GRAHAM EARL enters the last chance saloon when he makes his ring return against in-form Henry Castle at York Hall, Bethnal Green on Friday October 17. Although no title is at stake the winner is certain to be in the British lightweight title picture, while the loser may find it tough picking up the pieces. Earl (25-3) had a terrible 2007, losing to Aussie Michael Katsidis in a interim WBO title fight and nine months ago was blown away in 72 seconds by Amir Khan..
Luton’s ex-British and Commonwealth champion, 30, who has started training boxers insists he was never contemplating retirement despite those setbacks and is feeling fresh for the lay-off.
Promoter Frank Maloney who managed Earl until they split in 2006 said: “Earl has asked me to give him an opportunity and I have done that.
“I’ve told him that at this stage of his career he must fight live men. I cannot build him back up with soft touches.”
Salisbury’s Castle (18-4) has won four consecutive fights since losing to Ian Wilson in March 2007 and the 29-year-old showed he will be a lightweight force halting previously unbeaten Lee Cook in his last fight.
Maloney added: “Castle will see Graham’s recent form and really fancy his chances. He knows impress here and he becomes a live challenger for British champion John Murray.”
HEAVYWEIGHT EXPLOSION
HEAVYWEIGHT hitters Tom Dallas and Larry ‘The War Machine’ Olubamiwo are on a collision course.
FTM’S man mountains face selected opposition when they box four-rounders against selected opponents at York Hall, Bethnal Green on Friday October 17.
Clapton’s Olubamiwo will be making his professional debut after a successful career at the world famous Repton ABC.
James Cook MBE will train the prospect who reached the final of the ABA novice senior championship last season.
Dallas, a former ABA super-heavyweight champion got his professional career off to a winning start earlier this month outpointing Slovakian Vlado Szabo.
Maloney was delighted with the Chatham man’s performance and believes there could be a battle against ‘The War Machine’ in about two years time.
“Dallas showed a lot of promise in his first fight and could be the surprise package to emerge in the heavyweight division.
“Larry looks just as exciting. He wants to fight and isn’t afraid who he is thrown in against.”
“Someone asked me if I would match them now, which is crazy. Down the line an explosive battle between them is on the cards,” warned Frank.
CRACK AT WORLD TITLE
AJOSE OLUSEGUN is on the verge of being nominated for a crack at WBC light-welterweight champion Timothy Bradley.
The Kentish Town based Nigerian will box a non-title eight rounder at York Hall, Bethnal Green on Friday October 17 against a selected opponent.
If southpaw Olusegun (24-0) comes through with his record intact he will be on course to meet Thailand’s Sirimongkol Singwancha in a world championship eliminator early next year.
Ajose, 28 , is currently ranked three in the WBC rankings and Singwancha at number 11.
Promoter Frank Maloney said: “We nearly got Singwancha over in the summer, but now the fight can be made.
“I will be going to the WBC convention in China in November and I’m confident they will sanction the fight as an eliminator.
“Ajose will be kept busy and he could even appear on the Ricky Hatton bill in November.”
Also on the talent stacked York Hall card is lightweight hopeful Liam Shinkwin who showed he was a cut above the rest earlier this month winning his pro debut against Robin Deakin.
Shinkwin, 22, sold 400 tickets to customers and friends on his professional debut and hopes to send them home happy once more.
Ian Napa tops the bill dubbed ‘Dapa Napa’ challenging defending champion Carmelo Ballone for the European bantamweight title. Former British and Commonwealth lightweight champion Graham Earl also returns when he faces Henry Castle. Tickets are available from www.frankmaloney.com or 0871 226 1508