By James Slater – Unfortunately, there is more bad news on the British fight scene. Only yesterday we learned that Darren Barker, all set for his British and European rumble with Matt Macklin at middleweight, had to pull out with a hip injury, and today we get the news that two more intriguing fights are now off – for now at least.
Firstly, Dan Rafael of ESPN.com has reported on his Twitter page that Donnell Holmes has pulled out of his scheduled fight with unbeaten Manchester big man Tyson Fury. Set for London on September 10th, Holmes was down as giving the heavily-hyped 22-year-old his stiffest test yet.. But, hot on the heels of original foe Jason Gavern pulling out of the bout to be televised by Showtime: the next generation, the 37-year-old Holmes has also withdrawn his services. No reason has yet been given, but it does seem as though Fury is not the creampuff his critics would have us believe. Two respectable U.S fighters pulling out in a row? Strange indeed.
As for promoter Frank Warren’s “Magnificent Seven” bill, set for Birmingham on September 18th; another fight has unfortunately fallen through – further lessening the credentials of the once-big card. According to Boxrec.com, Ryan Rhodes, who was all set to defend his European light-middleweight title, has had to pull out of his fight against Lukas Konecky because of a back injury picked up in training.
This is bad news indeed for those fans who have already bought tickets and made hotel arrangements for September, and now the big show (which is still value for money, it must be said) will have to be make do with being headlined by the likes of Nathan Cleverly, Enzo Maccarinelli, James DeGale, Derek Chisora and Frankie Gavin. All five remaining fights are top notch, and it is to be hoped that the Warren show suffers no further hitches.
As for the Tyson Fury situation; it really does seem as though the 6’8” warrior, as maligned as he’s been in some quarters, is having real trouble getting good fighters into the ring with him. Just who the 11-0(9) prospect will face now a week on Saturday is anyone’s guess! Hopefully, though, the English champion WILL find someone who is willing to give him a fight.