Could this be the final showdown for Scott Harrison?

By Sam Doleman

As Scott Harrison languishes in Alhaurin de la Torre prison on the Spanish mainland, boxing enthusiasts must surely be wondering where it has all gone wrong for the Glasgow fighter. Known for his marauding style and gritty will to win, Harrison was the first Scottish man to regain a world title. Following Sports Networks’ switch to terrestrial TV Harrison looked on course to attain big fights, and a big reputation. The promotional switch should have provided a platform for Scott Harrison to become a household name, his talents could have been showcased to millions across the UK on prime time free-to-view television. However a collection of injuries, postponements and personal problems have resulted in Harrison being ring redundant for the best part of 12 months. The WBO look increasingly likely to strip him, the British Boxing Board of Control may revoke his licence, and a Spanish judicial system could potentially jail him for eleven years.

Commonwealth chaos

By Ben Carey

The Commonwealth Boxing Council’s credibility took another knock yesterday upon the announcement that fringe world class African Jackson Asiku will be allowed to defend his title against a shopworn Roy Rutherford in Coventry on December 5.

Stakes higher for McDonagh-Concepcion return

By Ben Carey

In yet another baffling decision by the British Boxing Board of Control, Thomas McDonagh and Martin Concepcion have been paired together in a British light-middleweight title eliminator following Matthew Hatton’s decision to withdraw from meeting McDonagh. This is in spite of Concepcion losing his last three contests, two by stoppage, and him dropping a six-round decision to McDonagh on the undercard of Calzaghe-Bika last week.

Keeton crowned British cruiserweight champ

By Ben Carey

John “Buster” Keeton claimed the vacant British cruiserweight title at the fourth time of asking after stopping Lincoln’s Lee Swaby at the Don Valley stadium in Sheffield tonight.

Hatton shocked in Sheffield controversy

By Ben Carey

Bitter rivals Ricky Hatton and Junior Witter shared a ring for the first time tonight. Witter was in the corner assisting stablemate Alan Bosworth and Ricky was supporting brother Matthew in this intriguing ten-rounder. However, it was Bosworth and Matthew Hatton who conjured up the evening’s controversy inside Sheffield’s Don Valley stadium.

Williams vs Gammer heading for 2007

By Ben Carey

Danny Williams’ on-off British heavyweight title challenge to Scott Gammer would appear to be back on again. Williams was originally booked to meet Gammer in the Welshman’s first defence in Port Talbot last Friday only to withdraw due to religious beliefs (Muslim Williams refuses to train during Ramadan).

Former Gammer foe Micky Steeds stepped in to replace Williams but was comfortably outboxed over twelve, brisk rounds. Now Gammer is aiming to boost his profile, beginning with a win over the former Mike Tyson conqueror.

“I’ve had contact with Danny Williams’ representatives this week (Sports Network) and Dean Powell has told me that Danny is still interested in fighting Scott and that he’ll be ready to do so from December,” said Gammer’s manager, Paul Boyce.

Clinton Woods … Calzaghe/Jones or Tarver??

By Spud Woollatt
Photo By Chris Royle 

The more the media get hold of their snippets of information, the more complex it seems to get on what will be the next “Super Fight” to take place in the UK.  Various articles have been hitting the news wires concerning both Joe Calzaghe the IBF & WBO Super Middleweight Champion, and Clinton Woods the IBF Light Heavyweight champion.

To establish some sense of order I caught up with Fight Academy supremo Dennis Hobson to see if he could enlighten us as to what, if anything, is clear about Clinton Woods’ future. 

Swaby may get Busted

By Ben Carey

He’s lost three in a row, all by stoppage. His last victory was a four rounds points triumph over a journeyman with a 19-76-6 record, 18 months ago. He hasn’t recorded a stoppage for six-and-a-half years, and has come up short in each of his three previous attempts to win the British cruiserweight title. So why do I have a hunch that John “Buster” Keeton will leave the ring at Sheffield’s Don Valley Stadium with the Lonsdale belt strapped across his waist at the fourth time of asking?

Matthews masterclass

By Ben Carey

Derry Matthews, considered by many to be the dark horse among Britain’s nine-stoners, duly corroborated those theories by outclassing Steve Foster Jnr over twelve rounds to claim the WBU featherweight crown at Manchester’s M.E.N Arena on Saturday night. If anything, the unbeaten Liverpudlian, who advances to 17-0, exceeded expectations by the margin of his victory (118-108, 118-110, 119-107). Sadly for the disconsolate Foster, who suffered his first defeat in 23 outings, it really was that easy.

Lynes drawn for Battle of Bosworth

Press release by Hennessy Sports

Proven championship campaigners Alan Bosworth and Colin Lynes will meet in the chief support contest to Lenny Daws’ first defence of his British light welterweight title against mandatory contender Barry Morrison at the York Hall in Bethnal Green on October 20th.

Hobson considering future

By Ben Carey

Mark Hobson is contemplating retirement following his humiliating 72 second loss to Enzo Maccarinelli on Saturday night. The Huddersfield slugger was caught cold by a right hand to the back of the temple that turned his legs to jelly thus shattering his WBO title ambitions. The eagerly anticipated rematch was over before it had even begun.

