Huge Super Middleweight clash set for the summer

Carl Froch and George Groves will meet in a rematch of their epic IBF and WBA World Super Middleweight title clash live on Sky Sports Box Office, after terms were agreed this morning.

The proposed date for one of the most hotly anticipated rematch in British boxing history is May 31, with a host of Britain’s most iconic sporting stadiums in the running to stage the contest.

Froch and Groves lit up the Phones 4u Arena in Manchester in November in their epic first clash, with Groves stunning Froch in the first round with a vicious right hand flooring the champion.

The Cobra beat the count and the pair battled through nine brutal and thrilling rounds before referee Howard Foster stepped in to halt the contest and cap a remarkable turnaround for Froch in one of the greatest fights seen on British soil.

Groves gets his chance for revenge that his superb performance demanded while Froch will seek the devastating conclusion he believes he was on the verge of completing.

“I'm pleased to finally get my next fight confirmed,” said Froch. “We had a number of options but ultimately I listened to the public and gave them what they wanted, I expect this to be one of the biggest fights the country has ever seen.

“It's been a difficult period for me following the first fight. I've had to listen to his endless whining and appeals when ultimately the referee did him perhaps the biggest favour possible and saved him from a devastating knockout, whilst denying me the right if a clinical finish and a great comeback victory.

“I was poor in the first fight. I didn't give him the respect as a fighter and lacked the drive that I had against Lucian Bute and Mikkel Kessler. Well now he has my attention but ultimately it's not going to get any better for George from here. He threw the kitchen sink at me that night and I still found a way back in the fight to win. I love to fight and I can't wait to get back in there and do a proper job in him.”

“I feel blessed that I am getting this fantastic opportunity to participate in what could be Britain's biggest ever boxing match,” said Groves. “I am still shocked that Froch has agreed to take the fight. I respect him for his bravery.

“Now I am preparing to get in the greatest physical and mental shape possible to destroy Froch in what can only be a three-round fight. Britain will have its own Hagler-Hearns to talk about for years to come. I am counting down the days until I'm World Super Middleweight champion.”

“Quite simply, I believe this is the biggest fight in British boxing history,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Taking away the controversy from their first encounter, it was one of the most epic and exhilarating fights I have ever witnessed and I’m delighted the public are going to get a chance to see it all again. The unanswered questions from the first fight may now be answered. Get ready for a whirlwind of a build-up and an event and fight for the ages – Froch v Groves 2 is on!”

Middleweight pair meet on April 5 at York Hall – first four Welterweight contenders named – Boylan back in action

John Ryder will face Jez Wilson in a British Middleweight title eliminator on April 5 at York Hall, Bethnal Green, as Erick Ochieng, Paddy Gallagher, Dean Byrne and Sam Eggington take the first four spots in the Prizefighter Welterweights 4, live on Sky Sports.

Former British Light Middleweight title challenger Ochieng, Commonwealth Games Gold medallist Gallagher, Midlands Area champion Eggington and Dubliner Byrne make up half of the draw for the 33rd edition of Matchroom Sport’s eight-man, one night tournaments.

Islington’s Ryder begins a second assault on the Lonsdale belt after he lost a tight decision to Billy Joe Saunders for the British and Commonwealth crowns in September, while Central Area champ Wilson is lining up his first shot at the coveted prize. Matchroom Sport’s latest signing unbeaten Southern Area Light Welterweight champion Ricky Boylan is also in eight-round action on the bill and promoter Eddie Hearn is looking forward to another exciting night of action in east London.

“The last Welterweight Prizefighter was one of the best of the entire series, and we expect more drama on April 5,” said Hearn. “The first four fighters in the mix are all strong contenders as we look to select the final four entrants from around 20 worthy applicants.

“British Middleweight talent Ryder is back in action following his impressive display against Saunders, in a fight that many had him winning. Ryder faces Wilson in an eliminator as we hunt a shot at the Lonsdale belt in the summer. New singing, popular unbeaten Londoner Boylan, is also in action in what will be a guaranteed York Hall sell out.”

