Liverpool rivals meet in Bolton on Saturday for British title

Paul Smith and Tony Dodson lit the blue touch paper at today’s pre-fight press conference ahead of their British super middleweight title clash at the USN Bolton Arena on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.

The Liverpool rivals were heated as they went head-to-head in Manchester, and Smith is confident he’ll beat Dodson for the second time as they provide the chief support to Gavin Rees vs. Anthony Crolla in Betfair’s ‘Rock & Croll’.

“I cannot wait to get back in there and show what I can do, to perform and to be showcased on Sky Sports again, having people sitting up and actually being able to watch the fight,” said Smith.

“I'm hungry to get my belt back. That's the plan and that's what I am going to do and I am going to put in a very good performance on Saturday night.

“I know what I've got. We can talk about the last fight but this is three years later, I think we've both changed since then and I think we'll see a different fight on Saturday, a more open and better fight.”

Smith defended the British title against Dodson back in March 2010, managing a pair of dreadful cuts sustained early in the bout to hold Dodson at bay. The challenger that night has moved up to light heavyweight and now back down for a fourth attempt to land the belt, and the 32 year old admits it’s all or nothing on Saturday.

“My whole career is on the line,” said Dodson. “It's a massive fight, the most important of my career. I know what's at stake and it's given me more incentive to want to get the win because, obviously, he got the win over me last time.

“The pair of us prepare perfectly. I've got no excuses, I'm a totally different fighter from what I was last time. I've got no weight issues, I'll get on the scales now and will probably be under the championship weight already.”

Smith and Dodson are part of a cracking night of action in Bolton, with the lightweight blockbuster between Rees and Crolla leading the way. Unbeaten super bantamweight star Scott Quigg returns to action against Brazilian William Prado, Blackpool’s light middleweight Brian Rose clashes with Alexey Ribchev, Erick Ochieng warms up for his British light middleweight title clash in the autumn against Liam Smith with a six-rounder, Team GB captain Thomas Stalker is looking to move to 5-0 at the start of his career, Betfair Prizefighter Welterweights finalist Dale Evans and Cruiserweight champion Wadi Camacho are both in action.

Tickets are on sale now priced £40, £70 ringside and £120 VIP. Tickets are available at www.matchroomboxing.com or by calling 01277 359900.

BURNS FACES BELTRAN ON SEPTEMBER 7 IN GLASGOW



Scotsman defends WBO belt for fourth time against Mexican at SECC

Ricky Burns will defend his WBO lightweight World title against Raymundo Beltran at the SECC in Glasgow on September 7, live on Sky Sports.

The Scotsman makes the fourth defence of his title against the highly rated Mexican after coming through a tough test against José González in May in Glasgow, with the Puerto Rican rattling the champion before Burns held onto his title after González retired ahead of the tenth round.

The 30 year old Coatbridge ace returned from an eight month absence from the ring to battle past González and is adamant he will turn on the style against Beltran.

“It’s great to be back out again in Glasgow and against another tough opponent,” said Burns. “It was a tricky night against José but I got myself through it like a true champion does and I will be looking to step up a gear against Beltran, who I know will be coming to Scotland full of confidence, so it should be another great night in Glasgow.

“Raymundo is coming over to cause an upset and take the title – and it’s a chance he has earned. But there will be no mistakes from me on the night and you’ll see the best of me in there.”

Beltran, 31, enters the fight on the back of three straight wins and is ready to grasp his first World title shot with both hands.

“I have been waiting for this opportunity for a long time,” said Beltran. “I have been on the wrong side of some close decisions but I have never quit on myself or my goal to be World champion.

“I will prepare for a long night and a hard fight. He is the champion so he won't give it to me I have to take it from him. I am not flying across the ocean to just show up. He's going to know that he's in a war and he's going to know this was no tune up or stay busy fight for him. I have never fought easy fights. Whatever it takes to win – knock out, points, it will be a definitive for me so no one can question that I deserve to be the champion. He has had his time and I respect him now but the night of the fight he will get none until it’s over. Then its two warriors who have respect again. But he's in for 12 rounds or less with me giving my all.

