28.05.04 – Carl Froch will now defend his commonwealth super middleweight title against Canada’s Mark Woolnough at the Nottingham Arena on Wednesday 2nd June following the unfortunate withdrawal of original opponent Tony Dodson. As such ‘home II’ – co-headlined by Junior Witter’s European light welterweight title showdown with Italy’s Salvatore Battaglia – remains the most highly anticipated boxing event of the year.
In addition to two of Britain’s brightest talents in traditional title fights, the Hennessy Sports promotion also boasts a cracking undercard.
Francis Barrett goes to battle against fellow come forward brawler Gavin Down for the EU light welterweight title, whilst lightweight Lee Meager tussles with Michael Muya – who recently troubled Kevin Bennett on these shores – in an intriguing eight rounder.
Hennessy Sports stars, David Walker, John Murray, Daniel Cadman, Spartacus and John O’Donnell also feature.
“It is a privilege to box on this show. It is going to be a night to remember,” promised home favourite Carl Froch.
“The bill is full of quality from top to bottom – where else would you get the likes of me, Junior Witter, Francis Barrett, Lee Meager and David Walker all on the same promotion?
“And thanks to my promoter Mick Hennessy ensuring that I am still in a Championship contest, I still have the opportunity to make Nottingham proud.
“I will do just that.”
Victory over the respectable Woolnough will represent the next step upon a glittering, title laden path that the ‘Cobra’ is destined to tread.
The 26-year-old is well aware, however, that he has no easy task ahead of him.
“For someone who has come in at late notice, Woolnough is going to bring one hell of challenge,” continued the Gedling boxer.
“He has plenty of Championship experience – having won the Canadian and the Canadian-American-Mexican titles – was in training for another fight and is in a rich vein of form.
“He has won his last 8 outings on the bounce, and won them in style – including those two title fights.
“There are three defeats on his record earlier in his career when he was learning the ropes, but significantly he has never been stopped.
“He is also a southpaw and a North American southpaw at that.
“Those kids can fight out there.
“Beating him then will give me a lot of experience
“I understand that he is also a boxer-mover.
“That could be very beneficial as there is the possibility I could be boxing another one in Matthew Barney for the British in the near future.”
Barney – and a whole host of others – could have had their chance on June 2nd 2004.
“Mick has told me that Barney was given the opportunity to replace Dodson, but turned it down,” Froch continued.
“That’s a bit rich given that just the other week he was banging on saying that he would fight me anytime, anywhere.
“That is the problem with all these fighters calling me out, trying to build themselves up off the back of my name.
“When it comes to it they haven’t got what it takes to back their claims up.
“Andrew Thysse, Jerry Elliot and Mpush Makembi also had the chance to fight me but turned it down for one reason or another.
“You have to give credit to Woolnough for being prepared to step in the ring against me.”
‘Home II’ takes place at the Nottingham Arena on Wednesday June 2nd. Tickets are available on 0870 121 0123 or at www.HennessySports.com