Tickets are on sale now for April 5, priced £40 unreserved, £60 ringside and £120 VIP and available from Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900 and atwww.matchroomboxing.com

Doncaster man confident of landing coveted crown in Hull

Gavin McDonnell says he will win the battle of the unbeaten Super Bantamweights against Leigh Wood and win the British title at the Hull Ice Arena on February 22, live on Sky Sports.

The Doncaster man faces Nottingham’s Wood for the vacant crown with both men putting their ‘0’s’ on the line to land the coveted Lord Lonsdale belt and move into prime position in one of Britain’s most exciting divisions.

McDonnell claimed a comfortable points win over Josh Wale in his hometown in September in a final eliminator for the title, a performance that came hot on the heels of his Central Area title defence in July against Ross Burkinshaw where he retained the belt with a second round stoppage.

“Every fighter dreams of landing the British title and I'm no different,” said McDonnell. “We're both 11-0 - it's a good 50-50 fight and we'll both be putting it all on the line.

“I've had a couple of eliminators and worked my way up to the fight with pure hard work and now I'm here.”

Unbeaten Sheffield fighter Kid Galahad vacated the title that McDonnell and Wood battle for on February 22, and Wood knows first-hand what it takes to win the British title as he shares the famous Ingle Gym in Sheffield with Galahad. McDonnell expects Wood to display all the hallmarks of an Ingle Gym fighter and believes topping bills at the Doncaster Dome last year will enable him to handle the pressure of a title fight live on Sky Sports.

“He’s going to be tricky coming from the Ingle Gym, so we're just going to prepare for the best Leigh Wood there is,” said McDonnell. “We're going to turn up and beat him, simple. We knew that it was going to be Leigh a long time ago so we've had plenty of time to work on a game-plan.

“It's the biggest show I've boxed on but I've topped bills in Doncaster recently so I'm used to big fights now and I've come through them with flying colours, but the British title is massive for me so there will be nerves, but I'm not going to let the chance slip through my fingers.”

McDonnell and Wood clash for the British title on a big night of boxing in Hull, with Olympic Gold medal hero Luke Campbell MBE boxing in the paid ranks for the fifth time against Norwich’s Scott Moises.

Hull’s Lightweight star Tommy Coyle defends his IBF International title against Argentine Daniel Brizuela, while Darren Hamilton can claim the Lonsdale belt outright if he beats Curtis Woodhouse in their tussle for the British Light Welterweight strap.

Manchester Lightweight John Murray is in eight-round action, bright young Hull talents Zak Collins, Joel Haigh and Charlie Payton are in action along with Manchester’s Hosea Burton and New Malden’s Lerrone Richards, and Liverpool Super Middleweight Tony Dodson aims to secure a Commonwealth title shot against Rocky Fielding on March 15.

Limited tickets remain on sale priced £30, £40, £60 and £120 for VIPs and are available from Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900 and atwww.matchroomboxing.com

Olympic Gold medallist stars on Sky Sports’ Game Changers

Anthony Joshua MBE had a blast with some young boxing stars of the future on Sky Sports Game Changers – and urged schools to start using boxing to help pupils learn about discipline and stay fit.

The Olympic Gold medal hero met a group of 12 year olds in the gym to put them through their paces on boxing skills and teach them the importance of fitness and nutrition.

The 24 year old, who stopped Dorian Darch in the second round of his fourth win inside the two rounds of his first four pro bouts, hopes the kids he met on Sky Sports’ Saturday morning show will be encouraged to get into the sport and believes boxing in schools could do a lot of good in areas of the development of Britain’s kids.

“Years ago there used to be boxing in schools which would help with discipline, self-defence and confidence,” said Joshua, who returns to the ring live on Sky Sports on March 1 in Glasgow against Hector Avila. “It’s a great feeling when you’re a winner. As a kid, whether you are playing Monopoly with your friends or fighting in the Youth Championships it’s great for them to compete and win.

“I’d love to see boxing brought back into schools in some form. It doesn’t have to be sparring or full contact boxing. Pad work, skipping, drills, bag work – they’re all good for encouraging better behaviour and better ways of living your life.

