Friday, August 28, 2009

Winner takes all in Rhodes vs Moore

THE all Brit clash will take place on Friday 23rd October when Jamie Moore defends his European light-middleweight title against Ryan Rhodes. Promoter Frank Maloney has also applied for the fight to be given eliminator status by the WBC which means the winner could become mandatory contender for Sergio Martinez's crown. The venue for this cracking punch up is yet to be confirmed by Maloney, but he expects it to take place in Manchester or Wigan.Maloney said: "The fight is a natural with so, so much at stake. "The winner will almost certainly get a world title fight next year, while the loser will find it hard to come back. "I think Moore will win and go on to beat Martinez, but Rhodes is dangerous particularly early onand Jamie faces a tough night." Moore (32-3) is a former two time British champion and won the European title earlier this year by blasting out ex-world champion Michele Piccirillo inside three rounds. In the Salford southpaw's first defence he hammered one time Russian amateur star Roman Dzuman and is back on track after a bout of swine flu postponed a defence in July. Moore, 30, will start favourite but knows that his Sheffield challenger will give him the hardest night of his career. Rhodes, 32, first became British champion at the age of 20 in December 1996, but lost his way after losing a WBO middleweight title fight against Otis Grant a year later. The southpaw (42-4) had rediscovered his best form recently and is on a seven-fight winning streak regaining the British title and winning the WBC international belt - belts he subsequently relinquished.

DeGale inspired by Mayweather Jnr

Olympic champion James DeGale has completed his first week of training in Las Vegas with Floyd Mayweather Jnr. and says he knows what he needs to do to become world champion.
The Londoner is in America for two weeks along with his trainer Jim McDonnell as he prepares for his fourth professional fight on the big Echo Arena show in Liverpool on October 30.
DeGale, 23, who had an explosive first round win over Ciaran Healy in Manchester last month, will feature in a four-round middleweight contest. He said, "This week has been an experience of a lifetime working with and watching the best pound to pound fighter on the planet Floyd Mayweather Jnr. Watching him train for 2-3 hours non-stop each day as made me realise how hard I need to continue working to become world champion. His drive, determination, discipline and dedication is second to none," "Floyd and Roger Mayweather, his trainer, have given me advise and tips after sparring with one of the gym's hot prospects Deon Savage, 5-0 who I handled with ease. Savage said to me afterwards "You are going to the top and I am going to chase you there." Savage has sparred Andre Ward and Andre Dirrell and he told my trainer Jim McDonnell that Ward and Dirrell have more experience than me, but I have more skill,"
"Unfortunately I did not get the chance to spar with Floyd as I am too big, but Steve O'Meara, who I train with at Loughton, had the privilege to have a couple of rounds." He added, "My trip to Vegas and Mayweather's camp has been better than expected and without any doubt it has made me realise the saying we use "If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail". Mayweather never fails. As part of my learning curb I will certainly be following his script." Tickets priced at £30 (Tier), £40 (Tier), £50 (Tier), £100 (Floor), £150 (Floor) and £200 (Ringside) are available from: Liverpool Echo Arena 0844 8000 400 www.accliverpool.com
Ticketmaster 0844 847 2500 www.ticketmaster.co.uk Frank Warren Promotions
01992 550 888 www.frankwarren.tv

Bellew is a Rising Star

Rising star Tony Bellew says he wants to follow in the footsteps of fellow Scousers Paul Smith and Tony Quigley and top a blockbuster bill at the Liverpool Echo Arena. Smith and Quigley will fight it out for the British super-middleweight crown on October 30 in front of thousands of fans on Merseyside. And unbeaten hot-shot Bellew is keen for a title fight of his own next year. The 26-year-old is part of the Echo Arena undercard and will feature in an eight rounder as he looks to maintain his unbeaten record. Before his Liverpool appearance, Bellew will box in an eight-rounder against Nick Okoth on Frank Warren's annual DebRA Fight Night on September 18 in London. The three-time ABA heavyweight champion is 9-0 as a professional, and has knocked out six of his opponents. He will be joined on the card by fellow Liverpudlian prospects Steven and Liam Smith - Paul's younger brothers - as well as unbeaten Joe Selkirk. Kell Brook's British welterweight title defence against Michael Jennings is joint top of the bill. "Ever since this show was announced, everyone in Liverpool has been talking about it," said Bellew. "We are a proud boxing city, but in the last few years, there's not been many big events up here. "All that has changed now with this event at the Echo Arena, and it's an amazing night to be part of. "Hopefully it's the first of many massive shows, because we've got the talent and the fans up here to make it happen. "I'm desperate to get my hands on a title, and I'd love to fight for a Lonsdale belt on a big show like this. "I'm probably only a couple of fights away from doing that, and I really want tough opponents now to challenge myself and prove to everyone that I'm ready." Tickets priced at £30 (Tier), £40 (Tier), £50 (Tier), £100 (Floor), £150 (Floor) and £200 (Ringside) are available from: Liverpool Echo Arena 0844 8000 400www.accliverpool.com Ticketmaster 0844 847 2500 http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/
Frank Warren Promotions 01992 550 888 http://www.frankwarren.tv/

Casa Serena Open set for decisive role

The second edition of the Casa Serena Open is set to play an integral role in deciding the outcome of this year’s European Senior Tour Order of Merit, with the €90,000 first prize once again the largest on the schedule outside the Major Championships. Former Ryder Cup Captains Sam Torrance and Ian Woosnam are currently embroiled in a fascinating race in the money list and victory for either in the second edition of the tournament, from September 18-20, would put them in pole position to win the John Jacobs Trophy, with just two events to follow. Welshman Woosnam, who won the Order of Merit in 2008, will head to the Czech Republic looking to go one better than last year when he finished runner up to Bernhard Langer, who will arguably start as favourite following his scintillating form in the United States. The German has won four times in America so far this season to top the US Champions Tour Money List, having carried forward his form of 2008 when he became the first European – and only the third player altogether following Americans Lee Trevino and Bruce Fleisher – to win the Jack Nicklaus Player of the Year and the Rookie of the Year awards in the same season on the US Champions Tour. There will also be plenty to play for further down the Order of Merit, with the €600,000 prize fund likely to have a profound impact on who finishes in the all important top 30 positions at the end of the season to ensure full playing privileges for 2010. In addition, car manufacturer Škoda is also offering a Škoda Superb 4x4 Elegance worth €38,000 to the first player to score a hole in one on the 17th hole at Casa Serena Golf. Returning for 2009 after their successful involvement in the inaugural event last year will be key sponsors Foxconn and Hewlett Packard. Andy Stubbs, Managing Director of the European Senior Tour, said: “The Casa Serena Open is a tremendously important event on the 2009 Senior Tour schedule and is certain to have a major impact on the shaping of the Order of Merit in terms of the Number One spot and the top 30.“The warmth and hospitality shown by Maureen Chang and everyone connected with Casa Serena Golf has been a huge factor in attracting the quality field we have assembled for the second edition of this developing tournament. “Our thanks go to Terry Gou and everyone at Foxconn, Hewlett Packard and our other partner sponsors including Škoda who have offered their wonderful prize for the first professional to achieve the feat of a hole in one on the 17th hole.” After finishing three strokes clear of Woosnam following three consecutive rounds of 67 at Casa Serena Golf last year to capture his first European Senior Tour title, Langer will attempt to retain the trophy at the tournament which is staged by his brother Erwin and played in the Czech Republic where his father was born. He will be joined by John Bland, Delroy Cambridge, Mike Cunning, Carl Mason, Glenn Ralph, Bertus Smit, Torrance and Woosnam , all of whom have won on the Senior Tour in 2009.

