Former British Super Bantamweight champion Matthew Marsh is to fight for the vacant Commonwealth (British Empire) belt against unbeaten prospect Kris Hughes. The Marsh-Hughes title clash is scheduled to be on the undercard of the Frank Maloney promoted IBF Super Bantamweight World Title fight between Steve Molitor and Jason Booth at the Rainton Meadows Arena, Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne and Wear on Friday 23rd July..
Following a sparring session, with former British and European Bantamweight Champion Ian ‘Dappa’ Napa, at the Ultrachem TKO Gym in Canning Town, Marsh took a little time out to speak about the surprise news, “I’ve only just found out today the fights on. I’m really pleased to get another chance at the Commonwealth title.
I see Kris box against Ian (Ultrachem TKO Gym mate Ian Bailey). He’s a good kid who knows what he’s doing. But I’ll find a way to beat him.
I’m in the gym today as usual. I’ve been training and sparring anyway but I’m stepping it up now. I’m really happy and just want to get in there.”
Marsh’s long time trainer/manager Johnny Eames, who was by Marsh’s side throughout, added, “I’m obviously pleased to see Matthew get back in the mix for a title.
I was a little upset with the decision when he lost the British title challenge to Jason Booth, but fair play to Frank Maloney he promised us another title shot and has come up with with a title fight for Matthew. Which is more than other promoters have done for Matthew in his career. He has been kept on the back burner by other promoters and match makers.
I see this as a great opening for Matthew. A fight that he should win, the kid he’s fighting is a good southpaw whose unbeaten in eleven. It could prove to be a tricky fight as Kris is so tall but I feel that Matthew has the desire and ability to win.”
The Matthew Marsh versus Kris Hughes for the vacant Commonwealth title is at the Rainton Meadows Arena, Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne and Wear on Friday 23rd July 2010, on the undercard of the Frank Maloney promoted IBF Super Bantamweight World Title bout between Steve Molitor and Jason Booth .
Also on the Sky Sports televised show will be Nigel Wright versus Dean Harrison for the English Light Welterweight title.
Tickets for the event are available from www.frankmaloney.com
WARREN WINS BARKER-MACKLIN PURSE BIDS!
Promoter Frank Warren today won the purse bids to stage Darren Barker’s mandatory European Middleweight Title defence against Matthew Macklin.
Warren, who earlier this week won the purse bids for Ryan Rhodes’ European Light-Middleweight title defence against Lukas Konecny, came first with a bid of ?125,600 with Barker’s promoter Hennessy Sports coming second and Brian Peters Promotions third.
Warren said, “I’m delighted to have won the rights to stage this fight and will announce a date and venue shortly.”
MCDERMOTT STRESSES MORE THAN MY WIFE
FRANK MALONEY has revealed that his heavyweight star John McDermott (25-6) worries more than his own missus, Tracey.
The veteran promoter reckons nerves are the only thing that can stop ‘Justice for John’ in his big rematch against Tyson Fury (10-0) at the Brentwood Centre on June 25.
Manchester’s Fury won an disputed points verdict when they clashed nine months ago and will be defending his English heavyweight crown in a fight that doubles as a final eliminator for Derek Chisora’s British title.
Frank Maloney who stages ‘Conspiracy Fury’ said: “The only criticism I have of John is that he doesn’t always believe in his own ability and that is the last thing he needs installing.
“He recently changed trainers and is with Jim McDonnell. If Jim cannot give him a kick up the backside and a bit of belief nobody will.
“John spends plenty of time telling him what he should and shouldn’t be doing. For a big man he is one of the nicest men I met and one of the biggest worriers.
“He worries more than my wife and that is something we have got to try and stop him doing. I have been to a charity dance with him and he even worries when he’s dancing.
“If we can stop him doing that he can go a helluva long way.
In a big clash of prospects Southern Area heavyweight champion Larry ‘The War Machine’ Olubamiwo meets North Shields Dave Ferguson (12-2) in a British heavyweight title eliminator.
Other heavyweight bruisers on the bill includes Olympic bronze medallist David Price (6-0), Tom Dallas (10-0) and much talked about debutant Dillian ‘The Villain’ Whyte.
Also boxing on Maloney’s latest knockout show is are Ashley Sexton (9-0-1), Menay Edwards (3-0), Tony Hill (4-1) and Lewis Pettit (1-0).
Tickets for Conspiracy Fury are available prices £40 and £90 from 0871 226 1508 and www.frankmaloney.com