Building on Prizefighter Success Rocky Fielding

The unbeaten 23 year old is all set for his ring return since being crowned Super Middleweight Prizefigter champion in his home town of Liverpool tonight. Rocky’s success in the Prizefighter competition prompted Frank Warren to sign up ‘Rocky from Stocky’.

Michael ‘Rocky’ Fielding told the Liverpool Echo that penning a contract with Warren was an easy decision to make as it allows him to follow in the footsteps of some of his boxing heroes. Hardly surprising Fielding jumped at the chance to sign for Frank Warren who record speaks for itself. Warren hosts the domestic show of the year at the Liverpool Echo arena tonight with no less than 4 titles on the line from British to world titles on display.

“Going back to when I was a kid, I used to watch all the big shows and Frank Warren was the main man so I think he’s the right person to go with. I watched fighters like Joe Calzaghe, Ricky Hatton and Amir Khan on Frank‘s shows so I‘d love to be able to get to where he helped them to one day” said Rocky.

Jamie Ambler is the man trying to spoil the welcome home party tonight in a 6 round contest.

Also on the card tonight are rotunda stable mates Tony Bellew and Joe Selkirk who Rocky has been around since his amateur days and said he always wanted to be on the same card as them.

Tony Bellew puts his Light Heavyweight Commonwealth title on the line whilst trying to claim the British title and Rocky had this to say “As an amateur I was on shows with the other lads from the Rotunda like Bellew and Selkirk and wanted to get back being on the same shows as them. It will be bit like an old Rotunda show tonight and it will be a good one, especially with Bellew fighting for the British title. I can't wait to sit back and watch him win it”.

Interview - Kevin Mitchell On This Weekend’s Showdown With John Murray

By Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro

At long last the highly anticipated showdown between Dagenham’s ‘Mighty’ Kevin Mitchell and Manchester’s John Murray will finally take place this weekend, albeit in Liverpool and not the ExCel in London which was to originally host this career defining fight.

As I am sure most of you are aware the fight was supposed to have taken place this past Saturday, but due to Kevin being unwell for a few days recently the bout was hastily rescheduled and added to the Ricky Burns versus Nicky Cook WBO World Title fight card.

Since my return from America I have spent quite a bit of time with Kevin while he has been training at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town. I was there throughout his training camp for the ill fated Katsidis fight and of course I’ve been there for Kevin’s  camp for the John Murray bout.

Even though the training and sparring sessions have all been behind closed doors, thanks to Kevin’s coaches Jimmy and Mark Tibbs trusting me I have been lucky enough to have been at the TRAD TKO for every single session.

I don’t want to give too much away about just how well Kevin’s training has gone, but will just say I’m not normally a betting man but I’m seriously thinking of popping down to Paddy Powers and putting a few bob on our Kev.

Anyway before I do say too much about the camp, and get myself in trouble with Jimmy and Mark or gym owner Johnny Eames, it was after his final sparring session that Kevin and I sat down to chat about this weekend’s fight.


Rio - Your fight with John Murray has been put back to this weekend, why was that and how has that affected you and your preparation?

Kevin - I had a virus and had to be out of the gym for a couple of days, I didn’t want to make any mistakes like I did last time so spoke with Frank (Warren) as I wanted to get the virus out of the way.

A couple of days later the virus was gone and I felt good enough to get back in the gym.

I was straight back in training and sparring, I walked through twelve rounds easy and felt strong and sharp so the fight was back on again for a week later, but in Liverpool.

I feel bad for the other kids that were on the show, especially Billy Joe (Saunders) as he’d been here training alongside me. Same with Billy Morgan and Eddie Hussein, these kids have been down here training every day now they’re stuck without a fight. I’m Gutted for them that they didn’t get to be on the show.

I’m also gutted for the fans that I’m not fighting in London now. They’re a great crowd and I’m sure some will come up to Liverpool.


Rio - It’s now an away fight, and not that far from John Murray’s home, does that make any difference to you?

Kevin - I’ve been everywhere, I’ve been to Italy, Russia, I’ve been to America. I’ve been all over the world boxing so Liverpool’s not going to be a problem for me.

I know it’s an away fight now but I’ve been up there a few times and know a lot of people up there, the Smith brothers and all the people I met when was at the Murray camp.

I’ve got a lot of good friends up there and  know that when I step out on the stage there’ll be plenty of people there supporting me.


