Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Katsidis looking to spoil the Party

Michael Katsidis is relishing a big return to the UK to take on Kevin Mitchell - because British crowds make him fight like Rocky. The dynamite-fisted Aussie defends his interim WBO World lightweight title against Mitchell on May 15 at West Ham's world famous Boleyn Ground at Upton Park. And Katsidis admits that he'll get a hostile reception in London's east end. But the 29-year-old power puncher isn't fussed after previously coming to the UK to take on Graham Earl in a thriller at Wembley Arena in 2007. That night he was booed to the ring by a 10,000 strong crowd, but left to cheers after being involved in an all-out thriller which saw both men trading leather during five explosive rounds. And he says that although he'll walk into Upton Park a villain, he'll leave a hero. "I wanted this fight in my home state of Queensland, but the next best thing is having it in London," said Katsidis. "My fight against Graham Earl was a very special occasion, but Mitchell will be even better. "Fighting in front of British crowds is something else, I promise you. "My fight against Earl was like Rocky IV when Rocky has to go to Russia to face Ivan Drago. "When the fight starts everyone hates him, but by the end they are on their feet cheering."That's what happened with Graham Earl because in that fight we both took a lot of punishment and showed that we were prepared to go out on our shields. "I've got lots of happy memories of that night because I won my title and that allowed me to go to America and make a name for myself there. "Mitchell will do the same for my profile, and no one will be going home disappointed with the quality of the action. I've got this whole warrior image and it won't be changing it for this fight. "There will be thousands of Aussies in the crowd as well, and when me and Kevin get it on, the atmosphere will be unbelievable."

Friday, March 26, 2010

Danny Williams warns Sam Sexton

Danny Williams today warned British title challenger Sam Sexton that he's got his "mojo" back. Williams will defend his Lonsdale belt against Sexton on May 15 at Upton Park, West Ham, and will look to add the Norwich man's Commonwealth crown. If Williams is successful, he will become the first heavyweight in history to lift the Commonwealth belt three times. And the Brixton Bomber today sounded confident about bowing out on a high, confirming that whatever happens against Sexton, he won't fight again. Before Christmas, when the fight was first announced, Williams raised eyebrows by claiming that he was a shot fighter. But today he sounded far more upbeat. "I've got my mojo back for this one," said the 36-year-old. "I've been taking some new supplements and I've been flying in training. "I feel like a new man and everyone is going to see that on May 15. This fight is going to be my last one and I'm going to give it my all on the night. "I've always wanted to be known as a courageous fighter like my hero Rocky Marciano, and I'll continue in that vein when I fight Sexton." But the challenger, 25, hit back by saying: "I'm glad Williams is saying he is back to his best because I've always wanted to beat the best of Danny. "It will need to be some mojo to beat me, because the way I'm feeling right now there is no way that Danny can beat me. "There will be no fairytale ending for him this time. I'm coming to take his title and send him into retirement by knocking him out." Williams had failed to show at a press conference to officially announce the fight last week, sparking speculation that he might withdraw. But today he explained that he was contemplating whether or not to take a European title shot against Audley Harrison in early April. "I got offered the fight, but I decided not to take it because it was only three weeks notice," he said. "The defeat I suffered against Harrison (a three round TKO back in 2007) really hurt my pride, and I've always wanted revenge. "I took that fight on five days notice, but people don't remember that, only the fact I lost. "I didn't think that three weeks was long enough to prepare for Harrison, and I didn't want the same thing to happen again, so I opted for Sexton instead." 'Hammer Time' is headlined by Kevin Mitchell's challenge for the WBO Interim World Lightweight Championship against Michael Katsidis. A quality packed undercard includes the British and Commonwealth Heavyweight Championship between Danny Williams and Sam Sexton; Olympic Gold medallist James DeGale challenges for the first title in his career - the WBA International Super-Middleweight Championship; unbeaten heavyweight star Derek Chisora; and Britain's hottest young prospects Frankie Gavin and Billy Joe Saunders. Plus more fights to be added.