“This is for my family, my kids, so I can give them a good future. I'm taking them into the ring with me in my heart. You know it's hard to explain but I'm excited to be here and now that I am here I am not going to just take it for granted. It's too important. It proves that of you never give up your time will come. Sooner or later it will come. Then it's up to you.

“Ricky Burns will no longer be the champion when he wakes up on Sept 8th because I'm taking his belt the night before.”

“Ray Beltran is the Mexican buzzsaw who is always in the kind of action fight that fans like to see. Beltran will fight in a real entertaining battle against Ricky Burns. British boxing fans are in for a real treat,” said Bob Arum, CEO, Top Rank.

“This has always been a fight that stylistically makes sense,” said show promoter Eddie Hearn. “Beltran is a hugely entertaining and tough opponent who is on a hot run and ranked impressively across the governing bodies. Fans can expect a great main event and a deep card as Ricky continues his journey in the 135 pound division.”

Hearn revealed the early undercard at a press conference today in Glasgow, and said Scottish fans can expect a great night of action with John Simpson, Stephen Simmons, Scotty Cardle and David Brophy all fighting and more names to be announced soon.

Tickets are on sale now priced £40, £60 & £100 available through www.ticketsoup.com or by calling 08443954000. VIP packages are on sale now priced £200 exclusively through Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900 and at www.matchroomboxing.com

Bronze medallist faces third pro fight on July 13

Team GB Olympic star Anthony Ogogo will compete for the third time as a professional on July 13 at the MS3 Craven Park in Hull, live on Sky Sports on Betfair’s “The Homecoming” along with the professional debut of Olympic teammate Luke Campbell MBE.

2012 Bronze medallist Ogogo, who will face an opponent to be named in a six-round middleweight bout, joins a top class undercard in support of the debut of Gold Medalist Campbell and unbeaten Sheffield welterweight Kell Brook facing dangerous American Carson Jones in a rematch of their epic clash last July.  Plus, Welsh featherweight sensation Lee Selby will be in action against unbeaten Romanian Viorel Simion, Derry Mathews and Hull’s Tommy Coyle clash for the vacant Commonwealth lightweight title as well as appearances by English Super Middleweight Champion Rocky Fielding, unbeaten middleweight sensation John Ryder, light welterweight Curtis Woodhouse and local talents Joel Haigh and Zak Collins

Ogogo made an explosive start to life in the pros, dropping Kieron Gray in the second round of his debut on April 27 at Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield and followed that with another impressive win, this time at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City in the United States, getting six rounds under his belt against durable Puerto Rican Edgar Perez on May 18.

“I’m extremely patriotic and proud to be British, so I’m excited to be back fighting in the U.K. on July 13,” said Ogogo, who is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions.  “It’s great to be on the same card as my Olympic teammate and one of my best friends outside of the ring, Luke Campbell.  I expect a spectacular performance from Luke on the night, and I’m planning on delivering one myself and really give my home country fans a show.”

“Anthony has shown fans on both sides of the Atlantic just how much potential he has, and we’re all looking forward to his continued development on July 13,” said Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions.  “Eddie Hearn has put together a great show for Hull fans and we’re honoured to have Anthony participate on it.”

“I’m delighted to be working with Anthony and Golden Boy as it gives the U.K. public the opportunity to watch Anthony’s impressive progress,” said show promoter Eddie Hearn.

Tickets for Betfair’s ‘The Homecoming’ are on sale now priced £25, £40, £60 and £100 from www.hullkr.co.uk – VIP packages priced £150 are available exclusively from Matchroom Boxing at www.matchroomboxing.com and on 01277 359900.

Cobra tells fans he’s gunning for more big shows

Carl Froch told a civic reception in his hometown of Nottingham that he still dreams of a big show at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground.

The Cobra was honoured with a second civic reception following his epic rematch win over Mikkel Kessler at the O2 Arena in London on May 25, and when he addressed his loyal hometown fans who braved the pouring rain to pay homage to their hero, he told them he hoped the curtain has not been drawn on his fighting days in Nottingham after he destroyed Lucian Bute at the Capital FM Arena in May then brushed Yusaf Mack aside in clinical fashion in November at the same venue.

