Pele Reid speaks openly on boxing comeback

By Ben Carey

Following a stint in K-1, Pele Reid makes his eagerly awaited return to a boxing ring at the Aston Events Centre in Birmingham this Friday. The heavyweight puncher, 16-4-2, takes on Sheffield journeyman Paul King over six rounds. Now 33, I was surprised to hear from a wiser and more reflective Reid when he telephoned this afternoon.

BC: Most boxers quit the ring following a defeat. In your case, you haven’t boxed since scoring an impressive win over Joseph Chingangu. Why did you decide to walk away?

PR: I was short on offers after beating Chingangu – that was part of it. But the other reason was because I expected to do better in my career and I hadn’t done so well. I always felt I’d return to Boxing at some stage, hopefully better and wiser, but in order to be taken seriously it was important that I left on a winning note. Not only important is it for the public to take me seriously, it’s important that my handlers (Ringside Promotions Ltd) do so as well and they wouldn’t of had I been returning after a loss.

Pele times his comeback to perfection

By Ben Carey

He’s back! God loves a trier and boxing fans know that Pele Reid’s comeback is guaranteed to bring excitement for however long it lasts. The heavyweight thrill seeker, who punches like a mule but possesses a suspect chin, returns following a four-year absence at the Aston Events Centre on Friday night against Sheffield trier Paul King.

It should be a straightforward assignment, but then the hit-or-be-hit Reid doesn’t do routine. The likeable Brummie has flirted between various fighting codes since the early 90s, originally as a kick-boxer (where he was a world champion and holds a KO over Vitali Klitschko), then as a boxer, and more recently in K-1. If that isn’t enough, Reid also cites his talents as a 3rd Degree Black Sash in Lau Gar Kung Fu, a certified Lau Gar Kung Fu instructor and qualified fitness coach.

As a boxer, Reid enjoyed a brief reign as the WBO inter-continental champion in 1997 but his career, which promised so much early on, fizzled into a unpredictable rollercoaster ride.

Hobson reconsidering retirement plans

By Ben Carey

A little over a month since questioning his future within Boxing following his 72-second loss to Enzo Maccarinelli in a failed bid for the WBO cruiserweight title, Mark Hobson is pondering a ring return in the New Year.

“I’ve been fighting since I was a teenager and it’s just in me. If I could walk away I would do but the fact is there’s potentially too much money involved for me to miss out on, plus I don’t want to go out like that,” admitted Hobson, who was nailed by a freak punch behind the ear from the Welsh banger.

Bendall hoping to avoid birthday blues

By Ben Carey

Steve Bendall will have double reason to celebrate if he can successfully defend his English middleweight crown against Wayne Elcock in Birmingham this Friday. Victory should guarantee a crack at the British title – the perfect present for Bendall who will turn 33 on the day of the fight.

This finely poised Midlands derby will pit Coventry’s Bendall, 25-2 (11), against Birmingham’s Elcock, 16-2 (7), in a crossroads affair with both men looking to bounce back from British title setbacks to Scott Dann.

“We’re both in the same position – this is our last chance and it’s a fight we can’t afford to lose,” summed up Bendall perfectly. “I’m confident. I need the big fights to bring out the best in me. Training’s gone well and I’ve been sparring Dean Francis. I haven’t seen loads of him (Elcock) but his body looks strong and he’s a good boxer. I don’t think he’s really beaten anyone of note. I know he beat Anthony Farnell, but I never really rated him.”

Froch-Dodson undercard review

The Luck of the Irish

by Suzanne Nield

Since his stoppage defeat by Carl Johanneson in July, Billy Corcoran has dropped two weight categories to enter his 8 rounder with Sean Hughes at super-bantam. In September, he seemed comfortable enough in a third round KO win over Riaz Durgahed, (who defeated Hughes earlier this month). Tonight, however, the further weight loss had clearly taken its toll.

The fans enjoyed this one for the non-stop, back-and-forth action, but in my view both fighters showcased deficiencies rather than talents. Neither seemed capable of slipping a punch, with connect rates like heavy-bag work in the gym.

Froch … Highly Impressive!!!

By Spud Woollatt

Carl Froch has retained his British and Commonwealth Super Middleweight title with a highly impressive 3rd Round stoppage of challenger Tony Dodson.  

