SAM WEBB will defend his British light-middleweight title against Martin Concepcion in London on Saturday October 16. Webb (16-0-1) won the title in March when he outpointed controversial Anthony Small, but faces a tough night against the Leicester banger. Concepcion (17-7) is arguably the hardest domestic puncher at 11 stone, with ten of his wins coming inside the distance. He is a former Commonwealth champion, a title he won in July 2007 with a shock first round stoppage of Matthew Hall. Promoter Frank Maloney said: “There was criticism that Sam’s win over Small lacked excitement, but that wasn’t his fault..
“He will not have to go looking for Martin and we could have a small hall classic on the night.”
Chislehurst’s Webb, 29, turned professional in October 2005 and Maloney added: “It has taken time, but I feel Sam is finally showing his potential.”
The fight will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Venue confirmation, undercard and ticket prices will be released next month.
BOOTH WANTS REVENGE FOR HIS BROTHER
JASON BOOTH has promised to go one better than brother Nicky and beat Steve Molitor in their world title clash.
Booth, 32, challenges for the Canadian’s IBF world super-bantamweight title at Houghton-le-Spring’s Rainton Meadows Arena on Saturday September 11.
Molitor (32-1) has won on all three previous visits to Britain with the victory over Nicky coming on points in a Commonwealth bantamweight title clash back in September 2002.
Jason (35-5) said: “Nicky was on the floor early in his fight against Molitor and never got back into the fight.
“Molitor has improved since then, but I have waited such a long time for this chance that I am going to succeed and not let this opportunity slip.”
Southpaw Molitor is in his second reign as a world champion, regaining the IBF crown when he outpointed Takalani Ndlovu in March.
His only career loss came in November 2008, when he lost in the fourth round of an IBF-WBA unification match against Celestino Caballero.
In the chief supporting contest London Matthew Marsh (13-2) will meet undefeated Scot Kris Hughes (12-0) for the vacant Commonwealth super-bantamweight crown.
Marsh controversially lost on an 11th round cuts stoppage when he lost to Booth in February and will have one eye on the winner of the world title clash.
Tickets for the massive night of action being televised live by Sky Sports are available from 0871 226 1508 or www.frankmaloney.com. VIP Ringside are £90 with the rest a bargain £30. Get yours in advance for a show that looks certain to sell out.
NISHIOKA v MUNROE DATE ANNOUNCED
RENDALL MUNROE was last night given the date for his world title showdown against Japanese star Toshiaki Nishioka.
Munroe (21-1) will challenge for Nishioka’s (36-4-3) WBC super-bantamweight title at Tokyo’s 10,000 capacity Sumo Hall on Sunday October 24.
Munroe, 30, will take eight weeks off from his binman’s job to prepare for the biggest fight of his career.
The Leicester southpaw, promoter Frank Maloney, manager Mike Shinfield and trainer Jason Shinfield, will spend 12 days in Tokyo before the fight.
Maloney explained: “Tokyo is about eight hours ahead so we need to be there well in advance to make sure everything is spot on.
“People are writing Rendall off, but there are far more hostile places than Japan for a fighter to travel to.
“Nishioka’s camp have been complete professionals to deal with and I am sure Rendall will get a fair deal if the fight goes 12 rounds.”
The fight will take place early afternoon British time and UK television rights will be announced at a later date.