“Boxing has helped me with discipline. It has really shaped me and made me the man I am today. I left education at 18 and since then boxing has taught me to do my own research, both in books and online, and to generally keep sharp mentally.

“It teaches you right from wrong but also what hard work is really about. If you want something you have to work hard and put the hours in, not just expect it to happen. You get out what you put into life.

“The greatest thing about boxing is that you always hear stories about kids who came from nothing who make it and are successful at the top. It’s not about who you know, it’s about what you put in. Anyone can walk into a boxing club, you don’t have to be affiliated with anyone or know anyone, especially if you’re a young kid. There are so many different cultures and beliefs in a boxing gym; it makes it a really healthy place to be.

“I’d recommend for kids to follow what they want to do, but if they’re looking to get into something new then I would definitely recommend boxing. There are so many heights that you can take it to, but mainly it’s just a great education. There are so many great stories around the sport too, about all the great champions, it can be incredibly inspirational.”

Joshua was catapulted into the public eye when he gritted his teeth and won a thrilling Olympic Super Heavyweight final against Italian Roberto Cammarelle to bring the curtain down on a golden summer for Team GB’s boxing stars.

The Watford man has his sights set on World title glory in the future, but says he understands his responsibilities as an ambassador for British boxing and a role model for future stars.

“I see myself as an ambassador of the sport and just try to present myself properly because I do know people are watching me,” said Joshua.

“It’s important to do your best to inspire young people; we don’t want a lost generation. The kids of today are the leaders of tomorrow, they will inspire other people, maybe even my future children.

“That’s why it’s important to always remember that it’s more than just punching a bag, it’s about working hard, doing your homework, being in bed on time, getting up when you’re supposed to and, of course, getting enough exercise.

“I have had advice from Lennox Lewis as I’ve been on my journey in boxing, and his words have always stuck with me. I think that’s similar to the kids today. It’s interesting because a lot of kids can relate to my story and know where I’ve come from, I may even be able to relate to them more, I mean I’m only 24!”

‘Sky Sports Game Changers’ is a live Saturday morning kids’ TV show at 9am on Sky Sports 1. Presented by Olympic gold medallist Darren Campbell and Di Dougherty, Game Changers features a host of sports stars and Sky Ambassadors including David Beckham and Jessica Ennis-Hill as well as Joshua. These special guests plus a mixture of live studio skills sessions and features with downloadable skills sheets aim to inspire kids to participate and get them active.

Manchester Lightweight enters hostile territory with eyes on major title shot

Anthony Crolla will meet John Simpson at the SECC in Glasgow on March 1, live on Sky Sports.

Manchester contender Crolla is hunting a World title shot this summer, and will face Greenock’s Simpson on the undercard of Ricky Burns’ WBO World Lightweight title defence against unbeaten American Terence Crawford.

Crolla claimed the vacant WBO Inter-Continental title in June 2013 against Gavin Rees and defended the belt against fellow Manchester man Stephen Foster in November, forcing Foster to retire after six rounds on the undercard of Carl Froch’s epic clash with George Groves in Manchester.

Former British Super Featherweight champion Simpson boxed at Lightweight for the first time in Hull against local favourite Tommy Coyle in November, replacing Rees for the bout and putting in a spirited performance before a seventh round stoppage loss.

“Anthony is gunning for a shot at Ricky Burns in 2014 and victory over John Simpson and a ranked opponent on the April 19 show in Manchester will put him in prime position,” said promoter Eddie Hearn.

Crolla and Simpson’s clash is part of a great night of action in Glasgow on March 1, topped by Burns’ tenth World title fight against Omaha’s Crawford.

Olympic Gold medal hero Anthony Joshua MBE continues to step up his opposition in his fifth pro contest against Hector Avila, the experienced Argentine that took Dereck Chisora nine rounds in London in April.

Unbeaten Lightweight Scotty Cardle faces former British Featherweight champion Paul Appleby in his first outing of 2014, and there’s also action for former Team GB star Martin J. Ward, unbeaten trio David Brophy, Michael Roberts and Ryan Collins, plus a second fight for Scott Allan, who makes his debut this weekend.

