Froch focused on Super Six Showdown

Britain’s only reigning World Champion Carl Froch believes he can cement his boxing legacy by winning the inaugural Super Six World Boxing Classic. The “Cobra” is one of six world renowned fighters that have been selected for a groundbreaking new series which will begin later this year and culminate in a final bout early in 2011. Froch got the opportunity to get up close and personal with his rivals at a press conference at Madison Square Garden in New York earlier today although in the case of Jermain “Bad Intentions” Taylor the Nottingham man needed no introductions. Froch and Taylor waged war in the U.S. earlier this year in Froch’s first defence of his WBC super middleweight title. Froch eventually emerged victorious courtesy of a stunning final round KO of the former undisputed world middleweight champ. Taylor has been included on the super six roster which also includes two other American stars in the shape of Olympic gold medallist and number one ranked contender Andre “S.O.G.’’ Ward and fellow 2004 Olympic medallist and top ranked contender Andre “The Matrix” Dirrell. Joining them will be Denmark’s reigning WBA super middleweight kingpin Mikkel “Viking Warrior’’ Kessler and German based IBF middleweight champion Arthur Abraham who is moving up to super middleweight to compete in the series. Froch will kick off the round robin series in the U.K. later this year as he clashes with the unbeaten Dirrell and he believes he has what it takes to win the series outright. “I’m going to be the last man standing,” declared Froch. “I’m a world champion and I’ve worked so hard to get here that I’m not giving my belt up for anyone. This is what boxing is supposed to be about with the best fighting the best. These are the kind of challenges I’ve always wanted and I’m really fired up for this tournament. “It forces the best fighters in the division to all face each other and that’s something that has been missing from boxing in recent years. You’ve got established champions like Mikkel Kessler and Arthur Abraham, a former undisputed world champion like Jermain Taylor who I already know all about and then you have the two rising stars from the U.S. Andre Ward and Andre Dirrell.” Froch believes that ultimately the series will come down to himself and Mikkel Kessler but he admits that his first opponent, Andre Dirrell is something of a danger man. “Right now he’s something of an unknown quantity for me because I haven’t seen very much of him. He’s coming into this tournament on the back of a lot of hype and he certainly talks a good fight. It’s in the ring that it will count though, that’s where he will have to back it up but he’s big at the weight, he’s got that great amateur pedigree, he’s unbeaten and he’s some good scalps on his record so he’s definitely a dangerous opponent for my first fight. “Ultimately I believe the series will come down to myself and Kessler in the final. He’s a reigning world champion just like me and I believe the experience of being world champ gives you that extra edge. He’s an excellent fighter but I believe I’m the best of the bunch and it’s just about going out now and proving that. ”

