Mitch Prince Returns on October 11th after Limond Loss

In June this year, Commonwealth title challenger Mitch Prince (11-2) pushed current champion Willie Limond to a close points decision, in what was a good display of boxing from the South African born fighter, he now makes his return to the ring on October 11th at Ravenscraig Sports Facility as he looks to build up to another title challenge.


Looking back at the fight, Prince explains he trained hard for that fight “The training went well, it was definitely the best camp I have been involved with. My coach Jim Love really done well and stepped it up for me. Come fight night I knew I was in the best shape I had been, and you can tell from the performance I put in against Limond ”


While Prince was the underdog going into the fight, he goes on to explain he feels he belongs at title level “After the fight With Willie (Limond) I believe I was well worth my position in the British rankings! I believe I beat Limond and everyone who was there saw that, I matched competitively over the 12 round distance.


“That's why I put the fight on YouTube cause I wanted everyone else to see my performance, and see that I can compete at that level. I believe after that performance that I deserve British title shots and television exposure. But for the meantime I am working hard in the gym and for my next fight on October 11th with Hungarian Ivan Godor”


The 29 year old adds “I am looking forward to returning against Ivan Godor, I have seen a bit of him on video, and he's a tough come forward fighter who likes to scrap, but I'm tougher and smarter than him. I look forward to getting between the ropes again, but this time I will be picking up the win as I take him to pieces.


Prospect Boxing presents an Evening of Championship Boxing at the Ravenscraig Sports Centre, Motherwell on Friday October 11th. The Main event sees Iain Butcher take on Hungarian Gabor Molnar for the vacant WBO European Flyweight Title.


The under card sees Martin McCord, Rhys Pagan, Ronnie Clark. Also in action is former commonwealth title challenger Mitch Prince and the Professional Début of JP McGuinness. Tickets are priced at £30 and £40 and available from the fighters or by calling 07912963761


For more information on Prospect Boxing don’t forget to follow us on Twitter on @ProspectBoxing and on facebook on www.facebook.com/ProspectBoxing

At a press conference hosted by Frank Warren on 3rd September 2013, when referring to the administration of his company, W. Promotions Limited (formerly Frank Warren Promotions Limited), Mr Warren stated:-

“It's not just us, I think Matchroom Boxing went into Administration last week, errr, I’m sorry went into, errr, some form of … they wound it up last week.”

In response, Barry Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom Sport Limited said:

"Mr Warren's comment about Matchroom Boxing is untrue and misleading. He has suggested that one of my businesses has been closed due to insolvency, when that is simply not the case.

"By saying "it's not just us", Mr Warren has sought to compare Matchroom to his own insolvent company, W. Promotions Limited, which was put into administration last month owing, what is thought to be, over £3m to creditors (according to the company's Administrators).

“This follows the liquidation of Frank Warren’s previous trading vehicle, Sports Network Limited, which had reported creditors of over £5.5m.

"I feel strongly that Mr Warren's statement should be corrected as I have never wound up or put any company into Administration owing money to creditors. All of our boxing business is run through the parent company, Matchroom Sport Limited, which has been trading successfully for the last 31 years. Matchroom Boxing Limited was a subsidiary company which was dissolved with no creditors, having been dormant for nearly ten years.

“Given the misleading and potentially defamatory nature of Mr Warren's comments our lawyers have written to him asking that he correct his comments and make a donation to the British Boxing Board Charity. Having been given 7 days to respond he has failed to do so.”

After a hotly contested fight, both Martin McCord and Mike Towel shared the spoils Martins debut and Mikes second fight In July this year. Having his second fight on October 11th, on the under card of Iain Butchers WBO European Title challenge at Ravenscraig Sports Facility, McCord is looking forward to returning to the ring .


Making the switch from the Amateur ranks to the Professional game, McCord enjoyed his first professional fight “It was a hard fight to have as your first fight. Mike (Towel) was a tough opponent for anyone’s first fight and really went town on me. I thought I boxed pretty well to be honest, and all credit to Towel as he gave as good as he got in the ring.


With his debut a distant memory, McCord has returned to training “I train twice everyday including the weekends. I get up at half five every morning and do a Six mile jog before work then training at night. My Training in the evening consist of pad work and some sparring. I also have taken to changed my diet so I get the most out of my training so come October 11th I will be in good shape and a division lighter at Light welter this time.


