take place before the end of December, has now been extended until the end of February next year.

The unbeaten Fury was awarded a highly controversial 98-92 points victory by referee Terry O’Connor over McDermott to capture the English title in Brentwood last month. Somewhat ironically, even the Board (incorrectly) list the unfortunate McDermott as the reigning English champion in its latest Championship circular. To read the rest of the latest English title news click the link.

Fortunate Williams given British title reprieve

By Ben Carey

In a surprising outcome, The British Boxing Board of Control has allowed Danny Williams to keep his British heavyweight title despite Williams losing in the quarter-final of the recent Prizefighter: The Heavyweights III competition against outsider Carl Baker a fortnight ago. Williams, who was floored twice by Baker in the opening round before conceding a three-round points decision, was expected to be stripped of his British crown and retire following his disappointing loss. The Board of Control has given Williams a reprieve however but have insisted that the Brixton man must defend his British title against the winner of Sam Sexton and Martin Rogan who will contest the Commonwealth crown in a rematch in Belfast on November 6.

The Board’s decision now opens the door for current British title holders to take part in future Prizefighter events and potentially keep their Lonsdale belts even if they fail to win the tournament. To read the rest of the latest British title news, click the link.

Dirrell battles the scales and Froch in Nottingham tonight

By Ben Carey
Andre Dirrell needed two attempts to make the weight ahead of his Super Six super-middleweight tournament showdown with Carl Froch at Nottingham’s Trent FM Arena tonight. The American, who will challenge Froch for his WBC super-middleweight title, initially tipped the scales fractionally over the super-middleweight title limit at 168.4 lbs at the first time of asking at the weigh-in yesterday afternoon.

Dirrell quickly returned to the gym at his hotel to lose the excess poundage. He returned one hour later to finally make the weight on the second attempt registering 167.5 pounds on the scales. In contrast, consummate professional Froch comfortably made the weight at the first time of asking, registering 167.4 lbs.

Booth and Hunter’s careers in the balance in winner takes all showdown

By John Hannen

When the fighting’s finished, so could be a career at title level, after Jason Booth and Michael Hunter have contested the British super-bantamweight title this Friday at the Seaburn Centre in Sunderland.

With both boxers aged 31, and with long careers behind them, this fight really has a ‘winner takes all’ feel to it – more glory nights for the victor, a very long road back for the loser. Frank Maloney promotes this cracking crossroads clash which also features local hero and Olympian Tony Jeffries and a host of talent from the North East on a jam-packed undercard.

Froch and Dirrell continue to trade insults ahead of Super Six Showdown

By Ben Carey

Andre Dirrell is insistent that his speed and flashy switch-hitting style will be too hot for Carl Froch to handle ahead of their Super Six world super-middleweight championship showdown at Nottingham’s Trent Arena on Saturday night. Froch will defend his WBC super-middleweight crown against the undefeated American who hasn’t been shy to talk up his chances in the build-up.

“He may have fought southpaws and orthodox style fighters, but he has NEVER fought a switch-hitter like me. I’m going to go Mickey Mantle on him and shoot the works from the moment the bell rings. Mr. Froch can kiss my Yankee Doodle,” boasted Dirrell.

UKFightNews.co.uk’s October ratings

Brodie returns

By Ben Carey

It’s all change this month in UKFightNews.co.uk’s October British ratings. The recent retirements of heavyweights Danny Williams and Matt Skelton along with former European lightweight champion Jon Thaxton has seen a number of new fighters gatecrash our domestic top ten ratings from heavyweight down to flyweight.

And as we say goodbye and extend our warmest wishes to the above veterans we prepare to welcome back former European lightweight champion Jason Cook (now campaigining at welter), three-time world title challenger Michael Brodie and the comebacking former WBA light-welterweight champion Gavin Rees. To see where we rank the above and the rest of Britain’s leading fighters, click the link.

