British Boxing News
Fight fans may have grown accustomed to, or are even bored of, two fighters getting in one another’s face at a pre-fight press conference, but it’s still entertaining to some when it happens. And today, just two days before the IBF/WBA super-bantamweight unification clash between unbeaten rivals Carl Frampton and Scott Quigg, the obligatory, ‘I’ll grab you, you grab me’ theatrics were witnessed.
It’s no secret that comebacking former WBA heavyweight champ David Haye wants a big, all-British showdown with unbeaten fellow Londoner Anthony Joshua. Haye, who returned to the ring in January and next fights, against TBA, in May, has been interested in a potential blockbuster with “A.J” for months now. And Haye is quite right when he says the fight would only be that much bigger if a world title were on the line.
Undefeated 122-pound world champions Carl Frampton (IBF) and Scott Quigg (WBA) held media workouts on Tuesday in Manchester, England, as they finalize preparation for their long-awaited super bantamweight unification showdown this Saturday, Feb. 27 at Manchester Arena.
When he was pulled out at the conclusion of ten woefully one-sided rounds in his rematch with Tyson Fury in November of 2014, Dereck Chisora cut something of a sad figure. Some people even thought “Del Boy” had had too many tough fights and was practically finished as a top contender. But, after finding a new promoter to back him (Sauerland) the 32-year-old warrior proceeded to reel off five straight wins (albeit against so-so opposition) and Chisora, 25-5(17) is now on the verge of a fight that just might see him recapture the European title.
British legend Nigel Benn, who ruled the world at middleweight and super-middleweight, is sure his son Conor will reach the very top also. Set to have his pro debut soon, as a light-welterweight, Conor is the real deal, Benn insists. Conor, who will carry his father’s “Dark Destroyer” nickname, had just 22 amateur fights but is sure the pro game will suit his fighting style.
Speaking with Sky Sports, former king Benn spoke about the 18-year-old son he is understandably very proud of and has also sparred with.
Unbeaten heavyweight contender Anthony Joshua knows better than anyone how quality southpaw sparring is paramount to his chances against defending IBF heavyweight champ Charles Martin. “A.J” has not fought a southpaw before in his 15-0 pro career, and people are wondering how the stance of Martin may or may not affect Joshua on April 9th.
Joshua has revealed to Sky Sports how he is sparring, amongst others, unbeaten Swedish lefty, Otto Wallin. The 25-year-old with the 14-0(10) pro record is almost as tall as Joshua and he has, according to the 2012 Olympic gold medal winner, been providing good work.
Tickets for the IBF World Heavyweight title blockbuster between champion Charles Martin and Olympic gold medal sensation Anthony Joshua MBE sold-out in just 90 seconds on Friday ahead of their clash at The O2 in London on April 9, live on Sky Sports Box Office
It wasn’t all that long ago that boxing people were calling a brash, unbeaten lightweight titlist , “The New Floyd Mayweather Junior.” That was back in 2012, and a lot has happened in the career of Adrien Broner, who is known as “The Problem,” since then. Most troublesome for the trash-talking 26-year-old from Cincinnati, was his brutally exposing beating at the hands of Marcos Maidana just 11 days before Christmas in 2013.
It seems we are inching, ever so slowly, towards a confirmed date and venue for the highly anticipated return fight between heavyweight ruler Tyson Fury and the man he shocked last November, Wladimir Klitschko. Peter Fury, Tyson’s uncle and head trainer, spoke with Sky Sports today and he said the fight has been narrowed down to two locations:
“We are trying to locate and secure the venue and get moving forward,” Fury told Sky Sports. “I’m hoping some time soon we can get it announced. Nothing is set and it all depends on the venue. The fight is going to take place in one of two places; it’s either going to be in the UAE or in the United Kingdom. It’s a toss-up between the two and talks are ongoing. The best package will take it. It’s just about maximising revenue.”
Former WBA heavyweight champ David Haye has not yet officially announced an opponent for his second comeback fight, set once again for The O2 in London, but if “The Hayemaker” has his way, his fight will again appear on free-to-air TV. Haye surprised many by having his January return fight, against Mark de Mori, shown on Dave, a channel usually used to showcase comedy and chat show type fodder. But, despite the surprise, Haye’s one-round blow out attracted over 3 million views.