While fight night draws closer the 20 year old is preparing to use his boxing skills “I will try box more instead of getting into a scrap. These early fights in my career are learning fights so I will look to take as much as I can get from it, fair enough you need to go toe to toe now and again to break your opponent down but I will be looking to show people I am not just a brawler and I can box properly


He Adds “I Hope to get Six or Seven fights to educate myself into the pro game and see where the future takes me. I think I could do well but I am just taking it one fight at a time, starting with October 11th


Prospect Boxing presents an Evening of Championship Boxing at the Ravenscraig Sports Centre, Motherwell on Friday October 11th. The Main event sees Iain Butcher take on Hungarian Gabor Molnar for the vacant WBO European Flyweight Title.


The undercard sees the return of Chris Steel (Coltness) vs Mike Towel (Dundee) and also features Mark Parvin (Wishaw) vs Gerry Brady (Airdrie), Martin McCord, Rhys Pagan. Also in action is former commonwealth title challenger Mitch Prince. Tickets are priced at £30 and £40 and available from the fighters or by calling 01698 338 888

Bury man’s World title clash in London on October 5 – Luke Campbell added

Scott Quigg’s WBA World Super Bantamweight title clash with Yoandris Salinas will now take place at The O2 on Saturday October 5, live on Sky Sports, with two Gold medal heroes now in action in Anthony Joshua MBE and Luke Campbell MBE.

Quigg and Salinas were due to meet as the chief support to David Haye’s Heavyweight showdown with Tyson Fury in Manchester next Saturday (September 28) but after Haye pulled out with a cut, Eddie Hearn and Golden Boy quickly acted to move the bout to The O2, where Olympic Gold medal hero Joshua makes his debut on a bill and is joined by his teammate and fellow Gold star Campbell.

“It's been a busy day but you have to think on your feet in this game,” said Hearn. “We looked at all the options and all roads lead to The O2 where we believe Scott Quigg will be crowned World Champ. Luke Campbell will also join the action, with two 2012 Gold medallists in action plus Kevin Mitchell, Lee Selby and some mouth-watering domestic match ups.”

Quigg and Salinas join a star-studded line-up as Joshua makes his pro bow, with British lightweight World title contender Kevin Mitchell faces Marco Lopez for the vacant IBF Inter-Continental Lightweight title, unbeaten Welsh featherweight star Lee Selby defends his British and Commonwealth titles against Ryan Walsh, Joshua’s fellow Gold medal teammate Campbell unbeaten Prizefighter champions Larry Ekundayo and Glenn Foot meet in a tasty Light Welterweight battle, and another Prizefighter champion Wadi Camacho faces Tony Conquest.

Tickets for Anthony Joshua’s debut ‘Carpe Diem’ are on sale now priced £40, £60 and £100 are available on 08448 24 48 24 and The O2’s ticketing agent –www.AXS.com. VIP packages priced £200 are exclusively available from Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900 or at www.matchroomboxing.com

Sheffield star chasing mega-fights in the spring

Kell Brook has set his sights on a blockbuster fight in the spring of 2014 – and says the pressure is on to put in a five-star performance against Vyacheslav Senchenko on October 26 at the Motorpoint Arena Sheffield, live on Sky Sports.

Brook returns to topping the bill in his hometown after he put ‘the Carson Jones saga’ to bed with a cold and calculated display in Hull in July, and welcomes the former WBA World Welterweight champion to the new-look Motorpoint Arena in a fight that Brook knows is a dangerous test.

“He's only lost once to Paul Malignaggi, and that was stopped on cuts,” said Brook. “They don't give World titles out for free, he's proved he deserves to be at the top level and he'll be the toughest test of my career. We didn't need the fight, I'm still number one in the IBF, but when Eddie put the fight in front of me I was excited. It’s a must-win night, because the rewards are huge for the win but defeat would be damaging.

“I’m fit, healthy, injury free and loving boxing – the bad times are in the past, we're running smooth and I'm looking forward to putting on a great show and packing out the Arena against a World class opponent.”

Senchenko travelled to Sheffield on a private jet for today’s press conference, and landed on British soil for the first time since he stopped Ricky Hatton in his comeback fight in Manchester. The Ukrainian enjoyed his role as party-pooper that night, and Brook admitted that revenge for the British fight fans is on his mind.

“To be honest, I was upset watching him beat Ricky, he was a hero of mine, and I want revenge for that,” said Brook. “Tickets are flying because the fans know that this is a real fight and they know what he did to Ricky. He came over here and wanted blood in Manchester and he's looking to do the same to me.