Dougherty gets Top Spot

England’s Nick Dougherty has been named The Race to Dubai Golfer of the Month for June after his memorable, emotionally-charged victory at the BMW International Open. Dougherty, who will receive a jeroboam of Moët & Chandon champagne along with an engraved alms dish in recognition of his achievement, secured his third European Tour victory at the Golfclub München Eichenried with a brilliant final round of eight under par 64 to win by a stroke from Argentina’s Rafa Echenique, who scored an unbelievable albatross two on the par five 72nd hole to push Dougherty all the way. But the Englishman retained his nerve to finish one clear of Echenique and three ahead of Retief Goosen as he took the €333,330 first prize and moved into the top 20 in The Race to Dubai. Dougherty’s win in Germany was hugely poignant because it was his first win since his mother, Ennis, passed away last year, and the emotive element to his win made it all the more remarkable. “I just collapsed after my Mum died,” Dougherty said of his form and confidence after winning in Munich. “Up until that point I was playing pretty well. I was going to make The Ryder Cup Team, I had just started to break into the Majors, led the US Open and finished seventh having played with Tiger Woods – everything felt very comfortable.“Then my world turned upside down in 2008. Having been blessed to not having anything really significant in a bad way happen to me, it hit me like a ton of bricks and I wasn't prepared for it, and it was horrible. “But I sat down and, in time, started to heal and I collected myself and I realised that I have potential to be a great player. There are things I have to work on, but days like I had in Munich are not a coincidence. It was a long time coming, but it came at the right time and to be recognised as the Golfer of the Month just tops it off nicely.” There were several outstanding achievements by European Tour Members in June, in addition to Dougherty’s triumph. Denmark’s Jeppe Huldahl defied the odds to secure a maiden victory in The Celtic Manor Wales Open; Christian Nilsson of Sweden radically altered his career path by winning a place on Tour with his win at the dual-ranking SAINT-OMER OPEN presented by Neuflize OBC, while Mathias Grönberg of Sweden flew the European flag in the USA with his victory at the Melwood Prince George’s County Open on the Nationwide Tour. Dougherty, though, was the unanimous choice of the voting panel comprising members of the Association of Golf Writers, television and radio commentators. Dougherty joins Rory McIlroy (January), Geoff Ogilvy (February), Søren Kjeldsen (March), Angel Cabrera (April) and Shane Lowry (May) as a winner of The 2009 Race to Dubai European Tour Golfer of the Month Award. The Race to Dubai European Tour Golfer of the Year will be selected following the Dubai World Championship at the Earth Course, Jumeirah Golf Estates, from November 19-22, 2009, where the winner of The Race to Dubai will be confirmed.

Player turns back Time

Gary Player, the most decorated player in the field for The Senior Open Championship presented by MasterCard, will attempt to roll back the years when he returns to Sunningdale Golf Club, 53 years after capturing his maiden European Tour victory at the Berkshire venue. The South African won the Dunlop Tournament over 90 holes of the Old and New Course in 1956 at the very start of his glittering career and now, in the twilight of his playing days, he will hope to continue his remarkable relationship with The Senior Open Championship when he returns to the Old Course from July 23-26. Player has only missed one of the previous 22 Senior Open Championships, at Royal County Down Golf Club in 2002, and the ‘Black Knight’ remains the joint most successful player in the history of the event with Tom Watson. Both Player and Watson have won The Senior Open Championship three times, although Player edges the overall Major Championship count with 18 (including nine Senior Majors) compared to the American’s 12 (including five Senior Majors). Indeed Player’s incredible record of 164 victories spanning five decades means he is the most successful of the 18 Major Champions in the field. The 73 year old, who won The Senior Open Championship at Turnberry in 1998 and 1990 and Royal Portrush in 1997, has fond recollections of Sunningdale, which he regards as “one of his favourite places on the planet”. “My memories of Sunningdale are all good,” he said. “The Old Course is a truly classical course where you have to drive well to score well. It’s got everything a classic golf course should have. “It’s going to be a sentimental journey for me this week. When I was at Sunningdale more than half a century ago I stayed in a bed and breakfast with Mr and Mrs Beattie close to the club and they really looked after me. “Sunningdale was where I had my first Tour win and I’m looking forward to meeting up with so many old friends again and reminiscing over those great days.” Also joining Player and Watson among the list of illustrious Major Champions at Sunningdale will be Sir Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer, Sandy Lyle, Greg Norman and Ian Woosnam. Player believes the field is the most impressive he has been part of in the history of The Senior Open Championship. “I’ve almost been an ever present at The Senior Open and it’s very rewarding for me, and I’m sure for the European Senior Tour, to see how the Championship has grown in stature and popularity over its 23 years,” he said.
“The Senior Open has been a showcase Championship for the European Senior Tour and since being recognised by the Champions Tour as a Major at Turnberry in 2003 the Americans have come over in increasing numbers. “With 18 Major winners this is the strongest field ever assembled for the Championship and with players like Ben Crenshaw, Tom Lehman, Mark O’Meara, Larry Mize and three-times Champion Tom Watson among so many leading players it’s going to be an entertaining week. I believe there are also 32 Ryder Cup players competing which adds another interesting dimension to the Championship. “After 22 years on links I was surprised when I heard it was coming to Sunningdale but It’s a lovely golf course and along with Wentworth is one of my favourites. It’s also got one of my favourite holes – the 10th on the Old Course. It’s a magnificent hole with a wonderful view down the valley and up towards the Halfway Hut. Among all the golf courses I’ve designed around the world I’d have been happy to have created that hole.” Player’s support of The Senior Open and the European Senior Tour over the past two decades will continue into 2010 when he is part of the field for the inaugural Berenberg Bank Masters from March 26-28 over The Links at Fancourt which he designed. It will be the Senior Tour’s first visit to Player’s native South Africa.