The end of the fight came when Froch dropped his brave challenger with a stinging left hand into the body, which had Dodson failing to respond to the Referee’s count in the last minute of  the round.  The victory for Froch means he has now earned the right to keep the coveted Lonsdale Belt. 

Froch and Dodson make weight

British and Commonwealth super middleweight champion Carl Froch and long-time rival Tony Dodson both scaled well inside the 12 stone super middleweight limit ahead of their highly anticipated showdown at the Nottingham Arena tomorrow night.

Dodson was the first to step on the scales at this afternoon’s lively weigh-in, attended by scores of members from both camps.

The Liverpudlian’s physique backed up his claims that he is in the shape of his career, as did his weight. The former British champion was 2lb inside at 11st 12lbs. Hennessy Sports promoted Froch – as perfectly chiseled as ever – was just half a pound heavier.

Froch-Dodson big-fight preview

By Ben Carey

Carl Froch will hope to wave goodbye to the British super-middleweight scene by finally slamming the door on a 2 ½ year old domestic rivalry at the Nottingham Arena tomorrow night. Opposing Froch will be former British champion Tony Dodson, a hated adversary, who “The Cobra” has unceremoniously lambasted for pulling out of three previously arranged clashes between the pair.

At long last this spicy grudge match will be settled at the fourth time of asking with Froch bidding to claim the Lonsdale belt outright in addition to retaining his Commonwealth crown. At 29, with aspirations to gatecrash the European and World scene (currently WBC no.4, WBA no.14, IBFno.8 & WBO no.4), it’s a fight that Froch doesn’t need and certainly one he cannot afford to lose.

Pryce-Facey result highlights worrying trend in British judging

By Ben Carey

Despite Andrew Facey living only a stone’s throw away from my Sheffield roots in nearby Dronfield, I cared not whether he relieved Bradley Pryce of his Commonwealth light-middleweight title in Newport on Saturday night. I’ve never spoken to Facey, nice guy though he seems, and as he originates from Wolverhampton anyway I can hardly be accused of Yorkshire bias.

Nevertheless, watching from television (please sceptics don’t exaggerate the “advantages” of a ringside vantage point) I thought Facey did enough to edge Pryce on Saturday night after he completely dominated the local favourite during the first half of the contest as a succession of crudely delivered, but effective, right hands pierced the champion repeatedly. So in control was Facey, typified none more so by the growing agitation within Pryce’s corner led by Enzo Calzaghe, I gave the challenger six of the opening seven rounds.

Hatton-Urango showdown heading to Paris – latest news!

By Ben Carey

Ricky Hatton’s IBF light-welterweight title challenge to unbeaten Colombian Juan Urango is heading to Paris. No, not the French capital, but the luxurious and new $760 million Paris Las Vegas resort on January 20.

“I started out by boxing at the local labour club on a council estate and now I’m going to appear in Vegas – it’s a dream come true,” said Hatton at today’s press conference.

Haye-Fragomeni undercard wrap-up

By Dean Moston

Classy Olusegun overpowers Aiello

Rising Nigerian Welterweight Ajose Olusegun overwhelmed Frenchman Franck Aiello within two one-sided rounds.

Olusegun was all business from the opening bell, pressing forward with powerful left and right hands to hurt his opponent and send him stumbling across the ring mid way through the round. It was painfully apparent that Olusegun was a class above his man.

Haye prevails by knocking out Fragomeni

By Dean Moston

David Haye successfully defended his European Cruiserweight Title and is another step closer to a WBC World Title challenge after a bruising encounter with the tough Giacobbe Fragomeni at London’s York Hall. Haye therefore avenged a previous amateur defeat to the Italian, but it did not look good for him at times. He suffered a cut above the left eye, bled from the mouth and spent long periods on the back foot shipping clusters of punches that at times had him visibly sagging.

Stewart to face Allotey

Hennessy Sports promoted Dave Stewart can take a big step towards another title shot when he appears in the chief support contest on the Hennessy Sports ‘Outright’ promotion at the Nottingham Arena on November 24th.

The Wanstead based Scot will meet proven championship operator Kpakpo Allotey, from Ghana, in an eliminator for the Commonwealth lightweight title on the undercard of Carl Froch’s defence of his British super middleweight title against long-term rival Tony Dodson.