Rio - This is one of the few genuine 50/50 fights to take place this year - the winner of it is likely to be the one that wants it most - so just how much does Kevin Mitchell want it?

Kevin - If I’d won the last fight, like I should have done, this fight would have been looked at as a mismatch and shouldn’t be happening as Kevin’s beaten Katsidis up, but I got beat and everyone’s saying it’s a 50/50 fight.

Look at Murray and his last fight. In my eyes it’s more like a 90/10 fight in my favour.

He’s a good fighter, he’s good at what he does domestically. He’s fought names, but not at the top of their game, they’ve all been past it. You know like John Thaxton. Thaxton was a brilliant fighter in his day but  not when John Murray fought him.

He’s never been in with a top class fighter, I took Carl Johanneson when he was at his best and beat him, it was a hard fight and he got well beaten up by me, and I was just a young kid.

I’m now a twenty six year old man and this is a big fight for me. I’ve been training for this now for over two months and I’m not losing this fight.


Rio - You just mentioned training, to me you have looked totally different in camp, to what you did in camp for the Katsidis fight, you look sharper and more focused, everything. But how do you think it’s been going?

Kevin - Well you have been here for both camps to be fair. You’ve seen me train at both camps.

For the Katsidis camp I was useless in here, I was crap, turn up with no head on my shoulders as if I was in a dream land, I was crap. This camp I’m flying, everyone can see it. I’m sparring brilliant against them, everything’s gone brilliant.

These camps aren’t easy, they’re hard, but I enjoy them. I’m just looking forward to getting in there and smash him to bits.


Rio - That’s really good to hear, so you feel ready for the showdown with John Murray this weekend.

Kevin - Yeah perfectly, the last fight I wasn’t relaxed, I was nervous. When you’re prepared for something, you’ve got a job to do, you’ve got to be prepared you’ve not got to worry that something will go wrong.

When you are fully prepared, like I was for the Prescott fight you know that he has got no way out of that ring before the twelve rounds are done, unless I knock him out.

I will tell him (John Murray) the same thing it’s a twelve round fight and the only way you’ll get out early is when I knock you out.

There’s only two ways he’ll fight this fight, come out and stick it on me and get beat up or come out and try and lure me into a fight, by boxing and trying to counter punch me. Personally I think he’ll come out and box for two or three rounds and try and counter me which suits me as he’s going to get beat up and knocked out, he’ll be smashed to bits.

I had three rounds in the Katsidis fight before he took me out, for the first two rounds I played with him, if you see his face after, his was battered mine wasn’t  and I didn’t get hold of him really so you can imagine what I am going to do in twelve hard rounds to John Murray when I’m prepared.


Rio - So the Kevin Mitchell we’ll see on Saturday will be more like the one from the Prescott fight?

Kevin - Most certainly I’m just going to box for the whole fight. You’re going to see one hundred percent boxing, boxing and boxing. Lots of switching, mix and match it, box and fight, fight and box and some countering. You’ll see a world class performance from me on the 16th July.


Rio - For the winner of this fight it looks like it will lead to a full World title shot.  Does that add any additional pressure?

Kevin - No, not at all, I really want that World title shot. I’m going to win this and get that title shot, I can’t wait.


Rio - Not that long ago it was said that the winner on Saturday will face Ricky Burns for the title, is that still the case?

Kevin - Well I think that was something to hype it up a bit, Ricky fights at Super Featherweight. Maybe I’m wrong I don’t know, when I win this fight maybe he’ll step up I don’t know.

We’ve done a few rounds sparring here at the TRAD TKO Gym, he’s tough and he’s fit. Good spars, the first was a good even spar, the second spar was a bit tight, it was a good hard twelve rounds, which goes to show how fit he was.

He’s a brilliant talent, I’m a big fan of Ricky Burns, he’s done it the hard way and come out on top.

Rio - OK, so when you win this fight who do you think the opponent is likely to be?

Kevin - Brandon Rios and Frank (Warren) did say another name but I can’t remember who it was. I’m not fussed I’m happy and grafting hard.

I’m going to win this fight and then beat Brandon Rios or whoever for the title that’s for sure.


Rio - Just want to go off subject for my last question and ask what were your thoughts on the Klitschko-Haye fight?

Kevin - I didn’t think David seemed right at all, he strolled a bit. He was outsized, I don’t think he was outclassed, it was a size matter.