Kotelnik inspired by fellow Countrymen

WBA light-welterweight champion Andreas Kotelnik says he's been inspired by fellow countrymen Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko - and will emulate their punching power against Amir Khan. Kotelnik, who is good friends with the Klitschkos through their ties to the Ukraine, puts his WBA light-welterweight title on the line against Khan on July 18 at the MEN Arena, Manchester. And he has vowed to finish the fight early in the manner of his country's most famous sportsmen. "Vitali and Wladimir are big boxing heroes of mine," said Kotelnik. "The way they have made themselves the best in the heavyweight division by knocking out all their rivals is inspiring. "But soon the Ukraine won't just have the best heavyweights in the world, but the best light-welterweight as well. "Vitali and Wladimir's nicknames are Dr Ironfist and Dr Steelhammer, but when it comes to punching power I am The Professor. "I've been studying tapes of their fights and I know why they punch so hard - and so will Amir Khan on July 18 once I have knocked him out. "Then I'm going to America to clean up the rest of the division and become world number one. "All the talk this week has been about Amir Khan against Ricky Hatton, but I'm going to beat Khan and then I'm going after Hatton, and I'll knock him out as well."

Boxing Trio in Domestic Action

Frank Warren's trio of 2008 Olympians are all looking for KO victories over domestic opposition on July 18. James DeGale, Frankie Gavin and Billy Joe Saunders are all in action at the MEN Arena, Manchester, as part of the undercard to Amir Khan's WBA light-welterweight title clash with Andreas Kotelnik. So far, the pair have scored five stoppage wins from six starts between them, and have proved too much for European opposition. Now though they are switching their attentions to the domestic scene to see if they can keep up their run of good form. DeGale takes on former Irish champion Ciaran Healy, Gavin will face Graham Fearn, while Saunders gets ex-soldier Matt Scriven. "I know boxing fans appreciate skilful fighters, but what they really love seeing is guys who win in style, and they are going to get that with me, Frankie and Billy Joe," said 23-year-old Olympic champion DeGale. "I won my last fight in the first round and there's nothing better than hearing the buzz of the crowd when that happens. "I've been speaking to the boys in the last few weeks, and we all want to go out there and win in style. "In the early part of his career Amir Khan got punters through the door by winning quickly, and we want to do the same." Saunders, 19, added: "Scriven has got a reputation for being a tough fighter and not many stop him, so I'll know more about where I'm at after this fight. "I've had two stoppage wins so far, so in a way I want someone who'll take a me a few rounds - but you don't get paid for overtime and I'll be going in there all guns blazing." Gavin, who came into the pros with a reputation for being a slickster rather than a banger, has been working on his power with trainer Anthony Farnell. "The last few months in the gym I've really developed as a puncher," said the 2007 amateur world champion. "I've won my first two fights by stoppage, and I'm aiming to make it a hat-trick on July 18. I've been studying Fearn's stats, and he's a good fighter with a winning record, so I'm definitely going to get tested at the MEN."