But whatever obstacles he brings to the table I'm going to be able counter them and do what I do best – win. I want to put on a wicked performance in and move onto a massive fight next spring.”

Injury cruelly robbed the unbeaten Sheffield star of two clashes with IBF champion Devon Alexander, but with those issues behind him, Brook is in no doubt of the direction he is going and hopes that fights with the likes of Amir Khan and Adrien Broner can become reality.

“I want to be a part of the elite group of fighters in World boxing – the top operators,” said Brook. “You are going to see in this fight why I belong up there. It's great to be back at the top of a bill in Sheffield again, packing out this brilliant Arena and I'd love for the British fight fans sake for some mega fights in Britain, but I will travel for mega fights.

“I've always dreamed of fighting in Madison Square Garden in New York and at the MGM in Las Vegas, getting the Brits over to America for a big, beautiful fights and holidays. I want to put smiles on the fans faces and I want to become a World champion.”

Brook’s Welterweight blockbuster with Senchenko is part of a great line-up of action in Sheffield as Blackpool Light-Middleweight Brian Rose takes on Javier Maciel in a final eliminator for the WBO title.

Olympic Gold medallist Anthony Joshua MBE will box for the second time as a pro on the card after his debut at The O2 on October 5. There’s a spot on the bill for Rose’s fellow Blackpool fighter Scotty Cardle while popular unbeaten Steel City middleweight Adam Etches boxes in his 13th pro contest.

Liverpool’s Callum Smith will be in action after he fights Patrick Mendy for the vacant English Super Middleweight title in Liverpool this weekend, and there’s a welcome return to action for Kal Yafai, the exciting 8-0 bantamweight who boxes for the first time since injuring his bicep in his last outing in March.

Tickets are on sale now priced £30, £40, £60 and £100 through the Motorpoint Arena – www.motorpointarenasheffield.co.uk – and on 0114 2565656.

VIP packages priced £200 are available exclusively through Matchroom Boxing – www.matchroomboxing.com – or call 01277 359900.

Commonwealth title challenger vows to KO hometown champ

Curtis Woodhouse has told Derry Mathews to ‘stand and fight’ when the fight for the Commonwealth Lightweight title at the sold-out Liverpool Olympia on Saturday night (September 21) live on Sky Sports – and the hometown champion told the challenger he’ll do exactly that.

Mathews defends the belt for the first time after his stunning late knockout of Tommy Coyle in Hull in July, a bill that Woodhouse boxed at lightweight for the first time, with a third round stoppage of Joe Elfidh.

The former Sheffield United midfielder has 13 wins inside the distance from his 19 victories, and believes that the fight on Saturday will be the exciting all-action tear up the fight fans and pundits are predicting.

“My fight with Derry is exactly what it says on the tin,” said  Woodhouse. “You can draw Derry into a fight, he's a better boxer than me, but when I draw him into a fight, and when I do I'm going to switch his lights off.”

Mathews responded: “He won't have to draw me into a fight, as I'm coming to fight you. I'm not moving from the centre of the ring - so we'll see who's the last-man standing.”

Woodhouse then had a message for fight fans: “If he's going to stand there and fight, then get to your TV sets quick because this could end very early.”

Mathews defence against Woodhouse is one of two big Commonwealth crackers in Liverpool, with Rocky Fielding tackling Ghanaian Mohammed Akrong for the Super Middleweight title.

Liam Smith and Erick Ochieng clash for the vacant British Light Middleweight title, while the youngest Smith brother, Callum, faces Patrick Mendy for the vacant English Super Middleweight title, and Robbie Davies Jr., Ryan Aston and Peter Spencer are all in four-round action.

RUNNING ORDER (subject to change)

 

7:05pm (Red Button)      4 x 3 mins Light-Welterweight Contest

ROBBIE DAVIES JR            v              JOSH THORNE

(Liverpool)                                      (Bexleyheath)

7:30pm (Red Button)      4 x 3 mins Middleweight Contest

RYAN ASTON                     v              TBA

(Dudley)                                              (              )

7:50pm (Red Button)      10 x 3 mins Vacant English Super-Middleweight Championship

CALLUM SMITH               v             PATRICK MENDY

(Liverpool)                                          (Reading)


LIVE ON SKY SPORTS 2 FROM 9PM

                               12 x 3 mins Vacant Commonwealth Super-Middleweight Championship

ROCKY FIELDING              v              MOHAMMED AKRONG

(Liverpool)                                       (Ghana)