I’d like to have seen Dave go in there and have a punch up rather than look for the knockout. Dave lost on points so that’s the way it is on the way he done things.

You’ve got to respect the guy he went in there and with a World Class Heavyweight and stayed the twelve rounds.

I’d like to see him come back, drop down a weight. I sent him a message last week and said if ever he wants to call me and have a chat or get away from all the crap. I know what it’s like to get beat when everyone is expecting you to win.

I really do hope that he comes back from this as he’s a world class fighter.

Rio - Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me yet again and good luck on Saturday.

Kevin - My pleasure as always.


Kevin Mitchell versus John Murray, for the WBO Inter-Continental Lightweight title will feature on Ricky Burns’ defense of his WBO World Super Feathweight crown against Nicky Cook at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on Saturday 16th July 2011.

Tickets, priced at £50, £80 and £100, are available on 0844 8000 400 or www.echoarena.com

Burns is Hungry for Cook

Ahead of his third WBO title defence Ricky Burns claims he is prepared to beat Nicky Cook “by any means necessary” and looks forward to a week of binge eating and nights in. 31-2 Burns has said that dieting before a fight is the hardest part of being a boxer and Nicky Cook stands in his way of a big mac.
Not only has trainer Billy Nelson has not only try and get Ricky Burns fighting fit he has also tightened the diet belt on the Scot.

“Once the fights over I’ll just chill out and live on takeaways for the next few weeks. Right now my body is just craving fatty foods: it’s just about all I can think about” added Burns.

Ricky Burns is yet to win a fight as a world champion but maybe this weekend’s England v Scotland battle just might be the perfect opportunity for Burns to rectify that unwanted record. Burns seems unfazed however and like any fighter would be more than happy with a win.

“If you go out looking for a knockout it never happens, my attitude is that I just want to get in there and win by any means necessary”

It has been reported that Burns’ manager Alex Morrison has made an official protest against one of the judges chosen for the bout. Englishman Terry O’Connor is under scrutiny from Morrison who is said to be unhappy with O’Connor’s decision making in the past.

“we’ve been told that it is three English Judges and an English referee, but it is up to me to take it out of the referee’s hands” said Burns.

Derry Mathews 'Ahead of Jennings' Exclusive

One of the many talents fron Liverpool shared hid views with Silver Dukes ahead of his Summer Bash 'em up. Derry Mathews speaks of the past, present, future and of course NO WAY OUT.

Dukes; Firstly how are preparations going?

Derry: prep has gone first class once again, Oliver Harrison as got me in great condition along with Johnny Roye and James Morton at the university where I do my strength work, I also have a mind coach Brian Macready who has done some great work with me, am leaving nothing to chance.

Dukes: You were originally scheduled to fight Gavin Rees who unfortunately suffered ligament damage in training, how has the change of opponent affected your training schedule?

Derry: I was down to fight Jennings first then the Rees fight came along so it hasn’t been to bad have let Oliver and Bri deal with the coaching have just out on with staying focused.

Dukes: So July 30^th Merseyside Derby with Stephen Jennings not a bad substitute for Rees?

Derry; No its a hard fight this is his chance to go up the ladder so I have to make sure am ready and on the 30th I think a few will realise am a few leagues ahead of Ste at this stage in are careers.


Dukes: Rees Tweeted he would reschedule the fight as soon as he’s fit, is that still the plan after Jennings?


Derry: The Rees fight is happening in October we have done the deal with Eddie Hearn and I think the fans want to see it.
I for one can’t wait to see the fight with Gavin Rees.

Dukes: It seemed the Jennings fight was made almost instantly after Rees pulled out, how did your Team manage to pull that off?

Derry: The Jennings fight was already on until I got the Rees fight offered to me soon as fight was cancelled I spoke to Ste Vaughan Jr and told him to make the fight ASAP, the show sold out in 10 days there’s no tickets left. I keep telling promoters am a ticket seller and we have the best fans on the planet.


Dukes: Jennings at 27years old and only 5 pro bouts under his belt, have you had a chance to really study him, couldn’t have been easy to get tactics put together for this one?


Derry: Yeah I know Ste well, we are mates, we boxed each other 3 times, I won all 3 so he will want to get a win , he’s a good fighter and is meant to be a big puncher but like I’ve said before to people am the biggest puncher at 9st 9 , lets see how he handles going 10 rounds getting hit back, remember bags in the gym don’t hit back opponents do.