Froch moved to the capital for the clash with Kessler, a fight that sold-out in three hours and delivered an exhilarating night of action, and with a return to the ring likely to come in the winter, the 35 year old did not rule out boxing in Nottingham again.

“I would love the decider against Mikkel to be held at the City Ground,” said Froch. “That would be an incredible occasion but I’ll be back again before Christmas and who knows, it could be at the Arena again.”

Froch has boxed at the Arena 15 times in his glittering 33 fight career, and he told fans and local dignitaries at the reception that he was humbled by their continued support.

“It’s an honour and humbling to be given another civic reception here,” said Froch. “The people and the city as a whole has backed me from day one and it means a lot, I love this city very much and I think that the feeling is mutual. Even though I beat Mikkel in London, I know that so many of the fans that were in the Arena for those big nights with Jean Pascal, Andre Dirrell and Bute, and even as far back as Robin Reid, Tony Dodson and Brian Magee, they were all in the O2 or watching at home and roaring me on.”

With revenge over Kessler in the bag, Froch is now focused on his next move. Completing the trilogy is high on his wish list, as is a rematch with Andre Ward and possible clashes with up-and-coming Brit rivals George Groves and James DeGale. Other fighters have called The Cobra out to fight and while

“I’m 36 in July but I feel fresher than ever,” said Froch. “The desire is still there and I am still loving the training. I put myself through 12 weeks of hell before a fight but I love it and I want to keep going for as long as I can.

“People are calling me out and that’s fine. Maybe they see a big pay day, or maybe they think they’ve seen a weakness, who knows? All I can say is that I feel like I’ve got a new lease of life, I’m smashing my own records in training and I feel fantastic. I’ll sit down with Eddie Hearn and we’ll plot the next moves but I’m very excited about the future and I can sense some huge nights on the horizon.”

Photography by Lawrence Lustig

Olympic Gold joined by ‘The Special One’ Kell Brook in Queen Victoria Square tomorrow

Luke Campbell MBE has invited the people of Hull to watch him perform a public workout tomorrow in Queen Victoria Square as he prepares for his hometown debut on July 13 – and said he may invite a fan into the ring to get involved!

Campbell makes his pro bow at MS3 Craven Park, the home of Rugby League outfit Hull KR, live on Sky Sports in Betfair’s ‘The Homecoming’ and he is joined at an open press conference at 12.30 at the City Hall by unbeaten Sheffield welterweight star Kell Brook, Hull’s Commonwealth lightweight title contender Tommy Coyle and his opponent Derry Mathews, and local talents Zak Collins and Joe Haigh.

The 25 year old has promised an entertaining day for the fans that come down to watch the stars of the show strut their stuff and is aiming to get them involved in the action.

“I'm hoping for all of Hull to come, it's going to be good fun,” said Campbell. “I'm going to be doing a few bits of training, pad-work and skipping, as well as interacting with the public.

“Maybe we’ll see if any of them want to get in and do a bit of shadow boxing, they're more than welcome!

“There’s going to be a lot of media there with loads of cameras so it's going to be fantastic. It’s a chance for the sports fans in Hull to also get to see great fighters like Kell Brook, Derry Mathews, Tommy Coyle and plus a couple of local lads to watch for the future in Zak Collins and Joel Haigh, so I’m looking forward to seeing everyone there.”

Campbell’s hometown bow brings down the curtain on Sky Sports season of boxing in style, with the hotly anticipated comeback of Brook in a rematch with dangerous American Carson Jones, who gave the Sheffield talent plenty of problems when they met in the Steel City in July.

Coyle and Mathews clash for the vacant lightweight belt that Mathews boxed Anthony Crolla for in Liverpool in March, Welsh featherweight sensation Lee Selby tackling unbeaten Romanian Viorel Simion, and there are outings for English super middleweight champion Rocky Fielding, unbeaten middleweight sensation John Ryder, light welterweight Curtis Woodhouse alongside local talents Haigh and Collins.

