With the 2009/10 British boxing season now nothing but reading material in the record books, domestic fight fans can look forward to what is sure to be an enthralling renewal with a whole host of mouth-watering changes.
David Hayemaker Haye and Amir Khan proved themselves to be major players on the world scene whilst Rendall Munroe, Ricky Burns, Nathan Cleverly and Audley Harrison all have big years ahead. Outside of the ring and Sky Sports introduce a number of amendments to enhance the sport’s reputation. Friday Fight Night moves to a primetime Saturday slot whilst the weekly one hour magazine show, 'Ringside' makes an appearance from the 9th of September.
There is to be no settling in period for the noble art either with a list of tantalizing matches taking place throughout September as legendary promoter, and boxing fan, Frank Warren puts his reputation on the line with two big shows.
In week 1 we travel to Glasgow’s Kelvin Hall for a world title showdown involving home town favourite Ricky Burns and WBO super-featherweight king Roman Martinez. The 27 year old Puerto Rican halted Britain’s Nicky Cook to earn the crown and is well fancied to leave the Scotsman’s dreams in tatters. On the undercard Greenock’s John Simpson makes another defence of his Commonwealth featherweight crown against hot prospect Stephen Smith. The undefeated Scouser took gold at the Commonwealth games in Melbourne and is expected to carve out a glittering career in the paid ranks also. This Scotland vs England clash is certain to get fans talking whilst the mix of battle hardened experience and well polished skills will make for great entertainment.
On Saturday the 18th, Frank Warren stages a ‘recession bursting’ super show in Birmingham featuring the likes of Darren Barker, James DeGale, Kell Brook, Ryan Rhodes, Enzo Maccarinelli, Nathan Cleverly, Sam Sexton and Frankie Gavin. This bill requires no introduction and full credit must go to Warren for bringing such a star studded line-up under one roof. In the main attraction Darren Barker aims to continue his progress against the experienced Mathew Macklin with British and European honours up for grabs. On the undercard is a meeting I have been looking forward to for some time. Britain’s hottest prospect Kell Brook faces his toughest test to date in big time contender Michael Jennings for the British welterweight title. This show is simply not to be missed by both die hard and casual fans alike and could set the standard for the year
A busy month indeed and the place to catch all the big fight previews, interviews and professional betting advice is right here at Punt In Play.
Tickets for the above shows in Glasgow and Birmingham are selling fast but further information is available at http://www.frankwarren.tv/
Betting Odds
2/7 Martinez - Burns 3/1
4/6 Simpson - Smith 6/4
10/11 Macklin - Barker 13/10
1/5 Brook - Jennings 4/1
