Barnes, Brodie are Confident Hatton Can Resurrect Them
By Terence Dooley
David Barnes and Michael Brodie fight for the first time under the Hatton promotional banner at the Velodrome in Manchester this Friday night, both men are convinced that Ricky can help them get back to the top of their respective divisions.
Barnes is hoping to pick up where he left off in the welterweight division. After winning the British title against Ted Bami in 2008, Barnes defended the belt, against Barry Morrison, and then was forced out of the ring due to a hand injury.
Barnes told The Manchester Evening News that he is refreshed, ready, and able for the challenges ahead.
“I just can't wait to get back in the ring,” said Barnes. “Ricky has got a big name so he can get me the fights. Previously I couldn't get them, but Ricky has already got Matthew Macklin a European title clash, so I'm hoping he can do the same for me. I'm hoping to get a European title shot in October and then get a world title shot. I've been waiting for a long time for it.”
Souleymane M’Baye is the European title holder, the Frenchman is looking increasingly creaky in recent fights, Barnes feels that he can come back strong, and quickly move into European title waters.
“I'm not bothered about the British title anymore,” he explained. “I've won that twice at two different weights and now I want to move on to bigger and better things. Hopefully within the next six months I can do that.
“Years ago I was excited about the British title, but I can't get the motivation anymore. The European title is a bigger buzz and hopefully more of a challenge. Now I've got a new lease of life it's like when I first started boxing. This is my first fight for a year and hopefully a stepping stone to the European title.”
Barnes burst to prominence when winning the British light-welterweight title in his 12th fight, the validity of that win – a controversial points verdict over Jimmy Vincent – was bitterly disputed by many in the trade, no one disputes Barnes’ talent, though, and the former solider will be an exciting addition to the welterweight ranks.
Michael Brodie went all the way during the course of his first career, moving from the British, Commonwealth, and European titles, before falling short in his WBC super-bantamweight title tilt with Willie Jorrin, a fight that many felt Brodie had won.
Brodie later fought two brutal fights with In-Jin Chi for the WBC featherweight title; the first contest was a draw, with Chi winning the rematch in seven brutal rounds. A hastily arranged challenge for Scott Harrison’s WBO title in 2005 saw Brodie lose in the fourth round, Michael announced his retirement that night, but he is now coming back for more.
Brodie told The Manchester Evening News that he will recapture his former form when taking on Mark Alexander this Friday night.
“I've had four years' break and it's time to get back,” he stated. “It is a long time, but I've had time to think about what I want to do and I believe this is what I'm good at and I'll get back to the top.”
He continued: “I partied, went away on holidays and blew up to 14st. I put loads of weight on, but it shows what you can do with determination. I've dropped three or four stone in six months and I feel like a different person.
“I've not set time limits. I know my age is a big factor, but I'm a strong believer that if you want something you will get it.”
Brodie won the IBO and WBF titles during his earlier career, he spent a large portion of that successful run challenging for titles, this took its toll on his body.
“When I look back, all my fights were big fights, hard fights. I look around and there's no one really out there who can take what I give. I do believe I can get back to the top definitely,” he claimed.
“I can achieve what I want. I am determined to get back to the top and I do believe I will get back to the top. Nothing will stop me. I'm not just looking at British titles, I want world titles. I wouldn't have come back if I didn't believe I could do it. I've got a good family behind me and I'm hungry again. I've had it all and I'll get it again. I feel young again. I feel good. I feel like I've never been away.”
Andy Morris joins Barnes and Brodie on Friday night’s bill, Morris is also looking to get back amongst the titles, the talented trio will have a lot of crowd support.
Please send news and views to neckodeemus@hotmail.co.uk
