“Dazzling” Darren Barker will make his first defence of his Commonwealth Middleweight Title against former European title challenger Steve Bendall at York Hall, Bethnal Green on Friday, 22nd February, to be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
This will mark the second time in as many fights that Barker will appear at York Hall the most historic boxing venue in London. In November Barker captured the Commonwealth title there by dominating previously unbeaten in 20 fights and tough Australian Ben Crampton, a performance that generated an unbelievably loud and lively response from Barkers enthusiastic fans.
For his first defence Barker faces a tough challenge in the experienced and dangerous southpaw Steve Bendall (28-3). Bendall coming off of three consecutive wins and going undefeated in 2007 will certainly be looking to continue his winning ways in 2008 and upset Champion Barker.
Barker has compiled an unbeaten and impressive record since turning professional after winning the Gold Medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.
Barker now (16-0) knows that Bendall has been in with some very good opposition, but is confident that he will retain his Commonwealth Title in “Dazzling” fashion.
“Darren is an exceptional talent and has the potential to be a big star of British Boxing. I’m looking to get Darren US exposure this year so an impressive win over Bendall will path the way for this” said promoter Mick Hennessy.
Hennessy Sports in association with GoldenPalace.net proudly present
COMMONWEALTH CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING @ YORK HALL
Friday 22nd February 2008.
Doors 6pm, Boxing Starts 6.30pm.
Ticket Prices:
Ringside £75 – Reserved
Unreserved £30
For Tickets call the Box Office on: 0870 060 1795 or book via the web: www.ticketmaster.co.uk
Esham Pickering is looking to make a statement and prove he’s still the best in Britain when he boxes Sean Hughes in a highly anticipated rematch at the Meadowside Leisure Centre, Burton-on-Trent Friday 18th January 2008.
Pickering in November suffered a shocking defeat to Pontefract's Sean ‘Short Fuse' Hughes. The heavy underdog, Hughes boxed the fight of his life and out pointed the reigning British super-bantamweight champ Esham Pickering over an action packed and bloody eight round non-title affair. Hughes career best performance earned the tough southpaw a dream shot at Pickering’s prestigious British Title.
Pickering for his part says… “I had an off night, I had several problems outside the ring that seriously affected my preparation and it showed. I am not making excuses Sean won the fight fair and square, but trust me, that was not the real me. This is now Championship level and believe me that makes a world of difference. I am going to win in style and prove that last fight was a fluke. I am going to punish Sean Hughes and this time the fight will not go the distance, my Lonsdale belt is on the table and there is no way in hell he’s taking it from me!”
Sean in reply says…”I’ve trained all over Christmas and New Year for this and I’m even better prepared than before, so I’m going to bring the belt back to Pontefract.”
Sean’s trainer manager Michael Marsden is confident…”We know this is a big opportunity for Sean but he won last time and we expect him to win again. We know this time it will be harder but we are confident.”
Also appearing as chief support on the card, Nottingham’s own and always exciting Adnan Amar (19-1) will be defend his Midlands area Title.
Kevin Mitchell will now fight experienced Venezuelan Edison Torres at the York Hall on Saturday night - and has vowed not to let his loyal fans down.
Undefeated Mitchell was due to challenge Carl Johanneson for the British super-featherweight title on January 12, until the Yorkshireman was ruled out with a bad back.
Then Ghanaian Thomas Aryeetey, due to challenge Mitchell for the Commonwealth crown but failed to pass a British Boxing Board of Control medical test.
The Dagenham Destroyer trained relentlessly over the Christmas period and missed out on his mum's legendary Xmas Day dinner - although he will get a special one served for him on the Sunday after the fight.
Now Mitchell will fight Torres, who has campaigned all over the world in a staggering 78-fight career, over 10 rounds and has promised a win to keep up the pressure on Johanneson.
"It's been a difficult few weeks for me what with all the changes, but I'm determined to put on a cracking show for my fans," said 23-year-old Mitchell.
"After all the training I put in over Christmas and New Year there was no way I was not going to fight and let them down. I'm determined not to let all that training go to waste and will be taking all my anger out on Torres,"
"He looks like a tough fighter, so I won't be taking him lightly. It's still my dream to win the British title, and I know that I can't afford any slip ups on Saturday night.
"Hopefully Johanneson will be watching the fight, and I can send out a strong message to him - I'm coming to get your title."
"At least my Old Dear will have my special Christmas Day dinner waiting for me when I pop round on Sunday!"
Promoter Frank Warren added: "Unfortunately these things happen in boxing and we have had a few headaches but the main thing is that Kevin is still fighting but looking at Torres' record, he could be dangerous,"
"He's a bit of a puncher, and when guys come in at late notice you never know what is going to happen. Kevin will have to be on his guard because any complacency and he will get punished."
Torres, is based in Valencia, Spain and goes by the nickname of El Guapito, or "Pretty One".
A strong York Hall undercard, headed by Takaloo and Anthony Small challenging for the vacant Southern Area light-middleweight title, remains unchanged.
Setanta Sports will televise live from 8pm.