“I think that’s it for me. This was my fourth fight in seven months and I’m absolutely shattered. I shouldn’t have took it. A similar thing happened to James Hare a couple of years ago, when you’re fighting regularly it does take something out of you,” said a disconsolate Hobson over the phone on Sunday morning.

Calzaghe Wins … But Bika Was Tough!!!

By ukboxingpress.co.uk

Joe Calzaghe successfully defended his WBO World Super Middleweight crown for the 19th time against Austrailian Sakio Bika. However, the fight did not go as expected because Bika gave Calzaghe one of his toughest fights in years, this was due to Bika’s desire and huge heart and strength rather than boxing talent.

Overall the fight was not a clean one, most of the guilt had to be placed on Bika’s shoulders due to the use of his head and at times his low shots, but nonetheless I felt Calzaghe should have dealt with matters in a lot better fashion bearing in mind he is widely touted as being a fighter in the top ten of the Pound For Pound World rankings.

Gammer Sweeps Aside Steeds!!!

By ukboxingpress.co.uk

Scott Gammer (17-0-1) successfully defended his British Heavyweight Title against Mickey Steeds (8-2) in Port Talbot on Friday evening. 

Although overall on the judges scorecards the fight seemed one sided, the fight was still a thoroughly entertaining one to watch.  Gammer should be highly satisfied with a very good night’s work. 

North West derby could uncover new star

By Ben Carey

Rising stars Stephen Foster Jr and Derry Matthews will aim to prove that they have the tools to compete in genuine world class in their intriguing battle for the WBU featherweight title at the MEN Arena tomorrow night. While Joe Calzaghe and the winner of the rematch between Enzo Maccarinelli and Mark Hobson will undoubtedly steal the headlines, the winner of Foster Jr-Matthews should become a headline act within Frank Warren’s Sports Network organisation and in line to challenge the winner of Scott Harrison vs Nicky Cook for the WBO title next year.

Extra pressure on Gammer tonight

By Ben Carey Scott Gammer must not only repel the determined challenge of Mickey Steeds in the first defence of his British heavyweight title in Port Talbot tonight, the Welshman must look good in front of his home supporters if he is to seal more high profile fights against the likes of Danny Williams and the winner of Matt Skelton and Audley Harrison in December. Though unbeaten in 17 contests (16 wins, one draw, 9 Kos), Gammer suffered the humiliation of a TV blackout when he claimed the vacant British crown with a ninth round stoppage over old foe Mark Krence in June. Manager Paul Boyce, who genuinely believes that Gammer can go on to compete in world class, lost in excess of £10,000 by promoting the show himself inside the primitive surroundings of the Carmarthen Showground – not even Welsh television companies were interested in screening the fight.

M.E.N Arena running order

Heading to the M.E.N Arena on Saturday? If, like me, you don’t want to miss a particular bout on the undercard, here is the running order from Sports Network.

Robinson issues Haskins challenge

By Ben Carey

Dale Robinson is urging Lee Haskins to compete in his more natural weight division and face him for the vacant British flyweight title. Haskins’ bold gamble to relieve Tshifhiwa Munyai of his Commonwealth bantamweight crown ended in failure when he was worn down in six rounds last Friday.

Fehintola … Do Not Underestimate Me!!!

By ukboxingpress.co.uk

On Friday 3rd November, Femi Fehintola (14-0) challenges Carl Johanneson (24-2) for his British Super Featherweight title. The fight has added extra spice as it is an all Yorkshire clash with Johannson coming from Leeds and Fehintola from Bradford.

ukboxingpress.co.uk caught up with ex England amateur International Fehintola to see what he had to say about his forthcoming clash:

Calzaghe: nine years and counting

By Sam Doleman

October 11th 1997, another day in another year to most of us, but for Joeseph Calzaghe it was to be his day of coronation. Rewind sixteen years and a young fighter arrives at Newbridge boys Boxing club for the first time. Spurred on and encouraged by his Italian father, this was to be the beginning of a long road for the young Calzaghe.

Joeseph, or Joe as he is more commonly known, was born in Hammersmith, London on March 23rd 1972. His father, and long time trainer, Enzo, was a resident of England, but his birthplace, and spiritual homeland was the Italian island of Sardinia. The Calzaghe family moved to Joe’s mother’s homeland, Wales, in 1974. It would be here, in the South Wales valleys, that young Joe would begin his boxing journey.

Maccarinelli’s bombs vs. Hobson’s brains

By Elliot Worsell 

When Sheffield’s former WBO cruiserweight champion Johnny Nelson announced his retirement from boxing live on Sky Sports, a 26-year-old power-puncher from Swansea felt a mixture of extreme anguish and relief.

For Enzo Maccarinelli, the current proprietor of Nelson’s relinquished WBO title, the voice of the Steel City champion has hovered over his head since coming to prominence during a long WBU title tenure. He couldn’t escape it.

The revival of Britain’s undercards

By Ben Carey

How many of you go to a show simply to watch the main event? How many of you spend most of your time chatting with your mates at the bar instead of sitting through the undercard action? Think you can predict the outcome of an undercard fight without even watching it? Think again, because the face of Britain’s undercards is changing.