Dukes: We briefly spoke to Paul Smith Jr about the talent coming out of Liverpool and another Merseysider Tony Bellew sets out this Saturday night to make his claim for a world title shot just how many future world champions are coming out of Liverpool with yourself not too far away from an EBU title shot?

Derry: Liverpool is flying at the moment and not trying to sound big headed I feel me and Vaughan are boxing it back on the map I was our first champion in many years have been a pro nearly 10 years now and like I said I brought a title to the city then rest of lads have kept it up, the talent is best in country look at the likes of smith brothers, Bellew Selkirk Rocky Fielding, Paul Edwards the lads at the gym Martin Murray there all capable of winning major titles.

Dukes: The lightweight division is really heating up with Murray v Mitchell also what is your take on the current Lightweight scene?　

Derry: 9st 9 is a great division to be in I rate Mitchell as the best out there I honestly think he is a world class fighter just had a bad day at the office last time, then there is Murray Crolla Rees, Limmond and myself, you try tell me that this is not the hardest weight to win a British title out right.

Dukes: Just how far can Derry Mathews go?

Derry: Derry Mathews will go to the top again, first I have got to deal with Jennings then I’ll prepare for Rees then I’ll leave the rest to Oliver and Ste Vaughan Jr but I want a big world title fight that would top my career off.

A big thanks to Derry Mathews for taking the time to speak to us ahead of another big night for domestic Boxing.

Sergio Martinez is not a machine - Darren Barker

Shaun Brown
Undisputed Fight Magazine

“I’ve been fighting 16 years and it’s all been building for this one moment.”  - Darren Barker

Many observers probably scoffed at the idea of the London middleweight going from going 12 rounds with the unheralded Domenico Spada to pitting his wits against world beater Sergio Martinez in the space of six months.

But come October 1 at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, the 29-year-old will enter the ring and square off against the man that many feel is only second to Manny Pacquiao on pound-for-pound lists. “I know what I’m going up against. I haven’t stopped watching him (Martinez) for the last few years. But he’s not a machine, he’s only a man and this is sport. If everything was a formality in sport no-one would watch it. Everyone loves the underdog, that’s why the Rocky films did so well,” said Barker when speaking to Undisputed.

Barker joins an ever growing Brit pack who found themselves plucked from fighting mid-level opposition to being matched up against someone, that on paper, is a challenge far too great. But the confidence is already bubbling away in the European Middleweight champion. “I’ve got a real feeling I can pull a big upset off. I’m bigger than him, I can match his hand speed and I’ve got a new found enthusiasm for the sport. Added to that I’ve got a seven month old little daughter that gives me a greater reason for doing it. I’ll be training like a lunatic,” warned Barker.

With so many British boxing fans willing to travel the world come rain, hail or shine, Barker is hoping he brings with him his own ‘Barmy Army.’ “We’ve already put out some feelers for who’s coming out. A lot of people are up for coming over but no package prices have been mentioned yet. It’s not exactly cheap but we’ll see what happens.”

Should Barker pull off one of the biggest boxing upsets in recent memory he wants to ensure that everyone realises what he will have achieved. “It’s not like I’m fighting a champion from one of the governing bodies I am fighting the best man I can possibly fight. I think the Ring Magazine title will be on the line, which means a lot to me. But when I do beat him, title or not I will have beaten the top man.

Joe Gallagher: Kevin Mitchell will be suffering on Saturday night | Manchester Evening News - menmedia.co.uk

Joe Gallagher: Kevin Mitchell will be suffering on Saturday night Manchester Evening News - menmedia.co.uk

King Khan hopes Morales Will Be Next

Little over a week away from his unification fight with Zab Judah in Vegas Amir Khan is hoping to fight again before the year is out and is hoping Erik Morales will be in the opposite corner.

WBA Light Welterweight champion Khan told Rueters “I am hoping to fight Erik Morales, which would be a big fight for me. He’s a big name in the States. From there, maybe I will move up to 147lbs and try to take on Floyd Mayweather”

One thing is for sure, Amir Khan as we all know will never have trouble finding opponents and although many would feel the winner of Maidana/Guerrero would have or should have been Khan’s number one choice once they settle the score but now it looks like team Khan have other ideas.