Thaxton and McIntosh Fight for Norfolk Pride

Former British and European Lightweight champ Jon Thaxton is backing fellow Norwich man Danny McIntosh to bring another British title back to Norfolk. McIntosh clashes with Nathan Cleverly in a battle of undefeated fighters at the York Hall, Bethnal Green on July 18th with the British Light Heavyweight title on the line. The Hennessy Sports event is live on ITV4 and Thaxton features on the undercard as he bids to bounce back from the loss of his European title.It will be “Jono’s” first appearance since suffering a controversial points defeat at the hands of Frenchman Anthony Mezaache in February but he’s confident that Norwich fight fans will be celebrating on the double at the York Hall. “I know that this next fight is a must win for me, otherwise my plans to win back the British and European titles will go out the window and I know Danny is just as hungry for success. I’m training alongside him at the moment at the Ingle’s Gym in Sheffield and he is really fired up for his fight with Cleverly. “He knows just what’s at stake and he’s been working tremendously hard. When something like the British title is on the line it gives you that extra bit of incentive to work even harder in the gym and I believe that dedication will pay off for Danny at the York Hall.” Cleverly, the reigning Commonwealth champion is the bookies favourite ahead of the clash but Thaxton believes that McIntosh can spring an upset. “Danny is thriving on being the underdog,” revealed Thaxton. “There’s no pressure on him because people are already writing him off and he’s relishing the chance to prove those people wrong. “I’ve seen him up close in the gym and trust me he can really bang and he’s got tremendous boxing ability as well so I really fancy him to pull it off.” Thaxton has title aspirations of his own and he believes that a win this month will put him on course for British and European title fights later in the year. “People are putting the words former Champion in front of my name now and I hate it,” admitted Thaxton. “I want those titles back and as soon as possible and I believe that as long as I come through on July 18th my next fight should either be for the vacant British Lightweight title or a rematch with Mezzache for the European so things are looking up for me right now. I just need to make sure that I don’t slip up in London.” The York Hall undercard also features unbeaten Heavyweight sensation Tyson Fury in his seventh professional outing while Ireland’s reigning European Union Lightweight Champion Andy Murray is also in action. Hot prospects Steve O’Meara, Lee Purdy, Dwayne Lewis, Bobby Ward and Del Rogers also take to the ring on an action packed night of championship boxing that also features recent Big Brother evictee Angel McKenzie in her 18th pro fight.

DeGale, Saunders and Gavin back Khan

Frank Warren's three Olympians are backing Amir Khan to begin a new era in British boxing on July 18. And James DeGale, Billy Joe Saunders and Frankie Gavin are planning to be hot on Khan's heels if he manages to capture Andreas Kotelnik's WBA light-welterweight world title at the MEN Arena. While Khan occupies top billing in the north west, he will be joined on the card by DeGale, Saunders and Gavin, all of whom are having their third professional fight. With Joe Calzaghe retired and Ricky Hatton coming to the end of his career, Khan has a fantastic chance to become the new poster boy for the sport in the UK - with the Olympic trio riding shotgun."Amir was an inspiration to me when he won silver at the 2004 Olympics, and what he achieved spurred me to do well in Beijing," said Olympic champion DeGale. "If he wins a world title then he will show all of us who went to the 2008 Games that you can make it to the top. "I've been following his career closely since he turned professional, and his dedication and committment are an example to all of us. "People are saying that boxing is in transition at the moment, but I think it's an exciting time for the sport. "There's a vaccuum to be filled, and my generation is the one to do it. There's quite a few of us in our early 20s, and the talent out there is fantastic. "Amir has got all the tools needed to beat Kotelnik, and it will brilliant for the sport in this country if he does it." Gavin, the 2007 amateur world champion who worked extensively with Khan when he fought for England and GB, added: "We are still good mates and I know that Amir can beat Kotelnik. "To be fighting on the same card as him is a real honour, and I'm backing him to lead the way on July 18 and get that world title. "Amir's great for the sport, and only good things can happen if he wins that world title. I'm sure other boxers will thrive on his success, just like we did when we were amateurs." Saunders, just 19, said: "Kotelnik is technically good and can take a punch, but I think Amir will be too fast for him. It's a hard fight for him but I know he can do the business."