Froch tuning in for Abraham vs Dirrell

Nottingham’s WBC Super middleweight champion Carl ‘the cobra’ Froch will be tuning into Primetime PPV Sky Channel 480 this Saturday with interest, as a former victim goes head to head with his next scheduled opponent in the Showtime Super Six World Boxing Classic Tournament. “I’ve got the fight booked and like the rest of the boxing public out there, I’ll be intrigued as to how the fight will pan out." said Froch from his Sheffield training base alongside Robert McCracken and the British Olympic team. “We all know what both men bring to the table in this fight. On one hand we have the slippery Dirrell who will look to get his shots off and is supremely quick and naturally talented – and then we have the popular Mr. Abraham in the opposite corner, a compact man with a tight guard and bricks in his gloves.” Froch himself knows what it’s like to fight Andre Dirrell, having outpointed the American visitor back in November 2009 during the first round of the tournament, which was aired in the UK on Sky channel 480 - and now with Virgin Media added to the platform, Froch vs. Kessler on the 24th April will be available to even more fight fans. Froch won the fight on a split decision; With the Mexican judge giving it to Dirrell by a point, whilst the remaining judges gave it to Froch by two points. "We knew nothing of him really before I fought him, but Dirrell has a lot of natural talent, with good range and athleticism. He is a difficult operator to pin down. Abraham is certainly going to have his work cut out for him." said Froch. The fight was originally to be held in Palm Springs at the beginning of the month, but a back injury to Dirrell saw a postponement and venue relocation to within 60 miles of his hometown. Froch saw this as potentially more pressure for Dirrell which may drive him on. “Fighting at home brings more pressure to perform. I don’t think Dirrell has had a high profile local fight so far in his career. Dirrell will reflect on his tactics not working in our fight and will hopefully look to let his hands go more. To let his fists do the talking." The city of Detroit has seen many a legend pass through it's infamous Kronk Gym over the years. With the likes of their first world champion Hilmer Kenty and more famously, Thomas 'Hitman' Hearns. “The fantastic boxing fans of Detroit have had the likes of Hitman Hearns entertaining them over the years. Dirrell will have some big boots to fill and the experience of surviving twelve rounds in a world title fight with me will give him added confidence. He will certainly need that confidence when facing the powerful package that Arthur Abraham brings to the table." said Froch. Froch believes Abraham’s chances all boil down to ring generalship to be successful against ‘The Matrix’. “Dirrell’s got Mayweather-like speed and reflexes. But the difference is, rather than make you miss and punish you; he’d rather make you miss and move. Therefore Abraham needs to take command of the fight and dictate it. Whereas the fighter in me likes to get straight into the thick of the action, Abraham is more patient. Dirrell has declared he is going to let his fists fly this time and he really does need to keep his Super Six dream alive - because he is drinking in last chance saloon now and Abraham is about to turf him out before he finishes his drink." laughed Froch. "It's got the hall marks of potentially being a very great fight, now that Dirrell has no more chances left, with fighting at home and with a serious puncher like Abraham in the corner it could really be explosive. That's the great thing about this match up - nobody can forecast what is going to happen."

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Harrison looks for redemption

