By Phil D. Jay
Former world champion Steve Forbes has revealed to WBN that his contract with Liverpool-based promoters Vaughan Boxing has been finalized and he is now focusing on his upcoming bout with former English featherweight champion Ryan Barrett.
The 34 year-old is due to arrive in the UK in the New Year to begin preparations for his welterweight clash on January 20th at the Liverpool Olympia and will fulfil a dream to box in Britain on Merseyside next month.
“The deal is done with Vaughan Boxing and training is going well for Ryan Barrett,” Forbes told World Boxing News.
“This guy is fearless and I think we will give the fans an exciting fight. He knows his way around the ring so I expect this to be a good fight for the fans.”
Las Vegas-based Forbes held the IBF super-featherweight title from 2000-2001 and has shared the ring with some of the best fighters of his generation. The likes of Oscar De La Hoya and Andre Berto have been taken the distance by Forbes, who also holds a victory over current IBF light-middleweight champion Cornelius Bundrage.
The organisation to bring Forbes to England has been a long and arduous one, with Facebook campaigns and some of Britain’s up and coming fighters interested in Forbes’ UK trip, leading to the man himself expressing his appreciation for the opportunity.
“Thanks to Vaughan Boxing and former boxer Stephen Jones for putting this whole thing together,” emphasised Forbes.
“I would also like to thank the UK fans for being so knowledgeable and welcoming to me and last, but never least, the man upstairs which makes all life possible,” he added.
English lightweight champion Derry Matthews tops the bill next month as he challenges for the IBO title against unbeaten Italian Emiliano Marsili and former British title challenger John Watson also returns to the ring following almost a year out since losing to Anthony Crolla.
Phil D. Jay covers the boxing scene for worldboxingnews.net