Jeffries trains with Mayweather Jnr

TONY JEFFRIES broke off from his holiday last week to spend a day under the watchful eyes of boxing's most famous family, the Mayweathers. The Sunderland super-middleweight has spent the last three weeks backpacking around Brazil and North America with fiancée Sara Kneeshaw.But when the pair reached Las Vegas, 'Jaffa' couldn't resist an invite to team up with the controversial clan at their gym last Thursday (Aug 20). Jeffries, 24, who bids for his fourth consecutive win at Seaburn Centre on October 16 explained: "I have a friend who knows one of the coaches and he invited me down. "I got down there and was introduced to Floyd Jnr and his dad and spent a bit of time with them. "Roger Mayweather then came in and watched while I did a good workout for about 20 or 30 minutes. "Afterwards I sat down with Roger and he gave me some really good advice about what top boxers should and shouldn't do." The Olympic bronze medallist is now back in the gym working under trainer Bobby Rimmer preparing for his hometown fight. Knockout artist Jeffries added: "Roger is a mad character, but was great to listen to and I'll use some of his tips in the gym. "I have been busy and it was nice to give my body a rest with the holiday and now I am raring to go and get working with Bobby and Kerry Kayes." Also on the bill is possible future rival Darren Sutherland (4-0), who like Jeffries faces selected European opposition on the Sky televised show. Dubliner Sutherland also won a bronze medal in Beijing last August and has stopped all of his professional opponents. Heading the quality bill is a British super-bantamweight title defence by Jason Booth (33-5) who faces Hartlepool's former European champion Michael Hunter. Booth, 31, will be having his 17th major title contest and making the second defence of the championship he won against Mark Moran in April. Tickets priced £35 and £90 are available from 0871 226 1508, Phil Jeffries 0191 564 0202 and www.frankmaloney.com.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Jennings Chases a Shot at the Title

British Welterweight title challenger Michael Jennings says that victory against Kell Brook will propel him towards another world title shot. And the 31-year-old is desperate to get back to that level after tasting the big time against top pound-for-pounder Miguel Cotto earlier this year. In February in the States, Jennings was halted by Cotto in the fifth round in a challenge for the WBO World welterweight title. But it hasn't taken long for another big fight to come around, with Jennings challenging British rival Kell Brook at the Liverpool Echo Arena on October 30. Brook's makes the fourth defence of the Lonsdale belt in a War of the Roses, a belt Jennings held until he was controversially beaten by Young Mutley in January 2006. "Every fight is a big fight for, whether it is an eight rounder or a world title, but this is obviously important ," said Chorley's Jennings. "I want to be back up there challenging for world titles again, and if I beat Kell, the chances of that happening greatly improve. "It was a great experience fighting Cotto, and even though I lost, I took a lot from the defeat. "He caught me with a couple of good body shots, and I have gone back to the gym and worked on that to make sure I don't get hit with those kind of punches again. "It was no disgrace to lose to Cotto because he is one of the best fighters in the world at the moment. "Anyone could have got beaten in the same way that I did, and it might happen to Manny Pacquiao when they fight later this year." Jennings also says that he didn't contemplate retiring after his loss to the Puerto Rican. "I went to the press conference afterwards and stated then it was always my intention of carrying on, and I was straight back into the gym. "I'm only 31 and I've been beaten twice, once by a world class fighter and once when I thought I should have got the decision. "Some people think that Kell Brook only has to turn up to beat me, but I bring a lot to the table and I am very experienced. "He's been beating everyone who has been put in front of him recently, and the Board of Control have been approving them as opponents, so full credit to him, but I'm the most experienced man he's faced." Tickets priced at £30 (Tier), £40 (Tier), £50 (Tier), £100 (Floor), £150 (Floor) and £200 (Ringside) are available from: Liverpool Echo Arena 0844 8000 400 www.accliverpool.com Ticketmaster 0844 847 2500 www.ticketmaster.co.uk
Frank Warren Promotions 01992 550 888 www.frankwarren.tv

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Evans is the Buzz Word in Watford

Bradley “Buzzshaw” Evans will look to continue his professional apprenticeship at the Watford Colosseum on September 5th when he has his third professional bout. The 20-year-old Royston super featherweight turned pro in February with a points victory before being held to a draw in his last outing which also came at the Watford Colosseum in May. Evans will look to resume winning ways at the same venue next month as part of the undercard to the clash between Commonwealth Welterweight Champ John O’Donnell and upset specialist Tom Glover on a Hennessy Sports event which is live on ITV4. Evans found the awkward style of Latvian Jevgenijs Kirillovs difficult to get to grips with on his last outing but he says he learned a valuable lesson from the four round contest which was scored a draw. “I’ve had time to reflect on that fight and I know that I’m a lot better than that,” said Evans. “I wasn’t at all happy with my performance. I still felt I did enough to get the win but the referee saw it differently so I need to make sure I leave no room for doubt in future. “He had an unorthodox style and he was a very awkward guy to fight but you’re going to come across guys like that in the pros every now and again. Myself and my trainer Tony Sims have had a look at the tape and I’ve worked hard with Tony in the gym on correcting the mistakes I made in that fight.” Evans enjoyed a glittering career in the unpaid ranks including winning the 2008 ABA Featherweight title and being awarded the best boxer of the night during that year’s championships. Despite his amateur pedigree Evans says he’s working hard on adjusting his style for the pro ranks. “I think any new pro has to adapt their style somewhat. In the amateurs there’s a lot of emphasis on movement because it’s a case of getting in a scoring punch and then getting back out of range. In the pros though you need to be prepared to stay inside a bit more so you can do some damage. It means moving your head a lot more and working on your inside fighting but that’s something that’s improving every day in the gym.” Evans has been joined at Tony Sims Hainault Gym by fellow new pro Bobby “Boogaloo” Ward who also features on the September 5th event at the Watford Colosseum. Ward’s record to date is identical to Evans with one win and a draw and Evans believes that the pair can remain unbeaten for a long time to come. “We’re both campaigning around the same weight and we’re both at the same stages in our careers so we’re perfect sparring partners for one another right now. We’re both learning the game and working hard in the gym. Bobby’s a great prospect and the sparring really keeps me sharp.” The two apprentices don’t need to look too far for inspiration with reigning Commonwealth Middleweight champ “Dazzling” Darren Barker currently the gym’s top star. “Darren’s a real inspiration to guys like myself and Bobby. He’s at the top of his game right now and a real example to us of just what it takes to get to that level. Hopefully we can follow in his footsteps over the next few years.” Another Commonwealth champ tops the bill at the Watford Colosseum with Welterweight title holder John O’Donnell squaring off with Maldon’s Tom Glover. The chief support sees Lee Purdy and Peter McDonagh clash for the vacant Southern Area Welterweight title in a repeat of their first thrilling encounter last December that saw McDonagh emerge victorious on a narrow points decision. Aside from Evans and Ward the undercard also features unbeaten light middleweight Steve O’Meara, and the latest prospects to role off the famous Brendan Ingle production line in Sheffield, heavyweight giant Richard Towers and the pro debut of Kid Galahad (subject to board approval). Tickets priced £35, £40 and £75 are available from the Ticketline box office on 0844 888 4402 or via www.ticketline.co.uk.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Cleverly gets his Marching Orders

