23.11.06 – British and Commonwealth super middleweight champion Carl Froch will be well supported on the Hennessy Sports ‘Outright’ promotion at the Nottingham Arena on Friday night when he defends his British and Commonwealth super middleweight titles against Tony Dodson..
In addition to his Hennessy Sports team mates Billy Corcoran, Darren Barker and Dave Stewart – who meets Ghana’s Kpakpo Allotey in an eliminator for the Commonwealth lightweight title – several local fighters also appear on the bill, being covered live by Sky Sports.
Nottingham’s Rod Anderton, Ricardo Samms and Tyan Booth feature, as does Jonjo Finnegan from Burton-on-Trent and Jack Perry from Derby.
Anderton, 6-1, is returning from a setback. The popular light heavyweight suffered a surprise defeat last time out, losing to Richard Turba in Mansfield. The 28-year-old is confident that he will return to winning ways, particularly as his loyal fans have mobilised in support.
“The response I have had since that fight has been great,” said Anderton, who meets Phillip Callaghan over four. “I have sold 300 tickets. I thought I would do a good number – around half of that amount – but it has just taken off.
“Its partly because they all want to get behind me and I think its partly because this is a big event for Nottingham. It’s great to be boxing on this show with someone like Frochy, it’s a good thing for the City.”
Unfortunately, one of Anderton’s biggest fans won’t be in attendance. His granddad sadly passed away last week.
“In a way, I’m going to be doing it for him,” said Anderton, who will wear a commemorative T-Shirt to the ring. “He always wanted to see me fight but never got a chance to. Hopefully he will be looking down on me and I will show what I can do.”
Fellow Nottingham fighter Samms is also looking forward to the occasion.
“It’s great to be on such a big show, alongside a fighter like Carl Froch,” said Samms, 3-0, who takes on former Central Area champion Rob Burton at super middleweight. “Froch is a big name in Nottingham. It’s also good to be appearing alongside talented guys like Darren Barker, who I boxed with as an amateur.
“The Arena is a fantastic venue as well. Every fighter from the area wants to box there. It’s the perfect place for my comeback.”
Due to problems outside of the ring, Samms has not boxed in over a year. The former England International has now, however, teamed up with the Ingles in Sheffield and is looking to make a fresh start.
“All that’s behind me now,” he continued. “I can see the light at the end of the tunnel at last. It feels like I’m starting again. Now that I have a solid team behind me I believe I can go on to achieve my full potential.”
Burton-on-Trent’s Jonjo Finnegan also appears on the big bill – set for a record attendance. He will be looking to extend his running win to 8 when he tackles Sheffield’s Dean Walker over 4 at light heavyweight. Derby’s Jack Perry takes on Christian Laight at light welterweight in just his second professional contest. Tyan Booth takes on Peter Dunn of Pontefract over 4.
The Hennessy Sports ‘Outright’ promotion takes place at the Nottingham Arena on November 24th. Tickets priced £25-£80 are available on 0870 121 0123. For the latest bill and more information please visit www.HennessySports.com.