Larry Olubamiwo Chasing British And Commonwealth Titles

Heavyweight destroyer Larry Olubamiwo is hoping for a blockbuster 2011 – and a clutch of titles. He’ll begin his quest on February 19 at Bethnal Green’s York Hall. The 32-year-old War Machine had his first fight for promoter Frank Warren last December in Liverpool with an eighth round stoppage of Paul Butlin, and now defends his Southern Area title against John McDermott. Tony Bellew headlines the card in a mouth-watering rematch against Ovill McKenzie, with the British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight titles on the line, live on Sky Sports 1HD.

Meanwhile KO specialist Olubamiwo is aiming for a big win – and to steal the show..

“I want to take out McDermott is style,” said the Hackney star.

“More than half my fights have finished in the first round, and that’s when I fancy getting the job done against McDermott.”

Olubamiwo has halted six of his 10 victims in the first, and two more in the second, and he believes he has much to offer.

“I’m already Southern Area champion, but that’s just the start for me.

“I want to get this fight with McDermott out of the way and pick up the English title, and then I’m going after the British and Commonwealth.

“With my power, I don’t think anyone in the country can live with me.

“I’d love a fight with someone like Sam Sexton after McDermott, and there’s always an all-London clash with Dereck Chisora as well.”

McDermott has had three times as many fights as Olubamiwo, but confident Larry insists that doesn’t matter.

“McDermott has fought at championship level for quite a few years now,” he added.

“He’s challenged for the British title a couple of times, and his last two fights were against Tyson Fury for this English belt.

“But all that experience just means that he’ll be a good name on my record when I’ve knocked him out.”

Tony Bellew headlines the card when he defends his Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight title against Ovill McKenzie with the vacant British title on the line.

2006 Commonwealth Games champion Jamie Cox returns to action, as does 2007 World Amateur Champion Frankie Gavin.

Ronnie Heffron, Vinny Mitchell, Bradley Skeete, Ahmet Patterson, Billy Morgan and Freddie ‘Luke’ Turner complete the card.

Tickets, priced £40 and £60, are available from Ticketmaster 0844 847 2500 and www.frankwarren.tv