STEPHEN FOSTER JR will be ringside to challenge the winner of next month’s British super-featherweight title fight between Gary Buckland and Paul Truscott. The Salford boxer had the world at his feet just a year ago, but was stunned when Ermano Fegatilli snatched his European crown. Foster Jr, 31, returned to winning ways earlier this month outpointing Yauheni Kruhlik, and he will be in Sheffield on March 24 to watch Buckland make his first defence at Ponds Forge Arena.
Hatton Promotions are confident that the winner will be willing to risk their Lonsdale belt against Foster Jr this summer,
The Hatton Promotions CEO Ricky Hatton said: “Steve will be eyeing up the opposition in Sheffield.
“He was on the crest of a wave winning the European title when he beat Levan Kirakosyan but after being in such great form lost against Fegatilli.
“I wondered if he still had it in him to make another championship assault and his performance against Kruhlik was convincing and I believe he is a serious threat to Gary and Paul.
“I expect to match him against the winner of Buckland-Truscott, giving him a chance to win the British title.”
In top of the bill 12 rounder local hero Ryan Rhodes faces Belarussian sensation Sergey Rabchenko for the vacant European light-middleweight crown.
Undefeated Steel City ticket sellers Adam Etches, Scott Jenkins and Richard Towers will be among the prospects in action, along with along with Jack Perry and Maxi Hughes.
Boxing starts at 6.15pm and the remaining few tickets are priced at £35 general admission, £55 floor seating, £75 ringside and £100 VIP Ringside. You can buy by calling The Hatton Box Office 01925 755 222, Ticketmaster 0844 847 2500, Ticketline 0844 888 9991, any boxer on the bill or online www.hattonboxing.com
FARRELL: JENNINGS LOOKING FOR EXCUSES
KIERAN FARRELL believes rival Stephen Jennings is already looking for excuses ahead of their Central Area light-welterweight title fight.
Scouser Jennings (5-1-1) has stepped in at one week’s notice to challenge Farrell for the vacant title over ten rounds at Bury’s Castle Leisure Centre on Friday (March 2).
Jennings’ camp reckons it would be an easy night for their man, but now rate it a “50-50” fight much to the anger of Farrell.
The Heywood battler (11-0) said: “Kieran’s manager made some comments about it being an even fight because of the short notice, but that is nonsense.
“Jennings had already been in training for a contest a week later. To me they are already wheeling out the excuses.
“We were both told about this fight on Friday and I had been preparing for a switch hitter when Jon Baguley was the opponent so it has meant a change for me, also.”
The card is the latest in Hatton TV’s Friday fight night series that is broadcast live on You Tube and draws tens of thousands of fans from around the globe.
Other fights: Adam Little v Martin Shaw, Dean Halsall v Bobby Wood, Wayne Adaniyi v Tommy Shields, Jimmy Kelly v Moss Hamed, Ryan Doyle v Michael Stupart, Austin Hornsby v Lee Quinn, Tom Shaw v Danny Connor. Craig Bunn and Callum De’ath box selected opponents.
Boxing starts at 7pm tickets are priced at £30 general admission and £55 ringside. You can buy by calling 01925 755 222, Ticketmaster 0844 847 2500, Ticketline 0844 888 9991, any boxer on the bill or online www.hattonboxing.com
FARRELL NOW FACES STEPHEN JENNINGS
KIERAN FARRELL will now box Stephen Jennings when he bids for his first title later this week.
The Liverpool boxer (5-1-1) has stepped in at one week’s notice to challenge Farrell for the vacant Central Area light-welterweight title at Bury’s Castle Leisure Centre on Friday (March 2).
Double junior ABA champion Jennings replaces Jon Baguley and Farrell, 21, said: “Stephen is a better opponent than Baguley.”
Jennings, 27, hasn’t boxed since last July when he lost a thriller in six rounds against Derry Mathews – his only career defeat.
Heywood’s Farrell added: “He was a good amateur who boxed regularly for England and only his only defeat as a professional came against Derry who is top class.
“I have got a tape of that fight and I have seen Stephen spar with Johnny Kays. He is open to an upper cut and I think I can get to him.
“He is better than Baguley but I think I have more chance of getting him out of the way quicker because he will have a fight.”
Jennings manager and promoter Steve Wood said: “I would fancy Stephen strongly if he had plenty of time to prepare, but seven days’ notice makes it a 50-50 fight.”
The card is the latest in Hatton TV’s Friday fight night series that is broadcast live on You Tube and draws tens of thousands of fans from around the globe.
Other fights: Adam Little v Martin Shaw, Dean Halsall v Bobby Wood, Wayne Adaniyi v Tommy Shields, Jimmy Kelly v Moss Hamed, Craig Bunn v Billy Boyle. Callum De’Ath, Ryan Doyle and Tom Shaw box selected opponents.
Boxing starts at 7pm tickets are priced at £30 general admission and £55 ringside. You can buy by calling 01925 755 222, Ticketmaster 0844 847 2500, Ticketline 0844 888 9991, any boxer on the bill or online www.hattonboxing.com