Sutherland Shapes Up in Manchester

DARREN SUTHERLAND will have his next fight at George Carnall Centre Manchester M41 7FJ. The Irishman, 27, was due to box in Sunderland on Friday night, but suffered a slight cut on his right cheek in his stoppage win over Gennadiy Rasalev last week. Promoter Frank Maloney said: "It was touch and go whether Darren boxed on Friday, but we decided not to take the risk. "I have one other show this month and Darren can go on that before taking a well earned summer rest." Internet reports claimed Sutherland was pulled off the Sunderland bill straight after the Rasalev fight. But Maloney hit back: "That is utter rubbish and those stories didn't come from Darren or any of his team. "The decision was made on Monday when I returned from a business trip to Portugal and had there not been the show in MANCHESTER, I may well have left Darren on in Sunderland." The Olympic bronze medallist's opponent when he bids for his fifth straight win will be named next week. Top of the action packed card is Jamie Moore's European light-middleweight title defence against Frenchman Jimmy Colas. On the same FTM bill hard-hitting Gary Davies puts his British bantamweight title on the (9-2-1) line for the first time, when he faces top class Londoner Ian Napa (18-7).

Amir's boosted by younger brother Haroon

Amir Khan says little brother Haroon is inspiring him ahead of his clash with Andreas Kotelnik - and wants the pair of them to hold world titles at the same time. Khan, 22, challenges for Kotelnik's WBA light-welterweight title at the MEN Arena, Manchester, on July 18. And Haroon, 18, has been hitting the headlines recently with a string of impressive amateur wins for England."I've been getting updates in the States about Haroon's progression, and I've been doing some training with him since I've come back to the UK," said Khan. "He's got so much talent and we're always pushing each other on to do better, although I make sure I'm top dog! "I don't know if he's going to go pro or not, but if he does then he's good enough to win a world title. "My dream is for us both to hold world titles at the same time and defend them at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton or in one of the big venues in Las Vegas." British boxing has seen plenty of brotherly glove over the years, and promoter Frank Warren's current stable includes Kevin and Vinny Mitchell; Paul, Liam and Stephen Smith and Liam, Ryan and Michael Walsh. "I don't know if two brothers from Britain have ever held world titles before, so it would be great if Haroon and I could go down in history," said Khan. "But before we can even start thinking about that, I need to beat Kotelnik on July 18 at the MEN Arena. "I read yesterday that he's saying that I am underestimating him, but that's not the case. "I have trained for the hardest fight of my career, and I know that I will have to be at my very best to win. "I have dreamed about winning a world title for a long time though, and it will be my hand raised later this month."

Jeffries taunted by Shakuro

TONY JEFFRIES was last night accused of being a pampered fighter. The Olympic bronze medallist was on the receiving end of a verbal salvo from Ilya Shakuro, who boxes 'Jaffa' at Sunderland's Seaham Centre on Friday (10/7) in a six rounder light-heavyweight battle.Speaking through his interpreter Belarusian Shakuro (2-1) said: "Jeffries doesn't have the same hunger that I have. "How can he? He did well at the Olympic Games and earned a big money contract from some promoter. I just exist from day to day. "He is spoilt and when it comes to the late stages of our fight he will not want to know." Jeffries, 24, has romped to quick fire wins in his first two professional fights. On his debut he stopped Shakuro's close friend Aliaksandr Vayavoda. The mouth of Minsk added: "I haven't seen the Vayavoda fight but he was angry when he came back to our gym. "He told me that the English referee jumped into far too quickly and that Jeffries' punches were nothing. "If I win this fight I might get more big fights against so called prospects and finally make some money for myself." In the Sunderland bill topper Bristol southpaw Lee Haskins (18-2) defends his British super-flyweight title against Sheffield's serving soldier Ross Burkinshaw (6-1-2). The cream of boxing talent in the north-east will also box on the card including local heavyweights Dave Ferguson and Danny Hughes. Newcastle's fighting brothers John Lewis Dickinson and Travis Dickinson are also in action.