Froch-Dirrell & Abraham-Taylor Double Header Live On Primetime for £12.95

New satellite channel Primetime (Sky channel 480) is now taking bookings on primetimelive.co.uk for the opening night of the Super Six World Boxing Classic on Saturday, October 17th. The knockout double header kicks off in Germany when former middleweight champs Arthur Abraham and Jermain Taylor clash at the O2 World Arena in Berlin before the action moves to The Trent FM Arena in Nottingham for Carl Froch’s WBC World Super Middleweight title defence against unbeaten American hotshot, Andre Dirrell

The pay per view event can be purchased by calling 0871 200 4444 (+448702 416 666 from the Republic of Ireland ) or visiting http://www.primetimelive.co.uk. The event is available at a special price of £12.95 until 24 hours before the fight after which it will then increase to £14.95.

McCracken has faith in Froch to see off young gun Dirrell

Carl Froch’s trainer Robert McCracken believes his charge has what it takes to see off the challenge of unbeaten American Andre Dirrell when they clash in the Super Six World Boxing Classic at the Trent FM Arena, Nottingham on October 17th.

Froch’s WBC world super-middleweight title will also be on the line against Dirrell, a bronze medallist from the 2004 Olympic Games but ex pro McCracken is confident that Froch will maintain his own perfect record against the touted American.

Moore-Rhodes winner will edge closer to WBC title shot

By Ben Carey

The winner of the European light-middleweight title showdown between champion Jamie Moore and Ryan Rhodes will edge closer towards a world title shot following the WBC’s decision to grant the fight eliminator status for their championship currently held by Argentina’s Sergio Martinez.

Salford’s Moore (32-3) is ranked third and Sheffield’s Rhodes (42-4) seventh by the WBC and the world title eliminator status will add even more spice to this quality all- southpaw clash at the Bolton Arena on Friday 23 October.

Hearn maps out Audley’s world heavyweight title route

By Ben Carey

Barry Hearn believes Prizefighter Heavyweights III winner Audley Harrison could have a shot at a world title before 2011. Hearn, who promoted Friday’s Prizefighter event, thinks Harrison , 37, is finally showing his ability after winning an Olympic gold in 2000.

“Winning Prizefighter is the biggest thing that has happened to Audley Harrison since turning professional and he did it with style and power,” said Hearn. “He showed people he has ability and turned the boos into cheers.”

Pickering blown away in European title challenge

By Ben Carey

Esham Pickering’s bold bid to become a two-time European champion ended in failure after he was hammered in three rounds by reigning EBU featherweight king Oleg Yefimovych in Donetsk, Ukraine on Saturday night.

The 33-year-old Pickering, who made two defences of the European super-bantam crown before losing it to Michael Hunter in a see-saw battle four years ago, was floored three times before the comically named referee Jean-Louis Legland had seen enough.

Rampant Murray too hot for veteran Thaxton to handle

By Daniel Cann

John Murray served notice that he is a major force in the lightweight division by stopping veteran Jon Thaxton in the fourth round of their clash for the vacant British lightweight title at the Altrincham Leisure Centre on Saturday night.

For Thaxton this was probably his last chance to win the Lonsdale belt outright and cap a long and memorable career with a fantastic win. For Murray it was all about serving notice that he is the number one lightweight in Britain and securing a shot at the European title.

Lawton tipping Murray to prevail over Thaxton in a thriller

By Ben Carey

John Murray has been warned not to underestimate Jon Thaxton ahead of their vacant British lightweight title clash tonight. The advice comes from Scott Lawton, a man in a good position to air his views on the fight given that he has shared the ring with both men in previous British title fights.

Lawton, who has also been beaten by Amir Khan, was stopped in seven rounds by Thaxton in March 2007 and beaten a round quicker by Murray in June. Murray and Thaxton headline at the Altrincham Leisure Centre with the Hennessy Sports event live on ITV4 and Lawton believes that Murray will have to be wary of the former British and European Champ’s power.

