18.04.07 – Former British, Commonwealth and European Middleweight champion Howard Eastman, who is something of an all-round sportsman, continues the process of rebuilding towards another world title attempt this Friday, (April 20th). The Hennessy Sports boxer faces Kenyan Ashira Evans for the vacant Commonwealth Middleweight Title at the Dudley Concert Hall live on Sky Sports as he aims to win back the second of his old belts..
The first was recaptured in devastating fashion, when he knocked out old friend and fellow south Londoner Richard Williams in December. Now Eastman, who lost to American Bernard Hopkins for the undisputed world middleweight title in 2005, faces another top class operator.
“I understand Ashira to be a very dangerous opponent,” he said earlier today from the Hennessy Sports training facility in London. “He has fought for two world titles, one at super middleweight.
“I need to be fighting this kind of dangerous opponent. I will be back in with the very best, very soon. I am a world champion in waiting.”
The ‘Battersea Bomber’ clearly feels that the best is yet to come.
“I feel stronger and more dangerous than I have ever been,” he added. “And the motivation is still there. The story is not finished yet.
“As well as my boxing training, I do a lot of other sports like basketball, football and swimming. This helps a lot; it keeps me in great general condition.”
Eastman will be supported on the Hennessy Sports and GoldenPalace.com event by his featherweight team-mate Billy Corcoran. The former English champion and British Title challenger goes over eight against Walsall’s Steve Gethin.
The bill also features an intriguing Midlands Area clash between home fighter Dean Hickman and Gary Reid, two experienced Championship campaigners who always give their all.
“I’m looking forward to winning this belt and moving on upwards,” said Hickman. “My aim is to challenge Jon Thaxton for the British Title at lightweight. I feel that with the right preparation it is a fight I can win.”
Other local favourites appearing include Dean Harrison, Martin Gethin, Sam Horton and Kevin Buckley, who now goes over four against his namesake Pete.
Tickets priced £50 and £30 on 0785 226 8333.