Sutherland back to box in Leigh

DARREN SUTHERLAND will have his next fight at Leigh Indoor Sports Centre on Friday July 24. The Irishman, 27, was due to box in Sunderland on Friday night, but suffered a slight cut on his right cheek in his stoppage win over Gennadiy Rasalev last week. Promoter Frank Maloney said: "It was touch and go whether Darren boxed on Friday, but we decided not to take the risk.
"I have one other show this month and Darren can go on that before taking a well earned summer rest." Internet reports claimed Sutherland was pulled off the Sunderland bill straight after the Rasalev fight. But Maloney hit back: "That is utter rubbish and those stories didn't come from Darren or any of his team. "The decision was made on Monday when I returned from a business trip to Portugal and had there not been the show in Leigh, I may well have left Darren on in Sunderland." The Olympic bronze medallist's opponent when he bids for his fifth straight win will be named next week. Top of the action packed card is Jamie Moore's European light-middleweight title defence against Frenchman Jimmy Colas On the same FTM bill hard-hitting Gary Davies puts his British bantamweight title on the (9-2-1) line for the first time, when he faces top class Londoner Ian Napa (18-7)

DeGale packs a punch for England Cricketers

James DeGale is backing England's cricketers to win back the Ashes - after sparring with the squad a fortnight ago. "Chunky" reckons that Andrew Flintoff, Kevin Pietersen and the rest of the team will hit the Aussies for six when cricket's oldest contest begins in Cardiff on Wednesday. "Having sparred with the boys a few weeks ago, I know how fired up they are," said DeGale, who faces a test of his own when he takes on former Irish champion Ciaran Healy in Manchester on July 18. "If they go after the Australians like they came after me, then there's no doubt they will win the series 5-0! "I'll be keeping a close eye on the Ashes all through the summer, and I'll take an hour off from training on Wednesday morning to watch the opening exchanges. "I won't be able to see much of the first two tests because I'll be preparing for the Healy fight, but I'm planning on getting to Lords for the Sunday of the second match - it will be a nice way to celebrate win number three." DeGale, who fights as part of the undercard to Amir Khan's WBA light-welterweight title challenge against Andreas Kotelnik at the MEN Arena, is keen for title fights having seen the way the sporting public crave success. "I still remember the buzz around the country when England won the Ashes in 2005," said the 23-year-old, who is undefeated in his first two professional fights. "The reaction last year when I won the Olympics was not quite as big, but it made me proud to know that the country had been behind me."Having tasted that success it's made me want more of it, and my sights are now set on becoming a world champion." Betfred, the official betting parter of the show, has Khan is the favourite at 8/15 in the main event, Kotelnik at 6/4 and the draw is 25/1. For further information log on to www.betfred.com Tickets priced at £40, £50, £75, £100, £150, £200, £300 & £500 are available from: M.E.N Arena Box Office: 0844 847 8000 or online at www.men-arena.com See Tickets: 0871 220 0260 or online at www.seetickets.co.uk
Khan Boxing: 01204 535 332 or online at www.amirkhan-boxing.com

