Belfast slugger Martin Rogan says he’ll knock out Audley Harrison at the ExCeL London next Saturday – but has offered to run him home for free afterwards! Rogan, who has also makes a living driving a taxi in his home city, meets the 2000 Olympic Gold medallist on Saturday 6 December. A win could put him in line for a series of lucrative paydays and a title opportunity – and bring an end to the career of Harrison..
The undefeated 37-year-old has already made a name for himself in the last 12 months, winning the inaugural Prizefighter tournament.
But now he knows victory over Harrison could prove to be even more significant.
“I’m coming to London to finally put paid to Harrison’s career once and for all,” said Rogan.
“I know if I win this fight then it puts me in line for a shot at the British title, and once I win the Lonsdale belt then who knows where my career is going to end up,”
“I love working on the taxi ranks, you get to meet so many new and interesting people everyday. Usually, by the end of the journey, if they are not already a boxing fan, then they have been converted!”
“Everybody has wished me good luck against Harrison on December 6 and I’m going there with all of Belfast behind me,”
“I never turned down a fare, but if Harrison wants a lift home after I’ve bashed him up then I’ll drive him back for free!”
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WRIGHT: I WILL WIN TITLE IN MEMORY OF MY SISTER
Tyrone Wright wants to win the English Super-Middleweight Title in memory of his sister Chantelle at the Trent FM Arena Nottingham on Saturday, 6th December.
The Nottingham boxer faces Paul David (Northampton/Sheffield) in a rematch of their Midlands Area light-heavyweight title, which Wright won 97-93 on points in May. Carl Froch (Nottingham) tops the Hennessy Sports bill in a world title fight.
David claims the point’s verdict was controversial and is aiming to finish the rematch early, but Wright insists it will be him who forces a stoppage on what would have been his sister’s birthday.
“The first fight was nowhere near controversial and it was a good decision because a lot of people thought I won the fight,” said Wright.
“He has stirred it up, but the truth is I battered him. This fight is going over old ground but because of what he has said it has given me the motivation to go in there and knock him out.
“He shouldn’t have gone ten rounds with me last time and he’s not going ten rounds again this time. I’m too powerful for him and I’m going to hurt him. I’m going to be bringing the pain.
“The fight is on the same day as my sister’s birthday, but she passed away last year. I’m going to win this title in memory of Chantelle.
“She had a lot of problems with diabetes and health issues. She had an epileptic fit and passed away after it. I won the Midlands Area title two weeks after that fight and hopefully I will be dedicating this title to her as well.
“It could be an emotional night for me, I know, but my family have been telling me to win it for her.”
Wright will have Tony Harrison in his corner after recently splitting with trainer Matt Scriven.
“I’ve had a lot of ups and downs with managers and trainers but it’s not caused me to lose focus because this is for a good title and if I win this I could be in line for a British title shot,” said Wright. “I want people to see I’ve got ability and I can box and that I’m not just raw power.
Wright has benefited from sparring with fellow Nottingham boxer Carl Froch, who is challenging for the Vacant WBC Super-Middleweight World Title against Jean Pascal (Canada) as top of the Hennessy Sports bill, which will be shown live by ITV1.
“I sparred with Carl four weeks ago – and it was definitely a step up for me! I’ve sparred guys on the circuit, but he was on a different level,” said Wright.
Tickets are available from the 24 hour Box Office at the Trent FM Arena on 08444 124 624 or via www.trentfmarenanottingham.com
O’DONNELL: I’M BETTER THAN EVER
John O’Donnell believes winning his last five fights have set him up perfectly for his British Welterweight Title Eliminator against Young Mutley at the Trent FM Arena Nottingham on Saturday, 6th December.
The London Irish boxer has halted four of his last five opponents since suffering his only career defeat when he was pulled out by his trainer Rob McCracken against Mexican Christian Solano in May 2007.
After having surgery on an ear problem that bothered him during that defeat, silky southpaw O’Donnell feels he has since improved his defence and is a stronger fighter.
O’Donnell has been preparing for his fight at a training camp at the Breaffy House Resort Hotel in Castlebar, Ireland, alongside unbeaten Carl Froch (Nottingham), who headlines the Hennessy Sports show when he challenges Jean Pascal (Canada) for the Vacant WBC Super-Middleweight Title. ITV1 will broadcast the fight live.
“I’ve had five fights since losing in America and I’ve got my confidence back, definitely,” said O’Donnell, who won the English Title last year with a points win over Stuart Elwell.
“A few things weren’t right in America, but I’ve learned from it. We decided it was best to keep me busy and after a few fights I began to feel better and stronger than I had been before the America fight.
“I had an ear problem for the America fight, which I didn’t know anything about until I got back. But my head wasn’t on the fight either. I let the occasion get to me and get on top of me.
“This is a bigger night for me, but that won’t happen again. I’m more confident now and I’ve just spent over a month away from home training in Ireland which has helped keep my mind on the job. That wasn’t the case in America where being away from home did me.
“My defence was all over the place until after I fought in America. I got caught with a few good shots against Christian Solano but before that I had got away with it.
“When we got back I listened to everything my trainer Rob McCracken had to say and it’s paid off – my defence is a lot better now.
“Mutley has been up and down a bit in recent years. He had a good win against Jennings but I think he’s there for the taking for me.
“He is obviously far stronger at welterweight where he won his British Title”
Tickets are available from the 24 hour Box Office at the Trent FM Arena on 08444 124 624 or via www.trentfmarenanottingham.com