Nathan Cleverly has been given his marching orders - after meeting up with soldiers from the 1st Battalion, The Royal Welsh, at his boxing gym yesterday (24 August). The Royal Welsh are set to depart for Afghanistan soon and wanted to meet the new star of British boxing before they go on a six month tour of duty. Cleverly, who defends his Commonwealth title at Belfast's Odyssey Arena on October 9, is showing his support for the The Royal Welsh and the great job they are doing by fully endorsing "The Soldiers Charity" and wearing the "Support the Royal Welsh in Afghanistan" wristband. "People say boxers are brave for getting in the ring, but you've got to be even braver to be a soldier and I've got nothing but for admiration for these boys," said 22-year-old Cleverly. "It was a privilege to meet some of the troops before their tour of duty and I wished them the best of luck. "They'll make Wales proud, and finger crossed I can lift their spirits by winning my next fight in style." The 1st Battalion, The Royal Welsh is based at the Dale Barracks, Chester having returned from a two-year deployment in Cyprus in August 2008.During the Battalion's time in Cyprus they deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq, The Lebanon and The Falkland Islands. The Battalion is due to be based in Chester for the next eight years.The 1st Battalion, The Royal Welsh will deploy to Afghanistan in October 2009 as the Regional Battle Group (South) (RBG(S)). In this role 1 Royal Welsh will be based in Kandahar and operate across the whole of Southern Afghanistan. This will include Helmand, Kandahar, Uruzgun and Zabul Provinces. Continuing casualties sustained by the British Army in Afghanistan are putting an increasing demand on services charities. Soldiers from 1 Royal Welsh have been fortunate to be supported by these charities in the past and are likely to need them in the future. The Battalion is therefore supporting the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) - "The Soldiers' Charity" in the sale of the "Support the Royal Welsh in Afghanistan" bands. Half the money raised from the sale of these bands will go to the ABF and the remaining money will be used as a welfare fund to support the soldiers and families of 1 Royal Welsh during and after the Afghanistan tour. Soldiers and wives from the 1st Battalion have already raise a significant sum of money for the ABF by completing the Three Peaks Challenge of climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in under 30 hour.

Brook targets fight with Cotto

British sensation Kell Brook says he's ready for the likes of top pound-for-pounder Miguel Cotto right now - and he'll prove it by knocking out Michael Jennings. The pair meet in a mouthwatering clash at the Liverpool Echo Arena on October 30, with Brook's British welterweight title on the line. And the champion has vowed to do a better job on Jennings than Cotto did earlier this year. The Puerto Rican halted Jennings in five rounds in a clash for the WBO World Welterweight title in the States and now has a mega-fight against Manny Pacquiao on November 14 in Las Vegas. But KO artist Brook, who has won all four of his British title fights with early stoppages, has vowed to blast Jennings out even quicker. "I am ready for Miguel Cotto now," said 23-year-old Special K. "I am going to do a better performance than Cotto, I am going to get Jennings out of there before Cotto did. "I am on a high at the moment, but no one has really brought the best out of me yet, and I promise everyone that haven't seen anything yet. "I am a top level fighter and I am ready for the best out there - I know what I can do in the gym. "People have seen the guys that I have been fighting and have been saying that I am going to beat them on points, but I have been doing a job on them early. "I am ready to go to the next level and I am ready to go to the top." With his third-round victory against Michael Lomax in Manchester in July, Brook secured a Lonsdale belt outright in just his 20th fight. And he says that there's no way he's giving up his British title to Jennings. "I could have by-passed Jennings, but I've always wanted this fight," said Brook. "When I first turned professional Michael was one of the top guys out there, and I've always wanted to fight him. "He's a good kid and I haven't got a bad word to say about him, but he's going to get beat. "He's a great technical boxer and his name has always been up there, but he's no threat to me, no threat at all. "When I was young I dreamed about winning the British title, and it's a dream come true to actually have the belt outright so I can show my kids and my grandkids. "It's the best belt in the world and it's not going anywhere." Tickets priced at £30 (Tier), £40 (Tier), £50 (Tier), £100 (Floor), £150 (Floor) and £200 (Ringside) are available from: Liverpool Echo Arena 0844 8000 400
www.accliverpool.com Ticketmaster 0844 847 2500 www.ticketmaster.co.uk
Frank Warren Promotions 01992 550 888 www.frankwarren.tv

O' Donnell to face Glover in Watford

Commonwealth Welterweight champ John O’Donnell is relishing the opportunity to showcase his skills at the Watford Colosseum on September 5th. The Shepherd’s Bush southpaw will meet upset specialist Tom Glover in the main event of a Hennessy Sports event live on ITV4. Despite Glover’s impressive recent form O’Donnell is adamant that there will be no surprise result this time round. O’Donnell has enjoyed an excellent year himself which has seen him capture the Commonwealth title and earn a place on the BBBofC’s shortlist for the Young Boxer of the Year award. However the 23-year-old stylist believes the best is yet to come and he’s determined to improve on his title winning effort against Craig Watson last time out. “Looking back at the tape of the Watson fight I realised that I didn’t really do myself any justice,” admitted O’Donnell. “I won the fight by fighting his fight instead of sticking to what I do best. He got under my skin a little in the build up and I wanted to prove that I could stand toe to toe with him and beat him at his own game. I did that but I could have made it so much easier for myself if I’d used my boxing ability.” O’Donnell is determined to put the lessons learned against Watson to good use when he meets Glover next month. “Tom’s on a great run, he’s beaten some good fighters in his last few contests and I was impressed with his win over Jon Thaxton last month but I’m 100% confident I can do a job on him. Boxing is all about levels and I believe I’m simply on a different level to him but it’s up to me to go into that ring and prove it. “He’s a tough kid and he’ll be looking to drag me into a fight but I’m just going to have to be disciplined and use my speed and boxing ability to outclass him. I know I need to improve on the Watson fight. I won but I wasn’t at all happy with my performance and I know there’s plenty more to come from me.” O’Donnell wants to end Glover’s good run before seeking out a clash with British Champion Kell Brook. “I’ve won the Commonwealth title and I want to do things the traditional way by winning the British and European belts as well before hopefully getting a crack at a World title. I believe I’m good enough to go all the way and now that I’ve the Commonwealth title I want to push on and start adding the other belts as well.” The chief support at the Watford Colosseum will see Lee Purdy and Peter McDonagh clash for the vacant Southern Area Welterweight title in a repeat of their first thrilling encounter last December that saw McDonagh emerge victorious on a narrow points decision. The undercard also features unbeaten prospects Steve O’Meara, Richard Towers, Bradley Evans and Bobby “Boogaloo” Ward alongside the pro debut of Brendan Ingle's new Yemeni sensation Kid Galahad (subject to board approval). Tickets priced £35, £40 and £75 are available from the Ticketline box office on 0844 888 4402 or via www.ticketline.co.uk.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Glenn Ralph wins Scottish Senior Open