Kotelnik plans to ruin Khan's Party

WBA light-welterweight champion Andreas Kotelnik has warned “arrogant” Amir Khan to focus on their fight – and not look too far into the future. The pair clash at the MEN Arena, Manchester, on July 18 with the fight screened on Sky Box Office. Khan is bidding to become one of Britain’s youngest-ever world champions at the age of 22, and begin a new era for the sport in the UK. There’s has already been talk of a potential clash with Ricky Hatton should Khan win, as well as fights against the likes of Juan Manuel Marquez and Erik Morales. And Ukrainian Kotelnik is happy for that kind of speculation to continue - and says it means Khan is underestimating him. “All I hear from Khan’s camp is that he’s going to be fighting Hatton or Marquez or even King Kong after he has beaten me,” said Kotelnik. “Amir thinks that all he has to do is turn up on July 18 and he’ll be walking away with my title. “He’s very arrogant for a fighter who hasn’t even had a world title fight yet, and I plan on punishing him badly when we meet at the MEN Arena. “I’m the one who will be going on to bigger and better things later this year because I am the one who is going to win this fight. “I have been a world champion since I beat up Gavin Rees last year, and I’m not giving up my title to anyone. “I believe that Khan is underestimating me at the moment, and that’s going to play right into my hands on July 18. “As soon as my first punch lands he’s going to start feeling pain, and he’ll soon realise why it was so stupid to talk about fighting other people. “Without my belt he’s going nowhere, and I promise everyone in Britain that he’s not getting it.” Betfred, the official betting parter of the show, has Khan is the favourite at 8/15, kotelnik at 6/4 and the draw is 25/1. For further information log on to www.betfred.com Tickets priced at £40, £50, £75, £100, £150, £200, £300 & £500 are available from: M.E.N Arena Box Office: 0844 847 8000 or online at http://www.men-arena.com/ See Tickets: 0871 220 0260 or online at www.seetickets.co.uk Khan Boxing: 01204 535 332 or online at http://www.amirkhan-boxing.com/

A Murray of a Different Kind

Andy Murray will be looking to record another win in London on July 18th when he takes to the ring at the York Hall in Bethnal Green. However tennis fans need not fear, because this Andy Murray is intent on making his name inside the ring and not on the tennis court. Unbeaten in 15 professional bouts Cavan’s Andy Murray is one of Irish boxing’s brightest hopes and currently holds the European Union Lightweight title. The 26-year-old will go in search of win number 16 at the York Hall with the British Light Heavyweight title clash between Danny McIntosh and Nathan Cleverly topping the bill. The Hennessy Sports event is live on ITV4 with Murray set to meet Sheffield’s Adam “The Outlaw” Kelly in an undercard bout. Although he’s now training out of John Breen’s successful Belfast gym Murray is no stranger to London. “I was based in England for the first couple of years of my pro career and six of my first eight pro fights were in London,” explained Murray. “I’m looking forward to fighting there again and especially at the York Hall because it’s a great venue and has a great tradition.” Murray’s last appearance came at The O2 in Dublin in March on the undercard of Bernard Dunne’s WBA World Super Bantamweight title win. Dunne wasn’t the only Irishman to collect a belt on the night with Murray adding the European Union title to Irish titles won at lightweight and light welterweight. “The atmosphere that night was something else and Bernard winning the world title has been a real lift for Irish boxing,” said Murray. “He’s proved to the other Irish pro’s that if you put in the work and persevere the results will come your way. Hopefully there will be plenty more nights like that over the next few years and I hope to be part of them.” Murray’s points win over Spanish champion Daniel Rasilla in Dublin was his first time to complete the 12 round championship distance and he feels that the experience will stand to him. “I was trying to pace myself and I actually felt I still had plenty left in the tank at the finish. It was a good learning experience and it’s a good psychological barrier to cross for any pro. I’m still improving and I’m in the perfect gym to do it in. “Hopefully I can use the European Union title as a stepping stone to the full European title but that’s all a bit further down the road. The only thing I’m concentrating on now is this fight at the York Hall and getting a good win there.” A clash of unbeaten fighters tops the bill at the York Hall on July 18th with Danny McIntosh and Nathan Cleverly squaring off for the British Light Heavyweight title. The undercard features former British and European Champion Jon Thaxton and unbeaten Heavyweight sensation Tyson Fury’s seventh professional outing. Hot prospects Steve O’Meara, Lee Purdy, Dwayne Lewis, Bobby Ward and Del Rogers are also in action on a packed night of championship boxing that also features recent Big Brother evictee Angel McKenzie in her 18th pro fight.