Tickets are on sale now priced at £40, £60 and £100 through www.ticketSOUP.com or by calling 0844 395 4000, with £200 VIP tickets exclusively available through www.matchroomboxing.com or by calling 01277 359900.

Lee eyes big 2014 in Cardiff while Rees and Buckland serve up a classic

Lee Selby claimed the European Featherweight title with a classy sixth round stoppage win over Rendall Munroe on a fantastic night of action at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff – where Anthony Joshua MBE recorded his fourth professional win and Gary Buckland edged Gavin Rees in an early contender for fight of the year.

Welshman Selby picked up the Euro strap and defended his British title for the fourth time in front of a sold-out crowd in the capital and set his sights on landing a World title eliminator by the end of 2014.

Selby looked the boss from the opening bell and shook Munroe at the end of the first round. The Barry stylist continued to impose himself and pick off the former World Super Bantamweight title challenger at will with variety and venom.

Munroe looked livelier in the fourth and fifth rounds but Selby soon regained his dominance as he caught the 33 year old with a solid right hand early in the sixth round and went in for the kill, pinning ‘2 Tone’ on the ropes before unloading a barrage of punches that forced referee Ian John Lewis to step in and halt the action.

“Rendall is a quality operator but I had a nice rest after a hard year in 2013 and I felt fresh and back to my best,” said Selby.

“I was peppering him with a lot of shots and he wasn't coming back, now and again he'd throw two shots and then cover up again. I caught him with a big shot at the end and it was game over.

“I am still learning and maybe I didn't understand the importance of having a rest. I was constantly in the gym with four big fights but I had a good rest and it proved tonight that the rest has been good for me.

“I hope I can get out in April or May and back here again. The crowd was sensational, they were chanting my name and that is the stuff dreams are made of, I want more of it. I want to defend the belt against good European fighters and move towards a World title eliminator by the end of the year.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn added: “Before we signed Lee I was told he sold about 50 tickets for a fight in Newport and on Saturday we were sold-out and turning people away on the door,” said Hearn. “I'm so pleased for him, he won every round, he looked great and he has got a big year ahead of him.”

Fight of the night belonged to Welshmen Gary Buckland and Gavin Rees who served up classic in their British Lightweight title eliminator.

With both men coming into the fight on the back of damaging defeats, they gave everything in a compelling 12 round war that swung back and forth. The pair, who have sparred countless rounds in the past, embraced before the final round which was as dramatic as any of the previous 11.

Rees looked in charge in the opening rounds but Buckland, who had to cope with a cut near the right eye from the first round, dug in and pushed the former World Light Welterweight king back towards the middle sessions. Rees peppered Buckland with plenty of shots to the body but the Cardiff man would not budge and

Judges John Keane and Ian John Lewis scored the contest 116-113 to Buckland and Rees respectively, with Terry O’Connor having the decisive card and favouring Buckland 115-114. He now eyes a clash with British champion Martin Gethin, while Rees will take some time out to consider his future after previous losses to Adrien Broner and Anthony Crolla.

“Gavin is a true champion and we pushed each other all the way, it could’ve gone either way and I’m just glad I got the nod,” said Buckland. “I am sure everyone would want to see it again and I’d be up for it too, but we’ll see what the Board say as I really want to win the British title again.”

“Gary is a top fighter and it was a great battle,” said Rees. “I just couldn’t get going in the first six rounds. I think I came back quite well and pushed him towards the end, but he got the decision. I have to go away and see what I am going to do with my career. I’ve lost three in a row now and I’m nearly 34 so I’ll have some time with my family and see what happens.”

Before Selby’s clash with Munroe, there was a fourth fight for Joshua against Welshman Dorian Darch. The Olympic Gold medal hero was hit by niggling injuries at the end of 2013 but took little time warming to the task in hostile territory, with a stinging attack in the final ten seconds of the first round almost got Darch out in the opener. The 24 year old didn’t have to wait long for his fourth stoppage win in the paid ranks though, with a stiff right and stinging left ending the action inside a minute of the second round.