Tickets for Betfair’s ‘The Homecoming’ are on sale now priced £25, £40, £60 and £100 from www.hullkr.co.uk – VIP packages priced £150 are available exclusively from Matchroom Boxing at www.matchroomboxing.com and on 01277 359900.

Photography by Lawrence Lustig.

The Cobra ready to thank fans tomorrow evening

Carl Froch says he’s ‘deeply honoured’ by the decision from Nottingham City Council to hold a civic reception for him tomorrow night (Thursday June 20) at the Council House in the city centre.

The Cobra is riding high after avenging his defeat against Mikkel Kessler in a stunning fight at the O2 Arena on May 25 live on Sky Sports Box Office, and Froch will address his adoring Nottingham fans after 7pm.

“It’s a fantastic gesture from the City Council and a great chance to me to thank the people of Nottingham for their amazing support, not just for the Kessler fight but ever since I began boxing,” said Froch. “It’s a real honour for me to be able to address the city I love like this and I cannot wait for tomorrow night when the fans turn out in their droves to come and see me.”

Carl will be welcomed by the Lord Mayor of Nottingham Councillor Merlita Bryan and other dignitaries gathered in his honour.

Fans can gather in the Old Market Square to get a chance to see their 35 year old appear on the Council House balcony with his World title belts to address the crowd.

Lord Mayor Councillor Bryan said: “Carl is a fantastic sportsman and a great ambassador for Nottingham and I’m delighted to mark his latest success in unifying the super-middleweight championships of the world. It also provides Carl with an opportunity to greet his many local fans and thank them for their support.”

City Council Leader, Councillor Jon Collins, added: “We’re really proud of Carl and the way he represents Nottingham around the world, and pleased to give his fans a chance to share in his glory in his hometown.”

After a few changes to the line up, Prospect Boxing supremo Paul Graham still expects that after a few line up changes his June 28th show at Cleland Miners Club will be a success “Its no secret we’ve had a few changes to the line up, but in some cases this has definitely worked to the shows favour as we have ended up with more entertaining fights. I have been involved in a few shows now, so I am definitely getting used to the merry-go-round that is promoting!


Making his professional debut is Ayr's Martin McCord, who takes on Dundee's Mike Towell over six rounds. After a few non starts the promoter is looking to forward to see McCord get in the ring “Martin has been raring to go for a while. He has had a few offers to fight away and has taken them only for the show to be cancelled at late notice, so its good to be able to get him out and fighting.


“His fight with Mike Towell, could be a war as Mike has had one fight already and will be coming down to win and make it 2-0 for himself.


With a points loss in his last outing, Wishaws Mark Parvin will be looking to get back to winning ways as he takes on Cumbria’s Martyn King in a six round contest. With a full training camp under his belt, Parvin is itching to write the wrongs of his loss “I have studied the fight and been working on making improvements to ensure I am the winner. I have seen a little bit of Martyn King and he’s durable. So he’s perfect comeback for me.


And hoping to stretch his unbeaten run to three fights, Fauldhouse's Sean Watson takes on Manchester's Abdul Rashid over 4 rounds. Rashid replaces Michael Stupart, but the former professional referee expects a tough nights work “I picked Rashid as he has never actually been stopped in a fight. Sean had a few personal problems which lead to us having to reschedule the date, but he has thrown himself into his training and is telling he cant wait to get in the ring on June 28th.


Completing the line up is Sanquhar's Rhys Pagan takes on the undefeated Manchester fighter Sam Omidi. With two undefeated fighter's putting their records up against each other, Pagan's promoter is happy he has delivered Pagan the fight “I have every faith in Rhys and expect him to come through this. For his fifth fight I think this is a cracker and it should be a good test for him.


In addition to the four fights, the crowd can also expect live music and comedy from comedian Gus Lymburn. June 28th will also see a raffle and auction in aid of local charity 'Mason Mission'.