Baker Boy Boosted by Victory

Former Ryder Cup player Peter Baker made history repeat itself when he won the Credit Suisse Challenge for the second time, and now heads for Open Qualifying in a final bid to secure a place for Turnberry. Two years ago at Wylihof Golf Club in Luterbach, Switzerland, Baker won the title with a final round of 67, and the same score again carried the 41 year old Englishman to a one stroke victory over Austrian Florian Praegant. Baker becomes the first player to win the event twice and the first player over the age of 40 to win on the Challenge Tour since he himself won on his 40th birthday in 2007. It was a close run battle with Praegant challenging all the way but Baker managed to keep his nose in front with birdies on the 15th and 17th before holing a crucial 12 foot par putt on the last to deny his playing partner. Baker’s winning total of 18 under par 274 earned him €22,400 (£18,985) and lifted him from 31st to tenth on the Challenge Tour Rankings. “It was a tough day and Florian was very strong, especially on the back nine,” said Baker, who played in The 1993 Ryder Cup at The Belfry. “But I hung in there and it came right down to the last shot.” Baker, a three-time winner on The European Tour, flies straight to Scotland and to Glasgow - Gailes Links, where he will attempt to win one of the 12 spots available through Local Final Qualifying for a place in the 138th Open Championship at Turnberry. “I was quite tired coming into the week as this was my fourth week in a row and I just decided to put everything into the week,” he said. “This course seems to suit me. I played fantastic for the first two days but couldn’t hole a putt and but then over the weekend, while the game wasn’t so good, the putts dropped. It’s a strange game sometimes. “It might not be the best preparation for Open Qualifying but it does mean I go there with a bit of confidence and my record in Qualifying is not bad. So hopefully I will tee up next in The Open.” Baker’s victory two years ago proved the springboard to a return to The European Tour as he went on to claim a second title and finish 12th in the Rankings. Two years on the goal is exactly the same, to have another crack at the big time and secure his 24th year on Tour. An eagle three on the fourth and birdie on the seventh set Baker on his way but Praegant hit back with birdies at the tenth, 12th and 13th. Both players birdie the 14th before Baker pulled clear with his birdies on the 15th and 17th and ultimately Praegant’s five foot birdie putt on the last for a final round of 67 and 17 under par total of 275 was not quite enough. Italy’s Edoardo Molinari also challenged as he too shot a closing 67 to finish in third place, one shot further back on 16 under par 276.

Khan before the Storm

Amir Khan says top US prospect Victor Ortiz's shock defeat at the weekend has underlined how hard his fight with Andreas Kotelnik will be. Ortiz was bombed out in six rounds in an interim WBA World Light-Welterweight title fight by heavy-handed Argentine Marcos Maidana in LA.Earlier this year, Kotelnik defeated Maidana on a split decision in Germany. "Maidana's win at the weekend shows you just how good Kotelnik is," said 22-year-old Khan, who takes on Kotelnik on July 18 at the M.E.N Arena, Manchester, in a challenge for his WBA light-welterweight title. "Everyone was talking about Ortiz as the next big thing in boxing, but Maidana just walked him down. "He punches hard as well, so I know that I'm going to have to do something special to KO Kotelnik - and I will. "I saw the fight and it was an impressive victory, and shows just how good I need to be if I am to become a world champion. "Some fighters would get worried about it, but it's just inspired me. "I was working twice as hard with Freddie in the gym the next day." Khan is refusing to look beyond his clash with the Ukrainian and is focused on the fight. "It would be really stupid to start thinking about other fights," said Khan. "I am fully focussed on beating Kotelnik, and haven't even looked at any potential future opponents."Everything has been geared to winning on July 18 and I am confident that's what is going to happen." Betfred, the official betting parter of the show, has Khan is the favourite at 8/15, kotelnik at 6/4 and the draw is 25/1. For further information log on to http://www.betfred.com/ Tickets priced at £40, £50, £75, £100, £150, £200, £300 & £500 are available from: M.E.N Arena Box Office: 0844 847 8000 or online at http://www.men-arena.com/ See Tickets: 0871 220 0260 or online at http://www.seetickets.co.uk/ Khan Boxing: 01204 535 332 or online at http://www.amirkhan-boxing.com/