10.02.05 – The February 19th ‘EXXECUTION DAY’ event – staged by Golden Boy Promotions – at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles just got more historic. In addition to Howard Eastman’s challenge to undisputed middleweight king Bernard Hopkins, it now also features Britain’s other two leading talents: European light welterweight champion Junior Witter and British and Commonwealth super middleweight champion Carl Froch..
“This is what British Boxing should be all about,” said Mick Hennessy, who promotes the British trio.
“Our brightest talents showcasing themselves on a marquee stage, not hiding behind fringe titles and appearing in mismatches. This is unparalleled.
“Like all Hennessy Sports fighters, Eastman, Witter and Froch are taking things back to the old school.
“They will fight the world’s best, wherever necessary, as they travel along the traditional title path.”
He added: “I have heard that many British fans are making the trip over to watch Howard. Well now they get to see three homegrown fighters.
“Oscar de la Hoya, Richard Schaefer and the team at Golden Boy have certainly put an outstanding event together.
“I would like to thank all of them for their effort in helping to make this situation happen.
“We are all looking forwards to working on some exciting projects in the very near future.”
Witter was to have made the mandatory defence of his European light welterweight title against Gianluca Branco on the show. The Italian, however, opted to relinquish his position rather than risk becoming the Bradford switch hitters 16th successive KO victim.
The late withdrawal may actually have paved the way for an even more explosive tussle.
“We had a strong feeling that Branco was going to pull out, so we have been talking to Lovemore N’Dou’s people for the last four weeks,” Hennessy explained.
“As such he now has the opportunity to challenge for Junior’s Commonwealth belt. We have agreed on figures and his team have verbally accepted the fight.
“All we are waiting for now is a signed contract.
“I must stress, however, that nothing is 100% confirmed until that happens. In the event that anything does go wrong, we have another quality opponent on standby, so either way Junior should be appearing in a high profile contest that will be shown exclusively live on Setanta PPV1, Sky channel 435.”
Witter-N’dou would have major implications on the world rankings.
“By beating N’dou, Junior should earn himself the number one spot with both the WBC and IBF,” Hennessy explained.
“He is already at three with the WBC, with only Branco and Floyd Mayweather above him.
“I believe Branco should drop down as he has pulled out of a fight against Junior with no good reason, whilst it is my understanding that Mayweather is to be moved into the mandatory slot.”
Hennessy continued: “N’dou meanwhile is third with the IBF, with only Ricky Hatton above him as the number two slot is vacant.
“Hatton will free up his position in June when he fights champion Kostya Tszyu.
“It will all open up nicely for Junior.”
Witter will appear on the card alongside Hennessy Sports teammate Carl Froch, who is understandably delighted at landing his stateside debut.
“I’m over the moon about this,” began the Cobra, who has been sparring Howard Eastman in Florida for the past 4 weeks. “Once again, my promoter, Mick Hennessy, has delivered the goods.
“This is the natural progression for me as I look to assert myself on the World scene.
“With the Americans watching, I’m going out to impress, fireworks are guaranteed.
“Whoever my opponent is, they are going out with a clean KO.
“I know the American’s will enjoy watching me. Since I have been over here there have been a lot of fighters coming up to me in the gym, including Daniel Santos, asking me questions and saying how much they like my fighting style.
“Along with Howard and Junior I am going to prove that Britain does have the talent to mix it with the world’s best.”
Froch added: “I’ve had the honour of headlining many shows back in the UK, but in this instance I am honoured to be on the undercard of such a prestigious and historic event.”