Haye-Fragomeni – big-fight preview

By Sam Doleman, Assistant Editor

European Cruiserweight champion, David “The Hayemaker” Haye, faces an old amateur adversary in thirty-seven year old Italian Giacobbe Fragomeni at the York Hall this Friday evening. The fight has not been made for redemption reasons, neither has it been requested as a revenge mission by team Haye. The fight has in fact been sanctioned by Jose Suliman, president of the WBC, and will act as a final eliminator for the prestigious title.

In 1999, a fresh faced nineteen year old amateur boxer, namely one David Deron Haye, travelled to Germany to face the then thirty-year-old Giacobbe Fragomeni. The contest was to determine who would travel to the ultimate amateur contest of them all, the Olympic Games. The opportunity to box at the greatest sporting spectacle on earth is generally a once in a lifetime experience, the jewel in one’s amateur career, and the foundation for future financial security. An opportunity not to be missed, let alone stolen from you.

Dunne in demand

Following his famous European title win over Esham Pickering at the Point last weekend Bernard Dunne is very much a man in demand. Viewing figures released by RTÉ yesterday confirmed that almost half a million people watched the fight live joining the sell out crowd of 7,000 at the Point in cheering the Dubliner to victory.

Thaxton unruffled by Meager taunts

By Ben Carey

Jon Thaxton is determined to maintain his composure ahead of his British lightweight title challenge to Lee Meager despite Meager vowing to send him into retirement when they clash next month.

“It’s very bold of him to say those things four weeks before a fight but lets see how brave he is on December 8th. His comments didn’t bother me because I’ve seen it all before. The only thing that irritated me was him saying that I’ve shown him no respect. I have respect for everyone who steps into the ring because it can be a lonely, hard place to be,” said Thaxton.

Lockett seeking WBO shot

By Martin Williams

Gary Lockett accepts he’s in for a “long night” when he faces Roman Aramian at the Newport Leisure Centre on Saturday night. The WBU middleweight champ says preparation has been almost perfect, despite being hampered by his own management team, Sports Network.

“Yes I would say training has gone really well, the only problem is that I asked Sports Network for a tape of his fights and as usual it didn’t arrive so I had to get one myself, and that only came last Thursday,” according to the 29 year-old ‘Rocket Man’, who hails from Cwmbran.

Haye-Fragomeni press wrap-up

My inbox has been struggling to keep pace with the volume of press releases I’ve been receiving concerning Friday’s European title clash between David Haye and Giacobbe Fragomeni, which also doubles as an eliminator for the WBC cruiserweight title.
Despite the PR men going a little OTT, Haye-Fragomeni promises to be an intriguing duel, particularly as the unbeaten Italian would appear to be a stayer who should test Haye’s questionable stamina.

Below we wrap up “the best of the press”, beginning with the most recent release today.

Keeton eyes Commonwealth honours

By Ben Carey

John “Buster” Keeton will aim to add the Commonwealth cruiserweight crown to the British title he recently acquired with a stoppage over Lee Swaby. According to a recent British Boxing Board of Control circular, Keeton will tackle Canadian champion Troy Ross in January. Victory for the BT engineer by day would complete a startling career transformation after the 34-year-old’s career lie in tatters following three consecutive stoppage losses.

Jones wants fourth meeting with Moore

By Ben Carey

Photo by Chris Royle

Liverpool’s Michael Jones continued his rebuilding process following his devastating loss to Jamie Moore by blowing away overmatched Hungarian Szabolcs Rimovszky inside a round in Hartlepool on Friday evening – the rangy boxer’s second stoppage in three outings to boost his record to 24-2 (10).

“I didn’t know he’d been stopped as many times as he had so I guess I did what was expected of me,” said a philosophical Jones to UKBP. “I’ve been working with a personal trainer and a strength coach and they’ve helped develop my power. When I first met them I could only manage 10 pull-ups at a time, now I’m doing 50. I’m on a protein based diet and by the time I enter the ring I weigh around 12stone yet making light-middleweight (11stone) isn’t a problem for me. In addition to that I’ve been working at setting myself more with my trainer Maurice Core who felt I was moving around the ring too much.”

Dunne Captures European Crown!!!

By ukboxingpress.co.uk

Bernard Dunne captured the European Super Bantamweight Title in his home city of Dublin.  Dunne and his opponent Esham Pickering were involved in what can only be described as a thoroughly thrilling fight.  All 3 judges scored the fight in favour of Dunne, 117-111, 117-111 & 115-113 respectively.