OLD rivals Audley Harrison and Michael Sprott will fight for the vacant European Heavyweight Championship next month. Ex-Olympic gold medalist Harrison and former British and Commonwealth title holder Sprott will clash for the belt at London’s Alexandra Palace on April 9. The pair have fought before in February 2007 and Harrison will be keen for revenge after he was knocked out in the third round. Harrison, 38, who saved his career by winning Prizefighter Heavyweights 3 in October, had been scheduled to meet Poland’s Albert Sosnowski for the title. However, Sosnowski will now face WBC Champion Vitali Klitschko in May and is set to vacate the European belt to set up the mouth-watering all-British clash. “When Albert pulled out, I told Matchroom I don't care who accepts the fight as there are no easy fights at this level and I’d be ready for anyone,” said Harrison. “To have the opportunity to rectify my loss against Sprott is a blessing that is better than my expectations. “I’m glad I get a chance to correct the mistakes I made in that fight. In 2007, had I beaten Sprott I would’ve fought for the world title that year.
“Now I’ve gone full circle and I will show I’m finally ready to fulfil my destiny and fight for and win a world title. “I have nothing or no one to fear in the division and 2010 will be the rise, redemption and glory of Audley A Force Harrison.”The bout, which will be the main event of Matchroom sport’s next boxing show, gives both fighters one last shot at the big time. Sprott was due to take part in the same Prizefighter tournament as Harrison before he withdrew following the death of his sister. After winning Prizefighter, Harrison donated the trophy to Sprott’s family, although there will be no love lost on April 9 in what will be a make-or-break night in both boxers’ careers. Sprott, 35, returned to the ring after a nine-month absence in stunning fashion on Saturday with a knockout victory inside 60 seconds against German Werner Kreiskoff. “When I suffered the tragic loss of my sister, I had to pull out of the Prizefighter tournament that Audley went on to win,” added Sprott. “I have no doubt in my mind I would’ve won that tournament. I’m confident the result against Audley will be the same as last time.” Matchroom Sport Chairman Barry Hearn was expecting a fantastic contest. He said: “This is a fight the public wants to see between two of Britain’s best heavyweights. “Albert Sosnowski getting a shot at the WBC belt has shown how close these boxers are to fighting for a world title if they win on April 9.”

Thursday, March 18, 2010

DeGale to box at the Boleyn Ground

Olympic champion James DeGale will fight for his first title on May 15 at Upton Park, West Ham - and says it will be the first of many. DeGale, who has only had six professional fights, will challenge for the Vacant WBA International super-middleweight title over 12 rounds. "I've done 10 rounds in sparring, but I feel ready for the step up," said DeGale. "I've had a lot of amateur fights, a lot of experience before I turned professional, and people are going to see another wicked performance from me. "I'm looking forward to hearing the bell go for rounds nine, 10, 11 and 12 so I can prove to people that I can do the championship distance. "But to be honest I don't think the fight will last that long because I'm feeling so confident at the moment. If I win this fight it will give me a good ranking with the WBA as well and get me noticed all around the world." The belt has previously been held by current British champion Paul Smith, and DeGale may not be far off challenging for the Lonsdale belt. "I was there on Friday night when Smith beat Dodson, and I don't think I'd disgrace myself at that level," he said. "The only thing that is really holding me back is the experience, and by stepping up to championship level I'll be getting it. "I won't be saying that I'm the best in the world after winning this title, but I'm definitely going in the right direction and I see myself at championship level from now on. "I want the British, Commonwealth and European titles at super-middleweight and then I'll move on to the world scene."
Promoter Frank Warren added: "I don't think many young fighters have stepped up this early in their career, but James is a special talent."

