02.03.04 – Dodson Forced Out Of Froch Fight: Liverpool’s British super middleweight champion Tony Dodson was forced to pull out of his first title defence against Nottingham’s Carl Froch last week following an unfortunate nose injury in sparring. Dodson, who has a history with nose injuries, had an operation before Christmas in the hope that all problems would be cleared up. This however was seemingly not the case, and during a sparring session in preparation for the eagerly anticipated fight on March 12, the recurring injury problem arose.
Needless to say, the Lonsdale belt holder is hugely disappointed with the withdrawal. ‘I’m extremely disappointed the fight’s been put back, because I was raring to go on that date.’ Dodson stated. ‘I suffered the injury sparring with a light middleweight down at the gym. I went and saw a specialist to get a professional opinion, and was told not to compete until the end of March, or risk serious long-term damage. Don’t get me wrong, I could go into the fight with Carl on March 12 injured, but what good is that to either of us? It will be no use to either of us if my nose goes in the first couple of rounds, and the fight get’s stopped because of it. I know Carl Froch is a good fighter, and I know I’m not going to have an easy fight against him, that is why I have to be 100% going into the fight. I’d expect exactly the same from him.
23-year-old Dodson is still adamant that the fight will go ahead, but the disappointment from a fans point of view is understandable. The fight was being billed as ex amateur star Froch’s biggest test so far in the professional game, and in Tony Dodson he faced a newly crowned champion intent on holding onto his prestigious title. The scene was set perfectly. Let’s hope it’s all systems go for April.
Three Domestic Duals That Do Go Ahead …
On a good-looking bill in Huddersfield on March 13, Matchroom Promotions have served up three tasty domestic battles that catch the eye.
Nottingham’s brash and skilful super bantamweight Jason Booth puts his IBO title on the line against Huddersfield’s gifted Dale Robinson in what should be a high volume punchfest.
Also on the bill, British cruiserweight king Mark Hobson makes his third defence of his coveted title against Liverpool’s Tony Moran, and former commonwealth champion Michael Jones squares off against Leeds’ rough and tough danger man Darren Rhodes over 12 rounds in a fight that is effectively a final eliminator for 154 lb Lonsdale champ Jamie Moore’s crown. Value for money in every sense of the word.
Matchroom Cook Up A ‘Salah’ Dish For Champion Magee …
Ireland’s IBO super middleweight champion Brian Magee 21-0 (15 KO’s) will tee off against Holland’s Nordin Ben-Salah on April 17 at the King’s Hall, Belfast it was announced last week.
28 year old Magee, last seen unravelling French veteran Hassine Cherifi in 8 one sided rounds, has been linked in recent weeks to numerous other opponents such as Syd Vanderpool and ex WBC champion Robin Reid. However, the winning ticket was claimed by Moroccan born Ben-Salah, a 31-year-old 6-foot fighter who sports an impressive looking 36-2-1 (26 KO’s) resume. At closer inspection that record flatters to deceive. However, with a revenge win over Francisco Mora marking his last start, Ben-Salah will at least come to the ‘Emerald Isle’ with an air of confidence. Whether a revenge win over a modest opponent like Mora is much cop in the first place is a matter of opinion however. Mora, although durable, was easily out pointed by Robin Reid 18 months ago, and has lost three since.
It is vital that Magee stays busy at this pivotal stage in his career. With recognised number one Joe Calzaghe ‘umming and arring’ on whether to progress up to light heavyweight, and with a new wave of cork hat wearing crocodile slayers looking to take over the super middleweight monopoly in the form of messrs Mundine and Green, Magee must look to gatecrash the party. A fight with WBC title holder Marcus Beyer was reportedly close to being made, and assuming Magee can keep motoring along and racking up wins, a plane ticket to Germany booked in Mr Calzaghe’s name could be heading his way, and a recognised title shot likewise.