Glenn Ralph clinched his maiden European Senior Tour victory in the Cleveland Golf/Srixon Scottish Senior Open, finishing one stroke clear of compatriot Bob Cameron and Argentine Luis Carbonetti to cap a remarkable comeback from injury. Ralph, whose previous best finish was runner up in the 2007 Scandinavian Senior Open, had been out of the game for 14 months following a broken right ankle sustained in a swimming pool accident on holiday in Mauritius. He finished tied sixth on his comeback in the season opening Aberdeen Brunei Senior Masters presented by The Stapleford Forum but his €39,353 first prize at Fairmont St Andrews is the biggest cheque of his career, eclipsing his payday in Scandinavian and his best showing on The European Tour, in the 1987 Swiss Open. “It’s unbelievable – I could have cried on the last hole,” said the 53 year old, who becomes the eighth English winner of the Scottish Senior Open and fifth player to win his maiden Senior Tour title in 2009. “It was too emotional to talk about. I was just trying to keep it under control. “Any victory would have been big – I just wanted to win. I’ve never won on Tour in my life. I’ve been close enough times but couldn’t quite find it. I just felt better today – I don’t know why. “I felt calmer until I got on the last green when it went a bit wobbly there. What a great place to get my first victory though – the Home of Golf. It couldn’t be better.” Ralph, who moves from 30th to ninth in Senior Tour Order of Merit, had started the day a shot behind overnight leader Cameron after a fine second round 67.
He opened his final round with a birdie but immediately followed with a bogey before an eagle three on the par five sixth and a birdie on the seventh moved him to the top of the leaderboard.
The Camberley Heath professional found the bunker on the 12th and made bogey but a run of six straight pars saw him finish on eight under par 209 to clinch a satisfying first trophy which he thought he might never achieve following his career threatening injury. “It was all a bit of a surprise when I came back as I hadn’t played for so long,” he said. “I had the plates redone and the screws taken out. When you come back it is difficult to know how you are going to do. “The specialist told me although the bone had healed the break was at the bottom and they couldn’t join it properly. You always think ‘am I going to do it again?’. Age was not on my side. “In the first tournament back I played well and felt good ever since. I’ve been driving it lovely which is important, particularly round here. I drove well all week. I hit nearly every fairway today. I hit one bunker on 12 and that was it.” Carbonetti, looking for his first win since 2005, had been level with Ralph until a bogey on the 17th hole proved decisive as he carded a 71, while Cameron’s challenge faltered with a double bogey on the 11th to sign for a 72. Australian Peter Senior finished a credible fourth on his Senior Tour debut – three shots of the pace – while Gordon Brand Jnr was the leading Scot on three under par after a final round 73. Ian Woosnam closed the gap on Mark McNulty at the top of the Order of Merit after closing with a 74 to finish in a share of 14th place, while fellow former Ryder Cup Captain Sam Torrance, who designed the Torrance Course at Fairmont St Andrews, was tied 39th after struggling in the first round with a back injury.

Smith seeks advice from Cleverly

Paul Smith says he'll be picking the brains of Nathan Cleverly ahead of his big clash with fierce rival Tony Quigley on October 30. The pair meet in a thrilling all-Merseyside clash for the British super-middleweight title at the Liverpool Echo Arena. Kell Brook's British welterweight title defence against Michael Jennings is joint top of the bill. And Smith has promised to consult Cleverly before the fight - and may even spar with him - as the Welshman is the only man to have beaten Quigley. The 22-year-old, who is the current British and Commonwealth champion at light-heavyweight, stopped Quigley with a body shot in the fifth round at the M.E.N Arena in October 2006. "I'll be leaving no stone unturned when it comes to preparations for this fight, and I'll be taking some notes from Nathan," said Smith. "Hopefully he can give me a few tips on how to beat Quigley and tell me exactly how I can knock him out, although I've got a fairly good idea already. "We even talked about doing some sparring as Nathan fights on October 9 and my fight is only a few weeks later," "Cleverly might have been the first man to have stopped, but I'll be the second." Cleverly added: "I'd be delighted to help out Paul ahead of his big fight, although he's got the talent to win whatever I tell him. "Fortunately I remember my fight with Quigley really well because it was one of my best performances. "We were both unbeaten at the time, and the pressure was on because it was a bit of a crossroads fight. "Tony came to fight, and I like to stand there and have a go myself, so we both went at it pretty much from the first bell - it was definitely one of the fights of the night. "Eventually I wore Quigley down and did him with a body shot, so that's something that Paul should be looking to do as well." Tickets priced at £30 (Tier), £40 (Tier), £50 (Tier), £100 (Floor), £150 (Floor) and £200 (Ringside) are available from: Liverpool Echo Arena 0844 8000 400 www.accliverpool.com Ticketmaster
0844 847 2500 www.ticketmaster.co.uk Frank Warren Promotions 01992 550 888
www.frankwarren.tv

Friday, August 21, 2009

DeGale to spar with Mayweather Junior

James DeGale will fly to Las Vegas today to spend two weeks sparring with Floyd Mayweather Junior. The 2008 Olympic champion, who has a perfect 3-0 record since turning professional with Frank Warren, will work extensively with the world's P4P number one over the next fortnight. Chunky will also find himself in the ring with Andre Dirrell, who challenges WBC super-middleweight king Carl Froch in October. "It's an unbelievable opportunity for me," said DeGale, who will be accompanied on the trip by his parents and trainer Jim McDonnell. "It's just the kind of thing that I need at this stage of my career, and it will help push me on to the next level. "What more could a young boxer ask for than sparring with the best in the world, and one of the best of all time? "Mayweather is one of my all time favourite fighters and the learning opportunities are almost endless. "I'll be sparring with him but just to be around him and watch him train will be fantastic as well. "I've sparred good domestic fighters, but this is the first time I've worked with foreign boxers and I'm looking forward to the chance to really test myself."The two-week stay was arranged when Mayweather came to the UK recently, and met DeGale during a public workout at the Peacock Gym in London's East End. "We got talking to Roger Mayweather and I told him I was an Olympic gold medallist," said DeGale. "He said we should go over and train, and we've been speaking since and its all been arranged. "Roger's been great and arranged all our training routines - we're even going for runs at four in the morning." DeGale, 23, boxed in Sin City as an amateur, and says his latest trip won't be his last. "I plan on becoming a world champion and defending my title in Las Vegas," said DeGale. "It's the boxing capital of the world and every fighter dreams of appearing there."