“I rushed a few things and there is still a lot that I have got to work on,” said Joshua, who returns to action on March 1 in Glasgow.

“It's upsetting when you want to get in there and produce a spectacular performance and you come out with the feeling that it was an average performance.

“Every heavyweight can punch hard, but that's not the point of heavyweight boxing, who can hit the hardest. It's about who can hit the opponent and get hit less.

“But it's all about learning and I learnt and came out in the second round and found my range a bit, that's when I started to land my shots a bit cleaner.

“I caught him with some good shots in the first round and I think that if it had gone on a bit longer, I would have got the stoppage then.

“It could sound a bit cocky, but I just want to improve that much. I want to be good, and if I've got any chance of doing well then it's about being spectacular. Why would I spend hours and hours in the gym to get it wrong or do mistakes out there?”

After the main event, Jason Cook rolled back the years with a dramatic stoppage win over Tony Pace to claim the vacant Celtic Welterweight title. The former European Lightweight title said that it would be his last fight and Pace began well, but in the fourth round Cook landed a stunning right hand that stopped Pace on his feet.

Chris Jenkins took his step-up in class in his stride as he landed the vacant WBC International Light Welterweight title against Christopher Sebire. Prizefighter king Jenkins was composed throughout a fight he dominated against the durable Frenchman, and claimed a fine win two judges scoring the bout 100-90 and one 100-91 for the Swansea man who moves to 13-0.

Earlier in the night, Dale Evans claimed the impressive scalp of Erick Ochieng. The Londoner was making his debut at Welterweight against the former Prizefighter finalist from St Clears, and it was the Welshman who enjoyed success in the first half of their eight-rounder that forced Ochieng on to the back foot and causing the awkward Londoner plenty of problems.

Ochieng grew into the contest in the closing rounds and had Evans in plenty of trouble in the seventh, with the hometown favourite looking ready to go at times, but the 22 year old dug in to fight back in the final round and claimed a great win in a cracking battle by 77-76 from referee Clarke Joslyn.

Elsewhere on the bill there were points wins for former European Middleweight champion Kerry Hope, Swansea’s Super Middleweight Tobias Webb and unbeaten Reading Welterweight Tamuka Mucha.

Gary returns to scene of devastating Smith KO in Welsh derby

Gary Buckland says a move up to Lightweight will bring the best out of him as he faces Gavin Rees in a British title eliminator on Saturday night (February 1) at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, live on Sky Sports.

Buckland is back in action for the first time since August when he had the chance to win the Lonsdale belt outright in his British Super Featherweight title defence against Stephen Smith at the same venue. Smith stunned Buckland by uncorking a devilish uppercut to end their contest in the fifth round and the Welshman is honest in his assessment of that defeat whilst insisting he’ll be a major force up at Lightweight.

“I don’t want to make excuses about the Stephen Smith fight, I lost fair and square,” said Buckland. “The only thing I can put it down to was other things going on in my life during my training camp. I was distracted big time and that showed in the fight.

“A win over Gavin would get be back to British title level. I thought I would be on some small hall shows, which I would struggle to get up for. So when I was offered Gavin Rees I thought ‘what a fight to get me back up’. If I beat Gavin I will be back in with a shot at a big title.

“At Lightweight I will be a bit stronger but I am happy to box at either weight, whatever my options. After Saturday’s fight we will sit down and look at the options but I’ll be a different beast at the higher weight.

“A fighter doesn’t know what he has left until he’s in there again. I know I made mistakes before Smith, I know there were things on my mind, for this fight I’ve worked very hard for five weeks and done everything right this time.

“In all my defeats I’ve come back stronger than ever and I’m hoping this will be the same starting with the Rees fight.”

Rees too endured a disappointing 2013, with a World title challenge defeat against Adrien Broner in February followed by a slender loss to Anthony Crolla in Bolton in July. The 33 year old still harbours strong ambitions to become a two-weight World champion with some big domestic battles on the horizon, and although Rees admitted that defeat on Saturday could spell the end of his career Buckland is expecting a hard battle with his fellow countryman.