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Amir Khan stars in America

Their war of words has captivated the boxing world, but on Saturday, May 15, the time for talk will be over when two of the brightest stars in the super lightweight division - WBA Super Lightweight World Champion Amir Khan and former world title holder Paulie "The Magic Man" Malignaggi - finally settle their score at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York. The bout, which will be televised live on HBO's Boxing After Dark in the United States, also marks Khan's United States debut which will be taking place in the back yard of Brooklyn's Malignaggi. In the evening's co-feature, it's a true crossroads fight when former World Champion Nate "The Galaxxy Warrior" Campbell tries to halt the rapid rise of hard-hitting rising star "Vicious" Victor Ortiz in a 10 round super lightweight showdown. "Paulie Malignaggi did a great job of talking his way into this fight and I commend him for that," said Khan. "But on May 15he'll have to pay for the things he's said about me and I will have no problem teaching him a lesson in his own hometown. I'm excited for my United States debut and plan on giving the great fans of New York an exciting show on May 15." "I'm the best fighter Amir Khan has ever fought, bar none. I'm going to make sure this is a one and done deal for this poor bloke," said Paulie Malignaggi. "When I'm done with this guy, he'll never want to come to the U.S. again, not even on 'holiday.' It's a good thing he agreed to fight in New York rather than Vegas, this way he saved himself five extra hours of flight time agony thinking about the loss on his way back to England!" This electrifying doubleheader, which is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and DiBella Entertainment in association with Khan Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, will be televised live on HBO's Boxing After Dark in the United States beginning at 9:45 pm ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) with the Cambpell vs. Ortiz bout which is presented in association with One Punch Promotions. "The talking Khan and Malignaggi have been doing over the last few weeks has been entertaining, but I guarantee that the fight on May 15 will be even better," said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. "This is a very interesting style matchup and when you add that to the big fight atmosphere you always have at Madison Square Garden in New York City and throw in the bad blood between these two, it's definitely going to be a night to remember. Couple all of that with a great co-feature in Nate Campbell vs. Victor Ortiz, and you've got a night of boxing you simply can't miss." "Amir Khan believes he's going to take over America, and on May 15 he'll have the opportunity to prove it against one of the best 140 pounders in the world," said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. "He's going to find out that Madison Square Garden isn't Lancashire, England. Paulie Malignaggi will have the opportunity to become champion again, and Amir Khan can justify all the hype. It's a great matchup." "Madison Square Garden is excited to host Amir Khan vs. Paulie Maignaggi," said Joel Fisher, executive vice president, MSG Sports. "We really respect Khan, who will be making his boxing debut in America, for coming into Paulie's backyard to defend his title. As we know, Paulie is one of New York's favorite fighters and we are expecting a great crowd and a great night of boxing." "We are very excited to be airing Khan vs. Malignaggi," said Luis Barragan, Director of Programming HBO Sports. "Amir Khan is an exceptional young talent and for him to be making his U.S. debut at Madison Square Garden against a skilled fighter like Paul Malignaggi, is a sure recipe for a tremendous "Boxing After Dark. It will be a treat for fans on both sides of 'the pond.'" One of England's biggest sports stars, Amir Khan (22-1, 16 KO's) of Bolton, Lancashire, United Kingdom, captured the imagination of a nation when, at just 17-years-old, he took home a Silver Medal at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens (as the sole member from the British boxing team). In 2005, he turned professional and has since won 22 of 23 pro bouts, including four in a row. In July of 2009, the 23-year-old - who holds a win over the legendary Marco Antonio Barrera - captured his first World Title when he decisioned Andreas Kotelnik for the WBA 140-pound belt. In his first defense last December, he needed just 76 seconds to take out the previously unbeaten Dmitriy Salita. On May 15, he will attempt to defeat his second straight New Yorker, but this time on foreign soil in his opponent's hometown. Brooklyn's Paulie Malignaggi (27-3, 5 KO's) has made plenty of headlines with his mouth, but it's his fists and his fighting spirit that have gained him respect throughout the boxing world. A slick boxer with speed and a rapid-fire jab, Malignaggi first won a world title in 2007 when he defeated Lovemore N'dou for the IBF Junior Welterweight crown. Since then, Malignaggi has continued to fight the best, including Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz (twice), Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton and Herman Ngoudjo. In his most recent bout, Malignaggi put on a show in defeating Diaz over 12 rounds last December. Now he's ready to do the same thing against Khan in front of his hometown fans this spring. Not only one of the craftiest fighters of the last ten years, but also one of the toughest, Nate Campbell (33-5-1, 25 KO's) has reached the heights of the boxing game as a Unified Lightweight World Champion and he's ready to do it all again at super lightweight. Unbeaten since 2006, the "Galaxxy Warrior" holds victories over Juan Diaz, Ricky Quiles and Kid Diamond, and he plans on punching his way to another title shot by taking out young gun Victor Ortiz. Ultra-talented southpaw "Vicious" Victor Ortiz (26-2-1, 21 KO's) has been thrilling fight fans with his exciting style and fight-ending power ever since his pro debut in 2004. In the last two years, the Ventura, California product really started moving on the fast track, stopping Jeffrey Resto, Mike Arnaoutis and Antonio Diaz over the stretch. Fresh off of a February stoppage of Hector Alatorre, Ortiz looks to repeat his 2007 Madison Square Garden knockout of former World Champion Carlos Maussa when he returns to New York City on May 15 against Campbell.

