08.06.04 – Two-time World Middleweight champion ANTHONY FARNELL has stepped in to replace JOE CALZAGHE this Saturday (12 June) at the M.E.N Arena. Calzaghe withdrew from his title challenge against IBF World Light-Heavyweight Champion Glen Johnson last Sunday citing a back injury, leaving RICKY HATTON to headline as the main-event with the thirteenth defence of his WBU World Light-Welterweight title against Carlos Vilches.
The search was on for a title fight to replace Calzaghe and Manchester crowd pleaser Farnell was straight on the phone to promoter Frank Warren looking to step in.
Farnell, who reclaimed the title with a thrilling third round knockout of tough Scotsman Lawrence Murphy in March, will now make the first defence of his title against a challenger to be confirmed shortly.
Arnie said, “Once I heard of Joe’s unfortunate injury I called Frank straight away asking if I could get on the show and make a defence of my title,”
“He took me up on the offer straight away and I’m delighted that I’ve been added to the card. The fans know that I’m a value for money fighter and I always give 100 percent when I’m in the ring no matter who I face. I’ve fought with Ricky on shows plenty of times before and we give the crowd what they want and that’s excitement, action and knockouts,”
“Actually, I was going to be on the bill originally so the only time I’ve had off was straight after the Murphy fight, when I had a week out, but since then I have been in serious training.”
“I’m in great shape and looking forward to the show and retaining my title.”
Farnell’s gym mate Stephen Foster Jnr, who was scheduled to make the first defence of his English Featherweight title on the show, has had to withdraw due to an ear infection.
Tickets, priced at £150, £100, £60, £40 and £30, are available from Keith Prowse Ticketing: 0870 906 3839 and the M.E.N Arena Box Office on 0161 930 8000 or online at www.frankwarren.tv/tickets