Erik Morales is scheduled to fight one of the UK’s rising Welterweight stars Anthony Crolla September 17^th sharing the bill with Mayweather v Ortiz. I imagine Amir Khan believes this is somewhat of a mismatch with no mention whatsoever of one of the Denton Gym Warriors Crolla. Anthony ‘Million Dollar’ Crolla has all the tools in his armoury to cause an aging Morales all kinds of problems and is more than capable of picking up a win in Vegas.

I would like to see Khan take on Robert Guerrero, he is well over due another title bout but maybe this fight could be a potential bump in Khan’s road to Mayweather. Khan feels he needs a stepping stone fight before Mayweather and I don’t blame him, you certainly do not want to miss the main course and go straight for the desert and personally I would like Khan to take a closer look at home. Sheffield up and comer Kell Brook would be a great fight if Khan would take a fight back in the UK which is not likely to happen as the money would not be as great, also Khan v Brook would be a hard sell in the States as it seems not many people like Khan and Brook is unheard of Stateside.

Let’s pretend it is September 18^th and Ant Crolla did win last night in Vegas, with Crolla putting a show on in Las Vegas maybe Khan v Crolla could may sell in the US but I can’t remember the last time two brits headlined Vegas and maybe I’m dreaming but rather than talk a great fight with Kell Brook he should take the fight and Anthony Crolla is by no means too far behind.

Lee Purdy’s One Eye On Vassell

Ahead of his British Welterweight title defence against Craig Watson this coming Saturday night Lee Purdy hopes a win will secure a rematch with Denton Vassell. Colchester’s Purdy has said “I would love another go at Denton if I beat Craig, I am sure I can avenge that set back”

Vassell came out on top with a narrow point’s victory over Purdy in their Commonwealth title bout in April.

Purdy followed this hic-up with a 5^th round stoppage win over Craig Watson to pick up the British title and will be hoping to prove this was by no means a fluke when the pair meet again in Oldham.

Lee Purdy with only two professional defeats on is record signed a three fight deal with Hatton promotions with Denton amongst the same stable the rematch should not be too difficult to put together.

Also fighting in Oldham this Saturday night Ricky Hatton’s youngsters are out in force with Austin Hornsby v Jason Nesbitt, Dean Halsall takes on Ryan Clark and Matthew Clarkson laces up against James Tucker.

Find out the latest on Amir Khan ahead of his Unification showdown with Zab Judah
Courtesy of Fightnews.com

How has this camp been? Has it been better than the past three camps which involved traveling with trainer Freddie Roach (Philippines, Vancouver, Dallas, etc.)?

“This camp has been very smooth. We arrived in Los Angeles before the fight with Zab Judah was officially announced because we knew that the July 23 date was set in stone for my fight. When Timothy Bradley declined our last offer, we made a deal with Judah and we’ve been focusing on him since early June.”

“Obviously not traveling to the Philippines, Dallas or even Vancouver has made this an easier camp. There’s obviously less distractions this time. Although going to the Philippines to train with Manny was a terrific experience; any chance to train with one of the best fighters in the world is always an opportunity worth taking.”

How is it working again with Alex Ariza? Can you describe his help in preparing you for the fight with Zab Judah?

“I’m glad to be back with Alex, he’s a very important member of the team. My conditioning for this fight is top notch as he continues to challenge me with various morning workouts and other strength and conditioning routines. He’s got terrific ideas and I appreciate the variety of what we do on a daily basis.”

How do you feel about the talk coming from Zab Judah during the training camp? Does it feel like he’s trying to get you off edge?
“At first I was a little taken back, but that’s how Zab is. I don’t take much of it personally. He’s a terrific fighter with a wealth of experience. He tried to get under my skin at the press conference and on Twitter, but come July 23 I’ll be able to show the world who is better and that’s all that matters.”

Can you discuss how it feels to return to Mandalay Bay, the site of your 2010 “Fight of the Year” performance against Marcos Maidana?
“I’m truly thrilled to be fighting again at Mandalay Bay. It’s a beautiful casino and resort for the fans and the arena is a perfect place to come and see the fight. My fight with Maidana was a classic and I look forward to putting on another sensational performance.”

This is your third fight in the United States, do you feel that fight fans and media are giving you more attention and respect?
“Fans in the U.S. are very much ‘show me what you got’ type fans, which I like. I’ve had great responses from fans after my wins against Malignaggi and Maidana and I look forward to continuing to earn their respect. Same with the [American] boxing writers, they’ve been very fair to me. That’s all I can ask.”

