UK News: Saunders-Blackwell, McKenzie-Askin, Smith
Jan 16, 2015 • 4:33 AM ET
By Terence Dooley
Billy Joe Saunders, 21-0 (11), could face former foe Nick Blackwell, 16-3-1 (6), in a marking time fight while he waits on news of a challenge to Andy Lee for the WBO middleweight title. The BBBoC’s latest championship circular confirmed that promoter Frank Warren has won the rights to stage the British title defence, with the date and venue TBC.
In other news, Warren also win the rights to Ovill McKenzie’s cruiserweight title defence against Matty Askin, the date and venue is ‘as yet to be advised’. Callum Johnson has been handed a title eliminator for Bob Ajisafe's light-heavyweight title, he will fight Joel McIntyre on a Carl Greaves-promoted show at Meres Leisure Centre, Grantham on March 7.
The British Super middleweight title situation is still uncertain as Paul Smith, the current holder, rematches Arthur Abraham for the WBO belt in Germany next month. The board advised that: ‘The Stewards will consider the Mandatory Challenger next month’.
Liam Smith, Paul’s younger brother, has been ordered to defend his 154lb belt against Liam Williams. Once again, Warren will promote the contest, but there were no details about the venue or date.
One fight that does have a date is the welterweight title eliminator between Glenn Foot and Ahmet Patterson, which will be promoted by Frank Warren and takes place on the 28th of February at London’s O2 venue. Ahmet’s English title is on the line, so the purse will be split 60/40 in his favor.
As previously reported, Eddie Hearn has secured the fight between Willie Limond and Chris Jenkins. Limond defends his light-welterweight title on March 28 at the Motorpoint Arena, Sheffield, which is the date pencilled in for Kell Brook’s ring return.
Terry Flanagan fights Stephen Ormond on February 14, the rights for his British title defence against Scott Cardle are held by Warren, who must put the fight on by the end of March. If he doesn’t it: ‘will result in the Stewards considering the status of the British Championship’.
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