Harrison: “I can still become world champion”

By Ben Carey

Audley Harrison has set his sights on an unlikely world title shot after winning last night’s Prizefighter Heavyweights III tournament at London’s ExCel Arena. Harrison, 37, insisted he would retire if he suffered a disappointing evening at London ’s ExCel but instead scooped the £32,000 top prize.

Former Olympic Games gold medalist Harrison claimed the Prizefighter trophy with a second round knockout of Irishman Coleman Barrett in the final. “I think I’ve now created an opportunity where hopefully I can achieve my goals,” said Harrison, who was still booed by a number of fans.
“My journey isn’t about the criticism I get, it’s about my own goal to be world champion and I get knocked down but always get back up again.”

Trailing Harrison pulls it out of the fire to sensationally stop Barrett and claim Prizefighter crown

By Ben Carey

Audley Harrison came from behind to sensationally knock out Coleman Barrett with 20 seconds remaining in the second round to claim victory in the Prizefighter The Heavyweights III tournament in London night. The 37-year-old championship favourite looked booked for yet another disappointing defeat after he was constantly beaten to the punch and made to look cumbersome by the spirited Barrett up until the dramatic turnaround.

Harrison outclasses Hughes to seal his place in Prizefighter final

By Ben Carey

The much-maligned Audley Harrison proved far too good for Sunderland’s Danny Hughes and will now meet Coleman Barrett in the final of Prizefighter The Heavyweights III. Harrison handed Hughes his first professional defeat, knocking him down in the third and final round en route to a unanimous points win, 30-26, 30-27 and 29-28.

Barrett outslicks Baker to reach Prizefighter final

By Ben Carey

A strong final round by Coleman Barrett saw him deservedly book his place in tonight’s Prizefighter Heavyweights III final. All three judges had the Irish quicksilver winning by scores of 29-28 and only Audley Harrison and Danny Hughes stand in his way of winning the tournament. This all-southpaw battle, between two fighters who registered upsets against reigning British champion Danny Williams (Baker) and former British champion Scott Gammer (Barrett) earlier in the night, took a while to ignite as both exercised caution initially.

Hughes annihilates Perkins and books semi-final clash with Harrison

By Ben Carey

Sunderland’s Danny Hughes needed only 45 seconds to blow away fellow novice Neil Perkins to book a semi-final clash against Audley Harrison in tonight’s Prizefighter. Perkins, taking part in only his fifth pro outing, played right into Hughes’ hands by foolishly mixing it with the Mackem beanpole and was rocked in the opening exchanges by a thudding left hook.

Instead of heeding the warning, Perkins remained in punching range and paid the ultimate price seconds later after he was dropped by a monstrous right hand. Neil rose on unsteady legs but was rightly not permitted to continue by referee Marcus McDonnell who sensibly stopped the fight. Though now undefeated in nine fights (against 1 draw), this was only Hughes’ second stoppage win. It will be interesting to see what happens if he manages to detonate a similar punch on Audley Harrison’s suspect chin.

Harrison coasts through to Prizefighter semi

By Ben Carey

Audley Harrison made light work of Scott Belshaw to comfortably book his place in the second Prizefighter semi-final after registering a second round knockout. The 6′7 Belshaw, the tallest contestant in Prizefighter, tried to force the action but was countered by a straight left hand and went down after a delayed reaction midway through the opening round.

Baker stuns Williams in dramatic Prizefighter upset

By Ben Carey

40/1 outsider Carl Baker stunned British champion Danny Williams in one of the most seesaw fights ever witnessed in Prizefighter III tonight. The 20st 7lbs giant Baker dropped Williams twice in a thrilling first round but had to hang on for dear life as Williams threatened to snatch a dramatic come-from-behind KO victory in the final round.

Barrett edges Gammer in tepid first Prizefighter III quarter-final

By Ben Carey

Coleman Barrett’s speed and southpaw stance saw him narrowly outpoint former British heavyweight champion Scott Gammer in a lacklustre opening to Prizefighter III in London tonight.

