CARL FROCH is backing Jason Booth to give Nottingham another world champion next month. Booth (35-5) challenges for the Canadian’s (32-1) IBF belt at Rainton Meadows Arena, Houghton-le-Spring on Saturday 11th September. Froch who controversially lost his WBC crown to Mikkel Kessler in April is currently preparing for an October showdown against Arthur Abraham. ‘The Cobra’ reckons he and recovering alcoholic Booth will score a big East Midlands double.
Froch said: “I have known Jason since we were kids fighting as amateurs..
“His story is one you couldn’t make up and to see him back, doing himself and Nottingham proud is fantastic.”
Molitor has already beaten Booth’s brother Nicky and in his first reign as IBF king beat up Michael Hunter in Hartlepool.
Froch added: “Molitor is a world class operator as his record proves.
“I think if Jason can overcome what he’s already done in life, then he can upset Molitor. Booth is in the form and the opportunity has come at the right time.”
In the chief supporting bout to Molitor-Booth, British featherweight champion Martin Lindsay (16-0) boxes a non-title bout.
Local stars in action include Olympic bronze medallist Tony Jeffries (7-0-1), Jon Lewis Dickinson (8-1), Travis Dickinson (6-0), Trevor Crewe (2-2), Gary Fox (2-0), Kirk Goodings (4-0), Martin Ward (8-0), George Watson (8-1-2), and debutant Glen Foot.
Tickets for the massive night of action are available from 0871 226 1508, 0191 564 0202 or www.frankmaloney.com. VIP Ringside are £95 with the rest a bargain £35. Get yours in advance for a show that looks certain to sell out.
The “Gorilla” set to turn Pro
LONDON (24th August) Angel’s ABC top Middleweight, southpaw John Ryder who is nicknamed “the Gorilla” will be crossing over to the paid ranks on the undercard of the exciting “Night of International Boxing” which is taking place on Friday 10th September at York Hall, Bethnal Green.
The co – feature fights involving two of the UK and Ireland’s very best boxers, John O’Donnell who is taking on Olympic Bronze Medalist American Terrence Cauthen over 12 rounds and Tyson Fury who will be fighting over 10 rounds will be televised in America on SHOWTIME® at 11p.m. ET/PT (same day delay). The event will also be shown in Canada on the Super Channel Network and the UK Broadcaster will be announced soon.
The top class amateur from Islington is hoping that he continues his impressive amateur pedigree of 30 wins in 35 contests, into the professional game.
John Ryder said, “This is a new path in my life and I’m really looking forward to making my pro debut in front of the boxing fans at York Hall. I’m looking to go out and make a good impression but not looking to get over excited and go all out for the knockout, but do what I do best which is box. “
Highly regarded trainer Tony Sims who has recently signed management papers with Ryder said, “I am very pleased to have signed up John, he is a top prospect and I believe his style is suited for the pros. He had a good amateur career in which he won two ABA national senior novice championships and the North West London Divisional middleweight title and boxed the likes of George Groves and Kirk Garvey”
“He also will bring his trainer Colin Lake with him; it has worked well up till now so why change it.”
“The Gorilla will be spending quality time at my gym and sparring the likes of European and British Champion Darren Barker, John O’Donnell and Lee Purdy which will only add to his Sharpness“
The exciting “Night of International Boxing” will also see Colchester’s Lee “Lights Out” Purdy who will be back in action looking to defend his Southern Area Welterweight title (*subject to board approval), Royston’s former ABA Champion Bradley Evans is stepping up to 6 x 3 minutes rounds for the first time in his pro career, Phill “Intense” Fury will be looking to record his 6th straight victory and the highly popular Light Welterweight Chris “the flash” Evangelou from Enfield’s will be looking to entertain the York Hall crowd and extend his unbeaten record.
Haddenham’s Tyler Goodjohn (Light Welterweight) will also be making his professional debut on the night.
Tickets for this great night of international boxing are ON SALE NOW and can be purchased from the Ticketline Box Office on 0844 888 4402 or via www.hennessysports.com. Tickets are £35 for unreserved seats and £60 for Ringside.
Oakey Kokey’ Puts His Weight Behind McIntyre Ahead Of Sept 11th Showdown With Ambler
Former WBU Champion Tony ‘Oakey Kokey’ Oakey believes that his Light Heavyweight discovery Joel ‘El Toro’ McIntyre, who debuts, against Welsh battler Jamie Ambler on the Steve Goodwin promoted ‘It’s Personal’ double title show at York Hall, Bethnal Green on Saturday 11th September, has what it takes to go all the way in the sport.