Prospect Boxing present an evening of Professional Boxing the pro debut of Martin McCord and the return of Sean Watson, Mark Parvin and Rhys Pagan in a four fight card at the Cleland Miners Welfare Club on Friday June 28th.


Tickets are priced £35 and are available from the Boxers or by calling 01698 338 888, were debit or credit card facilities are available.


Further information available from www.prospectboxing.co.uk or www.facebook.com/ProspectBoxing or via twitter @ProspectBoxing

‘The Special One’ ready to make a statement in comeback against Carson Jones

Kell Brook is relieved to have his injury nightmare behind him and has promised to put on a show when he makes his ring return against Carson Jones at MS3 Craven Park in Hull on July 13, live on Sky Sports in Betfair’s ‘The Homecoming’.

The Sheffield star has endured a torrid start to 2013. After working his way into mandatory position to challenge Devon Alexander, the unbeaten welterweight saw his shot at the IBF World title twice postponed after both men succumbed to training injuries. The bout was rearranged for May but an injury to his right foot meant Brook had to pull out of the fight.

“It has been very frustrating,” said Brook. “I have never really had an injury in my whole career and then just before the biggest fight of my life it happens to come along. It was horrible and I was absolutely gutted about it.

“Without a doubt it was the hardest thing I have had to go through in my boxing career. I have always wanted to be a World champion and when I got a World title fight it got taken away from me and it was out of my hands, it was so frustrating.

“I couldn’t watch Alexander v Lee Purdy, I couldn’t do it. Knowing that I should have been in there that night, I couldn’t sit down and watch it.”

‘The Special One’ says he cannot wait to meet Jones for a second time when he returns to action in Hull in July and has promised a big performance to mark his comeback.

“I am on to the next chapter in my boxing career now and I am looking forward to having fun on July 13,” said Brook.

“Step by step we will get to where I have wanted to get all of my life and all of my career. I am looking forward to Hull, I am excited and I cannot wait.

“Big things will come from me, I am going to make a statement in this fight and I am going to carry on from there.

“I could have had an easier opponent but the last fight was an exciting, mouth-watering fight and I think the fans deserve it. It is going to be a tough fight and I am training hard for it but I am going to go out there and have fun and take care of business.”

Brook’s return is part of a huge night of action in Hull, headed by Olympic hero Luke Campbell’s professional debut. Welsh featherweight sensation Lee Selby will be in action against unbeaten Romanian Viorel Simion, Derry Mathews and Hull’s Tommy Coyle clash for the vacant Commonwealth lightweight title, and there are outings for English super middleweight champion Rocky Fielding, unbeaten middleweight sensation John Ryder, light welterweight Curtis Woodhouse and local talents Joel Haigh and Zak Collins.

Tickets for Betfair’s ‘The Homecoming’ are on sale now priced £25, £40, £60 and £100 from www.hullkr.co.uk – VIP packages priced £150 are available exclusively from Matchroom Boxing at www.matchroomboxing.com and on 01277 359900.

Welshman gunning for another shot at World title glory

Gavin Rees says his World title fight with Adrien Broner has reignited his desire to become a World champion for the second time – and he has warned Anthony Crolla that he’ll put in a great performance when they clash at the USN Bolton Arena on Saturday June 29, live on Sky Sports in Betfair’s ‘Rock & Croll’.

Rees travelled to America in February to take on the WBC champ Broner in Atlantic City, and the brash Cincinnati star lived up to the hype by halting the Welshman’s brave challenge in the dying embers of the fifth round.

The 33 year old won many admirers for his gutsy display across the pond and after getting straight back into training, ‘The Rock’ is ready to roll against Crolla and hunt down a second chance to become a two-weight World champion.

“It was a massive stage to be involved in against Broner over in America,” said Rees. “I was disappointed with the result but he's a great talent and too good for me on the night.

“There was no point in being down about it afterwards. It was great to get a taste of the big stage in the States and it's made me hungry to get back to that again.

“I was confident of winning the fight and the first two rounds went OK but he's a massive puncher for a lightweight. I was very surprised just at how good he was and I really believe he is the next big star in boxing.