Doherty out of Brook clash

By Ben Carey

Kell Brook may have endured some deserved criticism for his yo-yo dieting, but Tony Doherty’s withdrawal from their scheduled welterweight eight-rounder on the Calzaghe-Bika undercard this Saturday really does take the biscuit.

Hobson seeking perfection against Maccarinelli

By Ben Carey

Mark Hobson believes he will deliver a career best performance and become the WBO cruiserweight champion by defeating Enzo Maccarinelli in their rematch at the MEN Arena in Manchester on Saturday night.

In March, coming in on just three weeks notice, Hobson matched the Welsh knockout artist punch-for-punch on the undercard of Joe Calzaghe’s unification duel with Jeff Lacy before conceding a narrow points defeat in an absorbing contest (116-112 and 114-113 twice). But for suffering a knockdown in round three, at a time when he was in the ascendancy, Hobson would have earned a deserved majority draw in this battle for Maccarinelli’s WBU crown.

Hatton handed final eliminator for British title

By Ben Carey

“Magic” Matthew Hatton, 28-2-1 (11), has been handed a surprise opportunity to contest a final eliminator for the British light-middleweight title on the undercard of the vacant British cruiserweight title clash between Lee Swaby and Buster Keeton at Sheffield’s Don Valley stadium on Oct 20.

Munyai defends title against Haskins!!!

By ukboxingpress.co.uk

Tshifhiwa Munyai successfully defended his Commonwealth bantamweight title with a sixth round stoppage defeat of Bristol’s Lee Haskins. Readers will remember the tall and rangy South African clearly outclassing Londoner Martin Power in his last visit to these shores, and yet again he put in another impressive performance.

Skelton-Harrison set for December

By Sam Doleman

Matt Skelton and Audley Harrison were in London on Tuesday to announce their upcoming heavyweight bout for the Commonwealth title. The bout, scheduled for December 9th, will take place at the Excel centre, London, as part of a packed undercard which will include top prospects Kevin Mitchell and Amir Khan. The mouth watering main event of the evening sees WBO Featherweight champion Scott Harrison defend his strap against Dagenham’s unbeaten European champion Nicky Cook.

Froch: I’ll spark Dodson

Press release and image courtesy of Hennessy Sports

Carl ‘The Cobra’ Froch has promised to knock out long-term rival Tony Dodson on Friday 24th November when he attempts to win the British Title outright in front of his loyal hometown fan base on a Hennessy Sports event at the Nottingham Arena.

Mckenzie blitzes Haymer for Commonwealth title

By Dean Moston

Despite advertising that they would screen the Commonwealth light-heavyweight title showdown between Peter Haymer and Ovill McKenzie, Channel Five curiously performed a U-Turn in the early hours of last Saturday morning. Instead, programme bosses elected to screen highlights of the inaugural women’s English bantamweight title between Juliette Winter and Cathy Brown along with some action from the USA.

Fortunately, Dean Moston was ringside for the main event and kindly brings us this report of a man who has dramatically turned his career around.

Tall order for Haskins

By Ben Carey

Lee Haskins steps up in weight and class when he challenges fellow unbeaten prospect Tshifhiwa Munyai for the Commonwealth bantamweight title at York Hall, Bethnal Green this Friday. At 5’5 Haskins will give away reach and some seven inches in height to the South African beanpole who shocked Martin Power at this same venue in June to claim the vacant championship he now defends.

Vacant British cruiserweight title on the line

By Ben Carey 

Two boxers coming off inside-the-distance losses and sporting 29 defeats between them will contest the vacant British cruiserweight title on May 20 following long-reigning champion Mark Hobson’s decision to vacate his crown.

Lawton victorious over spoiler Meemea

By Sam Doleman

Stoke fan’s favourite Scott Lawton picked up victory number 19 as he won via DQ in a scrappy affair over Judex Meemea, at Kings Hall, Stoke, on Saturday evening. Lawton now moves to 19-2-1 (4) whilst Meemea’s record falls to 5-6-3 (0). Both fighters weighed inside the lightweight limit prior to this Impact Boxing promoted show.

Lawton started the fight well, taking the centre of the ring and pushing the Mauritius man back with straight left jabs. Lawton demonstrated why he is English Lightweight Champion, and a mooted opponent for Amir Khan, as he dominated the first behind the jab, whilst mixing in some overhand rights and fainting with the jab to draw mistakes from Meemea.

Nuumbembe warms-up for Anderson challenge

By Ben Carey

Ali Nuumbembe returned to winning ways with a routine points victory over Ukrainian trialhorse Vladimir Borovski on the Moore-Macklin undercard on Friday. It was the Glossop-based Namibian’s first fight since he was stopped in six rounds by Ajose Olusegun after stepping in on just 48-hours notice in June.

Moore outlasts Macklin in brutal war

By Ben Carey 

In one of the most breathtaking fights seen within a British ring for many a year, Jamie Moore retained his British light-middleweight title with a spectacular tenth round knockout to end the brave and relentless challenge of Birmingham’s Matthew Macklin in Manchester on Friday night.