Former football star Woodhouse returns to the ring

By Ben Carey

Footballer turned boxer turned footballer Curtis Woodhouse will resume his boxing career at the Barnsley Metrodome on a show promoted by David Coldwell’s Koncrete Promotions on April 15.

Woodhouse, who rose to prominence as a teenager with Sheffield United before eventually sliding down the leagues, quit football in the Summer to try his luck in the ring despite having no amateur experience. The Driffield terrier turned pro in September and impressed when dropping Dean Marcoantonio on his way to clinching a four-round points win.

However, an altercation with a police officer when under the influence of alcohol placed Woodhouse’s fledgling boxing career in jeopardy when he was subsequently sentenced to a 120 hours of community service at Bridlington Magistrates’ Court. Whilst his license was under review by the British Boxing Board of Control, Woodhouse donned his football boots again and appeared for Conference outfit Rusden & Diamonds earlier this month.

It appeared that Woodhouse’s brief flirtation with the noble art was over but it seems many may have pre-judged him. Now that his suspension has been lifted the 26-year-old is determined to make up for lost time.

“Lots of people have underestimated Curtis’s desire and suggested that he has gone back to football for good but he’s only playing for Rushden on a part-time basis. As with other boxers who have day jobs, Curtis’s day job will be as a footballer,” said Coldwell.

“He’s back in the gym and desperate to succeed in boxing. Anyone who saw Curtis’s debut will know that his fights will bring guaranteed excitement.”

Woodhouse, who will campaign at light-middleweight, will face a selected opponent.

Local pride will be at stake in the top of the bill as Barnsley’s former Central Area champion Rob Burton will square off against Sheffield’s Dean Walker. Both triers will be desperate to return to winning ways fighting on familiar soil.

Ironically, the undercard will feature another former professional athlete turned fighter. Cruiserweight John Anthony turned pro at 30 having formerly competed as a professional decathlete. Now 32, it appears as though the Doncaster man is now finding his feet after an uncertain start to his boxing career. Last time out the heavy-handed Anthony iced former Scottish amateur star Andrew Young inside a round to improve his record to 5-2 (3). John can genuinely whack and if he does catch you it’s usually goodnight.

Coldwell’s latest star signing Josh Wale will make his debut at super-bantamweight. Big things are expected of Wale who won multinational titles and represented England in the amateur ranks. Anoraks may be familiar with his brother Gwyn who is a pro lightweight.

More fights will be added to complete an action-packed line-up which normally guarantees a healthy crowd at the Metrodome.