“I would've carried on until I was knocked out cold but I was straight back in the gym on the Thursday after the fight – maybe if I had been totally knocked out I wouldn't have been so eager. But now I'm back headlining a big show against a good contender in Anthony Crolla. I was never going to win the fight, I was getting hit by big shots and was falling behind, but I'm a warrior and a fighter and I wanted to go out on my shield.

“I've had some good tweets from the States and I think I earned a lot of respect in the end. I got straight back down to the nitty-gritty afterwards and although I'm not looking past Anthony but I want another World title shot to come from this - and I'm sure that's what he is looking for, that's what makes it a great fight.”

Rees is convinced that a dominant display live on Sky Sports will put him in right in the World title picture and that could lead to a showdown with stable mate Ricky Burns. The Scotsman holds the WBO belt and has already defended it in an all-Brit clash with Kevin Mitchell, and Rees says he would relish a shot at a man he knows well.

“People are linking me to a fight with Ricky Burns because he’s a World champion and I am hunting a World title shot, so it's logical,” said Rees. “Who wouldn't want to fight a World champion? It'd be another great night with two Brits going at it for a World title. I've had Ricky's trainer Billy Nelson in our corner a few times and I've sparred with Ricky, so I know him well and he's a nice lad, but he's got the belt so he's a natural fight to look for – but so is a fight with Richard Abril or Miguel Vazquez as they have belts too.”

Rees and Crolla top a fantastic bill in Bolton, with Liverpool super middleweights Paul Smith and Tony Dodson scrapping for the vacant British title, light middleweight Brian Rose taking on Alexey Ribchev, super bantamweight sensation Scott Quigg returning to action and Team GB’s Olympic boxing captain Thomas Stalker joined by young stars Erick Ochieng, Dale Evans and Maxi Hughes.

Tickets are on sale now priced £40, £70 ringside and £120 VIP. Tickets are available at www.matchroomboxing.com or by calling 01277 359900.

Gold medal star gains a new fan in The Queen!

Luke Campbell collected his MBE from The Queen at Buckingham Palace yesterday (June 13), and invited Her Royal Highness to his debut at MS3 Craven Park in Hull on July 13, live on Sky Sports in Betfair’s ‘The Homecoming’.

Campbell was named in the New Year’s Honours list after winning Gold in the bantamweight final at the London 2012 Olympic Games, and the Hull star collected the gong ahead of his pro bow in his home city – and invited Her Majesty to attend.

“It was a magical day and one I will never forget, a real honour,” said Campbell. “The Queen asked me when I was fighting next, so I told her about my debut at Craven Park on July 13 and said she is more than welcome to pop along!”

Campbell is deep in training for his first outing in the paid ranks, and with his sporting success coupled with a stint on hit TV show Dancing On Ice, his promoter Eddie Hearn is predicting the 25 year old will become a superstar as his pro career blossoms.

“Luke is the next big crossover star in sport,” said Hearn. “He has the sort of universal appeal that will garner a massive fanbase which is great for boxing to get new faces involved at all levels. The next step for Luke is to establish himself in the pro game, which I have no doubt he will – from then onwards the sky is the limit.”

Campbell will perform an open workout next Saturday in Hull (June 22, details released next week) ahead of a huge night of boxing to close the season on Sky Sports, with Sheffield’s unbeaten welterweight Kell Brook facing American Carson Jones in a rematch, Welsh featherweight sensation Lee Selby tackling unbeaten Romanian Viorel Simion, Derry Mathews and Hull’s Tommy Coyle clashing for the vacant Commonwealth lightweight title, and there are outings for English super middleweight champion Rocky Fielding, unbeaten middleweight sensation John Ryder, light welterweight Curtis Woodhouse and local talents Joel Haigh and Zak Collins.

Tickets for Betfair’s ‘The Homecoming’ are on sale now priced £25, £40, £60 and £100 from www.hullkr.com – VIP packages priced £150 are available exclusively from Matchroom Boxing at www.matchroomboxing.com and on 01277 359900.