West Ham United host Kevin Mitchell

Kevin Mitchell today described his chance to fight for a world title at Upton Park as a dream come true - and says it will only be bettered by lifting the WBO lightweight crown against Michael Katsidis. Mitchell, a life-long West Ham fan, will fight the power-punching Australian on May 15 as promoter Frank Warren kicks off the new decade in style. It's his biggest show since more than 50,000 packed the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, for Joe Calzaghe's super-middleweight unification fight against Mikkel Kessler in 2007. And he says that it will match some of the massive events of the 1990s featuring the likes of Naseem Hamed, Nigel Benn, Chris Eubank and Frank Bruno. For Mitchell, it will be an opportunity to perform at the stadium where many of his heroes plied their trade, including World Cup winners Bobby Moore and Sir Geoff Hurst. "I grew up watching West Ham play and if I hadn't been a boxer I would have been a footballer," said unbeaten Mitchell. "I think one of my proudest moments was being introduced to the fans down here before a game the other week and getting an amazing reception. "But now I'm going to be fighting here and I still can't quite believe it. "The fans in the east end are very special people, and to get the opportunity to fight in front of them is a dream come true. "Boxing and football are a way of life around here, and I think you are going to see an amazing event on May 15 with everyone turning out to see it." Warren added: "There is a long history of boxing in the east end stretching back to the days of Ted Kid Lewis. "But Kevin has got the chance to do what none of the great east end fighters did, and that's fighting for a world title at Upton Park. "The response from all over London has been fantastic. We've waited a long time for a London fighter who can fill stadiums, and Kevin can be that man. "If he beats Katsidis then you are going to see more big fights at West Ham. I can promise you that May 15 is going to be an atmospheric and historic occasion." On the undercard, Sam Sexton will challenge Danny Williams for the British heavyweight title, while fellow prospect Derek Chisora features in a 10 rounder. 2008 Olympic champion James DeGale challenges for his first title, the WBA Intercontinental super-middleweight belt, while Frankie Gavin and Billy Joe Saunders feature in eight rounders.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Mighty Mitchell in East End Assignment

Dagenham Destroyer Kevin Mitchell has promised an old fashioned East End tear up when he faces Aussie powerhouse Michael Katsidis on May 15 in London. Mitchell, 25, will challenge the Australian for the Interim WBO World Lightweight title. And the fight could go on at Upton Park, home of Mitchell's beloved West Ham. Promoter Frank Warren is currently in negotiation with the venue, with the ExCeL Arena also under consideration. "It would be a dream come true to fight at Upton Park," said unbeaten Mitchell at a press conference to officially announce the fight today. "The east end loves a nice little punch up and I'll give them one when I fight Katsidis. "He's a great fighter but I'm confident I'll knock him out. He better bring a good cutsman because I'm planning on busting him up real bad. "It will be a proper tear up on the night, then we'll have a good old knees up afterwards." Warren added: "This fight is going to be a lot bigger than people think. "It will capture the imagination of the east end and we'll get a massive crowd. "Kevin's a real east end boy and I know the people from down that way will come out and support him." Katsidis, who is hoping to get good support from London's Greek and Australian communities, said he was looking forward to returning to London. "I've got happy memories of fighting Graham Earl at Wembley," said Katsidis. "People booed me when I came into the right but our fight was so exciting they were cheering when I left. "There's so many Aussies in London that there could be more of us there than the Brits on the night." Mitchell and Katsidis also swapped insults after champion accused challenger of "running like a cat" against Breidis Prescott. "I won't run from you, I promise that," said Mitchell. "We'll see who runs on the night. I'll land one on your chin and I'll knock you out." Katsidis replied: "Your promoter says you've got a secret weapon - is it your mouth? If you couldn't knock out Prescott how are you going to knock out me? "You can keep on talking but I promise there I'll be there on the night."