All three judges, Marcus McDonnell, Dave Parris and Terry O’Connor favoured the unbeaten Irishman by 29-28 on the scorecards after three tepid rounds. Barrett, whose odds of winning the tournament have been reduced to 12/1 down from 20/1 following a flood of money, began brightly, peppering the static Gammer with snappy one-twos from the southpaw stance in the opener.

Fearless Hughes predicts big-name bottle-job in Prizefighter

Danny Hughes believes the ‘big names’ in tonight’s Prizefighter Heavyweights III will ‘fold under pressure’. Hughes, 23, is the youngest competitor in Barry Hearn’s latest eight-man, one-night tournament, which will be held in front of an expected 5,000 strong crowd at London’s ExCel Arena.

The event includes some of the most well-known heavyweights in Britain, including current British champion Danny Williams and former Olympic Games gold medallist Audley Harrison. However, Hughes believes the format of each bout lasting a maximum of three rounds will see one of the unfancied fighters claiming the £32,000 top prize.

Man mountain Baker slams Tyson’s Prizefighter prediction

By Ben Carey

Prizefighter’s 40/1 rank outsider Carl Baker has vowed to make Mike Tyson eat his words after ‘Iron Mike’ ridiculed him live on television. Tyson, who performed the draw for tomorrow night’s Prizefighter Heavyweights III from Las Vegas, dismissed Baker as having no chance after he was paired with Danny Williams in the competition’s second quarter-final.

Sheffield’s 20 stone+ colossus, aptly nicknamed ‘The Fridge’, believes Tyson’s words will motivate him towards the biggest victory in his career over Williams, the reigning British champion.

Audley relishing Prizefighter opportunity to finally shut Williams up

By Ben Carey

A defiant Audley Harrison has threatened to inflict ‘a lot more punishment’ on long-standing rival Danny Williams in Friday’s Prizefighter Heavyweights III event. Harrison, 37, thinks victory in the eight-man, one-night tournament will see ‘the rebirth’ of his career and lead to him becoming world champion inside two years before he hangs up his gloves.

However, Williams, the current British champion, potentially stands between Harrison and Prizefighter glory at London ’s ExCel Arena. The pair, who have fought twice with one win apiece, are in separate halves of the (for the first time, seeded) Prizefighter draw and could only meet in a mouth-watering final.

Barrett believes amateur pedigree will carry him to Prizefighter glory

By Ben Carey

Coleman Barrett believes he is in the best condition ever and ready to cause a massive upset by winning Prizefighter Heavyweights III.

Barrett, 26, is one of eight heavyweights vying for £32,000 in Barry Hearn’s latest Prizefighter event, which will be staged at the ExCel Arena in London. The competition features current British champion Danny Williams and former Olympic gold medallist Audley Harrison, but Barrett insists he can take the glory.

Prizefighter substitute Perkins vows to take advantage of Sprott’s misfortune

By Ben Carey

Undefeated Neil Perkins says he will make the most of his potential life-changing opportunity after being drafted into Prizefighter Heavyweights III tomorrow night.

Perkins, 27, replaced former British champion Michael Sprott a fortnight ago following the tragic death of Sprott’s sister, Ginette, and faces fellow unbeaten outsider Danny Hughes in the fourth quarter-final clash.

Gammer targeting revenge over Williams in Prizefighter Semi

By Ben Carey

Scott Gammer has vowed to get revenge on Danny Williams and then claim the Prizefighter Heavyweights III title. Gammer, 32, lost his British heavyweight championship to Williams in 2007 (KO9) and the pair are on a collision course to meet again tomorrow night.

If both men win their quarter-finals (against Coleman Barrett and Carl Baker respectively) they will meet in the semi-finals of Barry Hearn’s latest eight-man, one-night tournament at the ExCel in London.