31.01.07 – Former British, Commonwealth, European and IBO lightweight champion Billy Schwer is backing Graham Earl to put Luton back on the map as a British boxing stronghold. Schwer, who like Earl hails from the Bedfordshire town, was its favourite son as he powered his way to a string of titles during the 1990s.. And now he says 28-year-old Earl, who challenges for the WBO interim lightweight title against dynamite punching Michael “The Thunder from Down Under” Katsidis on February 17 at Wembley Arena, will bring similar glory to the town.
” I’ll be watcing Graham’s fight with Katsidis, and I know that he will win,” said 37-year-old Schwer, who also challenged for IBF, WBC and WBU world titles.
” What he’s doing is fantastic for British boxing and fantastic for Luton as well.
” Whether it be football, boxing or tiddlywinks, I always want to see my home town do well, and I know Graham will go out there and do us proud. He’ll be bringing that title back to Luton.”
Schwer, who is now a motivational speaker following his retirement from the fight game in 2001, has always been a big fan of Earl, a former British and Commonwealth champion and European number one.
” Graham is so exciting and I always enjoy watching him box,” said Schwer. “I can’t remember the last time he was in a boring fight, and I’m sure it will be no different on February 17.
” The Aussie will be tough, but there’s so much on the line for Graham that he won’t take a backward step.”
Schwer left the sport with a 39-6 (30) record, having fought from 1990 until 2001. For more on him, visit www.billyschwer.com.
The February 17 show, titled England Expects, will be screened live on ITV1 and is headlined by Audley Harrison’s EU heavyweight title challenge against Michael Sprott. Amir Khan, Ross Minter, Eddie Corcoran, Derek Chisora, Grant Skehill, Tommy Saunders, Robin Deakin and Vinny Mitchell are all in action.
Tickets can be purchased from See Tickets on 0870 060 3794.