Followed by

                                12 x 3 mins Vacant British Light-Middleweight Championship

LIAM SMITH                       v              ERICK OCHIENG

(Liverpool)                                          (Stoke Newington)

Followed by

                                12 x 3 mins Commonwealth Lightweight Championship

DERRY MATHEWS              v            CURTIS WOODHOUSE  

(Liverpool)                                       (Driffield)



TBS                         4 x 3 mins Light-Welterweight Contest

PETER SPENCER                                v              MATT SEAWRIGHT

(Liverpool)                                          (Tamworth)

Fans snap up chance to watch British rivals World title clash

An astonishing 18,000 tickets for Carl Froch’s World Super Middleweight title clash with British rival George Groves were sold in just 11 minutes today.

Froch defends his WBA and IBF belts live on Sky Sports Box Office at the Phones4u Arena Manchester on November 23, and there was no love lost at the pair went face-to-face at the first press conference for the fight this lunchtime.

“Every time I hear that tickets have sold so fast I have to pinch myself,” said Froch. “To fill an Arena that's not in my hometown, but still in a fantastic fighting city like Manchester, it's humbling and I'm really looking forward to coming here and being part of this massive occasion.

“I've had some big international nights in my career against top class opposition, but a British fight always gets the blood flowing as the rivalry is more intense. You all know what I'm about and what I'm capable of, you've seen it time and time again against elite level opposition. I always turn up fully prepared and ready for battle for whoever is in the opposite corner, the fans are in for a real treat and they can look forward to a really exciting night.

“Since I've joined Eddie Hearn, my career has gone from strength to strength and I've become an international superstar. The fights I've been involved in are always big fights and a big deal and that's because I always deliver a great fight. It's down to me and Rob McCracken to get into the gym and kick on with the hard work, we've been on it for three or four weeks already and I love the graft in the gym, I thrive on it.”

“I'm thrilled to be part of this massive night, It's a true honour to fight for a World title and to take on a well-established World champion like Carl Froch,” said Groves. “I'm not surprised that the fight has sold this fast as British boxing is on a high and this is one of the biggest fights we're going to see in the next few years.

“It's 100 per cent my time and I cannot wait to get in there and prove to everyone that this is a fight that I am more than ready for and I cannot wait to be World champion.”

Earlier in the day, Eddie Hearn announced that Anthony Crolla had signed a promotional deal with Matchroom Sport and will appear on the undercard, and told fans to expect a star-studded supporting cast in Manchester.

“We've got some big stuff planned – World title fights, big domestic crunch matches and some of the best young talent in Britain,” said Hearn. “The full undercard will be announced in the week after the David Haye vs. Tyson Fury clash, Anthony Crolla will fight on the bill, Scott Quigg has a World title fight next weekend and he will be on the bill if he comes through that with flying colours, and there will be many more surprise names to be added to what will be the best card Matchroom have put on.”

‘Million Dollar’ Lightweight star set for Froch vs. Groves undercard

Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Sport are delighted to announce that Anthony Crolla has signed a promotional deal with the company, and will feature on the undercard of Carl Froch’s blockbuster World Super-Middleweight title defence against George Groves on November 23 at the Phones4u Arena Manchester, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Crolla is riding high after his career-best performance in Bolton in June, beating Gavin Rees to claim the vacant WBO Inter-Continental title and catapult himself into World title reckoning.

“I’m delighted to join Eddie and Matchroom and I cannot wait for my first fight with them,” said Crolla. “Froch vs. Groves is a massive night and it’s great to be a part of it.

“I am right up there in the reckoning now and I know Eddie believes I am close to major fights – so it’s down to me to prove that, starting in Manchester on November 23.”

“Anthony is a fantastic addition to the Matchroom Boxing team,” said Hearn. “He’s a hugely popular figure in the North West, and when you look at his recent run of fights, he’s always an entertaining addition to any card.

“His victory over former World champion Gavin Rees has propelled him to another level, and beyond the huge domestic opportunities lies a World title challenge for him in 2014. He will be part of the huge Froch vs. Groves show on November 23, with the opponent and undercard announcement the week commencing September 30.”

Tickets for Carl Froch’s WBA and IBF Super-Middleweight title defence against George Groves at the Phones 4U Arena Manchester on November 23, live on Sky Sports Box Office featuring Anthony Crolla are on sale now.

