23.09.04 – European middleweight champion and WBC #1 number Howard Eastman will now meet Jerry Elliott over eight rounds on tonight’s Hennessy Sports ‘Heirs Apparent’ promotion at the Nottingham Arena. The German based Nigerian was brought in after Eastman’s original opponent and mandatory contender Jorge Sendra was ruled out for failing to provide suitable medical evidence that he was fit to box.
This was despite repeated assurances from both his team, the Spanish Federation and the European Boxing Union that all relevant paperwork was in place.
“It is highly unfortunate that this has occurred, but in Jerry Elliott we have managed to bring in an extremely competitive opponent,” said promoter Mick Hennessy.
“Elliott is extremely well respected throughout Europe, has boxed at Championship level seven times and can clearly punch having stopped 27 out of his 37 victims.
“We saw that in his last fight when he floored super middleweight Brian Magee in the very first round.”
Victory will line Eastman up for a fight with American favourite Jermaine Taylor.
The WBC have ordered that their respective #1 and #2 meet in a final eliminator for the right to fight undisputed middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins.
Purse bids for the contest – that will have to be staged within ninety days – will be accepted at their convention in Thailand in early October. It is one Eastman’s promoter is setting out to win.
“This is a real fight – one that I would love to bring to the UK,” continued Hennessy.
“In Howard you have, in my opinion, the only middleweight in the world who has proved he is capable of beating Bernard Hopkins.
“Meanwhile Jermaine Taylor – a top class American and former Olympic bronze medallist – needs a fight like this to prove he is on the same level.
“This would be a tremendous showdown between two of the best from both sides of the Atlantic; a proven triple champion and a US golden boy.”
Hopefully Taylor won’t be making any reverse manoeuvres.
Hennessy added: “The only slight doubt I have about this fight happening lies with Taylor.
“I have been looking to make this fight for the last year and offered good money to Taylor to fight Howard already, but he and his team have yet to take the offer up.
“Now, however, he is at that stage of his career where he needs to make that final step and this is his only viable option. If he ducks out it wont look good.
“Either way we have the situation covered; the WBC have informed us that if Taylor pulls out Howard will automatically get to challenge Hopkins for their title.
“If all goes well I can see that fight happening about February of next year. Fights don’t get any bigger than this.
“At present Hopkins is being labelled as the best pound for pound in world boxing, but we have a fighter from Britain who can beat him.”
For the latest ‘Heirs Apparent’ bill please visit the ‘Next Event’ section on www.HennessySports.com