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Anthony Farnell boosted one or two shows at relatively short notice in his heyday thanks to an unstinting dedication to training and personal discipline. Now a trainer, Farnell gave the go-ahead for his man Dean Byrne to step in against Frank Haroche Horta last Friday night after Frankie Gavin withdrew from the scheduled bout at the eleventh hour.
Lee Selby's November 18 British and Commonwealth featherweight title clash against John Simpson has been scrapped due to Simpson picking up a viral infection. FWP matchmaker Dean Powell confirmed the news live on Bunce's Boxing Hour, Sky channel 456, earlier tonight. Martin Lindsay was offered the bout but there were worries over his ability to make weight at such short notice so the fight has been pushed back. The York Hall bill will still go ahead.
London’s Mark Tibbs enjoyed a successful evening at Wembley Arena on Bonfire Night. The former professional works closely with his father, the legendary Jimmy Tibbs. Team Tibbs guided two debutants to success on the FWP-promoted bill before bringing home the Central Area middleweight belt courtesy of Billy Joe Saunders’ win over Gary Boulden.
Paul Smith’s hopes of taking his old super-middleweight belt back to Liverpool were dashed at Wembley Arena on Bonfire Night when defending titlist George Groves produced a peach of a right hand to floor ‘Smigga’ heavily in the second.
On Friday, Dean Powell spoke to BoxNation, Sky channel 456, to inform Steve Bunce and Andy Kerr that Michael Katsidis, Ricky Burns, George Groves and Paul Smith all looked fit and well when making weight for FWP’s Bonfire Night show at Wembley Arena.
Blackpool’s Jeff Thomas featured in Prizefighter: Light-Middleweights in September, the 30-year-old producing one of the fights of the competition when warring to a majority draw with Kris Agyei-Dua. The decision meant that the scorecard of referee Terry O’Connor decided the bout. Ironically this was the same O’Connor whose terrible 98-92 card at the end of Tyson Fury’s first meeting with John McDermott led the BBBoC to appoint three ringside judges for English title fights.
George Groves annexed the Commonwealth and British super middleweight titles with a slender win over fierce rival James DeGale at London's O2 Arena on May 21st in a fight that was waged against a backdrop of mutual animosity, long held rivalry and the need to progress up the professional ladder. Groves emerged from the showdown with more than just the belts, 'Saint' had a serene air of confidence going into the bout and seemed to diminish DeGale's faith during twelve rounds of bitty action.
Mark Tibbs found himself at a loose end when hanging up his boxing gloves in 1994. The son of legendary trainer Jimmy Tibbs, Mark took a time out to pursue an acting career, a move that took him to France, where he worked with actors and developed his interest in drama.
Paul Smith was on hand to cheer for fellow Liverpudlian Tony Bellew when ‘Bomber’ challenged Nathan Cleverly for the WBO light-heavyweight title on October 15th. Tony lost a narrow decision after twelve exciting rounds and now passes the big title baton onto ‘Smigga’ as Smith bids to dethrone British and Commonwealth super-middleweight champion George Groves on an FWP-promoted show at Wembley Arena on November 5th.
Dean Byrne launched the UK leg of his professional career at the York Hall last Friday night with a decision win over Michael Frontin after boxing in Australia, American and Ireland throughout his paid adventure. ‘Deano’ had bemoaned a lack on in-ring action only to find it was a case of ‘Be careful of what you wish for’ when taking a short notice assignment against French southpaw Frank Haroche Horta in Salford on Friday night. Horta proved too sharp for the brave Irishman who started to ship too many shots for his corner’s liking and was pulled from the firing line by his trainer Anthony Farnell at the end of round eight.