Tuesday, March 09, 2010

Sosnowski shuns Harrison

BARRY Hearn has tipped Poland’s Albert Sosnowski to ‘cause a big upset’ and beat WBC Champion Vitali Klitschko in May. Sosnowski hails from Warsaw but is now based in Brentwood, Essex and is managed by Hearn, who has co-promoted the majority of his fights. Klitschko will be favourite to beat Sosnowski when the pair meet in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, on May 29 but Hearn believes current European Champion Sosnowski will stun the boxing world. “Albert has been European Champion for just two months and has already been offered a shot for the World Heavyweight Championship,” said Hearn. “This is a life-changing opportunity for Albert and I feel he has the potential to cause a big upset in Germany.” Sosnowski, 31, propelled himself into the boxing big-time in December when he defeated Italian Paolo Vidoz to become European Champion. Former Olympic Games gold medalist Audley Harrison was scheduled to face Sosnowski at London’s Alexandra Palace on April 9. However, Hearn confirmed that Harrison will still be in action against a European fighter on that date and a new opponent will be named shortly. "The show on April 9th will go ahead as planned and Audley Harrison will now be fighting a new European opponent,” added Hearn. "This opportunity for Albert shows just how close Audley is to realising his dream of fighting for a world title." Sosnowski, who is licensed by the British Boxing Board of Control, has defeated current British Champion Danny Williams and won 45 of 48 professional contests. Harrison, 38, a former Olympic Games gold medalist, kept his professional career alive by winning Matchroom Sport’s Prizefighter Heavyweights 3 tournament in October.

Brook looks to Shine in Liverpool

Welterweight ace Kell Brook plans on taking a step closer to a world title shot on Friday - and then watching the man he wants to beat 24 hours later. Brook boxes Poland's Krzysztof Bienias in an eliminator for the WBO World title on Friday night in Liverpool. And the next night holder Manny Pacquiao defends against Joshua Clottey in the States. "After I've knocked out Bienias I'll sit down in front of the television and watch the Pacquiao fight," said Brook. "If I hadn't been fighting on Friday I might have gone to the States to be ringside. "Manny is the man to beat at the moment, and it's either him or Mayweather who is the pound-for-pound number one."Pacquiao's not unbeatable, he's has been beaten before, it will take a special fighter to beat him right now. "Obviously I need more fights before I face him, but if the fight did happen, I'd be excited at the opportunity rather than worried about the result." Brook, 23, revealed that he's got his sights set on another fighter familiar to Pacquiao - Miguel Cotto. The Puerto Rican, who last year beat Michael Jennings, lost his WBO crown to Pacquiao. But he remains high in the ratings at number three, three places ahead of Brook. "Cotto would be a great fight for me," said Brook. "I'd be out for a bit of revenge for the UK after he beat Jennings last year. "He's a great fighter and definitely world class, but he might have had his time. "I can see a scenario where Pacquiao gives up the title, and may be me and Cotto get it on for the vacant belt. If that's the case then bring it on. "I grew up in an era where Ricky Hatton was constantly chasing a big fight against Kotsya Tyszu.
"Watching him made me realise that you have got to be patient and make sure you pick your moment, but I'm growing in confidence with every fight."

Friday, March 05, 2010

Kaymer gets January's Top shot

Martin Kaymer’s coolness under pressure at the 72nd hole of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship has earned the talented young German the first European Tour Shot of the Month Award for 2010. Kaymer was tied with England’s Ian Poulter playing the par five 18th hole at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, but the 25 year old produced a brilliant 276 yard three wood second shot which just caught the right side of the 18th green. Two putts for a birdie four secured Kaymer’s second Abu Dhabi title in the space of three years by the slimmest of margins. That powerful stroke enabled Kaymer to collect the January Award ahead of Spain’s Alvaro Quiros, whose outrageous birdie putt across the full length of the ninth green at Doha Golf Club in the final round of the Commercialbank Qatar Masters, presented by Dolphin Energy, was voted into second place. Third place went to Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy, who hit a towering approach to within 20 feet of the pin at the 18th hole in the third round of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship. The Shot of the Month is awarded to the Tour Member for the shot judged to be the best played each month on The European Tour International Schedule. At the end of the season, the winning shot from each month will be nominated for The European Tour Shot of the Year Award.