Generally speaking, what do you think will be your keys to a victory over Zab Judah?
“My keys to beating Zab are to stay focused and listen to Freddie’s plan. Freddie does a great job analyzing my opponents and putting together great plans towards victory. I’m fully confident that we’re putting the work in with our preparations that will lead to a victory on July 23.”

Freddie Roach, Khan’s Trainer How do you feel training camp is going?
“We had our best day of sparring on Friday (July 8). Everything is on schedule. We’ll be cutting down on sparring now; he peaked at 10 rounds. Now we’re down to eight, six and then four rounds sessions.”

When will you break camp to head to Las Vegas?
“We will travel to Las Vegas after training on Monday (July 18).”

Murray v Mitchell A Look Ahead

Murray eyes up WBA Title after Mitchell KO

Boxing returns to Liverpool this weekend with no less than four titles on the line. Manchester’s John Murray promises to steal the headlines when he defends his European Lightweight title against Kevin Mitchell and a win for Murray may well land him a long awaited world title fight and WBA champion Brandon Rios seems to fit the bill.

“I seen Rios fight at the weekend and he looks like a good champion, I’ve always said that I want the big fights and I’d love to fight him next” said Murray.

Murray also confident to make a statement against Mitchell to make the rest of the champions in the division sit up and takes note.

Where there’s a Murray there’s always a Kevin Mitchell close behind and not be over shadowed by John Murray’s world title claims Mitchell added “John Murray can talk about Rios all he wants, he has to get passed me first, I am going to knock him out on Saturday so he can kiss goodbye to his dreams”

“Rios in an all action fighter and a fight between us would be an absolute classic” added Mitchell.

The Murray v Mitchell fight is sure to be explosive with John Murray intent on hurting Kevin Mitchell and proving once again he belongs at the top table and mix it up with the best Lightweights around the globe.

The talk will all be over come Saturday night and personally I only see one outcome and that is a John Murray win. Not forgetting the other three headlining fights Ricky Burns v Nicky Cook for the WBO Super Featherweight title, Tony Bellew v Ovill McKenzie for the British and Commonwealth Light Heavyweight titles and Frankie Gavin v Curtis Woodhouse for the WBO Intercontinental Welterweight title.

If that is not enough boxing action for you or if you’re just greedy Frank Warren has thrown in a tasty under card with Liverpool’s own Prizefighter champion Rocky Fielding v Jamie Ambler and Craig Watson v Lee Purdy.

Pascal to Bute 'Time to Step It Up'

　

Former WBC, IBO and Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight champion has said it is about time Lucian Bute fought fighters of his own calibre as ‘Mister KO’ IBF Super Middleweight champion turns down Pascal for the 4^th time. Jean Pascal has stated that Lucian Bute does not want to take any risks.

“After my fight against Bernard Hopkins we offered Lucian Bute to fight me next this fall, and he said no” Pascal is said to be disappointed with the refusal, as he thinks a boxer should be brave enough to take on challenges adding if a boxer does not take chances they will find themselves amongst a lot of controversies.

Lucian Bute is undefeated with a 29-0 record 24 coming by way of knockout and Pascal had this to say “he is a great fighter but he’s always fighting boxers below his level and he needs to step up his game and fight boxers of his calibre”

It seems Jean Pascal is desperate to land this fight with Bute which would certainly be a test for the Romanian now based in Canada.

Lucian Bute retained his IBF crown at the weekend with an impressive 4^th round KO of Jean-Paul Mendy in Bucharest in what was Bute’s eighth successful title defence since taking claim over the strap in 2007.

Would a move to Light Heavyweight suit the 31 year old Southpaw with only one Professional fight at the weight whist there are still world class opponents at Super Middleweight that are yet to share a ring with Bute such as Mikkel Kessler, Andre Ward, Carl Froch, Kelly Pavlik to name but a few although I am sure Jean Pascal would not hesitate taking the fight at Super Middleweight where his only defeat only defeat came by the hands of WBC champion Carl Froch.

In hindsight both Super Middleweight and Light Heavyweight divisions have so much to offer to the boxing universe and we can expect many great fights in the coming years and you could argue any of the top 15 in both divisions has the tools to be world champions. I look forward to seeing what the new boxing season throws at us.