“This will be a really tough fight,” said Buckland. “Gavin Rees is one of the strongest opponents I have ever faced. I wouldn’t say the strongest but certainly one of – he is up there with Gary Sykes, Stephen Smith, so I will need to be careful.

“You have to be careful whichever boxer you get in with and when I was offered Gavin Rees it was the sort of fight I can easily get up for.

“I am expecting the best of Gavin Rees. Everybody wants to see a toe-to-toe war between me and him but I expect he will box well as well. The two of us can do a bit of boxing and I think that is going to happen.

“I think the Crolla fight was one Gavin probably thought he was winning but I certainly didn’t think so – I thought Crolla was a couple of rounds up.

“When you look at it you question does he need to carry on – he is a former World, European, British champion, he has won everything. But he seems to keep doing well and carrying on so you have to give him great credit for that.”

Rees’ mouth-watering clash with Buckland is part of a great line-up of action in Matchroom Sport’s first boxing show of 2014.

Lee Selby is aiming to add the vacant European Featherweight title to the British belt he defends against former World Super Bantamweight challenger Rendall Munroe.

Olympic Gold medal hero Anthony Joshua MBE fights for the fourth time in the paid ranks against Aberdare’s Dorian Darch, Jason Cook meets Tony Pace for the Welsh Area Light Welterweight title, and Prizefighter Light Welterweight champion Chris Jenkins faces Christopher Sebire for the vacant WBC International title.

Former European Middleweight champion Kerry Hope is in action and Islington’s former British Light Middleweight title challenger Erick Ochieng faces a tough test in his first fight down at Welterweight against Dale Evans.

Swansea’s talented Super Middleweight Tobias Webb tackles Nathan King in a six-round contest, with Bristol’s unbeaten Welterweight Tamuka Mucha in his seventh pro fight.

Tickets are on sale now priced at £30, £40 and £60 ringside available from www.livenation.co.uk or by calling 02920 22 44 88, or from Sanigar Events on 0117 949 6699.

VIP Packages priced £120 are available from www.matchroomboxing.com or by calling 01277 359900.

Unbeaten Welshman faces Sebire for vacant belt on Saturday

Chris Jenkins will meet Frenchman Christopher Sebire for the vacant WBC International Light Welterweight at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff on Saturday live on Sky Sports – hunting the breakthrough title win to take him to the big stage.

Jenkins burst onto the scene in July with his impressive win in the Prizefighter Light Welterweights III at the York Hall in Bethnal Green, coming in as a late replacement to win every round he boxed in, with the icing on the cake a second round stoppage of Danny Connor in the final.

The unbeaten 25 year old has moved seamlessly to 12-0 and now he’s ready to step-up to title level, and claiming the WBC International crown against the former French champion (22-6) could be the first step on the path to British title glory.

“This is a huge opportunity to really make waves in the Light Welterweight division,” said Jenkins. “I would love to get a crack at the British title this year and victory on Saturday would see me make an impression in the WBC rankings too.

“This is a great opportunity tonight against a classy international fighter and I want to really put on a show. I’m am hoping to get the win and then get more rounds in the bag to make sure I am fit enough in case I get a chance for the British title later in the year.

“In the top 15-20 in Britain you’ve got some really good boys. Within that top ten you’ve got Willie Limond, the likes of Lenny Daws and Adil Anwar, and they’ve all had fifteen-plus fights. Anyone that gets a chance there could be an upset, the title could be changing hands every other couple of months.

“I had an awesome 2013 really. I’m number seven in Britain now and I’m just looking forward to this year and hopefully it’s a big one for me and my team.

British champion Darren Hamilton defends his title against Curtis Woodhouse in Hull on February 22. Hamilton will claim the Lord Lonsdale belt outright if he wins and Jenkins hopes to meet the Londoner later this year.

“Saturday is a step up and I’d like a British title eliminator in April or May for a British title fight in September,” said Jenkins. “I believe I’ll be ready for it then, even if Darren Hamilton does what he does well.