Meager: I will retire Thaxton

Press release by Hennessy Sports

Hennessy Sports promoted Lee Meager will feature in a Heavyweight showdown for his British Lightweight Title when he meets Jon Thaxton at the Goresbrook Leisure Centre on December 8th live on Sky Sports 1.

Molitor Captures IBF Super Bantamweight Title!!!

By ukboxingpress.co.uk

Steve Molitor (23-0) captured the IBF World Super Bantamweight Title this evening with a crushing 5th round defeat of his opponent, Hartlepool’s Michael Hunter (26-1-1).  After 1 minute 32 Seconds of Round 5,  Referee Phil Edwards counted out the North East Fighter after Molitor caught him with a huge left hook which had Hunter staggering to the ropes and eventually tumbling to the canvas. 

Ricky Hatton … Latest News!!!

By Ukboxingpress.co.uk

On Tuesday 14 November 2006, UK Boxing Promoters Fight Academy, are holding a press conference concerning Ricky Hatton.  The conference will take place in London, and it is fully expected the announcement will concern the opponent for Hatton’s next fight which should be the current IBF Light Welterweight Champion Juan Urango.  Although other websites have stated the date and location of the fight, we understand there could be changes in both!!!

Pickering camp tip Hunter for world title success

By Ben Carey

Esham Pickering’s team believe rival Michael Hunter can lift the vacant IBF super-bantamweight title in Hartlepool tonight against favoured Canadian slickster Steve Molitor. After Pickering himself tipped Hunter to prevail in an interview with this site on Wednesday, trainer Dominic Ingle had this to say:

“Molitor’s not a huge puncher so if Hunter jumps on him early and keeps the pressure on he could win it. Molitor’s going to be a little jet lagged from all the travelling as well.”

Recent history could spell disaster for Froch

By Ben Carey

Despite the fiercely competitive nature of professional Boxing, genuine grudge matches, particularly those involving British fighters, are seldom witnessed. Fighters, trainers and managers tend to possess a healthy respect for their fellow professionals, both in and out of the ring. Indeed, why make the job harder for yourself by motivating your opponent by getting under his skin?

Two of the most eagerly anticipated showdowns in recent years, Ricky Hatton vs Junior Witter and David Haye vs Mark Hobson, are destined never to take place in spite of promotional bluster, verbal taunts and fan demand. On the 24th of this month a welcome shift will take place when Carl Froch defends his British super-middleweight title against bitter rival Tony Dodson at the Nottingham Arena.

British title news

The latest British title news at cruiserweight, light-middleweight, welterweight, super-featherweight and bantamweight. Please note that almost certainly Mark Hobson will not be pursuing a rematch with Buster Keeton. Hobson, currently pondering his future, currently resides as the WBU champion anyway and has received no contact from the Board of Control about being nominated to box Keeton.

English title news

The British Boxing Board of Control met yesterday. Find out who is going to be contesting the English titles at cruiserweight, light-heavyweight, welterweight and lightweight in the New Year.

Fired-up Pickering predicts Dunne KO

By Ben Carey

Esham Pickering believes his superior strength and power will ultimately prove decisive as he bids to regain the European super-bantamweight title against unbeaten Irishman Bernard Dunne in Dublin on Saturday night. Pickering, still seething following his loss to Michael Hunter last October, is hoping victory will secure him a rematch and a world title opportunity with the Hartlepool warrior, who challenges Steve Molitor for the vacant IBF strap this Friday.

UKBoxingPress caught up with Pickering and discovered a determined fighter harbouring plenty of frustration, with a point to prove.

Harrison back in court following legal blunder

By Sam Doleman

Scott Harrison will face a Spanish court for the second time in two days, after his bail application was written incorrectly yesterday. Harrison, who has remained an inmate in Malaga for over a month, will receive a decision later today on his re-submitted bail request, and hopes to be given the opportunity to defend his WBO title against Nicky Cook, at the Excel centre, London, on December 9th .

Harrison’s promoter, Frank Warren, had previously provided Team Harrison with a cut off date of yesterday to have their fighter freed. This point has now passed, and rumours are circulating that Liverpool’s Derry Mathews will defend his recently acquired WBU featherweight crown against Cook next month. Warren has been brave in the face of adversity and stated: “We should know more sometime later today. Yesterday when they put in the bail application it was written up all the wrong way”.