Thursday, August 20, 2009

British Title Fights in Liverpool

The mouth-watering all-British Liverpool super-middleweight title clash between Paul Smith and Tony Quigley will take place on October 30 at the Liverpool Echo Arena - with another blockbuster domestic showdown sharing top billing. Kell Brook's eagerly anticipated British welterweight title defence against Michael Jennings will also go ahead on the same card.
"These are two cracking fights that everyone has been talking about," said promoter Frank Warren. "I'm delighted to be putting them on. "Local pride will be at stake when Smith takes on Quigley, and I'm expecting a cracker, while Brook-Jennings is a War of the Roses that's also a potential classic." At a London press conference today, Smith said that he's delighted that his challenge for Quigley's title will go ahead in the pair's home city. "Liverpool has been buzzing since this fight was announced," he said. "People are stopping me in the street asking me about the fight and I can't wait. "I've always said that given the right opponent and the right fight, people are going to see the best of me, and that's going to happen on October 30. "Quigley's been mouthing off about recently and I can't wait to shut him up and take his title away." Brook, who has recently won a Lonsdale belt outright with a string of KO victories, is also looking forward to his clash with Jennings. "There's no way that Michael is getting his hands on my title," he said. "He's a good fighter and very experienced but I'll be too quick and too strong." Jennings said: "Kell's a nice lad and I'm not going to bad mouth about him, but I know how to beat him and I'll be too experienced." Tickets will be on sale from tomorrow (Friday 21 August) and are available from the Liverpool Echo Arena on 0844 8000 400 and Ticketmaster: 0844 847 2500.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Glover has sights on O' Donnell

Tom Glover is ready to cement his reputation as boxing’s new Cinderella Man when he takes on reigning Commonwealth Welterweight Champion John O’Donnell at the Watford Colosseum on September 5th. The two men clash in the main event of a Hennessy Sports event live on ITV4 and Glover believes he can defy the odds once again against O’Donnell who has been included on the shortlist for the BBBofC’s Young Boxer of the Year award. The past year has seen the Southern Area Welterweight Champion score a string of upset wins culminating in a points victory over former British and European Champ Jon Thaxton last time out. That win secured the 28-year-old Maldon man a shot at O’Donnell and he’s confident he can keep his winning run going. “My confidence is sky high right now,” revealed Glover. “I always believed I was better than the results in the early part of my career showed and I’m proving that now. I think the Thaxton fight has made a lot of people sit up and take notice. I was very confident going in to that fight because I’d sparred with him before and I knew exactly what I’d have to do to win. “He’s a very big puncher for his weight but I knew that the longer the fight went the more it would suit me and although I’m not the biggest puncher in the world my punches were taking their toll on him and if the fight had been over 10 or 12 rounds I might even have got a stoppage.” Now Glover is gearing himself up to take another big scalp in the shape of O’Donnell and he realises that the slick, southpaw will present a whole new challenge. “O’Donnell’s a southpaw like Thaxton but he’s going to be a completely different proposition style wise. It’s still going to be the same situation for me because I’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain. “I’ve seen plenty of O’Donnell and I know he’s going to be very difficult to pin down. He’s tall, rangy, has very quick hands and he’s quite skilful as well. I’m sure there will be times early on in the fight where he’ll be outclassing me in terms of skill but the longer the fight goes the more I’ll get stuck in. I’m going to have to drag him into a fight but I believe I can do that. “It’s no secret that the way I fight I have to take a few punches to get in a few of my own but that’s not a problem for me. I’ll have to force him to stand and fight but he’s not the biggest puncher in the world so I’ll be happy enough to stay in range and keep the pressure on him. The longer a fight goes the more it suits me and I’m confident that once I get into the later rounds I can start to take over with my work rate.” The main event promises to be an action packed affair but the chief support at the Watford Colosseum is also set to be a sure fire thriller with Lee Purdy and Peter McDonagh staging a rematch of their first thrilling encounter last December. On that occasion McDonagh handed Purdy the first defeat of his career when he edged out the Colchester prospect on points to claim the Southern Area Light Welterweight title. This time around the two men will contest the Southern Area Welterweight crown which has been just been vacated by Glover. The undercard also features unbeaten prospects Logan McGuinness, Richard Towers, Bradley Evans and Bobby “Boogaloo” Ward alongside the pro debut of Brendan Ingle's new Yemeni sensation Kid Galahad (subject to board approval). Tickets priced £35, £40 and £75 are available from the Ticketline box office on 0844 888 4402 or via www.ticketline.co.uk.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Clever move for Cleverly

Rising star Nathan Cleverly is aiming for an explosive performance to keep in the public eye as he heads up an exciting under-card in Belfast on October 9. The 22-year-old will defend his Commonwealth light-heavyweight crown in his Irish debut as chief support to Martin Rogan and Sam Sexton's grudge fight for the Commonwealth heavyweight title Clev, who has been nominated for this year's prestigious Boxing Writers' Young Boxer of the Year, is aiming for win number 18 at the Odyssey Arena. The Welsh maths wizard has been in spectacular form in the last few months, adding the British title to his collection in July with a stunning stoppage win over Danny McIntosh. Cleverly's challenger will be name shortly, but he says he'll KO whoever is in the opposite corner. "I feel like I'm on fire at the moment," he said. "I know Clinton Woods is fighting for a world title, but I reckon I am the best light-heavyweight in the country and I'd love to fight him, anytime. "I have won my last four fights by stoppage, and I'm going to make it five out of five on October 9 and really put myself in the spotlight. "People will see the best of me the more I fight, and appearing regularly is really bringing out the best in me. "Ireland has some of the most passionate fans in the world, and I can't wait to show everyone over there what I'm made of. "By this time next year I want to have moved on to the world stage, and I am so confident that I will get there." Joining Cleverly on the card will be former British welterweight champion and current Irish light-middleweight king Neil Sinclair, who appears in an eight rounder. His fellow Ulsterman Kevin O'Hara will also be boxing, along with Ciaran Healy, super-middleweight prospect Joe Rea and flyweight debutant Jamie Conlan. Tickets, priced at £25 (tier), £30 (tier), £40 (central tier), £60 (floor), £100 (floor) and £150 (ringside) are available from: Odyssey Arena Box Office 02890 739 074 www.odysseyarena.com Ticketmaster
0870 243 4455 www.ticketmaster.ie Frank Warren Promotions 01992 550 888 www.frankwarren.tv