Thursday, March 04, 2010

Poulter wins February's Poll

Englishman Ian Poulter has been named The European Tour’s Golfer of the Month for February after claiming his first World Golf Championships title in the WGC-Accenture Match Play at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Dove Mountain, Marana, Arizona. Poulter’s 4 and 2 win over compatriot Paul Casey in the event’s first all European final, was also his first victory on America soil and took him to a career high of fifth in the Official World Golf Ranking. It is the first time the 34 year old Ryder Cup player has won The European Tour’s Golfer of the Month award and he receives a jeroboam of Moët & Chandon champagne and an engraved alms dish in recognition of his achievement. Poulter’s triumph in the 36 hole final against Casey capped a magnificent week for him personally – he also defeated Justin Leonard, Adam Scott, Jeev Milkha Singh, Thongchai Jaidee, and Sergio Garcia en route to the Championship match – as well as The European Tour as a whole, with seven Members making up the last eight in Arizona. “It felt amazing to win a World Golf Championship and I certainly felt very comfortable and in control on the golf course in Arizona,” he said. “It was also great to move up to five in the world and to be recognised with the Golfer of the Month award at the end of it all capped a truly great week for me. “I worked a lot on my game in the off season, particularly on the shots from 100 yards and in, and I think that paid off – I certainly felt like I came out strongly at the start of the year. I feel my game has been in pretty good shape for some time but it was just about ironing out some of the small creases – that has been the thing that has made the big difference.” Poulter won the Award ahead of Spain’s Miguel Angel Jiménez, who became the eighth oldest European Tour champion by capturing the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, and Australian Andrew Dodt, the Avantha Masters champion, as well as European Tour Member Hennie Otto, who won the Sunshine Tour’s Vodacom Championship by nine strokes, and European Challenge Tour Member Michiel Bothma, who claimed the Telkom PGA Championship, also on the Sunshine Tour. South African Charl Schwartzel was named The European Tour Golfer of the Month for January after back-to-back victories in his homeland and both he and Poulter will now go forward for consideration for The 2010 European Tour Golfer of the Year Award at the end of the season.

Tuesday, March 02, 2010

Warren wins Purse bids for Mitchell vs Katsidis

Promoter Frank Warren today won the purse bids for Kevin Mitchell's challenge for the WBO Interim Lightweight Championship of the World against holder Michael Katsidis. Warren's bid of $515,000USD beat the only other bid of $501,000USD from Katsidis' manager Brendon Smith from Ringstar Promotions. The mouthwatering clash will take place in Britain in May with the winner having to face Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez with 180 days. Londoner Mitchell is hot off a second round knockout of Ignacio Mendoza at Wembley Arena last month and defeated Amir Khan conqueror Breidis Prescott last December. Power-punching Australian Katsidis is well know to British fans after his five-round shoot-out against Graham Earl at Wembley Arena in February 2007 and has gone on to become one of the sports biggest stars. Warren said, "I'm delighted that I won the purse bids for this cracking contest and I'm sure it will be an explosive encounter," "Both guys are come forward, all action, fighters throwing plenty of punches so it's hard not to see this fight developing into real war." Mitchell, 25, said, "Frank has done a fantastic job getting me the fight and bringing it to England," "I know all about Katsidis, I've watched him over here against my then stablemate Graham Earl and I've watched all his fights on dvd," "My trainer Jimmy Tibbs is the best in the business and he'll work-out the plan to beat this guy," "This is the kind of fight I've dreamed of since I was kid and now I've got it I can't wait." "The English and the Aussies have got a big rivalry and we kicked their arses last year to regain the Ashes, so I'm looking forward to kicking Katsidis' arse to win the title."