01.09.04 – Late last week British champion Tony Dodson pulled out of the long-awaited, dual-title showdown against the Commonwealth king, Carl Froch. And earlier today, Matchroom announced that Tony Dodson had relinquished his British Super Middleweight title. Dodson’s latest injury, a twisted back, is surely the final nail in a bitter rivalry that promised to be resolved in a championship ring.
As news of the vacancy spread, Hennessy Sports put out an offer to highly ranked Brian Magee to face Carl. When Brian Magee turned down the opportunity, Damon Hague (23-3-1) emphatically threw his hat into the ring.
And the challenge for the British and Commonwealth titles was accepted, subject to Board approval.
“This opportunity couldn’t have come at a better time,” Hague started.
“In June, I avenged a contentious points decision against Roddy Doran and I was looking to step up to a higher level.
“In this country they don’t come higher than Froch. I’ve a lot of respect for Carl, but I’m ready for him.
“I was scheduled to fight in September anyway, so my training was well underway. To date my training has been second to none. This year alone I’ve sparred with former World champion Sven Ottke and Brian Magee. I think even Froch would admit his sparring partners haven’t been of that pedigree.”
Carl, on the other hand, was determined to put the disappointment of another Dodson withdrawal behind him and refocus on Damon.
“I can’t force boxers into the ring to fight me and that’s why it’s refreshing to see someone like Damon step up to the challenge,” Carl said.
“I’m just pleased that it looks like my British title fight is on.
“I’ve seen Damon fight quite a few times and I know he’s going to be a handful. He’s a big, strong, rugged super middleweight who can punch.
“When you face boxers like that, you’ve got to be 100% focused- there’s no room for mistakes.
“But that type of focus is what I need in order to reach my ambition- undisputed World champion.”
The dual title challenge added to the Nottingham (Froch) and Derby (Hague) rivalry guarantees an electric atmosphere at ‘Heirs Apparent’.
The Hennessy Sports ‘Heirs Apparent’ promotion takes place at the Nottingham Arena on Friday September 24th. European middleweight champion, Howard Eastman and the World’s hottest prospect Carl Froch, headline the event. Show also features members of the Hennessy Sports team- Darren Barker, John O’Donnell, Lenny Daws, Billy Corcoran, John Murray and Matthew Thirlwall.
Tickets are available on 0870 121 0123.