Froch in Homecoming Fight at Nottingham

WBC Super Middleweight Champ Carl Froch is expecting a full house at the Trent FM Arena in Nottingham on October 17th when he kicks off his Super Six World Boxing Classic campaign against unbeaten American star Andre Dirrell. Tickets for the event promoted by Hennessy Sports and Gary Shaw Productions go on sale from 1pm today and Froch says he’s delighted to be back in action in his hometown as he kicks off the Super Six tournament. Should Froch win the series outright the Dirrell bout will be the first of 5 fights that would see him eventually recognised as one of the best boxers in the World pound for pound. It’s a case of first things first for Froch though as he looks to make a second successful defence of his World title against the brash, switch hitting Dirrell who is unbeaten in 18 professional fights following an amateur career that saw him win bronze at the 2004 Olympic Games. “I can’t wait to get back in that ring at the Trent FM Arena,” revealed the unbeaten Froch who will be returning to the scene of his World title triumph over Jean Pascal last December. “I had to go into the lions den last time out to defend my title against Jermain Taylor in the U.S. but the tables are turned this time around and it’s Dirrell who’s coming to my home town. “He needs to realise that he’s going to be coming into the snake pit and he’ll be getting the full force of the Cobra’s venom. I’m going to be putting it on him from all angles and hitting him with everything. I’ll have him wishing he stayed at home.” Dirrell has other ideas and believes he is the man to ruin Froch’s unbeaten record. "Tell Carl Froch and all of his fans that on October 17th there will be a new Sheriff of Nottingham - ME!" declared Dirrell. "The Cobra is going to be eating a lot of leather when we meet. I'm going to knock his fangs down his throat. Cobra my foot, garden snakes are more dangerous than he is! He's just a little worm." Although he travelled the World during a glorious amateur career Dirrell has yet to fight outside the U.S. as a professional and Froch believes he’s in for a shock. “It’s going be a real rude awakening for him because he’ll never have sampled anything like the atmosphere he’ll experience in front of 8,000 of my fans,” said Froch. “He can talk all he wants about travelling the world as an amateur but this is the pro game and he’s coming to my hometown, looking to take away my World title – he’s got no chance!” Dirrell has already boasted that Froch will be his easiest fight in the Super Six tournament but the Cobra isn’t buying the American’s bravado.“Dirrell obviously thinks he’s a lot better than he really is. He’s a big mouth and he’s loud and brash but now he’s going to have to back up all that big talk now.“He’s been brought up the American way so mentally he believes he’s better than everybody else. That’s all well and good when you’re winning but when the pressure comes on he’ll find out the truth and it will be a very painful lesson. “Once I start hitting him the doubts will start to creep in and before long he’ll realise that he’s out of his depth against a World champion at the peak of his powers defending his title in his own backyard." Froch has watched Dirrell in action but says he’s seen nothing to trouble him. “He’s a decent fighter,” admitted the champion. “He does the basics well and he’s got fast hands but speed means nothing if you’re not in range. “To be honest I’m not thinking about him too much at all. I’m concentrating on my own performance. I’ve already been working hard in the gym with my trainer, Rob McCracken. I’ll let Rob devise a strategy and I’ll follow it in the ring. “I’m coming off two great wins against proven World Champions so Dirrell doesn’t worry me. In fact I bet when he lies in bed at night and stares at the ceiling it’s already starting to sink in that he's going to have to get in there with the Cobra. He’s probably having nightmares about it already every night but trust me it will be nothing compared to the nightmare that will face him on October 17th. Tickets for Froch V Dirrell are go on sale from the Trent FM Arena, Nottingham Box Office at 1pm today priced £30, £45, £125 and £400. To purchase tickets call the Box Office on 08444 124 624 or visit http://www.trentfmarena.co.uk/. Tickets are also available from Ticketline on 0844 888 4402 or via http://www.hennessysports.com/. Doors open at the Trent FM Arena from 7:30pm on the night with an action packed undercard getting underway at 8:30pm ahead of the main event which will start shortly after 2am.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Murray to meet Thaxton

John Murray will get an opportunity to win back the British Lightweight title he lost outside the ring when he meets Jon Thaxton in Altrincham, Greater Manchester on October 3rd. The mouth watering domestic dust up will hand Murray the chance to regain the title he surrendered on the weighing scales in June when he failed to make the 9 stone 9 pound lightweight limit by just 2 ounces ahead of a planned defence against English champ Scott Lawton. The fight went ahead but without the Lonsdale belt on the line and Murray scored an impressive sixth round stoppage win over Lawton. Now the two best Lightweights in Britain will square off with former British and European Champ Jon Thaxton contesting the vacant title with Murray on a Hennessy Sports event at the Altrincham Leisure Centre on October 3rd. The news comes during a week in which Murray was also named as the mandatory challenger for Anthony Mezaache’s European title. Mezaache took the title from Thaxton courtesy of a controversial points win in February and a surprise defeat by Tom Glover up at Welterweight in Thaxton’s last outing has seen Murray overtake his domestic rival in the European ratings. Promoter Mick Hennessy has now handed them the opportunity to decide once and for all who is the best Lightweight in Britain. “This is one of those domestic fights that will have people on the edge of their seats,” said Hennessy. “They are two of the most exciting fighters in British boxing and this really is going to be a thriller. John Murray is one of the most exciting talents to emerge in British boxing in years and he’s on the verge of very big things on the European and World stage. “You write Jon Thaxton off at your peril though. His defeat to Tom Glover last time out was up at Welterweight, two weights out of his natural weight division and the Mezaache fight was a controversial decision. Jon’s a huge puncher and people have been writing him off for years and he keeps coming back to rip up the script and usually in spectacular style. “Jon is only one win away from winning a Lonsdale belt for keeps and I know that’s a real driving force for him in this fight so there is so much on the line for these two guys.”

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Smith and Quigley in Liverpool Bout

Promoter Frank Warren today won the purse bids for the highly anticipated Merseyside derby between Paul Smith and Tony Quigley for the British Super-Middleweight Championship. Smith, who is promoted by Warren, and Quigley - the reigning British champion - are fierce rivals and their showdown is the biggest fight to be held in the city in recent years. Warren intends to stage the mouthwatering clash in late October. Smith v Quigley is the latest blockbuster to be added to the autumn schedule along with Martin Rogan's rematch against Sam Sexton at Belfast's Odyssey Arena on October 9, and Kell Brook's British Welterweight title defence against Michael Jennings. "I'm delighted to have won the purse bids for what I believe will be a fantastic fight between Smith and Quigley," Said Warren. "Liverpool has a history steeped with great boxers and fights and I'm sure that this fight will be a classic that people will talk about for years to come," "It's a throwback fight and has all the ingredients for an explosive encounter," He added,"We have some cracking fights coming up in the next few months and there's more to come." Smith, a silver medallist at the 2002 Commonwealth Games and current WBA International Champion, said, "I can't tell you how relieved I am that this fight is finally on,""It's the only fight that anybody is talking about in Liverpool. You can forget Miguel Cotto versus Manny Pacquiao because that doesn't mean a thing here, all that matters is Smith v Quigley," "We've got business to settle and it will be settled on the night and I will emerge victorious with the British title." Smith was only in action last month when he beat Czech Michael Bilak on points over eight rounds at the M.E.N Arena. Quigley was involved in a thriller against local rival Tony Dodson in March who he stopped in the 12th round that was heralded as one of the best staged in Liverpool. Smith v Quigley will be better.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Kazakhstan Open finds a new home

