10.03.07 – By James Slater: Manchester crowd-pleaser Jamie Moore, 26-3 (18) is ready to step up in class. Already holder of the British light middleweight title – a belt he last defended in an unforgettable war with the courageous Matthew Macklin in last year’s Britishfight of the year – Jamie, also a former Commonwealth champion, now wants to break the world’s top-ten. A needed rest of five months followed the Macklin thriller and then last night Moore returned with a tune up points win over eight rounds against the 10-36 journeyman Mugerel Sebe..
But according to promoter Frank Maloney afterwards a fight with the top ranked Brooklyn native Sechew Powell is in the works. Negotiations are now underway for this bout to be the one Jamie takes when he fights again – at The Altrincham Leisure Centre, Manchester on April 13th. The fight would certainly be a good one and would no doubt test both men. A win for Moore, however, would definitely be expected by his loyal following and should he do the business then a world title shot would surely follow. The ultimate goal for any fighter, becoming world champ is the huge goal Jamie has set for himself. “I’d either sink or swim at that level,” Moore said, “but hopefully I’ll swim.” A bout with the proven Powell would give us a reliable barometer of his chances.
Powell, trained by Buddy McGirt, has met good fighters during his career. Last seen pounding out a ten round points win over Contender fighter Ishe Smith, Sechew has also beaten both Cornelius Bundrage – in a single round – and Grady Brewer, on points over eight. His solitary loss came via decision to Kassim “The Dream” Ouma. His class is obvious then and his 21-1 (12) record is indeed a fine one. Like Moore a southpaw, the twenty-seven year old would more than likely test the twenty-eight year old Manchester fighter like no-one else. Then again, Moore has passed gut check after gut check already. The Macklin fight aside, Jamie got up off the floor twice to win in another unforgettable brawl, with Michael Jones. His toughness is without question. Can he match the very best in the skill department though? A fight with Powell, should it be made in time for Jamie’s April date, would tell us much on this score.
As he himself has said, 2007 is going to be Jamie Moore’s year.