Mark Moran is prepared to walk through a wall of fire to win the British title. The former amateur star will get that chance when he faces reigning British super bantam champ Matthew Marsh on Friday, April 17 at the Indoor Sports Centre in Leigh, England. 27 year old Moran, 11-0-1 (3), has been preparing for this moment since turning pro in 2003 and only the drive to one day compete for the British title sustained his ambition during his three year hiatus from the ring between 2004 and 2007..
The Liverpool southpaw must outbox another highly decorated ex-amateur in the form of Marsh, 11-1 (1), who has only lost to former WBU king Derry Matthews at featherweight in what was simply a case of too much, too soon for the West Ham stylist.
Marsh won the British title from Esham Pickering in June, 2008 and defended the belt in a difficult third fight with nemesis Rocky Dean, winning a close majority decision.
Moran is hoping to reprise his English title winning effort in May of last year when he overcame hard man Danny Wallace via ninth round stoppage in City of Manchester Stadium and has vowed to bring the British title back to Liverpool.
Frank Maloney Promotions presents the Super Bantamweight Championship of Britain between Mark Moran and Matthew Marsh along with full undercard support at the Indoor Sports Centre in Leigh, England on Friday, April 17, 2009.
Tickets, priced at £70 for Ringside and £35 General Admission, are available by logging onto www.frankmaloney.com or by calling the Box Office at 0871 226 1508.
Sky Sports will televise the action live on SS1 at 10PM.
BROADHURST DEFENDS TITLE AGAINST FUNDI
Birmingham star Don Broadhurst will make the second defence of his Commonwealth super-flyweight title against Juma Fundi on April 24 in Wolverhampton.
Broadhurst tops a card – promoted by Frank Warren in association with First Team Promotions – that also features rising welterweight star Jamie Cox in an exciting ten-rounder against local favourite Mark Lloyd, plus Dudley middleweight Darren McDermott; as well as a number of Midlands fighters.
The 25-year-old, who won gold at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, is aiming for a world title shot within 18 months.
But first he has to deal with his third African opponent in as many fights.
Broadhurst, who boxes out of Birmingham, has already defeated Isaac Quaye on points and stopped Isaac Owusu.
Now he gets Tanzania’s Fundi, who has a 9-2 (5) record and has challenged for two regional WBO belts.
The 22-year-old comes from Tanzania’s capital, Dar Es Salaam and turned professional two years ago.
“These fights are all about building towards a world title,” said Broadhurst, who is 10-0 (2).
“African fighters are tough, and I’ve had to work hard against my last two opponents, but I’m learning all the time.
“My promoter Frank Warren is doing a great job with keeping me busy, and I know he’ll deliver the big fights if I keep on winning.”
Warren added: “Don’s a really talented kid and one of the best prospects in the country, and I know he will impress again on April 24.”
Tickets priced at £30, £50 and £100 are available from the Wolverhampton Civic Hall on 0870 320 7000.