The lucrative Kazakhstan Open will have a new home when the fifth edition of the €400,000 event unfolds from September 17-20 over the Arnold Palmer-designed Zhailjau Golf Resort in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Since its inception in 2005 the Kazakhstan Open, which carries the largest prize fund for a regular Challenge Tour event, has been played at Nurtau Golf Club, also situated just outside the capital city of Almaty. But in a sign that golf’s popularity is on the increase in the country, the championship course at Zhailjau Golf Resort has been chosen to take over the hosting of the event. Set beside a new residential development and luxury hotel, and in the shadow of the vast snowcapped Tien Shan mountain range, the Palmer Course Design Company layout will provide one of the more visually arresting spectacles on the Challenge Tour schedule.With any number of water hazards lying in wait to punish errant shots, the 7,197 yards, par 72 course should also provide a stern test for the Challenge Tour Membership. Alain de Soultrait, Director of the Challenge Tour, said: “The Kazakhstan Open is undoubtedly one of the most important tournaments on the Challenge Tour schedule, so it is essential that we find a course capable of staging it. The Zhailjau Golf Resort is certainly a fitting venue, and I have no doubt our Members will enjoy playing there. Any course which carries the great Arnold Palmer’s signature is sure to provide a true test. The Kazakhstan Open has developed and improved significantly over the past five years, and moving to a new course is an exciting stage in that process.” Nurtay Abykayev, President of the National Federation of Golf in Kazakhstan, said: “We have thoroughly enjoyed staging the Kazakhstan Open at Nurtau Golf Club, but the chance to move to Zhailjau Golf Resort should open up a new chapter in the development of the tournament. It is a great layout – tough, but fair – and I’m really looking forward to seeing how the players fare in September. We should thank the members for allowing us use of their fabulous course for what promises to be another great week. I am confident that the new venue will ensure the tournament continues to go from strength to strength.” To underline its importance, in each of the four years editions since Ireland’s Stephen Browne won the inaugural event, the Kazakhstan Open champion has progressed onto The European Tour at the end of the season. Gary Lockerbie’s victory last year helped the Englishman to third place in the final Challenge Tour Rankings which in turn secured him a return to The European Tour, where his highest finish this season was tied fourth in The Celtic Manor Wales Open, won by his fellow Challenge Tour graduate Jeppe Huldahl of Denmark.

Sexton and Rogan in Rematch

Sam Sexton has been grappling with tractors to improve his strength ahead of his rematch with Martin Rogan. And the Commonwealth heavyweight champion says getting to grips with the heavy machinary will help him beat up another old banger on October 9 in Belfast. Sexton's unusual training routine involves him hauling two-ton tractors around the farms of his native Norfolk, along with trainer Graham Everett sitting in the driver seat, as the agricultural community prepares for harvest time. One recent gruelling session saw him straining for nearly half a mile uphill as he dragged a tractor through a field. The 25-year-old says he'll be reaping the rewards at the Odyssey Arena when he stops fiery Rogan for a second time. This May, Sexton scored a controversial eighth round TKO when Rogan was deemed unable to continue because of a badly swollen eye. But he insists that this time there will be no doubt about the victor. "I had a bit of a shaky eighth round, but my new strength and conditioning programme means that won't happen again," said Sexton. "The only way Rogan was going to win this fight was if I ran out of steam, but that's now gone out of the window. "He can't out-box me, he can't out-punch me and now he can't out-last me, so he might as well call it quits now. "Pulling tractors around has been perfect preparation for beating Rogan again. "They are just like him - powerful machines with a big engine, but ultimately cumbersome, very slow and liable to clap out at any minute. "The last tractor I was working with really reminded me of Martin because it was a right old banger. "Believe me, the wheels will really be falling off for Martin when I out box him again. There's no way that Commonwealth title is going back to Belfast." Tickets, priced at £25 (tier), £30 (tier), £40 (central tier), £60 (floor), £100 (floor) and £150 (ringside) are available from: Odyssey Arena Box Office 02890 739 074 www.odysseyarena.com
Ticketmaster 0870 243 4455 www.ticketmaster.ie Frank Warren Promotions 01992 550 888
www.frankwarren.tv

Monday, August 10, 2009

Froch faces Dirrell in Nottingham

WBC Super Middleweight Champion Carl Froch recently celebrated his 32nd birthday but the “Cobra” believes he’s still improving and he has the evidence to back it up. Froch is part of the groundbreaking new Super Six concept which will ultimately crown the World’s best Super Middleweight and produce a leading candidate for the best pound for pound fighter in the world.
The Nottingham man kicks off his Super Six campaign against unbeaten American Andre Dirrell in front of his hometown fans at the Trent FM Arena on October 17th. Froch has already established himself as one of the world’s most exciting fighters following back to back thrillers with Jean Pascal and Jermain Taylor in WBC title fights but he’s adamant that the best is yet to come. The undefeated Froch explained, “I’m very methodical in my approach to my training and I’ve kept a diary since I turned pro and it logs every run, every sit up, every sparring session I’ve ever had and how I’ve felt mentally after each session. “Basically the diaries record every punch I’ve thrown in my pro career. Every training session gets recorded and it means I can look back and see how I’m progressing, not just through an individual training camp but through my entire career. “I’ve compared the times and stats with stuff I’ve been doing in the gym through the years and I’m still improving on them so I’m getting better and better. I honestly don’t believe I’ve reached my peak yet and the diaries back that up. “I’ve already filled seven diaries and I plan on filling quite a few more before I hang up my gloves. I was a late developer and turned pro quite late so I believe that I still have plenty of time left at the top. I live the life that a top class athlete should lead. I don’t abuse my body and I’m always within a few pounds of my fighting weight and I believe all those things are crucial to extending your career.” Froch’s Super Six rivals include WBA champ Mikkel Kessler, IBF Middleweight champ Arthur Abraham, former Undisputed Middleweight title holder Jermain Taylor, Olympic Gold medallist Andre Ward and the brash, undefeated Dirrell. Dirrell has already predicted that his date with Froch on October 17th will prove to be his “easiest fight” in the Super Six series. A bronze medallist from the 2004 Olympic Games Dirrell has raced to 18 straight wins in the pro ranks with 13 KO’s.