“He has a good jab and right hand, is quite tight and is a come-forward fighter who will put you under pressure for 12 rounds. I’ve got respect for him so it’s not a case of calling him out, but in the next two to three fights I think it would be a good match up.”

Jenkins clash with Sebire is part of a great line-up of action in Cardiff, led by Lee Selby’s British Featherweight title clash with Rendall Munroe, where the victor will also claim the vacant European strap.

There’s a tasty all-Welsh British Lightweight title eliminator between Gavin Rees and Gary Buckland, Olympic Gold medal hero Anthony Joshua MBE fights for the fourth time in the paid ranks against Aberdare’s Dorian Darch and Jason Cook brings down the curtain on his career against Tony Pace with the Welsh Area Light Welterweight title on the line.

Former European Middleweight champion Kerry Hope is in action and Islington’s former British Light Middleweight title challenger Erick Ochieng faces a tough test in his first fight down at Welterweight against Dale Evans.

Swansea’s talented Super Middleweight Tobias Webb tackles Nathan King in a six-round contest, with Bristol’s unbeaten Welterweight Tamuka Mucha in his seventh pro fight.

Tickets are on sale now priced at £30, £40 and £60 ringside available from www.livenation.co.uk or by calling 02920 22 44 88, or from Sanigar Events on 0117 949 6699.

VIP Packages priced £120 are available from www.matchroomboxing.com or by calling 01277 359900.

Rendall aiming to stun Lee Selby in Cardiff

Rendall Munroe bids to become a two-weight European champion when he faces Lee Selby for the vacant Featherweight crown at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff on Saturday live on Sky Sports, and says he still has designs on World title glory.

Munroe hung the gloves up after defeat against Scott Quigg in their clash for the interim WBA Super Bantamweight title in November 2012. The Leicester man stayed away from the fight game for just four months though and was back in action in his hometown in May with a first round win.

The former WBC World title challenger added ten and six round points wins to his belt before the end of the year and now takes on the hotly-tipped star Selby.

“I don’t think I ever stopped being at my best,” said Munroe. “The issue for me was my weight, that was the thing letting me down – trying to make the weight all of the time. Sometimes it takes a bit of relaxation time to realise, and as my manager said to me recently, the best thing that happened was me retiring, getting my head clear and deciding what I wanted to do.

“I have shown the calibre of boxer I am and what type of character I am. I have said for a long time that I should have more than just the one World title shot that I had. There are others out there who get a few chances but I had one chance and everything went pair shaped for me after that.

“This is a step towards another World title fight. After I win this fight I will be a two-weight European champion. The talk at the minute is that Selby is ready to challenge for a World title, so after I beat him does that not say that I will be ready for a shot at the World title?

“If they are saying he is good enough to fight for a World title this year, and I go out there and beat him, then that is saying that I would be good enough. I had six European fights at Super Bantamweight and this is number seven for me. I don’t know what will happen on Saturday, if I will have a few defences of the European or get a World title shot straight away.

Selby has enjoyed a sparkling run of form since his stunning win over Stephen Smith to rip the British and Commonwealth titles from the Liverpool man on his home patch in December 2011. Impressive defences of one or both belts against John Simpson, Patrick Okine, Martin Lindsay and Corey McConnell were followed by a mature performance against unbeaten and well-ranked Romanian Viorel Simion for the WBC International crown.

A win over Ryan Walsh in November saw Selby claim the Lonsdale belt for keeps, but Munroe says he’s the first World class fighter the Welshman has faced.

“Selby is coming to win, and I am coming to win so this is his step to the next chapter that he wants,” said Munroe. “He will come very prepared and really up for it.

“He’s got nothing that worries me, nothing. I’m World class and I think I’ve proved that. As for him being bigger, I’ve been sparring bigger lads since day one. I always have to get sparring partners who are bigger than me anyway because I’m a strong lad at the weight myself.

“I’m not getting any younger but I’m good enough, strong enough and I’ve proved I belong at that elite level. This is my chance to show Rendall Munroe has gone up a weight and to still show I’m World class. By beating Lee Selby I’ll be European champion which will get me fights and put me back in the frame to fulfil my dream of becoming World champion.

