Khan can answer his critics against Maidana

By Ben Carey

Amir Khan has been ordered to defend his WBA light-welterweight title against interim champion Marcos Maidana. Purse bids will be opened at the WBA’s offices in Panama on January 18 and the contest must then take place within 90 days.

The WBA’s ruling has led some to speculate whether Khan will vacate his world title rather then risk damaging his rebuilt reputation against the dangerous Argentinean who has 26 stoppages from his 27 wins.

Groves and Dallas given early chance to impress in 2010

By Ben Carey

Unbeaten prospects George Groves (pictured) and Tom Dallas have been added to Frank Maloney’s show at Brentwood Centre on Friday January 22. Super-middleweight Groves and heavyweight Dallas will meet selected opponents on the bill being televised live by Sky Sports.

Groves, 21, is a man in a hurry and is already targeting Commonwealth super-middleweight champion Charles Adamu who controversially won his title on a split decision against Liverpool’s Carl Dilks last month.

British title shot finally in sight for Thompson

By Ben Carey

Mark Thompson could earn himself a shot at the British welterweight title if he can overcome former champion Kevin McIntyre in a ten round eliminator. This excellent match will take place on Hatton Promotions’ first show of 2010 at the Altrincham Leisure Centre on January 15.

They Heywood puncher has put together an impressive 11-fight win streak since first bursting onto the scene following his thrilling but ultimately gallant loss to South Africa’s Vincent Vuma 18 months ago. At 28 and after 23 fights (22 wins, 1 defeat), Thompson has more than served his apprenticeship and will be looking to finally win a title of significance in 2010.

Comment: Frustrated Arthur needs to face up to reality

By Ben Carey

I read with interest Alex Arthur’s recent comments in The Sunday Mail that he is planning imminent talks with promoter Frank Warren concerning his future career direction.

Arthur, surprisingly outpointed by Nigel Wright on the undercard of Amir Khan’s one-round demolition of Dimitriy Salita last month, is frustrated over his perceived lack of opportunities and may consider leaving long-time promoter Warren.

UKFN January British ratings

By Ben Carey

As we prepare to kick-off 2010 with several intriguing fights, UKFightNews.co.uk (UKFN) has updated its top ten British rankings in each weight division, from heavyweight down to flyweight. Click the link to see where we rank our leading boxers and feel free to email editor Ben Carey with your feedback.

Napa handed European title chance

Exclusive by Ben Carey

Ian Napa has been handed the opportunity to regain the European bantamweight title he previously lost in March.

Malik Bouziane, who dethroned Napa on points at the York Hall has vacated, prompting the EBU to order France’s Jerome Arnould and Napa to contest the vacant European championship. Both parties have until 15 January to reach an agreement or submit purse bids to the EBU offices in Rome.

Olubamiwo handed Belshaw test

By Ben Carey

Larry Olubamiwo will be pushed towards a British heavyweight title shot because his promoter fears time might catch up.

‘The War Machine’, 31, takes a step up in class when he meets Irish puncher Scott Belshaw at Brentwood Centre on Friday 22nd January. Olubamiwo (6-1) knows an impressive performance against Belshaw (10-3) will put him in the title picture.

SKY reveal New Year line-up

By Ben Carey

SKY Sports have announced their first batch of televised shows for 2010. Rob Norton’s British and Commonwealth cruiserweight title rematch against David Dolan (pictured) kicks things off at the Altrincham Leisure Centre on Friday January 15.

The pair swapped five knockdowns in February but Norton ultimately prevailed on the judges’ scorecards by the rather bizarre totals of 116-109, 115-110 and 114-111. Despite the drama of the knockdowns the contest was rather scrappy and the rematch between Norton and Dolan may not be a classic either.