Hatton hoping to be a cut above N’Dou

By Ben Carey

Hatton Promotions are hopeful of attracting a sell-out crowd to their first major promotion in Stoke which will see Matthew Hatton top the bill against Lovemore N’Dou for the IBO welterweight title at the Fenton Manor Sports Complex next Friday (November 13).

The quality card also features Rob Norton defending his Commonwealth cruiserweight crown against Akinyemi Laleye, Darren McDermott contesting the English middleweight championship against Danny Butler and an intriguing eight-rounder between Derry Matthews and local favourite Scott Lawton at super-featherweight.

Froch: “Kessler will bring a war, unlike Dirrell”

By Ben Carey

Carl Froch is expecting a “war” when he meets Mikkel Kessler in the second group stage of the Super Six World Boxing Classic Cup tournament in contrast to the frustrating evening he endured against Andre Dirrell in front of his Nottingham fans a fortnight ago. Froch scraped a split decision (113-114 and 115-112) on the judges’ scorecards to retain his WBC title against the flashy but elusive Dirrell to get his Super Six super-middleweight campaign off to a winning start.

“It was close but I had no doubt in my mind that I had won the fight. He’s (Dirrell) a slick, fast, counter puncher and when you combine that with the negativity he showed in there it made it a very difficult night,” admitted Froch.

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.

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.”

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.”

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.

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.

Baker and Williams top the scales at Prizefighter Heavyweights III weigh-in

By Ben Carey

Carl Baker is the heaviest fighter for tomorrow night’s Prizefighter Heavyweights III event at the ExCel Arena in London’s Docklands. Baker, 27, weighted in at 20st 7lb, more than four stone heavier than Coleman Barrett, who, at 15st, 13lb, is the lightest man of the eight. The second heaviest fighter is Baker’s quarter-final opponent and tournament favourite Danny Williams, who tipped the scales at 19st 3lbs.

Murray refusing to underestimate threat of Thaxton

John Murray says he won’t be fooled into believing that British title rival Jon Thaxton is past his sell by date. The unbeaten Murray squares off with veteran puncher Thaxton in an eagerly awaited clash for the vacant British Lightweight title at the Altrincham Leisure Centre this Saturday (October 3).

The bout headlines a Hennessy Sports event and will be live on ITV4 and Murray says he’s preparing for the fight of his life despite Thaxton’s revelation that his own father thinks he should retire.

Promoter Hatton buoyant on eve of first televised SKY show

By Ben Carey

Ricky Hatton has lavished praise on his rapidly expanding stable ahead of Hatton Promotions’ inaugural live SKY Sports show which will feature Matthew Macklin’s vacant European middleweight title challenge against Amin Asikainen in the main event at the Manchester Velodrome this Friday.

Hatton, who has persuaded some of the brightest talent in the country to join his embryonic promotional team, was full of praise for his recent signings who will appear in action tomorrow night.

Czech mate for Fury after Board orders immediate rematch against McDermott

By Ben Carey

Newly crowned English heavyweight champion Tyson Fury will make his Irish debut against Czech fighter Tomas Mrazek on the undercard of Bernard Dunne’s WBA super-bantamweight title defence at The O2 in Dublin on Saturday night.

Mrazek recently floored and held the comebacking former British heavyweight champion Mike Holden to a four-round earlier this month – a result which persuaded the British Boxing Board of Control to refuse the 41-year-old Holden permission to take part in next week’s Prizefighter: The Heavyweights 3 competition.

Thai challenger believes extra power will see him dethrone Dunne

By Jonny Stapleton

Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym claims his advantage in the power stakes will ensure he dethrones WBA super-bantamweight champion Bernard Dunne in Dublin on Saturday night.

The fighter known in Thailand as ‘The Tank’, who insists he will bulldoze his way to a seventh round victory, has also belittled Dunne’s dramatic 11th round title victory over former champion Ricardo Cordoba.

Injury forces Murray off Dunne-Kratingdaenggym undercard

A broken collarbone has cruelly denied unbeaten Cavan star Andy Murray a chance to shine on the Hunky Dorys World Title Fight Night at The O2 this Saturday. The reigning European Union Lightweight champ had been set to defend his title in the chief supporting bout to Bernard Dunne’s first defence of his WBA World Super Bantamweight title.

Dunne will look to see off the challenge of number one contender Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym from Thailand while Murray had been all set to defend his title against Italian Pasquale Di Silvio. However a broken collarbone has consigned a frustrated Murray to the sidelines for the next 6 weeks as he waits for the bone to heal.

“I can do it, Dad,” says Thaxton

Former British and European Lightweight Champion Jon Thaxton believes he can prove the boxing world and his own father wrong by regaining his British title when he clashes with leading domestic rival John Murray next month.

A win for Thaxton would see him win a Lonsdale belt for keeps while Murray will be looking to regain the title he lost on the scales earlier this year. The mouth watering domestic dustup takes places at the Altrincham Leisure Centre on October 3rd with the Hennessy Sports event live on ITV4.

Shock European title chance for veteran Pickering

By Ben Carey

Esham Pickering has been handed a surprise European title chance. The Newark switch-hitter will challenge Oleg Yefimovych for the European featherweight title in Donetsk, Ukraine on Saturday 3 October.

The 27-year-old Yefimovych, 16-1 (10), who will be making the third defence of his crown, was due to defend against Paul Appleby but following the Scot’s injury withdrawal Pickering has been drafted in at short notice.

Fury to return to the ring just two weeks after controversial win over McDermott

By Ben Carey
Unbeaten heavyweight prospect Tyson Fury will make his Irish debut at The O2, Dublin on Saturday week on the undercard of the Hunky Dorys world title fight night. Fury will feature as a special attraction on the undercard of Bernard Dunne’s first defence of his WBA World super-bantamweight title against number one contender Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym.

Last Friday, the 6 foot 9 inch Fury recorded the eighth straight win of his pro career, a highly controversial ten-round points win over John McDermott to capture the English heavyweight title but says he’s fighting fit for his Dublin date.