Speaking from his Portsmouth home Oakey, who retired in May this year, said, “Joel McIntyre’s a little protégé of mine. A little while ago I was asked to have a look at this local lad. I’d already heard stories about him as he’s from the same little neighbourhood as myself and he fought for the same amateur club I did.
I get asked to look at lads regularly to see if they if they have what it takes to move from the amateurs to the pros. People don’t realise there is such a difference between the professional boxing and amateur boxing, they’re two completely different games.
Anyway, I liked what I saw so arranged for Joel to go and trial with Johnny Eames, at the Ultrachem TKO Gym in London, as I wanted to get him the best trainer and training possible.
After a couple of weeks in London I asked Johnny if it was all right with him if we did a couple of rounds. I didn’t want to mess with what Johnny was doing, you know, but wanted to have a move around with him. I wanted to really see what he had to offer.
I didn’t go too hard on him, just enough to see how good he was. I really liked what I saw, there’s a lot to like about him. He’s got all the tools there and just needs to be taught how to use them properly, which’ll be no problem for Johnny and Del (Derek Grainger), they’re the best in the business.
I think Joel has the potential to go all the way in boxing. He’s strong, he’s aggressive and he’s also got a lot of boxing ability. I look at Joel and I see a lot of myself, he was a bit of a tearaway kid. I hope that boxing will steer him in the right direction the same way as it did me, you know, which is a good thing.
I think he’ll surprise a few people, he’s the type of fighter who you’ll be able to take a chance with after a few fights.
He looks up to me and I try and help him as much as possible back here. When he’s not in London I help him train here in Portsmouth. I’m trying look after him the best I can as I think he has a bright future in boxing and I’ll be there in London cheering him on September 11th.”
Joel ‘El Toro’ McIntyre versus Jamie Ambler is on the undercard of the Goodwin Promotions ‘It’s Personal’ event at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London on Saturday the 11th September 2010.
Co-headlining ‘It’s Personal’ are Former English Super Bantamweight Champion Ryan Barratt versus Mark ‘The Flash’ Alexander, for the vacant International Masters Lightweight title and ‘Phat’ Pat McAleese versus Lee Noble, for the British Masters Light Middleweight Title.
‘It’s Personal’ also features the British professional debut of the legendary Heavyweight Champion of the World Smokin’ Joe Frazier’s protégé Marianne ‘Golden Girl’ Marston.
Marston, who is now trained in the UK by Derek Grainger at the ‘fight factory’ known as the Ultrachem TKO Gym in Canning Town, will be facing a stern test in the highly experienced Welsh battler Lana Cooper in a four round Featherweight contest.
The exciting, Brian Lawrence trained/managed, Light Middleweight star Erick ‘The Eagle Ochieng, who recently defeated Curtis Valentine in the battle of the undefeated, is looking to extend his unblemished record against Brummy hardman Dee Mitchell.
Another Light Middleweight prospect, Michael Norgrove, also looks to extend his perfect record. Norgrove, whose record ot 2-0, has his hardest test to date when he faces Finchley’s Ian Eldridge.
Welterweight John Wayne Hibbert, who also has a perfect unbeaten record, is set to face his sternest test to date when he faces the experienced brawler Kevin McAuley from Halesowen.
Ultrachem TKO’s exceptional Featherweight discovery, 19 year old George Jupp, is set for his second career fight against the highly experienced Latvian Pavels Senkovs.
Unbeaten prospect Tony “The Conqueror” Conquest is set to face one of the most experienced Cruserweight’s around, Hastings Rasani, who has fought the best the division has offered over the years, David ‘Hayemaker’ Haye, Troy Ross, Bruce ‘Lionheart’ Scott, Terry Dunston, Mark Krence, Tony Bellew, Dean Francis… and the list just goes on. This is no easy fight for Conquest, who will need to be right on his game.
Super Middleweight Eder Kurti will be looking to maintain his six fight winning streak against Sabie Monteith.
Bethnal Green’s highly popular Light Welterweight Jamie Arlain is set to explode on the professional scene. Arlain will be facing Bulgarian Danny Dontchev.
Exciting Welterweight prospect Phil Gill aka “The Phil Gill Experience” looks to continue his unbeaten record against the experienced Sid Razak.
Also at Welterweight Bobby Gladman, who has a perfect 6-0 record is set for a four round contest against a yet to be named opponent.
Tickets for ‘It’s Personal’ at the York Hall, Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 11th September 2010 are priced £35 (Unreserved) or £60 (Ringside).
For tickets call: 07960 850645, book on-line at www.tickets.justlisten2this.com or in person at The Ultrachem TKO Gym, Gillian House, Stephenson Street, Canning Town, London E16 4SA.