Tickets priced at £30, £40 and £60 (upper tier), £80, £100, £150 and £200 (lower tier), £200, £300 and £500 (floor) are available via www.phones4uarena.co.uk or by calling 0844 847 8000, while £800 VIP Gold packages are exclusively available through www.matchroomboxing.com or by calling 01277 359 900.

After a controversial loss to Kevin Satchell in July, Flyweight Iain Butcher returns to action on October 11th against Gabor Molnar for the vacant WBO European Flyweight title, headlining a packed card at Ravenscraig Sports Facility in Motherwell.


The Hungarian based Molnar, was a very experienced amateur and comes into the October 11th fight with a very impressive 12-3-0 record. His only defeats coming in a WBA Intercontinental title fight, a Hungarian title fight and a contest in Canada versus World ranked Tyson Cave at bantamweight.


His 12 wins include nine by KO, and represents a tough opponent for Butcher in his first fight since the Satchell defeat.


Looking to build on Butchers recent performance's promoter Paul Graham is using this title fight to keep his fighter in the title mix “Iain went into his last fight as the underdog, but he came away with a lot of fans and proof that title level is were he belongs. He has shown his class and has the ability to go far in the sport and I am looking forward to putting him on again in Motherwell were the local support has been incredible.


Looking forward to getting back out, the 21 year old has already started training “I’ve been ticking over in the gym for a few weeks while they have been sorting out the opponent. I am looking forward to fighting again in Motherwell and also fighting for a title gives me an added incentive as I know a win in this fight could get me a top 15 world ranking with The WBO.


After picking up his first professional loss, the Jerviston fighter added “It is hard to taste a defeat, especially a controversial one where most people thought that I won, no fighter likes the feeling of it, however I feel I came out more galvanised by the experience and I have taken a lot from it. I know what we can work on coming into this fight and I will make sure we see the best of me on October 11th


Prospect Boxing presents an Evening of Championship Boxing at the Ravenscraig Sports Centre, Motherwell on Friday October 11th. The Main event sees Iain Butcher take on Hungarian Gabor Molnar for the vacant WBO European Flyweight Title.


The undercard sees the return of Chris Steel(Coltness) vs Mike Towel (Dundee) and also features Mark Parvin (Wishaw) vs Gerry Brady (Airdrie), Martin McCord, Rhys Pagan. Also in action is former commonwealth title challenger Mitch Prince. Tickets are priced at £30 and £40 and available from the fighters or by calling 01698 338 888

 London favourite gunning for Vazquez clash in 2014

Kevin Mitchell will face Marco Lopez for the IBF Inter-Continental Lightweight title at The O2 on October 5, live on Sky Sports – and hopes victory will catapult him to a World title clash with IBF king Miguel Vazquez.

Mitchell returned to action in July with a points win over Sebastian Benito at York Hall in July, his first fight since challenging Ricky Burns for the WBO title last September.

A win for the 28 year old would catapult him into the reckoning for a second crack at a World title next year, with Vazquez defending his title on September 28 against Ammeth Diaz, but Vazquez’s fellow Mexican Lopez (23-2) will have designs on the belt himself – and Mitchell says that will make it a barnstorming clash.

“It’s a great chance for me to get right on track for another World title shot,” said Mitchell. “Things are going great with Tony Sims and I’m ready for a test like this at The O2. I am determined to get back into the reckoning for the big prize next year and I’m sure Marco wants to do the same so it’s going to be a massive night.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn added: “Kevin is part of a fantastic domestic division but the ultimate goal has to be another crack at the World title. Victory against Lopez will set up a big fight later in the year and hopefully a shot at the IBF king Vazquez in 2014.”

Mitchell’s showdown with Lopez is part of a bumper bill in Greenwich as Olympic Gold medal star Anthony Joshua MBE makes his professional debut. Further action comes in the shape of unbeaten Welsh Featherweight star Lee Selby defending his British and Commonwealth Featherweight titles against Ryan Walsh, the clash of unbeaten Welterweight Prizefighter champions Larry Ekundayo and Glenn Foot, plus another Prizefighter champion Wadi Camacho taking on Tony Conquest in a Cruiserweight battle.

Tickets for Anthony Joshua’s debut ‘Carpe Diem’ are on sale now priced £40, £60 and £100 are available on 08448 24 48 24 and The O2’s ticketing agent –www.AXS.com. VIP packages priced £200 are exclusively available from Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900 or at www.matchroomboxing.com