Friday, August 07, 2009

Fury in showdown with McDermott

Undefeated heavyweight sensation Tyson Fury says he’s counting down the days to his first title fight – an English title showdown with “Big Bad” John McDermott on September 11th. The 6 foot 9 inch heavyweight sensation is undefeated in 7 pro fights with all 7 wins coming via knockout and he’s determined to maintain that perfect KO streak against McDermott. A back injury had hampered Fury’s preparations ahead of his most recent outing in London last month but the 21-year-old says he’s fighting fit ahead of his date with McDermott. “My backs 100% again now and I’ve been working very hard in the gym. I’m really fired up for this, it’s my first title fight and I want to win it in style.” Fury will challenge for McDermott’s belt after promoter Frank Maloney submitted the winning purse bid to stage the fight. The bid is believed to be a record for an English title fight demonstrating just how big an impact Fury has made in British boxing since turning pro last December. The Hennessy Sports promoted Fury says he has no problems fighting in his opponent’s back yard on a rival promoter’s event. “It will make a nice change for Frank Maloney to finally have a decent heavyweight on one of his shows. I’ve watched some of the big lumps he’s had on his shows recently and its like watching Dumbo on Ice, they can barely stand upright, let alone throw punches. “To be fair to John McDermott he’s the best of a bad lot with Maloney’s heavyweights and thankfully for him he can fight a lot better than he looks.” Maloney recently criticised Fury saying that he had a big mouth but Fury says he’s ready, willing and able to back up his big talk. “That’s the difference between me and a lot of these other guys. I might talk the talk but I walk the walk as well and I’ll prove that against McDermott. “Maloney obviously believes that McDermott can beat me but I think that just proves what I said before, what Maloney knows about heavyweights could be tattooed on the back of my big toe.” The latest venue mooted for the bout is the Brentwood Centre in Essex but Fury says he’s not fussed where the fight takes place. “They keep changing the venue, first it was the York Hall, then it was Crystal Palace and now I’ve been told it’s moved again to Brentwood but they can put it on in McDermott’s back garden as far as I’m concerned, the result will be the same anyway. I’m going to be coming home with that English title belt.”

Kaymer gets July Accolade

Germany’s Martin Kaymer has been named The Race to Dubai Golfer of the Month for July following a sensational month when he claimed successive titles on The European Tour International Schedule. Kaymer, who will receive a jeroboam of Moët & Chandon champagne along with an engraved alms dish in recognition of his achievement, captured both the Open de France ALSTOM at Le Golf National and The Barclays Scottish Open at Loch Lomond in a magical two week spell where his winnings alone in that period amounted to €1,246,000. The performances helped move the 24 year old from Düsseldorf to second place in The Race to Dubai and to a career-high position of 11th on the Official World Golf Ranking. “It is not often that players win two tournaments in a row on Tour so that was definitely something special for me,” said Kaymer, who also won the award in January 2008 following his maiden Tour victory in the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship. “Obviously, now to be recognised with this award for my achievement is a great honour. “I had some good chances to win on Tour again since last year but hadn’t taken them, so to come through the way I did in France was excellent. Then to win in Scotland, the home of golf, was extra special. I really enjoyed that week and the way that the fans got behind me there was amazing.” In addition to Kaymer’s achievement, there were other performances of note by European Tour Members in July recognised by the voting panel. Ricardo Gonzalez became the first Argentine golfer to win the SAS Masters when he triumphed at Barsebäck Golf and Country Club, while Sweden’s Oskar Henningsson, the winner of the 2008 Qualifying School, claimed his maiden European Tour title in the Moravia Silesia Open presented by ALO Diamonds. Also commended were Australia’s Nathan Green who won the RBC Canadian Open on the US PGA Tour, while Lee Westwood’s excellent July saw him pipped by Kaymer in a play-off in France before finishing tied eighth at Loch Lomond and tied third in The Open Championship at Turnberry. Kaymer, however, was the unanimous choice of the voting panel which comprised members of the Association of Golf Writers in addition to commentators from radio and television. The German joins Rory McIlroy (January), Geoff Ogilvy (February), Søren Kjeldsen (March), Angel Cabrera (April), Shane Lowry (May) and Nick Dougherty (June) 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.

Wednesday, August 05, 2009

Bellew targets Cleverly

Hot prospect Tony Bellew believes a future showdown against British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly would be a barnstormer. Bellew, a former triple ABA champion, is confident that if he and Cleverly remain unbeaten then a fight between them would be as big as the Nigel Benn-Chris Eubank epics. And the 26-year-old scouser reckons the Welshman won't be able to handle the power which has seen him halt six of his nine victims. "A fight between me and Nathan will be huge in a few years time if we both keep undefeated and building it up" said Bellew. "I would seriously love that fight and it would be real scrap just like the Benn-Eubank days. "I think he's a good fighter and he's got fast hands, but I reckon I'm more powerful and would hurt him every time I hit him. "I'm the naturally bigger man and I'll negate any advantages that he has. "He did a great job on Danny McIntosh and I was pleased to see him with the British title, but that belt will be around my waist soon. "Whether it's Nathan I have to face for it or someone else I don't care, I will become British champion. "People haven't seen 50% of my potential yet, and I can't wait to show everyone what I've got. Cleverly, 22, has won his last four championship fights by stoppage, and is being touted as the best fighter to have come out of Wales since the great Joe Calzaghe. But Bellew says his greater amateur experience could help him to victory. "I won the ABA heavyweight title three times as an amateur, so fighting at light-heavyweight is a bonus because no one can hurt me," said The Bomber. "I've sparred bigger guys throughout my career, including David Haye and David Price, so Cleverly is really going to have to whack if he wants to put a dent in me. "Last time I gave away a couple of stone to Matthew Ellis and I knocked him out so I know I have the power to knock-out anyone."

Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Gavin Grows as a Fighter

Boxing sensation Frankie Gavin says he's got much more to offer following his best performance yet as a professional last month. The 2007 amateur world champion knocked out Graham Fearn at the M.E.N Arena, Manchester, with an impressive second round stoppage. It was his third early night in a row - and the 23-year-old has told fight fans to expect more excitement as his career progresses. "People asked if I would have the power to make it as a professional," said Birmingham's Gavin. "They said I had a very amateur style and I wouldn't be able to win fights by knocking my opponents out. "But now the critics are beginning to realise that not only can I box, I can punch as well. "When I was growing up, I always watched tapes of boxers who were body-snatchers, and that's the style I've been trying to emulate in sparring. "Things have been going well, but I'm miles away from being the finished article just yet. "There is so much more to come and I'm really excited about what I'll have to offer in the next few years. "Not only is my power improving with every fight, it's improving every day, and I've been able to keep my speed as well. I don't think any light-welterweight in the country can match my punching ability."
Trainer Anthony Farnell has seen first hand the power that Gavin has to offer. "Anyone who says Frankie isn't a serious puncher doesn't know what they are talking about," said Farnell.
"I've worked with some of the best punchers in the business as a fighter and trainer, and believe me, Frankie is a match for any of them. "Ricky Hatton's probably the best-known body-puncher in the sport recently, but Frankie can be just as good as him if not better. "When he came to the gym I knew he was a special talent, but while I've not been surprised at his speed and footwork, the way he punches has blown me away. "The kid is a massive talent, and he's going to have opponents running for cover once he gets into his stride."