Earl makes ring return against Castle

GRAHAM EARL enters the last chance saloon when he makes his ring return against in-form Henry Castle at York Hall, Bethnal Green on Friday October 17. Although no title is at stake the winner is certain to be in the British lightweight title picture, while the loser may find it tough picking up the pieces. Earl (25-3) had a terrible 2007, losing to Aussie Michael Katsidis in a interim WBO title fight and nine months ago was blown away in 72 seconds by Amir Khan.Luton's ex-British and Commonwealth champion, 30, who has started training boxers insists he was never contemplating retirement despite those setbacks and is feeling fresh for the lay-off. Promoter Frank Maloney who managed Earl until they split in 2006 said: "Earl has asked me to give him an opportunity and I have done that. "I've told him that at this stage of his career he must fight live men. I cannot build him back up with soft touches." Salisbury's Castle (18-4) has won four consecutive fights since losing to Ian Wilson in March 2007 and the 29-year-old showed he will be a lightweight force halting previously unbeaten Lee Cook in his last fight. Maloney added: "Castle will see Graham's recent form and really fancy his chances. He knows impress here and he becomes a live challenger for British champion John Murray." Ian Napa tops the bill dubbed 'Dapa Napa' and challenges defending champion Carmelo Ballone for the European bantamweight title. Tickets are available from http://www.frankmaloney.com/ or 0871 226 1508