Overlooking Barker Could Dazzle Martinez

　

　

Two time European champion Darren Barker will be packing his over night bag with Eddie Hearn and the team July 20^th when they make their way to New York City for the first face to face press conference with 47-2-2 WBC Diamond Middleweight champion Sergio Martinez.

As the build up begins boxing fans and boxing experts are already having their say and it does not make good reading for team barker thus far. Many feel the Barker v Martinez fight has only been made to keep Martinez busy whilst waiting for Charvez Jr, Miguel Cotto or Antonio Margarito to make themselves available to fight the argentine.

Not all boxing heads are as cynical nor as quick to draw fire on Darren Barker’s chances on October 1^st at Boardwalk Hall, New Jersey. I have been looking at some of the fan’s reactions to this fight from across the pond and have been pleasantly surprised. Darren Barker will hardly be a household name in the USA unless you’re a Silver Dukes Boxing fan but word is spreading stateside and there are those that have taken note of Dazzling Dal’s showdown with the 2^nd ranked pound 4 pound fighter in the world.

One fan quoted “Martinez looks amazing against average fighters but ordinary against a skilful fighter” another saying “Barker has some real boxing skills and will cause Martinez some problems”

The skills Darren possesses may well cause problems for Martinez. Barker is somewhat of a 12 round specialist and on his ring return back in April against hard hitting Italian Domenico Spada Darren’s full fitness was questioned prior to the fight yet Barker comfortably lasted 12 rounds and out pointed Spada.

I followed the early stages of negotiations of this fight and must admit I thought “what a great opportunity for Darren” and though I stand by my claim as we get closer to the fight and news of press conferences I am starting to get a worried for our own Darren Barker as either way you look at it, it’s going to be tough and the training camp will have to be perfect.

Many would argue Barker has not faced anyone with the power of Martinez and many more would not argue with that claim but Barker has a good boxing brain and I believe the tactics will be right on the night. Do I think Barker will win? It is too early to say, do I think Barker can win? Most certainly.

Verbal Low Blows Gavin v Woodhouse

Frankie Gavin and Curtis Woodhouse have been in fine voice once again heading into this weekend’s Boxing overdose in Liverpool. Gavin put’s his WBO Intercontinental Welterweight title on the line against former Birmingham city footballer Curtis Woodhouse as part of Frank Warren’s feast of boxing July 16^th at the Echo Arena Liverpool.

Both these fighters have close connections with Birmingham city and Gavin has said “he never made it as a footballer and he’ll never make it as a boxer. Woodhouse used to play for city but I never seen him because I only went to see the first team”

“He threatens to knock me out, that is a total lack of respect and he will be made to pay” added Gavin. Not to be out done in this war of words Woodhouse hit back “Frankie Gavin has had it fairly easy so far, he beat a washed up Young Mutley who didn’t mount an attack all night”

“let’s see what Gavin’s chin is like once I land on it, he can’t stay out of my way for 12 rounds, Gavin has said he will retire if I beat him, so I can’t wait to see if he sticks to his word” added Woodhouse.

These new verbal low blows came about after Frankie Gavin failed to make the contracted 144lb in a preliminary weigh in and the fight is now to be at the full 147lb Welterweight limit. Woodhouse was outraged as the fight was contracted as a catch weight fight “I already agreed to move up to 10st 4lbs (144lbs) to fight him and now they want another 3lbs off me. It’s unprofessional, they will want me to wear a blindfold next” said Woodhouse.

Gavin v Woodhouse is accompanied by Tony Bellew v Ovill McKenzie 2, with the entire drug testing, and cheating claims on McKenzie’s behalf certainly has injected Bellew with inspiration and determination. The long awaited death match with John Murray and Kevin Mitchell could possibly be the fight of the night with both of these fighters out for blood and each claiming we won’t be seeing 12 rounds. The main event sees Ricky Burns v Nicky Cook in a champion v former champion fight. Also the ring return of Prizefighter champion Rocky Fielding.

I for one can not wait for Saturday Fight Night. If you’re a betting man it is certainly these sorts of nights where a spread bet could land you a big pay out. Check out Predictions and betting for my Saturday night picks.
It is certainly no secret that Gavin and Woodhouse will not be sending each other Christmas cards but as far as the fight goes it certainly seems like a great appetiser before the main course on Saturday night.