“I didn’t think a shot at the European would come so soon after the comeback but when you get those opportunities you have to make use of them. I was English champion when I fought for the European title at Super Bantamweight. I took that opportunity and that made me into who I was. Now, I have a vast of experience behind me and I have the opportunity to do it all again. I’m still seeing the lights; I want the lights and I want the belts.”

Munroe’s clash with Selby tops a brilliant night of action in Cardiff, with a tasty all-Welsh British Lightweight title eliminator between Gavin Rees and Gary Buckland one of many highlights.

Olympic Gold medal hero Anthony Joshua MBE fights for the fourth time in the paid ranks against Aberdare’s Dorian Darch while Jason Cook meets Tony Pace for the Welsh Area Light Welterweight title.

Prizefighter Light Welterweight champion Chris Jenkins is in action as is former European Middleweight champion Kerry Hope, and Islington’s former British Light Middleweight title challenger Erick Ochieng faces a tough test in his first fight down at Welterweight against Dale Evans.

Swansea’s talented Super Middleweight Tobias Webb tackles Nathan King in a six-round contest, with Bristol’s unbeaten Welterweight Tamuka Mucha in his seventh pro fight.

Tickets are on sale now priced at £30, £40 and £60 ringside available from www.livenation.co.uk or by calling 02920 22 44 88, or from Sanigar Events on 0117 949 6699.

VIP Packages priced £120 are available from www.matchroomboxing.com or by calling 01277 359900.

With Seven straight wins from Seven fights, Aberdeen's Matthew McAllister returns to action for the first time since his win over Scottish Title challenger Billy Campbell in November last year.


Taking part in a stacked twelve fight card at Ravenscraig Sports Facility, McAllister takes on former International Masters Welterweight Champion William Warburton in a Six round contest on Prospect Boxing's “Lock, Stock and Twelve Smoking Fights” which also features Rhys Pagan competing for his first professional and WBO European Title Champion Iain Butcher returning to action.


With a excellent start to his career in the paid ranks, McAllister is enjoying his boxing, with his main highlight so far fighting on the undercard of his brother Lee's European title shot “I have really taken to the pro game and enjoy the training side of it. The highlight of my seven fights, is fighting on the undercard of my brother's (Lee McAllister) European title fight February 2012. I was boxing in front of Three thousand people in my home town and it was on Sky Sports so that was a good experience for me.


With all the success in the ring, the Welterweight picked up an injury last year, which lead to him being out for most of 2013 “I hurt my knee in training. I went to get it looked at and it was my crucite ligament I ruptured. This lead to me being out for Six months while I recovered from it. I had to do a lot of strength work on my legs to get myself back in shape, it was horrible not managing to train.


Returning to action in November, the 25 year old changed trainers to former Ricky Hatton trainer Bob Shannon “When I came back after the injury, I contacted Bob about coaching me. I moved down for my training camp and it went really well, as we both clicked and I feel we made a good team. I will definitely be working with him in the future.


He adds “My plan for this year is to Stay unbeaten and win the Scottish title, then I will be looking to push for a British or Commonwealth title shot next year. I last fought in November last year, and by the time 'Lock Stock' show comes it will be nearly three months, I cant wait to get back into the ring and impress the fans on February 28th.


"Lock Stock and Twelve Smoking Fights" takes place at the Ravenscraig Sports Facility on Friday February 28th 2014.


Headlined by Rhys Pagan, the show will also see the professional début of JP McGuinness, Ryan Love and Shayan Rahmat. Returning to action is Iain Butcher, Scott Edgar, George Thomson and Billy Campbell. George Thomson, David Drummond, Michael McGurk and Matthew McAllister also feature on the card, while the line up is completed by former Commonwealth title challenger Mitch Prince completes the line up.


Tickets are priced at £30 and £50 and available from the fighters directly or by calling 01224 632218 or 01698 338 888 where Credit/ Debit Cards are accepted. Further details on @ProspectBoxing on Twitter, and www.facebook.com/ProspectBoxing