FRANK MALONEY has blasted Dubliner Bernard Dunne for blowing his chance of a shot at European super-bantamweight champion Rendall Munroe.
Maloney offered Dunne the opportunity to challenge Munroe in England on November 22 but the Irishman's manager Brian Peters was clearly running scared and refused the fight.
When the show was scrapped, the bill was moved to Dublin City University on December 18 meaning Dunne would have had crucial advantage on home soil.
Maloney laughed: "Isn't it funny they wanted the fight in Dublin and if they signed the deal they would have got their wish.
"Dunne has blown his chance of appearing on one of the biggest Irish cards for years."
Dunne will now have to wait at least one year to become mandatory challenge as Kiko Martinez who flattened him in 86 seconds last year is currently in that position.
Maloney added: "If Dunne and Peters want to get glimpse of Munroe they are welcome to watch him defend his title against Italian Fabrizio Trotta.
"In fact they can sit in one of Brian's pubs and watch the fight on Sky Sports. There will be plenty room because everybody will be at the arena watching Darren Sutherland."
Ireland's Olympic bronze medallist Sutherland makes his highly anticipated debut when he boxes a six round super-middleweight bout.
Sutherland is a student at DCU but is currently taking a break to fulfil his dream of becoming a world champion.
Other boxers on the star studded bill include Irish light-middleweight champion Jamie Moore and London based Irishman Martin Powers.
Two Commonwealth titles see Craig Watson defend his welterweight crown against Adnan Amar, while Bantamweight Jason Booth puts his crown on the line against Sean Hughes.
Tickets for the big Dublin bill are available from www.frankmaloney.com , www.ticketmaster.ie or by calling 0871 226 1508.
HARRISON: I'LL BE THE MATADOR
Audley Harrison believes Martin Rogan's 'charging bull style' will suit him down to the ground on Saturday 6 December at the ExCeL London.
The 2000 Olympic Champion knows he has to produce the goods against the rough undefeated Belfastman or the dream of a world title opportunity is well and truly over.
Although he beat Brazilian George Arias in his last fight, it was a lack luster performance and Harrison has promised better.
Harrison said, "I know Rogan is rough and tough and will be applying lots of pressure,"
"Styles makes fights and the last guy was a terrible style for me to look good against. He was more concerned with hiding behind his gloves than attacking,"
"The crowd will get value on this one as Rogan is a charging bull. Like a matador, I will use my skills to tame and neutralize him before I end it in brutal fashion,"
"He has everything to gain, so he has nothing to fear, so it be a tough night but I will be prepared,"
He added, "I am putting in the work in camp and know my chances are running out. I will not give up on my desire to be the first Olympic gold medallist from Great Britain to go on and win a world title,"
"I know the road ahead will be tough and i will have to give my all to climb to the top of the heavyweight division, but it can be done,"
"As Barack Obama has shown in America, anything is possible with belief and commitment."
Nicky Cook v Stephen Foster Jnr headlines a blockbuster show that also features Enzo Maccarinelli challenging Johnathon Banks for the Vacant WBO World Cruiserweight title plus the return of Amir Khan against Oisin Fagan. Audley Harrison's exciting heavyweight showdown against Martin Rogan heads up the undercard along with Anthony Small, Derek Chisora, Jamie Cox and Liam, Michael and Ryan Walsh.
CLEVERLY HEADS TO WIDNES
Boxing scholar Nathan Cleverly will make the first defence of his Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight title on Friday 12 December at the Kingsway Sports Centre in Widnes.
Cleverly returns to the north west, where he won the crown in stunning style in Liverpool last month, outclassing Tony Oakey over 12 quality rounds.
No opponent has yet been named, but Cleverly - who studies Mathematics at Cardiff University - is relishing the chance to impress again in front of the Sky television cameras.
"Defeating Oakey made me realise how far I can go in this sport," said the unbeaten 21-year-old, who has won all 13 of his fights.
"It was a great feeling to win the title, but this is just the start.
"I'll be concentrating 100% on beating whoever I face on December 12, but next year I want British champion Dean Francis, then European and world honours."
Chief support at the Kingsways Sports Centre sees a mouth-watering English light-middleweight title clash between Andrew Facey and Matthew Hall.
Champion Facey is an experienced and awkward member of Brendan Ingle's Wincobank stable, while big-punching Hall is one of the most exciting prospects in the country.
For the first time all three members of the Smith boxing dynasty feature on a card for the first time - former English middleweight champion Paul, and younger brothers Callum and Stephen.
They will be joined by top propect Anthony Crolla and scouse duo Tony Bellew and Joe Selkirk.
Tickets, priced at £30 and £50, are available from the Sports Network Box Office on 01992 550 888 or online at www.frankwarren.tv
***FIGHT CARD***
THE COMMONWEALTH LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Nathan Cleverly (Cefn Fforest, Wales) vs. TBA
8 X 3 Minute Rounds International Middleweight Contest
Paul Smith (Liverpool, England) vs. TBA
8 X 3 Minute Rounds Light-Middleweight Contest
Matthew Hall (Manchester, England) vs. TBA
6 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Featherweight Contest
Anthony Crolla (Manchester, England) vs. TBA
6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Light-Heavyweight Contest
Tony Bellew (Liverpool, England) vs. TBA
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Welterweight Contest
Joe Selkirk (Liverpool, England) vs. TBA
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Featherweight Contest
Steven Smith (Liverpool, England) vs. TBA
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Light-Welterweight Contest
Liam Smith (Liverpool, England) vs. TBA