Hunter-Molitor bill details

Press release and image courtesy of Matchroom Sport

MICHAEL Hunter has a chance to win the Vacant IBF World Super-Bantamweight Title this Friday. Hunter (pictured left) headlines the bill in Matchroom Sport’s latest boxing show, which will be held at Borough Hall, Hartlepool and televised live on Sky Sports 1.
Canadian Steve Molitor stands in Hunter’s way and it would be a dream come true for Hunter if he could claim the title, especially as the fight is taking place in front of a home crowd.

Froch meets Dodson today – Backs Nottingham’s kids

Press release and image courtesy of Hennessy Sports

British super middleweight champion Carl Froch is looking forward to finally coming face-to-face with long-term rival Tony Dodson. Despite being scheduled to fight three times over the last 18 months the pair have never met before – with Dodson withdrawing each time through injury before a press conference was held.

It’s judgement day today, however, with the pair scheduled to go heads up in a courtroom ahead of their long awaited showdown on November 24th at the prestigious Nottingham Arena.

Dunne-Pickering a complete sell out

The sold out signs have gone up at the Point in Dublin ahead of Saturday night’s European Title fight between Bernard Dunne and Esham Pickering. Demand has been phenomenal for the event which for the first time ever will see a Dubliner fight for the European title in his native city.

Managing Director of Ticketmaster Ireland, Eamonn O’ Connor confirmed that the event is now a complete sell out with 7,000 boxing fans hoping to witness Dunne lift the European Super Bantamweight title. “In a quarter of a century with Ticketmaster I’ve never seen anything like this for a boxing match,” said O’ Connor. “Bernard really seems to have captured the public’s imagination. It might appear to be an overnight success but Bernard and his promoter Brian Peters have worked for 10 years to make this such a high profile event.”

Catley proving Sanigar wrong

By Ben Carey

Former WBC super-middleweight champion Glenn Catley has convinced trainer / manager Chris Sanigar that he can be a force to be reckoned with once more following his comeback win over Hussain Osman at the weekend. Catley impressively disposed of Osman in three rounds in front of a passionate Bristol crowd which left Sanigar optimistic that he can recapture his former glories. However, the West Country boxing figurehead was more than a little sceptical when Catley initially informed him he was making a ring return following an absence of three-and-a-half years.

“My initial response was ‘don’t do it’,” admitted Sanigar. “I told him that he’d got all his faculties intact, he didn’t resemble the appearance of an ex-fighter and that he had forged an excellent reputation for himself. But Glen was insistent that he was coming back so I invited him to the gym to see what he had left. And I’ve got to say that he’s been looking tremendous. I haven’t seen him this enthusiastic since he won the WBC title (against Marcus Beyer in May 2000),” he continued.

Arthur Retains European Title!!

By Spud Woollatt

Alex Arthur(24-1) has retained his European Super Featherweight Title for the 3rd time in a thoroughly convincing performance against previously unbeaten Spaniard Sergio Palomo (24-1).  Winning the fight must now surely catapult Arthur into the reckoning for a tilt at one of the World Titles on offer, as Arthur is highly ranked with both the WBC & WBA World Governing bodies.

Johanneson Impresses, Magee & Catley Win Comebacks!!!

By ukboxingpress.co.uk

Carl Johanneson (25-2) put in an impressive performance to successfully defend his British Super Featherweight Title against Bradford’s Femi Fehintola (14-1). Referee Howard Foster stopped the contest in the 6th Round after a barrage of punches gave him no choice but to save Fehintola from further punishment.

Jerman Taylor v Joe Calzaghe ???

By Sam Doleman 

Jermain Taylor is planning to move up in weight following his upcoming middleweight title bout with Kassim Ouma. During discussions at the WBC’s ratings meeting in Dubrovnik, Croatia, President Jose Sulaiman confirmed his understanding was “Jermain Taylor will move up in weight following his bout with Ouma thus leaving Ronald Wright and Ike Quartey to contest an elimination bout”, with Kelly Pavlik and Edison Miranda contesting what the WBC dubbed “Eliminator number 2″ .

Haye Could Face Mormeck!!!

By Sam Doleman

David Haye could yet face Jean Marc Mormeck, that’s according to the WBC president Jose Sulaiman, who addressed attendees at the WBC ratings meeting in Dubrovnik, Croatia on Wednesday.